(Holiday Dresses) Need More Green

Thank you so much for your lovely words on yesterday’s Tales & Traditions post! I’m thrilled you enjoyed our mantel styling, and loved hearing your cherished traditions, as well. Although, at the rate I’m shoving back the Christmas Crack, there won’t be any left for Santa!

Between life, family, home, work and blog…I have been feeling a little lot overwhelmed lately. But I’m not willing to slow down in any one area…I love all of it too much. As you know from your own busy lives, it’s a lot to keep up with all the time, and sometimes we have to ask for help! #Isurrender

You may have noticed the upgrade in many of my photos lately, and that’s thanks to the super-talented and insanely-darling, Mary Summers. I fell in love with her Instagram feed first, chock full of her stunning travel images, and was thrilled to find out she shoots for bloggers, as well (when she’s in town, anyway!). 

I first worked with her on this {Date Night Style} post, and we became instant friends, frequently meeting for lunch, or double-dates. I begged her to jump into Interiors photography, and you may recall just how stunning her images of our {One Room Challenge} turned out. #lifesaver

I’ve always preferred creating collaboratively (again, like our {One Room Challenge} with Kristin and Dara), so blogging sometimes feels isolating to me. Working with Mary more frequently has been the small piece of the relief I needed…not only does she provide great photography and photo-editing, but also girlfriend time I’ve been missing.

Case in point, Mr. SP and I met her last week to shoot our recent {Date Night Style} Holiday Edition…then the three of us followed it up with lunch. As we were saying goodbye, we spotted this charming staircase, and next thing I knew, I was squeezing into this green dress (it was in my car to return), and we covertly whipped out a few quick shots. #bloggernonsense

After inhaling a giant, delicious, so-worth-it cheeseburger, the dress was a little tight…but breathing is overrated, right? The dress is so lovely (and currently on sale!), I thought I’d share it in case you’re still on the lookout for great holiday looks.

Ring | Earrings (on sale for $4!) | Necklace (similar 20% with code SUGARPLUMFINAL20)

You may recall I was waffling between this one and the black lace dress, and I loved reading your opinions on both Facebook and Instagram of your favorite. I wish I could keep both!

Floral Jacquard Sheath Dress (similar here & here) | Clutch (similar) | Bracelet

I’ve had these pearls for years, but just added this darling pearl cluster necklace to my collection, and know I’ll wear it non-stop. Use code SUGARPLUMFINAL20 for 20% off your entire order, guaranteed for Christmas! But hurry, deal is only good for 24-hours! Now is your chance to grab this coveted necklace and my favorite leopard cuff!

You could easily make the dress work-appropriate by swapping the strappy shoes for pumps (like these), and adding this wear-everywhere blazer.


Floral Jacquard Sheath Dress (similar here & here) | Shoes | Clutch (similar) | Bracelet
Ring | Earrings (on sale for $4!) | Necklace (similar 20% with code SUGARPLUMFINAL20)



I’ve missed photographing with Mr. SP and my son lately, but thanks to the earlier sunsets, it’s been near-impossible to catch either of them at home while there’s still daylight! But don’t worry, while the photos may be better in some posts, this blog will remain my voice, my ideas and opinions, and my creative home. Have you had to ask for help lately? How do you delegate to get everything accomplished?

Happy Tuesday, lovebugs, see you back here tomorrow for our full Christmas Home Tour!

{Big D Eats}
KT Burger // From the creators of the ever-popular Katy Trail Ice House, this quick-serve burger & shake is a delicious, affordable spot in the heart of Highland Park Village.
{More Green Dress Options}

{My Favorite Holiday Dresses}
{Use code SUGARPLUMFINAL20 for 20% off these & everything on their site. Guaranteed by Christmas!}





*Thank you, KT Burgers, for allowing us to shoot on your chic stairs, and Mary Summers for sharing your fries and photographic talents.*

Leave a Comment

22 Comments

  1. One of the things I love about your blog is your down to earth honesty! I have a hard time asking for help too. So glad to hear you found help and some girl time! 🙂 The green dress is stunning!

