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November 27, 2014

A perfect day of antiquing and beach visiting in Parksville




Outfit details

1950s red hat with black trim: eBay
Sparkly gold 1940s style sunglasses: Canadian Tire (this past summer)
1930s green plastic beaded necklace: Independent vintage jewelry seller in Okanagan Falls
Red knit shrug: Fairweather
C. 1940s hand painted wooden dogwood brooch: Yard sale find
1950s white gloves: Gift from a dear vintage loving friend ♥
Black and red apple print repro dress: Hell Bunny (purchased at New World Designs in Vancouver)
Carved plastic plastic rose stretch bracelet: Thrifted (Value Village, if memory serves me right)
Skinny black belt: eBay
Vintage Saks Fifth Avenue black patent purse: MK Retro
Black seamed nude stockings: eBay
Red patent faux leather pumps: Payless
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red
Nail colour: Essie A List



Photography by Tony Cangiano (antique + thrift store photos later in the post taken with a cell phone, all others with a Canon DLSR)
 




















































It is genuinely hard to believe, as I sit here and type this, that not one, but two months exactly has passed since the photos in today's post were shot on a sublimely sun-kissed afternoon in late September. Fall, that most visually poetic and beautiful of seasons was just beginning. Now however, if you look outside at least, it’s as good as gone.

In fact, we had our first snowfall here this week as Tuesday transformed into Wednesday, and it felt all the more fitting because as the lovely barrage of tiny white flakes came whizzing down, Tony and I were hard at work sending out everyone's matches for this year's Vintage Secret Santa gift exchange. If you haven't received an email with your match yet, please check your spam/junk and deleted messages folders, as well as your achieves, in case you accidentally moved it there as soon as it arrived. If you're 100% certain that it's no where to be found, then please email me right away with your first and last name, as well as the email address that you used when you signed up, and I'll send it out to you again on the double.

Back though to two months ago. We were knee deep in our fabulous Vancouver Island vacation and had set aside a day to travel somewhat north from Victoria (our home base for the trip) to the enchantingly lovely town of Parksville. Along the way we stopped at numerous antique stores that dotted the highways and filled the small towns between Victoria and Nanaimo, and Nanaimo and Parksville, our final destination.

Much to my unending delight, Vancouver Island is teeming with antique stores. There's a handful of vintage clothing, jewelry and collectible shops as well, especially in Victoria (the largest city on the island), but it's antique stores (which, as most tend to these days, have oodles of vintage collectibles in them, too, not just 100+ year old pieces) where Vancouver Island truly shines.

One of my very favourites that we stopped at that day is called Chemainus Valley Antique Centre and in the photo below I'm standing outside of it (intentionally) beneath a sign that says "antiques". I feel as though I have an invisible one of those floating around over my head all the time, so it was only fitting that I posed with a real one for a change. :D




A large three story building comprised of stalls from a multitude of different vendors and overseen by two charmingly lovely gentleman, Chemainus Valley Antique Centre is the sort of old school jewelry, collectibles, and furniture filled paradise where one could easily spend a whole day - if not a week - savouring and checking out every last nook and cranny. Unfortunately, we had to make hay while the sun was shining, so to speak, so I only got about half an hour there, but that was ample time to find a few great treasures for my Etsy store and a totally OTT 1930s/40s wide brimmed burgundy hat for myself, which I'm sure will star in its own outfit post one day.

Since returning home, I've scoured the web, and (much to my surprise) it doesn't look like the Chemainus Valley Antique Centre had any kind of online presence, though their address and contact information can be found in Yellow Pages type directory sites, if you're headed to the Island and would like to pay them a visit, too (which I can't recommend highly enough that you do!).

Before embarking on our trip, a few people had strongly recommended that if I visited Parksville, I should check out the large two floor SOS Thrift Store located there. Though, again, I didn't have much time (we were there on a Saturday and they weren't open terribly late, so I probably got about 25 minutes to see as much of it as I could), I did power through and pick up a couple of items.

