June 29, 2016

It isn't every day that I wear cherries...




Outfit details

C. 1930s black plastic ball tipped hatpin: Unknown, had for many years
1930s/1940s wide brimmed green straw hat: Jardin Antiques
Glittery gold tone metal round shaped earrings: Claire's
Red cropped cardigan: Fairweather
Cherry print vintage style Hilda Dress (no longer in stock): c/o Voodoo Vixen
Green faux leather skinny belt: eBay
Green plastic bangle bracelet: Forever 21
Assorted vintage bangle bracelets: Most likely all thrifted from various sources
C. 1950s pink ruched gloves: Unknown, had for years
C. 1950s wicker, velvet and millinery cherry handbag: Lu Lou's Frou-Frou
Nude seamed nude stockings: eBay
Red patent faux leather pumps: Payless
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red

Special Offer: Voodoo Vixen has very kindly extended a 20% off coupon code on all of their online merchandise to my readers. Use the coupon code Vintage20 at checkout between now and July 31st to save 20% on anything your heart desires from their wonderful website.


Photography by Tony Cangiano
 
























































But when I do, you better believe that I bring my crimson fruit filled A-game to the table! :D

I've never been the sort who follows trends or is drawn to overly common things - indeed, such is no small part of the reason why I opt to sport vintage fashion - and I will just about always cheer for the underdog. Thus, while I do very much adore cherries, given their immense commonality in the vintage/rockabilly/pinup girl/retro style world, I would say that I've somewhat sidestepped them, both consciously and subconsciously over the years.

That isn't to say that I haven't rocked cherries here before, because I have (e.g., in this fun 2013 outfit) - and I am very partial to cherry themed jewelry - but I don't reach for them everyday by any means. When I do, I like typically try to select pieces that have that little something to special to them, that helps to ensure they don't blend into a sea of basic red and black fruit prints.

This gorgeous and immensely feminine looking mid-century vintage style Hilda Dress from Voodoo Vixen nails that to an absolute tee for me.

Not only does its pattern go beyond the usual cherry print, but it includes the colour pink and the most adorable little jars of cherry jam on it (seriously, I can't even!).

I have very fond memories of picking and helping my mom to can, cook and bake with cherries when I was growing up (as detailed in this post from five years ago), so the moment I laid eyes on this beautiful dress, I knew that it had passed my cherry litmus test, so to speak.

I've had the pleasure of working with Voodoo Vixen here twice over the years (both times in 2014) and was really delighted when they recently contacted me about teaming up again this summer. They kindly sent me this enchanting Hilda dress, which - perhaps not surprisingly given how pretty it is - has already sold out, for review and I sincerely want to thank them for it.

On one of the very few sunny weekend days that we've had in the past couple of months, after a full and exciting day of vintage shopping, errand running, and MEC visiting (for Tony) in Kelowna, we returned home to Penticton and took a small trek on foot up part of the very first mile or so of the famous local KVR (Kettle Valley Railroad) Trail.

To my mind, the KVR Trail and the views that it offers are some of the most stunning sights to be seen and experienced around these parts, and I felt like they would suit my first vintage outfit post of the summer really nicely (likewise for this Voodoo Vixen dress itself).

It was early evening by the time we got there, but luckily the sun was still out and did a delightful job of bathing us in its golden warmth as the day wound down.

This dress, like the other two garments that I've received in the past from Voodoo Vixen, is well made from a medium weight fabric with a hint of stretch to it.

I should note that this dress came with a matching belt, however, even on the smallest hole, it was a good couple of inches too big for me and as it is a fabric belt, not a leather/faux leather one, I didn't want to damage it by piercing a tighter hole. Instead I'll wear it with garments like my denim capri pants that hit me lower down on my torso and thus not on the narrowest part of my waist.

Voodoo Vixen frocks aren't always super long, so before selecting this product, I spoke with my VV contact who confirmed that it would hit below my knees (for a sense of scale, I'm just barely 5'2" tall), which is a personal must for me with all dresses and skirts.

I wouldn't mind a few more inches of hem length here, but am equally okay with where it falls now and do very much appreciate a shorter hem length (by vintage standards at least) during the roasty-toasty summer months.

Having a fairly petite bone structure, garments are often too big for me in the shoulders. This dress has cap sleeves and is a little too big there, which while not tight, does make lifting my arms a bit tricky, as the cap sleeves become micro sleeves on my upper arms and restrict them a touch.

This is by no means a big issue at all (and I could always have them removed by a seamstress, if so desired) and I had no problem whatsoever comfortably wearing (and climbing a gentle hiking path in!) this dress for about ten hours straight on the day that these snaps were taken, so really, this is not an issue and I only mention it for the benefit of others who may be small shouldered as well.

