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May 29, 2013

A real mixed bag kind of day




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Outfit details

Navy blue 1940s feather adorned felt hat: Gift from Tony ♥
Pearl stud earrings: Claire's
Pearl necklace: Birthday gift from Tony ♥
1980s does 1940s dolman sleeve floral print rayon dress: etsy seller Dear Golden
Pink plastic rose stretch bracelet: Wal-Mart
Light blue 1940s gloves: Flea market in Vernon
Vintage navy blue purse: Thrifted
Nude on nude seamed stockings: eBay
White pumps: Payless
Lip colour: MAC Diva


Photography by Antonio Cangiano














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{I had no idea a whisp of bang hair had gone astray in these shots. Oh well!}







A few days ago, after more than six weeks of bed rest (initially from a flare-up with one of my conditions, then following my recent surgery on April 16th), I finally felt well enough to head out of the house for a little while. Cabin fever had set in something fierce, so a bit of a drive - and a change of scenery from our bedroom walls, lovely as they are - was in order.

Recently, Target stores have started setting up shop in parts of British Columbia. To date, the closest one to us in in the town of Vernon, which is located about an hour and a half away from Penticton (another Target is slated to open in Kelowna this summer, though Penticton itself doesn't have plans for one yet).

I'd always been intrigued by Target stores - or at least by tales of their wondrous offerings that I had heard from various friends in the States and those Canadians I'd known who had visited a Target while south of the 49th - and had been giddy with excitement and anticipation for Target to open up here in British Columbia at long last (they'd already launched locations in Ontario and elsewhere in Canada last year), so that's where we made a beeline for.

Tony and my mum had already been there once and were both woefully underwhelmed by the Canadian version of Target. Though this was sad to hear for sure, and I though completely believed their reviews, I wanted to see (and access) it myself in person. Well, let me just tell you, they were right and then some!

It’s not that the store itself isn't fairly big or decently stocked, it's just that their offerings scarcely differ from what you could find (often at much lower price points) elsewhere. The store itself was not overly well laid out in my opinion, nor was it bursting with merchandise (unless it was so small I accidentally missed it, they didn't even have a craft section), and there was nothing special or unique about their shopping experience.

Many of these newly founded Targets replace Zellers stores, most of which have shut their doors across Canada in recent years, and I think that like most people, I expected Target to smoke Zellers old offerings out the water. Far from doing so, for the most part I found myself thinking, "Hey, I actually liked Zellers way more!" (just as my mom did, too).

In my mind I'd dreamed about Target opening up and bringing with it oodles of US products that are hard, if not impossible, to find in Canada, at bargain prices. No dice. The items stocked on its shelves were akin to those one can find at other large Canadian retailers such as Winner, Sears, The Bay, Canadian Tire, and Real Canadian Superstore – often at better prices.

Target failed to bring its iconic Target-ness – the great deals and wide selection it’s well known for – up to these Canadian parts, and I believe that (especially outside large urban areas such as Toronto or Calgary) they will struggle to stay afloat in the long run because of it. As we were leaving the store, I heard an elderly chap remark to his wife that he'd "rather go to Wal-Mart any day”, a sentiment which Tony and I both feel perfectly sums up our take on Target, too.

The dreams I'd had for years of a Target shopping spree jam packed with awesome US items that were new to Canada, has been completely dashed – but at least there are still the good ol’ Targets in the States, and I like to think that I'll make it to one of those someday, red plastic cart bursting at the gills as I exist.

So while that was a bust for sure, the rest of our time in Vernon wasn't, I'm delighted to say. We hit a small flea market down by the railroad tracks that run near Swan Lake (yes, it really is called that), at which I bought the pair of vintage gloves seen in the outfit photos here today for just three dollars.

They're in great shape, and the seller could have easily asked more for them, but it was my luck that she didn't. I was already wearing a pair of white gloves which worked well with this dress, but I liked the look of these blue ones with it even more, so they were swapped in instead.

We also visited an indoor garage sale that was being held in a hotel ballroom (that was a definite first for me), but it was mostly just 1980s-present day children's toys, clothes, and household items - no vintage pieces or anything else that caught our eye.

