March 4, 2015

Saying good bye to Vancouver Island all over again




Outfit details

1940s/1950s black hat with red fabric rosettes: Etsy (the shop that I got it from is no longer in business)
Red plastic rose earrings: Claire's
Pearl necklace: Birthday gift from Tony ♥
Fitted black cotton blazer: Banana Republic
Fitted red top: Urban Planet (I think - bought it years ago)
Black cotton cami: Real Canadian Superstore
c. 1940s plastic novelty binoculars brooch: eBay
1950s seashell novelty print skirt: eBay
Black cinch belt: Hip Hop 50s Style
Faux pearl stretch bracelets: Real Canadian Superstore
Vintage bangle bracelets: Assorted sources
Black crocheted purse: Thrifted (Value Village)
Black seamed nude stockings: eBay
Black pumps: Payless Shoes
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red

Photography by Tony Cangiano
 





























By complete and total coincidence, today marks exactly five months since these photos were taken on the very last day of our awesome two week long trip to Vancouver Island. It's genuinely hard to believe that so much time has passed since then. It feels like mere moments ago that I was standing out there on the deck of the ferry, wee rain drops dancing around us as icy winds blew over the Pacific and rippled my skin with goose bumps.

As with most final days of vacations that you've adored, this one had a note of bitter sweetness to it. Tony and I both enjoyed our time on the Island immensely and I personally found a certain kinship with it that I've almost rarely discovered elsewhere in my travels. Yet, we were starting to miss our comfortable bed at home, having more than one bathroom, and most of all, our darling pets. Thus, with misty eyes we said goodbye with love in our hearts for this stunning part of Canada, vowing to return again as soon as possible.

The weather wasn't in any kind of mood to cooperate, so we didn't get a lot of photos that day (and it was impossible for me not to squint up a storm in those that we did due to the wind), but thankfully we have a few to remember it by.

I'd purchased this darling 1950s novelty skirt on eBay a few months prior, once it was locked down for certain that our 2014 holiday destination was going to be Vancouver Island, which floats merrily in the Pacific. I didn't get a chance to wear it earlier in the trip, so I made sure to sport it on the last day - not knowing when I'd be anywhere in the vicinity of an honest-to-goodness ocean again next.

Its smile-inducingly sweet pattern of shells, seaweed and triangles is super fun and stands amongst one of my favourite novelty prints in my whole wardrobe. It will definitely be coming with me on future trips to the sea (and the beaches here in the Okanagan).




I've said it before and I'll say it here again today, we had an amazing, action packed time on Vancouver Island. From the charming little private mid-century house (pictured above) that we rented on Airbnb to stay in, to the many fabulous experiences (several of which, such as going whale watching and feeding a little herd of seals, were complete firsts for both of us), to simply getting away from the daily grind for a while, this vacation stands as one of the most memorable and enjoyable of my life.

Though I was knackered to the nth degree by the end (I can so see it in my face here), I was also deeply happy and filled with that certain nameless sense of deeply rooted contentment that comes from getting to experience a truly fantastic - and much needed - holiday for a few days.

As things stand now, Tony and I don't have any set plans in place for a trip in 2015. Given our shared passion for traveling though, it's highly likely that we will be hitting the highway (or high seas!) again, if only for a weekend or two here and there as this year progresses, the weather improves, and our wanderlust reaches a tipping point.

I truly loved sharing about our trip both during the fact (on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) and here on my blog in the weeks and now months since we’ve returned home. Wherever we venture next, you can rest assured that we'll have a camera in hand and that there will be lots more fun travel related posts to follow. I can hardly wait!

65 comments:

  1. I know that this outfit was shot in the Autumn, but I think it would be perfectly Spring appropriate right now! The skirt has a slightly blossom-like print, and the colours of red and navy that you've picked out come back time and time again for Spring and Summer - the shops are full of it at the moment!

    Really lovely, and you've got some fab memories of a wonderful trip x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're so right, sweet dear, it absolutely would. I'd be very surprised, even with the sea no where in sight, if I don't sport it again this spring. It might not land on camera again so soon (in relation to today's post, I mean), but I'll probably wear it all the same. Spring and summer are always when my novelty print skirts come out in full force and has I don't have an endless supply, I definitely keep the ones that I do have in frequent rotation (which reminds me, I really should invest in a new one this year and had some fresh blood, so to speak, to the collection again).

      Thank you very much for your beautiful comment. Big hugs and happy mid-week wishes coming your way!

