April 20, 2016

Lilacs, lime, and Luxulite in the early spring sunshine





Outfit details

C. 1950s lilac purple sheer nylon/chiffon scarf: Unknown, had for years (possibly a gift)
1950s style iridescent rhinestone earrings: Claire's
Lime green 1980s does 1950s shirtwaist dress: (probably) eBay
1940s style iridescent purple beaded brooch: Luxulite
Vintage lilac flower print scarf (worn as a belt): Thrifted
1950s purple wrist length gloves: Unknown, had for years (probably eBay)
C. 1950s navy blue kiss lock handbag: Frugal Frocks in Armstrong
Vintage frosted clear bangle bracelets with clear rhinestones: Thrifted
Clear bangle bracelet: Gift from a lovely online friend
Black seamed nude stockings: eBay
Navy blue patent faux leather pumps: Payless
Lip colour: MAC Partyline


Photography by Tony Cangiano

















































As far back as I have memories of being old enough to have a say in what I wore, colour has played an immensely important role in my wardrobe (a topic that I delved into here). There is an energy, a depth, and a language all its own both to colour in general, as well as to how it interacts with our fashion choices.

Some people give relatively little thought to the hues that they don, perhaps leaning just towards favourites, dressing as their peers do, or wearing only certain shades because of their job or lifestyle. And that's okay, of course, to each their own on all style related fronts. Yet for many of us, especially if we're fashion bloggers, colour is so much more than a secondary aspect to the functionality of clothing.

Colour can whisper or shout, sing melodically or gently hum. It says so much without actually uttering an audible word and can both evoke strong memories and make a powerful stance in the moment.

As someone who is staggeringly shy and introverted, colour also gives me a way to express myself that might not always come through when I do actually speak. Besides that, colour is a joy! As most any artist will tell you, it holds limitless possibilities and can be most anything you want it to (be).

Naturally some colours work better together than others, but I firmly believe that just about any two hues can be married, so long as their tones compliment one another (in fact, that rings true even when three, four or sometimes more different colours are involved).

Last fall, in the context of a vintage Halloween themed outfit, I debuted this fun lime green 1980s does 1950s shirtwaist dress of mine here for the first time (though I'd owned it for ages and sported it previously - just not online) and in amidst the lovely comments that arrived for that post, the notion was formed for me to try and and style it in a way that suited each of the four seasons.

These (four posts) didn't have to happen all back-to-back (and indeed, this dress did not appear here during the past winter), but the general premise was that when each new lime green centered look popped up, it would work with some of the colours of the season to help make it more at home in that chapter of the year.

Bright lime green might not be the first colour that one thinks of as a blank canvass to base this kind of just-for-fun idea off of, but that is actually all the more reason why it appealed to me so strongly. I liked the idea of ensuring this dress (just about the only electric green piece in my wardrobe at present), got plenty of wear and knew even before spring officially arrived, that I'd be reaching for it again this season.

The inspiration for this particular outfit comes from both the beautiful little floral print scarf that I opted to use for a belt, as well as from this recently purchased Luxulite vintage style novelty brooch - on top of the fact that, as touched on here, I'm currently off-the-charts in love with all things purple!

I opted to wear the printed scarf, which stars a pretty pattern of lilacs – one of the most iconic blooms of the season – as my belt. I used the little hit of navy blue that it includes as the inspiration for the dark neutral used in this look, and wove it into the ensemble via my shoe and vintage handbag choices (both of which are solid navy blue).

Lime green is a bold, exciting colour and doesn't generally need a ton of embellishment, but I virtually never go jewelry-less, so to pick up the purple in the scarf around my waist, as well as my sheer vintage hair scarf, I reached for this darling Luxulite brooch with its enchanting soap bubble style plastic beads and lilac hued elements.

Vintage purple gloves, iridescent rhinestone earrings (to compliment the beads on the brooch), and clear plastic bangle bracelets round out the look and help keep the colour palette established in the belt scarf’s design going strong.