This thrift store had been suggested to me by folks who said it would be sure to have vintage items, and it did, however...for the most part they weren't interspersed amongst the general merchandise. Instead they were housed in locked glass cases and priced on the high end of the retail scale, so I didn't even contemplate purchasing any such vintage offerings (there was mostly jewelry, First Nations handicrafts, records, knickknacks, and the like; I didn't see any vintage clothing at all that day).

This isn't the first time in recent years I've run into the same kind of situation when it comes to vintage items and thrift stores, but I must say, I was a bit bummed that this large community oriented thrift store had opted to go that route, too. Oh well! At least I can now say that I've been to one of the province’s biggest thrift stores and that I took a quick photo outside of it after it had closed (below).




Before making our way to both of the Parksville's jaw-droppingly stunning beaches, the first of which we shot the snaps in today's post at, I also visited a small Salvation Army store, which was very pricey (they had the highest prices I've ever encountered at a Sally Ann before) and had almost no vintage, save for a couple of costume jewelry pieces that I snapped up as gifts for two friends of mine that I knew would really like them.

So between, the two, I wouldn't say that I was wowed by Parksville's thrift stores (there may very well be others that I didn't visit and I therefore I can't speak for those ones), but thankfully the antique shopping en route as well as the majestically gorgeous beaches and views of the mighty Pacific Ocean more than made up for it. In fact, Tony and I both agreed that Parksville's beaches were not only the most breathtaking, but each of our favourites that we'd ever been to anywhere in Canada as far as oceans go.

There was a magic to that afternoon. Though not terribly warm, the sun was abundant and powerful, tumbling down on us and the sea alike, which is made glisten as though it were peppered with lashings of diamonds. We lingered long and walked hand-in-hand across the soft, damp sand as the almost primally appealing scent of salt air tickled our noses and brought smiles to our lips.

I had craved a visit to the ocean’s shore for years and this one did not disappoint in the slightest. On the many long and bitingly cold days of winter that lie ahead, as the snow piles up outside our walls by the minute (literally!), I know that I will think back to this wonderful day in Parksville and be warmed by its memory as much as I was by the happiness it imparted in the moment.

66 comments:

  1. There's something wonderfully festive about this outfit, even if the photos were taken two months ago. The reds, whites and greens... wonderful! And wonderfully accessorised, as ever. But my favourite thing has to be the bag - it's such a great size! Most bags this style are just too small for me to get along with, but this one looks so useful. You look lovely - and I am always a huge fan of beach photos! CC x

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    1. You know, there really is, though I didn't time this post to correspond with the start of the holiday season. Just a happy, festive coincidence. :)

      I sooo love this bag. You're spot on there, which is why I snapped it up the moment I saw it on Etsy two or three years ago. It's definitely one of my top five most commonly used purses and is thankfully still holding up well after dozens of outings and three trips (Calgary, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island). I shudder to think of the day it breathes its last. Desperate searching for a replacement will follow right away, I'm sure.

      Thank you very much for your splendidly nice comment and compliments, sweet dear.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. Love your dress!! I have the same one, but green. Love the light fabric of it. Looks lovely on you!

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    1. Oooohh, the green version is fabulous as well (all of the colours it comes in are, IMO). I only have this one, but if the chance to snap up another hue came along, I wouldn't turn it down. Agreed, it's fabulously lightweight, but don't feel flimsy at all, which isn't always the case with thin fabrics. It's actually this point that helped land it in my suitcase, where it took up very little room, during our recent travels.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  3. What utterly fabulous photographs! And that Hell Bunny dress is just perfect on you. As usual you're the queen of accessories with all of those lovely items, but it's the sunglasses that take my eye in particular.

    Super location, looks well worth a visit x

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    1. You're all kinds of sweet, dear Porcelina, thank you very much. Can you believe those sunnies were just $10.00 at Canadian Tire (a Canadian hardware + outdoor + similar :)) store this summer - total deal! They're not prescription, so I am a bit blind in them (I'm very nearsighted), but for photos they look fab and prevent me from squinting much, so they're worth every penny and more.

