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May 18, 2016

Highlights from our first getaway of the year + my unending passion for muted coloured vintage fashions





Outfit details

C. 1930s/1940s black felt and cream faux pearl hat: Unknown, had for many years
C. 1930s plastic plastic tipped short hatpin: Unknown, had for many years
Black plastic hair barrette: Goody
1950s style gold leaf and black plastic dangle earrings: Claire's
Red thin knit cropped shrug: Fairweather
Vintage black plastic and gold tone metal flower brooch: Probably eBay (had for years)
1950s/1960s floral print shirtwaist dress: Linda Down
Black faux leather skinny belt: eBay
C. 1940s mustard yellow ruched gloves: eBay
Black plastic flower stretch bracelet: Thrifted (Value Village)
Caramel brown hued faux leather vintage style cross body bag: eBay
Black seamed nude stockings: eBay
Black faux leather pumps: Payless
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red
 


Photos of me by Tony Cangiano, all others taken by me and shared here from my Instagram
 



































{Photo bombing by random adorable dogs is always welcome! :)}








Last month, smack, dab in the middle of April, Tony and I decided that the time had come for our first road trip of 2016. The decision to zip out of town was made very much on the fly, as some flare-ups that I'd been battling for six weeks solid prior to then started to finally calm down and I was in a position to be able to leave the house again. We knew that we'd have four days to work with and thus weren't exactly going to be aiming for the furthest corners of our vast nation.

We wanted someplace that was fresh and exciting, could be reached in just a few hours time, and that offered elements we'd both really enjoy. Brain storming began and after weeding out some other possible candidates, we hit upon the Kootenay region of British Columbia.

Located a in the Southeast corner of the province, the Kootenays are especially well known for their long standing mining industry, abundance of evergreen trees, beautiful snow capped mountains (and, fittingly, ski hills), relaxing hot springs, intricate Doukhobor history, laid back lifestyle, and stunning natural landscapes (peppered with rivers and lakes aplenty) in every direction.

Of course, these are but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what this good sized portion of the province has to offer and many people will find that one short trip alone doesn't even begin to afford them enough time to see and do and all that they may wish to (which is, naturally, a perfect excuse to return).

Despite having strong paternal family ties (albeit much more so historically speaking then nowadays), I hadn't been back to the Kootenays in about twenty years and Tony and had never visited before, so while I did have memories of past trips there, in many ways it was like we were both seeing this verdant part of BC for the very first time.

We left home on Thursday the 14th, after Tony's workday had wrapped up and proceeded to drive through about 4.5 hours of rain, snow and/or fog to reach our first destination (and home base for the duration of this lovely little getaway): the beautiful town of Nelson, BC.




Though we navigated through rough weather to get there, thankfully the sun appeared the very next morning and stayed out for much of our time in the Kootenays. For our home away from home, we selected this immensely cute Alpine Inn and Suites, pictured above, which we were thoroughly pleased with and would definitely return to again.

Nelson is located on the west arm of Kootenay Lake and is the the biggest town in the heart of the Central Kootenay area (the largest town in the Kootenays as a whole is Cranbrook, which we didn't visit, as it's nearly another two hours further from Penticton than Nelson is).

Anyone with a passion for the past is bound to fall in love with Nelson instantly, as it chock-a-block full of beautiful heritage buildings and homes alike. In fact, I don't believe I've been anywhere else in BC to date with a richer concentration of such (I'd say that Victoria would have the second most, IMO).




We had two full days (Friday and Saturday) to spend in the Kootenays and, boy, did we make every moment count!

During the course of that time, we explored not only Nelson itself (including the beautiful historic train station turned tourism center pictured here), but many of the surrounding areas, including Castlegar (where we found a great health food store called Mother Natures that had a really impressive selection of gluten-free offerings, especially for a town with a population of just under 8,000 residents), Salmo, Ainsworth, and Trail, amongst others.

Two photo shoots were able to transpire while we were in this gorgeous part of the province, one of which you're seeing the snaps of here today (these photos were taken on the grounds of our motel) – the other shall follow in the very near future.

This outfit typifies the sort I often wear while traveling (and, really, in my usual day-to-day life as well) and stars a beautiful floral print c. 1950s shirtwaist dress that was partnered with plenty of fun accessories, a cute cropped shrug, sensible shoes, and a lightweight purse (a must for long hours of walking and sightseeing).

I've always been drawn to printed vintage garments in muted hues. Be they florals, stripes, plaids, polka dots, novelty prints, stripes, abstracts or anything else, I genuinely love them to bits and have been working to grow my collection of such over the past couple of years in particular.