These colours are punchy and enjoyable. They're perfect for daytime wear, but could easily see you through a multitude of casual evening events as well. Bathed in early springtime sunlight (at one of our favourite parks in the nearby city of Kelowna) they come alive all the more and instantly remind me why colour is such an awesomely versatile, bold, creative way to make one's outfit all their own.

Whether it happens this year or at a later date, you can bet that I'll be aiming to let this cute vintage lime green shirtwaist dress star in both a summer and wintertime look, respectively, too, and am excited to see what hues will speak to me when those days each arrive.

53 comments:

  1. My goodness, how striking! I adore purples and greens together and you look absolutely spectacular!

    I'm shy too, but have always been drawn to novelty prints and pretty colours. I suppose wearing colour or fun prints forces you out of your comfort zone as you never go unnoticed and oftentimes, unspoken to xxx

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  2. What a fun colour combo. It really suits you.

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  3. Beautiful dress and color combo! It looks so springy. And I love that background forest and bridge! :)

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  4. I love how the accessories completely change the look of the dress. As a gothy-gothy girl, I don mostly black but I love color (especially on my walls-- I have a kiwi color accent wall in my dining nook). You look amazing!

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  5. Personally, I have an aversion to colour, hahahaa! I do love that green on you though. I always admire your photos and would love to go to BC. You guys have such beautiful parks and green spaces! Your earrings are lovely too.

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  6. What a great location for pictures Jessica ! The bridge and lighting here are beautiful and compliment the outfit.
    I am not much of a green person because i have always been told that I have a green undertone in my skin so its not very flattering on me.

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  7. This is just so gorgeous (like all of your outfits)! Color is definitely something I struggle with; I'm pale and don't feel very many flatter me that well. Your CV outfit posts are always such a huge inspiration!!!!

    I love that pin. SO cute!

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  8. What a zingy outfit! I can imagine it almost made you burst out in song! The lilac and lime always reminds me of some '40s fashion pictures I've seen. It's not a combination often seen these days. A crying shame! You look absolutely splendid xx

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  9. A fabulous colour combination, the epitome of Spring!
    I love that brooch you're wearing. xxx

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  10. Super cute outfit. It makes me think of lime and grape sherbert in a good way. As always the accessories are perfection

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  11. This outfit seems to speak of the exuberance of spring. I can understand that your clothes are a way to express yourself while being an introvert. I am also an introvert, but I tend to avoid bold statement outfits. I would feel self-conscious standing out in a crowd. I think it is interesting how we dress can show our individuality.

    Sarah
    sewcharacteristicallyyou.weebly.com

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  12. Wow, I love this bright dress - you know I would wear this in a heartbeat! I love it styled up with purple (with my hair, of course I do!), and adding navy helps make it less "Incredible Hulk" and more spring lilacs.

    I always tell people who are fearful of wearing colour to look at nature. Flowers have immense colour variety, as do trees, rocks and landscapes. If it works in nature, it will work on you!

    Looking awesome, gorgeous!

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  13. Oh wow! What a great combination!
    I'm a big fan of lime and lilac and these colours look so great together.
    A perfect outfit for spring!

    xx
    Sandra

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  14. Wow, you look really great in that lime green! I feel like it would look terrible on me--I feel most confident in vibrant, cool hues, like fuschia and purple and turquoise and cobalt--and I wear a lot of those as a result...

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  15. What a great Spring outfit! And also, I love your earrings- sparkly earrings are my weakness :)
    www.theartyologist.com

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  16. So pretty! I love shirt dresses, and that color is so perfect for spring :)

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  17. I just love these two colours together the purple and the lime green - such a wonderful combo, your hair looks beautiful as well! xo

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  18. What a striking colour that dress is, and I love how you teamed it with the lilac. The whole outfit just screams Spring! I do love those seamed stockings. I have very similar ones. xxx

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  19. That is perfectly lime(y) my dear Jessica!
    Lime is yet to enter my life via wardrobe - it seem to be a hard color to find. Lately, greens are not so much a favorite in shops, and when looking out for vintage (to be honest) it's ever so painful to find a light(er) green that hasn't faded to oblivion.
    Therefore, I accessorize with all the green a human can handle! :)

    А rather chilly hug!
    М.

