July 8, 2015

The last outfit photos we took before Tony left, starring my gorgeous new Classic Dames halter dress from Blue Velvet Vintage




Outfit details

19450s sterling silver and rhinestone necklace + screw back earrings set: Gift from a dear friend ♥
Dark grey thin knit shrug: Fairweather
1950s dark teal gloves: Unknown, had for years (probably thrifted)
1950s Style Navy Blue Halter Dress with Silver Brocade Trim: c/o Blue Velvet Vintage
Champagne coloured bow clutch: Bentley Leather
Sparkly champagne heels: The Bay
Lip colour: MAC Party Line


Photography by Tony Cangiano




















































The eve of my beloved husband leaving to work in the US for nearly three months is not something that I'd usually put on my finest threads and celebrate. However, with Tony's departure so eminent and a desire to showcase this breathtaking 1950s halter dress from Blue Velvet Vintage's Classic Dames line before he left a powerful driving force, I couldn't help but get decked out for the camera one last time before he left.

Indeed, in the midst of a wildly busy and exhausting week (which I can so see the effects of on my face here!), less than 36 hours before Tony headed off on his work trip to sunny California, as the last of the early evening sunlight was rapidly fading, I quickly got dressed and we hightailed it down to the historic ruins of the 1912 Hotel in the neighbouring community of Kaleden (which you may recall from this previous 2013 shoot that took place there as well).

There aren't a lot of spots - let alone outdoor ones - around these parts that (to put it mildly!) seem to accommodate particularly fancy vintage attire well, but to my mind, even with their graffiti tags, the crumbling remains of what was one a thriving Edwardian hotel, always strike me as being appropriate in that regard. It’s as if, were one to close their eyes and imagine, they could picture the elegantly attired ladies of the 1910s, 20s and 30s walking through its floors and halls, looking as though they'd just stepped out of a fashion magazine, when such elements of this structure still existed.

My love for the wonderfully popular online vintage + repro shop Blue Velvet Vintage, a longtime sponsor of this blog, knows no limits. Their offerings, be they genuine vintage or 21st century lines and products that channel an old school spirit are always beautiful, honestly described, well photographed, and seriously appealing.

Blue Velvet Vintage very kindly sent me the beguilingly gorgeous 1950s Style Navy Blue Sateen Halter Swing Dress with Silver Brocade Trim that I'm wearing here in these photos (thank you so much for it!), and it is now the second garment that I own from their marvelous in house vintage reproduction line, Classic Dames.

Aside from its captivating beauty - which exists in generous spades - this dress is a gem in a lot of other ways. It's very well constructed and fits, in my opinion, true to size (I'm wearing the size small here and it couldn't possibly fit me better, especially through the bust and torso, which is not common with me and halter styles, as I find that they're usually too big in that area).

The material is thick, but not restrictively so. The brocade is breathtaking, it features a sweetheart neckline (my favourite type of neckline ever!), the halter neck does up not in the usual tie neck fashion, but with two good sized metal hook and eyes, which means that there's no pesky halter tie knot pressing into your neck, and the hem line couldn't be more perfect in terms of its length on me (this is always a seriously big point with me and clothing, so when I find a dress that gets that mid calf length right, I'm one very happy vintage fashionista!).

As well, this dress is deeply comfortable. I could easily picture myself wearing it for many hours, no problem. Its fabric has a wee bit of stretch, which both ups the comfy-ness factor and helps to create an especially flattering fit. This dress retails for $155.00 USD and I would honestly have no problem splurging and paying that for the quality, design, and elegance that this great 1950s style halter delivers.

Ooooh, and let's not forget about the fabulous matching brocade belt, which is totally detachable. I debated actually wearing it as a skinny hair scarf and am sure I will in the future on some occasions when I sport this dress, but for this first wearing, I opted to keep it around my waist. It is generous in length and strikingly pretty, adding just the right amount of twinkle and glamour to your midsection.

A dress this dazzling doesn't need a lot of bells and whistles, and indeed, I was keen to keep it in the spotlight. Pulling on the gorgeous hues in the brocade, I opted for a champagne coloured clutch and sparkly heels, both of which feature bows and created a nice sense of cohesiveness between them. For jewelry I turned to this tremendously lovely 1950s sterling silver and rhinestone necklace + screw back earrings set, which was an awesome gift a while back from one of my dearest vintage loving friends in the whole wide world.

