June 8, 2016

The Recipe for Love - and one seriously fun vintage outfit, to boot!




Outfit details

1950s green nylon/chiffon hair scarf: Unknown, had for years (possibly a gift)
1940s red plastic knot shaped screw back earrings: Purchased in person from a fellow vintage seller
1980s does 1950s chambray shirtwaist dress: (Probably) eBay (had for years)
1980s does 1950s citrus slice brooch: eBay
Brown vintage fabric belt: From a 1970s skirt purchased from Cricketcapers (see the two in action together here)
Vendula Recipe Tote Bag: c/o Vendula London
Vendula Recipe Clip Fastened Frame Wallet: c/o Vendula London
C. 1950s green gloves with ruffle details: Unknown, had for years (possibly eBay)
Yellow plastic bangle bracelet: Forever 21
C. 1950s/60s red twisted plastic bangle bracelet: eBay
C. 1950s/60s green moonglow plastic bangle bracelet: Unknown, had for years
Nude seamed nude stockings: eBay
Brown 1940s style faux leather round toe heel: Walmart
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red

 


Photography by Tony Cangiano


 

























































(As Tony frequently travels to the States for work, he often has a little bit of US currency to hand and thought it would be a fun touch to slip an American paper note into the wallet for this shot. I concur and think it really adds a delightful touch to this snap.)









Rain, an unusually large and frequent amount of the wet stuff, has filled many of our days lately, making taking outfit snaps quite a challenge at times. On the very recent Saturday when these photos were captured, the light was changing ever thirty seconds or so and all of about ten minutes (tops) after we wrapped, the heavens opened up again and dropped countless more cats and dogs on us.

In fact, in all of the years I've live in the Okanagan (which collectively, is quite a few), I can't remember the last time we had such a damp, chilly spring (though, there have been pockets of warmer/sunnier days here and there, don't get me wrong). 

But enough of me being a hard core Canadian (that is to say, talking about the weather with great interest and detail - something of a national pastime in this beautiful country of ours) - especially since, in a lot of ways, I actually enjoy rainy weather and find there's a distinct serenity to it that really appeals to my soul.

Another thing that has always spoken to the very core of who I am and what I adore is cooking. This massively includes the collecting, creating, and using of recipes.

As such, the moment that I saw the recently released Vintage Recipe line of products from the wonderful UK accessories brand Vendula London, it was love at first sight.

Over the course of the past year, I've had the pleasure of teaming up with Vendula London twice previously here on my blog, and really adored the beautiful, extremely well made offerings that I received from them both of those times.

I have to say though, that the two awesomely lovely items - the Vendula Recipe Tote Bag and Vendula Recipe Clip Fastened Frame Wallet, respectively - are my absolute favourites to date, and I can't begin to thank Vendula enough for these wonderful review gifts.

Each of these products is bursting with shabby chic meets vintage inspired charm and whimsy, and has a design that also channels that of certain scrapbook styles, and thus appeals to me - as a long time paper crafter - all the more.

The detail on Vendula London's offerings is always impressive, but that of the Vintage Recipes collection is knock-your-socks off incredible!

Both the tote bag and wallet are double sided, with a different design on each side, and a beautiful culinary related printed cotton lining inside. Canvas, faux leather, cotton, and metal make up the various components of each are are all very durable, high quality materials.

One of the things that I adore most of all about Vendula's products is how incredibly creative they are. Each side of this bag and wallet is a work of art with unique, stylish, and timelessly beautiful elements combining to create a product that is head turningly stunning (and indeed, I've worn this bag out on two occasions and have been inundated by kind compliments from strangers and relatives alike each time I have).

Appearing on the outside of the tote bag and on the inside of the wallet is Vendula's "recipe for love", which includes such vital elements of life as humour, romance, joy, compatibility, trust, respect, sharing, tenderness, and patience.

As someone who believes in, and tries to live a life filled with, the virtues of such things this elegantly charming recipe resonated deeply with me, as I'm sure it does with many of you as well.

We are well served by putting this recipe into action as often as possible in our lives and I really admire Vendula London for creating products with such a touching, soulful reminder printed on it for all the world to see and hopefully try to embody as often as one can.

When it comes to the recipe for this outfit, I pulled heavily on the colour palette from the bag and wallet, as well as the lemon slices featured on the tote.