      It really is stunning part of Canada and should you ever have the chance to visit, I can't recommend it highly enough.

      ♥ Jessica

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  4. Such a great outfit and the setting really makes it! I love the hat in particular your talent for mixing authentic vintage and repro is really shown in this outfit

    retro rover

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    1. That is such an awesomely nice compliment, dear Kate. Thank you very much! Though of course, objectively, I can tell one from the other, I don't really differentiate in most cases between the vintage, the repro, and the vintage appropriate pieces in my wardrobe. They all work towards the same goal, to create a vintage inspired (or period appropriate in some cases) look that brings me joy. This is a mindset I'd recommend to everyone who wears these categories as it really helps open up the creative floodgates when it comes to putting together cohesive, old school looking ensembles.

      Many heartfelt thanks again - have a terrific Thursday,
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. Looking lovely as always, my friend. What is it with thrift shops lately? It seems that the prices are getting higher and higher. Sometimes its surprising and down right laughable, other times it's absolutely ridiculous. Last week, I found some colored Mason Jars at the Value Village and for the bigger one the wanted $9.99. Can you believe that?!?! Then later in the day, I found the same ones at Jo-Anna's for $6.99. I was absolutely appalled. I'm glad that you found a few little treasures for your friends, that always makes up for the shock and awe of the over priced things.

    She Knits in Pearls

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    1. I really can believe it, having run into similar situations myself numerous times over the years. It's always funny in a sigh inducing sort of way when one finds items priced more highly at a thrift store than at the big box retailer down the street. If the second hand (or new at a second hand venue) item isn't listed as vintage, that's one thing, but if it is, it takes a lot of willpower not to kindly bring that fact up with the shop's employees. I haven't ever...yet. :)

      Thank you very much for your great comment - big hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. Your outfit and the setting really makes it.
    Fabulous photos,love them all. You look wonderful too:)

    Have a nice day.

    Merethe

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  7. Gorgeous photos, Jessica! The red really pops in contrast with the blues of the ocean. And cute sunnies! My granddad used to live in Parksville - I know it well.

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet dear. How fabulous that you've had the pleasure of spending a lot of time in Parksville. It is such a deeply, captivatingly beautiful part of BC. My ocean loving soul is yearning to return asap!

      ♥ Jessica

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  8. Wow I really love your hat!! I am looking for something just like it and haven't seemed to find the one! Its definitely hat weather in cold England. Heard there are going to be some good black Friday deals tomorrow!!!!

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    1. Thank you very much, dear gal! I'm a die hard fan of red and black together (that pair plus grey and/or white is pretty much my unofficial winter wardrobe :)), so when I spotted this hat on eBay around three years ago (if I remember correctly), I new it was meant to be. I will definitely let you know if I ever find another one that's similar to it, honey (I'm always hunting for vintage hats in person for my Etsy shop, so it could certainly happen).

      Big hugs & happy end of November wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

      *PS* I have a Black Friday sale going on in my Etsy shop right now. Everything there is 25% off when you use the coupon code BLACKFRIDAYSAVE25 (sale on until Dec. 2nd).

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  9. Beautiful outfit as always! I especially love the hat. And yes, fall is certainly gone for another year. We had snow in Ontario a couple weeks ago, but most of it melted.

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    1. It's so sad that autumn has fluttered to the soon great those on the other side of the world again (I'm happy for them, of course, I just wish it had stuck around here a touch longer!). It'll be a long haul before it greets us (briefly!) here in Canada again.

      Thank you very much, sweet dear. I adore this hat, too. It works really well with both grey and turquoise coloured outfits, too, and is lightweight, so it's a great choice to bring on holidays like this.

