April 21, 2015

My new Rosadior floral hair piece is a breath of happiness in the midst of a challenging month




Outfit details

Vintage style floral hair piece: Rosadior
White plastic rose earrings: Claire's
Pearl necklace: Birthday gift from Tony ♥
1980s does 1940s/50s pink and white leaf print dress: eBay
Faux pearl stretch bracelets: Real Canadian Superstore
Pink beaded stretch bracelet: Forever 21
1950s blue gloves: (probably) eBay
1950s/1960s pink handbag: Unknown (had for quite some time)
Nude seamed nude stockings: eBay
White pumps: Payless
Lip colour: Clinique Raspberry Glace


Photography by Tony Cangiano






















































Going into it (as touched on here), I knew that this April was going to be mind-blowingly busy, but I wasn't fully aware then that certain stressful situations would turn out to be as harried/worrisome as they have been.

One of the biggest things in my life right now is the fact that a very close elderly relative was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and will be having extensive surgery for it this week. She has never had cancer before and it's actually quite rare on that side of the family tree, so it came as a big shock to everyone, most of all to her, that she was hit with it in her eighties. She's a true fighter and resilient soul to her core, so I know that if anyone has a chance in the face of this vicious disease it's definitely her.

Before I delve any further into today's post, I would like to take a moment to extend my very deepest of heartfelt thanks to everyone who has comment on my last three posts, including Thursday's one which was all about my blog turning six years old. With everything going on lately, it hasn't been possible to thank and/or return comments on all of your posts, as I generally try my very hardest to, but I wanted to let you all know right here and now how much I appreciate and treasure your comments and happy blogging birthday wishes!

Though this will be a very, very hectic week (and rest of the month), too, I am trying to slip into more of my usual routine again for the time being. Thus, today I'm pleased as punch to bring you a new vintage outfit post featuring a beguilingly gorgeous, vintage appropriate floral hair piece that I received as a complimentary review gift from the UK based brand Rosadior.

I was contacted earlier this year by a rep from the brand and asked if I'd like to give one of their handmade, old school inspired creations a spin. Naturally, I was game and after some back and forth about my favourite colours, flowers, and styles, the stunning creation that you see me sporting in these photos was the end result.

This lovely piece is made of fabric and plastic faux blooms that are attached to a felt piece and held onto one's head (or hat brim, belt, purses strap - wherever you'd like to place it) by a good sized, sturdy metal alligator clip. The whole thing, while very substantial looking, is light as a feather. I don't find that I'm conscious of the fact that I'm sporting it when I wear it, which I've been doing frequently all month long, from April right on up until this past Sunday, which is when these snaps were taken on a small dock in the charming little nearby community of Peachland (in the midst of another jam-packed day).

Like many of Rosadior designer Sam Freeman's creations, this particular hair accessory was a one-off, but on the company's site, you can find oodles of similar floral pieces and flower crowns that work splendidly for all kinds of different looks (from boho to vintage to rockabilly) and events (think weddings, festivals, garden parties, holidays, photo shoots, look book styling, birthdays, baby showers, the list goes on and on!).

They've very well made and absolutely gorgeous! On Sunday alone, I got no less than ten compliments (I was keeping track just out of curiosity) on it, including one that was a first: on Main Street here in Penticton a lady driving a car in the lane beside us motioned to get my attention and then mouthed a very nice compliment about my floral hair piece to me and luckily I was able to say "thank you" in the same way before the light changed and we both drove off in different directions.

I have no doubt that every single piece from Rosadior's frequently updated line will garner similar kind words and quickly become one of your favourite go-to accessories, just as this stunning, endlessly springtime perfect floral topper has from me. I sincerely appreciate that Rosadior sent this gift my way and encourage you to check out their wonderful offerings. If you're in the market for such a hair accessory, but don't see what you're looking for, shot Sam a line and she may be able to create a custom piece for you, as that is a very handy service that Rosadior offers its customers.

Life is full of ups and downs, storms we whether ourselves and others we watch those we treasure struggle with, while trying to help them through the bleakness in every way that we possibly can. In the midst of darker moments, flowers have been a symbol of hope, positive health, and happiness for thousands of years and these elegant, fashionable blooms perched atop my head have been just that for me this month, as I'm certain they will continue to for a very long time to come.

84 comments:

  1. What a pretty outfit. The color is my favorite. And best wishes to your ill relative for good health. Sorry to hear that.

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    1. Thank you deeply, Ally. I just got off the phone with her on what will likely be our last call before she goes in for mega testing tomorrow and surgery on Thursday. To say that tears are threatening to tumble out at any moment would be an understatement. I truly appreciate your well wishes and plan on gathering all of them that I receive here up and sharing them with her in a "get well" card and letter in the coming days.