This 1980s does 1950s chambray shirtwaist dress is, without a doubt, one of my favourite dresses that I've ever owned. Interesting, though it has appeared on my Instagram at least a couple of times over the years (including on my 30th birthday and on the ferry ride to Vancouver Island that we took for our holiday there, both back in 2014), I believe this is the first time it's appeared here as part of an outfit post on my blog.

I love this frock so much, that if someone - for whatever strange and unusual reason - forced me to whittle my entire dress collection down to just five garments, this classic chambray shirtwaist dress would make the cut, no questions asked. It's akin to the dress equivalent of a light hued pair of jeans, is incredible comfortable, and works well the whole year round (especially from spring until mid-autumn).

As the tote bag is the rightful star of the show here, I kept my accessories somewhat low key, but not entirely subtle - after all, it's hard for a large sized vintage citrus slice brooch to ever read as understated! Smile

A hair scarf, 1940s earrings, assorted bangles, olive-y green hued ruffled mid-century gloves, and classic brown faux leather pumps round out the mix and add up the perfect sort of ensemble for a weekend afternoon of errand running - no matter the weather!

From its darling cherry faux leather charm on the zipper to the recipe for love and the awesome vintage inspired notes, this gorgeous canvas tote bag and wallet from Vendula London are every bit as much "me" as this chambray shirtwaist dress is and both instantly add up to a recipe for wardrobe happiness in my (cook)books.




81 comments:

  1. Don't you look cute! I have a scarf this colour too, it's a favourite of mine but I haven't worn it in an age.

    Our weather keeps threatening a thunderstorm but the closest we've got is one lightning flash, a bit of dry rain, rising humidity and cloudy skies. Canadians are a lot like us Brits when it comes to weather chit chat it seems :) I like all weather, it keeps you on your toes, but I do feel for the birds when it's inclement.

    This dress is so pretty, I like chambray but you just don't seem to see it around much xxx

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    1. How fun that you have a scarf in this earthy green hue, too, dear Melanie. Every time I sport this scarf, I'm like, "I really, really need to wear this more often!", as it works so nicely, IMO, with my auburn-y red locks. I bet it rocks with your dark hair colour, too.

      Chambray can be tricky to find in a mid-century context, be it real vintage or repro - which is seriously surprising, if you ask me. I hope it's a bandwagon that more repro/vintage inspired companies jump on as time rolls forward.

      Oodles of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. This reminds me that I totally forgot to tell you about the shoot with Vendula last week in that mammoth email I sent you at the weekend! I guess it had enough in without that too ;) Part of that experience was that we met the designer and it was interesting to hear some of her design process and how some bags go through many revisions, some are there from the first design. I wish I knew, now, what the process was for this one! It's a shame you live so far away as you'd make a fab model for them - what a lovely advert you are for these bags with your immaculately coordinated outfits :D xx

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    1. That is such an immensely kind - and touching - compliment, sweet CiCi. I'd love to be a model in person or in photos for their website site anytime. Vendula London have honestly become my favourite modern brand of handbags and I find myself waiting on the edge of my seat to see what they'll release next. How truly exciting that you got to meet and chat with the designer. I can just imagine what a special thrill that must have been. Thank you for sharing about that experience here with me, honey, as well as for your latest email. It's always such a joy to chat with you anywhere and about any topic.

      Huge hugs & joyful weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  3. When you talk about Canada, you make me want to return. Hey, I'm going back next week! And I love that slice of lemon brooch. So whimsical.

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    1. That is truly awesome, Ally! I'm thrilled to know that you'll be visiting our fair country again and hope that you have the best time - including far nicer weather back east than we've been getting around these soggy Okanagan parts lately (exceptions made for a few pockets of recent sunshine - though not today, it's raining as I type these very words). I'll be thinking about you and wishing you an endlessly fun trip north!

      Happy travels!
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. Fabulous dress - I can see why it's such a basic, core piece for you! Such a cute bag/wallet!

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    1. Thank you sweetly, dear Sheila. It really is a "live in it" piece that I love to bits. I'd like to add a genuine 40s or 50s chambray frock to my closet, too, but for now, this beaut is plenty and works the part, which is what counts in my books. :)

      Tons of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. Gotta love shirt dresses and you look fantastic in them! <3 The totebag and wallet are so utterly adorable! It's like scrapbook art that you wear!!!

