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January 25, 2016

A Venetian in Vancouver





Outfit details

Grey felt beret: eBay
Black circular shaped rhinestone earrings: Either Payless or Claire's
C. 1930s/1940s dark cream faux pearl multi-strand necklace: Thrifted (Value Village - similar necklaces currently available in my Etsy shop)
Vintage style black rosette trimmed knit top: Thrifted
C. 1950s white gloves: Unknown, had for years (possibly a gift or from eBay)
C. 1980s does 1950s caramel brown wide belt: Thrifted (Value Village)
Vintage bangle bracelets: Assorted sources
1950s Venetian novelty print skirt: Awesome gift from a dear friend
C. 1950s grey kiss lock handbag: Running Rabbits Studio
Opaque black tights: Ardene
White faux leather pumps: Payless
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red


Photography by Tony Cangiano














































A 1950s Venetian novelty print skirt, that is. :)

Throughout the course of my life I have lived in places with populations as large as a multiple millions and as tiny as just a few hundred. Most, not surprisingly, have fallen in between. Fittingly, then one might say, I have always felt like I was both a city girl and a country lass. I can make my home almost equally happy in either place, but when I'm away from one for a while, I do start to miss it strongly and pounce at the chance to return, if only for a few days.

As many of you know, Tony and I had a chance to do just that on a business trip to Vancouver at the end of this past fall. Most days Tony was one busy chap, putting in 10 - 12+ hour workdays, which left little time to explore together and, given the time of the year, no daylight during those wonderful times we did have.

On two days however, we were able to get in a decent amount of bopping about the city together during daylight hours and this is the second of the two (see the first here) outfit shoots that we were able to do while in The Big Smoke, as this stunning oceanfront city is sometimes called.

One thing that has struck me in the years since I first became a fashion blogger is just what an incredible wealth of phosholos (aka, photo shoot locations) there is to be had in large cities. I know that might sound glaring obvious, and it in many respects it is, but when you live in a relatively small town in an area with only a couple locations in the whole region of 100,000 or more people, you almost forget just what a staggering wealth of possible photo shot spots a larger city dishes up day in and day out.

As I - and some days, we - explored Vancouver's bustling, vibrant streets and myriad diverse neighborhoods, I was struck by how I could live in that city for a hundred lifetimes, vintage fashion blogging through all of them (natch! :)), and likely never exhaust all the possible places to take photos in. The same, no doubt, is true of most large cities the world over, especially if, as many in Canada are, they're mere moments away from breathtaking natural landscapes as well.

Tony is a huge fan of urban fashion photography, however the types of mid-century ensembles I typically wear rarely lend themselves particularly well to such, especially if the buildings and other sights in the background are glaringly modern.

So, when a chance to shot in such a setting arises, understandably, he pounces on the opportunity - and if we can find a location that meets his desire for gritty, energetic city backdrops and mine for ones that still look at least vaguely old school, we both come out as very happy campers.

We hit upon just that in the cement clad back alley behind our hotel one nippy, but delightfully sunny, afternoon. There was nothing exceptional about this back alley, save for the fact that it was situated in the heart of downtown Vancouver, which in and of itself, made it quite exciting for folks like us who presently reside in an Okanagan town of about 30,000 people and far fewer such urban backdrops.

The temperature was right around freezing that day (though the sunlight helped it to feel a touch toastier), so warm clothes were a must.

I opted for this truly fantastic 1950s Venetian novelty print skirt, which a treasured vintage loving friend gave me a while back (as she knows I'm always on the hunt for Italian themed vintage clothing to sport in a fashionable nod to Tony's homeland), as it is made from a thick, almost flannel like material that suits fall and winter superbly (not to mention the fact that it depicts one of the most famous cities in the world and thus seems especially fitting to sport while shooting in another stunning metropolis).

With it I paired a vintage style scoop neck black knit top with delight fabric rosettes around the neckline, as well as one of my favourite c. 1980s does 1950s belts, black opaque tights (for warmth), a classic grey beret, white vintage gloves, my sweet little grey 50s handbag, white pumps (court shoes), and jewelry (a blend of old and vintage appropriate modern) that pulled from the colours in my novelty print skirt.

On top of being nice and cozy, this outfit was wonderfully comfortable for a day of sightseeing, shopping, and general inner city exploring.

The lighting in these photos - despite looking as though it could easily have been created with a Photoshop action or two - is completely natural. It was soft and hazy and still had the faintest feeling of autumn to it (back home in Penticton, nearly five hours north of Vancouver, we had already parted ways with such gentle, warm light by that point in the year).

A back alley might not seem like the most exciting place to shoot in, but with the symphony of urban sounds tickling our ears from every direction and this sublime sunlight radiating down as we stood surrounded by towering city buildings, it was precisely that and we both agreed that shoot was one of our favourites in a long time.