This fun mid-century dress joined the team in early 2015 and is making its blog debut here today. It's immensely comfortable and a joy to style, thanks to the numerous colours that one can pull from in the subdued hued (say that five times fast! :)) pattern.

Not only do muted coloured vintage garments often work really well for fall and spring (though then can, naturally, be sported the whole year round), I find that they're often quite flattering to my skin, hair and eye tones – which is all the more reason for me to try and stockpile them! :)




During our brief, thoroughly wonderful, time in the Kootenays, Tony and I visited all of the places listed above, spent a good chunk of time leisurely strolling up and down Nelson's main street, called Baker street, savoured the incredibly crisp, clean mountain air, and watched the sun set over the lake from a cozy bench at Rotary Lakeside Park.

Though we were both floored by how much we were able to see, experience and enjoy while in the Kootenays, there was plenty we didn't get to and as we're both head-over-heels in love with this majestic area of BC, we agreed that many a future trip there will definitely be aimed for!

This was our first road trip with our new car (a Buick Enclave), which we purchased last December, and we were beyond thrilled with how it performed - as well as that we finally had ample space for everything that we needed to bring with us (something that our previous vehicle, a sedan with a matchbox sized truck, sorely lacked!).

We're hoping to take at least one similar road trip this coming summer, though will most likely be headed to a different (as of yet to be determined) destination. Naturally, you can bank on at least a blog post or two (and plenty of Instagram snaps!) from such when we do hit the open road again.

Even though we don't know when or where that will be, I'm already giddy with excitement and can't wait to share more of our stunning, history filled province with all of you.

107 comments:

  1. It soon becomes clear from these pictures that this is a lovely place, perfect for a relaxing vacation: my dear you had a great idea! I love any place where there is the green of nature, I can not imagine a more perfect vacation ... Then if there are hotels so cute and old style architecture with colors so beautiful ... They are amazing these wooden houses colorful, seem to come from a toy store, the Italian architecture of the '900 is mostly gray and sad (only exception the Art Noveau and farmhouses, but it is all over 20s, after only concrete and gigantic "cubes" without grace). I do like to welcome to your dress, it is lovely and travel-friendly, fantasy is delicious and accessories that you chose are perfect. Image of this lake so relaxing that you shared with us salute you, see you soon!

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Serena. It really is gorgeous, vibrant part of the country. From the pristine wilderness settings to the bevy of old school homes and buildings, it the sort of spot where any nature loving history fan would feel instantly at home (that I certainly did!). It's fun to be able to share one of our excursions with you, as I so enjoy the bounty of such that you embark on and post about over on your blog.

      Many hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. *ghasp*
    Your weather is much better than ours, lately.
    Buick Enclave is something that is completely "meaningless" to me, so I had to search it (alas, my dear Jess, when it comes to cars, I'm less than not interested - I'm a pedestrian and proud of it). However, even as a pedestrian I am allowed to admire a nice-looking vehicle. Yours looks roomy. :)
    When it comes to garments - NOW, there's a subject I am interested in!
    A great thing about printed fabrics is their versatile nature. If you want them to POP, you can get a grand print, elaborate and colorful. But, If you want them as a background.. you've mastered that one! This very outfit is the proof (in the pudding!) that you CAN wear prints as a background. :)
    Great post.
    Great look.
    Everything is great .. but the weather :)

    Huge hug from cloudy Serbia!
    M.

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    1. Hi sweet Marija, May has been a mixed bag weather wise, but I'm quite used to that around these parts. We'll often see more rain in the fifth month of the year than in the fourth (where, sometimes snow is still lingering, though thankfully not this time around). I hope that Mother Nature wakes up from her lengthy beauty nap and greets you guys really soon in Serbia.

      Thank you for your wonderfully nice comment and for the eloquent way in which you summed up the versatility of these sorts of gentled hued vintage garments.

      Huge hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  3. What a perfectly lovely mini-break! Your photos remind me of the landscape around Salzburg in Austria. We vacationed there as a family in 2012 and Salzburg was definitely the highlight of the trip. Such beautiful country!! I love BC so much--I have some dear dear friends who live near Vancouver, and while I've not been able to visit for a long time, I miss them, and the area.

    Your outfit is lovely, my dear! I adore that sort of palette, and it looks stunning on you (I can't really pull those tones off myself--my skin looks better with cool jewel tones). Glad you are feeling a bit better; hope it lasts for a little while!

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    1. Salzburg is high up on my list of dream European travel destinations. How exciting that your family was able to visit in 2012. If we should ever find ourselves there, it's as good as guaranteed that a blog post (or ten! :D) will follow.

      It's lovely that you have friends in BC. If you do make it back this way and are anywhere near the Okanagan (Penticton is about 4.5 hours north of Vancouver proper), please don't hesitate to let me know. It would be a pleasure to meetup with you in person.