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    1. Thank you very much, my dear. Agreed! Shirtwaist dresses are impossible to love (in my books at least) and I honestly couldn't picture my wardrobe without them. They're beyond a staple element of it for me.

      Thank you very much for your fantastic comment. I hope you have a sunny, marvelous weekend!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  6. Another super cute outfit! I love how you took a simple dress to the next level with accessories. I especially like the lemon slice brooch and the gloves

    retro rover

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Kate. That is definitely one of the (many!) perks of shirtwaist dresses. They can go from doing household chores to a dinner party with the snap of a few different accessories and/or shoes and/or a hat.

      I love this brooch, too. Citrus themed items are a longstanding favourite of mine.

      Oodles of hugs & happy Friday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. What a fun bag! Also, I love the color combos you are wearing. The dress has a neutral feel while the green scarf, citrus brooch and colorful bracelets all add a wonderful punch of color. It feels casual yet fun and fresh. Looking great as always.

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    1. What a terrific assessment of this fun outfit, Akram. Thank you! I completely agree and love that it included a really nice balance of basic and eye-catching elements.

      Many hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  8. You are so lovely, Jessica! I love the twinkle in your eyes - a sign of a very alive and joyful soul! When people smile for photos, they often go for a "lip smile" - while the true, genuine smile is always in the eyes, why not so many people realize that? But then, eyes are a mirror of a soul, as a famous Russian writer once said, and that (the soul) you can't fake...

    Beautiful dress with fun and thoughtful accessories. I have a shirt dress that is similar in a color and also has "pleats" (??) - I found it in a thrift shop, though mine has a modern silhouette. I wear it both at home and out, such an easy delightful piece to wear.

    Like you, I love rain and our gloomy climate, though dark months are hard on me - harder to stay happy. So I really appreciate the beautiful summers we have here!

    Much love!

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    1. What an incredible lovely (and genuinely touching) compliment, dear Natalia. I honoured by your words and adore that you can sense my inner happiness through the way my eyes twinkle. I won't soon forget that.

      It can be harder to stay upbeat and chipper during the long, cold winter months for sure. Usually I haven't struggled too much with that, but last winter hit me harder than I realized until it had passed (though, to be fair, we did have a number of sad/stress/challenging things arrive in our lives, which could have been to blame more than the weather itself). Hopefully we'll both get treated to long, gorgeous summers (to make up for the icy months) this year.

      Big hugs & joyful weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  9. I love this outfit! Every detail is gorgeous! The purse and wallet are absolutely adorable.

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    1. Thank you so very much, Caitlin dear. They really, really are! Everyone seems to love this set - I even had a couple of people ask if they could touch my bag. I get that with my vintage hats sometimes, but rarely purses.

      Have a stellar weekend!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  10. Such a cute bag and I like the dress and how you have cinched it at the waist.
    Here, rainy season is finally kicking in, which to be honest is quite a blessing.
    We have been through terrible drought, so even though now we have flooding, I really cannot complaint.

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Lorena. I'm huge on belting dresses (and skirts - and coats, for that matter), as I'm short and curvy with a fairly short waist, too, and it can be easy for my figure to get lost in clothing. Definitely don't want that! :)

      It's wonderful that you're finally getting some rain. We've had tons more of it here this week, with today being the absolutely rainiest day in ages. Practically monsoon-esque, I tell you! Hope it dries out by the time summer finally arrives on the calendar.

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

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  11. Well now, what a delight these photos are. The bag and purse remind me very much of a company called Disaster Designs, not sure if you can get them over there. These are lovely and just think how much vintage paraphernalia you could fit in that bag. I can see why that dress is a favourite, it's stylish and yet very comfy looking. All the rain has made everything look a wonderful vibrant and lush green. I loved what you said about the rain having a distinct serenity, it's so very true. There can be something soothing about it, especially spring rain. What an enchanting person you are, how lucky I am to be able to forge a friendship with you xx

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    1. Thank you deeply, sweet Emily. You are a kindhearted gem of a person, too, who always, without fail - no matter what Mother Nature is up to - always brightens my week your awesomely lovely, supportive, compliment filled comments.

      It's possible that one or more shops stock Disaster Designs in Canada, but I've not yet encountered them in person (just here and there online). I agree, the two brands seem to have much in common and both produce some seriously charming bags (they did a Beatles themed bag that I just adore!).