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  20. Very cute! Perfect for the warmer seasons! Those vibrant colors make me happy!

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  21. Purple and green is one of my favourite combinations. You look stunning on that gorgeous bridge!
    xo Jazzy Jack

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  22. That dress looks amazing with the purple accessories, you look beautiful. Gorgeous brooch too! Such lovely photos Jessica x

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  23. For some reason I always associate green and purple with being a child, as when I was little it was my absolute favourite colour combination! But what a way to make me look at it with fresh eyes as an adult - such a fun outfit! I love those brooches and how their beads almost look like bubbles - bubbles also being a very big part of my childhood :D I still love them today though, and I've been eyeing up those brooches for a while now ;) xx

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  24. What a striking color-combination! I'd have never thought of it but it works in an interesting way. Kudos for your creativity. And extra-credit for seamed stockings!

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  25. It is amazing how the same dress can look different just changing your accessories! this ensemble looks soo spring-time to me :-) By the way, I do love, love your purple gloves. Have a wonderful inspired weekend, Eva (from Luxembourg/Germany).

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  26. I love it! When I see green and purple together I either think of the Joker (from Batman) or Daphne (from Scooby Doo), but this look on you is so different. It's classic and works great as a spring time vintage inspired outfit. I love it, oh wait did I already say that ;)

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  27. Jessica, you look radiant and I love these colours together on you! Beautiful photos and such a lovely outfit. I will be posting more vintage videos on my blog thanks to yourself and others who responded to my poll. I am so glad that so many like vintage and I do, too, and am more than delighted to share it. Sending you much love and many warm hugs.

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  28. I just wanted to let you know and thought you would be happy and proud to hear this! I just did a search in Google for "vintage blogs" and yours came up at #3!!! Very impressive, you must be proud! :)

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  29. I love that you picked such a bright and in a way challenging colour to style four different ways. I don't own anything lime green, and in fact green is easily one of the most under-represented colours in my wardrobe overall, but kudos to you for showing lime green who's boss! Colour is definitely a way I love to express myself as well, but I always seem to lean towards a black/white/red/navy situation or soft pastels. Of course there are exceptions but those are my staples, and as I said I don't have any exceptions as striking as lime green! :)

    Jessica - littlehenrylee.net

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  30. I love this colour combination, not many would be brave enough to wear it. It looks so perfect on you and as usual those accesories are stunning. So much interest to your outfits, you must get people staring all the time, in a good way I hope. I can't wait to see what you come up with next. Warmest hugs beautiful Jessica xx

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  31. hello spring beauty!!!
    that dress is so fabulouse (envy!) and a perfect canvas for every style in its simplicity!
    you catch the spirit of this season perfectly with the lilac hues and the clear & shiny pieces. and one can read your brooch as a bunch of flowers.....
    although yesterday was mild and sunny - i´m still wearing wool & silk instead of cotton - the winds are very nippy and the mornings frosty. but like you i reach for colors - and flower prints in my little silk blouses.
    much love! xxxxxx

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  32. Great color combo! the scarf is perfect as a belt.. such a pretty setting for your photo shoot.

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  33. Loving the lime green on you, especially with the purple accents, beautiful! I am very shy and introverted as well and find that colour is an amazing way to express myself also!

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  34. What a fun color combo! I think you have an amazing eye for color, and this definitely proves it. A lime green dress is not an easy thing to style, but with the lilac accents, it makes me think of new shoots of grass and fresh buds on trees. So charming and sweet!
    Also, I don't know what it is about these photos, but you look so tall! Something about the bridge and the angle the shots were taken from, I think.

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  35. The lime green is perfect! I love the contrast with all the purple hues you paired it with!

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  36. What a lovely place for a photoshoot !
    I love it, and you look very adorable with that lime color. I like how you associated it with your earring.

    Have a good week end Jessica dear ,
    xxx

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

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  37. This is such a fresh, uplifting look. Perfect for spring!!