I played around with a lot of glove colours, but none of them seemed right until I slipped on this understatedly sophisticated dark teal pair. Its shade, though similar to that of the dress itself, is lighter and the subtle contrast strikes me as being especially evening wear appropriate. A dark grey thin knit shrug, which has appeared here numerous times over the years (and that, again, drew inspiration from the brocade) was the final touch to this party worthy ensemble.

As immensely busy as we were that weekend, I'm really glad that we got in this shoot before Tony left. Though (as mentioned here), we did manage to create a reserve of outfit photos to help see me though the summer until his return in September, I will greatly miss our usual photo shoots, especially given that we're in the best season of the year for them. I like that I'll always have the memory - and photos - of this last one before he departed to help capture a slice of our life - and this enchantingly beautiful halter dress from Blue Velvet Vintage - before he headed off.

Summer is already whizzing past and I'm sure that, to borrow a great vintage term, in two shakes of a lamb's tail, he'll be back and we'll be launching into as many autumn photo shoots as we can before another powerfully long, tremendously chilly Canada winter kicks in. Speaking of which though, I can't help but think, this dress would be amazing for Christmas or New Year's Eve. Right now though, it's going to be my summer go-to anytime I need, or simply want, to dress to the 1950s style nines!


*PS* I should clarify that while this was technically the last shoot that we did before Tony left, there were a handful of others that proceeded it which I haven't posted about yet. They will continual to appear here at regular intervals throughout the summer.

83 comments:

  1. Wow Jessica, that dress is just gorgeous glam! It looks very classy and expensive. It's interesting to see you without as many accessories as you'd normally go for, but I think that was the right choice. The bow clutch and the sparkly peep-toes go perfectly, and let the dress be centre stage.

    I hope you don't miss Tony too much!
    xx

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    1. Thank you very much, honey. I didn't really plan for such a fancy shoot to be our last (prior to that weekend, I mean), but you know, I'm so glad that it was. Getting to dress to the nines for the last time on camera for three months was a great note to start the summer off on - and to tide me over until September with!

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. You look so beautiful in the dress Jessica, I love how you have styled it too! I have one of the 1920s dresses by Blue Velvet Vintage, the quality is amazing. Such a wonderful last shoot with Tony too x

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet dear. I remember your fabulous twenties dress from Blue Velvet Vintage - it was breathtaking! I've said it before, but I'll happily say it again, you have such a fabulous ability to look amazing in outfits from such a wide range of eras (lucky lady!).

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  3. Such a stunning look - perfectly styled as usual! And a great outfit to end on a high before Tony returns to take lots more photos, for sure. I love the dark blue and pale gold together - I am now wondering why on earth I don't own any sparkly gold shoes! Glaring hole in my wardrobe! Sweetheart necklines are also my absolute favourite :) x

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    1. Thank you very much, darling gal. I know just what you mean. This was my first pair of sparkly gold shoes, bought in early 2012, and I've gotten a surprising amount of wear out of them, even being tall, glamorous heels that one doesn't sport on the daily, in the slightest. In fact, they were the shoes I wore last year for Christmas even. I hope that you're able to find a similar pair in the UK. You guys tend to have tons of great clothing and accessories shops there, so there's a fighting chance of such, I think.

      Many thanks again & have a terrific Wednesday!
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. You look fabulous! The color looks amazing on you and the fit is divine. I love the small touches of brocade. It takes the dress up a level without being over the top. So dreamy! When Tony returns home, he's going to have to take you out for a nice romantic evening so you have another opportunity to wear this fab dress!

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    1. That is such an awesome idea, Stephanie, thank you! We'll definitely aim for that - perhaps saving it for our wedding anniversary in October.

      Many thanks, too, for your wonderfully nice compliments. I love the fit of this dress as well. It's flat out perfect, especially with the way the strapless bra I had on under it that day helps to give me some much needed oomph in the bosom department - which generally suits halter styles well.

      Tons of hugs & happy Wednesday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. My, such a beautiful dress, you look beautiful and I like your hair styled like that.

