August 14, 2013

Vintage cars and fun aplenty at the 2013 Peach City Beach Cruise


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Outfit details

Hair flowers: blue and white, Ardene; yellow orchid, eBay
White rose stud earrings: Claire's
Grey knit shrug: Fairweather
White cotton cami: Old Navy
1950s blue and white polka dot dress: etsy seller Forever Lovely Vintage
White crinoline: Pettiskirt Style
White skinny belt (which Annie has since eaten!): eBay
1940s/50s white ruched gloves: eBay
Vintage grey handbag: etsy seller Running Rabbit Studio
Nude and black seamed stockings: eBay
White pumps: Payless
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red


Photography by
Antonio Cangiano



































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♥ ♥ ♥


There are two striking parallels between last year's Peach City Beach Cruise and 2013's: grey skies with plenty of rain, and the fact that because of said wet weather, we opted to leave the DSLRs at home and shoot the photos for this year's event with Tony's iPhone again. Unlike 2012 however, the temperature was a bit warmer and I didn't need to use an umbrella constantly, as the rain fell in quick spurts for much the day.

For several years now, Penticton has hosted the Peach City Beach Cruise down on Lakeshore Drive in front of Okanagan Lake. It's a good sized classic car show (though modern cars can enter as well) that spans three days (Friday through Sunday), with a parade of parked vehicles all down the street and onto Rotary Park (at the end of the beach). Hundreds of participants from across the province, elsewhere in Canada, the US, and occasionally even abroad flock to Penticton for this annual event, which includes various judged competitions and plenty of fun for classic car owners and fans alike.

Last year was the first time I'd had a chance to attend and I truly enjoyed it. So much though, that I did something I very rarely do (because of the extremely unpredictable nature of my health, a point I discussed here last May) and actually quasi-planned to attend this year's well in advance. It was, no word of a lie, touch and go until just a couple of hours beforehand, but much to my great happiness, I was feeling well enough to attend (yay!) - a point you may already know if you follow me on Instaagram because I posted shots of a a few of my favourite vintage cars of the day there.

This is as close to a vintage related event as you're going to find in Penticton, which makes it an especially big deal to me and the kind of day that I wanted to dress to the nines for. That meant it was high time I debuted (on camera) one of my absolute most beloved 1950s dress. 

In fact, I adore this dress so much that at various times over the years when I've done interviews or been asked by people I meet if I have a favourite dress in my vintage collection, this classic blue and white beauty has often been my answer. It was an investment piece, but one that I've never regretted for a moment and which I truly cherish. This is the first time you're seeing it on the blog, but I highly doubt it will be the last.

Because the weather was cooler than the seasonal norm that day, a thin knit shrug was in order over top of my dress, with a crinoline (from fab website Pettiskirt Style) underneath - though I would have sported one regardless of the weather in order to help add volume to this relatively full skirted frock. White gloves, a vintage grey handbag, and a trio of hair flowers completed the ensemble.

Just as with last year as well, I was the only person there (that I saw) wearing vintage clothing and as you might imagine, this attracted a lot of attention at a classic car show. Several people had asked for my photograph the previous year, but this time I could scarcely walk two feet without having a stranger grab a snap - a few families even sent their kids over to pose with me, which I thought was incredibly sweet and touching (it made me feel a bit like a costumed character at Disneyland and is the first time I've ever experienced that before). 

One never knows where these photos end up or what people do with them (put them online, etc), but - shy as I am - I'm more than happy to smile for other peoples' cameras on days such as this. They bring the vintage cars, I bring the old school fashion!

We had a total blast looking at, posing with, and in the case of the 1962 Shasta trailer, even venturing inside, the fantastic array of antique, vintage and custom hotrod cars on that overcast late June Saturday. Though only time will tell if such is able to happen, I must admit, I'm already eagerly looking forward to attending the 2014 Peach City Peach Cruise if circumstances will permit. Vintage gloved fingers firmly crossed! :)

79 comments:

  1. You look absolutely darling! I would have stopped to take your picture too! So happy that you were feeling well on this day so you could enjoy all of these lovely cars. :)

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  2. What a lovely event! You obviously look flawless as usual, but thanks for sharing pictures of these cars - they look amazing!