      Many hugs & thanks for your wonderfully nice comment and outfit compliments,
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. Wow, you look amazing AND the scenery looks so quaint! Sounds like a lovely getaway that is much deserved. Let's talk about your black Callalily brooch, it's to die for (my favorite flower :) ) <3

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    1. Isn't it incredible? I swear, I wear this brooch super often, and yet, somehow, it has avoided appearing here until now (I think - definitely not frequently at the very least). No time like the present to start remedying that! :)

      Thank you very much for your great comment, sweet gal. I hope you're having a sunny, terrific middle of May.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. Ooh! Sounds like a blast. So glad you recovered enough to enjoy it.
    I do love your hat and hatpin, and that muted dress is a delight...as are you.
    Xo Jazzy Jack

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    1. You are so wonderfully sweet, JJ (can I call you that?) - thank you very much! This dress is a delight, I agree, and has such a great print for pulling hues from. I find I'm really drawn to patterns (be they light, dark, vivid, muted, etc) where such applies, as it generally affords one all the more styling versatility.


      Many hugs & happy weekend wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. Oh I love spontaneous getaways! Sometimes you just need one! It sounds like your little trip was just what you both needed! And what an adorable outfit - as always, you're so spot on with the accessories that really make the outfit pop! Those GLOVES!! =D

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    1. Aren't they magnificent? If someone forced (I say "forced" because I really do adore them all!) me to make a list of my top five favourite pairs of vintage gloves, these mustard hued stunners (which I've had for numerous years now), would make the cut for sure, no questions asked.

      Thank you very much for your wonderfully sweet comment and compliments, dear Sara. I hope you're having a terrific week!

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. What a lovely outfit! I love the yellow (mustard) gloves with the red shrug. Then I saw your wonderful brooch and bracelet! Black, yellow and red are the colours of the Belgian flag! And what a cute and colourful place the Alpine Inn and Suites is! Many hugs, Ann xxx

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    1. That they are! What a fantastic element to add to the colour palette here. I will think of Belgium now that you reminded me about its flag each time I done this particular palette.

      It really was the most charming hotel. Most that I've stayed at over the years have either been stately and elegant or very utilitarian, not cute. But this one had adorableness in spades and was so "me"! :)

      Oodles of hugs & joyful weekend wishes coming right back at you, dear Ann,
      ♥ Jessica

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    1. Thank you very much, honey. Happy to know you enjoyed our snaps from Nelson.

      Have a fantastic weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  9. I love all of this but I think the yellow gloves really make the outfit. You have a great eye for color

    retro rover

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    1. You always shower me with the kindest compliments, sweet Kate. Thank you so much!!! (These gloves are an epic favourite of mine, too - it's all I can do to not wear them, oh, you know, pretty much every single day! :D)

      Oodles of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. I always love your outfits...that goes without saying...truly enjoy your travel posts just as much!

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    1. What an awesome thing to hear, sweet Ruby. Thank you very, very much! There will be another one from our time in Kootenays coming down the pipeline soon, and in the meantime, next week I have an exciting travel related post about BC in general that I hope you'll really enjoy as well.

      Have a splendid Saturday!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  11. Sounds like fun! Spur of the moment is sometimes the way to go! That outfit is incredible....so many pops of color!!!! XO
    Lauren-Blair
    www.prefertobedemure.com

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    1. Aren't they though? Honestly, with the perpetual unpredictability of my health and both of our jam packed work schedules, they often just make more sense and the element of surprise, so to speak, that accompanies them can just up their fun/carefree-ness all the more.

      Many hugs & thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. The Kootenay area seems to be amazing, I am glad you two decided to go there - and that it felt like new for you, despite having already gone there, but for Tony it was really something new! I love history, so Nelson will go to my list now, if one day I am lucky to visit Canada! (I should have gone there before, I keep on telling myself "now"! And end up in other places. But all has the right time!) I loved your outfit - this hat is precious! And I loved the gloves, too! Glad you could travel, hope no flare up comes again, or at least, not so soon! Hugs and regards, dear Jessica!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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    1. Hi sweet Denise, how you doing this week? I've been thinking of you so much lately, ever since you shared with me that you'd been very ill lately. I hope dearly that you're feeling better as this week starts to come to an end.

      Thank you for your wonderfully nice comment. I will keep my fingers and toes firmly crossed for you that you're able to visit Canada in person one day.

