January 28, 2014

Sporting two gorgeous Maejean Vintage accessories for an impromptu day trip to Kamloops




Outfit details

Black felt beret: eBay
Tiny brass heart stud earrings: Claire's
c. 1930s metal and red glass "grapes" brooch: Lake Country vintage jewelry seller, Anja
Black boat neck top: Joe Fresh (from Real Canadian Superstore)
1940s gold sweetheart bracelet: etsy seller Maejean Vintage
1930s/40s floral print fabric handbag: etsy seller Maejean Vintage
Vintage burgundy plaid skirt: Gift from a dear online friend
Black seamed nude stockings: eBay
Black pumps: Payless
Lip colour: Clinique Raspberry Glace
Nail colour: Essie Eternal Optimist


Photography by Tony Cangiano
 




































At first glance, I know, it might seem as though the backdrop for this week's vintage outfit post isn't markedly different from last week's (not, of course, that there would be anything wrong with it if it were the the very same location), but I can assure you that these two spots are indeed entirely different entities.

How different, you may ask? Well, last week's post saw us shooting at Osoyoos Lake, and here, just a few days ago, we took these photos on the shores of the mighty Thompson River in Kamloops, a city located in the north of the Okanagan (Osoyoos is in the south). Tony and I both love to head out on unplanned adventures, though as you may have heard me discuss in past posts (such as this one), doing so isn't always feasible from a health stand point for me. Nevertheless, I do still try very hard to make at least a couple longer distance day trips a possibility each year.

Initially, when we'd set off that day, we thought we'd drive to the tiny town of Merritt, which is located about an hour and forty minutes away. We did just that, and while it was lovely (small, but certainly very charming), it didn't begin to fill our whole afternoon by any means. As such, with daylight still to burn, we decided to power on and keep going all the way to Kamloops, which is a little under three hours away from Penticton, where we live.

Hard as it is for me to wrap my head around, I haven't been to Kamloops since I was 15 years old, that's half my lifetime ago. Wow!!! Needless to say, I was super excited to suddenly be greeted with the prospect of seeing it again and for Tony to visit for the first time.

Despite being mid-January, we were blessed with completely clear roads and good (aka, not snowy and/or foggy) weather for our on the fly travels and reached Kamloops quickly and safely. Though I have been there before, I was much younger and don't know the city terribly well, so we had fun navigating the downtown core and a few other areas, including making our way down to Riverside Park in the heart of the city to take some photos in the snow that lay caked the banks of the North Thompson River (the Thompson has two branches, north and south, and they just happens to be the largest tributaries of the Fraser River).

When I got dressed that morning, I didn't know I'd be going on a road trip, let alone such a lengthy one, but what I selected as my outfit for the day served me well on that fashion front (I had a heavy winter coat with me, too, fear not - I just didn't want to cover up my outfit here). The first item I reached for was this fabulous, new-to-me vintage burgundy plaid wool skirt that a dear blog reader and online friend sent me as a gift. I don't have any other skirts like it and had been wanting one for ages, so I was beyond touched and thrilled when she surprised me with this one.

A simple black boat neck top (something every vintage loving lass should have in her wardrobe, if they like that neckline), black felt beret (it's not vintage, but looks the part), seamed stockings and basic black pumps round out the clothing in this subtly French coquette meets mid-century college student ensemble.

For part of last year, I had the great pleasure of working with top-notch etsy vintage shop Maejean Vintage (you can read oodles more about them in this spotlight post I wrote in August) in a sponsor capacity and we've maintained a great professional relationship ever since.

Recently the two lovely ladies that helm Maejean Vintage emailed to ask if I'd like to receive and feature some items from their shop to feature in outfit posts on my blog. As you may imagine, I said yes at the speed of light and was elated to pick three items from their amazing inventory of vintage jewelry, accessories, fashion, decor and other old school items.