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  3. What a wonderfully pretty dress and I would have loved to have seen all those gorgeous cars, particularly the sixth one down, that burgundy one, it looks divine xxx

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  4. I just found your blog and I'm amazed by the many wonderful vintage inspirations! I love the cherry oilcloth/tablecloth... Awesome. I am a vintage sewer and just started my own vintage blog, though I haven't had time yet to post all my vintage projects. I will definitely come back to follow you!

    I have been in BC many years ago as a very young girl - marvelous landscape!

    Kind regards from Switzerland, Doris aka Mrs. Button

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    1. Hello dear Doris,

      Thank you very much for your wonderfully lovely message - it's joy to "meet" you. How awesome that you visited B.C. many years ago. What part(s) of the province did your family visit? I've never been to Switzerland before, but I absolutely love to one day.

      Many thanks again & tons of hugs from the sunny Okanagan,
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. I can see why that dress is your favourite Jessica! It's the perfect colour for your complexion, and I love the length. Really beautiful. It was hard for me to see past the dress and look at some of those fabulous cars!

    Looks like you had a fun time - I hope there was actually some tea in that cup you're holding, a brew is definitely in order after lots of posing...

    In fact, time for another brew here. I've been drinking Chai tea these past few weeks because I found a box at the back of my cupboard that has just slipped past it's use by date. Oops!

    P xx

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  6. The taking photos thing still un-nerves me a great deal. I also give a few stink eyes at people staring before realising that they are (mostly) appreciating me for appearing pleasingly different....not because I'm deformed in some way.
    You look sublime as always, altho this time you have a whiff of 'innocence' about you! (That's said in a good way....not a stink eye way)

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  7. That dress is FANTASTIC. Love love love it. I actually thought of your blog last week when I was doing some antique/secondhand store shopping with my mom. I found a lovely display of a suitcase filled with vintage gloves for sale - too bad my hands are far too modern (i.e., huge!) to wear them myself. I imagine you would have had a great time sifting through them. If you ever travel to NC/SC, I have a list of shopping recommendations for you!

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  8. A classic car show is the perfect location for your photos! It surely was a wonderful day despite of the so-so weather...Amazing dress, very feminine!

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  9. That blue dress is lovely! & the cars look great too, I love to go to classic car shows :) I hope I own a nice old car in the future (well one can hope right?).

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  10. Ooh I love classic car shows but I too am constantly surprised when I turn up as the only one wearing vintage!!

    Looks like you had a good day and you look fabulous in your dress and hair flowers!

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  11. Wow, I can see why that dress is your favourite. It's absolutely stunning!

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  12. So many gorgeous cars, and such a beautiful setting! It's so strange to hear that you were the only one wearing vintage, when there was such a huge array of classic cars - I am not surprised that everyone wanted to take your photo, you looked lovely! :) I am also always more than happy to let people take a photo of me - it doesn't do any harm, brings a smile to their faces and above all, I take it as a compliment!

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  13. Your dress is utterly gorgeous, the entire outfit is wonderful, including the now eaten belt. The car show looks really interesting, and I loved the pics in the trailer.

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  14. Replies
    1. Thank you, dear gal!!! I've been waiting patiently to debut this beaut for ages and was so excited that I got the chance to do so finally on such a special day.

      ♥ Jessica

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  15. You look beautiful and that dress is a great piece. I've had my photo taken before and it can be a mixed experience. Once I was at the county fair and an older copy loved my Lolita outfit and they asked for a photo. Later that night, some drunk guy came up asked for a photo and ended up kissing me on the cheek without permission. It was a shock and I left. I didn't tell Jess because I'm sure he would have gotten into a fight.

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    1. Thank you very much, honey. My goodness, that must have been a thoroughly unpleasant experience. I've had guys say a few sexually oriented comments to me before (when I was wear vintage), but nothing that truly crossed a line or got physical. I'm sorry that happened to you and truly hope you never encounter anything like it again.

      ♥ Jessica

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  16. Awesome cars!! Looks like so much fun!

    And you look smashing as well! I'm not surprised to hear that this is your favourite vintage dress. I was admiring it as I scrolled through this post - it's lovely!! :)

    Isn't it a bit strange to have people want to take their picture with you at an event like this? I've had it happen to me and I felt flattered, but a bit off at first. But really, who could blame them.. you looked great! ;)

    Hope you're having a good week!
    Lisa.