      Wishing you a marvelous end of November!
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. What a lovely day and a lovely memory. Pity about the thrift and antique shops, however the photos of you on the beach are stunning. The gorgeous colours of your outfit contrast beautifully with the blues and greys of the scenery. :)

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  11. This is sad that you weren't able to get any good deals. At least it was a beautiful day and you enjoyed the experience of being on the island. Wonderful pictures! You look beautiful and red suits you beautifully. Your dress is beautiful:)))

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    1. Thank you very much, my darling friend. The older I get, I swear, the more I think that red is "my colour" (I really should write a post just about that one of these days). I wear it often and it always seems to elicit the loveliest of compliments, plus it's a colour that I feel really comfortable and even confident in (and the fact that it goes with so much that it's nearly a neutral doesn't hurt at all either :)).

      Isn't this Hell Bunny dress delightful and soooo well suited to autumn? It was a purchase when we were in Vancouver in June and I loved that it returned to that general neck of the woods for our Victoria trip in the fall. Maybe next year I'll wear it to go apple picking in (tres well suited, no?) and do a shoot with. That could be a lot of fun!

      Thank you again & have a fantastic Friday,
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. I absolutely love that apple-printed dress!

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  13. Hey Pretty Girl,

    If you have another outfit similar with Navy and red, let me know, as I will send you the sweetest little Hat (similar in shape) but it has CHERRIES dangling from it. The Plastic kind. :) It would be so cute. I love the outfit today. You are top to bottom always so well pulled together. :) It is Turkey Day here in the states, but I wish you a Happy Season no matter what the Holidays. :) Nicholette XOXO

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    1. Hello super sweet Nicolette, I don't have a dress that is solely navy and red, but I have frocks in each of these hues, as well as plenty of separates and were this combo quite often, especially during the spring and summer. I'm very touched by your super kind offer and would be elated to give a new home to that gorgeous vintage hat. Thank you so much for your kind and generous offer to send it my way.

      Wishing you an endlessly happy Thanksgiving celebration,
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. Jessica, your outfit is so lovely!! And heck, I could grab you and take pictures on one of our beaches. It's still warm on the odd day here. (it was 82F today on Thanksgiving)/
    But it was great to read you had a lovely time on the shore!

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  15. sweet little apple!
    (sorry, had to)
    you look fantastic and i can see the joy you had on that beautiful beach! last beach i saw was the lido of venice this spring...... and i bathed in the still cold mediterranean sea :-)
    i should´t tell R. about the vancouver isl. antique shops! he would take a containership there!
    although we don´t have snow yet we saw the first frost, -4°C, on wednesday, our little world had a gentle icing all over. now now i can smell the snow which will come soon.
    enjoy the advent time my lovely friend!
    <3

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    1. Aww, I love that nickname. We call people "pumpkin", why not apple, too? That's arguably a more adorable piece of produce after all. :)

      I didn't go swimming or wade into the sea...on purpose. The tide came in our swiftly that day and thoroughly soaked my shoes, stockings on my feet and the base of my purse, which I'd placed down in the sand at some point. One forgets, living away from the ocean for so long, just how quickly the tide can show up!

      I can just picture of immensely love your verdant corner of Germany must look when caked in a gentle layer of frost. It instantly makes me think of the kind of scene one would see illustrated in a classic fairy tale story.

      And you, my very dear friend. Thank you!

      Big hugs & joyful winter wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. Dear Jessica, Vancouver Island sounds such an amazing place. What memorable holidays registered in a beautiful collection of photos. You look stunning in this outfit! I love your hat, so cute. Also the glasses are so special. And the dress is a delight.

    I wish you a wonderful countdown for Christmas! So exciting :-)
    Hugs,
    Beta

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  17. Dear Jessica,

    I love reading your blog, but due to some health issues (again), I've been neglecting my and others blogs. Today is the first time, since a long time, I've been reading blogs again and I'm so glad yours was one of them. It feels like coming home again!

    And of course I love your outfit!