Before calling it a day, we hit an antiques shop that I'd never been to before, but eagerly longed to for ages, called Blast From The Past Antiques. It proved to be, hands down, the best antique store I've visited to date anywhere in the Okanagan - so much so in fact, that I'm hoping to devote a post just to my trip there in the not-too-distant future.

Even though they don't sell usually vintage clothing (save, by and large, for some military uniforms, a little bit of jewelry and the occasional accessory - there was a fab pair of 1950s metal cat eye sunglasses there, which if it wasn't for my nickel allergy, I likely would have snapped up right away), this well curated shop is still a major winner in my books and I look forward to chatting more about it here soon.

We'd hoped to grab some outfit photos while in Vernon, but it was raining and that didn't happen, so we made our way back to Penticton and snapped a few on a charming little bridge down at Okanagan Lake, as the sun went back and forth from sunny to overcast and everything in between (as you can see from the variety of lighting in these shots).

l'm not going to lie to you, I'm not overly happy about how I look in these photos. I’ve far from recovered (from surgery) completely yet, and my face and body both look bloated/puffy, and riddled with pain (admittedly, this may be something I read in my own face more than others can see, knowing my good day faces from my bad day ones all too well).

My weight is also a tick higher than I'd like (the result of almost no physical activity for more than six weeks), but I've already altered my diet to try and shed a couple pounds, and hope that getting out more in the coming weeks will help in that regard, too.

No matter though, one isn't always able to bring their a-game all the time, and there are days when documenting the memories trump looking your thinnest, healthiest, or most awake, and this was certainly one of them for me.

So while Target was a letdown and I sure wish I looked better in these snaps, everything else about the day was awesome! Just getting to spend time in store that's jam-packed with vintage and antique collectibles, books, furniture, decor items, and myriad other collectibles put me in a flat out jubilant mood and was precisely what I needed after another long spell of constant bed rest.

It will still be a while more before I've recouped to my pre-surgery health levels, but a day out like this clearly shows I'm well on that path, which I'm thrilled about. All the more so because we're nearing ever closer to summer and I want to get out and enjoy as much of the gorgeous Okanagan summer weather as I possibly can - hopefully with another trip or two here and there to Vernon so that I can spend some time at Blast From The Past again!

67 comments:

  1. Yay for feeling well enough for a small outing! :) I think you look just darling in these photos.

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  2. I am sorry that your trip to Target was a bust. I have never really been a huge fan of Target (and I am in the states), it is just too far away from my house and the prices are not that great and the stuff is pretty much the same as everywhere else. But I am always amazed at what other bloggers find there and at such good prices. I am not sure what I am doing wrong LOL.

    I am glad you were able to get out and that you had a good day even after the Target let down. I know how terrible it is to be cooped up and feeling bad. I hope your recovery quickens and you start feeling your old self soon.

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  3. We have a lot of Target stores in my neck of the woods and they're all completely different. Even the best Target around here still doesn't have nearly the amount of stuff that I can find at Walmart. I basically only go there to look at the pretty housewares that I could never afford, buy makeup and good-smelly Method dish soap and check the clearance racks and pick up random office supplies. Target does have some pretty killer clearance. If you find something you adore, wait two weeks and check back. It'll usually be 40% or more off. If you wait another week, they knock it down further until they can't get any cheaper so they donate it to Goodwill! With their ridiculously cheap sales and the rate that they produce new lines of merchandise, I don't know how they make any money at all! Target is also really awesome for extreme couponing. I'd coupon there all the time and get loads of goods for free or super cheap. They stack coupons so you can use a Target coupon and manufacturers coupon on the same item. It's great for things like toiletries and household supplies

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    1. It's really interesting to hear you say that you find Walmart preferable to Target in terms of the amount of stuff they house. That was soooo true here as well, and our Canadian Walmarts (even the Super Centers) pale in comparison to the US ones (we visited a US Walmart on our day trip to Omak earlier this year, so in this instance I can compare the two firsthand).

      Canadian stores don't tend to do big discounts/clearance sales unless it's a holiday sale or they're going out of business, so it will be interesting for sure to see if Target Canada slashes their prices on clearance items to the same extent, too (that sure would be nice!).

      Thank you very much for your great comment, honey,
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. You look lovely as usual, I am glad you were able to get you and enjoy a day somewhere other than home. I love Target but I usually pick up my finds from the clearance that is located on the end caps. Our store is not very large and I much prefer going to the larger ones. Here's hoping you have a better experience next time. More wishes for your recovery!