      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  2. that sea life inspired border print is sooo cute!!!!
    and i love how "easy" your ensemble is - a pretty skirt, colorful sweater, chic jacket, fab simple hat! but the summary of all is just fabulous!!!!
    i wish you some wonderful little trips this year!
    tons of hugs! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's very sweet, dear Beate, thank you so much!!! I don't think our budget will allow for a big holiday like this again so soon, but hopefully even just a long weekend road trip or two will be in the cards. Now that we're starting to inch towards spring, my sense of wanderlust has come out in full force again and I wish I could take a trip right now. Not possible, but the return of spring and sunshine soon will help make our own corner of the country feel quite holiday-ish in its own right, which is fabulous. I hope you get a chance to travel more in 2015 as well!

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  3. You look absolutely fabulous! :) Great outfit!
    x Angela // http://the-style-doll.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, dear Angela. It's nice to start off March with this outfit, even if the snaps were taken a few months ago, because it's a somewhat lighter, more springtime appropriate outfit that foreshadows the sort I'll be sharing many more of in the coming months.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  4. One of probably my top 3 favorite memories is a month spent with my children on Vancouver Island years ago. Thank you for sharing your beautiful experiences!

    ReplyDelete
  5. i love the outfit! My favorite part is the binocular brooch and I do recognize it from other photos. The skirt is darling too I love novelty prints. I have a hard time finding novelty print skirts in my size 30 inch waist, but I do love them I really loved reading about your Vancouver trip and I hope you can have many more such adventures in the future and that your health doesn't get in your way

    retro rover

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very observant eye, dear Kate. I've sported this brooch once before on camera (but plenty of other times when I haven't done a shoot) early last spring. I'm touched that it stood out so much for you.

      True, so often novelty skirts do have microscopic waists, it's true. This partially stems from the fact that back in the day they were often sold to the teenage crowd, who often had very slender figures.

      Interestingly, I've actually been running into the opposite a lot lately online. I've seen a few gorgeous novelty skirts with waists in the 32" - 36" range (I wear a 27/28" waist myself), which is fabulous for those who sport these sizes. I think that those in the 26" - 30" get snapped up at the speed of light due to high number of us in this waist size range (ditto for those above 30 inches).

      If there's every any sort of novelty skirt in particular that you're looking for, please don't hesitate to let me know. I don't find many around these parts, but you never know, I could come across something that you're on the hunt for, my lovely friend and would be delighted to let you know right away if I did.

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  6. That little house is simply charming!! Thanx for sharing this again as I missed it before :) Have fun planning out your next trip :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi sweet Liza, thank you very much for your lovely comment. It really was a charming little mid-century house - the perfect home away from home for a vintage loving gal like me.

      Big hugs coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  7. Beautiful outfit, and I especially love the skirt! This color scheme really speaks to me. This sounds like it was such a splendid vacation--we just need extended absences from our normal lives every once in a while. They not only give you an escape, but like you said, make you start to appreciate some of the things in your life on a day to day basis. The house you guys rented is so cute, too!

    Cheers!
    Jenny

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wonderfully said, sweet Jenny, I couldn't agree more. Travel is so transformative for me. Even just a few days away (like the five I spent in Vancouver last June when I tagged along with Tony while he was on a work trip) always shape, change, and influence me in multiple positive ways, while also making me all the more grateful for the positives in my life at home.

      Tons of hugs & thanks headed to you!
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  8. Dear Jessica, I've been reading your blog for quite a while now (2 years) but I've been extremely shy to post, what could I say when others were already posting my "very same thoughs"? You looks wonderful in the pics :-) I also happy to know both of you enjoyed your stay in the island. It was a surprise for me to know you never feeded the seals before, didn't you have the opportunity to go to the Howth peninsula near to Dublin? Everytime I was there there were 3 to 5 seals waiting for a free lunch :-) Well maybe I was just lucky to see them around all the time. Anyway as I said before, glad you really had a good "craic" ;-) I hope this year you will be able to do something new and as exciting as this trip which memories will last for ever. Have a wonderful week and sorry for the misspelling. Eva from Germany

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Eva, thank you very much for your lovely comment and for letting me know that you're a long time reader. I always feel honoured and very happy when someone decides to comment for the first time. It's wonderful that you did so here today.