      I hope that you're doing well and enjoying a sunnier week than we are. It's absolutely, totally pouring again here today (complete with a lightning and thunder storm in the middle of the afternoon - which was quite fun to watch).

      Many hugs & blissful weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. Recipe for Love, it is so sweet, I simple loooved this Vendula tote bag, and the wallet as well! But I loved the shirtwaist dress too, and the brooch and earrings, dear Jessica! I also like rainy days, but I must be honest, if I can be at home admiring it :) Loved your outfit, this bag is really great and I want a similar one :) Hugs and regards!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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    1. How lovely that you enjoy rainy days the earnest tranquility they can house, too. We're having an incredibly rainy day here again (to the point where I almost started to worry about the risk of flooding), but that's okay. I really enjoyed the relaxing sound of the drops dancing and prancing on the roof as I was hard at work (listing new items in my Etsy shop) this afternoon. Time will tell if the shine pops out for the weekend, or if we're in for another rain soaked Sat & Sun.

      Thank you very much for your great comment, Denise. Wishing you an awesome weekend - no matter the weather!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  13. Oh my goodness, you look TOO adorable in this outfit! I got immediately happy looking at this post! XO
    Lauren-Blair
    www.prefertobedemure.com

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    1. That's one of the best things I think a person's look can do for another individual. Thank you for the absolutely awesome compliment, dear Lauren.

      Oodles of hugs & cheerful weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. That bag is too perfect for bakers! I love the two tones of green in this outfit with the chambray. I have a green head scarf the same as the one you wore and it looks so fabulous on you I might have to give it another try for myself:)

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    1. I really, really dig green with chambray, too. The grass + sky vibes that they give off when partnered together is so classically appealing. How delightful that you have a similar scarf. I love all of my vintage scarves, but this is definitely up there as a favourite, as it works sooo nicely with my colouring.

      Big hugs & joyful weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. Jessica, this is a lovely outfit and it looks so good on you! I love your warm smile, and you look beautiful and radiant, as always! :)

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    1. Bless your sweet, always kind heart, dear Linda. Thank you for the heartwarmingly beautiful compliments.

      Wishing you a sun, fun filled weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. I can totally understand your love of this chambray dress! Now I want a chambray dress too just from these photos! I'll put it on my wish list :) The green gloves and red with the soft denim-ish blue are so so lovely here, and I really like the knot look celluloid earrings!

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    1. They're sooo fabulous! I want to find a genuine 40s or 50s chambray frock, too, but for now, this charming - which has already served me well for years - will continue to do the job quite nicely (interestingly, I find mid-century chambray dresses, let alone ones in good shape, to be rather tricky to come by online or off). Fingers crossed that you hit upon a great vintage chambray dress for your wardrobe, my sweet friend.

      Have a marvelous weekend!
      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  17. Wow what a really awesome bag and wallet...I really would love a bag myself for this brand! Love your dress too, I love shirt style dresses - so comfortable yet stylish. xo

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    1. Ooohh, I think that Vendula London's offerings would work incredibly well with your sweet, feminine, vibrant style, dear Camilla. I hope that you're able to add some of their delightful bags to your closet, too.

      Oodles of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. This is so...zesty! Usually I see chambray paired with neutrals or just red, but this is a great combination! I have to say that your facial expression looks a little cheeky in some of these, as if you were sharing a joke off camera with Tony!! x

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    1. Love that you described this outfit as "zesty" - that's such a cool, fitting word. :)

      Aww, thank you! I see that here, too. Alas, no hidden secrets though (so boring, I know! ;D). I think it was just my bliss that we'd actually hit upon a temporary break in the perpetual rain that has been the past month and a half around these parts (today massively included).

      Sending tons of hugs & joyful weekend wishes your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  19. We in Belgium also like to talk about the weather, Jessica, and like you we had a very damp spring and definitely too much rain! I love your chambray dress and what a fun bag. Your accessories are lovely too, the gloves, bangles, earring and especially that fun brooch. Here's to hoping the weather improves for both of us. Many hugs, Ann xxx

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    1. Very much so! It's so cold, grey and (super!!!) rainy here today that some of our neighbours with fireplaces (something our wee condo does not have - much to my fireplace loving chagrin) have actually lit their up again today. I've kept our bedroom window, where I've been working, open to experience beautiful scent of wood smoke mixed with rain all afternoon (and now evening) long.