I’m not sure when I'll get back to Vancouver - or any major city, for that matter - again, but I truly love knowing that whenever it happens, there will a million and one wonderful photo shoot locations just waiting for Tony and I to point our lens at them.

102 comments:

  1. Oh, yes! The lighting is stunning in these shots. And your skirt!!! *Swoon* Love it! :D

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    1. Thank you sweetly, lovely lady. I had a feeling - being a fellow novelty print skirt fan - that you'd really enjoy this delightful 1950s garment as well. I love that unlike so many others (especially in my wardrobe), it actually provides tangible warmth during the winter months. It makes wonder actually why more such novelty skirts (and dresses) were made from warmer fabrics like flannel back in the day (perhaps because they're naturally associated with warmer weather?).

      Big hugs & happy Monday wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. I think I forget how lucky I am to live in a city that is as architecturally diverse as mine is - there are plenty of beautiful old buildings from all sorts of eras. The trick, however, is finding the nice little back streets that aren't full of tourists... Like you've done here! I always like taking urban photos too and I enjoy seeing bloggers in such locations. I think this is a great photo set and the lighting is amazing. Also, that skirt! What an amazing present that must have been. Beautiful outfit x

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    1. It really is amazing lighting. We knew it was a beautiful in the moment, but it wasn't until I'd uploaded the photos from Tony's camera onto my computer that I (we) really saw just how warm, soft and dreamy it was.

      I can imagine that's annoying for sure. We get a bit of that in the summer here, as the Okanagan Valley (where we live) has historically been one of not just BC's, but Canada's, biggest tourist destinations thanks to its sizzling hot temperatures, many beaches, and desert-like dry climate. Still, nothing in most spots at least, compared to what I'm sure a city like London encounters on the daily.

      Even just finding (un-graffiti tagged) brick walls that, by pure coincidence, complimented my skirt so nicely) was a treat in this urban setting, which I'm very happy was so close to our hotel. A good reminder to scoop out back alleys more often when traveling (or even when closer to home). :)

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

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  3. Gorgeous!!! What a lovely skirt - it'd be so perfect to wear in Las Vegas, too, and visit the hotel called The Venetian. The shoppes in the hotel are designed to look like Rome - gondolas included! Have you been? Anyway, that's what I thought of! I love the colors here!

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    1. Ooohh, it would be ideal there! Thank you for the wonderful suggestion, I will try to remember it if I've ever headed that way. I've never been to Vegas before, but it (primarily for the history and rockabilly/classic car/vintage culture) has been on my travel wishlist since I was a child and I really hope to make to Nevada one day (have you been before yourself?).

      Oodles of hugs & happy tail end of January wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. Oh Jessica! Words can't express how perfect all of this is!! I'm so terrible about commenting as often as I want to, but the moment this post popped into my feed, I knew I couldn't put this one off!

    The skirt is obviously the best part, but your ability to pull together an outfit where every piece seems vital is enviable! This is one of my favorite outfits I've seen! :-)

    And I loved what you had to say about country/city life. I can totally relate! I'm very much a country girl, but living temporarily in the city for the past few months has given me a new appreciation for the city- I'm sure I'll miss it when I move back home. :-)

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    1. Hi sweet Lily thank you very much for your immensely lovely comment - and shared enthusiasm about this marvelous 1950s Italian novelty print skirt. It really is one of the most fantastic vintage garments I've ever owned - and such a beautiful nod to my husband's culture to boot.

      I think, ultimately, that it's a good thing to be drawn to both the city and the country. It helps to make one especially adaptable and also, in theory, more receptive to change, if life steers you towards one and not the other for a while. I'm thankful that I have a passion and connection to both and feel very fortunate for those occasion visits to larger locations around this part of the world. They really help me connect with my big city roots (I was born in the Greater Vancouver Area) and also remind me of some of the perks (wayyyy less traffic, for example :)) of small town life as well.

      Many thanks again for your splendidly nice comment. I always adore hearing from you and sincerely appreciate your comments anytime you share one with me.

      Big hugs & joyful wishes for the end of January,
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. That skirt is an absolute dream! I just adore this outfit you have out together. Vancouver sounds like a really interesting city. One of my favorite things to do is go downtown and explore the city, there is always something new to be found!

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    1. That there definitely is, especially with each changing season. The last time I was in Van (the year before), we were there at the start of June, so essentially the beginning of summer, and I was really struck this time around by how different in a lot of ways the city felt at the end of fall/start of winter. Still the same bones, of course, but definitely a different, highly Christmas seasonally charged vibe and a more of a sense of hustle and bustle as people tried to stay warm out on the streets.

      Thank you very much for your wonderfully nice comment. I hope you're week is off to a great start!