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  5. What a lovely dress! Sometimes 80's did the 40's remarkably well.

    I think it's funny that Canadian Target is so different than the ones here in the states. People like Target for a reason, why go and mess up a good thing? At least you had a great time the rest of your trip!

    And ps, I think you look absolutely fabulous for someone recovering from surgery :)

    Abbi

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  6. so nice to see you going out again!
    and yes you look a little tired in this pictures but you did a very good job with styling and the color of the dress is just right - so don´t be to critical with yourself. it takes time to recover from surgery, you know it. and for that short time you look really good. i have always a hard time taking outfit photos with my 45 years on the back.............

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  7. I think you look very lovely. That bracelet is awesome! Dee

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    1. You're very sweet, thank you so much, Dee. I adore this bracelet, too. I bought it last year at Walmart. They only had it in pink, but if they'd had other colours, I likely would have bought all of them as well.

      ♥ Jessica

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  8. Sorry to hear about your health - hope you're on the mend

    I came across your blog as I kept seeing you comment on other people's blogs - you're quite the avid reader. Anyway, I'm glad I check yours out you have such a beautiful style thats so hard to recreate. It's unique. It is pin up but with your pwn classy edge.

    I've followed you on Bloglovin' I can't be missing any more of your lovely posts

    take a second to stop by my blog, daisysausage.com

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  9. So glad to hear you are up and about again lovely lady. Sorry to hear you are still in pain and not feeling so great.

    Sounds like the targets they are opening there are like ours here. We get none of the american target products, just stuff that is available at every other department store here in Australia. But they are close to my house so I do shop there occasionally.

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  10. It must feel good to have a little trip after being several weeks at home. I love your gloves and bracelet! And I love the color of your lipstick!

    I'm not familiar with Target, is it a kind of clothing store?

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    1. Thank you very much, honey - for sure, it was incredible to get out for a little bit again. If I wasn't being such a rebel (and yearning to stretch my legs so much), I should have taken my wheelchair that day, but ultimately I'm glad I didn't, because there's no way I could have used it on the uneven, grassy terrain where the flea market was was or at the antique store.

      Great question, sorry, I should have described Target better for those who aren't familiar with it. Target is a big box kind of department store that sells clothing, household items, food, toys, and various other things. It's similar in many ways to Walmart.

      ♥ Jessica

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  11. Love the gloves and hat. Tony is such a great gift giver! I'm sorry that Target didn't bring their target-ness to Canada yet.

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  12. All of this really works together, loving the outfit!

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  13. It's good to see you out and about again :-) I don't think you look bloated or puffy! Hand on heart you just look a bit pale and in the close up picture I can see in your eyes that you don't feel 100% fit yet but otherwise you are your usual lovely self. Just remember you are in what Jane Austen would call an interesting state.

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  14. This is a fabulous outfit, love the print on the dress and those blue gloves are a perfect match. What a great and timely find! I am really glad that you got to go out and about, hope that you feel up to more little jaunts soon. It actually made me feel a little sad to read your weight comment. Be a bit kinder to yourself about it maybe, you have had a lot to deal with recently and honestly, you look perfectly lovely.

    Now, I may be behind the time and I am in England so please excuse this question. What is Target? What does it normally sell?

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  15. I had to smile a little bit about your Target venture as the US goodies are mostly Made In China lol. I someday hope to go to a US store that actually has goods made here:) Although, I must say I do at least a weekly trek into Target. My kids really enjoy going. It also doesn't help that there is a Starbucks inside and bad for you pizza for the kids:) Oh, and the sugar-high froze ice drinks. I love browsing for the clearance items and more often than not I come out with many things that I hadn't planned on buying. The one thing about buying vintage of late is that I am not really tempted to buy accessories or clothing. I do remember when I went with my Canadian sister that they couldn't wait to go and were so excited to have a trip to Target. I'm glad you found a nice pair of gloves at a local vintage shop, it's nice to buy locally when you can isn't it?