Those three pieces include the wonderfully pretty 1940s WW2 sweetheart bracelet and charming 1930s/40s purse you see in today's outfit, as well as the elegant black 1950s glass bead necklace I shared in this outfit post earlier in the month (and which I'm sure you'll see oodles more of in the future - it goes with a vast array of mid-century looks).

Like all of Maejean's offerings, these pieces make me swoon. They arrived quickly, were expertly packaged and in exactly the condition they were described. I'd longed for a WW2 sweetheart bracelet for many years, so to to able to select one from Maejean's offerings was an especially big treat for me.

This purse is ideal for a day trip such as this. It's roomier than many vintage handbags, weighs relatively little (even factoring in its sophisticated metal frame and clasp), and is comfortable to place on your lap or against your legs for long periods of time. It's the largest genuine vintage handbag that I now own and I love it to no end (the fact that it's fabric and generous sized also makes me think of Mary Poppins' famous carpet bag, too, which makes me smile every time I spot it on the shelf in my closet).

I sincerely appreciate these thoughtful gifts from Maejean Vintage's endlessly fantastic offerings (seriously - check them out, their selection is the kind of thing that vintage jewelry dreams are made of!) and am excited to let you know that Chronically Vintage will be teaming up with them again soon in the form of a fun blog giveaway for an etsy gift certificate for their shop.

It felt wonderful to reconnect, albeit very briefly (we headed back home that to Penticton that same day after the sun set) with Kamloops. It's a bustling, lovely city and one that I was surprised to discover just how much I loved seeing and spending time in again. Tony, the Kamloops newcomer, really felt a connection with it as well and we both agreed that, if life takes us in that direction one day, we'd even be happy to relocate there. No such plans are in the works of course, but hey, you never know! Far more likely is that you'll see us make future day trips out that way, especially since I have some relatives who live there.

I loved this memorably Saturday and the North Okanagan adventure Tony and I shared that day. Did I pay for so many hours of driving and being out and about afterwards on the health front? You bet! I'm still recouping from it actually, but that's okay. It was grand to get out and explore, to stand on the shores of the Thompson River (where I have fond memories of swimming as a child in the summer), and to have such a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop for the day's outfit photos.

This was the first time I had seen Kamloops in 15 years, but mark my words, after falling in love with it anew, it certainly won't be anywhere near that long before we return again - camera in hand, naturally.




69 comments:

  1. It's beautiful. The setting is amazing, your outfit is gorgeous, and I love the whole atmosphere of these colors. Really great !
    I wish a very good week ,
    Love from Paris.

    Lorna
    Http://lornasharp.blogspot.com

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  2. the nature is awesome, wish i had something like that around my home :)

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  3. It's so funny you posted this outfit today, as I'm wearing a nearly identical outfit myself! (My pendleton is a different colorway, but the overall effect is quite similar as I'm wearing a black top!) You look marvelous and the cranberry in your skirt really pops against the pale winter background.

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  4. Plaid and pleats are such a weakness of mine! Your brooch is the highlight of this outfit for me- it's gorgeous, as are you!

    Love this local exploration you and Tony are sharing with us. What a fabulous way to spent time together!

    A few years ago I spent a night in Kamloops, and I totally understand your renewed love for it.
    When I was there I managed to take a few photographs of the great old Plaza Hotel sign and some interesting cemeteries just outside town. The city has such a unique feel to it, I wish I would have had more time to explore!

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  5. Oh wow, that skirt is awesome!!

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  6. I love this style of skirt on you, it's really elegant. I get the impression you're more a later 40s-50s, voluminous skirt kind of lady, but the early 40s look really suits you. Also that brooch is awesome.

