October 22, 2012

Savouring autumn at the creek




Outfit details

1940s/50s flower adorned straw hat: etsy seller Bettes Bargains
Prescription eyeglasses: (frames) Venus Eye Design V-12
1940s inspired autumn leaf necklace: Handmade by me
White vintage slip: eBay
Dark orange cardigan: eBay
1950s yellow pencil skirt: eBay
1950s beaded gloves: eBay
1950s corduroy bucket purse: etsy seller Rue 23 Vintage Clothing
Nude seamed stockings: eBay
Straw hued heels: Anne Klein
Lip colour: MAC Diva 
 

Photography by Antonio Cangiano
 





 
 
 





 
 





Earlier this year as summer was just beginning its beautiful reign, I wrote about my feeling regarding the unspoiled beauty and peacefulness of the area in which we now live, and how I could not help but marvel at the resplendence of once again knowing tranquility.

A few months on and I still feel my as though my soul is enveloped by these same thoughts when I step outside of my house, especially in the early morning or late afternoon into dusk hours. The purity of the unspoiled air, the rustle of the leaves as the trees whisper secrets to one another, the thousands of stars like dangling like diamonds over head, are all gifts that humble and astound, especially after being away from such a setting for so many years.

Where once we lived in the hectic, exceedingly noisy, sometimes dangerous, generally polluted realm of an area just north of downtown Toronto, we now open our front door and stair at some sublimely pretty woods that back onto a dusty camel and sage hued hill, that looks much like something plucked straight out of an old Western film.

There are no houses blocking our view, and traffic on the small two lane street that runs past us often comes to a complete stop for minutes on end during the later part of the evening and early morning. Nestled between the road and picturesque hill, one finds Penticton Creek, a body of water that runs down from the mountains that back our little town all the way to the sandy shores of Okanagan Lake.

I know it well, this beautiful little creek, having spent a great many childhood hours playing along (but never in - I heeded your warnings, mom, I promise) its banks and rocky edges. Yet despite our proximity, I hadn't yet had a chance to really get down to the water's edge and say hello to it again until very recently. I'd been going through a rough spell health wise and the day these shots were taken was the first time I'd been out of the house in nearly a month, which made filling my lungs with as much crystal clear fresh air an especially happy event.

After carefully (heels + loose earth are never the best combination) making our way down to the creek, Tony began snapping and neither of us could seem to bring ourselves to stop (posing or pressing the shutter). The air was warm and crisp and the golden leaves that were starting to form on the tall trees around us, the light had a magical quality to it that beckoned the soul and made you want to lay down and take a nap in the great outdoors like a pixie resting under a toadstool.

Penticton Creek, which includes a walking path directly above a good chunk of its length, is a popular spot for locals or all ages to enjoy an outing, and is particularly popular with dog owners, who can always be seen up and down its elegant length. On the day when we were there a very energetic, splendidly cute Husky came bounding into the water just a few feet away from where were standing and Tony instantly cast his lens on it.




The chipper dog was wearing a bright green collar which could be seen in all but one photo (pictured above), and I what I love about that shot is how, with its collar tucked into its long fur, it almost looks as though we were encountering a wolf in the woods, further adding to the fairy tale like quality of the whole sublimely lovely afternoon.

While we are being treated to a particularly (unseasonably) warm autumn this year, like a welcome home gift from the universe to celebrate our return to British Columbia, this is still Canada after all, and I know that in a few short weeks, it's very likely the creek - like the whole town itself - will be cloaked in a thick mantle of snow once more.

As such, I'm now trying to head over for a walk along the water's edge as often as possible, though I do usually slip on sandals or saddle shoes instead of heels, unless of course a photo shot such as this is in the cards that day.

In either case, just look for the the vintage wearing gal who's dividing her time between gathering bouquets of autumn leaves, petting the many adorable puppies that come bounding by, and counting her blessings that she’s able to live in such a breath-taking setting.

47 comments:

  1. SO beautiful! So in love with this outfit, the bag and the gloves are perfect. xo

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love the autumnal shades of your outfit! Well done!

    Thanks doll,
    The Glamorous Housewife

    ReplyDelete
  3. That's a perfect autumn outfit, love your gloves!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Picturesk as always, sounds like your haven is a peaceful country paradise! I must say im jealous haha, after this years Texas summer much of my front yard is just dirt!

    ReplyDelete
  5. You look very lovely. I've also been enjoying the fall change and colors of the leaves. It's been a great experience and I'm enjoying it a lot.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I think I've found a new favourite outfit post. :) You look absolutely stunning, and the location is just as lovely as could be. I hope many more happy hours are passed there before autumn shifts off, though I'd imagine it's just as beautiful during the winter months as well. Pet a passing puppy for me next time!