    The contrast between the opulence of your outfit with the contrasting backdrop is wonderful, it would be all too easy to place such a dress in an equally glam setting, but this has more impact in my opinion.

    Getting all dressed up before Tony left must have struck a chord with him, having to leave such a beautiful wife behind!

    I hope you're well xxx

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    1. What a romantic, thoughtful way to look at things, my sweet friend. Thank you very much. I'm so happy that I was able to leave him with these memories of me looking all dressed up right before he left - and likewise that I can think of him happy, smiling and having fun with me as we nabbed this quick shoot in the last rays of the day's late spring sun.

      Thank you so much for your fantastic comment.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. This dress is stunning Jessica and looks fabulous on you. I definitely have to say that thefit is perfect and the colors of the dress are marvelous! I absolutely love how you paired everything together...especially the gold shoes:)
    -Madison
    www.1minniemuse.blogspot.com

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    1. You're wonderfully sweet, my dear, thank you very much. I couldn't be happier with the fit of this dress either. It's spot on, which is a true rarity for me and halter dresses, between my petite height, small shoulders, and very average sized chest. Luckily none of those things factored in against me here and this beautiful Blue Velvet Vintage frock fits like a dream!

      Big hugs & happy Wednesday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. I love how you have your hair styled! Simply gorgeous!

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Sylvie! If we take hats and accessories (snoods, flowers, scarves, etc) out of the picture, there's relatively little I can do in terms of styling this wig, other than pulling some or all of it back or doing small quasi-rolls on top like this. I wish there was more versatility with wigs in that respect, but alas, such is not usually the case. I'm happy for what I can do with it though for sure, don't get me wrong. :)

      Many thanks again & have a terrific day,
      ♥ Jessica

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  8. Lovely blue and splendid details. There are so very few who can wear their clothes these days, the ablility to wear clothes is an art and you do it with such taste and nicety. Not trying to grovel, I just like to express an opinion.
    And while I'm at it here's one more...that jewelry send me!
    -Krystle! 1930slife.blogspot.com

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  9. Oh, this is such a lovely look. That blue is wonderful against your skin tone. I had to do a double take because I thought you had a new wig, but I think it's the same. Beautifully styled. :)

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    1. Thank you very much, my lovely friend. It is indeed style the same one - just devote of any accessories, which is a rarity for me as I really find that wearing such (be it a hat, snood, hair scarf, hair flowers, barrettes, etc) helps to make the fact that it's a wig considerably less obvious (not that I'm ashamed, of course, I'm not in the slightest, but I do want it to look as realistic as possible for my own peace of mind), so I can completely see why wondered if it was a different one.

      I am in the market for a new (or additional style of) wig, but haven't quite found one yet. I've tried others before that didn't work for me - wigs are always a huge gamble, especially when buying them online - but do feel that because of those experiences, I may have better luck with the next style I try, because I know now that there are some things and styles (and colours) that I should avoid.

      Many thanks again & have a splendid Wednesday,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. I'm often on the lookout for a neat retro inspired wig for you as well. And if I see anything that might be perfect for you I'll be sure to send the link to you asap. :)

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    3. That means a great deal to me, sweet Seanna, thank you so much! It really is surprising to me, even after more than 2.5 years of being a wig wearer, just how very, very few styles (let alone non cheapy Halloween costume type ones) are out there that have even the slightest vintage look to them. You'd really think that at least one of the big wig companies would put out a "through the decades" kind of line, but alas, none that I'm aware of (and I've spent countless hours searching for such) really does so. A few have 20s - 30s finger waves and you'll get the odd wig that kinda looks the 40s or 50s part (like my current one), but by and large, that's the extent of it. Still, new products do come out often and I don't profess to have seen every wig under the sun by any means, so something great could turn up at any moment and I wholeheartedly appreciate that you're helping me to try and find a new vintage style wig.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. Thank you very much, sweet Dawn. I treasure this sterling silver-demi parure. It was a gift a couple of years ago from a very fellow vintage loving friend who knew that I was allergic to nickel (and thus avoided most metal jewelry), but that I could safely wear sterling. It was an incredibly thoughtful present and I wear it quite frequently when dressing up more fancily than my usual daily style.