      Thank you very much for your lovely comment, sweet Ann. I second your hope and will keep my fingers and (rain boot clad) toes crossed that such is the case on both our ends.

      Have a fabulously fun weekend!
      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  20. Your Spring sounds very much like our early Spring, it was so annoying you never knew quite how to dress! Now we have lovely hot sunny days and I think we're all keeping our fingers crossed it will last and last.
    I'm sure I had a chambray shirtwaister dress like that in the 80s! Oh no, I'm getting old. I absolutely love that lemon slice brooch, it's so amazingly cute! xx

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    1. The 80s did amazing things with shirtwaist dresses. Not, IMO, since the early 60s had anything compared to them, nor have they since. I own a number of 80s does 40s or 50s shirtwaist frocks and have really made them a core staple part of my wardrobe at this point. They're comfy, easy to clean, and a breeze to style in a mid-century direction, what's not to love? :)

      Big hugs, many thanks for your great comment, happy weekend wishes all coming your way!

      ♥ Jessica

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  21. Love a pretty denim dress,I've been on the lookout for one for awhile! And the bag and wallet are adorable! :)

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    1. Thank you sweetly, dear Laurie. Should I happen to get any similar chambray or denim frocks in my Etsy shop, I'll try to let you know (we need more companies these days to still produce classic, longer length shirtwaist dresses like this).

      Big hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  22. Such a wonderful vintage outfit!
    As always, I love all the little detais you added.
    I know what you mean, it has been very wet and chilly here in Germany, too. After two sunny days, I thought summer is finally here, but now, it is as rainy as the last few weeks...

    Many hugs
    Sandra <3

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    1. Hi sweet Sandra, thank you very much for your lovely comment. I'm sorry to hear that you've been getting hit by tons of rain this spring, too. I can't believe the sheer volume we've experienced this time around and am honestly grateful we haven't had any flooding. Today, interestingly, has been one of the absolute wettest this year. We've had powerfully strong rains all day long - complete with a mid-afternoon thunder and lightning storm. At this rate, our region is going to morph from an arid desert to a lush tropical jungle! :D

      Tons of hugs & happy weekend wishes coming right back at you,
      ♥ Jessica

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  23. i would love that dress too!!! you dressed it up very chic with the lemony/citron-y accessories to match the cute bag and wallet! such sweet things! all the details! and if someone knows the recipe for love then it´s tony and you!!! <3 <3 <3
    xxxxxxxx

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    1. That is such a beautiful compliment, sweet Beate. From both of us, thank you deeply. We really are blessed to have one another (just as you and your honey are to have each other) and that's something I never, ever take for granted.

      Scores of hugs & happy wishes for a sunny mid-June weekend coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  24. What a darling bag! I just adore it and it goes perfect with your outfit. I giggled at your comment about Canadians talking about the weather because that is exactly what I did 2 weekends ago when it was so hot at our big swing event. Hot Hot Hot..Too Hot, So hot etc. etc. etc :) Ahhhh we are never happy.

    Happy thursday!

    Liz

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    1. And here's the real kicker, I actually kind of love doing it! :D I'll never forget when Tony and I first started dating and I'd talk up a blue streak about the weather. He'd listen, but was a bit bemused by it. Well, jump ahead a couple of years to when we were able to move to Canada and in time at all, he was doing it, too and suddenly "got" why such was a big thing for canucks from coast to coast. :)

      Thank you for your lovely comment, my dear friend. I hope you guys have a sun-kissed, terrific weekend!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  25. I think the reverse side of the purse and wallet are so cute.

    Sarah
    www.sewcharacteristicallyyou.com/blog

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    1. They really, really are, I completely agree. Vendula London always goes the extra mile and then some with the styling of their pieces and the products in this super cute vintage recipe line is no exception.

      Many hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  26. Very cute! The outfit is very sweet (and also practical), but I must say that I admire how well you dressed to draw attention to the bag. I might not have noticed the lemon on the tote if not for your fun lemon brooch, and the pops of red and green in your outfit draw the eye to the similar pops of color in the tote. The company must be really happy with you. ;) :P

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    1. What a fabulously lovely compliment, sweet dear, thank you so much. I get downright giddy with accessories or garments that include an assortment of images and/or colours, as I just know they're going to teem with fun styling possibilities and this super cute vintage recipe bag + wallet has such in spades.