This lovely vintage style frock is fun, sweet and just a blast to wear. I love the subtle keyhole detailing at the neckline, the functional pockets, the becoming a-line skirt, and of course the endlessly enjoyable red, white, pink and green cherry print that it is bedecked in from top to bottom. I'd recommend this dress to anyone and do so hope they bring it back into stock for those who may wish to add a "Hilda" to their own old school wardrobes, too.

A dress this vibrant and fully patterned doesn't need a ton of further embellishing, but naturally a few accessories were in order, including a wonderful c. 1950s wicker, velvet and millinery cherry purse that I've had for a few years now.

It's one of my favourite bags I've ever owned, however it is in rather delicate condition however, so I only bring it out once or twice a year, as a general rule. I couldn't think of a better dress to partner it with than this charming Voodoo Vixen one, so out it came to play in the warm June sunlight.

Vintage pink gloves, a quintet of bangle bracelets, one of my beloved 1950s Austrian glass fruit brooches, my equally adored green 1930s/40s wide brimmed straw hat, simple gold tone circle shaped earrings, and red pumps complete the look, which really does seem like such a fitting sartorial note to launch the summer - especially since local cherries are in season again right now.

It's true, I might not wear cherries all the time, but I love when I hit upon a piece that really stands out from the crowd for me and which I know I'll happily reach for many times over the years.

This whimsically sweet cherry print dress from Voodoo Vixen is just that and I look forward to spending many a happy summer in its company - this one very much included!




119 comments:

  1. You look amazing! I love the pop's of green! VooDoo Vixen really hit it out of the park with this cherry print, as I do understand side stepping cherry print and how popular it is in the retro rockabilly scene. Beautifully styled as always :)

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    1. Thank you so much, darling gal! They really did score a home run this sweet meets fun meets elegant cherry print dress and I feel really fortunate to have one has part of my wardrobe now.

      Big hugs & happy start of July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. Absolutely gorgeous and perfect. The bag! Swoon!!!!!

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    1. Isn't that bag incredible? Were it not in such delicate condition, I'd probably carrying it multiple times a month. It's good though, I think, to have some pieces that are extra special like this and which only come out to play once in a blue moon.

      Sending lots of hugs & happy weekend wishes your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  3. Oh, I love the dress and the entire outfit so much! I try to avoid cherry fabrics, for the same reason you mention too. They have become so common in the retro/repro clothing world, and some items are so cheaply done I really got to dislike this style. But your dress is a wonderful example for a well-done, truly vintage looking print. And your accessories are, I dare say, just the cherry on top. This hat looks wonderful on you. And the green colour is my favourite anyway!

    I will keep those pockets in my mind, they look lovely.

    Thanks for the great inspiration!
    Doris

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    1. You nailed it, dear Doris. It isn't, objectively, even the colour palette of design per se that sometimes sees me side step certain cherry pieces, it's the quality (or lack thereof) that is frequently encountered with such. Thank you for raising that important point and for your splendidly lovely compliments (love the cherry pun :)).

      Tons of hugs & happy summer wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. Oh, wow, I love every single thing about this outfit: the fabric, with the cherries popping out, the cardigan, the color red, but most of all the bag. Beautiful!!

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    1. Thank you so much, dear Liz. This is, hands down, one of my favourite outfits in a long time, too, and I'm thrilled that it gave me a chance to share this awesome c. 1950s cherry bag here with everyone for the first time.

      Big hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. Hahah you are proof that life can be a bowl full of cherries! I love that brooch and you look absolutely adorable, darling! I love LOVE that dress!

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    1. Thank you sooo much, sweet Sylvie. I'm head-over-heels for this whole outfit, too, and know that it will be a summertime standard for me from now (I could even see wearing it to a not-too-formal wedding).

      Many hugs & joyful Canada Day long weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. ... but when you do, you look utterly stunning! Holy smokes! I don't know where to begin: love the bag, love the brooch, love the dress ... LOVE EVERYTHING!

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    1. Thank you, big time, for the awesomely love(ly) compliment, my dear friend. I share your passion for this outfit, which is one of my very favourites in a good long while.

      Scores of hugs & joyful start of July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. Oh My Gosh....what a lovely Good Morning for me...my most favourite part of the OK, my favourite fruit from the OK and my favourite OK blogger! I wore my cherry print dress yesterday and I've been eating cherries like no tomorrow, LOL.

    You look gorgeous Jessica! I'm loving all the details...the print on your dress is amazing!

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    1. Three big cheers for the abundance of wonderful cherries that grow right here in our own gorgeous province. They're really hitting their stride at the moment and will soon be joined by another Okanagan specialty - peaches (perhaps I should try to put together an outfit starring them, too... :)).

      Thank you very much for your marvelously lovely comment and compliments, sweet Sue.

      Wishing you a sunny, fabulous Canada Day long weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. LOL...Of course, I do love peaches too...pretty much whichever fruit is in season, is my 'favourite'!

