June 6, 2013

Enjoying the beautiful Kaleden view in my Jitterbuggin' pinafore dress


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Outfit details


Black snood: eBay seller tina.g-2008
White rose stud earrings: Claire's 
Plaid shirt: Forever 21 
Navy blue 1940s style pinafore jumper dress: Jitterbuggin'
1940s celluloid bulldog brooch: etsy seller Jewel Horder
Bangle bracelets: Assorted sources 
Black and red handbag: Second Time Around consignment store
Black bow adorned sling-back flats: Payless 
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red 
Nail colour: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Disco Ball 


Photography by Antonio Cangiano

 






{Please excuse the real puppy - and kitty - fur here, that would be the work of Misses Annie and Stella :) }














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Like many of us, I have a vintage wardrobe wish list that could very likely stretch around the better part of the equator at this point. Infinitely more items go onto it than ever get checked off, but sometimes a particular garment nestles into that area of the brain that is responsible for desire and refuses to budge an inch. When this happens, you just know that you have to try your hardest to add that piece to your closet at some point.

One such piece for me was Jitterbuggin's thoroughly fantastic 1940s style pinafore jumper dress - specially in navy blue (though I love the beige and green versions a great deal, too) - which even appeared in my 2012 birthday wish list post here last summer.

My wardrobe lacked vintage or reproduction pinafore dresses big time, and though it took a few more months after that post went live, I'm ecstatic to report that this past winter (thanks to the wonderfully lovely Christmas present money I received from parents) I was finally able to purchase one of these marvelous, timelessly classic jumpers for myself.

At the recommendation of several fellow vintage gals whose experiences with this dress I'd read online, I opted to purchase one size bigger, because of where the waistline hits (it's not at the point that is narrowest for most people, but instead - on my figure at least - between the bosom and navel). I'm so happy I went this route because this jumper fits like a dream is precisely the size I'd want it to be.

As I slowly begin having a day here or there post-surgery where I'm feeling well enough to venture out once more, relatively loose fitting clothes (a point that I always have to keep in mind, as I touched on in this post, but more so than usual these days after recently having another surgery that involved incisions on my abdomen), forgoing any kind of restrictive undergarments or hosiery (so hence the pale bare legs here), and comfortable (low) heels or flats have been a must.

Luckily, I've had this truly fantastic jumper to turn to as of late - it fits all of those criteria, is cute as a button, and is both sturdy and completely comfortable. The durability really comes in handy when you've got an energetic pup who's keen to jump up on you at home (same goes, as I mentioned last month, for my Freddies of Pinewood overalls), and both points make this pinafore dress a great piece to wear if you're venturing off the beaten path a touch.
 
In this case of these photos, we weren't very far from the path (aka, the highway) at all. Enjoying a brief afternoon drive following a spot of yard saling (of which there were almost none due to rainy weather earlier in the day), we pulled off the road that leads to the tiny neighboring community of Kalenden to enjoy the beautiful view of Skaha Lake that's offered from a small lookout point there.
 
Interestingly, I know Kalenden quite well, having lived there for a bit of time in my early teen years, and while it offers up some stunning views, a quaint beach, and lots of delicious fresh fruit, there isn't much to do if you reside there (granted I might have felt this way more when I was 13-14 years old because I was miles away from all my friends, school, and favourite activities which were located in Penticton), and I'd not rush back to do so again. That doesn't mean however, that I don't enjoy visiting from time-to-time, especially during the warmer months, when the local campsites are bustling, the fruit stands are overflowing, and the waters that lap the beige sands are bathtub-like once more.

Though I didn't really realize it at the time these snaps were taken, I was squinting somewhat in many of them, which is rather coincidental, as I said same thing the last time I wore a snood. The snood in that previous post was one that I was blessed to win from etsy seller Arthelia's Attic, whereas the black snood in today's post comes by way of a lovely eBay seller who specializes just in classic 1940s style snoods.

I adore Arthelia's Attic's offerings to no end, and definitely hope to purchase more of their fine products over time, but they're somewhat pricy for a gal on a budget, so I recently went searching for another maker of good quality crochet snoods and found it in UK eBay seller tina.g-2008.

I placed an order for four snoods from her, all of which - even factoring in the exchange rate and shipping costs - were less than the cost of two of Arthelia's offerings. I'm really happy to have found this seller and added four more snoods to my budding collection. I opted for neutral hues that would go with a wide range of outfits, so I'm sure you'll be seeing plenty more of my new snoods here in the future.