      Tons of hugs & feel better wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. That dress is so lovely, I love the muted colours too. Those pictures are gorgeous and I'm so glad were well enough to enjoy a short break. I love love love your hat and the overall 40s styling is just so gorgeous and suits you so well. I will look forward to seeing more of your photos from your future trips xx

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    1. Your comments always make me wish that one could reach out through the computer screen and literally give another person a big, appreciative hug, for that's how I feel whenever you visit me here, dear Emily. Thank you for your awesomely lovely comment and compliments. The second post from our wee getaway to the Kootenays will almost certainly be appearing here in June, then hopefully a bit later in the summer, we'll take another small trip and I'll have more travel snaps to share with you after that, too.

      Scores of hugs & joyful weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Your comments always make me wish that one could reach out through the computer screen and literally give another person a big, appreciative hug, for that's how I feel whenever you visit me here, dear Emily. Thank you for your awesomely lovely comment and compliments. The second post from our wee getaway to the Kootenays will almost certainly be appearing here in June, then hopefully a bit later in the summer, we'll take another small trip and I'll have more travel snaps to share with you after that, too.

      Scores of hugs & joyful weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. Wow, that looks like so much fun! And such beautiful scenery! I love that dress, and have some fabric with a similar pattern. You've given me some inspiration now to make something with it! :)

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    1. Ooohh, how exciting! I'd love to see what you make, if you do create something inspired by this dress. It's really touching to think that my dress might inspire a new project of yours, sweet Laurie.

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

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  15. Yay for impromptu road trip!! I can't believe that it snowed/rained on your way there - your pictures make it looked like it was a warm day hahahah! I love the autumnal color theme and that shirtdress is so beautiful! I don't actually buy shirtdresses any more (for some unknown reasons!) - maybe because I've been wearing separates a bit more! But they indeed are practical and great for traveling! You look radiant Jessica - glad to hear you are feeling better xxx

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    1. Thankfully once we got to Nelson, the weather dried up by the next morning and we had some lovely (high teens, low twenties) temps the rest of the time we were there. That first night though, on the drive there, Tony and I kept saying, "Umm, should we have packed sweaters and wool coats instead of short sleeve shirts?" That's Canada in a nutshell for you! :D

      Thank you for your deeply kind compliments, sweet Nora. I hope that a great new (to you) shirtwaist dress is able to come your way again soon.

      Many hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. Your getaway sounds really lovely! I adore visiting out of the way places like this, and it sounds like you hit on a really spectacular piece of your country.
    I really like the folk print on your dress. I think you're absolutely correct that the colors at play flatter your skin tone and hair color, and the fit of the dress couldn't be more perfect. As usual, you've done a beautiful job setting off the different colors in the print with your vibrant accessories.

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    1. What a terrifically nice comment and shower of compliments, my dear friend. Thank you so much! I'm so in love with the hues here and sort of wish I could deck out a room, or even a whole home, in them. Alas, we don't have any renovation/redecorating plans at the moment, but it's worth filing away for future inspiration all the same.

      Really, thank you again. Your comment made me beam.

      Tons of hugs,
      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  17. Fabulous as always. I had to do a double take on the photos because I thought you were standing in front of a mural in the first one. That is some beautiful scenery and loved loved loved the little inn!

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    1. Thank you ever so much, dear Ladye. I completely agree regarding the mural-like quality of this tranquil backdrop and will pass along your comment (compliment!) to Tony, as the credit for these lovely snaps definitely goes to him.

      Many hugs & happy Saturday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. You look like the first Rose of Spring in your red cardie. Thanks for the close-up of the dress fabric. It is so pretty. Gosh, those old Western train stations are so great, aren't they?

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    1. Aren't they though? I have this vintage fan sort of dream wherein I find one that's actually still operating right here in BC as a working train station. I haven't hit upon it yet, but there's still lots more of the province to explore. :)

      Thank you for your lovely comment and compliment - I honestly can't recall (if such as ever happened) the last time someone compared me to a rose. That is an incredible sweet thing for you to say, dear Connie.

      Tons of hugs,
      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  19. Your road trip sounds like a wonderful time! I just got back from one, but sadly, there wasn't much time for sight seeing. I love that dress :)

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    1. How wonderful that you were able to pop away from the daily grind for a wee while, too, sweet gal. I hope that you had an excellent time, even if sightseeing wasn't overly possible.

      Many hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  20. i love that outfit!

    xoxo sophia

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    1. Thank you very much, my dear. I'm wild about the colours - muted ones and brights alike - here and am happy to know that you enjoyed seeing this ensemble.