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  8. Fabulous and glamorous with a cherry on top! Yours Clothing is a plus size store I shop with, and they have this fabric in one of their retro lines right now. It's divine! I love how you accessorized this dress. Each piece looks so thoughtfully selected. And that cherry bag is a stunner. I understand only using it once or twice a year to prolong its life because it's obviously a very special piece. And I especially love how you drew the green out of the print with your accessories. Such a juicy summertime look!

    <3 Liz
    www.withwonderandwhimsy.com

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    1. Hi Liz, thank you so much for your wonderfully nice comment and shared enthusiasm for this delightfully cherry filled ensemble. How cool that you've spotted this same fabric elsewhere. I'd love to see it as a circle skirt and/or blouse, too.

      Wishing you a sunny, fantastic summer!
      ♥ Jessica

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  9. So cute!! I haven't shopped there in forever but with this code I may pop on by! Love the green and the red! XO
    Lauren-Blair
    www.prefertobedemure.com

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    1. They've got some flat out fabulous pieces on their roster at the moment. I especially adore, in addition to this fun cherry print dress, their wide legged trousers and great navy blue novelty nautical print pieces.

      Big hugs & many thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. Wow, utter swoon! You look delicious, my dear. I have a wonderful enamel cherries brooch from the fifties, it's so bold and glorious, I love it. That little bag is to die for, it's gorgeous. I agree on the length of a skirt or dress being below the knee, so much more flattering and modest. How you manage to put together such amazing outfits is beyond me, you are so blessed that you would look good in a bin liner! I have a tendency to look like a dogs dinner no matter what. Have a wonderful Wednesday my dearest Jessica xx

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    1. Your brooch sounds marvelous! I'd say, interestingly, of all the cherry pieces that I do have, the largest number (by a wide margin) are brooches. They're such a great way to add a little bit of cherry fun to any outfit.

      That is one seriously kind compliment, dear Emily. Thank you very, very much. I might never look at a garbage bag/bin liner quite the same way again. :)

      Big hugs & joyful start of July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. You look like a doll! I have the same dress but the way you wear and style it is out of this world! <3

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    1. Three big cheers for being dress twinsies. That's awesome! :) I'm sure you look sensational anyway you style yours, too, sweet dear.

      Lots of hugs & thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. This is such a gorgeous outfit, from tip to toe! I love the bits of pink in it, which keeps it from the "you look like Christmas" combo of red/green. I have a pair of vintage pink gloves like that - they were my mom's. Jessica, lovely lady, lovely post!

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    1. That is deeply lovely, Shelia. I think the vintage pieces we're fortunate enough to receive from relatives are the most endearingly special one can ever own, because they're imbued with a sense of our own family history.

      Many hugs & thanks for your wonderfully nice comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. Love, love, love this print, and the outfit looks great on you!!

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    1. Isn't it fabulous? The inclusion of jam jars it what sealed the deal here for me.

      Thank you sweetly, Bristol dear. I hope you guys have a fun filled, fantastic start of July!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  14. This is such a fun and pretty outfit! The green belt and hat go along quite well. Also I love all those bracelets, they look amazing together!

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    1. Thank you very much, honey. I really liked this particular bracelet stack as well - that vintage woven one is a particular favourite bangle of mine.

      Big hugs & cheerful weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. Hi Jessica, I don't really own any cherry patterned clothes or accessories, but this post has inspired me. I adore your cherry brooch and cherry wicker bag! Hope your summer warms up for you, it's freezing here in Australia xxx.

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    1. Thank you very much, my dear. You're wishing are being well received, as we're finally starting to get some sunshine and proper heat here again (though the forecast is showing a dip in temps again for the coming week - but just to the mid-20s, thankfully). I hope that winter wraps up quickly for you and that you'll soon be soaking up rays again, too.

      Sending lots of warming hugs your way!
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. Beautiful dress, beautiful accessories, beautiful lady!

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    1. Aww, thank you for the beautifully kind compliment, dear Jennifer. I really appreciate it.

      Sending scores of happy summertime wishes your way!
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. You look so lovely! Something about the way that hat frames your face is really stunning with your coloring. You should wear it with every outfit, I swear.
    Love the dress - it's a very fun print, and I really like the red and pink together. It's an underrated combination, in my opinion, and I think the green compliment it in the best way.

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    1. I love that you said that, Jessica, as I swear, I feel that same way about this hat and I honestly think it might be the most face flatting one that I own. Thank you very much for seeing it in such a positive light, too, and for your completely lovely compliments.

      Huge hugs & joyful weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. That is such a great print and your bag is swoon worthy! I don't know anyone who puts together a better non-Christmas red and green outfit!

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    1. That is one seriously cool - and very touching - compliment, my dear friend. Thank you so much!