      Our time in Ireland was anything but a bed or roses (which is part of the reason I don't discuss it often and then usually just in a positive light) and there was a lot of things that I didn't get to do that I would have liked do while there. I didn't even know at the time (though I've since learned) that there were seals to feed in the bay there. Tony and I want to travel back to Ireland one - make peace with certain things in away and for the same of the positive memories, amongst the negative, that we do have from our years there - and if we're in Dublin, I shall certainly try to see and feed the Irish seals, too. Is it something that you've done yourself? (Feed them, I mean.)

      Your English is wonderful, my dear, please don't worry in the slightest. Thank you again for your great comment.

      Have a beautiful week!
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
    2. Yes! I gave the seals their most wanted fresh fish everytime I was in Howth. I also understand you don't want to discuss your stay in Dublin. The worst experiences of my life happened while I was living there (more than 8 years). But I also met wonderful people that still are a part of my life. I wish you a wonderful week. Always look at the bright side of life! ;-) Eva

      Delete
  9. That novelty print, swoon worthy, so pretty! I love how this outfit is nautical but not in the modern-pinup navy sailor dress way, if that makes sense. It looks much more authentic this way with the softer colors in the skirt.

    I have major wanderlust right now, I would love to take a road trip (either north to Yellowstone or west to the Grand Canyon, as I have never been to either) but no one I know likes road-trips the way I do! I am hoping to save my pennies and make it out to southern California again later this year. Once that travel bug bites, its hard to shake!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi sweet Bianca, I know exactly what you and am very touched by your comment. I have zero against the pinup-y spin on nautical of course and have sported it myself sometimes, but not usually being the pinup girl sort (more traditional vintage), this is how I really like to generally interpret a sailor inspired look.

      Both of those destinations sound amazing! My folks did a long trip (I think it was about two months long, but don't quote me there) through many of the upper US states a few years ago and they loved seeing the Grand Canyon. I really hope to get there myself one day, too. Fingers crossed that you're able to travel this year. I know it's very unlikely we'll be taking an substantial trips in 2015, but I'd be happy even just for a long weekend or two - something to mildly quell my own powerful wanderlust.

      Happy future travels & tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  10. Love, love, love the jacket and the print on the skirt. And how cute is that house? Sound like you had a perfectly wonderful vacation-I loved looking at the photos!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you sweetly, dear Tami! Isn't that jacket marvelous? It's a serious contender for the comfiest blazer I've ever owned (like, we're talking sweatshirt level cozy! :)), which is why I had no qualms (quite the opposite) with wearing it for a day involving close to ten hours of traveling.

      We really did have such a marvelous time. I definitely left part of my heart (and bank account! :D) in Victoria. I can hardly wait to get back there again, whenever that may be.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  11. It's never "goodbye", it's "'till we see each other again"...silly girl! *lol*

    :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So very true! I tend to feel a very deep kinship with the places I love and carry them in my heart always, so even if it proves to be quite a while before I'm on Vancouver Island again, I haven't truly said good bye to them for they're nestled there, ready to inspire and continue to influence me long after I've physically left that location.

      Big hugs & many thanks for the important reminder,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  12. It's amazing how time flies, isn't it? I swear, as soon as I've wrapped up celebrating one New Year or birthday or whatever, it's here again.
    What an adorable print on this skirt! You look so fabulous in red, and I'm loving this whole outfit. I think it was a fitting way to say goodbye to such a fun-filled place, and now every time you wear your skirt, you can be reminded of when you wore it there.
    I know what you mean about the end of a trip being bittersweet, though. As much as I love to travel, I am always so ready to be back in my own bed, with my own things around me, by the last day of just about any excursion.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It seriously is! I remember growing up, older folks would often remark on how each passing year felt faster than the next and while I didn't doubt them, I don't think I imagined how true that would prove to be for me as well, especially from about my mid-20s onward. It's gotten to the point where I'm half tempted just to leave every last holiday decoration up all year round. Okay, I jest, but if one had a big enough abode and can space them out, it might almost be worth seriously considering! :D

      That's such a great point! I've worn this skirt a couple times since (in the early fall) and did instantly think back to that day. I love how memories can become so interwoven amongst the threads and embellishments of a garment like that.

      Thank you very much for your wonderful comment, my dear friend. I hope this month is off to a great start for you!

      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  13. Looks like you had a windy photo shoot :) but nevertheless managed to pull it off perfectly.
    How great that you enjoyed your days off, sometimes I go back home more tired than i left… after a vacation.