      ♥ Jessica

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  6. Hello there pretty lady, what a treat you have for us readers today with these wonderful photographs! You hit the jackpot with natural light, and what a stunning gift that skirt was, your friend must love you very much! It is so unusual. It's definitely fun to roam a city scouting for possible outfit backdrops. I don't do too badly in my semi-rural spot though. Have a wonderful week! Xx

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    1. Hello right back at you gorgeous gal. Thank you very much for your splendidly nice comment. Indeed, this friend and I have known each other for a few years now and she is a very treasured soul to me (who absolutely "gets" my fashion sense; a rare gift unto itself!) and I feel so grateful that she bestowed this skirt on me a while back.

      Many thanks again & have a marvelous last week of January,
      ♥ Jessica

      *PS* I just adore the all the different locations you find for your shoots.

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  7. Absolutely amazing skirt! I've been to Venice once, it was such a magical place! That skirt would be perfect to wear there. I also love the light in these pictures, very nice!

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    1. Thank you so much, honey! Wouldn't it though? So far I've not had the pleasure of seeing Tony's homeland of Italy yet, but when I finally do, I'd love to bring this skirt with me, especially if we were heading to Venice (I have a couple of other Italian novelty print garments that would likely be coming for the journey, too). How wonderful that you've been. I bet it's even more sublime in person than what photos or even videos can ever transmit.

      Tons of hugs & happy wishes for the new week,
      ♥ Jessica

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  8. Oh my gosh, I do love that amazing skirt! I just discovered the wonders of 50s novelty print skirts in the past year (with the find of my picador/bull skirt in the thrift store), and am on the lookout for more.

    I rarely do my photoshoots out anywhere but this a lovely set of photos! Tempting!

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    1. Aren't they off-the-charts fabulous? 1950s novelty print skirts have been a favourite of mine for ages. I can't claim to own as many as some folks (in part because of how much they've skyrocketed in price in recent years), but those that I do have get a lot of wear and endless love (this amazing Venetian print skirt very much included).

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

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  9. I love this outfit and these photos! I've been to Vancouver a couple of times to visit friends and once on a symphonic band tour in college (I was a bassoonist!) and I loved the city every time I've gone! It is just wonderful. There is a restaurant in Gastown called Monk's Inn or something like that that I really enjoyed.

    You look lovely as always--I really love that beret! I never quite look right in them, even though I really like them! My head is generally too big to look good in hats. I stick to headscarves mostly. :)

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    1. How terrific that you've been to Vancouver before and that you thoroughly enjoyed it. I fall more and more in love with the city each time I go and really appreciate getting seeing through adult eyes now (I was born a stone's throw from Vancouver proper and lived in that general area until very shortly before my ninth birthday, when my folks moved the family up here to the sunny Okanagan Valley).

      I find that it's a city that never fails to both inspire and energize me. I return home and my head is swirling with thoughts, plans and dreams - not to mention a desire to return asap.

      I hope (if you want to, that is) that you're able to see Vancouver again, Juliana. Who knows, perhaps we could even meetup there one day. How fantastic an experience would that be!

      Many hugs & happy Monday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. I read your post this so willingly, dear Jessica! I seem to be there and feel about me the cold air heated by the sun happily ... How nice! I recognize myself in some things you wrote, especially being a country girl (is exactly what they are) and, at the same time, a resident of the city. Although, I confess, all "my" city are small and rather imagine Vancouver a real metropolis. After a while they are in very big cities (those that I met a little 'better are London, Rome and Paris) I have to get back in the simplest campaign!
    But let's talk about this that you wear bright clothing so adorable! You really are a young woman with a charm and class of the past, so charming and at ease. This skirt is simply a masterpiece! Perfect accessories! I am also fascinated by Venice, I spent there a long weekend in a hotel along the Grand Canal, many years ago, a dream! Venice is a magical city, water is his element and change the perception we have of the movement, even large buildings swaying slightly as huge, placid boats ... Thanks for making me dream and remember ..

    a hug

    serena

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    1. Hi lovely Serena, thank you very much for your wonderful comment. I really appreciate how much you like to not only share with me about your own life, but the thoughtful commentary that you provide on my outfits (or whatever else I'm posting about on a given day). It's marvelous that you've seen Venice in person. I haven't yet, but certainly daydream about doing so one day. It is such a city that teams with even more history than it has water and sense that I will take to it instantly.

      I hope that you're able to visit Vancouver one day. It's a thoroughly fantastic, modern (with elements of the past and it's beautiful, traditional First Nations culture, too) city that seems to get into one's soul and leave you longing to return time and time again.

      Wishing you a terrific, fun filled last few days of January, sweet dear!

      ♥ Jessica

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  11. Oh what I'd like to come and visit Vancouver!
    I agree cities are wonderful when it comes to phosholos haha (didn't know that term before!) I enjoy it in Paris. Even when the place is a bit nasty , there is some place in Paris you don't to visit haha; there is always some interesting spot to enlight your outfit. So totally understand that fashion blogger point of view!