      Sending oodles of hugs & happy weekend wishes your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  19. This is so cute! I love your dress and that you are wearing gloves!!
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

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    1. Thank you sweetly, lovely Laura. I'm a huge (!) vintage glove fan, with a collection that now includes more than a hundred pairs, a good many of which I sport throughout a given year. They're the ideal finishing touch - the icing on the fashion cake, if you'd like - for nearly any vintage look. :)

      Many hugs & joyful Canada Day long weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  20. Oh, my goodness. That dress. I can't even either. Gorgeousness! :D

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    1. Three cheers for mutal can't even-ness! :) Thank you very much, lovely lady.

      Sending lots of hugs & happy 4th of July week wishes your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  21. What an absolutely gorgeous, fabulous post, Jessica! Absolutely stunning location for an absolutely stunning outfit on an absolutely stunning you. I love the print, the pockets are wonderful, and the bag - yummy! (the brooch reminds me of my bicycle bell!) And the green hat, too...thanks for colouring the world with style and fun.

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    1. Thank you for brightening mine with your incredibly lovely compliments, dear Elizabeth. You absolutely rock!

      Scores of hugs coming and happy weekend wishes coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  22. There are a lot of good things going on in this outfit, but that is the best bag I've ever seen! Even though they are a bit overdone, I really love cherry prints and trims and accessories. They are just such a cute fruit! Maybe it's because I don't actually like to eat them, so I have to enjoy them some other way. And Jessica is right, you really look great in face-framing hats!

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    1. They really and truly are, I agree. Even if I don't wear cherries (or more specifically, cherry print garments) all the often, I truly love them and think the fashion world is a much brighter, more cheerful place because of their presence in it.

      Thank you so much! I've really come to realize that in recent years, too, and find I'm wearing fewer and fewer smaller sized ones (with a few notable exceptions) these days because of it. If only they were easier to come by locally and/or didn't cost a small fortunate to have shipped, if bought online. In particular, I'd really love to find a navy blue one and a brown one, too, as I wear a lot of both of those colours and think they'd serve my wardrobe marvelously.

      Scores of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  23. Proving that red and green aren't just a Christmas combination. You are the queen of colour, dear Jessica and that bag is a work of art. xxx

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    1. That is truly praise from Caesar in my books, dear Vix, as you have one of the most incredible eyes for colour I've ever encountered.

      Many hugs & nothing but the happiest of wishes for July,
      ♥ Jessica

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  24. Replies
    1. Isn't it sensational? I still have to pinch myself sometimes over the fact that it's really mine. Hopefully, even though it's in a delicate state, with very careful storage and usage, I'll continue to be able to enjoy it for many years to come.

      Big hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  25. That dress looks amazing on you Jessica, I love the cherry theme print! Loving all your accessories as well, especially that cute cherry bag! xo

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    1. Thank you sweetly, my lovely friend. This outfit must have sparked something in me as I sort of just want to wear all the cherry things now! :)

      Many hugs & cheerful weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  26. Perfectly gorgeous! The print is lovely--I love the pink throughout, and the green accessories you added really perfect the look!

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    1. What a fabulously lovely compliment, Rachel dear. Thank you so much!

      Big hugs & joyful start of July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  27. That dress is really lovely and the shape on you is perfect. However, that hat and, oh my word, that bag!! Honestly I'm speechless at just how adorable that bag is. I hadn't really spotted it until the photo of it on the ground because I was distracted by everything else but I am totally in love with it! xx

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    1. It really is a sensationally lovely bag and I feel very fortunate to have it in my wardrobe. Fingers crossed that, even in its delicate state, it will hold up well enough to continue to be used every once in a blue moon for many more years to come.

      Big hugs & many thanks for your wonderful comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  28. that bag!!!!! swoon..........
    glorious ensemble! the dress ist super sweet - your accessories perfection! and your smile is very beautiful! the whole look makes me happy instantly! :-)
    extra points for finding the location - the clear colors of your outfit pop against the muted backdrop!
    xxxxxx

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    1. Thank you very much, darling Beate. I really agree and can't honestly think of a location in our area that would have suited this punchy, cherry filled ensemble better.

      Tons of hugs & joyful start of July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. Good morning dear Jessica,

    My how lovely you look! I have to say that this is one of my favorite outfits. I love every detail. And, you probably remember that I adore red. I love the red and green combination. It is a fresh and pretty summer combination - not like Christmas at all.

    And, WOW, the KVR Trail is really spectacular - such a beautiful background for your perfectly lovely outfit! It must have been a very happy day for you and Tony out there enjoying God's wonderful creation.

    Have a lovely last day of June, dear friend.
    ♥Hope

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    1. Hi lovely Hope, thank you so much for your splendidly lovely comment and compliments. This trail really is a special part of the Okanagan Valley. It stretches on for ages and while not all parts are equally accessible (especially on foot - and in heels!), I sense that we'll be returning to shoot on some of those that are again. From the earthy palette to the breathtaking views of the lake, it's really the kind of place that gets into your soul and beckons you to return time and time again.