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  18. You look so pretty here! I love all your red, and that hat is really divine. I think the pop of green in your necklace really brings it to life, it just adds a really fun spark to the whole outfit. I know these photos are from a while back, but they fit in perfectly with the start of the Christmas season. It always makes me smile to revisit more recent vacation photos - I feel like when I get back, I forget that I've actually gone anywhere until it's far enough in the past to feel worthy of nostalgia. It's nice to look back on the details while it's still relatively fresh.

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    1. It really is and to blog about your memories of them to help record the details while they're still fresh in your mind. I'm a scrapbooker and like to scrapbook about some of our adventures, too, so having lots of pics and blog posts to pull on for my pages is immensely handy, too (especially since it can sometimes be months or even years after a trip before I get a chance to scrap it).

      Thank you very much for your wonderfully nice compliments about this outfit. I packed a fairly colour coordinated capsule wardrobe for our two weeks away that had red, green, black, navy, and white at its core, so a lot of what I wore while there features those hues (and thus you'll see them often in the pics I post from our travels :)).

      Big hugs & tons of happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  19. I really love this dress on you! The apple print is so cute.

    Thank you for your kind words on my most recent blog post. It's a comfort to me to know that I have friends - even ones I haven't met yet - who are there for me. I'm still too in it right now to talk about what's going on, but it's nice to know you're there if I do need to talk.

    Lisa.oxo

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    1. Thank you very much, my dear friend. I just adore this dress, too. Not that I have scads of them (yet...), but it's my favourite Hell Bunny item that I own. I hope they make others in this exact same cut and weight of fabric. This one is crazy comfy and I'd happily purchase more like - especially for taking on trips, where their lightweight-ness is boon to packing.

      You're sincerely welcome. I truly mean them. I know we've never meet in person, but we've known each other for years now and I really do feel like we're good friends. If the day ever comes when you need to chat, I'm always here.

      Sending huge hugs your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  20. Love, love, love your outfit! So cute.....so YOU!

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    1. Aww, that means a lot to me, Marjorie, thank you so much. I couldn't agree more, it really does embody my style to a tee! :)

      Big hugs & tons of happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  21. Gorgeous outfit, in particular the lovely had. I love red and black too, and it makes for such a striking look in these photos. The beach looks incredible and it must have been a beautiful day indeed, based on how nice it looks in the pics.

    As a serious lover of thrift shops (or op shops, here), I have also noticed the prices can be ridiculous. I still find lots of good deals, and there are always some shops that remain cheap no matter what, but I see more expensive prices frequently too. When new clothes from lower-end brands are so cheap, it is mad that they have second-hand prices so high. I'm glad that the antique stores made up for the lack of bargains at the thrift shops.

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet dear. It wasn't the warmest day ever, but it was as picture perfect an afternoon as one could ever ask for at the start of autumn in Canada. If you're ever on Vancouver Island, I can't recommend seeing Parksville highly enough.

      Totally agree (re: new clothes at high prices). I can only thing of two, maybe three, thrift shops in our whole region that that I'd say are still usually fairly well priced and even they have "under the glass counter" sections with steeper prices. It's such a shame that this trend has caught on and spread like wildfire. Thrift stores are not supposed to have retail prices, even on vintage items, if you ask me.

      They really did and I will definitely be giving me new (fabulous!) burgundy mid-century topper its turn in the spotlight in a future post here (perhaps when there aren't so many wickedly cold and powerful winter winds afoot to bash it about - though, that said, it could look brilliant against a snowy white background...we'll see! :)).

      Big hugs & tons of happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  22. Replies
    1. Thank you very much, darling gal. I swear, red is "my colour". I don't think there's any other that I get more compliments on when I wear and it definitely is a hue that occupies a good chunk of my wardrobe at this point. I think that at some point in 2015 I'll pen a post about red being my signature colour and inviting others to identify and rock whatever their's is, too.

      Tons of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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    1. Thank you very much, darling gal! I really like it as well. That Hell Bunny apple print dress is such a joy to wear. Comfy as the day is long, lightweight and sooo well suited to summer and autumn (because of its apple print) in particular. I don't doubt for a second that it will come with me on future trips during the warmer months.