      Have a beautiful weekend!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  21. So gorgeous! Glad you had a good trip. I love muted hues, too, and my colors for my capsule wardrobe are browns and jewel tones. :)

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Lisa. You're a bright + earth tone loving lady after my own heart! :)

      Big hugs & many happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  22. Wow love this whole outfit, that dress is gorgeous - love those yellow gloves too! Awesome photos of your holiday Jessica! xo

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    1. Thank you so much, honey! Aren't those gloves the bee's knees? They are, (glove pun only slightly intended) hands down, one of my favourite pairs I've ever owned. I've had them for a few years now and almost ration how often I sport them because I want them to last for as long as possible. You just don't see amazing ruched mustard yellow ones like these everyday.

      Oodles of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  23. what a awesome getaway!!!!
    looove that sweet motel where you stayed! and of cause all that beautiful nature you describe!
    super chic dress!! we could be sisters while traveling - shirtwaists are my way to go too in the warmer half of the year. and of cause cardies :-) instead of a hat i like to wear a scarf in the many way´s possible.... sometimes in the "grace-kelly-style" to be protected while driving with open windows thru summer air :-)
    i´m very happy for you and tony that you could made that trip!!
    big hugs! xxxxxxx

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    1. Same here! It is, to the best of my memory, far and away the cutest hotel or motel that I've ever stayed in. I'd return there in a heartbeat - and not just because it was adorable, which it was, but because we were very pleased with the room, the property, the staff, and the proximity to the downtown area.

      Yay for being shirtwaist twinsies! They're the best! I could live in shirtwaist dresses every day of the year and you wouldn't hear a peep out of me about it. They're comfy, versatile, classic, feminine and fun, too boot. I love them to bits and honestly can't imagine my wardrobe without them at this point.

      Tons of hugs & thanks for your great comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  24. I am really happy that your health problems gave you a break and you were able to leave your house for a weekend. It must be such a beautiful place and those lovely wood victorian houses, how much I do love them! Well, a couple of hours or four might be not "that far away" for you but in Europe a trip like that can mean crossing a couple of countries :-)
    I also did a short road trip last weekend with my beloved classic VW Beetle car. It also snowed, rained and fog followed in patches, but the landscapes were wonderful. Sadly I did not take many pictures of the villages we were passing through (middle age houses!) but if you are curious you can look for villages like "Münchhausen" and "Winterberg" in Sauerland, Germany.
    Have a great end of the week and weekend,
    Eva (from Luxembourg/Germany)

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    1. That's such a great point, dear Eva. I've often said to Tony that while I love and appreciate the vastness of Canada (so much of which I have not seen yet in the slightest), sometimes it would be really cool to have more countries around us to visit (without the need for epic amounts of, usually very pricey, travel). Oh well! There are pros and cons to each part of the world and we're blessed to have so many "pros" here, so I'm not complaining - especially since it just fuels my fires to see Europe again even more! :)

      It's awesome that you were able to get away for the weekend recently, too. I hope that your beloved VW Beetle held up well in the face of such adverse weather conditions. The villages and landscapes you drove through sound breathtaking. Indeed - that's another great point about Europe - old really is old on that venerable continent.

      Many hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  25. It looks like you had a fabulous time, very chilled but doing things you love. The Alpine Inn looks so cute! I can't wait for my first trip, of three I have booked for the year, to Brighton. I seriously need a break! xx

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    1. Ooohh, how delightfully exciting! I've seen a fair bit of Brighton on TV shows and movies (and photography magazines, come to think of it) over the years and it looks just beautiful! I hope that you have a marvelous and immensely relaxing time there, dear Cate.

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

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  26. What a beautiful area! Stunning and it looks like you just had a wonderful time. I'm really glad that it worked out that you were able to get away for a few shorts day with your husband. Sometimes short little road trips turn out being the best :)

    Happy Victoria Day Long weekend Jessica!

    Liz :)

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    1. Very true! I love them for so many reasons, not the least of which is that the workload that piles up while you're gone is usually a lot more manageable than that of one, two, three, etc full weeks away - plus they're often easier on the pocketbook, too, which can mean a greater number are able to happen in a given year.

      Thank you, my lovely fellow Canadian friend. I hope that you and your honey have a stellar Victoria Day long weekend, too!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  27. You have such an eye for color, lady! Love your colorful pairings - the yellow gloves and red cardi are so swoon-worthy! <3

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    1. What a fantastic compliment, dear Nikki. Thank you very much! I adore exploring the whole spectrum of colours out there and just love the endless possibilities that such houses. It's like getting to be a painter only with clothing and accessories instead of (literal) paints and canvasses.

      I hope that you're doing well and having a marvelous mid-May!

      Big hugs,
      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  28. So happy to read that you and Tony managed a little getaway. Nelson is definitely on my list of places to see! The Kootenay region is a part of BC that I have yet to enjoy!

    And you my dear! You have a such a knack for putting your outfits together in a creative, beautiful and authentic fashion! Right down to the tiniest details like your darling brooch...it all works famously!