      Many hugs & joyful start of July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  30. Hi Jessica,

    How beautiful you look in these pictures!
    I love the way you added a bit of a contrast with the green belt, hat and bracelets. How sweet!

    Well I am writing you from the office, tomorrow is my last day here because I will sign the redundancy agreement (under mobbing pressure of course).
    As hard as it can sound I prefer to look at the bright side of the life.
    I might not longer have a well paid job but I will have plenty of time for my self, 4 months in fact!

    I decided, after talking to my mother and my friend from Kamploops,... to visit your country!
    For the moment I have not booked any flight, hotel, etc. yet.

    I will do that during the weekend, I'll try to find a last minute flight to Vancouver. From there I will go to Kamploops and only if you wish so, I will knock at your door to say hello (as I said, only if you wish and if you are feeling well enough for it). Please do not feel obligated to say yes, your health and family are first and if you are not feeling well or have any other commitments, do not worry about it.

    By the way, I just have one question, do you know when Victoria Vintage Fair is taking place?
    I would be delighted if I could match my free time and visit to Vancouver with the fair.

    Anyway, just plans.

    In August I also have to go to the wedding of a cousin of mine in Spain and to Dublin to visit my friends there (I will look into the jobs market as well).

    Have a wonderful end of the week, weekend and I hope everyone you love is in good health (you, your husband, grandmother, mother, brother, etc). And of course, I do not forget about your pets <3

    Eva (from Luxembourg/Germany)

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    1. Hello dear Eva,

      Thank you so very much for the thoughtful, detailed and very exciting update about how things have been transpired on your end in recent weeks (as well as for all the love directed towards me and my family - that is truly sweet of you). You've been a constant fixture in my thoughts following your most recent emails and I really appreciate you taking the time to share so much here with me this week - including the prospect of your upcoming travel plans.

      It's immensely cool that you may be headed to BC and that you may be as close to the Okanagan as Kamloops (where - not sure if I've mentioned this to you before - my aunt, uncle and one of their kids live). That's awesome!

      It would be great to try and get together with you, either in Kamloops or Penticton (or anywhere in between, such as the town of Vernon, which is roughly half way in between to the two).

      Tony and I - though we haven't announced such publicly yet - will be taking a nearly two week long road trip to Alberta at the start of September (my mom will be pet and house sitting for us while we're away), so we wouldn't be in BC around that time, but most likely will be for the rest of the summer, as we don't have any personal travel plans as things stand now for July or August.

      The Victoria Vintage Fair - which is truly amazing and so, soooo worth attending, if at all possible - will be taking place on September 30th and October 1st this year. I highly doubt, especially having already travelled that same month, that I'll be attending myself - or else perhaps we could have meet up there (that would have been really cool).

      Please feel free to email, Etsy PM, or Facebook PM me anytime with more information about your travel plans and we can discuss possibly meeting up further there, my dear. It's truly sweet of you to want to get together and I certainly hope that such will be in the cards for us.

      I really commend you on trying to make the best of a difficult situation in your life right now, Eva, and hope that despite all the recent turmoil, this summer will prove to be a really enjoyable, fun filled and happy one for you.

      Many hugs & joyful wishes for July,
      ♥ Jessica

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  31. Good morning dear! I love cherry themes and your whole ensemble is wonderful! How perfectly summer. The bag is awesome, you know I love vintage straw purses. You look stunning. Have a lovely weekend!! XOXO.

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    1. Good morning to you, too, dear April. Thank you very much for brightening the beginning of the month with your wonderfully lovely comment and compliments. I'm a huge fan of straw (and wicker) purses, too, and can confidently say that this cherry adored example is the most beautiful one I've ever had the joy of owning.

      I hope that you're doing well and getting treated to a sunny, marvelous start of the summer.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  32. I do find the shoulders on dresses my own personal style nemesis - the curse of the petite! Despite the slightly off fit, you look a cherry dream here Jessica. I feel the same way as you about the things that become uber popular like this, so when I do wear them I tend to go in another direction... But it's fun to be contrary like that ;) xx

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    1. Serious #shortgirlproblems at work there. Thank you for your understanding, dear CiCi. Really though, this dress is so sweet, so fun, and otherwise so nicely fitted, that even with that wee issue, I know that I'll wear it all but into the ground and am thrilled to finally have a cherry print frock that is me to to a tee, in my wardrobe.

      Tons of hugs, thanks & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  33. Very nice! I, too, tend to move away from the ever popular cherries but this is the way I'd do them! The print on this dress is just so cute and you've accessorized perfectly as always!!

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    1. Thank you very much, my dear. This outfit has stirred a longing for my cherry looks in me and I suspect I'll be hunting down further pieces that star this classic summertime fruit in unique ways from here on out.

