February 18, 2014

Serenity sought, and found, while wearing my beloved Freddies jeans, at Yellow Lake




Outfit details

Royal blue floral print scarf: eBay
White rose stud earrings: Claire's
Emerald green camisole: Ricki's
Mustard yellow cardigan: Loft by Ann Taylor (bought on eBay)
Pink rhinestone rose brooch: eBay
Bangle bracelets: Assorted sources
1940s style side button jeans: Freddies of Pinewood
1950s corduroy bucket purse: etsy seller Rue 23 Vintage Clothing
1940s style black shoes: Thrifted (Salvation Army)
Lip colour: Clinique Raspberry Glace


Photography by Tony Cangiano































Relatively few of us live out in the wilds of nature any more. Most, it's fair to say, return home to an address that is either located smack, dab inside of a town or city, or which can reach one in a matter of minutes. Even those who have opted to live far further from the hustle and bustle of a community are rarely without at least a few of signs, stresses, and sounds of modern city life (such as visible traffic, telephone poles, and airplanes flying overhead).

I love city and town living, don't get me wrong. In fact, given the option between living in the backwoods or on the main street of a pulsating metropolis, the city option will nearly always win out for me (I was born a stone's throw away from Vancouver and have adored big cities since the youngest of ages), but sometimes one needs - really and truly needs in the pit of their soul to head as far away from an urban center as possible.

As awesome as a week in the country may be, if that's not in the cards (and it rarely is!), I'm grateful to have a few locations around our part of the province where I can retreat and quietly collect my thoughts, skip some of my worries out into the water along with smooth rocks, and breath in hearty lungfuls of pure, fresh, glorious Canadian air.

Three Mile Beach in Naramata, which I blogged about last summer is one such spot, another is Yellow Lake, located between Penticton and the small community of Keremeos (which houses Bear's Farm produce market). Though a leg of British Columbia Highway 3A runs directly past it, with cars buzzing all the while, there is still a tremendous sense of tranquility to this small, beautiful lake.

In the summer, Tony adores heading here after work or on the weekends to cast his line and whittle away the hours, and I'm fond of visiting it not only to accompany him while he fishes, but to simply decompress and be at one with nature. Something that we all, at times desperately, need to do far more often than we're prone to. An hour or two spent outdoors probably won't erase all of your troubles, but it can usually help send at least a couple packing and give you a renewed sense of energy to help tackle many of the others.

For this overcast afternoon of wilderness zen seeking, I opted to wear my massively adored Freddies vintage style side button jeans and mustard yellow Loft by Ann Taylor cardigan (last seen here), an emerald green lace trimmed camisole, a beautiful floral print scarf in shades of royal blue, green, yellow, pink and white; a sparkling pink rhinestone rose brooch, a stack of bangles, and my trusty 1950s corduroy bucket bag to create a casual, colourful chilly weather ensemble.

In the warmer months, one sees tiny turtles swimming in the water, fish leaping out (especially in the very early morning hours), along with myriad birds soaring overhead or resting amongst the tall grass of the shoreline. Shimmering winged dragonflies rest leisurely on the lake's surface, an occasional fox darts out of the woods, and even a snake or two - hopefully of the non-rattle tailed variety - can be spotted every now and then. It's a slice of the woods, of mother nature's backyard, and of calmness that takes less than half an hour to reach and which never fails to sooth and rejuvenate weary spirits.

With spring not that terribly far off, I'm sure we'll soon start heading down that way more often again, be it for fishing, settling frazzled nerves, or simply sitting on a wooden dock and basking in the sunshine. For while I do love cities and towns, there's a part of me that will always crave the great outdoors as well, especially when my mind needs to unwind and get away from the daily grind for a spell.

89 comments:

  1. I, too, find myself torn between town/city living, and living a little closer to nature. For me, there is nothing quite like the inner peace found by spending time in the woods or with a line in the water at some isolated locale, and sometimes it is all to tempting to chuck it all and seek a permanent life in the wilderness.
    Your lake looks beyond tranquil and the perfect place to be alone with your thoughts.