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  7. gorgeous photos!
    you could easily stand at a lake in the scottish highlands - and nessy lurking out of the water :-)
    very classy!
    hug you <3

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  8. Kamloops is pretty amazing, isn't it? And amazing how much it's grown over the years, too! :) Now I get to ask a silly question...(well, for an Easterner it isn't silly, but considering how much family I have out your way...duh! *lol*) is Kamloops the city with the airport, or is it Kelowna? I always get the two mixed up, much to my embarassment...can't even spell properly I'm so ashamed! *LOL*
    If it's Kamloops, My Aunt, Uncle and I might be in a very short scene in a local Bollywood movie - trying to get out of the airport parking lot is what the scene would be... Drat, we could be famous and we don't even know it! :)

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    1. Hello dear lady, thank you very much for your lovely comment and great question. Both Kelowna and Kamloops have airports actually, so where you're headed in the Okanagan (or elsewhere in B.C.) will most likely determine which one you'd fly into. I've never flown into or out of Kamloops, but I have from Kelowna.

      That is too cool about potentially being in the background of a Bollywood movie! There'a large Indian community in British Columbia (especially in the Lower Mainland), but I didn't know there were Bollywood movies shot around these part. Very neat!!!

      ♥ Jessica

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  9. Dearest Jessica,

    Such a beautiful location! I am fascinated by all the places you visit for your shoots and think it’s exciting that you and Tony pack such adventure into your outings.

    I love that brooch! And pleated plaid skirts have been a lifetime favorite of mine – so classic. Your purse is supper spectacular.

    Anyway…I just HAD to pop in to tell you how much your sweet comment, today, meant to me. I am always deeply blessed by your visits to my blog.

    Love and hugs,
    Hope

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    1. You're very welcome, sweet Hope. The blogosphere won't be quite the same while you're on hiatus, but again, family and one's offline world must come first, so I completely understand why you need to take a wee breather from your site.

      Thank you! I adore traveling to new (or at least, new in the sense of that we haven't shared them here on the blog before) places and posting about them. We have a couple more (in another part of the province entirely) that we hope to get to on similar day or perhaps weekend trips throughout 2014, so hopefully we'll be able to get in shoots and post about those as well when they happen.

      Tons of hugs & happy (slightly early) February wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. That purse is so pretty!! And I can see it will be very versatile with so many lovely colours in the flowers. What a lovely gift!

    We have friends who live in Kamploops and we flew to visit them a few years ago. It's a pretty place (although being a prairie girl I did feel a little closed in with the mountains looming over the town so closely - what a strange feeling it was!). Did you drive by Padova City? The old abandoned asylum? I was fascinated by it.

    Lisa

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Lisa. Absolutely! One can pick and pull colours out of the purse, partner it with dark neutrals and black, and really use it with a wide number of outfits (I foresee taking it yard saliing a lot, too, as it will be great for storing small finds, like brooches or hankies in, as I buy them throughout the day).

      We didn't cruise by their this time, but I remember seeing it as a child and being thoroughly intrigued by it as well. Next time we're up that way, we'll have to try and make a point to visit Padova City.

      It's interesting that you mention feeling a bit squeezed in by the mountains, because (haling from B.C. as I do), always felt a bit strange when I lived in Alberta and Ontario and didn't have the "hug" of the mountains around me. It's really neat that one can sense both sides of the coin there, just depending on what they grew up around.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. I really love this outfit on you - simple, yet effective! Really, really lovely! You look so pretty, that I almost didn't notice the stunning background setting... ;)

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  12. I really love the simplicity of this look. You take a blank canvas for your black sweater and pop it with a lovely tartan like plaid skirt and it does have that wonderful late 30s to late 40s look. And you can never go wrong with a sweetheart piece. I would love to find a first sergeant brooch/pin or Army wife pin. So pretty!

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    1. Thank you very much, honey! I'll definitely let you know if I see either of those types of WW2 sweetheart pins (I've seen both over the years, including on eBay).

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      *PS* Your avatar for your blogger commenting profile here is super cute! :)

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  13. These photos are stunning, and this outfit is, too! Gorgeous as always, my friend!

    xox Sammi
    www.thesoubrettebrunette.blogspot.com

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  14. The handbag is very unusual and I love the brooch, so pretty!
    The landscape is stunning but I'm guessing you had a coat somewhere out of shot to quickly wrap back up in??