      Many hugs & happy Saturday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  34. Love this dress on you! I was really tempted by this print (not surprising), but I already have cherry prints and jam prints, and I wasn't sure how this style would look on me. It looks fantastic on you though, and I love how you mixed in your amazing vintage accessories!

    xox Sammi

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    1. Thank you very much, darling gal. I am sure this dress would look incredible on you, too - pink is so becoming with your colouring. It's awesome that you have another/other jam print garments. I wish that was a culinary related theme we saw more of in the fashion world (to that end, I made sure to buy Erstwilder's adorable jam jar brooch).

      Big hugs & joyful weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  35. Exquisite! The hat, the bag, my oh MY!! Like some others have said, this isn't festive, despite being those red/green colours - I think because the dress is a light background maybe? Anyway, I take my hat off to you for yet another splendid outfit xx

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    1. Thank you ever so much, sweet Porcelina. Agreed - the pink in the pattern coupled, I feel, with the green hat and belt help to drive it away from December territory and put it squarely in cherry season (aka, summertime).

      Oodles of hugs & blissful Saturday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  36. That is the most adorable dress, and it is very flattering too! :)

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    1. Thank you so much, lovely Laurie. It really is off the charts on the cuteness front, I completely agree (those jam jars slay me every time I see them! :)).

      Many hugs & cheerful weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  37. You look so beautiful, Jessica! And I always get nervous pairing green and red together because I don't want to look like a Christmas card, but you totally nailed it. You've inspired me to give it another try! :-)

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    1. What a sweet, wonderfully nice comment, Nikki. Thank you very much!

      Some other colours (aside from - or in addition to - pink, I mean) that I like to use to help successfully pull off not looking like a Christmas card when I wear red and green are navy blue, mustard yellow, brown (especially chocolate and espresso shades), and camel.

      Sending oodles of hugs & happy weekend wishes your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  38. I like the pocket detail and the cherry print.
    I had a cherry print top that I got rid of because it did not fit well, but I loved the print.. I still hold on to my cherry pendant though.

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    1. How lovely! I think that everyone's wardrobe needs at least a single cherry piece in it at any given time. They're sweet, fun and cheerful and can help us feel those same ways when we sport them, too.

      Big hugs & many thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  39. Absolutely adorable! And oh my- that purse! Love it all!

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    1. Thank you so much, darling Karen. Isn't that purse off-the-charts fantastic? I feel really fortunate to have it in my wardrobe and hope that, delicate as it is, it will last me for many more years to come (I'l retire it as the beautiful decor piece it rightfully is when I can no longer sport it out and about).

      Oodles of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  40. That handbag is just too perfect! It is too bad that it is one of those pieces that requires a little more TLC.

    Thanks for the comment about length. I don't wear skirts or dresses above my knee either, but also being only about 5'2" I can wear what for others with my same standard would be too short.

    Many warm thoughts your way!
    Sarah
    www.sewcharacteristicallyyou.com/blog

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    1. That is one of the perks, when one is aiming for modest attire, to being our height for sure.

      Thank you very much for your lovely comment and compliments, sweet Sarah. I hope that you're having a sunny, fun filled start of July.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  41. Love the way you've styled this dress. That green is a perfect touch. Also thank you for the coupon code! That's so great that you were able to share it with us. Also, lovely photos. I love the way you've captured the golden hour of the day perfectly.

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    1. You're sincerely welcome, my dear. It was awesome and very generous of the fine folks at Voodoo Vixen to provide one for my lovely readers. If you purchase anything using it, I hope your love your new item(s) as much as I do this darling cherry print frock.

      Big hugs & many sincere thanks for your great comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  42. I love a good novelty print dress! And the keyhole opening is really cute too, and gives it that vintage-inspired flair that so many modern dresses don't have. I've worn cherries in the past too but I'm not always drawn to them for the same reason as you, they can be a little overdone, but you've got to do it every now and then because they're so popular for a reason! Also your bag is absolutely perfect for this outfit. :)

    Jessica - littlehenrylee.net

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    1. I really like the keyhole detail here, too. It's not overly huge, which I really appreciate, both for the sake of modesty and because I'm not overly busty, so big ones can throw off the fit of an otherwise perfectly fine dress for me sometimes. Voodoo Vixen nailed the portions right here, IMO, and have made a great dress even more visually appealing in the process.

      Big hugs & many thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  43. OMG, you are too adorable. I want everything you're wearing and most especially your hat and purse. To die for! Great pictures of you as well.

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    1. What an awesomely nice comment, dear Tam. Thank you so much!!! If we lived nearby, I'll happily let you borrow either or both anytime.

      Big hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  44. That's a really cute dress1 Cherry patterns are so fun, even if they're a bit common in certain fashion scenes.

    I understand your issue with clothes being too big in the shoulders. Though my body type predominantly comes from the Southern Italian branch of my family, I somehow ended up with tiny little shoulders that don't really match the rest of my bone structure and figure.