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  17. Oh my gosh that dress is absolutely stunning I'm not surprised it's your favourite! It's good to see you looking so bright eyed and bushy tailed again.

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  18. Its an absolutely adorable outfit! I sympathize with the Annie belt issue though, hope it didnt giver her a belly ache. I just go ta vintage a 60s coat and after trying it on its already covered in dog hair, thank goodness for lint rollers. I just say dog hair is part of my look
    urban hounds

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    1. You're very sweet, no, not at all, thank you for your concern. She didn't eat the whole thing, just enough of one end to make it hard to wear any more. That dog has a stomach of steel, let me tell you, and though I don't ever want her to eat anything she's not supposed to, I scarcely worry (within reason, of course) when she does, because so far nothing (that she shouldn't have consumed) has troubled her yet. Hopefully as she continues to grow, she' be less inclined to eat belts, shoes, furniture, pieces of bark at the park, and other potential tummy trouble inducing things!

      ♥ Jessica

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  19. That really is a beautiful dress, Jessica. I love these kinds of events. I'm sure you made everyone's day by showing up in a killer vintage dress.
    xox, Hannah

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  20. this blue and white 50s dress is breathtaking beautiful. it looks gorgeous on you ...

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  21. Costumed character at Disneyland is a good descriptor. People are generally very friendly! Love the print, it looks almost Indian, and you look so happy in all the shots!

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  22. Aloha Jessica,
    arww, i like your photo with the teacup in your hand. Its so classical, timeless and look so gorgeous.
    My favourit, absoluty=)
    Jen

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  23. ♥♥♥ so many amazing cars!!! beautiful! and I love your dress ♥♥♥

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  24. It would take all my might to not steal off in one of those!

    xx
    Rachael of THE PARADERS

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  25. LOVE that dress!!! It looks fabulous on you!

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  26. Oh my goodness! That is a seriously gorgeous dress and you look so beautiful in it. The blue really brings out your hair and eye colors. I love that little retro trailer, it looks like it was meant for you! x

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  27. Jessica, these photos are absolutely stellar in every way! Love seeing you with each wonderful car (bike & camper as well!). Your photo may end up in every mechanic's garage, desk top, screensaver, etc. and no wonder--they are terrific! You may want to make Tony a calendar for Christmas!

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  28. Such a killer dress, I can see why it's your favorite! It's truly perfect with your hair color & complexion. All those cars are beautiful, but the trailer is def my favorite! I'm glad you got to attend, looks like it was a lot of fun - and what a view! Such a pretty place.

    xo Sara

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  29. What a lovely dress, it suits you. I am really surprised that no one else was dressed in vintage, a lassie car show would seem the right kind of occasion. Well done for bringing some glamour to the proceedings. I like all the shiny cars and that caravan is marvellous, I would love an old caravan to do up in vintage style.

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  30. Oh wow this entire outfit is incredibly stunning and perfect. I'm very impressed. Such a beautiful setting with the cars.

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  31. I am a huge sucker for old cars. Jealous you got to see so many in such a small a space. And great dress, it's a nice shade of navy. Blue-y rather than inky.

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  32. Awww... you match the cars! You look like you just stepped out of one after a time-machine brought both of you into the present. Your outfit is outrageously beautiful. We've come to expect magic from you and this ensemble delivers it.

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    1. That is seriously one of the most awesome, lovely compliments I've ever been paid. Thank you dearly, Ally.

      ♥ Jessica

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  33. Great location! As always you look adorable!!! I am so loving the Shasta trailer too. :)

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Kim! That trailer was one of the absolute highlights of the day for me, too. There were tons of folks all around, but no one else seemed interested in venturing in, so we had it all to ourselves for a few minutes to use as one of my fave photo locations ever! :)

      ♥ Jessica

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  34. Oh wow! Those cars and oh my… that caravan are so fabulous!
    And you look absolutely perfect in your blue and white polka dots.

    I can't believe Annie ate your belt!
    xo

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    1. Thank you very much, honey! Knock every piece of wood in the house, so far that's the only thing of mine that she's eaten (she had one of Tony's belts for lunch a couple of months ago, too!). Given her propensity for chewing anything in sight, we keep her far away from our closets to try and prevent this from occurring, but I had my clothes laid out one morning to get dressed, turned my back for maybe 15 seconds and she gobbled up half of that belt like it was a piece of spaghetti! Luckily it wasn't an expensive belt at all, but it was one of my most frequently worn, and I miss it. I'll have to go shopping for a similar replacement white skinny belt soon.