    I appreciate your practical yet stylish (of course) outfit for serenity seeking. Those Freddies just love your figure, and I love how you've played with color; your bangles and scarf really make a connection and bring it all together!

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    1. Indeed, there are times when one wants nothing more than to simply walk away from the trappings of city or town life and strike out for the wildness something fierce. I find these longs pull at me most strongly in the warmer months of the spring and fall (perhaps because I did a lot of camping then as a youngster). I doubt I'll ever give into them - my medical problems alone would make pulling a Bear Grylls impossible for any amount of time - but at least amongst such a breathtaking natural landscape that I can indulge my desire to do so, or simply "get away from it all" for a little while anytime I like.

      Thank you very much for your wonderfully nice comment - tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. Love your bright and cheerful outfit. I just cannot wait for spring!

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  3. When we lived in BC that was my favourite part, enjoying the outdoors, which we did almost every single day. We lived on the Island in Victoria and would often travel to our favourite spot on weekend, East Sooke.
    We have lived either in Toronto or Montreal for 15 years now. I so miss BC.

    I love the colours of this outfit and all the details. You look as serene as that lake behind you.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  4. Dearest Jessica, thank you for this wonderful post of delight.
    I am not keen at all on jeans, but yours are perfect and a wonderful part of the piece of art of your attire.
    The backdrop seems to be there to complemente it all.
    Love and sunshine ALWAYS.
    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  5. What a lovely spot. Beautiful pictures too. I love that you are not afraid of wearing bright colors. :)
    I grew up in the country and can't image living anywhere else. I like visiting the cities as there are so many great opportunities -museums, shopping, food etc. But at the end of the day I like nothing more then to come home to the piece and quiet of my little spot in Vermont. I work in an office all day so even an hour or two sitting outside at the end of the day can do wonders.
    I love traveling and seeing new places but to be honest my ideal vacation would be spending a couple days hiking the Long Trail, something I have not in years.
    -Emily

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  6. is´t it gorgeous to have a place like this to rest and restore, dear jessica!
    i know from myself how live saving a quiet green spot at mother nature´s can be.
    propper attire for a day outdoors and your sweater fits the birch tree´s autumnal color!
    oxox

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  7. You look cute as a button in this outfit! I am really taken by your description of the wildlife, it sounds wonderful.

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Helen. It is truly wonderful - we're fortunate through and through to live in such a beautiful part of a country that is breathtaking for shore to shore. I never take that for granted and count it amongst my blessing every single day.

      Oodles of hugs & many thanks for all of your terrific recent blog comments,
      ♥ Jessica

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  8. Beautiful outfit again! The scarf is great!!

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  9. I fully understand what you mean, I also seek the quietness and escaping to my tiny summer cottage at Moen is fantastic. Walking in the woods or on the beach, returning home to prepare dinner (with my sister and her family, they are our neighbours) and just relaxing and enjoying life. Aaah. :) Your lake is beautiful, as are you. I wish I could wear mustard, but I'm a pale blonde, so no good. And btw I think I have forgot to tell you that I bought the Raspberry Glace lipstick online, and I love it. It is very old fashioned lipstick like and quite dry, but it is just the colour I have been looking for and it really lasts. Just wanted to let you know. :)

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Sanne. You had mentioned that before and I was thrilled that you found it online and again delighted to know that it's working out terrifically for you. I was wearing it just yesterday myself, too (though we didn't do a photo shoot that day - it was a dog park + errands running day).

      You're so fortunate to have a summer cabin all your own. I would adore such a peaceful place in the wildness to retreat in the warmer months (if not all year round).

      For a long time I thought yellow and I couldn't get along either, but it was just a matter of finding a small number of shades that worked with my colouring. I bet there's at least one yellow (gold perhaps?) that would work with your beautiful skin and hair tones, too, my lovely friend. If you like yellow and feel as though you want to sport it, I encourage you to keep trying shades until you hit upon one that works for you (for me, I have to stick to either very pale or very dark shades).