      Thank you again, my friend.
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. So sorry to hear the news about your relative, thoughts are with you and your family through this tough time and best wishes for her recovery. You look stunning in that outfit, the hairpiece is gorgeous and perfect for spring! I love that handbag so much, my favourite colour too, a perfect vintage accessory! Best wishes, Hayley Ann x

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  3. I am sorry to hear about your relative. Stupid cancer! You look very lovely in these pictures!

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  4. Oh that hairpiece is just beautiful and goes so wonderfully with that gorgeous dress of yours. What a great location for your shoot too!

    Sorry to hear about your relative. I hope her surgery goes ok x

    captaincharghley.blogspot.com

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  5. First and foremost, I am so sorry to hear about your relative being diagnosed with cancer. I can imagine the shock it brought her. It's one of my biggest fears since it's so present in my family on both sides. I sincerely hope that she will win this horrendous fight and my wishes go out to her!

    Your photos gave me a huge smile on my face, they are so colorful and are the visualization of spring. The photos are beautifully snapped, and I just love your hairpiece. Beautiful!

    xxx

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    1. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, dear Lindsay. I just had what will almost certainly be my last phone call with her before her surgery and must say, my emotions are quite raw right now. Though there's a very good chance she'll pull through the surgery, with cancer, once present, it is a perpetual worry and I must say, I don't think any of us saw this coming for her and it would be be such a heartbreaking way for her to pass, if such proves to be the case (just as it is for anyone). I'm truly sorry that cancer is so prevalent in your family and hope with every ounce of my heart that it spares you for life.

      You're so sweet, thank you!!! I am in love with the colours here as well. We spotted the dock while running errands and both agreed that its colours would be the perfect backdrop for my outfit that day - which, and I didn't realize this until I was writing my post in the early morning hours today, is actually symbolic of breast cancer awareness. I can't help but wonder if I did such subconsciously.

      Huge hugs and my deepest of thanks,
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. My most heartfelt sympathies on your news, I do hope your loved one's surgery goes well and that they're soon on the road to recovery. Cancer is a truly awful illness at striking people with no rhyme or reason, it's so unpredictable. I hope soon it's nothing more than an unpleasant memory.

    I do love this set of photographs, they have such a perfectly romantic, spring feel.

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    1. Excellently said, my caring friend. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I truly hope so as well. At her advanced age, it's all the more challenging to predict how this brutal disease will affect her in the long run, but we're all as optimistic as can realistically be about things. She's very fortunate to have caught it relatively soon and to have gotten in for surgery (by Canadian standards) remarkably quickly. Both of these things should bode well for her in the long run, plus she's certainly not fighting it alone. Her closest relatives are all here for her and will be nursing her through her long recovery after this week's surgery (mastectomy + lymph node removal).

      Truly, thank you again from me and my family,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. My fingers are crossed for your relative - I'm sure things will turn out for the best in the end. :)

    Been away again fro a bit, and it looks like I missed not only a blog birthday but yours as well? Double drat!!
    I hope things settle down a bit for you in the long run, but that you're able to keep happy-busy, as I call it. Nothing like the feeling of actually being productive to make one feel good - as opposed to silly-busy when you're spinning your wheels like crazy and only producing smoke *lol*

    Take care and be well yourself! :)

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  8. Sorry your month is challenging as an awe inspiringly strong person Im sure that you ail pull through. You look great in these pictures and I love the way the whole outfit comes together, especially as shown in the picture of you lying down (great gloves!) but the hair piece is my favorite. I love having floral things in my hair its kind of an obsession of mine! This is a particularly beautiful piece

    retro rover

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    1. That means a great deal to me, sweet Kate, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will indeed pull through, but it's a trying month and I suspect that this is just the beginning of a long, rocky road for my beloved Grandma, as cancer is rarely kind to anyone, let alone the elderly and chances are I'll be sharing further updates here about her situation as time goes on.

      I sooo love that photo, too! Tony wasn't wild about it in the moment, but I had the good feeling and in the end it's my favorite from that day. I've never lied down before in a snap for my blog, but given how much I love this photo, I'm definitely going to be trying it again (especially during the warmer months).

      Many hugs & my sincerest thanks again,
      ♥ Jessica

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  9. Jessica, I think that the picture of you laying on the dock is my very VERY favourite ! Tony captured such a beautiful moment ! I think I'd use it as a blog header.
    The light blue gloves and pink bag are certainly heaven.

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Lorena. That was my favourite photo of the day, too. Tony didn't think it would turn out well, but I love it and am so glad the idea to lay on my back struck me. I've never done so before in a photo for my blog, but I'll definitely be giving it a spin again in the future. Very cool idea to use it for a blog header. Thanks for suggesting that!