    Posted 12.15.15 Reply
    • Thanks so much!! Why is it so hard for us to ask for help?? I really struggle with it. No one expects us to be superwomen but ourselves…I'm slowly learning that!! xo

      Posted 12.15.15 Reply
  2. Love that green dress!

    Posted 12.15.15 Reply
  3. That picture of you in front of the stairs is GORGEOUS. And I've never really been a pearl girl, but I'm loving that necklace! Maybe I AM a pearl girl!!! 🙂

    Posted 12.15.15 Reply
  4. Christina wrote:

    Stunning! Green is your color! I love your honesty and marriage lessons lately 🙂 you are doing a great job!

    Posted 12.15.15 Reply
    • ha…I'm kind of emotionally vomiting all over you guys lately!! What's happening?!?! 😉 xoxo

      Posted 12.15.15 Reply
  5. So pretty!!

    Posted 12.15.15 Reply
  6. Momma wrote:

    I have often wondered how you are able to do all that you do! Asking for help is SO hard but SO necessary! Glad you are able to have some help and some friend time.

    Posted 12.15.15 Reply
  7. Good for you! I've noticed your new photographer in your posts but always thought you took lovely photos as well. I often wonder how you do it all so delegating some of your work must be a welcome relief!! The new photos are stunning! I love that green dress on you!! Yesterday's post was wonderful, love those pop up books! Soak it up,they grow up WAY too fast!

    Posted 12.15.15 Reply
  8. Finally ordered the leopard cuff that I have been coveting!

    Posted 12.15.15 Reply
  9. Minau wrote:

    Great look! I like your necklace!

    Posted 12.15.15 Reply
  10. It's funny you mention asking for help as I was thinking about that on the drive to work today. With the holidays, work, family and a move in 5 short weeks, it made me think I could use a hand from my friends and my favorite neighbors; Don & Rob, I'm talking about you!

    Your dress is gorgeous; beautiful photos! To get in the holiday spirit, I put on my new dark green Nordy's BP coat I got on super sale 2 weeks ago. However, my lack of sleep must show as it brought out dark circles that could eclipse the sun. So much for the myth that redheads look good in anything green!

    Posted 12.15.15 Reply
    • Hey Don and Rob….are you seeing this?? Buddy' mom needs some help! 🙂 xo Here's hoping the holiday break brings some much needed rest!!

      Posted 12.15.15 Reply
  11. Miss Abbey wrote:

    what location is this? I love the stair for a photo shoot. Can you please share?

    Posted 12.15.15 Reply
    • So cute, right? I linked it at the end of the post! 🙂 xo

      Posted 12.15.15 Reply
  12. i love that color on you! xo jillian – cornflake dreams

    Posted 12.15.15 Reply
  13. Vel Criste wrote:

    That kind of green is my favorite! You look fabulous as always dear!

    Posted 12.15.15 Reply
  14. I recently decided the same thing, and while I'm not willing to delegate any of the things I love (cooking for example) My husband and I decided to bite the bullet and hire a housekeeper to come in and clean every other week. WHAT a lifesaver!
    And, I love the green- but at 5'10"…that dress woul dbe way to short on me!

    Posted 12.15.15 Reply
    • Hallelujah for help around the house!!! And I'm wearing a petite, so the regular sizing is longer. 🙂 xo

      Posted 12.16.15 Reply
  15. Love that dress on you and I love Mary! Mary if you're ever in Miami call me! She is one talented girl! XOXO

    Posted 12.15.15 Reply
  16. The green looks amazing on you! Adorable as per usual.

    Posted 12.16.15 Reply
  17. Soooo…I commented on IG saying to go with the black dress. Holy hot mama though, you look great in this dress/color! Totally second guessing my advice. Love your blog!

    Posted 12.17.15 Reply