      Tons of hugs & many thanks for your terrific comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. And again, stunning photos and marvelous look! And that backdrop! Wow, I wish I'd live in Canada instead of the boring Netherlands!!

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    1. Aww, thank you very much, lovely Lindsay. I suspect that you would adore Canada. It has a bit of everything for just about everyone, all surrounded (hugged, one might even say) by some of the most breathtaking natural scenery on the planet. I've always thought that the Netherlands looked beautiful in photos, too - plus you guys have so many more centuries of history and classic architecture than we do (save of course for Canada's First Nations people who were here for thousands of years before Europeans showed up). Around these parts, especially in B.C. which was one of the last provinces to be settled, if something is 100 years old, it's usually quite a big deal (at least to me! :)).

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. Gorgeous outfit as always. I love the headscarf! It looks like you've found a great spot to relax in nature. I've been waiting for spring to hurry up, so I can go for nature walks again. I adore spending time and nature and find it really hard in the winter when all my favourite conservation areas are closed.

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  12. Ahhh I look at you and I feel the spring nearing already hehehe Just lovely colors and its so beautiful there. I love that you accompany your hubby while he fishes. Its so nice to just sit together and relax isn't? xox

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    1. Oooh, it truly is. We are total love bugs and always adore just being in each other's company, no matter what we're doing and whose hobby or interest is at the heart of our day (I go fishing with him, and he takes me yard saling, for example). Of course sometimes we share the same passions, such as watching movies, traveling, going to museums, and anything involving animals (zoos, petting farms, taking Annie to the dog park, etc).

      Gosh, I hope you're right. There was such an icy wind here this weekend and we got snow again on Saturday (but I managed to get in photo shoot all the same on Sunday at a spot a little further south in Okanagan, the snaps from which will be appearing here in early March), but the point that we're at on the calender alone indicates that we should be done with winter in another month or two, tops (it's very uncommon for the Okanagan Valley to have snow beyond April).

      Fingers crossed spring returns mighty soon for both of our corners of the world, sweet dear!

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. Beautiful photos Jessica.I just love this outfit on you, the cardigan is such a wonderful colour x

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Sarah. This cardigan has more play, I think, than any other in my wardrobe this year. I've been busy making up for the many years during which I longed for, but didn't have, a mustard/saffron hued one of my own. :)

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. you look gorgeous! I can't wait for spring myself. Ive been thinking of getting these jeans in a month or so, Im saving up, hopefully they will still be available. It can be so tough to find good vintage style jeans

    retro rover

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Kate! So true! The assorted pairs I have from Freddies are the only vintage reproduction jeans (or pants of any sort, for that matter) I've bought so far that worked well for me. I've tried others, but they all ended up going back, being sold or given away because they really, really didn't do any favours for my figure. Freddies are investment for sure, especially for those outside of the UK, but they're worth every penny IMO. I hope the pair your eyeing is still there when you're able to purchase them.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. OMG, I just loved your outfit! And the colors... A tropical touch!

    xoxo

    Inajara

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet dear! Sometimes the coldest months of the year really just need a serious pop of colour like this!

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. I love these outfit! The colors are great, especially the hair bow.
    I have recently ordered my very first Marlene pants and can't wait to wear them.

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    1. How fabulously exciting!!! I hope they fit you wonderfully and are everything you're hoping they'll be, sweet dear.

      Big hugs & many thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. So casual and chic! Gorgeous as always.
    And thank you for the reminder I need to go back and visit the country soon!
    xo

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  18. I am obsessed with everything about these photos!!! You look stunning, and I adore your outfit, and your hair, and the background, just.... everything!! Hooray for this!!
    Have a lovely day!

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  19. Beautiful as always. I was raised in the country and currently live in a small town in the deep southern part of the United States where "everybody knows everybody" and I love the slow, relaxed pace we are known for here. I am hosting some Canadian college students in my classroom this week and we are having a blast getting to know more about each other's countries, cultures, and WEATHER! You are still having snow and today it is 72 degrees and windy here! Perfect for my 80s does 50s kelly green shirtwaist dress with white polka dots, pink cardigan, and pink and black accessories! Next week, it may be back to coats and scarves. You never know around here! Have a wonderful week.