So while we'd been pelted with rain earlier in the day, as the afternoon wore on and we enjoyed a peaceful moment high atop the hills in Kalenden, the air was dry and the view was spectacular.

Plus, I couldn't be happier about the fact that I got to capture my beloved, long pined for navy blue Jitterbuggin' pinafore dress on camera finally to share with all of you – proof positive that wish list items truly do materialize into real life sometimes!





72 comments:

  1. YES I also have a wishlist bigger and bigger, that these beautiful photos, the color of the dress suits you very much, I love your bracelets.
    Debora

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  2. I too love Arthelia's Attic snoods but her prices have gone up a lot since I purchased my first one. And since my hair is rarely long enough (and never thick enough) for a snood, I haven't purchased any in a good long while.

    And I just adore your Jitterbugin' pinafore dress! I never thought I could own one since my hips won't fit in my waist size, but I hadn't heard that most gals need to order up a waist size so maybe I can get one after all!

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  3. I'm one of those who never goes out without an outfit sprinkled in bunny fur! Even though dear Grace has been gone from us since September I am still finding her fur on my clothes, but I like to think she's still with me. I do of course also have the added addition of honey coloured fur from Little Bob who donates on a daily basis ;)

    I love pinafore dresses, but haven't worn one since I was ten I think! I do have a pattern for one though, so hopefully will again own one, one day soon.

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  4. Lovely Look!
    I love Snoods!I actually make a few at the moment!
    http://balearaitzart.blogspot.com.au/

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  5. Looking gorgeous as always! Can't decide which is more adorable; the dress or the brooch? I think I'd like one of each...

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  6. Well I don't know which is my favorite here!! The jumper, the plaid shirt or the awesome bulldog pin!! This outfit looks great on you and comfy!

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  7. My goodness -- you're so purdy! You've reached the height of beauty with this colorful outfit. The bangles are icing on the cake.

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  8. red plaid with that dress.. stunning color dear:)
    I love your mixing somuchh..

    Xoxo,Ila

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  9. I just love the red plaid blouse/pinafore combination!! It looks very 1940s-woodsy, perfect for your stunning surroundings. I've never had a pinafore dress nor a snood... they're both up there somewhere on my never-ending vintage wishlist ;)

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  10. Yay for Jitterbuggin'! This looks marvelous on you and I ADORE how you have paired it with the plaid and integrated so many colors into the outfit!

    I'm so glad to read that you're getting out more and more after your surgery. You're such a beautiful and strong woman!

    Also, thanks for the link to the ebay snood gal! I'm always looking for more snood makers!

    xoxo
    -Janey

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    1. Thank you deeply, Janey, that truly means a great deal to me.

      Had a setback with my recovery the weekend before last and have been back on bedrest since, but am starting to feel a touch better again, so hopefully I'll be able to get out once more in a few days.

      Thankfully I still have one set of snaps in the wings from before my surgery (they're one of my faves so far this year - taken back on Easter Sunday), so I'll be using them in my outfit post next week.

      You're very welcome for the snood link - I'm on the prowl for good quality, affordable snoods, too, so I'll definitely share any further such links that I find here.

      Sincerest thanks again, honey,
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. The pinafore looks great on you! You paired everything so wonderfully. The lake is a beautiful background too. I'm glad that you are getting around a lot more. It's always nice to get something you've had your eye on. There's a few items that I love to get but they are really out of my price range. Maybe one day.

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  12. The snood looks great on you:) I adore the bulldog brooch as well, I am trying to get in the habit of wearing brooches more, you did a lovely job with this outfit.

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  13. What a lovely jumper! I am so glad you finally got one. I myself was lucky to have a tiny windfall and bought myself a long waited for vintage patio dress.

    Yay for getting things on your wishlist! ^.^

    Abbi

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  14. my dear - you look great! that smile!
    this plaid shirt gives you a kind of working girl look - a pretty cute lumberjack :-)

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  15. yay, for pinafore dresses! You look completely adorable in this one and I'm glad to hear you are feeling better. I love the clothes at Jitterbuggin' but they are unfortunately not in my price range right now.

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  16. Woah, the dress, the pin, the background, it's all gorgeous. Jealous of your impeccable vintage styling!

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  17. Such a wonderful dress, you look fabulous in it! And what a marvellous view. Finland is quite a flat country so views like this are pretty rare.

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  18. Dear Jessica,

    I love you pinafore dress! Oh, and that cute doggie pin complements it so well.

    I, too, have always love snoods.

    :) Hope

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  19. Looking real good Jessica. So glad to hear you are getting out and about even just a teensy bit :-)

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  20. Such a great outfit. I'm a huge fan of pinafores to the point where I'll use any sleeveless dress as one! ;) I love how you've styled yours and the little pooch brooch is adorable.