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    1. Thank you for the awesome compliments, sweet Sue, and for sharing in our excitement about this great little getaway. I really, really hope that you're able to bop up to the Kootenays one of these days, too. I'd nearly forgotten just how staggeringly gorgeous that part of our province is (though to be fair, I hadn't seen it since I was about 10 or 11 years old). Definitely feel free to share your thoughts on it with me, if you do head that way.

      Tons of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. Looks like it was a lovely trip!! Love your dress and the pin is adorable!!!! :)

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Phyl, it really was a splendid (and sooo very needed) little getaway. I can hardly wait to see where the open road will take us next!

      Many hugs & joyful Saturday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  30. Oh, boy. I have a few road trips planned this summer/fall and I can't wait. Travelling with my family of eight people we can understand the problems of packing everything into the car. :) It most certainly feels like we are packing the kitchen sink sometimes.

    I do find that trying to visit all the interesting things located within a short distance of home can seem harder than visiting a famous national landmark halfway across the country. :)

    Sarah
    www.sewcharactereristicallyyou.com/blog

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    1. That's awesome! I can just imagine! That is definitely a lot of folks and their respective gear to coordinate for one trips. I bet it's fun traveling that that many beloved family members though, getting to experience the journey along the way through each person's eyes.

      Wishing all all safe, beautiful travels this summer and fall!

      Many hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      ♥ Jessica

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  31. I'm so glad you and Tony were able to have a get away and spend time in such an incredible place, the Kootenay Region looks and sounds utterly captivating - random dog included!!
    Your outfit is sublime. I love how the red cardi and mustard gloves pick out the colours in your dress and pop with colour. xxx

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    1. Thank you across the board, super sweet Vix. Photo bombing animals are the best! As I had my back turned to that street, I didn't even see that cute pup wander into the scene at the time and beamed a huge smile upon discovering such while uploading the photos later on.

      Tons of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  32. Looks like a fun trip and a beautiful area! :-)

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    1. It really, really was on both counts - plus, getting away even just for that short little period of time, gave me an incredible boost of energy this spring, which has been hugely helpful on so many fronts, so I'm thinking a trip in April might just have to become an annual tradition for us now. :)

      Have a fantastic weekend!
      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  33. So good that you took a break, I like the names of the places.. and it seems to me from this afar land that all of Canada exudes beauty. I was in CA many years ago, specifically Montreal, mostly the city - II am truly sorry to have missed the nature part of the country.

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    1. At the risk of sounding completely bias, you're spot on about the beauty of Canada. From coast to shining coast, it is downright majestic and I try very hard to never take the splendor and majesty of the landscapes that fill this vast nation for granted.

      How exciting that you visited Canada many years ago. I've only been to Montreal once, for about four days, in the absolute dead of winter during a huge blizzard, so I really don't feel like I got to see it properly and want to get back there soooo much! One day, I tell myself, one day! :) Likewise I hope that you're able to return to our lovely country and explore more it yourself, too.

      Many hugs & happy Saturday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  34. You look lovely, and what a fun trip! I like how the black of your shoes, hat, and bracelet ties everything together.

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    1. Thank you so much, dear gal. That's a wonderfully nice compliment and one that made me feel extra warm and fuzzy, as they say, inside because being colour coordinated is usually a major outfit priority for me and I truly appreciate it when people notice as much about my ensembles.

      Sending scores of hugs & cheerful weekend wishes your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  35. You have such a talent for accessorizing! The dress is a beautiful pattern, but it is the hat, gloves and accessories that really make the outfit.
    The Artyologist

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    1. That is such a touchingly sweet, awesome compliment, dear Nicole. Many, many heartfelt thanks for brightening my whole week with it.

      Big hugs & happy weekend wishes coming your way!
      ♥ Jessica

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  36. I'm sorry to hear you've been having some flare ups, I'm sending you a big cuddle. They can really take it out of you and be so draining, I'm so glad you were able to go away for a few days and enjoy yourself. I absolutely adore your outfit, you're so good at putting an outfit together and I LOVE your hair! Wishing you better health to come so you can take more trips away with your lovely man. XxxX http://thesecondhandrose.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Thank you very much for your caring, understanding well wishes, sweet dear. I'm happy to say that, for most part, things have been sailing more smoothly again on the health front since mid-April and I remain hopeful that they'll stay that way as we head into spring.

      Many thanks, too, for your splendidly lovely compliments and for visiting my blog this week. I hope that you're doing well and enjoying a marvelous month of May!