    By the way, I love this skirt and ensemble. It is rare to see you wear black , but it suits you well dear !
    The skirt reminds me one Bernie Dexter I have, love when there's some print on it like that!
    xxx

    Love from Paris,
    Lorna
    http://lornasharp.blogspot.com

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    1. Sweet Lorena, thank you very much for your wonderfully lovely comment. I really, really hope you're able to visit Vancouver one day. I sense it's a city that would entwine itself with your own travel adoring soul very quickly.

      True, you know, and I wouldn't say that's intentional at all. I tend to wear black more as an accent, than as the star hue in an outfit, but as my inner goth girl keeps coming out more and again these days (a side of me that has been strong since around the time I hit puberty), I could see black being on the agenda in greater quantities here as time goes on. :)

      How awesome that you have a similar looking skirt from Bernie's line. Her offerings are so spectacular!

      Huge hugs & happy end of January wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. That print is amazing! I need to be better at scouting locations for photos... sometimes I'm just lazy or don't have time to go anywhere other than my backyard! But I'm jealous of people in larger cities with tons of awesome locales at their fingertips!

    xox Sammi

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    1. They are lucky ducks for sure! We have quite a wealth of beautiful natural settings to shot in here in the Okangan, but less in terms of suitable (in a vintage-y capacity) urban ones. I always adore the backdrops in your shoots - as well as the stunning lighting that you're so often bathed in. Tres gorgeous!

      Thank you for your great comment. I hope that you're having a really lovely tail end of the month.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. Responding to just one lil snippet that struck me --

    I think there's still definitely an art to capturing modern vintage-istas in today's settings -- and Tony does it really well! I reflect on that contrast a lot -- loving vintage fashion while enjoying all of the conveniences and nice parts of being able to reflect on every individual decade we love because we no longer live *in* it. I walked through Target this morning with puffy pincurled hair and bright red lipstick and felt like I looked utterly ridiculous!

    But then, I think about the numerous ways vintage lovers incorporate elements of vintage style, whether they sew their own clothes, like to dress in "true" vintage head to toe, or are just inspired by specific silhouettes but wear mostly modern clothes...there are so many ways to refer to history in the vintage loving life, that I don't think modern buildings seem at all odd as a backdrop for people like you! It wouldn't be "vintage" in the forties and fifties, would it? :) :P

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    1. That is such a wonderfully nice compliment, sweet Kira. Thank you very much. I'm going to pass it along to Tony right this instant.

      That's an excellent observation/perspective and way to look at things. Very true. Building that were new back in the day would not have been vintage then yet. I don't epicly shy away from modern backdrops, but do find myself drawn more towards landscapes, classic or vintage (or historical) backdrops. Perhaps it's my unending love of being well coordinated on the outfit front extending all the way to the backdrops in my photos, too. :)

      I truly appreciate your awesome comment, lovely lady. Many thanks again!

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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    1. Thank you so much, sweet Liz!

      Have a beautiful last week of January!
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. Jessica, you look absolutely ravishing! The lighting is something from a fairytale, and that skirt is so gorgeous. Perfect pictures!

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    1. You're so wonderfully sweet, Jessie. Thank you very much for the beautiful compliment - it was a bright a spot in my day as the sunlight in these photos was that nippy late fall afternoon.

      Many hugs & happy tail end of January wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. What a GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS outfit! That blouse and skirt are just made for each other! Sending you love from a very snowy NYC! :D

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    1. Huge thanks, my wonderfully lovely friend. You know, I think they really are, too. Before we went out that day, even just with what I had packed in my suitcase, I played around with two other tops, but neither of them jived quite as well and I'm really glad I opted for black on top, too, in this instance.

      Tons of hugs coming right back at you from (presently) rainy Penticton,
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. STUNNING!!!!!
    your ensemble is sooo fabulous and tony´s photographs are a work of art!!! dreamy!!!
    you did a very perfect job to accessorize that beautiful skirt with the simple elegant black and gray and white and then a golden highlight on your tiny waist!!!
    for country versus city - i lived happily in germanys biggest city for more then 20 years - and now i can´t imagine to do so again. but! there is one city i would really like to live in...... venezia!!!
    i feel like you made that post just for me :-)
    much love!!! xxxxxxx

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    1. What an awesomely lovely comment and wealth of compliments, dear Beate. Thank you so very much!!! I adore that this post feels like it was tailor made for you. Knowing how much you adore Venezia now, I will think of you each time I wear this skirt or anything Venetian themed.

      Lots of love & hugs coming right back at you!
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. Oooh the skirt is stunning! And berets are great on you!!! Must wear my own berets more often

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    1. Aren't berets fabulous? I love them to pieces, too, but interestingly, until late 2014, only (in recent years) owned two (one pink, one black). I was wearing them both often and so decided to invest in several more in various colours. I don't have quite a complete rain yet (for example, I don't have any green ones so far), but I'm getting close and bet they'll all appear here on the blog as time goes on. I really like berets for traveling, too. As they're soft, flat, lightweight and can stand up to a lot, so they're ideal for suitcases and carry-on bags, as well, of course, as wearing while out exploring. :)

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

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  19. I am soooo jealous over that skirt. I want more novelty skirts in my wardrobe but I always think they're soooo expensive! I love the photos - the soft light is sooo romantic and you look so beautiful! I sometimes feel like I haven't taken advantage of London as a backdrop enough! But it's always so full of people that I feel self conscious!

