September 4, 2012

Gingham, polka dots, lots of peach, and my favourite kitty necklace


Ginham, polka dots and peach vintage fashion shoot, Chronically Vintage, image 5

Outfit details

Prescription eyeglasses: (frames) Venus Eye Design V-12
Gingham headscarf: eBay
Peach pearl earrings: Claire's
Adorable sterling silver and Swarovski crystal kitty necklace: gift from Tony ♥
Grey shrug: Fairweather
Peachy-pink peasant style top: Thrifted
Black bangle bracelets: Claire's
Peach rose bangle: Forever 21 (I think)
Grey bangle: etsy seller RecycleBuyVintage
Vintage black velour pencil skirt: etsy seller Lady Kitschener's Vintage Emporium
Polka dot purse: Payless
Nude and black seamed stockings: eBay
Black pumps: Payless
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red

Photography by Antonio Cangiano
 
 
 
Ginham, polka dots and peach vintage fashion shoot, Chronically Vintage, image 7
 
Ginham, polka dots and peach vintage fashion shoot, Chronically Vintage, image 2
 
 
Ginham, polka dots and peach vintage fashion shoot, Chronically Vintage, image 9
 
 
Gingham, polka dots and peach on Mom's deck, summer 2012
 
Ginham, polka dots and peach vintage fashion shoot, Chronically Vintage, image 3
 
 
Ginham, polka dots and peach vintage fashion shoot, Chronically Vintage, image 10
 
Ginham, polka dots and peach vintage fashion shoot, Chronically Vintage, image 11
 
 
Ginham, polka dots and peach vintage fashion shoot, Chronically Vintage, image 12
 
 
Ginham, polka dots and peach vintage fashion shoot, Chronically Vintage, image 8
 
 
Ginham, polka dots and peach vintage fashion shoot, Chronically Vintage, image 6
 
 
♥ ♥ ♥

Last month I showed you a part of my parent's lush, gorgeous garden, and today you get to see the deck that overlooks said verdant backyard oasis. Much like the garden itself, my parents built their home themselves (my parents run a reno business) from the ground up a few years ago. It had been a longstanding dream of theirs to do so, and they did a terrific job of creating a cozy home that's just perfect for the two of them (with room for the many friends and relatives who love to come and visit).

Though our condo is two floors, we don't have a deck (as is quite common with condos), so I just love spending time on my parent's. The view looks down over part of Penticton, as well as a neighbouring tree covered hill - and of course down on their lovely garden, which was especially green when these photos were taken earlier in the season.

Interestingly, it occurs to me as I'm writing this that I was wearing my beloved Swarovski crystal kitty necklace in the last set of photos taken at their house, too. This wasn't intentional, but it's not surprising either, as I simply adore that necklace (a gift from Tony) and slip it on almost as often as my equally cherished strand of pearls.

Perhaps it's the influence of my 80s childhood (when this colour combo was quite popular), but I've always loved black and pink together, or in this case black and sweet peach with a touch of charcoal grey thrown in for good measure. It can be elegant or fun, youthful or deeply chic, just depending on the pieces and how you style your overall look, and is a combination I reach for often.

I like mixing patterns in the same outfit, but usually try to ensure that they match or are similar in some capacity. In this case my polka dot purse and gingham headscarf share the same two classic colours, so they work harmoniously together (and, I think, add a fun dose of cuteness to this look).

Way back at the start of the year in January I talked a bit about some of the issues I have with my hair. Though I did get it cut shortly there after (and have maintained, more or less, that length ever since), the other concerns remain, chief amongst which is the ongoing (it started when I was 14) thinning issue I have. The problem is getting worse and at times it's getting trickier to hide or mask the problem (especially since I have more thinning happening on the top of my head than on the bottom areas).

Not that I really mind (loving these pieces as I do), but I've been wearing more headbands, headscarves, kerchiefs, and hats this year to try and hid some of the thinnest areas, while still trying to maintain some semblance of volume on the bottom (which isn’t very thick thick these days either).

It's a losing battle, I fully know - a point I've made about as much peace with as I can. A wig (or wigs - why stop at just one?) is in my future for sure, but for the time being I'll just keep making the best of what remains on my head (and hope you'll forgive the sparse patches that appear in some photos of my hair).