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  15. You live near the most gorgeous places. Not that there isn't beauty here, but...sigh.
    And that skirt looks like it was tailor made just for you. What a lovely gift!
    I won't even go into my love of sweetheart stuff, but it might be the only reason I tolerate Valentine's Day. Gives me a wonderful excuse to wear more than one piece at a time. :D

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Rachel! Our town, Penticton, is absolutely gorgeous, too. In fact, it's stunning beauty and breathtaking natural scenery help make up for a lot of things that it's lacking at times (especially for the younger generations, who typically leave here after they graduate high school for jobs and lives in bigger cities).

      It's awesome that you're a fan of sweetheart jewelry as well. I adore it so very much and treasure each piece that I own. Whenever I wear one, I cannot help but think of the lady who sported it originally and wonder if her loved one(s) made it home safely.

      ♥ Jessica

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  16. This outfit is so wonderful! One of my favorites I've seen you in. I love the shape of the skirt and the pin, the hat, the blouse. It's all very lovely. And what a backdrop.

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Jessie! I absolutely love the shape of this skirt, too. I don't have the world's most slender calves or ankles (or legs in general), so I'm always on the prowl for skirts and dresses that hit at or around mid-calf (like this one), as I find they tend to be much more flattering on me than those that come in right below the knee. I'd love to find more skirts in this length and warm, wintertime perfect kind of plaid in the future, as I'm beyond smitten with this one now. :)

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. My goodness! What a beautiful view! I love traveling and I miss it very much. I know how demanding can be on health issues, but just going on route, somewhere in adventure is marvelous. And I'm so glad you toke that effort dear Jessica. Because like this,also us together with you and Tony are able to see these wonderful photos. Thank you! :-)

    The outfit, oh! Lovely. I love the grapes brooch, and also need to get a skirt like that. The purse, well the purse I was going to purchase it and then was gone! Haha! And for my surprise was for you :-)
    Is in good hands and I'm so happy with that. I love that purse. It gave me a big smile sweetheart!

    The bracelet goes perfect with your engagement ring!

    Hugs,
    Miss Beta

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    1. You have an excellent eye for detail, Miss Beta. I love that you noticed how this sweetheart bracelet compliments my heart shaped engagement ring (I too thought of that when I slipped the bracelet on for the first time). I've always been mad about hearts (as the new grey and white background of CV's template here attests), and love that jewelry items like this are one wear to sport a heart or two with me wherever I go in life.

      Thank you very much for your wonderfully nice comment - huge hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. The Thompson River is absolutely stunning - and, covered in snow and ice, utterly different to anything near me. Soooo beautiful! As are you in that adorable collegiate outfit. Maejeans additions are so very pretty too (That bag! That brooch!). XXX

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  19. What an amazing place, I could stand for hours watching those mountains and the river.

    PS. I love the changes you've done to the blog, awesome!

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  20. I love going on unplanned adventures too! They sure make some great memories! Kamloops looks amazing and the scenery is perfect to stop and taking some breathtaking photos in! Your skirt is just darling and that sweet brooch makes the perfect accessory!

    Rebecca
    www.winnipegstyle.ca

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  21. Gorgeous photographs. I'm so longing for cooler weather!

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  22. Wonderful photos! I especially love the brooch, that is so neat. What a wonderful place for a photo shoot. the last picture is super nice the way the sun is shining on the mountains with the lake. This is fabulous winter clothing and setting at its best!

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  23. Another really stunning set of photographs. The scenery is so beautiful, such gorgeous wintery scenes. I am really glad that you made it out on such a nice trip. Lovely skirt and bag, what great gifts.

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  24. The neckline on that top is incredibly flattering on you, tres sexy et chic!

    I agree that the atmosphere in these photos is something special, Tony's captured the essence of the location.