    Glad to hear you're feeling a bit better.
    xo

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  21. Lovely outfit! I love snoods- I just wish I were able to wear it properly LOL (Like recently, with the hot/windy weather, it would be kind of nice to wear them ;) )

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Rachel! I've really been thinking that snoods will come in handy for me this summer big time, as it's my first as a wig wearer, and I'd imagine that synthetic wig hair (as my current wig is) gets quite toasty on the back of one's neck as the temperatures soar.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Oh definitely :) See, this is where I need to teach you to crochet- I have several snood patterns that are really very easy to make! (It's also something easy to do when you are fatigued).

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    3. Aww, thank you - one of us really must take a trip to visit the other someday so that crochet teaching can be had. :)

      ♥ Jessica

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  22. I went back to your birthday wishlist link. How funny that you would want the book "What Shall I Wear?" I just bought this book on Amazon. Were you able to find a copy you like? I just noticed an original hardcover on ebay for $24. Your jumper dress is just lovely and I can see how it fits you to a tee. I'm so glad that you were able to find it fit correctly. This is such a great feeling when it happens. Oh my! It's just so beautiful where you are at and I bet now the weather is just perfect for walks. Your camera captured amazing pictures as always:) I'm glad you are able to get out and about:))

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    1. Hi sweet Joanna, what a delightful coincidence that you recently bought this very same book - I've said it before, but I'll happily say it again, we are definitely two peas from the same vintage pod.

      No, actually, I haven't found a copy yet. Thank you so much for telling me about that copy on eBay - I noticed the publication date (a 2012 re-release) on the listing, which made me wonder if it had been released again since I made that wishlist, and looks like it has - yay! I might have gone a whole lot longer without knowing that if not for your wonderful comment. It appears that there's one copy in stock at the moment on Amazon.ca and as I have gift certifcate to use there that I got as a lovely gift earlier this year, I'm off to purchase this classic title right this very minute.

      Thank you so, so, so much for reminding me about it and helping me discover it had been published again.

      ♥ Jessica

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  23. You look absolutely smashing! Jitterbuggin's stuff is so cute. The pinafore was a great investment piece. I've been thinking about buying a pair of their pants for at least a year now, but keep wavering on the price part. My mom says to divide the price by the # of times you wear something, and use that to gauge whether it's worth it. For wardrobe staples, it IS worth it... but man it's hard to commit! You're inspiring me to set a bit aside and finally take the plunge.

    xo Sara

    P.S. Your cutie patootie celluloid doggie pin seems to resemble a real life pup...;)

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    1. Hi sweet Sara, thank you very much for your splendidly nice comment. I'm with you and your (wise!) mom completely when it comes to the cost per wear of a garment. This is the outlook I took with my purchases from Freddies (and this jumper), plus my vintage winter coats over the years, and a few other pieces that I just knew I was going to live in from the moment they arrived onward.

      I just know you'd look amazing in a pair of their pants (I sooo want a pair, too!), and hope you're able to get some one day, honey.

      So true about the brooch - I've always adored bulldogs (so does Tony) and got the brooch long before Annie, but am extra glad to have it now that I have a pup with the same colours (who is half American bulldog to boot).

      Huge hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

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  24. What a beautiful pinafore dress this is! It looks lovely paired with the plaid top. Kalenden looks lovely and relaxing :)

    Adrienne
    What Lola Wants

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  25. That pinafore dress is killer - awesome colour combo too :)

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  26. I really love the length of this dress! It looks exceptionally comfortable and as though it could be worn all year round. The touch of green in your bangles to pick up the green in your shirt is very nice - I feel like I say this every time, and I probably do - you're always so perfectly well coordinated! I hope you're beginning to feel healthy again - being unwell and the recovery from illness or surgery can be so debilitating. *hugs* (gently of course!)

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  27. Ohh Jessica this outfit is so gorgeous and you look beautiful as ever! I think this outfit may be another favorite of mine :D Jitterbuggin make gorgeous stuff! I also love that your little puppy brooch has the same coloring as darling Annie :D

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  28. I really like how you've chosen to wear the dress; I think it looks great with that check shirt. Actually I was just trying to decide what I would wear it with if I owned it but I can't imagine I could put it with anything other than a shirt like that now I've seen it - I seem to have become pretty fixated on that as an idea!

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  29. I love your pinafore dress. The color is wonderful, and those small pockets are great details! I'm not really into plaid shirts. But I must say, I really like it in this look!