On a more upbeat note, let's chat about this black vintage pencil skirt. It's a definite cornerstone piece in my wardrobe and one that I reach for all the time. Given it's hue and shape, it's about as versatile as a skirt can be, especially since it also hits at a great below-the-knee length that I just adore (if it looks familiar, that's likely because you're remembering it from posts such as this and this one).

In my opinion, so long as you enjoy wearing skirts, a skirt like this is one that every gal needs in her wardrobe (trust me you'll get a massive amount of mileage out of it).

Though these photos were snapped a few weeks ago, with autumn on the horizon, it won't be long before all that greenery in the background at my parent’s house starts to take on a gorgeous rust, gold, and scarlet tinge once more. As a result I'll soon have a whole new colour palette to (hopefully) model against in the coming weeks. How exciting! Smile



 

57 comments:

  1. Great outfit! I especially love the black cat necklace!

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  2. Even before I began reading your post, I thought how beautiful the color combination of peach and black looked on you:) The gingham print of the head scarf really pops out and certainly enhances your outfit. I'm sure I shall be inspired to try this combination soon:)

    I also just love Swarovski their pieces are so timeless and just as beautiful as diamonds. The necklace is perfect (or should I say purrrfect) on you:) The way you position your hair I would have had no clue you had a thinning hair problem. I as well wish I had a bunch more hair:) I think maybe you should come over for a cup of tea and we can chat:))
    Peace and love,
    Joanna

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    1. You are such a wonderfully sweet person, Joanna, thank you very much for your lovely comment. I'm happy to know that on camera I can still hid some of the thinning (trust me, people point it out in person all the time - even an ER doctor once a couple of years ago), that's great to know.

      I would utterly love the chance to spend an afternoon together, sipping tea and chatting about or mutual love of vintage fashion. Should you ever find yourself in the Okanagan, please know you have an open invitation.

      ♥ Jessica

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  3. Cute outfit! I love the kitty necklace. I subscribe to your blog and I think that your hair always looks fabulous.

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Kim - both for your lovely comment and for subscribing. I like to say that I'm keeping my hair presentable these days with smoke, mirrors, and a massive amount of hairspray :)

      ♥ Jessica

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  4. Whilst I do appreciate that it must be terrible having this problem with your hair, I do think that you are right to think wigs rather than wig! I have always been fascinated by wigs, and can remember as a child desperately wanting to try them on in department stores!
    This is another lovely outfit, a classic! And I do like the way you have picked up the black and white in two different patterns.

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    1. Hi dearest Tracey, thank you very much for your lovely comment. I completely understand what you mean! Wigs have long fascinated me, too. In fact, I'll never forget one time when I was a little girl (perhaps 5 or 6) and I saw a clip on TV about Dolly Parton that showed her wig room, I was enthralled by that idea and have never let that image leave me mind. These days I'm been thinking about it even more than ever.

      ♥ Jessica

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  5. LOVE the outfit. And I adore that kitty necklace. You're very lucky I don't live closer or it might come up missing. :-0

    Great to see an outfit post and love that garden!!

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  6. You look very lovely in these pictures. I like your necklace, it puts me in mind of the one Andy got me for my birthday last year, though mine is of an owl and not Swarovski, there is a similarity.
    xxx

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  7. You look so cute. I love pencil skirts but am always conscious of my belly. That kitty necklace is pretty cute.

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    1. Thank you very much, honey. I think that gals of pretty much all shapes and sizes can wear pencil skirts. The trick is to find a length and fabric that flatters your shape (black that hits a little below the knee is probably as close to a universal winner as one can hope for) and then own it like there's no tomorrow! :)

      ♥ Jessica

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  8. I love your braids with the gingham headscarf, very cute!

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  9. Loving this color combo on you. I just stumbled upon some pink ankle strapped Vivienne Westwood Melissa heels that would look smashing with this outfit. They had me drooling!

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  10. Cute! Cute! Cute! As much as I love dresses, a beautiful outfit of separates does make my heart sing. Especially such a well co-ordinated one! You look great!

    Lisa.