    Please don't fret about your appearance, you look grand as always:) I don't see any bloating in your photographs. I think your dress fits you just beautifully. It's amazing how much your bracelet mirrors your dress pattern. Just lovely! Oh and the view from the back on the bridge, I could sit there for hours and just look out. Very special:)

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    1. So very true about the fact that most items sold at Target are not made on this side of the globe. It would be great if there were big box stores that stocked mostly (or all) products made right here in North America, I agree.

      Awww, I love that your Canadian sister was super eager to visit Target, too - it's great to know I'm not the only canuck whose been dreaming about going there for ages.

      Thank you very much, sweet Joanna - you always know just what to say to brighten my day and mood.

      ♥ Jessica

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  16. We (my girlfriend and I) always love your vintage outfit posts, and matching gloves! I hope you are feeling more like your pre-surgery self soon. All in good time, we are sending you the best wishes we can!

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  17. First, sucks that Target wasn't up to standards-truly. I wish we had Walmarts but there is one but its far away and honestly its horrible. When I went to MO I scored big at Walmart hehe You'd think I never been to one! ha! Second, I know what you mean about knowing your body. I think that is the blessing part of having a disability or having health challenges, that you know your body well. Many unfortunately do not. You look amazing though and that dress is sooo my style hehe I love blue and pink and omg dusty rose is def. your color! I love it on you! Keep resting and tending to your health so then you can enjoy the future warmer days a lot more comfortably. HUGS!

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  18. I like Target better than Wal-Mart in general, but I have to agree that the prices can be higher. Some things seem higher quality, like some of the household items, while some items are no better quality or even worse. I am not a fan of Target's clothes, except the baby clothes. Women's tops, for example, are so thin, a few washings will produce noticeable holes. One thing I do love about our local Target is that they have a good selection of healthy snacks that other stores don't carry. One of my children has attention deficit, and for that reason and general health I try to avoid foods with artificial colors. Target is the only store I have found (we don't really have a "health" supermarket, so I'm sure that would be different) that has dried fruit roll-ups and sticks made with fruit and vegetable juice for the coloring. I think I read that artificial colors are banned in many other countries, probably including Canada, so maybe that's not an issue there? But here, Red 40 and Yellow 6 are in everything, along with some others too. I really don't know why they haven't been banned as studies show they cause all kinds of problems. Target also sells Annies brand mac and cheese, an organic packaged mix, and other more healthy choices that can only be found in health food stores. So I like Target, but it can be kind of hit or miss depending on what you're shopping for.

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    1. That's really interesting, thank you for sharing your take on Target with me. I very quickly browsed the women's section and picked up a couple of tops, but put them right back down because (just like you said) the fabric was so thin (and not worth the $19.99 they were asking for a basic patterned t-shirt, IMO).

      As much as I'd hoped they'd have a killer craft section, it was actually the food department I was hoping they'd stock with items from the States, especially (and maybe this was wishful thinking) gluten-free ones, that we can't get up here in Canada (we have only a small fraction of the store bought GF products in Canada that are sold in the States). Well such was not the case at all. Every product they had, you could find on the shelves or at least one other (and often all other) Canadian big box and grocery stores (and they had almost no special gluten-free items).

      That's crazy about those dyes still being so common in certain US foods. I'm pretty sure they're banned here (I remember when some candies had to reformulate their recipes because of dangerous dyes several years ago), but I'll be sure to read the labels extra carefully if I buy any foods that contain dyes from Target (thanks for the heads up!).

      ♥ Jessica

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  19. Well, from my personal experience shopping at Target is not that satisfying. I once purchased a pair of shoes that the first time I wore them the heel broke off. It was so embarrassing I vowed never to shop for shoes at Target again. Maybe that is the reason I am not a big fan of the store. Anyway, you look very beautiful in your pics and the scenery is perfect. I wish you speedy recovery.

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  20. You look fine...perhaps a little tired but fine just the same. We have Target here in South Australia and I am not a big fan either. I would much rather go to our K-Mart (short for Kangaroo Mart) and our Big W (like your Wal-Mart) any day.

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet lady (I see the tiredness more than anything here I think.)

      It's really neat that you have a chain of stores called K-Mart in Australia, because there's one in the states that shares the same name (I'm pretty sure they're unrelated though). There used to be some K-Mart stores up here in Canada, too, but I haven't seen one in years. I think these days they're just in the States in North America (but don't quote me on that).