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    1. Thank you very much, lovely Carrie-Anne. I'm sorry that you've run into shoulder fit issues over the years, too. It's honestly such a common occurrence, that I rarely notice it unless something about the shoulders being too big/long jumps out at me, as it did here. I really do love this dress all the same and that point isn't problematic enough to keep me from wearing it anytime, anyplace (thankfully!).

      Sending scores of hugs & happy weekend wishes your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  45. Oh this is so beautiful! I love how it looks elegant and not kitsch- y at all. Made all the more beautiful on you, of course!

    xo Miss Betty Doll

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    1. That's so wonderfully sweet of you to say, dear gal. Thank you so much! I love how nicely cherries play with pink in a fashion context and want to find more garments starring the two together going forward from here.

      Many hugs & happy start of July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  46. That's a whole lot of cherries! And very nice they are too.

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    1. Agreed - one could whip up many a Black Forest Cake with the abundance at work here. :)

      Big hugs & many thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  47. This is such a lovely dress!
    I really love cherry prints and the colours suit you so well. <3

    Many hugs
    Sandra

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    1. Cherries are awesome, I totally agree. This dress reminded me how just how amazing they can be in a fashion context and I'm definitely going to be looking for more distinct cherry pieces from here on out.

      Many hugs & thanks for your great comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  48. So beautiful, dear Jessica! I never picked cherries, like you mentioned, but I can imagine it's so nice! I love cherries, by the way, for clothes or eating :) This outfit is really really lovely, O liked all - brooch, the bag - the bag is so special! Gloves and the hat - I really loved the hat! I also don't follow trends, I think we should just be what we are :) You are right, the views are fantastic! You look really stunning! Hugs and regards,
    DenisesPlanet.com

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    1. What a splendidly lovely comment and array of compliments, dear Denise. Thank you very much across the board.

      I hope that you're doing well, continuing to recover after your recent illness, and enjoying a sunny, gorgeous start of summer.

      Big hugs coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  49. Gorgeous photos!! Such beautiful lighting and colors, your styling is always so great but this ensemble is really extra stunning. I totally know what you mean about cherries, every repro brand seems to do a cherry print and it gets super repetitive, but this dress is so unique and different from all of those! The extra details like the red piping help to elevate the dress even more, super lovely.

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    1. *Blush* Thank you very much, my dear friend. That is such a wonderfully lovely compliment.

      I'm wild about the light and the mellow earth tones of these photos, too. I could definitely see us shooting in this same general location again in the future.

      Sending scores of hugs & happy weekend wishes your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  50. Absolutely stunning photos! The dress is a dream and I adore how the brooch just "pops" off the print. That hat is amazing too, oh and the bag!!! x

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    1. Thank you sweetly, darling gal. This brooch is one of my absolute favourites. It's chic and cute at the same time, and really would pair wonderfully with a million different outfits.

      Big hugs & joyful start of July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  51. I'm loving that fabulous cherry outfit, Jessica. Many hugs, Ann xxx

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    1. Thank you sweetly, lovely Ann. You know, I must say, this is one of my favourite outfits in a long, long time. From the colours to the accessories, the darling novelty print to the summer feel of this look, it just clicks for me and is an outfit I know I'll repeat often in my day-to-day life (plus, I'm wild about the background location here, too, and the beautiful snaps Tony captured that sunny early evening).

      Big hugs & joyful July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  52. This might be one of the cutest prints I've ever seen! And your purse is beyond amazing!!!

    xoxo
    -Janey

    PS: Your Halloween countdown both makes me happy and scared! I'm love knowing Halloween is getting closer because it's awesome, but scared because I haven't thought of a costume yet!!

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    1. Hi sweet Janey - oh, great minds! I swear, I was just raising that very same point to my mom not three days ago. I'm thinking of reusing my costume from 2013, as the tiny number of photos we took of it were all too dark (they were taken too late in the evening) to be usable here, so I wasn't able to post my costume that year. I really liked it and would have no qualms going as the same thing again. That said though, I haven't made any hard and fast decisions yet and may very well whip up or buy something new entirely to celebrate this, m 32nd Halloween, with. Fingers crossed some great ideas and inspiration come both our ways long before All Hallows' Eve arrives again.

      Big hugs & many thanks for your wonderfully nice comment and compliments,
      ♥ Jessica

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  53. Oh how beautiful you are in this outfit! Reds in particular I do love on you. So feminine and sweet a look for this warmer time of year. I love your bag! Super sweet cherries! Yum yum!!! Perfect for a glamorous picnic or garden party. If only we could collect all of my vintage friends from all over the world for such an event! This would be the perfect look for that day!! X X

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    1. That really would be incredible! A couple of years ago I posted here about a dream that I had in which many of my online friends all got together with me/us here in Penticton. It was noteworthy not only for its awesome concept, but because I rarely dream and of those that I do have/recall, not many are good dreams, but that one was and stands out as a true favourite. If only it could really come to fruition - that would be beyond amazing!