    Outfit beautifully styled, as always!
    P xx

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  25. Such a gorgeous outfit! You always look so pretty!

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  26. This skirt looks brilliant on you dear Jessica! I love your outfit. I've also been on the hunt for something similar in a skirt, I'd say your friend got it right with this gem:) Your hat is also very lovely. What a nice day outting for you:) Wonderfully accessorized to boot:) I also wanted to mention that your new color tones in your design of your blog are warm and welcoming, just like you:) Very lovely!

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  27. Jessica! I love your new look here! It's splendid. And your outfit, beautiful as every time. I adore the plaid skirt, and the grape pin is a wonderful addition! You are so creative, talented and stylish. And Tony does a spectacular job on the photography. Every outfit post you do.. i think to myself.. How does she do it?? Every single time. Hugs! xx

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  28. The scenery is lovely but I was fixated on your outfit! I adore off-the-shoulder things, and the combination of your top and skirt is so pretty. And you always style yourself so beautifully when it comes to details and accessories!

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  29. Wow how much do I love this outfit? That skirt and the handbag really catch my eye but as usual it is always your little finishing details that bring it all together. Lovely.


    And the scenery is just "Beautiful British Columbia" : )

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  30. Your new blog facelift looks amazing Jessica :) and your outfit is gorgeous! :)

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  31. .. the same from me, you look fantastic in that outfit and your husband gave the best..
    ciao ciao from over the big pond... Christa

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Christa. I really am blessed to have Tony as both a loving husband and a great photographer, it's true.

      Big hugs from (super) snowy Penticton,
      ♥ Jessica

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  32. I enjoyed reading about your trip to Kamloops (that name sounds so funny to me!). It's lovely (although tiring) to visit a new city, and sometimes those impromptu things work out best. It looks so cold where you are though! I was most relieved to read you had a coat to top your classy outfit! I can't imagine living somewhere as wild and beautiful as that. It's wet and grey here, cold and clear suits me so much better, I wish we could swap ;). Your jewelry is beautiful, too. Great choices, dear Jessica!

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Philippa. It's a fun word to say for sure - it's always made me think of the breakfast cereal Fruit Loops.

      Definitely! Trips like this are not something I'm able to do often (I'm still very much recovering from this one twelve days later), but they're something I try to push myself to do no matter the outcome from a health standpoint at least a couple of times a year (more if possible). The memory made on them are priceless and are really wonderful way for Tony and I to connect with each other while at the same time taking a breather from the daily grind, if only for a few short, wonderfully nice hours.

      Tons of hugs from (super!) snowy Penticton (we had a bit of a snowstorm here yesterday),
      ♥ Jessica

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  33. What a view! ;) I love your skirt, in fact I'm on the hunt for a dark green one alike it. But your red looks super lovely. I also love the look of the boat-neck blouse, but I hate wearing it. I think it is so annoying that the neck keeps falling down your shoulders and you also have to wear a strapless bra, and I prefer the ones with straps. And you know what? I've just bought the Clinique Raspberry Glace lipstick on eBay, since for some strange reason I cannot buy it in Denmark. Anyway, I think it was much cheaper to buy it online, since Clinique is very expensive in Denmark. I've admired it on your lips for long, so I got to own it. :) I can hardly wait to try it.

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    1. Hi sweet Sanne, thank you very much for your great comment. I'm delighted to know that you were able to find Raspberry Glace on eBay for a good price. That's got me thinking now, perhaps I could get it for less online there, too? (Part of me doubts it though, as shipping to Canada from the US has gotten soooo step even on tiny packages in recent years - you never though, so I'll check there the next time my tube of lipstick runs low.)

      Boat necks are one of my favourite styles of tops and I want to get into wearing them more often. I have a really comfortable vintage long line black strapless bra that works wonders under those in darker colours, so that certainly makes pulling them off easier and more cozy, too. :) Hopefully the thrift stores will help deliver some more to my closet this year.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  34. wonderfull outfit. the colours are truly inspiring (dark red and black - love it) and you choose the perfect jewelery pieces.