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  21. I never realized you lived in British Columbia! A dear friend of mine lives in Fort St. John, BC which apparently is a very small northern town. I'm sorry your Target experience was a bust. I love *most* of the Targets I've been to here in the states. The closest one to me is about 40 minutes or so north and it's very small and just doesn't seem to have the same abundance of selection and "hip-ness" like the larger Targets I'm used to going to. It's definitely not worth it for me to make the drive.

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  22. Im happy you got out, and looked gorgeous doing it. Im not crazy about Target myself, and I live in the US. I by food and stuff there and cleaning products but not many clothes. I find it pretty underwhelming and you are right no crafts, whenever I try to by something to make with my special ed students, Im a teacher, I cant find the materials at target

    urban hounds

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  23. You look lovely as always and I am so happy that you were able to get out and about! Sunshine is really a must to help recuperate. As well as some long over due vintage goodness!

    Your outfits are, as always, gorgeous, and your accessories are amazing! As a hat, handbag and glove collector, I am always taking a closer looks at your accessories. And that rose bracelet is stunning!!

    Hugs
    Kim

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  24. I'm glad you got out of the house! You definitely can't tell you aren't feeling up to par. Gosh that dress print is super duper 40s, what a great 80s does 40s! It's the ribbons, for sure. What lipstick are you wearing btw? It's flawless against your skin tone!

    So glad to hear you are on the mend. Onward and upwards!

    xo Sara

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    1. Thank you so much, honey! I agree, that print is super-duper and really looks the part of a 1940s frock. Perhaps more than any of my other "1980s does" dresses, this one is the most 1940s looking.

      My lippie is Diva from MAC - it looks goth girl dark in the tube, but goes on lighter (on me at least) and has the best bordeaux wine hue I've ever found. Highly recommended if you're looking for a similar shade.

      ♥ Jessica

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  25. I think you look fabulous and your gloves are such a great find! I hope you're feeling better. xo

    Target in Australia is pretty underwhelming too. I hear tales about the fabulous Target of America but am yet to see it either.

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  26. I'm brand new to your blog in the past week or 2, (and all vintage blogs since watching Call the Midwife the falling in love!) and I have to say you look GORGEOUS here. Also, I live in Massachusetts and my ridiculous sprees at Target always leave me feeling empty and full of regret. I promise your soul is much more fulfilled from the antique stores and flea markets! :) That said, I hope you get that shopping spree someday... my Target weaknesses are makeup products from the UK, kitchen wares, and cheap giant tubs of unsalted almonds.

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    1. Thank you very much for your immensely lovely compliment and comment, my dear. I just adore that you came to discover my blog and the vintage blogging community as a whole because of the TV show Call the Midwife - I'm a big fan, too).

      Warmest welcome to Chronically Vintage - I'm really happy to have you here,
      ♥ Jessica

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  27. I love your outfits. The cohere so well. You obviously put lots of thought into creating them. And you achieve such an identifiable style. Even if we couldn't see your face, we'd know it's you.

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  28. Target has never worked it's magic on me, either, I'm afraid. There is one within walking distance of my job, but I only make it over there a handful of times a year even so. I've always been seriously underwhelmed by their selection of...well...everything!

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  29. Hopefully you'll be feeling like you old self again, Jess. Loving that look on you, by the way. Aww sorry to hear that Target didn't work out for you. I love, love, love Target. I go there pretty much every week for essentials...makeup, toiletries, vitamins...and even just to mosey around. The Targets in the states commission designers to create (more reasonably priced) lines of fashion and accessories specifically for them...tons of fun! Targets in the Philadelphia area have also been getting a bunch of kitschy and vintage-inspired kitchenware and decor, all very cute! Hopefully you'll get to experience the best of what the stateside Targets are offering. Feel better soon!

    <3 Jackie @ Let's Go Thrifting

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  30. I'm sorry to hear how you are still in so much pain. I hope that you will be feeling better soon! I know all too well that feeling of being cooped up and "stuck" inside. I am no longer able to drive, so I loved the fact that I could walk everywhere in Italy, which helped some of my symptoms. Since being back, I feel plunged into that depressing "shut-in" state of mind. I just wanted to say how very encouraging and helpful it is to me, to read your posts, and to feel your positive outlook on things.
    You look fabulous in these pics! Thank you so very much for sharing!
    ~xoxo, CoriLynn

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  31. Glad you're feeling well enough for a lovely outing at that amazing location, and here's hoping you feel even better soon. I love the pattern of that beautiful dress, it suits you so well, looking great and so graceful and ladylike with the hat and gloves!