      Tons of hugs & happy mid-week wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. Everything is crossed that the surgery goes well - lots of love and hugs to you. I'm sorry to hear this month has been so difficult - I was hoping things would start to calm down for you!

    Kudos for still getting such a fetching outfit post put together though - stunning photos as ever and you look so lovely. That hair piece is fabulous and I can totally see why you got so many compliments on it.

    CC x

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    1. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, my very dear friend. Once we knew her surgery date (the 23rd), any hope of April calming down went out the window. It's okay though. I'm so grateful that she was able to get in as early as she did. I bet that's going to really help her long term prognosis.

      You're so sweet! Thank you! I was dead tired that day, which I can see in my face here, but thankfully the cheerful hues of this setting and outfit helped to hide that fact. :)

      Giant hugs & my sincerest appreciation for your care and concern,
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. Hi Jessica, as I said in an email sent to you, I hope your grandma will recover well from the surgery and cancer won't spread. Chemo sucks (sorry for using this word but it's true) but I'm sure she will fight against it. Be positive. I wish your grandma, you and your family all the best. A big hug from Europe, Eva

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    1. Thank you with all my heart, dear Eva - both for your caring comment today and for your truly touching, informative email (which I will reply to asap). Your understanding and ability to relate to the situation at hand means a great deal to me and my family.

      Giant hugs & my most sincere appreciation,
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. I'm so sorry about what hapenned in your familly... that's life... my beloved grandma who turned 88 a few days ago just enter hospital for some heart problem, I think she will leave us really soon... so sad...
    Thanks to brighten my day with your nice pastel pictures, this head piece is so nice and natural, it's hard to find nice hair flowers, you are GORGEOUS!!!!

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    1. Sweet Laurence, I am truly sorry to hear that your own grandma is facing some really serious health issues right now as well. I hope dearly that she's able to pull through and remain with your family for a while longer at least. My thoughts and well wishes are with you and your loved ones.

      Thank you so much! I adore the colours in this outfit, too, and agree that finding a natural, elegant looking hair flower piece is not always easy. This is my favourite hair bloom I've ever owned and I look forward to wearing it for many more outfits and years to come.

      Thank you again deeply - huge hugs (to you and grandma),
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Sweet Laurence, I am truly sorry to hear that your own grandma is facing some really serious health issues right now as well. I hope dearly that she's able to pull through and remain with your family for a while longer at least. My thoughts and well wishes are with you and your loved ones.

      Thank you so much! I adore the colours in this outfit, too, and agree that finding a natural, elegant looking hair flower piece is not always easy. This is my favourite hair bloom I've ever owned and I look forward to wearing it for many more outfits and years to come.

      Thank you again deeply - huge hugs (to you and grandma),
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. What a beautiful, radiant soul you are, dear Jessica....and that supremely pretty dress and headpiece are just icing on the cake!

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    1. You are so immensely sweet, dear Sasha. Thank you very much - that really is one of the loveliest compliments I've received in as long as I can remember.

      Big hugs & tons of happy wishes for this week,
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. I'm sorry to hear about your relative :( But it's nice to see the fighter spirit runs in your family.

    On another note that hair clip is stunning a real showstopper and so perfect for Spring. It looks absolutely marvelous on you and I'm so glad it gave you a picker upper that you so needed.

    Enjoy the flowers Jessica.

    Liz :)

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    1. That's a beautiful and very touching thing to hear, dear Liz, thank you so much. She really is a fighter and it's one of many things that I feel blessed to share with her. Fingers crossed that this is just a rough patch for her and that our family will be able to have her with us for at least several more years to come.

      Tons of hugs & heartfelt thanks,
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. Hopefully everything will work out fine with your relative. The flowers in your hairpiece are beautiful and I hope they cheer you and every one you come across!

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    1. Thank you deeply, Jantiki, I really appreciate it and hope so as well.

      Big hugs & happy mid-week wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. Pretty, pretty, pretty! Pink is my favorite color so I am dying over everything. Your dress is gorgeous. And I am swooning over the lovely flowers in your head-piece. Just divine. Absolutely exquisite. Just seeing it makes me feel like jumping up and down.

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    1. *Blush!* Thank you sweetly, dear Dawn. Pink is, hands down, no questions asked, my favourite colour of all time, too (with dusty rose specifically being my very favourite shade). I tend to wear more red in recent years, but with the warmer weather finally creeping back in, I felt like it was high time to bust out some serious pink again and am sure this isn't the last outfit that features that will appear here before the leaves start tumbling down again next fall.