      ♥ Jessica

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  35. I just love all these photographs. What an amazing dress! I can see why this is one of your favorites. It fits you so well and the color combination is spot on for you. What a fun event to attend! I bet it was so fun to be a little bit of a celebrity if but for one day:) It's nice to be appreciated for something you value. We have a local car show near my mother's house but I was sad to realize it happens on the day I leave so unfortunately, I'll miss it but I have been having a lot of fun shopping for vintage:) I also just love the backdrop of the lake. Thank you for sharing these great pictures. You just look so beautiful:))

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    1. Thank you so much, dearest Joanna. It is certainly a unique experience to suddenly find yourself the center of so much public attention. I'm astronomically shy in person, so the first year it was a bit unnerving (but ultimately in a good way, if unnerving can be a good thing), but this time around I was more prepared for it, which was good, because everyone and their dog just about stopped me to comment, ask questions, or take pictures. I wonder what next year, if I'm able to make it, will be like in that regard!

      I hope your vintage shopping is going awesomely!!!

      ♥ Jessica

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  36. OMG. That dress is STUNNING on you. I can definitely see why it's your favorite. It is as though it was made just for you.

    I totally get you on the photo thing. I was having my wedding photos taken with my husband in the small town of Gruene, Texas 2 years ago when a bus of Brazilian teenagers pulled up. They all took out their cameras and were shooting pictures of us. It was a very weird experience.

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  37. Awesome photos! We weren't able to make it to the beach cruise although we saw the 'leftovers' cruising around during the week. It would have been lovely to see. Thanks for posting all these pictures!

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  38. Lovely! I'm happy you were able to attend and that it wasn't too wet.

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    1. Thank you very much! I was really glad that we didn't get showered this time around, too - though we had umbrellas at the ready in case the rain did make an appearance.

      ♥ Jessica

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  39. Gorgeous dress, style and I love the cars :)
    http://balearaitzart.blogspot.com.au/

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  40. Jessica,
    First thing I noticed on you first image here posted was that you attracted attention of the gents behind you - and they didn't seem to mind your looks, dear. :)

    The deep blue Chevrolet looks so glamourous!
    The bycicle is a dream; I'd like get myself a similar model.
    ..but the trailer must have been an exquisit experience!

    You had a good time.
    You made some grat pictures.

    Marija

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  41. this dress is soooo gorgeous!!!
    you look beautiful and fresh in this blue and white.
    hubby and i love old cars - they are kind of art instead of just driving vehikles.
    i had this thing with families asking to take a photo with me in india, at the taj mahal. now i´m in lot´s of indian family album´s :-)

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  42. WOw you look gorgeous in that beautiful polka dot dress, and your hair is divine! I'm glad it was such an amazing vintage fair.
    I was very touched by your kind words about my Mermaid post, thank you my dear it means a lot.

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Emalina. It really has a stellar vintage/classic car show. I wish our area put on more events - be they auto related or not - like this. Who knows, perhaps it might even help draw fellow vintage fashion lovers to my corner of the world if the city did so.

      You are truly welcome, honey, I wholeheartedly meant it. That post, and your beautiful writing, is truly magnificent.

      ♥ Jessica

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  43. Beautiful photos and dress. I agree at dress is one of the nicest I have ever seen!!

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  44. wowwwww Jessica !
    How cool are these pictures and cars ?
    I can picture you driving the blue convertible as you pass me driving the mint colored car.
    One of my dreams is to someday buy a vintage car (originally thought of a Ford Model T) and drive it around the city....

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  45. I can see why you LOVE this piece so darn much! It is not only a statement piece, but as you said an investment piece. I can see this going with a variety of pieces and accessories. You look absolutely lovely as usual, dear Jessica! :)

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  46. woooow that post definitely blew me away!!! one car is more beautiful than the other!!! i love especially the pink and cream one ;) what a baby. and you look smashing! absolutely beautiful! that dress is to die for! a great color on you, you embody glamour darling!
    kiss,mary

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  47. Dear Jessica, you're looking so lovely with all these beautiful oldtimers. The dress reminds me of Scandinavian traditional costumes. I'm glad that you had such a pleasant day.