    ReplyDelete
  14. What truly stunning photos! I love the steely grey sea contrasted with the colours in your outfit. I certainly can't tell that you're tired by this point - I think you look lovely and so stylish, as always. And what a perfect skirt for a seaside trip! Your photos and joy at your trip make me feel so excited about a spontaneous visit to the seaside I'm planning for this weekend - I hope I manage to get some photos as beautiful as this! And to feel relaxed after the day trip would be a lovely bonus of course... CC x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, sweet dear (and all the more so for saying that you can't tell how utterly wiped I was at that point). Oohhh, how awesome that you're headed out on an impromptu seaside trip this weekend. I really hope that you have a brilliant time and that the weather is far more cooperative should you get the chance to do a shoot.

      Oodles of thanks again & just as many hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  15. That skirt (and your whole outfit, frankly) is so darling! I'm a huge sucker for border prints, and those colors just go together so well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, sweet dear. Same here! They make me my knees go weaker than if I shark had swam by the side of the ferry that day! :D

      Big hugs & tons of happy March wishes coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  16. Darling outfit (and you've reminded me I need to pick up a pick cinch belt; thank you!)! Also, I really like that shot of the water; it reminds me of a skirt with a richly embroidered hem. Very pretty.

    Thank you for sharing your holiday memories—it's always such fun to see where people have gone and to learn what they thought during and think about their adventures away from home.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is my sincere pleasure, Jen. Thank you very much in turn for your splendidly lovely comment. I couldn't agree more, especially since I'm an armchair traveler, especially where foreign locations are involved, more often than not. I follow a number of travel blogs and Pinterest accounts and never, ever tire of seeing the world, in more ways than one, with my eyes.

      I hope 2015 brings the chance to travel your way, my lovely friend!

      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  17. wow...Your outfits are always so stylish...so charismatic...so breathtaking...You're such a great Artist of style indeed...cheers!
    greetings,ciao

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's very kind of you to say, Aure. Thank you for the sparklingly lovely compliment!

      Have a terrific Thursday,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  18. Very pretty and well coordinated outfit x I love the look of your little house. That is exactly the kind of place I would like to rent on holiday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you sweetly, dear Philippa. You know me and being well coordinated :) (it's pretty much a fashion must in my books - but that doesn't mean it has to get stale; not at all, in fact, one of my favourite thing is to take three to five colours that one might not expect to go together and creative a cohesive outfit with them).

      It really was a charming little house. I loved getting to live in an older dwelling again. It had been ages since the last time that rung true. I'd have zero qualms with returning to that same Airbnb house again on future trips to Victoria (who knows, maybe it could be our vintage home away from home there).

      I hope you're doing well and having a lovely start of March. Big (gentle) hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  19. I really like that skirt! I adore how you style your outfits, with little pops of matching colour. I haven't actually been away on a vacation in a while as I can't really afford it. So at the moment my favourite place to travel is to the couch to watch a movie or read a book. To be honest I am a bit of a homebody and I don't often find myself dreaming of travelling anywhere. I do love to read peoples blog posts about it though, there are always beautiful pictures...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you sweetly, dear Natalie. I'm this total juxtaposition of being a passionate homebody (especially in the winter) and a major travel fan with a perpetual undercurrent of wanderlust flowing through my veins. Thankfully the two usually help keep one another in check and make those rare holidays that are able to happen all the more amazing.

      Goodness, do I hear you there! We saved for eleven months for this trip and even then had to stick close to our budget (which, thankfully we did - yay!). The travel fund is no wear near rebuilt again, so I doubt a big trip like this will be in the cards for 2015, but you never know. I do enter a fair number of "win a vacation" type contests from magazines, grocery stores, etc, so there's always that slim chance or that things could really go in our favour otherwise and we're able to get away somewhere for a fun week or two again. If not, I totally understand and will be content with just a long weekend or two spent away from home as the year progresses.

      I know you said that you don't have a burning desire to travel right now, but if that changes, I sincerely hope that you're able to get away for a while, too.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  20. What a charming skirt! I would have bought it on the spot too. And I love that you pair it with red. I don't see much red nowadays, especially not during summer, and I love red. I'm more into pastels during summer and darker colours during winter. But red is an all time favourite. I hope you do go on a trip this year too, perhaps just a prolonged weekend, it really charges ones batteries. Wishing you a lovely day, dear. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi sweet Sanne, thank you very much for your lovely comment. True! And beyond just it's season role, in general I don't feel like red is having a moment these days. Granted red has become something of a signature colour for me in recent years (a topic I'm planning to post on later this year actually), but again in general you don't see big doses of red, especially outside of a rockabilly/pinup girl context all that often. It's one of the more forgotten hues at the moment in modern fashion.

