June 12, 2013

The weather really doesn't get any better than this






Outfit details


Hair flowers: Arden
Red knit shrug: Fairweather
Marcasite and blue rhinestone floral brooch: eBay
1980s does 1950s floral print dress: eBay
Lilac belt: From a different vintage dress
1950s white gloves: Gift from a dear vintage friend ♥
Blue and yellow bangle bracelets: Forever 21
Vintage red and green twist bangle bracelets: eBay
Red vintage purse: etsy seller I Love Vintage Stuff
Nude on nude seemed stockings: eBay
White pumps: Payless
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red


Photography by Antonio Cangiano



 photo VintagespringfloraldressandhairOsoyoosGazebo_1_zps143d42dd.jpg









{Tony snapping me taking iPhone photos, including this one of the gorgeous blue sky and calm waters of Osoyoos Lake.}















There are some days when the weather is so gloriously, all-encompassing, almost devastatingly gorgeous that even as you're living them, your mind has a tricky time taking in just how marvelous what you're experiencing actually is. The day - Easter Sunday, to be exact - on which these photos were taken was one such a time.

Unseasonably warm, drenched in sunshine, and filled with skies so blue they would have dulled sapphires by comparison, I honestly believe this might have been the most beautiful (and certainly the toastiest) last day of March I've ever had the good fortune to enjoy, and that's precisely what we did.

Roughly the same distance away from Penticton as the city of Kelowna, but in the opposite direction, one finds the charming little town of Osoyoos, British Columbia, which is the last staging post in that direction before one runs smack-dab into the Canadian/US border.

Since moving back to the area last year, Tony and I have made our way down to Osoyoos several times, however on each occasion - no matter how pleasant the weather was when we left home, once we got there, we'd be hit with either a massive rain or snow storm, and thus had never gotten the chance to take any outfit photos on our travels.

It had become something of a running joke actually, and we'd nearly begun to wonder if we'd ever find ourselves there on day when sunny weather was plentiful (a fact that's made all the more humorous - and a touch ironic - by the fact that Osoyoos often gets some the warmest summer temperatures in all of Canada). Fortunately however, the gods of sunshine were on our side at long last on Easter Sunday and we managed to not only soak up the stunning weather, but also take some lovely pictures in the gazebo that's situated down by one of the beaches on Osoyoos Lake.

I'd spotted this quaint, romantic little gazebo while passing through town on previous visits and had tucked it away in my mind as a great spot to use for a future photo shoot. So warm was it that day (+25C at a time of the year when the average temperature would usually be about half that) that I didn't even realize until sorting through these snaps afterwards that my cheeks had picked up a little bit of a flush from the sun - that's certainly not something that happens every day this early in the year, let me tell you!

In celebration of Easter and the joyful mood I was in that day, I selected of my very favourite and most jubilantly hued (1980s does 1950s) floral dresses. The frock itself is bold and clearly the star of the show, so I kept my accessories fairly low key, opting for my trusty red vintage handbag, white gloves, white heels, four bangle bracelets, an elegant floral brooch, and a few flowers nestled into my hair. A light weight red shrug helped keep my arms warm, though as the temperature kept skyrocketing, I almost became tempted to slip it off.

I loved everything about this day. Not just the sublime weather, but the leisurely Sunday drive we took, the conversations Tony and I shared, the stroll around town, the fun photo shoot location (these are my first snaps to date which have been taken in a gazebo), and the fact that we finally beat the curse of the Osoyoos storm.

It was, in every sense of the word, a perfect Easter and the sort of magnificent springtime afternoon that one will treasure in their heart (especially when winter's icy wrath returns) for the rest of time.


(*PS* I am thrilled to say that a photo from this shot also appears in the latest fabulous digital edition of Hey Doll magazine in the reader vintage outfit gallery. In the same edition, you'll also find an article by yours truly, that first appeared here on Chronically Vintage last November, all about how to store vintage gloves.)



77 comments:

  1. What solar this outfit, I love the purse and fabric printing.
    Debora

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  2. Don't you look beautiful Jessica.
    It's funny how places seem to speak to us of weather. The one time we went to Cambridge it was the hottest day of the year, everything sparkled, people were happy, strangers were greeting us on the streets and all was well with the world. We have such a rosy view of Cambridge that we're now a little hesitant to go back in case it isn't the same!

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  3. I just love this outfit! I really like that you grounded all of the fun colors with the red bolero and bag. It makes the loud print really work.

    And I loved your post in the Hey Doll magazine! I finally bit the bullet and got my first two pairs of vintage gloves last weekend! I've always shied away from them in the past but all of your cute be-gloved outfits made me think that I really need to give them a try!