      Big hug & oodles of happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  24. It sounds like an idyllic day. That really is a lovely outfit, too. I like you in red!

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    1. Thank you very much, my sweet friend. It really was a marvelously fun, peaceful day (well, other than feeling rushed because everything was closing soooo early!). I look forward to sharing the wide brimmed burgundy 30s/40s hat I got at Chemainus Valley Antique Centre here one day. It's sooo glam and gorgeous! (And my second favourite colour ever, to boot! :))

      Big hugs & tons of happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  25. You look gorgeous, red, black and white are such a glorious combination and my absolute favourite to wear myself. It's funny how some charity shops are so much more expensive. The ones here in town are very highly priced so I'm reluctant to even have a look as I know full well everything will be sky high priced xxx

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  26. Such a warm(ing) post, dear.
    Someone like myself (with cold weather ahead, a summer long gone) need a bit of sunshine. And what better way to get it than a magnificent view of the ocean accompanied by absolutely smashing fashion choice, Two thumbs up for sporting red at seaside, darling!

    You know, you made me think.
    We all know so many little shops scattered here and there - but not much people know about them. They simply exist only in the location where they are.. there's no advertisement, no online sign of existence. It's a shame, because some tiny shops feature huge treasures inside - but there's no way for wider range of people to know.

    Marija

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  27. You look so beautiful in these photos, dear. Red really becomes you. It sounds like you had such a lovely trip, although you didn't have much luck in your hunt for vintage. I never have in Denmark either, but I wish we had such thrift store centres here. I've sent my secret Santa gifts today, and I am so excited to see what she thinks, because I think I found the perfect gifts for her. And it is not "just" jools from my shop. I will mail you very soon, I have a lot to tell you. Today has been cleaning day and tomorrow will be decorating day. Wishing you a lovely weekend. :)

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Sanne. It seems that I get more compliments and comments when I wear red than any other hue (navy blue, some greys, mustard yellow, some greens, and eggplant/plum tend to garner their fair share, too) and I've really come to see it in recent years as my signature colour. Luckily I adore red and am happy that my wardrobe now abounds with it. I'm thinking that in 2015, I'll devote a post just to talking about the importance of one's "signature colour" and how much it can impact (for the better!) their wardrobe.

      How fabulous that you've posted out your VSS gift already. Thank you again for taking part. I adore that 260 of us joined up in total and will be keeping the postal system extra busy this holiday season. :)

      Tons of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  28. what an adorable look! red and black: classical and hot. ;)
    as always i'm a big fon of this red velvet hat!

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    1. Thank you very much, dear gal! You have an excellent memory. I think it's been nearly two years since I last wore this fabulous hat on the blog. It's such a charmer and I'm sure this won't be the last time it appears here by any means.

      I hope that all is well on your end and that you've having a fabulous weekend - big hugs!

      ♥ Jessica

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  29. Gorgeous photos, sweet friend, and you look ravishing in red! I always love the obvious care you put into each outfit you wear.

    xox Sammi

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Sammi. It's more than official - this post's comment section cements it: red is my signature colour (at least at this point in my life). I'm not complaining in the slightest and am not overly surprised either, it's related to pink, after all, and pink is my favourite hue, so it's only natural that I'd gravitate towards all things ruby, crimson and cranberry. :)

      Big hugs & joyful Sunday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  30. oh my goodness, that beach! the distant mountains! the bright pop of red against it all! you've done it again, dear Jessica! This post makes me want to jump over to Vancouver Island right away and go crazy at all those quaint and wonderful places. oh what a wonderful trip this obviously was for you, and i am more and more convinced of that fact every post and paragraph i read of yours. i'm so happy for you that you could get away and have such an awesome time.
    i also love love love your eloquent descriptions of the shore and "majestic views of the pacific ocean."