      Wishing you guys a fun filled, excellent weekend!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  27. The tote and wallet are adorable! As a rage baker, I think I might need them :)

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    1. They really are perfect for any cooking and/or baking fan, I totally agree. Plus the size of this bag is awesome. It's big, but not overly heavy (when empty or lightly filled), yet not so huge it veers into just looking like a weekend bag. I've been using it a lot lately and can't wait for the weather to finally dry up so that I can take it for a spin down at our town's weekly Saturday morning farmer's market (I think it will go over quite well there).

      Big hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  28. Vendula's bags are AMAZING. I am in love with all of them, and I love how you styled your outfit around this one! And that dress is such a perfect classic addition to your wardrobe. I've yet to find my perfect chambray, but when I do I'll be so happy!
    xo
    Kristina
    www.eccentricowl.com

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    1. Aren't they though? I constantly go weak in the knees for their fabulous offerings, which, I can attest to, are not just uber cute, but also superbly well made (especially in the price range they fall into). It's awesome that you're a big fan of them, too.

      Oodles of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. Adorable look! I love the bright accessories, especially the cute citrus brooch. And, while I'm not usually a "purse person", but that bag is really neat and very pretty!

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    1. It's such a charming bag and really does feel like a wearable work of art, as I've found all of Vendula's products (that I've tried) do. They make some of the cutest, most whimsical purses, wallets and similar pieces on the market today.

      Thank you very much for your lovely comment, dear Kate. I hope you have a sunny, fun filled weekend.

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  30. That dress looks fabulous on you and that citrus brooch is just adorable.
    I've seen a few bloggers with Vendula bags but never that recipe themed print, it really was the perfect choice for a retro-lovin', domestic goddess like yourself. xx

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    1. That is such a splendidly sweet compliment, dear Vix. It brightened my day and really made me smile. Thank you so much!

      Oodles of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  31. Jess,
    Why is that people always tell us that we should never ("you must NEVER.." they say) wear blue and green together. I should address them all to this post. Make them take a good look at your perfect mix and match. Blue (even if it's not my personal preference) and green CAN and DO match just amazingly. Adding few "fruity" accessorizes, and you've made this a SHOW, my dear!

    Never accept a general opinion.
    You are amazing, and your fashion radiates greatness. :)

    M.

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  32. I love chambray! Also the wallet and bag are so darn cute :) We had a rather wet spring too where it rained for weeks on end. But lately it has been the other extreme- temperatures in the 90s and not a drop of rain to be seen!

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    1. Chambray absolutely rocks! It honestly surprises me that we don't see a lot more of it put to work in 1940s and 50s inspired styles in the repro world these days. It's sturdy, classic, versatile and very attractive. I'd love to add a genuine 40s or 50s chambray frock to my closet, too, but for now this hard working 80s does such version is plenty and I'm very grateful to have it.

      Big hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Grace. Both this bag and wallet really are fabulously adorable and I know I'm going to get a ton of use out of them both (very much including when we travel, as I like to carry bigger bags, and often larger wallets, too, then).

      Many hugs & joyful Sunday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  34. You look absolutely lovely and the brooch is such a fun touch! Wishing you a happy weekend!

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    1. Thank you sweetly, honey. We're getting pelted with rain again here (we had thunder storms on both Friday and Saturday) this weekend, but things are well and we're hoping that the weather will finally perk up by next weekend for Father's Day. I hope that you're is going pleasantly, too, and that you're having much drier weather than we are!

      Tons of hugs & happy Sunday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  35. Such a Cute and Fun outfit! I love shirtwaist dresses. I think they are the best thing ever. I hope it doesn't rain too much more and you get to enjoy spring :-)

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    1. They really are! I honestly couldn't imagine my wardrobe without them at this point, as they're such a staple part of my closet the whole year 'round (especially since they're often super-duper comfortable, which is a huge factor in what I wear due to my health). It's great that you're a big fan of them as well. Three cheers for shirtwaist dress fans the world over! :)

      Oodles of hugs & joyful weekend wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  36. Such a classic dress, it looks so comfortable too! That bag is adorable and I am loving that brooch. Beautiful Jessica xx

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    1. Thank you sweetly, darling gal. This dress is soooo fabulously comfortable. 1980s does 40s/50s shirtwaist dresses are often in a league of their own on that front, which just makes me adore them all the more. :)

      Many hugs & joyful mid-June wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  37. I have been eyeing a Vendula bag for ages now!!! I am so desperate to buy one but am scared to use it as a purse as it is meant to be and get it filthy. Such is life! This bag is too cute! And that lemon wedge brooch!!!!! AHHH!!