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  32. It does sound like the perfect day to remedy some cabin fever! I really like those cute little blue gloves, they look like they were meant for this outfit. Hope you feel well enough to head back for round two at the vintage store soon, would love to see more and you're surely due for a reward for your time spent recovering lately.

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  33. Jessica, you look lovely and your outfit is perfection luv! I hope you are on the mend and have a warm, and fun-filled summer ahead of you. Erin oxo

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  34. As usual, I love your outfit! I have to agree with the gentleman who said he'd just as soon shop at Wal Mart. The only thing my local Target offers is less bodies to wade through.

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  35. You look smashing as always, gorgeous lady!! I'm glad you're feeling well enough to get out, but don't over do it. =)

    It has been my experience with Target that they are usually over priced and the only things I find there that I can't get at Walmart for less is the houseware section, but I can't really afford any of it. lol I like to go look at it and dream, but usually decide that I will just have to live without it.

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  36. good to hear you're feeling better! i don't even want to remember how i felt just staying at home (and in bed)for about three months last year when i had broken my foot.
    this outfit is so lovely. the rose bracelet totally hits the nail!

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  37. I wish you liked Target better than you did. Walmart may have lots of things to offer, but they are just the absolute DEVIL. I love your outfit. In fact, I was laying in my bed listening to my iPod and was contemplating why I think 80s-does-*insert era here* is awesome. I realized that because my teenage years WERE the 80s, dressing in 80s-does-40s (for example) means I can actually pay homage to both decades. I was oddly excited about that idea, and now I see you are wearing 80s-does-40s and I'm totally stoked about it! PS - every time I see cute gloves, I think of you.

    ~Katie
    www.katiemullaly.com

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  38. Dear Jessica,

    You are right; only YOU can tell that you have gained a bit of weight, and that you are not feeling well. I am sorry to hear it. However, as always you focus on the loveliness of the day and write in such a cherry manner that never fails to uplift your readers. I do hope that you regain your health quickly.

    It is exciting to think of all the wonderful activities before us in the coming summer.

    Keep smiling!
    ♥Hope

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  39. I'm so sorry that you're still in a lot of pain. You look stunning as usual though, try not to beat yourself up! <3 Can't wait till your post about Blast From The Past Antiques, I was looking at the pictures from the link you posted and it looks fabulous! Hope you're able to visit Vernon a few more times this summer. :)

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  40. Boo! That stinks that your Target trip stunk! But yay that you were finally able to venture out. You look so well put together for having just been under the weather! Those gloves are just divine! Love the color!

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  41. I'm sorry your experience with Target wasn't wonderful. I have heard their prices are more than even what wally world can offer. {And I am not a fan of wally world.} We do not have a Target here in TH either. We have one in Plainfield which isn't too far away.

    Jessica, you are always beautiful! :) I understand how you feel, but in my opinion you look lovely as usual!

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  42. I think you look so lovely. Beautiful ensemble, and I especially covet your accessories!!!

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  43. I am so glad that you are off bedrest!! Huge hugs and well wishes your way, and may your health continue to improve. I'm sorry to hear that Target was such a disappointment; I had been eagerly awaiting the opening of one nearby (this upcoming fall), but now I know not to set my hopes too high.
    Although you do not feel your best, you look beautiful as always! :)

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  44. Even if your trip was disappointing for you, I'm glad you are well enough to travel again ... this is the perfect opportunity to show us your outfit, I love that! Take care!

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  45. Jessica, Angus and I have our paws and fingers crossed that you will soon be feeling like yourself again. And though you say you wished you looked better, I think you look absolutely gorgeous :)

    Hugs,

    Kymberlee

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  46. You are too hard on yourself, my dear. You look beautiful! And you don't look like you've gained an ounce!!