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    1. Goodness, are they ever! Even before their prices skyrocketed to staggering new heights in recent years, they were often on the pricier side of the vintage spectrum. I have a few that I've purchased over the years and some others, such as this beauty, that were gifts, and I treasure each like it was worth its weight in gold. Unlike a lot of my vintage garments, I'm quite guarded in how often they're worn and under what conditions. This skirt though, I'm happy to say, is quite durable and I don't worry quite as much with it (so hence why it came with us to Vancouver and then spent a busy day exploring the city).

      I hope that you're able to add more to your closet, too, my sweet friend. Some of the repro/vintage style novelty skirt offerings are quite delightful, too, and can be (somewhat) more budget-friendly option, but there's nothing at the end of the day quite like the real mid-century deal.

      Thank you very much for your wonderful comment. I hope that you're having a great last week of the month.

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  20. Utterly gorgeous as per usual dear Jessica, you must shine like a beacon amongst a throng of people dressed in mainly unremarkable modern attire. I must admit I'm a country girl and am fortunate enough to live on the edge of one our beautiful national parks. I am always dumb struck at the scenery of Canada, though. It has an unchartered feel to it at times, almost magical, like its guarding some secret withinn it's forests. Totally beautiful, very much like yourself in this adorable outfit. How I wish I had your style. Wishing you well xx

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    1. That is a deeply beautiful compliment, Emily. Thank you so much. I second your take on our sprawling wilderness landscapes and do count myself extremely fortunate to live in an area with such a rich abundance of gorgeous outdoor locations. No matter the season, they are always there, just waiting for us to point our lens at them and that is a gift of no small magnitude.

      Heartfelt thanks again & a bevy of hugs coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  21. This outfit is perfection as usual! So Gorgeous!!!!

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    1. *Blush!* Thank you time a million, honey. You're always so sweet to me!

      Tons of hugs & happy Tuesday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  22. Lovely, lovely photos! The print on your skirt is really marvelous, and I was also thinking about how remarkably soft and pretty the light looked when I read your own, very similar comment. Tony did a wonderful job capturing the moment.

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    1. Thank you very much, my lovely friend. He truly did. Tony has such a way with light and using it almost like an artist would a brush and paint when it comes to highlighting and bringing out the most flattering angles of a person's profile. I feel extremely lucky to be on the receiving end of such and to get to share the results here with my awesome readers. I will pass along your terrific compliment to him right away. Many thanks again!

      Big hugs & happy tail end of January wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  23. I love clothes that look like paintings! And the roses on your blouse

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    1. Ooohh, so do I! From stark realism to gentle watercolours, I'm very much drawn to clothing (and jewelry) that resembles art as well.

      Thank you for your great comment, sweet lady. I hope that you're having a wonderful last week of the month.

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  24. This post has fueled my fire to find a novelty print skirt such as yours! Love the mixture of the modern top and vintage skirt:)

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    1. That's cool! I really hope you're able to find one. If any city is apt to deliver one, I'd say it is Winnipeg, just based on how many vintage items you still encounter in thrift stores here. If should happen upon anything similar myself on this end for my Etsy shop, I'll let you know.

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

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  25. That's so funny that you feel like you're both a city girl and a country girl. I have always felt like a city girl, I'm from Charlotte, North Carolina and I now live in Manhattan. I love love love it! I adore novelty vintage skirts, your is particularly beautiful!
    xx Belle

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    1. Hi Belle, it's marvelous that you live in Manhattan. I've never seen NY in person, but goodness, do I hope to get there someday. Who knows, perhaps we could meetup if I did.

      Aren't vintage novelty print skirts the bee's knees? I'm wild about them, too, and hope that I can continue to grow my collection (which started many years ago now, but is fairly modest in size) further as time goes on.

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

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  26. hello,ciao Jessica...Nice photos and Your outfit is Great!...the printed skirt is so stunning!...it's a work of Art...cheers!
    saluti,greetings

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    1. Ciao, Aure, thank you very much for your wonderfully nice comment. It really is a beautiful work of art. I'm happy to know that you, as an Italian, enjoyed seeing it.

      Have a great last week of January,
      ♥ Jessica

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  27. What a beautiful skirt! That's a lovely gift indeed.

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    1. Immensely so. This particular friend knows my fashion tastes inside and out and has bestowed some utterly gorgeous presents on me over the year (for example she was the same person who gave me the awesome Canadian novelty print skirt I shared here this past summer), , each one of which I absolutely cherish.