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a peaceful spot that seems to be esp with so little distractions around. I was just wondering if you ever find any artists around there...they must find that spot divine for painting!

    And your outfit is awesome! I love the colors. You really have a great eye for colors. I second guess myself a lot when it comes to that.

    Your necklace is ahhhhhhhhhhh awesome! You should make more and sell them on etsy! I would sooo buy one!!!! Fab post mama! xox

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi sweet Bunny, thank you very much for your wonderfully nice comment. I haven't seen too many artists around the creek when I've been down there, but surely there must be some. If I had any skill as a painter, I'd be sketching and painting down there all the time for sure.

      I really appreciate your encouraging words about my handmade necklace. My pesky nickel allergy makes wearing most vintage or modern jewelry impossible for me, so sometimes I make my own from nickel-free materials instead. I don't want to put the cart before the horse, but you hit on something (re: etsy) that may happen down the line. I'll definitely post all about it here if I do launch a jewelry shop on etsy at any point in the future.

      Tons of thanks & hugs!!!
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  8. Ooh well don't you look darling :) Lovely autumnal colours and that place, so beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  9. When I first saw a picture of the dog, I also thought you had a wolf just feet away from you:) I love your necklace. Everything matches so perfectly down to the orange accents on your gloves:)
    Fabulous darling:)
    http://dividingmoments.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a pretty place! And your outfit is great aswell.

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a lovely location! And your outfit is simply perfect for the season. I'm swooning over that necklace! You certainly have a talent for making jewelry! I thought it was the real deal until I read your outfit details!

    xoxo
    -Janey

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love your self made necklace! Really beautiful! Liz

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hello Jessica!
    This post is so cute! your husband took very beautiful pics, but it's easy , you are so gorgeous!:)
    I have a dark orange swing skirt and I don't know how to put it together. I'll look for a yellow cardigan similar to yours.
    I love fall colors:)
    Love,
    Lorena

    ReplyDelete
  14. Everything about these photos are absolutely gorgeous, including you and that fabulous necklace.

    ReplyDelete
  15. You wear autumn colours so well! I especially love how the lipstick suits you and your hair.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Words cannot begin to tell you how much I love this outfit! Autumn is my favourite season and, as I said to some workmates the other day when they commented on my autumn leaves brooch, I love to pay honour to it in my outfits. But you've absolutely outdone anything I've ever conjured up! I think one of my big problems is that I'm short on yellow and orange, despite the fact I'm always keeping an eye out for these colours, in order to fill that wardrobe gap...

    But I love what you've created here. And those gloves are just adorable. What an amazing, special location too, as you describe so wonderfully. I'm glad you were able to have such an idyllic, relaxed, beautiful outing to bring you even better health when you managed to make it outside after so long.

    Happy October, lovely lady! x

    ReplyDelete
  17. Beautiful as usual. I feel the same way in my backyard!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Beautiful Photography Jessica! I love the way the light falls on your face.. We've just visited Canada recently, and loved the wild nature areas.. I would definitely live there too! This is such a beautiful location, you should shoot there all the time. I reminded me of the famous forests shots of Marilyn and Arthur Miller, same kind of kind light.
    Thank you.. I really enjoyed it.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Great autumnal coloured outfit. Just right up my alley! I simpoly love autumn colours and can't get my eyes away from these.
    So much luck to live in such a heavenly place. Hugs from Miss Maple

    ReplyDelete
  20. Wow, that is breathtaking. I have such a dream to have a country home. A log cabin preferred. With acres of land so we can be all alone. Sometimes when I'm alone in nature, I feel closest to God.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Beautiful photos! And the dog indeed resembles a wolf. :) And you've done it again, Jessica. What a superb outfit. I love your necklace. It's gorgeous, and you are a talented jewelry designer! Your skirt and sweater match so well, and in such beautiful, warm fall colors!

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a pretty autumn outfit, Jessica. I love those darling gloves.

    I am happy for you that you now enjoy such beautiful surroundings and that you are able to get outside and enjoy it.

    :) Hope

    ReplyDelete
  23. What a wonderful post!! Such beauty in both you and the setting :D That belted waist is fantastic and the hat is just perfection on you! x

    ReplyDelete
  24. Lovely, lovely, lovely photos! The location is gorgeous and speaks to me on so many levels. And your outfit is delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Autumnly divine Miss J! The darker colors suit your perfect skin tone. xx

    ReplyDelete
  26. Very lovely blog post! Those fall colors you are wearing look so nice on you.