      Huge thanks again - have a beautiful week!
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. I just adore you in shades of pink! And I am so sorry to hear about your family member. My grandmother battled breast cancer in her 80s and well into her 90s (it was such a shock to our family as well!) my heart goes out to you and yours <3

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    1. Thank you sweetly, dear Tania. I really appreciate you sharing with me about your own grandma's battle with breast cancer. How wonderful that she was able to hang on for several years in spite of it. I hope dearly that the same will be true for my Grandma as well.

      Many hugs & my sincere appreciation,
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. Wow, I just checked out Rosadior's shop and everything is so beautiful!

    My daughter recently got engaged and no talk of any wedding plans yet, but I have bookmarked her site so that when the time comes I can order myself something to wear as mother-of-the-bride.

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    1. Isn't it glorious? There is nothing on their site that I wouldn't happily sport. They're such elegant, feminine, classic creations that speak to my vintage loving soul to no end. I'm sure you'll look breathtaking in whatever you order from them.

      My happiest congratulations to your daughter and whole family!

      ♥ Jessica

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  19. What a lovely outfit, sweet Jessica! The setting in your pics is just beautiful too! That floral hair piece is quite the thing. :) The colors are so, so lovely. I absolutely love your pale blue gloves as well.

    I'm so sorry to hear about your relative's cancer diagnosis. :( I'll be remembering her in my prayers. {hugs}

    I think you're exactly right about flowers. What's {one of} the first thing{s} you think of to do when you hear someone is unwell, or lost a loved one, or had a new little one, or bought a new home? Send 'em some flowers! Whether sad or happy the occasion - flowers are always well received & appreciated. :D

    Love,
    Michelle ^_^
    Delightful Handwork

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    1. Thank you deeply, sweet Michelle. I truly appreciate you keeping my Grandma in your prayers. That means a lot to me and my family.

      I adore the colours of this outfit, too. Pink is my favourite colour ever, but I find that I wear red a lot more often in recent years, so getting a chance to bust out the pink in full force like this was really, really fun (and by 100% pure coincidence, it is also so emblematic of breast cancer awareness). I'm going to aim to do at least a couple more "pretty in pink" outfits this spring and summer. It's great to connect with this softer side of my signature colour (red) again now that spring is finally here (and here it really is - I've seen the first lilacs and that means winter has vanished for good in our area, baring a truly fluke snowstorm).

      Giant hugs & my (and my family's) deepest of appreciative thanks,
      ♥ Jessica

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  20. I'm sending good vibes to you and your grandma, hon. I understand how difficult and shocking it all is, I'm here for you friend.

    Your outfit, oh man. Such beautiful happy colors! And your gloves really make the pink stand out more. The hair flowers look so precious and delicate!!

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    1. Thank you deeply, my dear friend, that truly means a lot to me. I feel like my nerves are raw with worry this week, as she's going in for surgery tomorrow. Realistically though, in a lot of ways, its the bigger picture beyond then that is more worrisome, but of course surgery - especially of this magnitude - always carries risks, too.

      Right now I'm just trying to focus on the positives and keep my mind occupied.

      Thank you again, dear Carla. You're a wonderful soul!

      ♥ Jessica

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  21. The headpiece is beautiful and you look very lovely in these photos.

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    1. Thank you sweetly, dear Helen. I love the colours in this shot - definite note to self: wear pink and shot against blue (or vice versa) again in the future.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  22. this is the most beautiful hairpiece i´v seen in a very long time!!!!!
    and this set of photos are my favorite at the moment - your styling, your relaxed poses on this fab blue dock, the magic light - awesome!!!! you and tony did a gorgeous job!!!
    this are sad news about your old lady, i send her all my best wishes! and a warm and hearty hug for you my dear! with all the sadness and stress - take care of yourself. you can´t help no one if you break down :-)
    sunny spring greetings!!! xxxxxx

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    1. Isn't it magnificent? It's the loveliest hair flower/floral hair piece I've ever had the pleasure of owning.

      Thank you so much, my darling friend. I will pass along your glowingly kind compliments to Tony and your well wishes to my grandma. Her surgery is tomorrow and I'm more than a little bit worried. Thankfully both my mom and aunt are with her, so I know she's in the best possible hands while she recovers.

      Huge hugs coming right back at you,
      ♥ Jessica

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  23. I'm sorry to hear about your relative, I sincerely wish her the very best.

    No wonder you got compliments the hair accessory is stunning ❤ I love the whole outfit and I really like these photos, there are some different shots than what I'm used to seeing xx

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    1. Thank you deeply, dear Melanie, that really means a lot to me. ♥

      They really are and I just adore that fact. I feel adventurous this year on a lot of fronts and plan to try out some more fun new (to this blog) things with various photo shots in 2015 and beyond. If you have any suggestions there, I'm all ears! :)

      Huge hugs & many heartfelt thanks again,
      ♥ Jessica

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  24. I adore that hairpiece! This outfit post would have to be my favourite so far. I love these photos on the little jetty and the color scheme. I wish you all the best for this busy month and I hope that your relative makes it through okay.