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    1. Thank you, as always, sweet lady! :)

      How wonderfully exciting that you're hosting some Canadians in your classroom at the moment. What are some of your favourite things about Canada that you're learning from them?

      Big hugs from (still snowy) Penticton,
      ♥ Jessica

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  20. Love your style! Thanks for the inspiration. : )

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  21. Sweet pictures and a great look!
    Amazing bow. :)
    Love
    Tabea

    http://wolkedrei.blogspot.de/

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  22. Such a cute outfit! I especially like the way the tree leaves and your cardigan virtually match! Some of my favourite outfits that you put together revolve around these brighter, almost primary colours. I just find them so uplifting to look at. I'm glad you enjoy some time outdoors. I'd go mad I think, without my quiet dog walks :)

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    1. That's really lovely to know, dear Philippa, thank you! I do adore a good pop of colour more often than not, and as red, blue and yellow are some of my favourites (along with green, pink and aqua), it does make sense that I reach for them frequently. I'm so in love with this cardigan. It's not warm in the slightest, but it's comfortable and goes with a surprising array of colours, and is the first mustard/saffron hued one I've ever had (after years of yearning for one), so it's getting plenty of play this winter.

      ♥ Jessica

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  23. I absolutely know what you mean. I live in a small town that's just a stone's throw from the capital city, but sometimes I just have to be out in the middle of nowhere. There's a state park about an hour from where I live that's probably my favorite place in the world because it's so secluded (good luck getting cell reception!). It's just gorgeous. That natural beauty is something that, unfortunately, no amount of fabulous architecture can replace.

    These photos really make me want to get out of town! :P Also, as always, you look gorgeous. I love that head scarf, your brooch is to die for and also I love the color of that cardigan! Everything comes together so well.

    Cheers,
    Jenny

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  24. You look marvelous! I constantly feel like a paradox, for I equally love nature and the city. I was reminded of several Mr John Muir quotes while reading this entry---one of my favourites being: "Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean."

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  25. It looks & sounds absolutely gorgeous there. Once again I am in awe of the beautiful place you live. I have thought, on occasion, of packing up our city-dwelling life and high-tailing it for the hills but I think my fiancé would go mad - he needs the hustle and bustle around him where I prefer silence.

    I love how you've pulled the colours from your gorgeous scarf into the rest of your outfit!
    And those jeans are on my wish list!

    x

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Taygan. I adore colour coordinating the various elements of my outfits and usually put a lot of thought into doing so when getting dressed, so I appreciate your wonderfully nice compliment all the more.

      Big hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

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  26. What beautiful pictures. The way your husband photographs and you write, it's like i'm right there in the scene. Great jeans! you look awesome in them, and that cardigan is such a cool color (one of my favorites) and i love the way you accessorized it. Who says you have to wear dark colors in winter?
    I agree with what you said. Though i'm on our farm often, i live at the edge of a very very small town. I've always been immersed in rural living. In fact, i'm so used to it that even the little day trip into Wichita (Kansas) is draining and stressful. I would love to visit Vancouver and NYC and LA, but at the same time and utterly terrified at the thought of it.
    Bottom line, i think everyone feels the need to rough it and get away for a while and everyone needs some big city. The difference is the amounts, but its good to have balance.
    Isn't it odd how on some days we need to be away, and others just want to be around things happening?
    Beautiful as always! I always come away from my trips here inspired.

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    1. Excellent point, sweet gal, regarding the importance of balance and how it differs from person to person. Though I've known some folks over the years who seemed to only be happy in one setting (city or country), one can only guess at if such was truly the case. I know that as I've gotten older, I've felt the balance shift back and forth a few times in me, and suspect that such is also true for many folks.

      Thank you very much for your beautiful comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  27. This is all so true. Being a Michigander, my sister and cousins and I practically grew up roaming the woods, and year-round at that (kept close at hand by father or uncle during hunting season, of course!). Being in such places is just good for the soul, if you ask me. It is something even gardening cannot really replace. My husband and I greatly enjoy visiting our local Arboretums and State Parks (so does Ben, though he'd prefer Star Trek-style transport instead of the car ride!). It's pleasant and a relief just to wander any time of year, isn't it?