    Many thanks again & have a great Wednesday!
    ♥ Jessica

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  11. That's really a gorgeous dress on you! The colour and fit through the bodice are awesome. I had to smile over the Fairweather shrug - I worked there for a few years. Such a great store - I do miss it.

    I can barely handle being away from my hubby for a few days - 3 months would be awful.

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    1. That's really cool! Fairweather is such a Canadian chain, I doubt most of my US or intentional readers have even heard of it outside of my blog. I really like Fairweather's offerings and have a number of pieces from them that are a cinch to style in a vintage direction like this.

      Thank you very much for your lovely compliments and also your caring words about Tony and I being apart for the summer. It's certainly not easy, but we're both making the best of it and honestly these first three weeks have flown by, so chances are the next two months will as well as summer itself always seems to whiz by in a flash.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. Such a beautiful dress and colour combination and you look stunning once again. Sorry to hear that Tony has now left for summer but thankfully we don't have to live with vintage technology and you can keep in close contact. Best wishes for your summer and he'll be back before you blink! Xx

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet lady. I'm getting by alright, though do certainly miss him massively. Thankfully these first three weeks (he left on June 15th) have really whizzed past quickly - almost staggeringly so, which I think comes in large part from the fact that it's summer and every day is speedy usually during this gorgeous season. While I don't want summer to end too quickly, I am glad that the time apart from Tony is passing so fast.

      Many thanks again & have a beautiful week,
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. Such a beautiful ensemble, you look sunning! Someone needs to take you to the opera or somewhere fancy so you can take this outfit out on the town. I love the brocade accents, I have never thought of using brocade in that way (and I am a brocade junkie)! The dress looks very well made and suits your figure so well!

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    1. Ooohh, that would be amazing. There are so many perks and lovely elements to small town living, but the lack of much in the way of a cultural scene, let alone something as prestigious as an opera, is definitely not one of them and both Tony and I miss going to such events immensely, which is why we try to get to some when we travel (for example, last fall we saw a marvelous theater version of Pride and Prejudice while in Victoria).

      Thank you very much for your completely lovely compliments. You're the sweetest!

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. Hello! I totally love your jewellery, God is it amazing. Especially the necklace. I am allergic to nickel too, and low-budget jewellery options are really limited, but it seems I haven't been looking hard enough. :) Very glad to have found you, I am looking through your blog and thoroughly enjoying it. I recently decided to start blogging myself after years of just reading and seeing, because my boyfriend is away and he has a blog already, so why not follow his example. Anyway... warm greetings!

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  15. such a pretty dress!! and your perfect styling with this cute accessoires! BUT - i really love what you did with your hair!!!! this looks soooo glamorous and beautiful! just wow!!
    i wish we could go for a cocktail!!!
    tons of (careful ´cause the hairdo and delicate dress) hugs!!! xxxxxxx

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    1. Aww, thank you so much, sweet Beate. It can get boring not having real hair to style and this wig, like most, is limited there, but I felt inspired that day and just went with some quasi-rolls and really liked it, too. I think it suited this outfit better than a hat for the summer and will be trying this hairstyle again for sure.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. maybe its time for some more and different wigs to spice up :-)
      i can imagine a black straight bob like louise brooks for autumn/winter.... would be fab with a wool suit!
      <3 <3 <3

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  16. That's an amaaaazing dress, dear Jessica, and the moment you don't want it anymore, please sell it to me - but well, it's S, you said, won't fit me :( I love the brocade belt as well and all the details - shoes, sweet necklace, your amazing hair! You look like a vision, sooo beautiful! I also agree with thehem, that is the kind of hem length I like, too! And I know what you mean, but time flies and September will be soon there, you will see! I was talking to a friend today and we had plans till September, too, and it felt so close! Hope you have a very nice evening, dear Jessica!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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    1. Thank you very much, honey. You're the sweetest! Blue Velvet Vintage has this dress in a wide range of modern sizes, so there's likely one that would work well for you, if you wanted one of your own - and I can't recommend it highly enough. The quality is tops and dress itself is so gorgeous!