      Big hugs from this side of the pond,
      ♥ Jessica

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  37. Sounds like a great trip and this outfit is stunning. I love your use of colour and those gloves are to die for... I need to keep an eye out for some like this. You look beautiful as always x

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    1. Thank you so much, sweet dear. You bestow such lovely, encouraging compliments on me and I truly appreciate each of them. Aren't those gloves sensational? They're one of my most cherished pairs and I actually find myself rationing how often I wear them, as I really want to try and make them last for many more years to come (I've had them for a few now and thankfully they're still holding up really well).

      Tons of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  38. omg i love the last picture!

    xoxo sophia from..

    www.thatpinup.com

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    1. Thank you very much, Sophia dear. Isn't that lake, flanked all around by majestic hills, just breathtaking? I know it's a place my soul will yearn to return and which I hope Tony and I will be able to visit many more times together as the years roll on.

      Have a fabulous weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  39. I love this outfit! You are so inventive with your style and always come up with interesting and cool ways to wear things. Kootenay looks like a beautiful place!

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    1. Thank you very much for the splendidly nice compliment, sweet gal. The Kootenay region really is breathtaking, melding the past and the present, serenity and scores to do all at the same time. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who was looking to spend a while exploring the various corners of BC.

      I hope you had a great weekend (it's a long one here and despite two days of rain so far, we're definitely making the best of it).

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  40. This looks so amazing! The dress, the destination, everything. I love semi-spontaneous getaways! One of these days, Joe and I are going to have to "do Canada" (which will be less than spontaneous by necessity, but we're both passport holders now...)

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    1. That's so awesomely exciting! Please email me before you go, as I've put together vintage shopping guides to some of the big cities around the country that I've been to/lived in and would love to share those that may apply to where you're headed with you (as well as to answer any and all questions pertaining to Canada that you may have).

      Many hugs & thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  41. Sounds like a gorgeous trip! And I totally love your outfit. As always, your accessories are simply stunning.
    Have a wonderful weekend!

    xx
    Sandra

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    1. You're such a sweet dear, Sandra, thank you so much! Accessories are such a huge passion of mine, so it means all the more to me when someone compliments me on the ones that I wear.

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

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  42. This looks like such a picturesque town! I hope your trip was as relaxing and lovely as it looks. I love the pattern on that dress! I love how it seems both neutral and colorful at the same time.

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    1. Oh my word, is it ever! I'm honestly surprised (as was Tony) that far more shows, movies and even TV commercials aren't shot there. Next time we're in Nelson, I definitely want to try and grab more snaps of the homes and buildings, as they're enough to make any vintage fan go properly weak in the knees. :)

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

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  43. Gorgeous outfit! You always look so well put together! And I love your attention to detail with your brooch, bracelet, hat, and gloves! That's great that you were able to get out for a road trip. It sounds like it was an amazing time and the places you saw sound (and look) so beautiful!

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    1. What a fabulously lovely compliment, sweet dear, thank you so much!

      It really was an excellent trip, which honestly surprised me in terms of just how much it recharged my (proverbial) batteries for these busy spring months. Fingers crossed we're able to take another this summer and that it has the same restorative properties.

      Oodles of hugs & happy Monday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  44. Gosh, I am behind with my commenting :( at 8pm Sunday evening this is the first chance I've had to read blogs all weekend. But on the plus, lots of progress made in wedding venue hunting so it's not all bad :) anyway, you are one stylish holidaymaker! But then, that's no surprise :) I love the red and mustard together like this and that hat is so cute. I'm really glad you got to take a trip together - the area sounds truly picturesque. Hooray for mini breaks! xx

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    1. That's fabulous! I can just imagine how immensely busy and exciting your days must be at the moment and sincerely appreciate your blog visits all the more in the midst of everything that you have going on these days, my darling friend.

      Tons of hugs & thanks for your wonderfully nice comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  45. Beautiful outfit! I hope the rest of your travels this year will be just as wonderful as this trip!

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Inky. I hope so as well! I'd happily hop in the car and head off somewhere again right now if I could, but alas, it will probably be at least a few more weeks until such is able to happen again.

      I hope you're doing well and enjoying a beautiful month of May.

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  46. Oh I'm so glad you got to get away for a few days and it looks like a lovely area to take a road trip too. How exciting :)

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    1. Thank you sweetly, dear Tanith. It really was! I'll definitely try to grab more snaps of the vintage homes and buildings that fill Nelson (and the surrounding communities) next time we're out that way, as they're some of the loveliest I've ever encountered and I'm sure many here would enjoy seeing them, too.

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

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  47. The sounds like a lovely trip! Love your outfit, the fabric of your dress is amazing!

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    1. Thank you very much, honey. It really was a splendid little getaway and such an immensely big help to me in terms of giving me a much needed boast of energy and creativity alike after the rocky start that this year got off to.