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    1. Thank you very much, honey! That is precisely what I was aiming for with the red knit shrug and bag.

      How awesome that you bought your first two pairs of vintage gloves last weekend. I'm deeply touched to know I helped inspire you to venture down the vintage glove path. I hope you adore yours as much as I do mine (be warned though, much like potato chips or chocolates, it's hard to stop once you get started with them! :)).

      Huge hugs, my dear friend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. That's my girl! With this much color, you could be my sister!

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  5. You look absolutely gorgeous. I love how you combined and accessorized you outfit. Truly Beautiful...

    xx,
    Jacqueline

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  6. Hello dear Jessica,

    Your photo for "Hey Doll" looks lovely! YOU look lovely!

    How delightful that you had perfect weather for Easter and that your location worked out well for the day. The gazebo is charming, too.

    I love those white gloves. I am looking for some to buy myself. It takes a lot of patience finding the perfect pair.

    Hope you have a great day,
    Hope


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  7. Looking at this outfit makes me happy. I love the bright colors and the flowers as well as all the other matching details. Really lovely :-)

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  8. Everything about your lovely ensemble is picture perfect, Jessica! I love the dress! And not only is it lovely, but its many colors make it so versatile. You could change your whole look by adding a green bolero/shrug and accessories.

    Oh, and that brooch----simply stunning! I am sure that is one accessory which will see much wear!

    Warm, sunshiney days like that are always welcome to me, but especially after a long, cold winter.

    Wishing you a beautiful day.

    Hugs,
    Patti

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  9. Very nice outfit! I love the brooch!!

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  10. Hey Jessica, that's a really bright and colourful outfit. Love that. Your looking like a flower in full bloom. I love the combination of red and light blue although I can't wear that cause I don't have these colours in my wardrobe. Lately I saw this colour combination for kitchens: Light blue walls with white and red dashes of colour: cushions or kitchenware and so on. Lovely and cheerful!

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  11. Once again another lovely outfit of you Jessica! You have a great talent in putting outfits together. Everything is so well coordinated! I wish I could do it like you do!

    May you could share us some tips about how you pick your items for an outfit :)

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  12. Oh Jessica I am glad at least this once the sun was there to welcome you both.
    You look like a beautiful doll :) there is so much detail in this look.
    The flowers in your hair, the brooch, the gloves and I must say your bag is gorgeous.
    I sure hope you get many more days like this so you can share them with us.

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  13. You are just too cute Ms. Jessica:) I love the outfit tremendously. I feel the vibes of floral happiness:) I love how you accented your hair in flowers too. Red suits you well:) I can see that this was a lovely day for you. I need to take inspiration from you and get some floral pieces in my wardrobe:)

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  14. Wow, you look so lovely, your outfit is so colourful and cheery :)

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  15. Wow! The colours in this are fab, really high impact outfit this one! I love the way you always have lots of accessories and details, it makes for a thoughtful outfit.

    Well done on making it into 'Hey Doll' magazine too, that's great!

    P x

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  16. Love how colourful this outfit is! And that you got to enjoy the good weather!

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  17. A bright and beautiful, truly cheering post!

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  18. These are great photos! I read the new issue of Hey Doll earlier this morning and I found your piece in there really interesting too. I have never known how to size vintage gloves as all the ones I own have been ones that I was able to try on for size. I am please to now be able to buy them online as well!

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  19. What a delightful outfit! I adore all of the colors!

    Congrats on the picture in Hey Doll!!

    xoxo
    -Janey

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  20. Absolutely elegantly adorable! Love this outfit and I just have to say congratulations on the ezine!

    I love those beautiful weather days, they seem as if you are lost in a dream.

    Adios my dear!
    Jessie Lou

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  21. What a perfect outfit! Your hair looks gorgeous and I love that you're wearing gloves! So pretty!
    xx
    http://thescreensiren.com

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  22. You look stunning! I love everything about your outfit- the bright colors, the white gloves, and the perfect touches of flowers in your hair!
    Isn't amazing how sun-drenched days can fill us with such joy? I'm so glad you and your husband finally got to enjoy such a beautiful place, with beautiful weather!
    ~xoxo, CoriLynn

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  23. This outfit is amazing!! I love it! I really love the look of hair flowers on both sides these days, but have not been brave enough to try it.

    Lisa.

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  24. Now that's a riot of colours! You looks so happy in this outfit!

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  25. I can't believe no one else has commented! This is a *beautiful* outfit, and so you! Vibrant and lively and lovely, and it sounds as if it was the perfect outfit for a perfect day, too.

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  26. As usual, you look adorable! And like you, I cherish days with beautiful weather, especially when I'm spending them with my sweetie!