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    1. Thank you very much, lovely lady. Colour wise, it is truly one of my all-time favourites as well - and you know, I love it all the more because it wasn't planned at all. The outfit was dreamed up that morning and the location found in the spur of the moment. Proof positive that working on the fly can serve you very well sometimes. :)

      Many hugs & happy mid-week wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  25. Absolutely gorgeous, Jessica! You look radiant!

    I am so sorry to hear about the diagnosis of your dear relative, dear Jessica. My heart goes out to you. I will keep you and your grandmother in my prayers.

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  26. I really love these pictures! Great headpiece too! You look lovely!

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    1. Thank you sweetly, dear Anthea. This flower piece is so pretty! I've never had a prettier hair flower or the like before.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  27. We had cancer/ major surgery last christmas for my family, all is good now and best of wishes things will be all are good for you too:)

    Tell tony these photos are truly amazing some of my favorite so far! The headpiece is stunning and fits with your style so well.

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    1. I am deeply sorry to hear that cancer struck your family recently, too, sweet Daphne. Thank the universe that things had a happy ending for your relative. I hope with all my heart that the same rings true for my grandma as well. Her surgery is tomorrow and I'm so worried, I doubt I'll sleep a wink tonight.

      I will definitely pass along your awesomely nice compliments. Thank you so much!!!

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  28. So sorry to hear about your relatives, my thoughts are with you :(

    On another note, you are so radiant! I absolutely adore your style and your location to match! bravo lovely xo

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    1. Thank you deeply, sweet Renee, that really means a lot to me and my family.

      Many thanks, too, for your absolutely lovely compliments about my style and this outfit shoot location. It was completely spur of the moment, but I doubt we could have found a better one colour wise, for a hundred miles around or more, so I'm all the more happy we chanced upon it last Sunday.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. Oh, that purse-I love it! You look very springy my dear-light and happy!

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  30. i'm so sorry to hear about your relative. i hope you and your family are all doing as well as possible given the circumstances. it's never an easy thing to deal with, especially when it's come as such as shock, but all you can do is hope for the best and be there to support each other and show that you care. <3

    you look beautiful as usual, and i love that photo of you laying down on the pier! in fact, the whole setting is a gorgeous backdrop - you're so lucky to have had a place that all to yourselves to take photos! and ten compliments in the one day is quite an achievement! there's nothing quite like compliments from complete strangers to give you a little boost for the day, the fact that someone would take the time out of their day to say something nice to you is always a lovely thing. :)

    and congratulations on six years of blogging! that's a huge achievement and it's so wonderful to still find bloggers these days who are in it for all the right reasons - a creative outlet, a personal space and a way of making friends with similar interests first and foremost. i've had times where i've grown a bit disillusioned with the blogging world now that there are so many people starting blogs for the purpose of getting freebies or becoming famous or making a career out of it, etc, and all the social media responsibilities that have come with being a "successful" full time blogger these days. it's so much pressure and i feel like all of that has a different spirit to the way my blog and yours and several others began and continue to exist. there's no clear distinction between the two as yet because "career-blogging" is such a new thing but as long as there are still blogs like yours around i'll still be reading them. :) x

    jessica - littlehenrylee.com

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    1. Sweet Jessica, thank you, really and truly, thank you, across the board for your caring, insightful, touching, flat out lovely comment. It is always a joy and a bright spot in any week to hear from you. I appreciate the time and thought that you put into your comments and adore that we are both still blogging to this day, having remained true to our roots, even as our sites have developed over the years, and happy to be doing what we're doing not so much for "fame and fortune" (the number of bloggers that can truly claim that is objectively quite small), but for things are more meaningful to leach of us. May we both be able to continue down this path paved in typed words and beautiful images for a very long time to come.

      Again, and with all my heart, thank you,
      ♥ Jessica

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  31. I'm so sorry to hear about your relative. We've had the same shock happen in our family a few years ago. Puts everything out of sorts.

    I adore the flowers in your hair and I think I need to start doing this in my hair. Apart from clipping a few daises in my hair one day I just haven't done it again.

    By the way my favourite picture of you is where your laying on the dock.

    Take care of yourself, I'll be thinking of you.

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    1. Thank you deeply, dear Debra. That is a perfect way to describe things. A cancer diagnosis really does through everything out of sorts in a family, especially when it was sudden and a first for that person.