      I hope that you're doing well and having a lovely May.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  48. My, what beautiful photos! Such lovely mementos from a well earned trip together. When you live in a beautiful place, leaving I overrated in my opinion. There's so much of the UK I haven't seen, so why leave the country xxx

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet gal. It really is a stunning corner of our country and one that I'm already itching to return to and explore even more of.

      Many hugs & happy wishes for the new week,
      ♥ Jessica

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  49. That's a fab dress - I love the print. And the colours really suit you.

    I'm sorry to hear you've been having flare-ups, but glad to hear that they've subsided again. Here's to a flare-up-free summer and lots of road trips!

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    1. Thank you deeply, dear Mim. I really appreciate your caring words. I second your hope to no end and am keeping my fingers, toes, and skirt hems all crossed that my health holds up for a while and we're able to take another fun little getaway this summer.

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

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  50. Last time I wrote I was officially behind reading your blog, now I am even more behind, sigh. Blame it one the lovely weather we've had for weeks. Reading inside is more of a bad weather thing. You look lovely as always, dear. And I love how you've paired the muted colours of the dress with bright red and yellow. I'm glad to hear you had a nice trip, and your "hotel" looks very charming.

    I've ordered stones for the paving of my greenhouse and its surroundings, so tomorrow my paver son will move in and start working on the project. Have a lovely day, dear. PS: And altough I am behind, I still read every blog post. :)

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    1. I know that you do and I appreciate it with all my heart, sweet Sanne. Relatively few folks who don't actively blog themselves at the moment take the time to comment on other peoples' blogs, so that fact that you still do, just means all the more to me and I genuinely adore hearing from you anytime, anywhere! :)

      Thank you very much. We had a splendid time and I was genuinely impressed with how much even just a tiny break like that helped to recharge my (proverbial) batteries. I'm keeping my fingers, toes, and vintage skirt hems all crossed that we'll be able to take another similar getaway or two this summer.

      How exciting! Paving stones are delightful things. I remember hopping to and fro on them in various backyards of people we knew when I was little, as well as one of our own yard, that had a small trail of them from the back porch to the back deck. I hope that everything goes wonderfully with the install.

      Tons of hugs & cheerful Monday greetings,
      ♥ Jessica

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  51. This looks like a lovely part of the world and it sounds like you had a great time. I'm so glad that you got to go away for a few days, it must have been such fun and a lovely break. Great sightseeing outfit too.

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    1. Thank you so much! It really was a hugely welcome break from the daily grind. I think we both knew we needed one, but perhaps not quite to the degree that we did. We came refreshed, in better spirits, and in my case, with a surprising boast in energy, which has really helped to fuel my productivity this spring. We're both really hoping that another similar road trip or two will be in the cards for this summer (fingers crossed).

      Tons of hugs coming your way from BC,
      ♥ Jessica

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  52. Hello Jessica,

    I was in the middle of reading your post: “It took 32 to years to happen, but at long last…” and had to pop over to look at Alpine Inn and Suites. I like the row of blue doors and little vacation dwellings; they have a happy vintage feeling, especially when seeing the photo with the wonderful old yellow truck and blue car parked in front. It looks like a beautiful place to stay, both the rooms and the location.

    I do love your outfit (such a pretty dress) and agree about how the muted tones are well suited to anytime of the year, especially spring and fall; and, yes, they do look particularly lovely on you.

    I am happy for you that you were able to get away and enjoy this fun packed for days together.

    Now, back to your current vacation post :)
    ♥Hope

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  53. Hi sweet Hope, thank you very much for visiting this slightly older post, too. I've said it before, but I'll happily say it again: I wholeheartedly appreciate how keen you are to read not only my current blog posts, but older ones, too - be they a few weeks, months or even years. That is incredibly touching to me.

    This wee getaway to the Kootenays was a ton of fun. We both adored our time there and hope to get back out that way again relatively soon (aka, within in a few years or less).

    Many thanks for your wonderfully nice compliments on this outfit, too. I'm excited to be heading into fall (my fave season) and the perfect time to sport this dress and other muted pieces like it again.

    Many hugs & joyful mid-August wishes,
    ♥ Jessica

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    1. My dear Jessica,

      I really do love reading your blog post, especially because you are such a darling, wonderful person. It really is a pleasure visiting you here. I don't always have very much time to sit at the computer, but when I do, this is a favorite coffee break for me.

      Warm hugs to you my dear friend,
      ♥Hope

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    2. That is absolutely touching to hear, sweet Hope. Thank you very much for making my blog a part of your life and for letting me know how much you enjoy it. I delight in yours as well and very much value the beautiful online friendship that we share.

      Huge hugs & happy (almost) weekend wishes coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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