      Tons of hugs & happy Thursday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. You are seriously on a roll with jaw dropping looks! This blue velvet is fantastic on you. I love the color, and the shape really gives you a beautiful hourglass silhouette. I hope that you had a chance to grab dinner somewhere fancy, because this is just the look for it.
    It looks like your summer is off to a great start, and I'm sure it will absolutely fly by, even without your beloved by your side.

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    1. *Blush* Thank you so much, honey. I adore how this dress makes my hourglass shape pop! Anything that does that in a tasteful way is a huge winner in my books. There are a lot of elements about my body that I don't love (or at least that I wish were different), but my curvy shape has never been one of them. It takes to mid-century vintage looks like a duck to water! :)

      No, no time for going out that weekend, with Tony leaving, but once he's back we'll have to celebrate complete with this killer dress.

      Have a terrific Thursday!
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. Simply gorgeous! you look like a movie star! the dress is beautiful and your hair style too:) breathtaking ... and the heels! make me wanna buy one! :)

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    1. How splendidly sweet of you to say, honey. Giant thanks!!!

      ♥ Jessica

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  19. Wow that dress is absolutely stunning on you! I adore how you have accessorized this beautiful dress and how you've done your hair as well! xo

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  20. The dress is stunning! He did a great job! The photos are stunning!
    http://inkandlacedesigns.blogspot.com.au/

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    1. Thank you so much, sweet Lorena. I'll pass along your super nice compliment to Tony.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  21. I'm know you've heard it many times, but in this time that your dear Tony is away, our thoughts and prayers are with you! i do have to say that these photos are stunning, the dress suiting you in every way, your body type looking perfect. and it wasn't until i was reading your lovely worded accounts that i realized you were wearing teal gloves! i had to scroll back up and take a look, and how nice they look. and one would not typically think of teal gloves and a navy dress, however, i very much understand the need for something to just 'feel' right. and this is certainly doing it right!

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    1. Thank you across the board, sweet dear. Agreed, teal would not be the first colour I would have envisioned here either, but having tried about 15 others with it, none that I owned in shades that seemed like even remotely possible matches looked half as well as these simple teal ones did. It's tones, I think, of the two dark, alluring blues playing together like two perfectly harmonized voices.

      Many thanks again & have a beautiful Thursday,
      ♥ Jessica

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  22. You.. You.. You are a stunning lady! 💕
    This dress here featured is best defined as "anything but". It's anything but ordinary. It's anything but simple. It's anything but casual.
    It is a masterpiece.
    A wonderful piece of clothing - not to be worn on an everyday errands. Ohhh, it's a positive envy I feel right now.
    ...
    I'm glad you 2 made a "stack" of photos for our enjoyment.
    By the way, how is Mr. ChronicallyVintage?

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    1. You're as sweet as they come, dear Marija, thank you very much. I adore that term ("anything but") and am tickled pink that you applied it to me.

      It really is an extraordinarily beautiful dress that will come out on special occasions. I could seriously foresee sporting this next New Year's, complete with those same sparkly heels.

      Tons of hugs & happy second half of the week wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  23. My dear, this dress is perfect, seems like a dream. I like the deep color, it makes me think of the warm summer nights, the sea deeper, the details and the cut are masterful. You chose the perfect accessories, all this reflects your style! You have chosen a great location, I like these places abandoned: my imagination is always very lively!
    Certainly for a big occasion, like Christmas or New Year's celebration would be perfect!
    I can not wait to see your photo shoots autumn, the summer here is destroying me, for luck next week we go to the mountains.

    hugs

    serena

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    1. Thank you so very much, dear Serena. I'm eager for autumn's new shoots as well, but at the same time, don't want summer to vanish too quickly. It's so brief and beautiful, and I'm in no hurry to be buried up to my vintage hat brim in snow again. Though, of course, it will be marvelous to have Tony home again in September and that I am most certainly looking forward to.

      Many thanks again & have a terrific Thursday!
      ♥ Jessica

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  24. What an amazing dress and I especially love the color!

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Lindsay. I truly adore the midnight blue colour of this 50s style dress, too. It's more lively than black, but not as stark as deep navy blue.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  25. Hi

    Your outfit are stunning,lovely details and colours.

    Have a nice day.

    Merethe

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  26. Gosh, what a gorgeous ensemble.How blue flatters your skin, and that neckline is incredible on you, no wonder it's your favorite.
    Hoping your time with apart from Tony is moving quickly and that you're making the best you possibly can of it.