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  35. I think this look is just about perfect!

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  36. I love this skirt! Well I love plaid skirtsin general, but this one is so flattering! I also like it that you choose to add a bag with a floral design. It's a good mix of different prints!

    One of my next sewing projects consists of a pleated skirt maid of plaided fabric. I started this one 3 years ago, but I got into my unfinished items pile.

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  37. Beautiful place Jessica, i loved it! I also loved your skirt and your clach-bag! Your outfit was awesome!
    Take care and i wish you have more beautiful trips like this in the near future!
    Greetings from Greece!
    ❀◕ ‿ ◕❀

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  38. That last photo is just breathtaking! You have some amazing natural scenery around you - and a brilliant photographer to capture it. Beautiful outfit, the skirt suits you perfectly! What a gorgeous gift. Also, I really like your new blog look, especially the retro font of your header - it makes me think of old shows like I Dream of Jeannie and Bewitched.

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  39. What a lovely setting for your photos! Especially that last one, it makes me long for a visit. I love the style of your skirt too.

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  40. I'm in awe of the beautiful backdrops you have there in your area-the snow and the scenery are just so lovely. Your beautiful jewellery really makes the outfit...although I love kilts to bits by themselves... and have eyed off similar sweetheart bracelets on etsy myself. If only we could have everything in our etsy heart boxes-sigh. Beautiful as always, Shauna

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  41. My, My, you're a siren in this outfit! I bet your husband was quite proud to squire such a lovely lady around town!

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  42. You look divine! Thank you sweetness for stopping by GirlWhimsy - hope to see you again! Have a whimsical evening!

    http://girlwhimsy.blogspot.com

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  43. Wonderful outfit, it looks so pretty on you! I simply adore plaid skirts.

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  44. Wonderful outfit--I adore that brooch! It matches your skirt perfectly. You look stunning and what an amazing backdrop!

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  45. OHHHH Jessica, It looks adorable on you, the skirt has found the perfect home. May you wear it in the best of health always. Love the way you styled the whole outfit. Hugs!!!
    Celtic Lass

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    1. Thank you very much, my wonderfully dear friend! This skirt is a joy to wear! It's warm, stylish and very, very comfortable. I know it will be a beloved winter wardrobe staple of mine for many years to come.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  46. Lovely as always, Jessica :) That top looks beautiful on you!

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  47. wow breathtaking you and breathtaking landscape! that plaid skirt is a dream it looks so amazing, i have a thing for pleats too lately;) and also the brooch and the handbag are fabulous!
    love and kiss,mary

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  48. You were right not to cover your today's outfit with a coat! I have a plaid skirt too, but yours has a deep lovable colour! I love how you always find the right accessories to match, and the brooch on your top reveals your care for details...and the bag is delightful!

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  49. Wow, the handbag is so pretty, I really love this design! And the skirt is rad, too (-:

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  50. Your outfit is lovely - these darker colours really appeal to me. It's a shame your health suffers when you take these trips as it's such a pretty place to take your photos.

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  51. Oh my, I love that bag!

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  52. Stunning outfit & setting one of my faves :-)

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    1. Thank you very much, lovely lady!!! This is truly one of my favourite settings we've ever used as a backdrop, too (as well as the largest river I've posed in front of for the blog to date).

      Joyful start of February wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  53. Love the red against your hair!! And highlights with the brooch, what a perfect outfit.
    I wish it were so cool here to wear something similar!
    Much love xx

    Trish Hunter - www.trishhunter.com.au

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  54. I am in love with that brooch and handbag! You look stunning!
    ~xoxo, CoriLynn

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  55. Beautifull, dear Jessica !!!
    Kisses for you :D

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  56. I'm in love with your Tartan skirt !!!!

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