    Your outfit is darling and looks so comfy...and sunny! Do keep beckoning warmer weather to return. :)

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Jen! Definitely, I'm beckoning, conjuring, and trying to bribe Mother Nature however I can to deliver a swift return of spring! :)

      It truly is wonderful to connect with nature all throughout the year, I completely agree. How lovely that you guys have such a terrific selection of spots in your area to do just that (I love arboretums - there are so few around these parts).

      Big hugs & many thanks for your great comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  28. This is two posts today where I have just HAD to comment on how smashing mustard looks on redheads! TO THE SHOPS

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    1. Don't you just love it when the universe starts giving you fashion cues like that? The most recent one that I've received has been for gold lame, which I was already thinking I should add a piece or two of to my wardrobe (and am now hoping to do just that in the coming month).

      Big hugs & many thanks for your great comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. Gorgeous outfit and location. I love the way your cardigan matches the leaves! A connection to nature and escape from modern stresses is so important, and that looks like a great place to do it. My husband and I went to Canada for the first time on our honeymoon about a year ago, and sometimes all we can talk about it going back! I need to get out and enjoy my own beautiful local views a bit more until we can manage that.

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    1. Thank you very much, my sweet dear. How thoroughly awesome that you ventured all the way to Canada for your honeymoon. One often hears of people traveling here, but it isn't as big of a tourist destination (save perhaps for a few select areas such as Niagara Falls) as many other countries when it comes to honeymooning. Inquiring minds want to know, whereabouts did you two visit while here?

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. I'm the kind of traveller who likes to pick some places and spend quality time there rather than go on tours that move around day to day, but with 3 weeks we still didn't spend enough time in the places we went. We started at Banff for a few days over Christmas, spent a couple of nights in Calgary, then went to Whistler and then Vancouver. We spent most of the time in Whistler for my husband to ski and snowboard, but Banff was my favourite place and I wish we had spent more time there (even though it was colder than I've ever been in my life!). It was the perfect place for a white Christmas, and we'd love to have another one there, but we'd also like to see it in warmer months (and see some more wildlife). *sigh* I'll keep dreaming for now!

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    3. Hi sweet dear, I get that completely. I often tend to "nest" while on holiday as well. I'd usually rather really get to know one place well for a few days or even a week or longer instead of jetting about to a dozen spots, barely remembering any of them afterwards because you saw them so quickly and didn't stop to soak them up as well as possible. Aside from Whistler, I've been to all of the spots you've visited (and have lived in two of them over the years), and adore them. Banff really is gorgeous and I hope you're able to get back there one day. If you're ever in B.C. again, please know that you have an open invitation to our house, honey (we're in Penticton, which is about 4.5 hours away from Vancouver).

      ♥ Jessica

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    4. That's so sweet, Jessica! Thank you.

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    5. You're very welcome, my dear, I really mean it. Just think how fun it would be to hang out, visit the teeny-tiny number of vintage/antique related spots around these parts, chat about hats and tons of other engaging topics, and (if you wanted) to a photo shoot together, amongst, I'm sure, lots of other exciting going ons.

      ♥ Jessica

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    6. I would love to do all of those things with you! Time to start a "Canada" piggy-bank.

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  30. Love the outfit, Jessica! It's always good to escape for a little while. As for me? I can't wait for spring. This winter business is getting old. I can't find zen in the cold it seems.

    <3 Jackie @Let's Go Thrifting

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  31. Oooo, all those colours in your outfit are gorgeous. I particularly like the mustard with the denim. It makes a lovely casual outfit. I like the photo of you with all the yellow leaves, such a pretty backdrop. The lake sounds like a very nice place, I think being near water is very calming. I am lucky where I live, I can be on the canal towpath, or on a river path or in fields within 5-10 minutes walk. I really enjoy the ability to easily get out in the fresh air and to be able to go and look at something pretty.