      I sooo love that shot, too! Tony wasn't feeling it at the moment, but I sensed it had potential, so we got literally just one photo of my laying down and in the end, I flat out loved it, as others here have commented that they do as well. I'll definitely try laying down again for some of my future shots. It's lots of fun, assuming the ground is clean and it's safe to lay down (aka, no rattlesnakes around!).

      Tons of hugs & heartfelt thanks,
      ♥ Jessica

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  32. Oh, the light and bright colors in these photos is a sure sign that spring is here and summer will be in full swing soon. I don't know that I have ever seen (or noticed) you NOT wearing your signature Russian Red lippy but this change up is a lovely spring surprise and looks amazing on you. I'm so sorry to hear that the last month has been a tough one for you. Spring is supposed to be a time to rejoice in the ending of winters darkness with a rebirth into light but so often it is the roughest time of year for so many. It seems like the last 2 months have just been one rough moment after another and another and another. I am hoping as the last of the ice and snow melt and the flowers start to bloom that the personal darkness that we have been facing will fade away and we can truly enjoy all the wonderful moments in life.

    She Knits in Pearls

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    1. Hi sweet Cherry, thank you so much for your caring words about my grandma's situation. She's having surgery today and I am beside myself with worry and concern. I didn't sleep a wink last night, but passed out for a few hours in the late morning, so I'll be fresh and alert for when we get the call about how it went from my mom.

      So true! I do wear Russian Red a lot, especially in the colder half of the year, but I bring in pinks and the one and only coral lippy I've ever found that works on me when spring and summer roll around. I actually just picked up a new lipstick shade the other day for the first time in easily two years or more. It's a softer plummy burgundy for the warmer half of the year. I usually wear "Diva" from MAC on the burgundy front in fall + winter, but it's usually too harsh in the warmer months, so I'm going to give "Party Line" from MAC a spin for the first time. Fingers crossed it works on me. :)

      That is an excellent point. Spring can be a terribly trying time for many. Looking back historically, it's often been the toughest part of the year for me and/or my family. Thank you for bringing that up. I hope dearly that this one isn't going stressfully for you and your family, my lovely friend.

      Giant hugs & the deepest of thanks,
      ♥ Jessica

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  33. I am so terribly sorry to hear about your relative. I hope for the safest of surgeries and a recovery. It is never easy to deal with any type of cancer, and I hope all of the best for your family.

    On a lighter note, congrats on the six year mark! Additionally this outfit is marvelous and perfectly spring!

    xoxo
    -Janey

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Janey. It really broadsided all of us. My grandma has had chronic health issues for decades, bu never anything like this and at her venerable age, we really didn't see breast cancer coming. She's in surgery today and I'm worried as the day is long, but also truly grateful that she could get in so quickly. That should bode well for her long time prognosis.

      Huge hugs & my deepest of thanks,
      ♥ Jessica

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  34. What a sweet outfit! The hairpiece is awesome too. xx

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  35. It's very pretty. The ones on their site are gorgeous too. I am also having a very challenging month, I am trying to pack up my house and have two funerals to attend next week. Hopefully May will bring happier times. I sincerely wish your relative good luck in her battle with breast cancer. My aunt was also diagnosed this month xxxxx

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    1. My very sweet friend, with all my heart, I'm so sorry to hear about your aunt's recent diagnosis. This is such a pervasive, hideous condition. To think that it will strike 1 in 8 women in their lifetime these days has a chance of developing it is truly enough to lose sleep over. I hope dearly that your aunt will be able to count herself amongst the survivors and that the same rings true for my grandma, too.

      My condolences on the loss of both of the people whose funerals you're attending next week. It really sounds like you're having a heavy month, too.

      Let's hope that May is a brighter, better month for both of us and our families.

      Countless hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  36. I am so sorry to hear of your grandma's illness ~ I do wish all your family the best in recovering and coping with the effects of the cancer diagnosis, as well as returning health for your grandma.

    I do really like your photos though, it's nice to be able to have some of that normalcy when life is going all topsy-turvey isn't it? The floral hair piece is certainly stunning and I adore the pastel pink purse you are carrying with it. Seriously, it's gorgeous! That perfect shade of cotton candy pink which is my absolute favorite. ❤

    xox,
    bonita of Lavender & Twill

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    1. Oh, it truly is and you know - and this is a point that could arguably be spun into a post unto itself - I sometimes think that this an element of life (using fashion to help your through trying times) that our foremothers and fathers knew and practised more than we did. I genuinely felt somewhat more cheerful and ready to tackle life's challenges in my floral hair piece and perky, fun pink dress. There's no way, no matter my state of mind, knowing myself as I do, that I could have felt the same way in the same circumstances if I was wearing, say, modern yoga gear and sneakers/trainers, as is the normal "uniform" of many women around these parts (and elsewhere) nowadays. I'm not saying that clothing dictates our happiness levels, but it certainly impact them and I'm forever grateful for how joyful I feel when I wear vintage (and repro, etc). It adds such an upbeat note to my day, no matter how challenging said day may be at times.