    ReplyDelete
  27. There is something to be said for the country life :)

    These are beautiful photographs - you're lucky to have such a beauty spot and a photographer to capture it all. This outfit is gorgeous - you really look like you've stepped out from a time machine.

    That dog is just ridiculously perfect in this setting. He does look like a wolf, sniffing for fish!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I must say that I can feel the serenity of your surroundings from just looking at the photos. The first photo is my favourite of you, it looks like it was snapped 60 years ago! Beautiful outfit- your embroidered gloves and colourful necklace are perfect finishing touches. Hope the autumn colours are crisp and bright for you this fall. xx

    ReplyDelete
  29. What a lovely setting for your photos, the Husky is gorgeous. I really love the orange cardigan and the necklace that you've made - it's a perfect outfit for autumn..

    ReplyDelete
  30. What a beautiful part of the world you live in. I'm glad you got out and breathed the air. I hope you get out by the creek a lot more.
    I love your outfit. So suitable for the season, the surroundings, and every accessory just perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  31. What a gorgeous day for a photo shoot! That location looks lost in time in the most magical of ways.

    ReplyDelete
  32. So beautiful! Alright, for this outfit I must say my favorite parts are the HAT and the GLOVES (of course). It would have been neat to see a back view of the hat, too. :) I am thinking I need to go somewhere and buy myself some gloves because each time I see all your different pairs the craving gets stronger. And I must admit I thought that was a real wolf before you said it wasn't. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, dear Elizabeth. Good point about seeing the back of this hat (the pale sage green veiling continues around and is quite lovely) - I shall try to remember to have a photo snapped of it for you the next time it's part of one of my outfits.


      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  33. It looks so peaceful out there! Going out into nature is one of my most adored activities, must be lovely to have it all so close! That sweater is gorgeous, (that shade of orange is perfect! It has been my favourite since I was a child), you have wonderful taste!

    ReplyDelete
  34. what a pretty place. the necklace you made is beautiful!!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. i love everything about this outfit ... the hat is so lovely, the shoes are beautiful and the colours are perfect for autumn.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Your outfit is ideal for warm fall. Bright, warm colors! Simply gorgeous.


    Veronika

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thank you very, very much, dear ladies (and gent!) for tremendously lovely compliments. This shot stands out as one of my favourites to date, and I look forward to hoping enjoying others along the creek again in the future.

    ♥ Jessica

    ReplyDelete
  38. Haha I actually thought that dog really was a young wolf for a second!

    You look absolutely gorgeous as always, your outfit and this idyllic backdrop makes these pictures look like a scene out of The Notebook :) Seriously you Canadians are so lucky with the beautiful landscapes you get to live in!!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. This is such a beautiful outfit and such lovely scenery. You have really captured autumn, which is my favorite season!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I'm sorry to hear you've been having a rough spell, but glad you were finally able to enjoy this beautiful setting! Not to mention this outfit, it's perfectly fall! Especially that necklace, perfect detailing :)

    xoxo
    Solanah

    ReplyDelete
  41. I've seen your gloves only this second time I looked at this post and I have to say: They're so so so beautiful. Did you embroider the little orange twig ornament yourself?
    And did you know that ox blood red (the colour of your cardigan)is reportedly in fashion this year. I've read that in a magazine at the doctor's.
    Thank you so much for your always lovely comments on my posts. Hugs from Miss Maple

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much for your lovely comment. These charming vintage gloves actually came with the beading in place - it's what drew me to them right off the bat. I may try my hand at embellishing some of my gloves one day though (and they'll certainly end up in snap here if I do).

      It's funny you know, though I buy very little in the way of modern clothes (unless they're vintage appropriate), I follow fashion trends quite closely and love reading modern fashion mags. There's always inspiration to be garnered from them, be it in terms of colour palettes, new (to me) online shops, cute hairstyles, etc, so I had caught wind of the fact that oxblood (one of my all-time favourite hues) is vogue this year. Very cool!

      You're super welcome for the blog comments, heartfelt thanks in turn for all of yours, dear lady.

      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  42. You are beautiful and incredibly elegant... these colors...!!!
    Like you, I really love nature. I grew up in the countryside, but like so many others, I am now living in a big city where I miss the trees, the meadows, the sea – and try to go out as much as I can.

    But I have one serious complaint about nature: IT WASN'T MADE FOR WALKING IN NICE SHOES.... it's a BIG FAULT :-))

    ReplyDelete
  43. Your outfit is made of the most perfect autumny colors and how lucky you are to live by such a picturesque place! (That dog really does look like a wolf in that photo, I'm glad for your sake, though, that he was really only a friendly Husky. :) )

    ReplyDelete
  44. I adore your necklace! Wonderful autumn colours :)
    -Andi x

    ReplyDelete