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  11. I'm sorry to hear about the stressful events with your hair. I know how fustrating things can get when things on your body change and alter without our consent. But I like your attitude about it. Its the way I feel about my post-babies belly-I figure oh well-if I lose a little weight it will be better for my legs and if I lose a little belly-awessome-if not spanx has become my bff hehehe Just gotta go with the flow!

    Those colors are lovely together and I look fwd to the fall so much-whooaaa I mean can we say cardigans!! YES!!!! I am over summer-lets move on to the gorgeousness the fall has to offer!! Whoaaa!!! xox

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    1. Hi darling Bunny, thank you very much for your lovely comment. I second your "make the best of what you've got" sentiment a million percent. My hair is far from the only qualm I have with my body, but at least it's one (get a wig!) I can easily do something about.

      Stay positive, sweet friend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. I am always amazed at how nice your photos are, it's like your in HD!

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    1. Awww, thank you very, much dear Trina. Most of the credit goes straight to my husband, as he's the photographer. He snaps, I edit and do any minor retouching that might be needed, and what you see here is the result of our combined team effort :)

      ♥ Jessica

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  13. I've always been a fan of black and pin too and this outfit is darling!

    xoxo
    -Janey

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    1. It's such a great combo - veering anywhere from candy sweet to wildly chic, just depending on the garments and accessories you're sporting.

      Thank you for your lovely comment, dear gal!
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. Love the whole thing! especially your hair and the headscarf.

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  15. Love your braids and the gingham scarf. So pretty!

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  16. Cute outfit! I love the red lip!

    PS That's outstanding that your parents built their own home!

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  17. this skirt is totally great. perfect length ...

    sadly i won't come to canada too soon. but than i will tell you.
    this is the sad thing about blogging. you meet awesome people all over the world - but maybe you will never be able to meet them in person.

    http://wardrobexperience.blogspot.de

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  18. Love your hair in this one! And I agree on 1980s upbringing with the black and pink thing... but I extend that to a coloured top I'm not sure what to wear it with always black. It's a rare a day passes without me donning some black somewhere in my outfit! And I love the kitty too ;-) x

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  19. Its always fun finding a fellow Canadian blogger and even better when its a fellow British Columbian. yay! :) love your posts.

    Now I don't know if this is getting weird to post on a comment but I used to have a lot of my hair falling out too Im 21 so that freaked me out a lot. Now I know every situation is different but I just had to mention that when I started on the BC pill my hair stopped falling out , now its normal but still thin.

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    1. Hi fellow B.C. gal, thank you very much for your comment.

      It's very, very interesting that you mention the pill, as I've long wondered if there was a connection in my case, too. I started on the pill at 14.5 (because I had - and still have - horribly rough, painful period and the doctor thought that would help - it didn't at all), and it was literally a couple months later that my hair began to thin. I stopped taking the pill when I was about 18 (as I'd had terrible side effects from it for four years, no matter what brand I tried), but now, a full decade after I last too the pill, the hair loss has to slowed or ceased at all. I will always think though that it (going on the pill) might have been what started the problem.

      I'm sorry to know that you had to battle with thinning hair for a time, too, sweet gal.

      ♥ Jessica

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  20. This is so cute! You would look great with whatever type of hair!

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  21. I really like your hair like this. I'm a bit worried about my hair as well. My natural hair color is extremely dark, and back in Feb I dyed to cover up some the large amount of grey hair I'm getting (people in my family go grey fairly young) which I usually do a few times a year. This time however, I went lighter to an auburn shade. Since then, my hair is so dry, falling out etc. I'm trying to face the fact that I may have to stop dyeing altogether. I'm going to go back to dark in the fall and see if that helps. Anyway, just wanted you to know you're not alone with the hair issues. I love the kitty necklace too - it's very eye-catching!

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    1. Hi sweet Crissy, thank you very much for your comment. Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear that dying your hair has affected it so negatively. Do you think you're having an allergic reaction to the brand of dye you're using, or have you encountered the same problems with multiple brands? If you don't want to go in for harsh chemicals, perhaps a darker shade of henna could be helpful (I used henna a few times in my teen years, it's lots of fun - though I found it usually came out really dark and/or bright, so be prepared for that.)

      ♥ Jessica

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  22. I have always liked pink and black. I was and still am an Elvis Fan and when I was a teenager I used to belong to the Elvis Presley Fan Club. Elvis's fav colours were pink and black and they were the colours of his Fan Club.