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    1. It is so, soooooo fabulously cute and well made to boot. I haven't had to wash/spot wash the bag or wallet yet, but I sense the woven fabric part at least would hold up well to such. I suspect that you'd love this bag to pieces. Honestly, I think I would have bought one or more items from this particular Vendula London line, had I not been fortunate enough to receive them as a review gift. No other line of theirs - even the gorgeous fall themed one from last year - is more "me" than this, which taps into my love for vintage, as well as my passion for both cooking and scrapbooking. If you do pick this bag up, I hope that you adore it to the moon and back, too, sweet Sara.

      Oodles of hugs & happy mid-June wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  38. I love these photos of you, dear. In some of them you look like you're bursting with laughter and in others you look like you're up to no good! Tony really brings out the best in you. :) We also talk a lot about the weather in Denmark, also because it most often is very strange and changes in a few minutes. We have had the most awsome and very unsual warm summer weather for weeks now, but right now it is like autumn. We all hope that we get a bit more summer this year. Congrats on your charming bag set. Have a lovely day, dear. :)

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    1. It's true - and I wasn't aiming for those sorts of expressions at all. They were just spontaneous reactions to the fact that we'd miraculously managed to find a brief window between rain showers that day (the rain, I should mention, is heavily continuing so far and indeed, it it is pouring down as I type these words). I was (and am!) really thrilled with this beautiful bag and wallet, too, and I think that was factoring into my mile wide smiles and twinkling eyes, too.

      How marvelous that you've been getting some warm weather lately. I really hope our corner of the world jumps on the summertime band wagon pronto! As I said to Tony less than an hour ago - it's like we're having the weather of fall, without any of of the beautiful leaves or Halloween time fun of it!

      Thank you sweetly, my dear friend. I hope that you have a stellar week as well (so hard to believe that it's the last one of this spring).

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  39. Cute outfit and great finds! I love the earrings and brooch especially! Such a great outfit for a cool spring day!

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    1. Thank you sweetly, darling gal. I'm wild about both of them as well. These earrings are an especially special pair for me, as they're made entirely from plastic, including the screw back parts, which means that even with my nickel allergy, I can wear them (I have, bought years before, another identical pair in blue, and would so love to find more - if they were made - as well).

      Big hugs & many sincere thanks for each of your wonderful recent blog comments,
      ♥ Jessica

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  40. I love the ruffled gloves, they are such a nice touch. The chambray shirt dress is fabulous, lovely shape and lends itself to so many outfit pairings. I'm glad that the rain kindly held off for you to get these pictures, they are lovely.

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    1. We did appreciate that it finally decided to take a coffee break (or would rain prefer something sweet, say like hot cocoa? :D) for a few minutes. It really is nuts just how much of the wet stuff we've been getting here lately. On the plus side, the local vegetation has probably never looked greener or healthier, but on the downside, I'm rationing wardrobe posts in mid-June. That, due to the weather (aka, not my health) is definitely a first! Fingers cross we quickly hop into a very sunny summer.

      Many thanks, hugs & super happy weekend wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  41. I love the crisp feel of this outfit! It's clean, and chic but there are so many wonderful details too!

    And don't you just love Vendula? Talk about fun bags!

    xoxo
    -Janey

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    1. Soooo much love for Vendula. Many of their bags feel like accessory iterations of my general approach to style. Part cute, part fun, thoroughly old school inspired, and rarely lacking for colour. :)

      Thank you very much for your lovely comment here, my sweet friend. As the rain has only continued since these snaps were taken, the landscape is - hard as such is to believe for the Okanagan - even greener these days. I've never seen anything quite like it around these parts (the degree of lushness nor the volume of rain itself).

      I hope that you guys are doing well and enjoying a sunny, terrific first week of summer.

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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