      Many thanks & happy end of the month wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  28. AMAZING outfit!!!!
    I love that skirt, you are lucky to have such a friend!!!

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    1. Thank you so much, lovely Laurence. I had a feeling you'd really like this skirt! It's something I could 100% see you rocking (and looking fabulous in) as well.

      I really am. Not only for the thoughtful presents she has bestowed on me over the years, but for the best gift of all: her friendship itself.

      Many hugs & happy last week of January wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. That skirt! Oh my Jessica. I love novelty print 50s skirts and that is one of the nicest I've seen. What a wonderful friend to have gifted you with that beauty!

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    1. She truly is an awesome, thoughtful person for sure (who knows my fashion tastes inside and outside - a gift unto itself!). Thank you very much for your super nice comment and compliment about this delightful 50s skirt.

      Big hugs & happy Tuesday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  30. That Venice print skirt is superb. And teamed with this warm casual outfit it really is a winner. The soft lighting in the modern setting is perfectly balanced!

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    1. What a lovely assessment of this outfit and shoot, sweet Christina. Thank you very much. I second what you said about the setting + sunlight, and just adore how Tony really brought out the best in both here.

      Many hugs & happy tail end of January wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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    1. Thank you so much, Margaret. That is one thoroughly awesome compliment!

      Big hugs headed your way!
      ♥ Jessica

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  32. We lived in Vancouver while my hubby studied for 3 yrs and we have had two visits to lovely Venice. Thanks for bringing back wonderful memories with your beautifully shot and modelled outfit!
    Xo Jazzy Jack

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    1. Hi lovely lady, how awesome that you've lived in Vancouver (I hope that you enjoyed your time in my home province) and visited Venice on two occasions. I wholeheartedly hope that I can follow you lead and spend time in The Floating City one day, too.

      Thank you very much for your wonderfully nice comment.

      Have a splendid tail end of January!
      ♥ Jessica

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  33. Always look forward to your posts and outfits...always inspiring!

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    1. That is a powerfully lovely thing to be told, dear Ruby. Thank you very much! I've got so many exciting plans in the works (and in my mind's eye) for the coming year on the wardrobe post front and really hope that you'll continue to enjoy and be inspired by the outfits that I share here this year.

      Big hugs & happy Wednesday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  34. Ohh! That skirt! I am in love with it!

    You look radiant and the photography is amazing as ever. You look a million dollars.

    <3

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    1. Aww, thank you so much, sweet Lindsay. That is an awesomely lovely compliment and one that will seriously having me smiling all day long now.

      Tons of hugs & happy end of January wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  35. That skirt has not just a wonderful boarder print, no, the combination of colours is fantastic. I love when you are able to mix black with brown. Can't wait to see you rocking this skirt again and again. There must be 1000 ideas of combining it. ... if you might get tired of this skirt one day, please think of me. ;))))

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    1. Same here! It's such an underrated colour combination (so much so that I penned a post praising its merits, especially in a vintage fashion context, this past summer) and one that, I find, works well the whole year 'round.

      Thank you very much for your splendidly lovely comment. I will think of you now each time I restyle this delightfully fun 1950s skirt (with, I hope, photos to follow at least some of those times).

      Many hugs & joyful end of the month wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  36. What a lovely skirt! And the top is pretty cute too, lovely outfit overall. I wanted the Lindy Bop Alpine skirt but alas they never had it in my size :(

    xxx

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    1. Same here! I would have adored either the dress or the skirt, but alas, both were completely sold in my size (and one above it) by the time I caught wind of them. I'm going to be keeping my eyes pealed on eBay and some of the FB repro sell/swap groups now, just in case one surfaces there. Hopefully we'll both be able to track one down eventually.

      Big hugs & happy Wednesday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  37. I love your whole outfit, the print on that skirt is truly stunning; and again you're wearing white gloves and making it look so effortless. I really feel like I want to bring mine out, but I'm also worried about taking deadstock gloves to use and then not liking them...I suspect I'll be making an extra purchase at the vintage fair I'm attending this weekend ;)

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    1. What wonderfully lovely compliments, sweet Taylor. Thank you ever so much! I hear you on the deadstock glove front. I've acquired a few such pairs myself over the years and always wait until the last possible moment, when no other gloves that I currently own will work quite as a well with a particular outfit, to sport them for the first time.

      I hope that you're able to find a white pair that's not NOS, but still in good shape, at the vintage fair you're attending this weekend (I like to think I'll be there with you in spirit! :)).

      Big hugs & many thanks again,
      ♥ Jessica

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  38. The lighting is beautiful, as are you, of course!♥ That skirt is a winner for sure both in color and style!

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    1. Didn't Tony just weave his photographic magic something fierce with this shoot? I swear, he's like Rembrandt when it comes to lighting - only with a camera, not a paintbrush. :)

      Thank you so much for your splendidly lovely comment, my sweet friend. I hope that things are well on your end as we wrap up January (isn't it hard to believe how quickly this month flew by!).