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  30. Plaid and pinnies!! What a fab combination...and the snood completes the look completely. I recently got a pinafore as part of my work uniform and am loving it to bits. They make me feel like I'm a little girl again, only much more sophisticated. xx Shauna

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  31. Yay so happy to see a new outfit post from one of my fave ladies :) Glad to see you're back wearing fabulous outfits and looking amazing! :)

    Nora
    NoraFinds

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  32. What a babe! Your outfit is perfect sweetheart! So perfect! :) ➸♥➸

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    1. Bless your dear heart, that's wonderfully sweet, thank you very much, darling gal.

      ♥ Jessica

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  33. Awesome dress! What a wardrobe staple that will be! The doggie pin is completely adorable, and I also love your rainbow of bangles. You photograph beautifully, Jessica, and I always enjoy your photo shoots. A huge thank you to Tony for being such a willing and accommodating photographer.

    The location is lovely. It puts me a little in mind of the view of Payette Lake from atop a lookout in McCall, Idaho. Anyhow, in the very first photo, I got a little squeamish, as it looks like you are so close to the edge of the cliff, one step backwards would send you tumbling to a certain death.

    As always, thanks for sharing. Wishing you a lovely day.

    Hugs,
    Patti

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    1. Thank you very much, Patti, you're sweet as sugar to me with your awesomely nice comments.

      Fear not, one could get hurt if they took a tumble there for sure - but thankfully it's not as sheer a cliff as these photos make it appear. More of a gradual, sagebrush covered hill all the way down to the water's edge. I scaled both directions a few times as a young teen. Not the easiest hike, but not the toughest either.

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  34. Jessica, you look GORGEOUS! The squeal-worthy bulldog pin is the amazing :)

    ~ Kymberlee

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    1. *Blush* thank you very much, sweet Kymberlee.

      ♥ Jessica

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  35. Adorable outfit Jessica! I really love the doggy brooch!! The colors in your outfit are gorgeous. I really like jewel tones like the ones in your shirt. As always hubby takes great photos and you two find the most beautiful areas for backdrops. XO ~Kim

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Kim - I know it brightens Tony's day when I share the kind comments people say about his photography here, and yours will certainly be no exception.

      I love jewel tones, too! Growing up my mom would sometimes buy us extra cool packs of Crayola crayons as a treat, and one that has always stood out in my mind was the jewel tone pack. I think it inspired a lifelong love of these rich, saturated hues in me.


      Huge hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

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  36. I love the jumper with that shirt. It's such a great color combination and looks great on you!

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  37. Your outfit fully embodies Pacific Northwest practicality! I love it! It's also great to hear that you don't mind getting dirty in your Jitterbuggin clothes, they are built to last! Best wishes Jessica!

    Kim

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    1. Hello dear Kim, thank you very much for your awesome comment, it just made my whole weekend! I completely agree with you about the durability of your fabulous Jitterbuggin' garments.

      Thanks again - this is my jumper's debut post, but I'm sure it's just the first of many that will feature this beloved new staple in my vintage wardrobe.

      ♥ Jessica

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  38. Oh you look great :) I especially love the "snoods" though I have never heard it called that. I've been meaning to crochet myself some berets, but I just haven't gotten around to it. I have so many different hobbies and projects.

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  39. Your pinafore dress is so cute! I'm desperately wanting a pair of Tara Starlet Sailor Shorts in Black or Navy. Not only are they pricey, but they are *always* sold out of my size when I've got a few extra dollars floating around. They are at the top of my wish list at the moment.

    Also, lovely vista...I'm yearning for a road trip somewhere in Canada this summer and those photos are teasing me! ;)

    Have a lovely weekend my friend!
    Lisa.

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Lisa, you're so sweet to me. Oh, I hear you loud and clear about your wish list items often being sold out in your size. I've run into that numerous times before, too - most recently with an item I'd been intentionally saving up for from Bettie Page Clothing for months (and they don't seem to be restocking it online, so I fear my ship might have - right past me! - there). Fingers crossed that Tara Starlet restocks the shorts you're smitten with - and also that you get to go on a great road trip somewhere across our fine land this summer (I'm with you on that desire to no end as well!).

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  40. A lovely outfit and beautiful scenery. The colours are gorgeous. The dog brooch is fabulous. Why is it called a jumper dress? That means something different to me, literally a big jumper worn as a dress.

