May 4, 2016

My elegant new Heyday Twizzle dress, assorted bridges, and a handy styling trick for stretch belts





Outfit details

C. 1940s tri-colour hat with green feather: Froufrou 4 You
C. 1930s/1940s black plastic ball tipped hat pin: Unknown, had for many years
Black plastic hair barrette: Goody
1950s style gold leaf and black plastic dangle earrings: Claire's
Mid-century vintage plastic "amber" beaded necklace: Purchased in person from a fellow vintage seller
1940s style floral print Twizzle dress: c/o Heyday
Burgundy cardigan: Mexx
Green 1950s style stretch belt: Hell Bunny, purchased from Retro Glam
Skinny light yellow Bakelite spacer bangle bracelets: Gift from a dear online friend ♥
Vintage amber orange hued carved plastic "fakelite" bangle bracelet: Thrifted
1940s/1950s brown scallop edged gloves: Vitamin F
1950s golden brown corduroy handbag: Rue 23 Vintage
Nude seamed nude stockings: eBay
1940s style brown faux leather heels: eBay
Lip colour: MAC Diva

{I'm linking up this outfit post up with the Style Crone's marvelous May Hat Attack, which is teeming with stylish chapeau inspiration from fashionistas around the world.}


Photography by Tony Cangiano
























































And if I'd wanted this title to be novel length, I would have added “windy weather” and a fabulous feathered cap to it as well – but we’ll get to those points a little later on. :)

If you've been been taking outfit photos for your blog for any amount of time now and opt to do so in an array of different locations (as opposed, for example, to always in the same spot on your front lawn), chances are you've encounter times when, completely unintentionally, you ended up having multiple shoots in a relatively short time period that all starred some common element.

We've definitely had those before and more recently encountered one wherein, during the earliest weeks of spring, we ended up shooting on three different bridges in a span of scarcely more weeks than that. Each is different, of course, and I'm certainly not complaining - it just makes me smile, as I find these organic photo shoot location trends rather charming (past ones have included such things as pathways, beaches, urban settings, park, gazebos, and my parent’s deck).

This is the second of those three shoots (the first being my recent vintage lime green shirtwaist dress outfit) and the third - which we took while on an exciting recent impromptu weekend getaway - will be appearing here in the very near future.

This particular bridge - which I think is rather cute insofar as bridges go - is located just a few hundred yards up the street from our house and crosses over Penticton Creek to a lovely retirement community (that's open for anyone to walk through; something that our dog, Annie, and I enjoy doing often).

Despite it's proximity to our abode, we hadn't yet shot on it yet, so the return of spring's balmy weather seemed like the ideal time to do just that. We tend to get a lot of wind in the Okanagan during the spring, and it was out in full force that day, but I'd thought ahead and made sure to use a hat pin to hold my vintage chapeau in safely in place.

I bought this delightful c. 1940s tri-coloured hat a few years ago, but hadn't yet debuted here on the blog yet. The reason? I was waiting for the perfect outfit to partner it with.

I own, and wear, a a fair bit of each of the three main colours that it stars, but none of the other ensembles I'd tried it with before delivered the same "total package" look that I was aiming for, which this gorgeous 1940s style dark floral print frock, the Rich Bounty Twizzle Dress, from Heyday definitely did (to my mind at least!).

I've had the wonderful fortune of working with Heyday in various sponsorship capacities for at least three years now and I've been a loyal customer of theirs for at least a couple of years longer than that. A little earlier this year they asked if I'd like to team up for an outfit post (our first to date) and I said yes faster than the speed of light.

Heyday is one of my favourite vintage production in the world. At present, I own three pairs of swing trousers, two Fleur Dresses, and a cute floral print top, that is no longer available on their website (plus this beautiful Twizzle dress now, too), from them, each of which I see a lot of wear throughout the year.

This is my first Twizzle dress from Heyday and I can honestly say, I sincerely hope that it isn't my last!

Very well made (as all Heyday products that I've tried so far have been), comfortable as the day is long and enchantingly sophisticated, this 1940s style frock has a colour palette that suits autumn especially well, but a fabric weight that serves spring and summer best (as layered piece it could easily see you on into fall, too).

I'm not terribly busty (I'm on the small side of a North American C cup) and often find that 40s and 50s style repro dresses with necklines of this general shape are a bit roomy on me. This one is a tad, but not so much that its overly noticeable.