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    1. Thank you very much, my lovely friend. I adore mustard with denim (and navy blue), too. They are one of those powerful colour combos that instantly draws the eye in, but doesn't seem overpowering (cobalt and grey are another pair like that for me).

      How wonderful that you have some very peaceful spots in your area as well. I swear, they make life more enjoyable, even if you're only able to visit them every now and then.

      Big hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

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  32. Absolutely beautiful!! The setting is a perfect backdrop for your gorgeous style!
    ~xoxo, CoriLynn

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  33. Hello Jessica! You looks wonderful as always. Just perfect! ^^

    Thank you so much for your lovely comment another day <3

    XoXo
    http://nostemposdaminhaavo.blogspot.com/

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  34. Super outfit! I'm such a fan of Freddies jeans and have been wearing their various styles for about 5 years now so my first pair of the 40s works jeans are now so faded! A mustard cardigan and dark blue jeans are one of my favourite combinations, they go together so well. The scenery is always so attractive in your photos. We're lucky here too that we live in a small, rural city, so the countryside, river and rolling hills are just a short distance away for when we need to have some quiet time amongst nature.

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  35. Your Freddies look just marvelous on you and I love how you accented your hair with a bow wrap blue patterned scarf. Wonderful colors and wonderful photography. It seems like a fairy tale place something out of a vintage book. I'd love to see fish just flopping in the water. It is so nice that you take time to do this for yourself and be aware of your surroundings. We so often in life just glide through and forget to appreciate the details. A very well written post dear Jessica:) And, a wonderfully colorful outfit:))

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    1. Thank you very much, dearest Joanna. Ooooh, I love that these shots made you think of a vintage fairy tale. That's thoroughly fantastic - and made me smile with delight. Indeed, it is all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and forget to enjoy the world around you. The old axiom of stopping to smell the roses is so profoundly true, we all really do need to take a breather and connect with Mother Nature every now and then.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  36. Those photos are stunning what a gorgeous backdrop!

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  37. Love that shot of you with the leaves that so totally match your outfit! That scarf in your hair is fantastic, not to mention everything else you're wearing. I wish you lived next door to me so we could play dress up together :)

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  38. Such beautiful colours and stunning location! Yellow Lake looks a serene and relaxing spot that perfectly compliments your outfit.

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Brooke. It really is a peaceful spot - despite the fact that a busy stretch of highway zooms right past it. I guess that actually just adds credence to its powerfully tranquil qualities.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  39. Us Canadians are lucky to have such a vast wilderness to retreat to when we need to decompress don't we? Nick and I head to the Whiteshell on the Manitoba/Ontario border when we need to get away.

    Lisa.

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  40. So two things. One: you match the leaves! Two: At DSW (shoe store), they have wicker basket purses of several varieties. They all have some degree of metal on them, so I don't think you'd be able to use them, but perhaps your vintage-loving readers would be interested in them! I think it's part of their new Spring stuff.

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet dear, both for your lovely comment and for sharing about those purses with us. I could probably sport one if I kept long sleeves and gloves on the whole time (that's usually what I do with my bags that have potentially-nickel-containing exposed hardware on them), but alas, we don't have DSW stores in Canada. Rats!!! Hopefully some of my US readers will see your thoughtful comment and be able to check them out though.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  41. As colours go, this is a great combination.
    As scenery goes, this is marvellous. :D
    Spring is, indeed, no longer a far away dream. On a clear and sunny day, I can smell it's arrival. I, for one, will be welcoming it with open arms.. and a garden ready to bloom.
    As a matter of fact, I'm preparing a little series on my spring-time, garden-loving lifestyle.

    Hug
    Marija

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    1. Hi sweet Marija, thank you very much! Oh, how I hope you're right and that spring is just around the bend. I've experienced so many "false starts" to the season over the years, so I usually don't believe it's truly here until we've gone at least a month without snow (or the temps have consistently been above +20C for at least two weeks). I'll be right there alongside you ready to welcome its return with open arms, too, and am really looking forward to reading your spring themed posts (I've got some of my own in the works, too).