      I'm all for pastels as spring emerges, too. They featured heavily in my recent 25 vintage dresses to buy right now for spring post and will be appearing in this month's new Vintage Fashionista Friday post, too. This spring I'm especially feeling feeling baby blue, light yellow, and gentle pinky-peaches. Which pastels are you swooning over at the moment?

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
    2. Pastel green and purple, and a few pinks. Easter colours, haha. :) I love baby blue too, but I don't think it really becomes me, and peach is a no go for a pale blonde like me.

      Delete
    3. Being fair myself, I completely understand your troubles with peach. I need peach to have pink undertones for me and then it can still be hit and miss (coral though, is usually a winner). I love that colour though and so does Tony, so that makes me keen to wear it all the more.

      I'm feeling baby blue massively this year. I'm thinking I might invest in a new light blue piece or two because I don't have all that many and so adore this versatile shade.

      Tons of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  21. What an absolutely lovely outfit. I adore wearing black, red and white together, they are by far my favourite three colours to put together.

    And how sweet that little house is. Although not hugely similar, it still calls to mind a flat roofed and very sweet little art deco bungalow we saw once upon a time on a visit to a city teeming with deco architecture.

    Thank you for your comment on my last post. I'm nervous about going into hospital but I'm almost wishing it forward (wishing time to move swiftly isn't something I like to do) as I'm in some discomfort right now and am absolutely ready to pop out the other side feeling a million times better.

    I hope your week is treating you well dear Jessica xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooohh, me too - massively!!! Through the option of grey into the mix sometimes, and that is truly the palette that has become my unofficial winter uniform in recent years. In fact, during the winter of 2012 - 13, I wore it so often, I actually had to make a conscious effort to shake things up a bit, least people started thinking those were the only colours I owned. While I do gravitate towards this trio/quartet most often in late fall and all through the winter, it really is a year round winner in my books and one that I usually delve into again come summer (once I've had a good hit of springtime pastels, brights and cheerful patterns like florals and gingham).

      With all my heart, I hope that your upcoming hospital trip proves helpful. Please know that I'm always here anytime if you need someone to talk/vent to. You have understanding heart and open ear in me always, sweet Melanie.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  22. Hello, I nominated you for the Liebster Blog Award over here at my blog. I hope I made your day and you won´t mind to participate in this blog meme. I hope you will enjoy it. Have a great day!

    PS: the brooch!! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi sweet dear, thank you very much. I don't mind at all. It's so lovely of you to think of me for this fun blog award. I've received it in the past, but would be happy to play along again one day.

      Thanks again & have a beautiful Thursday,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  23. I love how you've mixed old with new and made it all work beautifully!
    I'm soooo longing for this winter to end so I can wear normal clothes again instead of bundling up in layer upon layer. These pictures of your trip make me long for this more.( sigh)
    I'm sure that wherever the roads lead you this year is exactly where you're supposed to be.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, lovely Debra. I hear you there big time! More than shedding the layer - though two do generally go hand-in-hand - I'm pining to feel warmth stemming from the sun again. It it finally returns, it'll be all I can do not to curl up in a golden sunbeam like Stella (our cat) and do nothing more than bask in it until dusk. :)

      Thank you very much for your beautiful comment. Many hugs & wishes of an early spring coming your way!

      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  24. Jessica, this is such a gorgeous outfit, and I love how you photographed all the details. You look radiant, and I really like the fact that you aren't afraid to match up colours...you are very talented.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you sweetly, dear Linda. I do so adore trying to capture all the little bits that go into the collective whole of my outfits. On the very rare occasions when we've forgotten, been too rushed, the camera battery died, the weather soured too much, etc, I've always been keenly aware and missed not having them to blend with the bigger partial and full body shots. I appreciate you shared how much you enjoy that element of my outfit posts. Thank you!