      Thank you very much for raising this excellent point and for your absolutely lovely, caring comment, my sweet friend.

      Have a beautiful weekend,
      ♥ Jessica

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  37. My precious friend, I'm sorry that you and your family are facing difficult moments of struggle. Life has these battles. Get to know that you are in my prayers and I'm sending my best thoughts of strength and support.

    You look so adorable, fresh, light - you shine! This outfit is gorgeous and those flowers are the stars. Look how pretty they are! I also love the way you wear your gorgeous bracelets over the glove. I love everything!

    Sending you a warm hug...

    Beta

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    1. Thank you deeply, my precious friend. My grandma's surgery took place yesterday and thankfully she made it through and is now recovering in the hospital. It's the beginning of a long road and it's far too soon to know how she's going to do in the weeks and months to come, but she is such a fighter and I really do believe that if anyone can beat cancer or at least live a long time with it, it her. She's always been a huge inspiration and kindred spirit to me on when it comes to strength and I hope that she can pull from some of my during this challenging time in her life.

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  38. These photos are really pretty, something about all the pastels and some great angles too. I just love the print of your dress, I tend to really like leaf prints and the scale of this one is really great. The floral hair piece is lovely, I am a huge fan of wearing flowers (real or faux) in/on my hair year round. I find flowers can cover many sins when it comes to hairstyling!

    I hope things calm down a bit for you soon, sending you a virtual hug from Colorado <3

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    1. Aren't the angles fun? This shot has really encouraged me to think outside of the box more with how I stand/sit (or even lay) in the future. Granted sometimes, standing upright and looking head on at the camera is about all one can do in certain settings, but when there's wiggle room for creativity, I want to stay branching out more. I've never thought of myself as a "pinup" or model and was so terribly camera shy for most of my life, so just getting in front of the lens took a lot for a long time. Now that I'm a bit more comfortable there (thanks to over three years of frequent outfit post shots for my blog), it's high time I got even more creative! :)

      Huge hugs & many thanks for your wonderfully nice comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  39. I hope your Grandma is doing well and that her surgery was a success. She sounds very strong and obviously has good people to care for her and to help her recover. My granny had the same a few years ago and whilst the recovery was slow as it is at that age she has made a full one thank goodness and is full of beans now! The hair flowers are gorgeous and I love the settings for these photos.

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    1. That's fantastic and very encouraging to hear. I hope dearly that she continues to stay in remission for the rest of her days. So far my grandma is doing positively following the surgery, went smoothly (thankfully!). It's too soon to gauge her long term prognosis, of course, but everyone's hopes are as high as they can be. The fact that it was detected relatively early on may really prove to be her saving grace here.

      Thank you again, my dear friend. Have a beautiful Sunday,
      ♥ Jessica

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  40. My dad was buried on the day of this article appared. Cancer.
    It was too late for my dad to receive treatment. But I'm sure your grandmother will be well treated. I hope a good recovery and all of the best for her.

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    1. Sweet dear, with every fiber of my being, I am sorry for your tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, truly. Please know that I'm always here if need someone to talk to about anything (chronicallyvintage@gmail.com).

      My peace be with you during this dark time,
      ♥ Jessica

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  41. Breast cancer runs in my family so I'm aware what that's like, I really hope everything goes as best as it can goes :)
    This photos however, are so peaceful and amazing, the colour palete, oh my <3 the location, your gloves, everything is so pretty *-*

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    1. Sweet, Ines, I am deeply sorry to heat that breast cancer runs in your family. It is a brutal, infinitely far too common condition and one that wrecks lives and family every day. I hope with all my might that it never strikes you, dear lady.

      Thank you very much for both of your wonderfully nice comments this weekend. It's always a treat to hear from you.

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  42. Oh no, I'm so behind on what's going on with everyone! So sorry to hear about your relative. Cancer runs in my family too, and I actually just lost a third aunt from it last month. A strong spirit is worth so much when fighting any kind of illness, and elderly ladies can be some of the toughest folks around! Well wishes to her and also to you, hoping you can find some calm. Some days it's just enough to dwell on a pretty outfit or accessory that brings you joy. :)
    (Also, you look totally gorgeous in these photos, especially the second-to-last shot!)

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    1. Hi sweet Sabrina, from the bottom of my heart, I am truly sorry to hear that cancer has ravaged your family to such a brutal degree. It's a horrendous disease that I wouldn't wish on anyone. My sincere condolences on the loss of your relatives.