      Tons of hugs from (still snowy) Canada,
      ♥ Jessica

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  42. I know what you mean about not getting out of the burbs enough in the cooler weather...I feel that way myself quite a bit. Those colours are such a stunning contrast to your hair...red heads always look smashing in green, blue and mustard! I have quite a few patterned scarves that I want to wear in my hair a bit more and these photos of you making me even more determined. xx Shauna

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Shauna. These are some of my favourite colours ever - mustard has really become one since 2012 onward and I'd now put it in my top ten, if not top five, favourite hues.

      I love wearing patterned scarves on my head. You just pop one on, pick out the colours from it that catch your eye that day and base the rest of your ensemble around it. It's like an instant colour palette that makes getting dressed even quicker! :)

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  43. Oh i just adore those colours together! I am fortunate enough to live in a reasonably relaxing place. We live about ten or so minutes from town, but we have 5 acres and most of the properties around us do. I don't spend much time outside because of snakes (that's australia for you), but it is definintely more relaxing and there are fewer traffic noises. I also live relatively close to many beaches, it is equal distance to drive to any of them (about 5 or so minutes ). Yep I'm totally spoilt living in this small town. I don't go to the beach as much as I should though.

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    1. It sounds like you live in a thoroughly beautiful corner of the world, dear gal. Would you believe it, we have poisonous snakes here in the Okanagan Valley, too, the most famous and common of which is the rattlesnake (we also have some dangerous spiders, such as black widows, but I know that they pale in comparison to some of the deadly ones you have in Australia). I've heard their telltale rattle a few times over the years while out in areas such as this, but thankfully have never come face to face with one (and hope I never do!).

      Thank you very much for your lovely comment - big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. yes same here. luckily I have never gotten too close to a snake. I don't think we get rattle snakes here, but we have definitely had a few typans and brown snakes in our yard over the years and treesnakes seem to be especially interested by the screen on our front door. eugh. but it doesn't matter where you go there is going to be some kind of dangerous animal. I do love our sunny little corner and I hope one day too actually take outfit post pictures outside instead of in the mirror in my cluttered little room.

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    3. Very true - few, if any, corners of the globe that humans inhabit are devoid of their dangerous creatures. Whereas you have lots of (relatively) small ones in Australia that must be avoided at all costs (I'm sure you have some larger dangerous ones too, don't get me wrong), the bulk of ours are huge critters like bears, cougars, lynx, moose (moose can be extremely dangerous, believe it or not), and wolverines, with a few little guys (like rattlesnakes) thrown in for good measure.

      I look forward to seeing any and all outdoor outfit photos you share, dear gal.

      Have a marvelous Monday,
      ♥ Jessica

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  44. I have to say that this particular combination of blues, yellows and greens looks fabulous on you Jessica! You wear lots of lovely colour combos, but I think this one has a certain energy to it that is extremely flattering. So vibrant, playful and wonderful. What a beautiful location too - it's great to be within a short reach of 'serenity spots' as you describe. Our recent move out of the city has found us still on a pretty busy road, but with mountain views - and within 5 minutes drive you can be on top of one of them. Best of both worlds!

    Your photos are so incredibly inspirational!
    P x

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    1. What a wonderful assessment of this particular colour combo (on me), Porcelina, thank you very much for it and the rest of your terrific comment (lucky you! it takes more than five minutes but you can get the top of some of the mountains, such as Knox Mountain in Kelowna, around here, too).

      Have a marvelous weekend, sweet dear!
      ♥ Jessica

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  45. Living pretty far out in the woods is great for me. There are disadvantages but living here is well worth it to my husband and I.

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    1. That's great, Jantiki! I'm happy to know you guys love (for the most part) living so far out into the woods. I've only lived further than 20 minutes from a town or city once, and even there it was a tiny community (Wells, B.C.), so not entirely removed from the rest of civilization. I loved being so immersed in the thick of the wild and think back fondly to the summer I spent there (waitressing at the living ghost town of Barkerville) when I was a teenager.