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  38. I knew I remembered this dress, what a fun idea to style the same dress for each season! I may have to steal that idea sometime, it is just too good ;) Can't go wrong with a shirt-dress no matter the color and green and purple are so beautiful together. I am in the market for some purple gloves myself so I am particularly drawn to yours here <3

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  39. Such a beautiful and fresh look for spring! Or ... lavender-lemon sorbet. Love it.

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  40. Aw, green and purple are the best together and the soap-bubble brooch is darling! I so love reading the stories behind your outfits. <3

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  41. Huge thank you, everyone, for your fantastically lovely comments and compliments on this fun springtime outfit. We had a rather hectic/stressful week last week (we're totally fine though, no worries), so I wasn't able to reply to all of your comments on the blog as they came in, but just wanted to let you each know how much I truly appreciate them (and that, unless I accidentally missed somebody) I've popped over and said hello to all of at your respective blogs.

    Tons of hugs & happy wishes for the last week of April, my dear friends,
    ♥ Jessica

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  42. Fantastic outfit! And I love the idea of using this dress as a blank canvas to style each season! I'm looking forward to seeing how you style in Fall and Winter!

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    1. Thank you sweetly, dear gal! Summer and winter remain to be styled and of them, I sense that winter might be the trickiest (sure, there's the Christmas route of pairing it with red, but red and lime aren't always the most flattering of colour pairings) - but time shall tell. I might give fall a spin again, too, either with or without the the Halloween element added in, as with last year. I love this dress to pieces so wearing it often is not a hardship in the slightest! :)

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

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  43. I love, love, LOVE this outfit! Green and purple are magnificent together, and this 80s does 50s number is so perfect! I'm also a fan of scarves as belts, so, yes! I love that too. Okay, I'm like word vomiting here because I love this outfit so much. Sorry!

    xoxo
    -Janey

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    1. Hee-hee, no worries at all, darling gal. It's awesome that you love this outfit so much. It's one of my favourites in recent months, too. I keep living, whether together or separately, in the various elements of this ensemble. They're beyond perfect for mid-spring and are soooo comfy to boot.

      Tons of hugs & happy Tuesday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  44. Jessica, I love how you're not afraid to wear bright colors! And I've always loved lime with purple or navy. Great combination and great outfit, especially like that adorable brooch.

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Theresa. Absolutely! I love bright colours, and really, pretty much all colours, and rarely shy away from them. Neons are one area I don't dabble in too much, as they certainly weren't common in fashion during the 40s and 50s, but this lime green dress comes pretty close and gives me my fix on that particular colour front. :)

      Wishing you a terrific tail end of April,
      ♥ Jessica

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  45. I remember thinking how well you can carry off lime green when you debuted this dress. I really like it combined with purple, you remind me of a crocus, which is a good thing by the way! What a fun project it is to style the dress through the seasons.

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    1. That's awesome! What a cool comparison - I definitely take that as the compliment that you intended it to be, my sweet friend. Thank you so much. It is rather fun! Once I tackle all four seasons with this dress, perhaps I'll move on to doing so with a different "standout" sort of garment or accessory.

      Oodles of hugs & happy Wednesday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  46. Again you are the queen of colours! Lilac with the lime green looks so lovely. You look like a spring flower in the sunshine, dear. And you are right about colours. I couldn't live without them. I could never just get up and dress in black from top to toe as most of my colleagues do. Therefore, I often get comments on my outfits, and I tell them that they can do the same. I hope you are feeling better now, with your flareups. XOXO

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    1. What a heartwarmingly sweet compliment, dear Sanne. I feel like a flower this spring. I'm really cheerful (feeling), sprouting with creativity, and can't seem to get enough sunshine! :)

      Same here! Even though I have a huge goth side (not that all goths eschew colour completely, of course), I could never imagine ditching colour completely. It brings me far too much joy to eliminate it from my life, as I know you can totally relate.

      I hope that things went great with the work you were planning to get down on your greenhouse this weekend and that all is well for you guys as we embrace May's beautiful return.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  47. omg love this outfit!

    xoxo

    from....

    www.thatpinup.com

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Sophia. I sincerely appreciate all of the love and kind comments that you've been showing my blog with this month.

      Have a stellar weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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