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    1. How delightful! I'm definitely an Elvis fan, too - which I think I may have gotten from my paternal grandma, as she's always had a major soft spot for The King.

      An Elvis question, if I may...do you happen to know if he ever filmed a movie in Vancouver, British Columbia. The reason I ask is that I was once at a traveling fair and rode a tilt-a-whirl that the operator said Elvis had also ridden when he was in Vancouver filming a movie many years ago. I did a spot of research one evening, but couldn't find an Elvis film that had been made in Vancouver and now I'm wildly curious to know if there's any chance that story was true.

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. I found this on the Elvis Australia website. On 31st August 1957 Elvis held a press conference at the Empire Stadium in Vancouver B.C after completing Jailhouse Rock the movie and the hit song. Follow this link
      http://www.elvis.com.au/search.html?cx=007876832253945564589%3Aruhwknepfqm&cof=FORID%3A11%3BNB%3A1&q=vancouver&sa=Search

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    3. You are such a gem, thank you very much!!! Wow, when I rode that ride, I asked the operator if I could sit in the seat/car that Elvis had (taking the man at his word regarding the tale), so perhaps there really is a slim chance that I spent a few minutes sitting where Elvis himself had once enjoyed a fair ride, too. Soooo cool!

      Thank you deeply for finding that link - you rock (and roll!),
      ♥ Jessica

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  23. Dear Jessica, the piggytails look DIVINE on you! I must pggytail my hair more often....but at 35 I may feel a little 'tryhard'. As for the thinning issue, me too. My naturopath had me on a bevy of different vitamins which helped a lot, but I stopped them when pregnant with number 2 and never went back on them. I got a big, heavy fringe cut in to bulk up the front and mimimise the part...maybe you could try that?

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  24. Hi sweet dear, thank you very much for your comment. I think that one can wear pigtails or a pair of cute little braids like this at any age, it's all in how you style the rest of your outfit to help make sure you look age appropriate (speaking of which, BTW, 35 is not old!!!).

    I'm sorry to hear that you've been battling hair loss too. In the early years I went to scads of doctors and had a battery of tests, but the best they could do was shrug their shoulders and tell me I had an undetermined form of alopecia and also blame my genes (there could be truth there, as my mom's hair thinned after she started having kids, but mine did at 14, and I've never had children, so pregnancy isn't to blame in my case).

    I've debated bangs (fringe), but there is no longer enough hair in the front to pull off a thick fringe (for example, when I do a small Bettie bang roll, it takes at least 1/3 the hair on my whole head to achieve that). I wish I'd done it when there as still more to work with. Oh well, perhaps I'll opt for a wig with bangs, that could be tons of fun! :)

    ♥ Jessica

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  25. You gals always know how to warm my heart and bring such a jolt of happiness to my day (week!). Thank you dearly one and all for your caring, lovely comments, I completely appreciate them.

    ♥ Jessica

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  26. you look lovely. I think your hairdo is so well done and the whole look fits perfectly to you. One of my favorite looks of yours :)

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  27. Hi jessica! I absoultly love the pink and black combo..and kitty necklace! I have one almost the same that was given to me on my birthday last year. I really didnt notice your hair as thinning at all. As far as hair loss goes though, have you tried aveda's invati line? I have never tried it myself but I work in an aveda salon and the clients and stylist all swear by it. It dose not regrow hair, but it keeps the hair you have longer and healthier, so it may help you to stall that wig purchase a bit longer. ;) http://www.aveda.com/products/8655/Hair-Care/Hair-Concern/thin-hair/index.tmpl here is a link to the line and im sure they have great information on it.

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    1. Hi dear Ashes,

      Thank you very much for your thoughtful comment and suggestion, that was soooo sweet of you!

      I have ridiculously sensitive skin and have (in my whole life) found that out of dozens of hair care brands I've tried, only two have been safe (aka, I didn't get a rash or other negative reaction) for me ("Cliniderm" and some of the items from "Live Clean"). Are Aveda products (which last tried about eight or nine years, at which time I did get a reaction) typically safe for those with super sensitive skin?