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    1. Hello dear Kate, thank you very much! Isn't so interesting, isn't it, how certain fashion related words mean different things on different sides of the world? What we call sweaters in North America, are jumpers in the UK. I'm honestly not sure why we call this style of dress a jumper (it's also know as a pinafore dress, which I think is more likely how it would be called in the UK) - and now you've piqued my interest there. I went searching on Wikipedia just now, but their small page on this type of dress didn't provide any clues about the original of the name (it just talked about how it's called by the two names in different parts of the world). I will keep investigating and let you know if I get to the root of why North Americans call these fun frocks jumpers (thanks for the great question!).

      ♥ Jessica

      *PS* While on this general subject, I wrote a post last year that you might enjoy in which I listed just some of the many names that various garments are known as in the English language the world over: http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2012/05/one-of-my-best-tips-for-successful.html

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    2. Great thanks for getting back to me on that one. I will be interested to read what you find out. Yes, in the UK we call it a pinafore dress. I had one as a teenager with a pocket on the front bib. My pet rat used to curl up in there and I could wander around with her in there with no one knowing until she peeked her little nose out! I am going to take a look at the post you mentioned.

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    3. My pleasure - I do hope I can get to the root of its name. If it's interestingly enough story, I'd happily make a blog post about jumper dresses in which I mention that your question sparked the research behind said post.

      That is so, so darling about the fact that you used to keep your pet rat in your dress pocket. Awww!

      ♥ Jessica

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    4. That would be great, I hope you find out and that it is interesting. When I had my rat I also had very long hair and if I had it down she would sit on my shoulder under it, occasionally licking my ear!

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  41. wow jessica you totally blow me away with those photos! that pinafore dress is so darling on you and i love your hair here! and all that together in that breathtaking beautiful place!
    wish you a wonderful weekend darling!
    love and kiss,mary

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  42. Fabulous outfit for sure, Jessica! I especially adore your bag and your splendid little brooch. Sweet. The scenery here is breathtaking. I want to see it in person someday! :)

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  43. You need to learn how to crochet; it's definitely a vintage skill! By the way, your outfit is amazing.

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Kim! I so wish I'd learned how to crochet and knit earlier on in life. Due to medical reasons, for many years now I've very limited arm strength and have a hard time holding my arms up (unsupported) for very long (I'm better with things like typing that allow me to rest the whole time while doing the activity), so I'm honestly not sure if I'll be able to learn either of these wonderful classic arts, but only time will tell (the perpetual optimist in me likes to think it could happen).

      Thanks again & have a marvelous weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  44. Oh this just looks adorable on you! And wow....what a backdrop!

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  45. Those clothes & colours suits you very well! :)

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  46. you look absolutely gorgeous in your jumper and I love how you styled. The brooch and snood are lovely! I am glad you are getting to feel a bit better. As for the cat and dog hair, you can barely see it. I love my jitterbuggin jumper too but the navy one is a bit of a pet hair magnet

    kate

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  47. I think this outfit is perfect for a trip to this wonderful lake. Wish you the best, my dearest Jessica.

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  48. Such a classic look Jessica! I love the new addition to your closet. It is super cute with that bulldog pin too! I recently saw a little donkey brooch and it is taking everything in me not to snatch it up. And I must say, your bangs are perfect! I know it's a wig, but they're still yours right? They are perfect. Perfect color, perfect shape, perfect compliment to your whole look. ;-)
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

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  49. LOVE your outfit! I have the same pinafore in green, and kind of wish I'd bought navy as I love the green but feel a bit like a girl scout in it, so I don't wear it a lot. lol Although I think I'll try it with a plaid top, that may tip the scales!

    And that dog brooch is a-dor-a-ble!

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  50. I love that pinafore! And it looks fabulous on you! Equally great is the doggie pin- so cute!!
    ~xoxo, CoriLynn

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  51. What a treat! being able to get something from your wishlist :)
    It is beautiful and the fact that it's also comfortable in this special time of need makes it even better.
    What a gorgeous set of pictures, you have so many spectacular nature sights to enjoy-

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  52. Lovely, and I love how you wear a red shirt under a navy blue dress. Navy blue can be a bit dull, but not on you. Have a lovely weekend, dear. :)

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Sanne! Navy can have a stark or dull connotation in some settings (perhaps because it's seen an a colour associated with uniforms), but it's actually one of my favourite (and most frequently worn) colours. I find it brings more colour to my face than black usually does, so I tend to reach for it more (than black) for that reason (excluding accessories).

      Wishing you a beautiful weekend, too!
      ♥ Jessica

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  53. Oh, how wonderful that you finally got to add an item you wanted for a long time to your wardrobe :3 It's a really nice jumer too, love the colour ^^

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