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  27. So pretty and so springy and summery! I love red florals and your coordinated shrug and handbag are perfect.

    As I type this it's currently very dark outside and raining so I'm a little jealous of your sunshine! ;)
    xo

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  28. Loving the red. On a completely random note I just came across your pintrest page and it is AMAZING. I love all your food boards and the kitsch board well pretty much all of them, keep it up:)

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  29. What a beautiful dress! So perfect for such a sunny warm day! The gloves are the perfect touch! The gazebo is such a lovely place for shooting some photos!

    Rebecca
    www.winnipegstyle.ca

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  30. You know I adore this color combo! The day did look just delightful. I love those days also-when everything is sweeter and the weather just ideal for taking a nice stroll. Tony did an awesome job as well! He is rockin as your photag! hehe xox

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  31. Such a beautiful, fun and vibrant outfit! You look amazing as always x

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  32. Hey, I actually love your style! It's really unique and really inspires me! I'm just starting out on my blog but please take a look http://deebeautyxox.blogspot.co.uk/

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  33. so beautiful! i love everything about this outfit! great combination of colours!
    big hugs from seattle ;)

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  34. So cute! Doesn't get much more summery than flowers in your hair. :)

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  35. So cute, I especially love how candid the last photo looks.

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  36. The colours in that dress are so dreamy, and your brooch is making me swoon! Such a gorgeous outfit!

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  37. That outfit is the epitome of summer, Jessica! Just gorgeous! Alas, it is dismally cold and rainy here in Melbourne but your post has brought a little sunshine to my day 😀

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  38. It's impossible to read this post without feeling happy - you are radiant!!!

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  39. Ohh, wow! You glow! I just love how you put together your look. The red accessories to the lovely flower dress. Fabulous! Even your lipstick is perfect. And speaking of lipstick - how about writing a post about your lipsticks? I'm behind with your blog again. I won't say I hate my job, but I hate that it takes so much of my time and energi.

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    1. Thank you so much, sweet dear!!! Awesome post request - for sure, I can definitely write about my lippies (I don't own or wear all that many, but I'm sure others would be interested in those that I do) a little later in the year. Thanks for asking!

      Huge hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

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  40. Send some of that sublime weather my way! It's either been unbearably hot, or "weather storm advisory" rainy the past few days. Oh well, could be worse. I just love when you wear bright festive prints like this. I'd love to hang out with you in real life. No one could ever have a bad day when hanging out with you in an outfit like that :)

    xo

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    1. Aww, thank you very much, honey. If I could, I would ship you a tractor trailer full of gorgeous Okanagan sunshine right this very minute.

      It would be an absolute honour to hang out with you, dear Rochelle - you have such a bubby, awesome personality (and incredibly vintage wardrobe - which we could chat about all day), and I bet we'd have the biggest of blasts together!

      ♥ Jessica

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  41. That dress is just perfect. The photos turned out beautifully too. Congrats on having one of them featured as well! The colors of this entire outfit encompass why I love the warmer months. Beautiful Jessica.
    Jamie

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  42. Hey,
    great pictures and a sweet outfit. I love it :)
    Kisses
    Tabea

    http://wolkedrei.blogspot.de/

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  43. Yet another creatively accessorized outfit Jessica! And I love floral prints and I love red. You featured both beautifully. Can't help thinking of spring when looking at your photos:)

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  44. Oh color! This outfit is simply summer! I love it. :)
    -Emily

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  45. That dress is so vibrant and fun! What a gorgeous day! I love days like those, surprisingly warm spring days that feel like they were picked up from June. What a great memory :)

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  46. I guess I'm the same way. There are those wonderful days with plentiful sunshine and where the temperature is just right. I not only relish those days, they come to the surface quite often and give me a much needed smile. :)

    I really love that bright red bolero with the sundress. Sometimes I can be so self-conscience of my arms I want to cover them up. Boleros and cardis are perfect for such times.

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Sean. I agree entirely, these rare, almost magically perfect days really do put a smile on one's face, both in the moment and for a long, wonderful time afterwards.

      Ooohh, how I hear you you loud and clear on the arm front. Between strongly disliking the look of my upper arms (love the lower halves though) and aiming to always dress with a degree of modesty, it's quite rare for me to wear an outfit that doesn't have sleeve that come down to at least the elbows.

      Thank you again - tons of hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

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  47. wow you look absolutely beautiful here!!! red is a great color on you daring! and what a fabulous floral pattern on your dress! you are a pleasure to look at!
    kiss,mary
    http://www.maryloucinnamon.com/

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  48. Sweet Jessica, everything about these photos is wonderful :)

    Hugs,

    Kymberlee

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    1. Thank you so very much, my tremendously nice friend.