      Many hugs coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  25. Your binocular brooch is just the cutest thing! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, sweet gal. It's hands down one of my favourite - and that's quite the top billing, as I really am fond of every last one of my brooches. This is the second outfit post it has appeared in here so far (the first was last spring) and I highly doubt it will be the last. There are surprising number of outfits and settings where a wee pair of binoculars are the ideal choice of novelty brooch. :)

      Many hugs & happy Thursday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  26. Oh goodness! What a darling outfit! I love this color combo and that skirt is amazing! Also your brooch is so unique!

    xoxo
    -Janey

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't it one of the most delightful novelty brooches you could imagine? I love all of my brooches, but this is definitely up there on the favourites list. :)

      Thank you very much for your wonderfully nice comment. I had a feeling you'd be a fan of that skirt, my fellow novelty print lover. It's so cool and cheerful. Whenever I wear it, I find myself thinking that if Ariel had been set in the 50s, or she was a vintage sporting gal in the 21st century, this would be her dream novelty print skirt. :)

      Tons of hugs & happy (slightly early) weekend wishes coming your way!
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  27. What a remarkable holidays you and Tony had. I cannot believe 5 months had passed already! You look so pretty with this beautiful skirt, the print and colors are so nice. I love your entire outfit, everything looks a perfect match! I love you my dear friend! :)

    Hugs,
    Beta

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It truly was, my sweet friend. I treasure the experience and memories, very much including wearing your gorgeous hand knit green bolero while feeding those uber cute seals (and at other times on that trip, too).

      I was just reflecting yesterday on, aside for its own merits of course, why I like to blog about our trips so much and a huge part of it for me is that, due to me health, I never know when the next journey may take place. Prior to our trip to Calgary in September 2013, I had not been on holiday for eight years due 100% to my health. That is a long spell for anyone, especially if they adore traveling like I do, so these posts serve as both a way to help me recall the great time I had, but also to show my health that sometimes I'm still able to rise above the hell (if we're being frank) that it puts me through most of the time.

      Okay, that got really somber! On a cheerier note, I hope that you're doing well and having a fantastic first week of March. Hopefully spring is starting to reemerge on your end already. It's still more winter than spring here, but one can tell that the return of warmer days isn't that too far off (yay!).

      Tons of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  28. Omg that brooch is fantastic! It looks like you had a lovely time. :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Oh wow those binoculars, what a stunning and unusual brooch, just lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  30. You always look so beautiful and well put together, I love that skirt!!! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, sweet dear. I adore this skirt, too. It's one of my favourite novelty prints I've ever owned. Being born a stone's throw from through the Pacific Ocean, it has has an especially soft spot in my heart (like most sea themed items and fashions).

      Have a marvelous weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  31. Can I just say that I love, love, love your outfits! They are always so beautiful and put together! I only wish that I could somehow scan your outfits and have them appear in my closet! ;) Love your blog! Blessings!
    ~Sarah~
    http://allthingsvintage-sc.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  32. Gosh time flies doesn't it?! These are marvellous pictures, they give a good sense of the weather whilst showing off your lovely outfit. The novelty print skirt is great. How good to have all these wonderful photos capturing your happy holiday memories.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Goodness, does it ever!!! Though a large scale holiday like this isn't apt to happen for us this year, Tony and I were just discussing the prospect of a 4 - 5 day getaway later this year the Cariboo region of BC, which Tony has never been to and I haven't stepped foot in since the summer I was 17. It's one of my favourite parts of the province, plus I have a few relatives there, none of whom I've seen that many years or longer, so it would be a smart choice for a little trip like that on a lot of levels. Whether we head there or elsewhere in BC or the neighbouring province of Alberta, I really hope we are able to hit the open road at lease once this year. I'm missing traveling big time!

      Tons of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
    2. I should add that the main city that we'd head to, if we do venture north to the Carbioo, called Prince George, is about 8 - 8.5 hours away from us. It's a bit of a drive for sure, but if done in the spring, summer or early fall, a truly beautiful one that gets greener and greener with each passing mile.

      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
    3. That sounds like it would be a lovely trip. Whilst it is a long drive if it is through lovely countryside it would make the miles go faster. Or is there somewhere about halfway that you could have an overnight stop and make the journey part of the holiday? I really hope that you get to do it.

      Delete
    4. Thank you sweetly, I do as well - if not there, at least someplace. One does drive through various towns and communities at different points along the route, but nothing so big or noteworthy in relation to our interests that we'd stop there in the course of such a short trip. Canada, being such a large country, often means cities are very spaced out and that's really the case once you head north from the Okanagan, past the Shuswap, towards the Cariboo. Tony really enjoys driving and had no problem doing Calgary (about the same distance/time) each way in a day, so we'd likely power through and do it all in a day. It's lovely suggestion though for sure, thank you very much.

      I hope you guys are able to get a fun getaway or two this year as well!

      ♥ Jessica

      Delete