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  48. Can you be any more gorgeous?! Seriously, you are simply beautiful. Pair that up with these awesome cars and landscape and its breathtaking. I totally can see why this is your favorite dress, its perfect for you.

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  49. I so love these photos. You are in your element!

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    1. Thank you very much, Sarah - you're spot on there, even though I'm the shiest critter you ever did see when in public settings, there's just something about being surrounded by so much vintage that puts me at ease and makes me feel instantly at home.

      ♥ Jessica

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  50. The photos are great! You fit right in with all those retro cars. Maybe your outfit will encourage someone else to dress vintage for next year!

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  51. Wow you look amazing!! Your outfit is just gorgeous
    Thanks for sharing where you get some of your beautiful accessories. I just purchased some snoods from Arthelias Attic!! Can't wait to try ones that don't slip
    Keep up the good work fellow Canuck!

    Lindsey!!:)

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    1. Thank you very much, honey! How awesome that you just bought some snoods from Arthelia's Attic. So far I just have one from them (my beloved dusty pink snood), but goodness do I love it to pieces and really, really hope to add more of their top-notch snood offerings to my collection over time.

      Have a blast with your great new non-slip snoods!

      ♥ Jessica

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  52. Oh I love your outfit!! I love the photos in front of that darling trailer! So delightful!

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  53. What a lovely dress Jessica! You look so elegant! I think navy blue whit white details is such a beautiful combination of colors. So classic! And I love you choose for a yellow hair flower for just a bit of contrast!

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    1. Thank you very much, honey! I'm really happy to know that you like my yellow hair flower here. Though there was no yellow elsewhere in the outfit, it seemed to be the perfect pop of vibrancy against the day's green skies and the otherwise cool tones of this outfit.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  54. Oh, so many beautiful cars! And you look fabulous, I love this outfit of yours. Suits you perfectly. I'm so glad you had a fabulous time! I wish you a great Friday, dear!

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  55. You are not a Disney character! You are a vintage superstar! :)

    Me and my family have attended two "Concours de Charme", which is a competition where we dress and act like the year the car/vehicle is from. First time my dad won, second time son won. You can see photos here if you like:
    http://samati.dk/fotos/charme_uk.htm
    http://samati.dk/fotos/charme03_uk.htm
    Son still has his huge prize at his room.

    This weekend I will attend a car meeting for only Opel GT's, you know, my own little vintage car. It is so cozy to meet all the other GT-friends again and be among fellow GT-fans. Wishing you a lovely weekend, dear. :)

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  56. That is such a cute polka dot dress, I can certainly see why you love it so much!! (sorry to hear about your belt) You look absolutely perfect in that trailer, too! So glad that your health permitted you to go and that the weather wasn't as wet as last year. :)

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  57. What to comment on first - your gorgeous outfit or the amazing cars?! Your dress is really lovely, it almost looks evening-length in some photos and very elegant. It makes your red hair really stand out too. The pink and cream car (before the caravan) is my favourite - what a perfect colour scheme, strawberries and cream! I'm glad you were able to go, it sounds like your health really controls your life sometimes and you are obviously enjoying yourself in these pictures.

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    1. Thank you very much for your awesome (and understanding - you're spot on, my health controls my life a very significant portion of the time) comment, sweetheart. It's true, on my 5'2" frame that dress is almost evening length. One could always hem it, but I typically love a longer hemline and doesn't feel like it seems out-of-place long, so to speak, so I haven't even entertained the idea of doing so here. I love that pink and cream car soooo much, too! I think it's the one I would buy, if I had the means, out of all those pictured here.

      Many heartfelt thanks & tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  58. I Just Love you in navy and white polka dots! Just gorgeous, Jessica! Xoxo Christy

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    1. Thank you very much, my dear friend. Can you tell on my face here that this is one, if not, my very favourite 50s dress that I own? :)


      ♥ Jessica

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  59. It is completely understandable that people would want to take your picture! You look fab with those classics!! What a fun event to attend!
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

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  60. oh don't you look gorgeous with all those beautiful old cars! i love classic car events like these, i don't know anything about cars at all but they're so fun to look at, and of course pose for photos with, haha. looks like a fantastic day. :)

    little henry lee

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