      Many thanks again,
      ♥ Jessica

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  28. That is such a sweet hairbow! =)

    http://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/

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  29. Superb outfit. Love it all! And peach is definitely your color. I love your top and the peach bangle. It's very unique. :) And of course, being a lover of felines, i love your kitty pendant and covet it. :D What a beautiful gift from Tony! He has elegant taste..

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  30. You look stunning as usual!! :D I adore black and pink together as well! And that bag...!!!
    You aren't alone with thinning hair problems.:( Alopecia and just thinning hair runs in my family too. :(

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    1. Hi sweet Ashesela, you are too kind, thank you. I'm very sorry that alopecia is a problem in your family, too. Are you heavily effected by it yourself?

      ♥ Jessica

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  31. Maybe this is naughty to say, but RRRROOOOWWWR. That top picture is absolutely stunning. I don't know if it is the pink or the braids, but you look adorable in all these pics. As for the wig you mentioned, my mom has always worn a wig or hairpiece and she looks adorable(She's a redhead by the way). She says Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire always wear wigs to make their do look fuller. Anyways, you look cute as heck, and I hope this wig business doesn't trouble you to much as you are a doll. FYI, if you are still looking for something to read, I am reading The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty and it is awesome. It happens to have Louise Brooks in it if you are interested.

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    1. Awwww, you've got me blushing like a pink carnation over here, dear gal, thank you very much for the fantastic compliment!

      I share your upbeat attitude when it comes to wigs and am actually looking forward to the prospect in many ways, as it means no longer having to battle with constantly thinning hair every day when I style it and watching handfuls go down the drain in the shower. I love both Dolly and Reba, and will definitely be taking a cue from them when when I finally become a wig sporting lass.

      Heartfelt thanks again (as well as for the book recommendation),
      ♥ Jessica

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  32. Hi Jessica. I love your blog. I too am a vintage nut, though am not brave enough to post myself modeling my treasures. I love both polka dots and gingham so thank you for the tip about mixing them in one outfit. So sorry to hear about your hair. I love the headbands you're using, and if you hadn't mentioned it I would never had guessed you had a problem. I'm sure that whatever happens with your hair in the future, you will find a stylish solution.
    :)

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    1. Hi Debs, thank you very much for your lovely, caring comment. Though no one understands better than I what it's like to be leery of posting wardrobe snaps (or snaps in general) of yourself online (for years I was too shy to do so, and have only been doing it any kind of regular capacity this year), know that should you ever want to, I'd support you 100% and happily cheer on your vintage looks.

      ♥ Jessica

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  33. Oh my goodness what a lovely outfit!! :)as always you look beautiful!! :) your skin looks just flawless!!! :)

    hugs and best wishes,
    Alicia

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  34. Dearest Jessica, I'm sorry to hear about your hair-you would never know from your photos though. You are so good and philosophical about it all...I think that is the best way to be...that you pull off looking FAB and no one would be any the wiser! One of the most ravishing girls I know wears wigs- all different colours- not because she has to but because she can. If you do decide to go down that path I know you will OWN THOSE WIGS, and they will not dominate you. I admire you for having the courage and fortitude to have emdured these issues from such a young age and not let it sour you. xxxxx Shauna

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    1. What a deeply touching comment, Shauna, thank you very much. I don't see wigs as a negative thing, but rather a new accessory of sorts that I'll be able to have oodles of fun with in the years to come - but like the stylish woman you mentioned.

      Thank you again, your words really mean a great deal to me.

      ♥ Jessica

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  35. Jessica you look so pretty in those colours! I'm so sorry to hear about your hair, a tleast you know that wigs are amazing these days, look at Rihanna and Beyonce, we very rarely actually see their real hair ( I wish I could think of some vintage examples off hand but these ladies sprang to mind first, plus I'm a masive Beyonce fan). You going to look just as beautiful in your wigs as you do in these pictures and you are an inspiration to us all for your courage and positive attitude.
    xx

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    1. Thank you very much, my dear. I completely share your positive outlook on wigs and am, I'm the first to admit, actually rather looking forward to when that day comes. No more frustration with my lack of locks when styling, no more showers with handfuls of hair coming out, even no more need to colour every few weeks. Assuming I find a wig or two I love, I think it's going to be great as such a scenario can be.

      ♥ Jessica

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  36. I love peach and grey together, great outfit!

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