      Thank you sweetly for your lovely compliments and kind words about this outfit. It's one of my faves in ages and has inspired me to look for more unique cherry themed garments from here on out.

      I hope that all is well on your end as we embrace July's return, dear Christina, and that you're having a beautiful week so far.

      Many hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  54. Replies
    1. Thank you sweetly, my dear. They really are charmingly fun and so well suited to these raosty-toasty summer months, when real cherries are in season.

      Wishing you a beautiful July,
      ♥ Jessica

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  55. What a cute dress. And such lovely styling. I know about vintage pieces that are literally falling apart, so you have to use them on rare occassions. Nothing lasts forever, and I have thought about our fifties style will not be in about 20 years or more. And VV is UK based, yeah! And 20% discount, yeah! But I cannot buy, since I've just spend a lot on my vintage dresses yesterday, sigh. ;) XOXO

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    1. That is very true for sure, dear Sanne. I too wonder when the well, so to speak, of (at least) somewhat easy to find true 40s and 50s garments will essentially run out. Of course there will be vintage sellers offering them up for quite a long time after that point (just as some still sell, for example, Victorian and Edwardian fashions, which the average shopper is quite unlikely to encounter, say, a thrift shop or flea market these days). I agree with you that we'll probably get to that point in about 20 years or so. It could be a little less or a little more, but will likely be in the range of about a quarter more of a century from now. And then, maybe about 35 - 50 more years before true 40s and 50s pieces (especially clothing) is almost as hard to find in the everyday world as Victorian and early 20th century pieces are now. Time will tell of course, but I do highly suspect that we're at least fairly correct in our timeline estimations.

      I totally understand. We're going to be taking a trip (I'll be announcing the details of such here a bit later in the summer) towards the end of the season and I need to save just about every last penny for it, so I'm not buying much at the moment myself either.

      Many hugs & thanks for your great comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  56. I've always avoided cherries for the same reasons you listed here- but this is a seriously fun print- and definitely different than most cherry printed dresses out there! Swooning over the hat. You always have the best accessories :)
    The Artyologist

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    1. I wonder, you know, how many of us in the vintage fashion world do the same thing, as we're keen to have our outfits look all the more distinctive, when possible? I suspect amongst those that gravitate more (or entirely) towards genuine vintage looks, the percentage would be quite high (all the more reason, IMO, for repro and similar brands to get creative with their cherry themed offerings).

      Thank you so much! That's an awesome compliment and one that really means a lot to me, too.

      Wishing you a sunny, fabulous week!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  57. This dress is simply divine! Like yourself Jessica, I tend to shy away from the atypical cherry rockabilly print, but this print!! I totally get why you would love it, I do to! The artwork is so charming and sweet, a perfect summer frock! The only bummer is that it's sold out, because now I'm on a unicorn hunt... ❤

    xox,
    bonita of Lavender & Twill

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    1. I hear you there, sweet Bonita, and do wish that more repro/vintage style brands kept their offerings in stock for longer. Perhaps VV will reissue this charmer again. I certainly hope so - it's super pretty and something that I think will appeal to many more "tradition vintage" fashion fans (the jam jars on it are what sealed the deal for me :) ).

      Thank you very much for your lovely comment on this outfit post. I really hope that you're doing well and enjoying a great start of July.

      Tons of hugs coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  58. Beautiful photos of a beautiful outfit! Everything about them is gorgeous. That bag though!! It is the most perfect summer straw bag that I have ever seen!

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    1. It really and truly is! Other might match it, but I think you'd hard pressed to find a bag that was more summery than this darling c. 1950s cherry bedecked one. I hope that, by only using it once or twice a year, I can continue to enjoy sporting it for at least a few more summers to come.

      Big hugs & many thanks for all of your lovely recent blog comments,
      ♥ Jessica

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  59. There is nothing I don't like about this outfit! I have only recently started wearing more kitsch or popular retro prints, but I must admit cherries have not tempted me until now. Have always loved the print, but always afraid of being too predictable. This dress I love, and as always you nailed the accessories....on a side note, always a bit amazed and envious over how much feedback and readers you get! Good for you!!

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    1. Hi sweet Ruby, thank you very much for your lovely comment. It's good to know that I'm not alone in executing caution when sporting cherries. With jewelry I'll go to town, but with prints I generally like it when they stand out from the crowd and/or can be styled in a way that really allows them to do just that. This print checks both those boxes and is my ideal sort of cherry pattern.

      That's extremely sweet of you to say, thank you very much. I adore my readers, put in a substantial amount of time most weeks interacting with them, and truly value everyone who visits my site. My audience grows bigger each year and there's no way CV would be the same without the folks who take the time to make my blog a part of their world. Your blog is terrific, lovely lady, and I have no doubt that it will only continue to grow and flourish further as time goes on, too.

      Sending scores of hugs & happy mid-August wishes your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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