I was debating between two sizes on this dress and opted for the larger one, but if I purchase further Twizzles in the future, I'll likely go for the smaller of the two, as I there's ample stretch to the fabric used here and I think that doing so would help the bust fit even better (again though, and I really mean this, it is 100% wearable and becoming as it sits now).

Fascinatingly, this particular dress is based on a classic British CC41 design from the heavily rationed war years that is part of the founder, Shona's, own wardrobe. It's a deeply classic design that looks the 1940s part to a tee, and which I'm more than a little bit smitten with. I love this fabulous dark floral print frock and can't thank the lovely folks at Heyday enough for sending it my way.

With so many hues at work in my dress and hat, I didn't want to go overboard on the accessories front at all, but of course, this look still called for some. I tried a number of medium to wide width belts out with this dress, ultimately favouring this fun 1950s style green stretch belt from Hell Bunny.

It includes your classic triple "row" style metal clasp, which suits some ensembles fabulously, but not this one, so I decided to use a trick that I've been employing for years now when such applied and simply wear it with the clasp in the back. This gives you so much more millage from your stretch belts and because the clasp is quite flat and lies flush to your body, I've never found them to be uncomfortable when worn in this manner.

I'm elated that spring is here and that the weather is warm enough to shot outside sans seven thousand layers again. Even with some of life's usual ups and downs recently, I'm in a stellar (and very productive) mood at the moment and find myself waking up accompanied by a very welcome sense of joy and contentment. I feel like as though such shines through in these photos, and that makes me love them - and this 1940s style ensemble - all the more.

Who knows, perhaps we'll even take more photos on another bridge this season - which I hope (and am planning) to fill with as many shoots as possible. After all, to put a modern spin on a classic expression regarding hay, one needs to take outfit photos while the sun shines! :)

87 comments:

  1. I'm still yet to try something from Heyday, but what a convincing case you make ;) Beautiful colours and print on this dress, fabulously accessorised, of course! I often do that trick with these kind of stretch belts too - last seen in my Daphne Halloween outfit, in fact! Has always worked swimmingly for me too :) xx

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    1. That's awesome! It's cool to know that others have come up with it organically, too. I think us vintage gals really, really excel at thinking outside of the box and getting the most out of our wardrobes. From ten different ways to style a scarf to a fun little trick like this with a belt, we're always looking to get extra millage and fun new outfits out of what we have (aka, we're resourceful :)).

      I think you'd love Heyday's wonderfully made and very authentic looking pieces. Their trousers are a bit long on us petite ladies, but nothing that a little hemming and/or very tall heels can't fix on most folks. :)

      Tons of hugs & happy Friday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. Hello Jessica, finally with great joy I come back here to you, and this post is a wonderful welcome back to me! I find this really amazing your clothing, as a whole, but above all in the details ... The fancy dress, the hat (just adorable), the color of the sweater and the choice to take it knotted (I believe that I will take inspiration!), the little roll of gloves .. everything perfect and I think this place is really nice and pleasant and quiet walks to take pictures!
    See you soon

    serena

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    1. Warmest welcome back, dear Serena. It's always such a pleasure to hear from you. Tying cardigans is such a handy trick unto itself, especially if (as I am) one's petite and often find that shirts, cardigans and swearers are more like mini dress, than waist, length on them (or that they're less flattering when worn beyond our waistlines). I'm happy to know that you found this styling idea useful - it's also great just to help stay a bit cooler as we head into the warmest months of the year. :)

      Big hugs coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  3. A gorgeous outfit, Jessica, and you look beautiful! I love everything in your ensemble, and how you used the colours in the lovely dress to finish your outfit!

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    1. Thank you sweetly, dear Linda. Patterns like this are marvelous. They're like the wardrobe equivalent of a wonderfully stocked kitchen pantry. One can pick and choice as they desire and come up with so many great possible dishes (outfits!).

      Many hugs & joyful start of May wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. Gorgeous outfit! I love everything you've put together here! I love your attention to detail and also, that is a great tip about the belt! :)

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    1. Aww, thank you so much, darling gal! What a fabulously nice compliment. I'm delighted to know that you found that idea handy. I think I use it with this style of belt more often than I wear them with the clasp actually in the front. :)

      Tons of hugs & happy Friday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. Gorgeous! I love how you paired the dress with your earrings in particular. A nice color and pattern quality echo!