      Tons of hugs & happy Thursday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  39. The light is sooo sooo pretty! It's nice to see a variety of backgrounds for outfits I feel, and it's great you got a chance to explore some urban settings. Adore your skirt too btw, novelty print skirts are high on my wish list, yet hard to find. Oh well, slowly ~ slowly, the thrill is in the hunting! ❤

    xox,
    bonita of Lavender & Twill

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    1. Isn't it though? We might not have an abundance of cityscapes here in our little town, but we are fortunate to have some breathtaking natural settings that make for interesting, diverse backdrops throughout the year.

      That they are - and the fact that they often go for nearly the same price as gold bricks these days doesn't help matters one iota. I really hope that you're able to find some that you adore and that don't cost an absolute arm and a leg, sweet Bonita.

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

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  40. What a fabulous present! The print on that skirt is delightful. I hope that you do get to wear it in Venice one day. I was thinking that the light in these photo was amazing, so well captured by Tony.

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  41. Absolute perfection!!!! I love the skirt the beret and the whole look. Travel novelty skirts are a fave of mine.
    Retro rover
    Ps you just need a copy of M Sasek 1950s children's travel book This Is Venice

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    1. Thank you sweetly, dear Kate. Great call! I definitely need a copy of that classic children's tale. Thank you for the lovely suggestion.

      Have a wonderful weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  42. What am amazing skirt! I need to find myself a nice border print skirt, I may just have to hand paint one myself to make that quest a reality. I am totally feeling photo shoot location fatigue these days as in winter my options get even fewer than usual. I wish we lived a bit closer to Denver as you are totally right about urban settings having a whole host of different backdrops. This nice brick wall you found is always a good backdrop, I am constantly on the lookout for a big blank brink wall!

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    1. That would be officially incredible. Wow! I can scarcely draw a stick person (I jest, but only slightly), so unless I was using a template/stencils/some sort of easy-to-follow design, I fear my own attempts there would look very pre-school artish :D I know that such wouldn't be the case for you in the slightest though, my super talented friend.

      I hear you there big time! Save for one in December (the first of my two Christmas ensembles), this was the last sunny shot we've done and possibly also the last that was above freezing. It's been cold, windy, snowy or rainy all January and very few photos have happened as a result. I like the peacefulness of winter and how productive it tends to help me be, but I'm itching for spring's return already, too. Fingers crossed it reaches us both a whole lot sooner rather than later!

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

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  43. Hello Jess.
    This post is filled with trav-glam (travelling in a glamorous way, that is). With your amazing skirt, one does not even need to travel - you can easily be sitting in your office booth or at your school desk, you only need to look down and (with a bit of magic of imagination, you are right there - in Venice.. or Vancouver) :)
    Like you said it: when I'm away from one for a while, I do start to miss it strongly and think more and more at the chance to return. I one of those "two days tops" when it comes to traveling and home-absence.. but I suppose THAT is because I have been a "country bumpkin" my whole life (not counting college years, since my dorm was just a 45 minute bus commute).

    ..
    A wonderful post of a wonderful lady having good time, while braving the cold!
    You go Jess!
    M.

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    1. Thank you ever so much, my dear friend! That's a great term (trav-glam) and one that I think many of us in the vintage world positively excel at!

      Please forgive both the brevity of this reply and the fact that I haven't commented on your site in recent days. We've had a lot of stressful things (we're personally okay though, I promise) going on lately from a death in the family to my computer very surprisingly dying this week on Monday (and thus I'm computer-less at the moment, just doing what I can from my phone).

      Hopefully things will be back to normal again fairly soon on the computer front (the motherboard is shot so I'll have to buy a new one, which is quite the sudden and unexpected expense, but there's simply no way around it) and I can fill you in even more then.

      Big thanks again & have a beautiful first week of February,
      ♥ Jessica

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  44. I always love wearing pieces of clothing that have a print that you can lose yourself in, and this skirt is just that! This particular print has me day dreaming about masquerades and mischief!
    Cityscapes make fantastic backdrops for photos, however it can be hard to find spots that aren't too busy so you aren't getting in anyone's way. Have you ever had anyone ask you and Tony why you are taking photos? That is something I always dread about taking photos in a busy place!

    Deco Darling

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    1. Same here, big time! A great pattern is a wearable work of art, an instant conversation, and often (I find) a wonderful source of background happiness as one goes about their day.

      Great question! We've had people approach us and ask friendly questions such as "Are you shooting for a magazine?" or (directed at me) "Are you someone famous?", but best I can recall, we've only ever had one person approach us with even a minor degree of hostility regarding what we doing (and that was, funnily enough, in a very rural orchard setting early in 2015). Thankfully once we explained who we were and what we doing, she changed her tune and was okay with us photographing in the general vicinity of her home. I really hope that neither of us ever run into anyone who has a real (most likely totally unjustified) bone to pick about what we're doing.