      Huge hugs - and tons of joyful weekend wishes - right back at you!
      ♥ Jessica

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  49. I love this outfit, the colours are so bright and summery and it is so well co-ordinated, especially with the bangles. I am glad that you finally got the perfect weather for a photo opportunity. Your part of the world looks very beautiful.

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Kate! At the risk of sounding biased, I completely agree with you about our corner of British Columbia (I've lived in two other provinces and visited an additional two, and none have wowed me more than B.C.). The Okanagan Valley (the region of B.C. where we live) is renowned for its gorgeous (summer) weather, desert like landscape, countless lakes, dry climate, and breathtaking views. If you're ever planning a trip to western Canada, I can't recommend this area highly enough.

      ♥ Jessica

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. It sounds super lovely. I would like to visit Canada one day. I am terrified of flying but it is something I am working on as I don't want to miss out on all the beautiful and interesting places ( and people) that the world has to offer.

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    3. What a commendable outlook on something that you're uncomfortable with, dear gal. I truly hope you're able to come visit Canada one day - we'll save a maple doughnut for you! :)

      I don't mind flying (ok, taking my health issues out of the equation), and would truly love to spend some time one day in the UK, so who knows, I might just show up on your side of the pond at some point down the road.

      ♥ Jessica

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  50. I love this outfit!! I'm especially enamored of the purse. Vintage purses are my kryptonite.

    ~Katie
    www.katiemullaly.com (wordpress never lets me sign in from my webpage) :(

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  51. ohh you look so beautiful!! your hair and your dress and the pastel purple belt and white gloves and everything! i would say what good luck that you were well prepared for great weather so you could take these photos but i’m sure you look lovely all the time.

    the weather makes such a big difference to my mood, the sun just makes everything happier and better and i appreciate it every time i'm outside standing in it, so i know exactly what you mean when you talk about those elusive days with absolutely perfect weather. :)

    little henry lee

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  52. Sooooo incredibly gorgeous.

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    1. *Blush...blush some more...blush even more* Thank you very, very much, sweet Jess, that just made my whole day and then some!

      ♥ Jessica

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  53. You look so lovely and spring timely! Just beautiful!

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  54. Your outfit is so stilish and you have a special taste!

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  55. Colors, hairstyle, bracelets... everything !
    Beautiful !

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  56. I love this dress! Such a lovely, summery feel to your whole outfit. And your cheeks are so rosy, you can definitely tell you were feeling the joyfulness of the day. Beautiful!

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  57. Beautiful dress! I have a thing for flower pattern dresses, and this one is so pretty!
    xoxo
    Melodie
    http://sevenlivesandmore.blogspot.fr/

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  58. You look radiant in those wonderful colours, such a pretty summer outfit, and lovely to see you so relaxed and happy in all the summer glamour! p.s. love the below post on shoes too, if only they shipped to the UK...

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  59. You look ever so pretty! I had been hoping that you'd be posting photos of this gorgeous outfit after seeing the one in Hey Doll!

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  60. What a fabulously colourful dress! Perfect for Easter. I think this may be one of my favorite looks on you Jessica. The colours really bring out the natural colour in your face and the hairstyle is so cute! The contrasting belt and red shrug is interesting and I like the way you've highlighted more than one colour in the dress.

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    1. Thank you so much, honey, I love that you remarked on the contrasting belt and red shrug, as they're two of my favourites parts of this look as well (and also proof positive that one can wear red and purple together - something I was told was a big no-no as a child, thus ensuring I couldn't wait to do it as soon as I grew up - fashion rebel that I am! :) ).

      The cool thing about a pattern with this many hues (but which is grounded on white) is that I could alter the accessories and cardigan (if wearing one) and have a very different looking outfit in no time. I love this dress, so I'm sure you'll get a chance to see me do just that here at some point.

      Many thanks again & oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  61. Well, Jessica! What can i say? :) I adore every one of your outfit posts. I really do. And i think i've said this before, so i shouldn't repeat myself, but i think i love every post like this better than the one previous! Happy sigh. Let me see.. what are my very favorite elements here? It really IS hard to say. I love your beautiful gloves. The lovely dress, and the sweet vintage brooch. There. But every item here is competing for my affection. And as always, you rock the entire outfit. You really do. Hope you're having a wonderful weekend 'up there.' :D

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  62. I really like your outfit :3 It makes me think of how I really like the colour red, but hardly ever wear it ^^ I really should try and do so more often :3

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  63. Flower, red, and blue. I love!

    Nella Fragola

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