    I do love Target, but maybe that's because I completely and totally detest WalMart. The Target in my area is usually a bit more expensive than WalMart, but the store just seems nicer and cleaner...plus, I have a huge problem with the big conglomerate, WalMart, who puts all the little mom and pop stores out of business. I avoid WalMart as much as possible.

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  47. Oh lovely you look wonderful as ever, I think you must be feeling any extra weight or puffiness just from the pain of it all. I am so sorry to hear that after so long you are still recovering, but I assure you that you look beautiful as always! I love the dark shade of lipstick on you too, it matches your skin so nicely. Also I have to point out how this lovely spot in your photos looks like something out of Anne of Green Gables. I just can't get over how beautiful the Canadian landscape is, I hope you feel better soon so that you can have some lovely days out in the sunshine :)

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  48. Don't you hate it when you wait for something to arrive, or begin only to be disappointed when you finally get to see it! All the more disappointing for you after you had been couped up for so long. That dress has the sweetest floral and ribbon fabric- a winning combo everytime...and I have that bracelet in cerise pink- your baby pink version is much nicer though. I hope you grow from strength to strength over the coming weeks. xx Shauna

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  49. I think you look really lovely. I especially like your lipstick and gloves. I live in australia and i used to work in a target store. I didn't like it. occaisionally they get nice things in, but they are usually overpriced and you have to try absolutely everything on cos the sizing is out. I have gotten some nice basics from their though. and some nice pajamas. glad you had a lovely time, sounds like you needed it.

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  50. Thank you deeply, everyone, for your awesomely nice comments - you all know exactly how to help a gal feel better about herself when she wasn't too keen on a set of snaps.

    Wishing you each a stellar Friday & first weekend of June - big hugs!
    ♥ Jessica

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  51. Don't you fret about those pix one bit, Jessica. You look stunning as usual. And that dress is so pretty. Looks very much like an authentic one from the 40s, especially that amazing print! I would never guess from the photos it was from the 80s. Great find.

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  52. You look wonderful, praying for recovery for you honey! xx

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  53. I really like this combo Jessica. It is unexpected and fun. I would have never guessed that bracelet came from Walmart! It looks so cute with the print on your dress. So sorry that the target was underwhelming, but the trip still sounded fun and worth it to get out and about and go to a flea market and antique shopping. That sounds way better than a target trip anyway!
    Hope your pain subsides and you get to feeling more mobile. The outdoors is a hard thing to have to live without. Wishing you a happy and healthy June!
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

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  54. Oh, you look stunning as ever! I especially like your bracelet and gloves! I'm so glad that you got out of the house for a while! I sincerely hope that you feel better soon so that you can enjoy your days in the sunshine! Lots of kisses! ♥

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  55. You look lovely in these photos!! You are definitely reading into them too much...we are always our own worst critics aren't we?

    btw. I *adore* that rose bracelet! It's such a beautiful statement piece!

    Lisa.

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    1. Thank you very much, darling gal. Ahhh, so true, we do tend to be our harshest critics, especially at times when we should be extra gentle with ourselves. I can think of a few other outfit snap posts before where in the moment I wasn't pleased as punch with how I looked right then and there, but when I look back at them now, I have no qualms and feel quite silly that I was so rough on myself about them earlier on.

      This bracelet is a total fave of mine, too, thank you! I got it last year at Walmart (it was $9 or $10 as I recall). That was the only hue they had, but if they'd had others too, I likely would have snapped them all up. If I ever see others for a good price there or elsewhere, I definitely will.

      Thank you so much for all of your awesome blog comments this weekend,
      ♥ Jessica

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  56. What a find your gloves were! I think they would be worth going out for alone. I understand the bedazzlement of a day out after confinement; even if you are still not feeling as good as you would wish, it is so positive that you could do this, and you can look back on it when you are resting too. Well done to you and here's hoping you have many, many more lovely trips out this summer xx

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  57. I am not a big fan of Target, the only thing i ever buy there are bed sheets...
    Getting to your outfit, i think that you have a match made in heaven: the gloves, bracelet and dress look like they were meant to be worn together..

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  58. That pink rose bracelet is to die for! I love how it matches the roses in your dress. And I think you look lovely, just a little bit tired, but lovely. I'm glad you had a lovely day after all. That vintage shop sounds amazing. I'm a bit behind reading your blog, but now I'm sitting in my library corner and reading ahead. :)

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