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    1. Thank you very much, lovely lady. I think, humbly, that one is my best colours, too. My mom always says so as well and I'm not going to disagree with either of you wise ladies.

      Tons of hugs & happy summer wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  27. Oohh... awww... truly gorgeous! I'm so happy to see you add more and more outfit posts to your wonderfully-diverse blog, not only for our entertainment but for the joy they must give you. Yes, doing them is hard work but it's satisfying work; effort that renews us inside. Good luck with your new period of domestic solitude. :-)

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    1. Thank you very much, Ally, that's very, very kind of you to say. It took me about three years of my blog's life to work up the courage to post photos of myself on any kind of regular basis, but once I reached that important point (in early 2012), there's been no holding me back and I strive for as many as my health will permit me to get out and take photos of. Summer is usually the best time for that, as the great weather only further helps to make shoots possible, so not taking oodles this season with Tony will be quite different for sure, but it will just give us a great excuse to try and make up for these missed months all the more in the early days of autumn, before we're into the freezing temps of another lengthy Canadian winter again.

      Wishing you a fantastic day!
      ♥ Jessica

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  28. Woooowwww weeeee!!! This is one beautiful dress! The colour suits you too. I can see this for a wedding or a fancy dinner. It would work anytime of year with different accessories.Can you imagine this for a winter wedding!!?
    You're right summer is zooming by and although only the first full week of July I've got plans for every weekend into August. Before we know it, it will be September.
    Hope things aren't too smokey where you are. Although I know your a ways from Vancouver, the city didn't look to happy the other day on the news.

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    1. Hi lovely Debra, thank you very much for the marvelously lovely compliments. Ooohh, this would be breathtaking for a winter wedding. Be it worn by a guest, a bridesmaid, or even the bride herself, if she didn't want a white/cream dress.

      We're in the Okanagan Valley, the usual hub of BC's forest fires each summer and do have a fair bit of smoke at the moment, but not an unbearable amount and thankfully there are no fires burning close to where we live. It's very sweet of you to be concerned about that. Thank you.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. Absolutely stunning, darling!! This dress is gorgeous, but that amazing clutch and beautiful shoes make the entire outfit nothing short of perfection. I'm hoping that you are doing well and the time that Tony is away will be short and sweet. The time will fly by and you two will be back in each others arms.

    She Knits in Pearls

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    1. That's a beautiful thing to say, sweet Cherry, thank you very much. Summer is already whizzing past (I can hardly believe that yesterday was my birthday again - wow, what an incredibly quick year that was!) and I think you're spot on when you say that it really won't be long before we're cuddling up a storm again. I so look forward to it!

      Have a marvelous weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  30. You know, I was going to ask you in my previous comment how you were getting along without Tony.
    AND now I see a post of one of the pictures he took before leaving.
    I must say this shade of blue is so beautiful and just makes your doll like skin totally glow.

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    1. You're so lovely, dear Lorena. Thank you very much! It's not easy and the summer isn't as fun without him in the slightest, but we're both getting by and making the best of the season and our days. Thankfully he'll be home in about two months and we'll get to spend the very tail end of summer together.

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  31. Your outfit posts are so inspiring great shots, locations and such attention to detail
    Retro rover

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    1. You're as sweet as they come, dear Kate. Thank you very much! I delight in the act of putting together outfits and shoots featuring them. It's truly a highlight of my days and I feel so grateful that this blog gives me a chance to let share some of what I wear with the world in such a creative, enjoyable way.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  32. You look stunning Jessica! I almost fell off my chair when I came upon the first photograph of this post! Each piece/accessory works so well together ~ So classy, so chic, so killer! :)

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    1. Thank you so much, lovely lady - you're making me blush up a storm over here! I really appreciate your wonderfully kind compliments.

      Have a fantastic weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  33. Absolutely stunning! You look like you could be on your way to a fancy dinner party or dance in old Hollywood. :)

    Happy birthday eve!

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    1. That is such a cool, sweet compliment, thank you very much, honey. If only, eh! What I wouldn't give to spend even just one evening in the midst of such a swanky yesteryear shindig! :)

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  34. That is such a beautiful dress! Love it!