      Big hugs & happy first week of February wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  45. I adore that Venetian skirt! Pure art! And the black blouse is just perfect, it makes it look like a dress. The curved brick wall is especially lovely. Tony has done such a great job utilizing the lovely light, do tell him. He needs to know that what makes your blog stand out as one of the best is his fantastic photos. It would not be the same without them. And paired with your super charming and talented writing it is just the best. XOXO

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    1. That is a such an incredibly lovely, uplifting compliment, dear Sanne. Thank you, from both of us, with all our hearts.

      Huge hugs & happy start of February wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  46. PS: I've forgotten to send you an e-mail letting you know that I didn't get a gift from my VSS last Christmas. :( But I also volunteered to be backup VSS. Hugs from rainy Demark

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    1. My very sweet friend, it genuinely pains me to hear that you have not yet received your VSS gift. Thank you for letting me know. I will email your Santa right away and hopefully we can get some answers for you. Know that if such is not forthcoming, I will do everything I can to assign an Angel/Second Santa to you.

      Chat more soon xoxo
      ♥ Jessica

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  47. Gorgeous classic outfit, fabulous photos, and I love the beret at that angle on you!

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    1. Thank you sweetly, my dear friend. I've always loved berets, but was getting by with just two (one pink, one black) until late in 2014. I invested in a few more colours then and have been living in berets ever since. They're so classic, cozy and compact, making them ideal for traveling (such as on this fun jaunt to Vancouver).

      Oodles of hugs & happy Wednesday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  48. Wow Jessica, what a beautifully styled outfit and everything comes together so well with that amazing skirt. x

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    1. Isn't it a dreamy skirt! I have to practically pinch myself sometimes when I wear it because, not only is it gorgeous unto itself, but I'd been trying to find an Italian novelty print skirt to honour Tony's homeland for many years now. My friend, who gave me this garment, knew as much and truly knocked my socks off with the thoughtfulness of her incredible gift.

      Big hugs & happy start of February wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  49. I love the simplicity of this outfit, your emphasis on black really lets the wonderful design of that phenomenal skirt stand out!
    I was just trying to brainstorm some new locations for outfit shoots. Unfortunately, there's not much in this tiny little town that I haven't already used, so I understand the appeal of a big city and its seemingly endless varieties of backdrops. Quite obviously, I do 99% of my own photography and feel quite self-conscious out in very public places with my tripod, so that limits my backdrop options as well. That said, the thought of a quiet sunlight-dappled alley and a brick wall is very appealing to me, especially after seeing Tony's gorgeous photographs!

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    1. I can fully imagine what a continual challenge that must be, sweet Randi. Were, goodness forbid, Tony not in the picture (pun not intended), I would be most likely be going the self-portrait route, too, and am sure that things would be considerably different on the photo taking front were I doing so. I genuinely admire you and others in our midst who capture their own photos. It takes skill, gumption and dedication - big time. I always think your images are beautiful, well composed and engaging. You have a great eye!

      Many hugs & happy start of February wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  50. What an amazing lovely combination! You really know how to wear 50s novelty skirts. They suit you so well. The belt is a perfect fit for this very lovely skirt:) How fabulous that you were able to spend some time in Vancouver:) Lovely, lovely, lovely!! I'm so thrilled to see you in novelty prints:)

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    1. Hello my beautiful (fellow vintage novelty print adoring) friend! Thank you so much for your splendidly lovely comment and compliments. Such skirts are amongst my favourite garments ever to wear, so chances are they'll always pop up here on my blog periodically. I adore that we share a passion for them in common and likewise always delight in seeing pieces from your own (incredible!) collection.

      Tons of hugs & joyful first week of February wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  51. I love that shirt and it reminds me of one I have, but have not worn in ages.
    Your skirt is what I would call a "destination" garment. Maybe one day you can wear it in Venice...

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    1. Great term for this sort of garment, sweet Lorena. I will definitely have to weave that into my fashion vocabulary. :)

      I truly hope so - if only because it meant that finally, really and truly, I had made it to Tony's home land of Italy (total dream trip!).

      Many hugs & happy Sunday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  52. I love your top!! What a find picking that up in a thrift shop. I love the neckline and the rose detail, it's great how some modern pieces can so easily translate to vintage because that top could easily pass for being genuine vintage. I also love your Venice print skirt, it's so great how they had such a sense of fun with their clothes back in the 50s, novelty skirts really should be more of a thing these days as well. And I'm glad to hear you had such a nice time in Vancouver, I live in the suburbs of a big city and am in or right near the city most weekends so when I get the chance to visit somewhere regional I absolutely love getting away and experiencing something different, so it's no surprise that it's the same but in reverse for you. :)

    jessica - littlehenrylee.com

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