    I'm a big fan of that style 1940s dress but I don't own one nor have I made one yet. Goals! I think I like the nice bridge between classic / professional and a little bit pinup (sexy, I guess is what I mean, but saying that word makes me feel a little gauche when it comes to describing wartime styles?)

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    1. I fully understand what you mean. There was definitely air of elegant allure to so many 1940s looks that is tricky to define, but easy to see and appreciate.

      Thank you very much for your wonderfully nice compliments about this outfit, including my earrings. I just picked that pair up towards the end of last fall and they've really revived my interest in (personally) wear drop styles. For many years now I've largely worn studs and the occasion hoop, but these are making a strong case in my books for more dangles, too - especially with garments that show a decent amount of neck/decolletage/shoulder.

      Have a fabulous Friday!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  6. Love this outfit! Those colors are so pretty together! And your hat is a real treasure!

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    1. Thank you so much, darling gal. I love, love this awesome vintage hat (how fabulous is that jaunty feather?) and really want to weave into more outfits from here on out.

      Many hugs & happy Friday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. I recently bought a couple of pairs of high-waisted capri pants from Hell Bunny... Totally vintage-appropriate and fabulous with my vintage tops.....
    Your hair is lovely by the way....

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    1. Very cool! Hell Bunny is definitely another of my favourite vintage repro/style brands. I haven't tried their pants/capris yet, but I own numerous skirts, dresses, cardigans and a top or two from them and only have great things to say about their offerings, too.

      Thank you so much for your lovely comment and compliment. Have a stellar weekend!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  8. Your dress is gorgeous, and that hat goes so perfectly with it! :)

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Laurie. I absolutely adore this fun vintage feathered chapeau and definitely plan to dream up more outfits to wear it with here on my blog in the future. Its colours are superbly suited to fall, so I suspect we might see it again then.

      Have a fantastic Friday!
      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  9. I love the colours of your dress, and that hat ... swoon! Glad that spring has arrived in your part of the world as well. One get so bored with all the layers ... Lovely location for the outfit photos, with those rocks in the background. Looks quite different from boring old Belgium. Many hugs, Ann xxx

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    1. Isn't that hat a delight? I'm a huge sucker for vintage chapeaus with eye-catching feathers like this and am fortunate to own a few in this style now (all of which see plenty of wear throughout the year). Aside from just thinking they're gorgeous, perhaps I'm trying to add a wee bit of height to my barely 5'2" tall frame (not that I have an issue with my height, I don't at all, but it is nice to look a touch taller every now and then :)).

      Oodles of hugs coming right back at you,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. The colors are so so so stunning on you. And the feathered hat is sublime. I love hey day dresses and treasure the ones I have

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    1. Same here! They're extremely well made, superbly tailored, and deeply beautiful to boot. I really hope that the Canadian dollar improves again and I can invest in some more of Heyday's terrific offerings as time goes on.

      Thank you very much for your wonderfully nice comment, dear Kate. Have a fabulous Friday!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  11. Great dress and specially the scalloped detail of the glove-
    Well, in my case, I take pictures in the same spot everyday. I wish I could take them elsewhere but I have no time....
    I've always thought your backdrops are beautiful, I specially admire nature so it cannot get any better than that ! oh and I also get to see a little of Penticton.

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    1. Hi sweet Lorena, I fully and completely understand that and wasn't passing judgement on such in the slightest (I hope that my comment on the subject didn't come across as such, that certainly wasn't my intention in the slightest). There's actually something really appealing about using the same background repentantly. I love a good sense of cohesiveness like that. It can really help to create an even more memorable/definable look to one's outfit photos.

      It's awesome to know that you enjoy seeing our charming little town. Bit by bit, we're photographing more corners of it and are always on the look out for new backdrops, be they (literally) close to home or miles away.

      Thank you for your lovely comment. I hope that the first week of May is going wonderfully for you.