      My grandma has surgery last Thursday and came through it well. There's quite a long recovery process now, but so far things are - knock wood - looking positively for the time being.

      Thank you deeply for your caring, understanding comment (and compliments about these photos, too).

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  43. Oh, my. I'm quite, quite behind on catching up and am so sorry to hear about your relative. My family is familiar with this cancer, and it is so...words really do not suffice. What you all are going through is pretty familiar, though, and I will say a prayer for your comfort, peace, and the well-being of your relative, too. I am so so sorry to hear, but dearly hope she will be all right!

    Happy blog birthday, too! You've accomplished so much with your blog and it really is my favourite—just a beautiful sunny spot in the midst of, as you've noted, a hectic and sometimes frightening world. I know you appreciate your readers, but I appreciate your posts and your unfailing good cheer and trust that things really will ultimately work out for the best. :)

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    1. Hi sweet Jen, thank you deeply for your absolutely lovely, and sincerely touching, comment. I am honoured and delighted to know that you enjoy my blog so much. To borrow a common term from the days when I lived in Ireland, thanks a million!

      With all my heart, I'm very sorry to hear that your family has had to deal with cancer, too. No longer can we say that it has spared ours (to be fair, my grandma did have a sibling who got cancer and passed from it decades ago, but in more recent times, no one had been afflicted by it, mercifully), as so incredibly few really can any more. It's staggering how prevalent this horrendous, lift (and family) altering condition is.

      Thank you again immensely. You're such a kind, awesome soul.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  44. Oh dear, I hope for the best for the lady with breast cancer. I'm glad you say she is a fighter. It is not fair to get cancer in your eighties, why was she not allowed to live the rest of her life healthy and die of age? Your flower clip is very charming and so perfect for spring and summer. I also love your pastel dress, bag, shoes and gloves. I always do. :) And do tell Tony I am SO in love with the photo where you are lying down on the bridge and the last one where you are walking away (please don't!). I'm just a little behind with your blog, but today is my weekly day off, so I'm catching up during my breaks. I've just changed my wardrobe from winter to summer. Boy, I have many shoes! ;) Quite a job. I will go out in the garden to plant some spring flower bulbs a little later, now it's lunch time. XOXO from sunshiny Denmark :)

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    1. Hi sweet Sanne, thank you very much for your caring words about my grandmother. I agree with you to no end. I hope dearly that this (the cancer) will not take her from us, but it would be a very cruel twist of fate if it does. It didn't know as much until her recent diagnosis, but my research into breast cancer, and by extension cancer in general, lately has informed me that a lot of cancers, including breast cancer, are actually surprisingly common in the elderly. I really though that breast cancer struck primarily younger and middle aged women, but it turns out that it's surprisingly high amongst those in their golden year, too. How incredibly sad! I realize that, ideal as it would be, we can't all just go peacefully in our sleep, but it really does seem unfair to make it 84 years cancer free and then get struck by it (not that there's ever a fair age for cancer, of course). Let's hope that her relatively early detection and the fact that she was able to get in for surgery so quickly, will give her an even greater fighting chance and long term prognosis.

      I will be sure to pass along your lovely compliments to Tony. Thank you! It always, without fail, brightens his busy day when I have one from a blog reader for him. Fear not, I wasn't going to keep walking. The water is still like ice around here and I have no desire to do a "polar bear dip"! :)

      I'm starting to switch out my wardrobe, too, though doing so almost seemed premature last weekend, when we got a brief, sudden cold snap and were sitting at 2C for a little while. Thankfully things have warmed back up again and we're more in the range of 20C during the day now, which is just gorgeous!!!

      I hope that you have a fantastic day off and tail end of April, my lovely friend. Huge hugs from this side of the planet!

      ♥ Jessica

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  45. I'm so sorry I missed this original post. What a glorious outfit and that floral head piece! Love, love, love it. I'm thinking of adding some of these kinds of accents for the summer. The imagery in this post is just startling. I love seeing these pictures with the dock, especially of you walking off in the distance. It is just like you have this whole lake to yourself:) Just wonderful! Magical!

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    1. Please don't worry for the tiniest of moments, my sweet friend. Thank you for your splendidly nice comment (as well as all of your other lovely blog comments this week). That day, on that stretch of the beach at least, we did have it all to ourselves, but if were to return in even a month's time, unless it was pouring rain (and even then, maybe not), there would be throngs of visitors all up and down it, as the whole Okanagan is such a tourist hub (rightfully so - it is gorgeous!). I love these few brief (!) weeks when we can turn the local landscape into our own private (or nearly so) photo studio, so to speak.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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