      ♥ Jessica

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  46. Currently I live in the city and was born in a suburb area of Indianapolis, but no matter that I've in the city my heart will always belong in the country. I never feel more at peace and at home than when I am in the woods. City life isn't bad, but I have always and will always be a country person at heart.

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    1. It's terrific that you know in your heart of hearts which one speaks to you most of all. I think some people aren't aware of such (perhaps because they've only had a chance yet to live in one of the two settings) and aren't as happy as they could potentially be as a result of it.

      Thank you for your lovely comment, honey,
      ♥ Jessica

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  47. I completely agree! Getting back to nature is a wonderful feeling but I too am always happy to head back to the big smoke after a while. I love love love your mustard cardi - my last one fell apart and I've never found a decent replacement for it. Great outfit and colours :)

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet dear. Oh no! I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your own beloved mustard cardigan. It took me years to find this one, finally doing so last year on eBay. They're a tricky colour to find, especially because it seems that few modern manufacturer's are producing vintage appropriate styles in this shade of yellow. I'm not a knitter, or else I'd happily offer to whip one up for you. If I spot any similar ones in my online travels, I'll be sure to email you with the link.

      Tons of hugs & many thanks for both of your great blog comments yesterday,
      ♥ Jessica

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  48. Hello sweet Jessica! You look wonderful, so sweet, elegant and darling in this casual outfit. I love the background that is so serene. I love the mustard colour! And once again you have a pretty good colour combination there. Your head scarf is so pretty and have the matching colours of your outfit, perfect. And I was so happy to know about your 40s Freddies, which aren't so massive expensive like the vintage ones or other reproduction available online. I really want ones know!

    Miss Beta xx

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Beta. I just adore the colour palette in this scarf! It works really nicely with a wide range of colours pulled from its deign, as well as with, I've found taupe and beige.

      For me here in Canada working with Canadian dollars and conversion rate, plus import and customs fees, Freddies are still a fairly big investment, but it's one I'm happy to make because their's are the only repro pants of any kind I've found so far that fit me well (I've bought others over the years and always ended up selling or giving them away because they just didn't work well for my figure). I'd be vintage style pants-less without them, and that's not a spot I have any desire to be in. I've had these jeans for well over two years now, worn them many (dozens) of times, and they're still holding up great. The quality is excellent and I've been really pleased with both them and the other items (jeans and tops) I've purchased from Freddies over the years. Very highly recommended to one and all!

      Tons of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  49. that combination of blue and yellow is just divine, your cute floral hair scarf makes me longing for spring even more and you look great in this jeans, i still haven´t found a pair like that which would fit me. absolutely beautiful and the nature there seems breathtaking too!
    have a wonderful weekend!
    kiss,mary

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  50. cute outfit and a beautiful surrounding!
    freddies are totally expenshive here in germany ... but they don't fit my anyway.

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  51. A quiet holiday in the nature, every now and then is a nice , relaxing way to recharge yourself! I am a " city person " and I appreciate the opportunities that cities can offer ( and the bigger they are the best is for me ! ) .
    Nevertheless, there are moments in wich I need changing!
    You have chosen the most delightful outfit ! Very cute even in casual clothes!!

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  52. You fit right in with the beautiful setting, my dear friend! And your scarf looks so pretty! I wish I could get up the courage to wear my scarves in bows like that more often, when I do they tend to get floppy (regardless the type I use) making me look silly or I get comments relating to Minnie Mouse.

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    1. Thank you very much, honey! Yes, that can be a risk with scarf bows indeed. My tips to help there are...wrap the "band" part of the scarf as tightly as you comfortably can around your head without it hurting or running the risk of creating a headache and in turn tie the bow as taught as possible, then slide a bobby pin or two into the knot of the bow to help anchor it. Spread the bow out a bit, opening (fanning) out the lops so that it stands up at least a bit on its own. Also, wear it off to one side, so it looks more like a bow headband/Alice band then a "Minnie Mouse bow" right in the center.

      Big hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

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  53. This is a version of vintage modern I like. The stacked bracelets look is so trendy.

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