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Liz. It is such a beautiful dress - Blue Velvet Vintage knocked it out of the park with this one for sure!!!

      Have a terrific weekend,
      ♥ Jessica

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  35. Jessica, this dress is perfect on you in every way. the fit , the colour and the style. The brocade trim on the neckline is really stunning and offset so well with your silver accessories.
    I hope you are enjoying your Summer weather and the time is flying for you.

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    1. Thank you very much, lovely Jill. As much as I don't want summer's weather to vanish anytime soon, the season as a whole is whizzing past quite quickly, which is a positive in the sense of making the time apart (from Tony) past more quickly.

      Have a beautiful weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  36. What a stunning dress! and you look stunning in it! I especially love the gloves and necklace you paired with it!

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    1. Many thanks, sweet Natalie. I truly adore this necklace + earring set, too. It was a gift from a dear vintage loving friend a couple of years ago and is amongst the loveliest jewelry I've ever owned.

      Wishing you a fantastic weekend!

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  37. Replies
    1. Thank you very much across the board. The festivities are going strong still today, on what I've long playfully dubbed "my birthday boxing day", so your wishes aren't belated in my books. :)

      Many thanks again & have a fantastic weekend,
      ♥ Jessica

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  38. You look gorgeous Jessica! Your hair is impeccable, and this dress suits you so perfectly!

    Cheers!

    Brigid
    the Middle Sister and Singer

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    1. Thank you for the beautiful compliment, dear Brigid. It's really interesting, to me, to see how many nice words have come my way regarding this hairstyle. If I keep sporting this wig, I'll definitely have to style it this way again in the future.

      Wishing you and your sisters a fabulous, fun filled weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  39. What a stunning dress Jessica! The gold thread tapestry detail really looks superb with the rich midnight-navy blue ~ very reminiscent of a medieval princess. And I love your shoes! So sparkly and pretty! ❤

    xox,
    bonita of Lavender & Twill

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    1. What a wonderfully lovely comparison (to a medieval princess), thank you very much, dear Bonita. Few fabrics across all of time have ever spoken to me as much as brocade/tapestry and I always leap at the chance to wear these regal fabrics, if I can. Years ago I had a cream and gold brocade pencil skirt (it was modern, but looked the early 60s part to a tee) that I wore until it was as good as thread bear and had to be sent off to the great closet in the sky.

      Many thanks again & have a fantastic new week!
      ♥ Jessica

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  40. A perfect look for an occasion any season throughout the year. Your accessories really let the dress shine. Such a sophisticated, lady like look. And the brocade is so rich and luxurious. Just lovely!

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet dear. Isn't that brocade breathtaking? I would happily hang curtains from it in my house or wear it in any garment conceivable.

      I hope that you're having a terrific summer, lovely lady.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  41. What a beautiful and elegant dress. Navy blue is always elegant, and the brocade is such a nice accent. I also thought of New Years eve, but I can imagine it for Christmas too with red accessories and Christmas jools. In fact I think it can work on most occassions all year round. You look lovely as always, dear. :)

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    1. Hello my sweet friend, thank you very much for your lovely comment. I swear, my mind goes straight to New Year's with this dress - perhaps even, come to think of it, more than with any other dress that I currently own - ditto for those sparkly shoes! :)

      I could see this working well with red, cranberry or burgundy, too, and am sure I'll wear it that way at least some years during the holidays. I'd like to try it with brown accessories for the fall time, too (say, perhaps for Thanksgiving).

      Big hugs & happy end of July wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  42. Another amazing set of photos from Tony! I hope he is enjoying his time working away. The colour of the dress is so completely perfect for you, your skin just looks luminous. Really gorgeous. That dress is definitely a keeper! I do like a bit of brocade too, I would love to find a 1950's brocade dress.

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    1. Thank you very much, darling Kate - and let me tell you, the light was fading very, very rapidly that day, so Tony's skills really came out in full force and I definitely was doffing my hat to him there, too. I always pass along any compliments that he receives here to him and know that yours will brighten his day. I haven't asked him yet, but now I'm wondering if he's missing doing shoots or if he's enjoying the "time off" from it? :)

      Tons of hugs & happy Monday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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