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    1. My fellow poetically souled friend, thank you very much for your marvelously nice comment. It really was a grand and beautiful trip. Planned for months, lived in a fortnight, and over in a flash, but thankfully it can continue to be enjoyed through posts like these. I still have three or four shots from our Island adventure to share and will continue to do so, interspersed with some newer photos, in the wintry months to come.

      Many hugs & happy Sunday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  31. Such beautiful photographs and a stunning outfit! I just love your little red hat, I really need to find myself a few new vintage hats to wear, or figure out how to make a few more styles :) There really is nothing better than a day on the road punctuated with stops at antiques stores, sounds like my perfect day!

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Bianca. I love this fun little red and black hat, too. It's palette suits autumn and winter sooo well! But by the same token, it's lightweight and fairly small, so it can easily be worn in the warmer months, too. It's so awesome that you make hats. I have mad respect for milliners who keep this fabulous, classic art alive on any scale. Please feel free to share snaps with me anytime of your chapeau creations.

      Tons of hugs & happy December wishes,
      ♥ Jessica


      ♥ Jessica

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  32. Ugh, an embarrassment of riches. So many cute stores! And you look lovely, as usual.

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet dear! It really was a fabulously fun day filled with tons of great places I'd never been to before. Sure, it would have been great if the thrift shops had more to offer, but the antique stores weren't lacking in the slightest, so I can't complain in the slightest. :)

      Big hugs & the happiest of holiday season wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  33. What a darling and oh so autumny outfit! I love the print and how you paired your accessories to perfectly with it! I especially love your hat! And so many shops! What a delight!

    xoxo
    -Janey

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    1. Aww, thank you very much, sweet Janey. Isn't this a great novelty print? It's one of my favourites Hell Bunny (or any repro/vintage inspired brand, for that matter) has ever released.

      Tons of hugs & happy December wishes,
      ♥ Jessica
      ♥ Jessica

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  34. Amazing Outfit! I love the dress ♥

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    1. You're all kinds of sweet, darling gal. Thank you very much! I madly love this super comfy, super pretty Hell Bunny dress, too. I think it would look awesome on you, too (my fellow red and black fan).

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  35. the hat and gloves make that outfit just perfect, I really like how you put all your acessories together :)

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  36. The dress looks absolutely lovely on you! You really finished it off with the cardigan and acesories! :) I just discovered your blog today, and I'm 100% in love with it!
    x Angela // the-style-doll.blogspot.com

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  37. Such beautiful scenery, it looks like such a gorgeous place. Tony has done another marvellous job with the photos. It sounds like a fun day out. I really like your outfit here and your hat is perfect.

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    1. Thank you sweetly, dear Kate. Tony really did weave his splendid magic with a camera here, as the sun was rather harsh and direct that day at the time we were out and about snapping photos. We had a jam packed schedule though, so fitting in a bit of shooting in less than ideal beat not having time to do so at all. I'm so glad we did. This day trip was one of the highlights of our vacation and I love that I (we) have these photos to look back on - hopefully a scrapbook page will happen about them one of these days, too! :)

      Big hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  38. I could not recall if I had commented on this. I'm so terribly behind in my blog reader. Yikes! Anyway, I adore this to no end and have been gravitating towards black/red themes as of late. That and black/grey darker colors. Which is kind of funny. When I think of my love of rockabilly my first thoughts are to pair it with something black. Though I'm a lover of all neutral colors I seem to neglect them. Do you ever have the same problem?

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    1. Please don't worry in the slightest my dear. I'm always immensely touched when you come and comment on some of my "older" recent posts. Thank you very much for doing so!

      Come wintertime, black, red and grey (or white, depending on the outfit) are my unofficial uniform. Two years ago I was wearing them so often, I literally had to make a conscious effort to mix things up a bit. In the warmer months, I still love and sometimes wear those hues, but generally reach for a wider portion of the rainbow. It's normal, I think, to have colours and colour combos we gravitate towards more, especially if we find we're happiest in them.

      Sending tons of hugs your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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