      Many hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. This outfit is beautiful, everything about it is complementary and so rich in colour. It's a visual feast, and that hat, just WOW! I love the locations you choose to shoot in, they seem to envelope you, almost as though they were hugging you in approval. That sounds odd, but, it really is like the landscape is as integral to you as you are to it. Some blogs I've seen, the landscape seems out of kilter with the outfit, but yours never does. On a separate note, how do you fix your hat to your hair? I can never seem to get my pins to hold my hats on. Gorgeous as always my dearest Jessica xx

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    1. What a marvelously lovely, and very eloquent, compliment, sweet Emily. Thank you very much. I fully understand what you mean about the way in which backdrops can sometimes overpower a shoot. We (Tony and I) really try to aim for backdrop harmony whenever possible and I know he'll be touched and tickled pink when I tell him that you think we nailed such here.

      Many thanks, too, for asking about hatpins. I don't have a huge collection by any means, but those that I do own get plenty of wear. I find that matching one's hat with a suitable size of hatpin is very important. Too big and it can look out of place, while also being a potential (poking) danger to others around you, yet too small and it won't properly grip your hair and stay in place.

      I usually aim for a hat pin that emerges from the hat with at least a couple of inches sticking out and really make sure to weave the pin through a decent sized section of hair on the back (not the crown/top) of my head (so closer to wear a barrette might go than higher up the ol' noggin :)). If a hat seem really determined to wander and/or it's an immensely windy day, I've even been known to double up (stacking them close together horizontally), but don't find I need to do this very often.

      Scores of hugs & happy wishes for a fun filled weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. Such a wonderful outfit! Your accessories are so great.

    xx
    Sandra

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  14. What an awesome outfit! I'd say this was the perfect place to deploy the hat - it just fits in so perfectly with the colors of the dress. I really like the the shape of the wrap sweater as well, with the fuller sleeve. As usual, all of the thought and details that you've put into the look work together perfectly, so that the eye is always travelling.
    I actually love shooting on bridges. Something about those lines receding into the distance just makes it perfect for a fashion shoot.

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    1. Agreed completely! Both mine and Tony's eyes are apt to light up when we encounter a new bridge to shoot on. The one that's coming down the pipeline next is by far the most unique that we've taken outfit snaps on so far and I'm really looking forward to sharing it here.

      Thank you so much for your immensely sweet compliments about this outfit. I love this cardigan, too. I wish I could clone it in a million colours (the downside of not being a knitter!). The fuller sleeves are so flattering and go, I find, really nicely with outfits spanning the 30s clear on through the early 60s.

      Many thanks again. I hope that you guys have a fabulous Friday and weekend!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  15. Such a wonderful outfit! Your accessories are so great.

    xx
    Sandra

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    1. You're a total dear, Sandra. Thank you very, very much!

      Wishing you a sunny, stellar weekend!
      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  16. I love the mix of colors in this look! That dress is beautiful :)

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    1. Thank you very much, lovely lady. I adore this sophisticated Heyday frock, too, and sense I'm going to get a ton of wear out of it.

      Have a terrific Friday!
      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  17. You look gorgeous! I'm dying for that cardigan and that hat. You said that Heyday was one of your very favorite vintage producers in the world--what are some of your other favorites? :)

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    1. Thank you very much for the wonderfully lovely compliment, dear Lisa, and for your great question (which is worthy of a blog post unto itself to fully answer).

      Objectively, I'm very fond of most repro/vintage style brands that I've tried and don't have a lot of horror stories there at all (knock wood). :)

      Just off the top of my head, some other favourites include - but are in no way limited only to - Freddies of Pinewood, The House of Foxy, Vivien of Holloway, Blue Velvet Vintage's in-house line of vintage style offerings, Hell Bunny (no other brand's offerings consistently fit me better than their's do), Sourpuss Clothing, and (for crinolines) Pettiskirt Style.

      Many thanks again & have a beautiful first week of May!
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. Thanks so much for your response! I've recently begun my journey into vintage sewing--perhaps I'll add some vintage repro into my closet, too. :)

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    1. You're very welcome, Lisa. It's amazing how many repro/vintage inspired/pinup girl/rockabilly brands have emerged in recent years. Though (sadly) not all are able to stay afloat in the long run, many are excelling and I couldn't be happier for them. Here's a post of mine from a few years back with some of the best known UK ones, that you might enjoy checking out, too: http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2012/01/ten-of-uk-best-vintage-reproduction.html

      I'm actually planning a follow-up post to it with other sites at some point, and would love to do one for brands in Australia, mainland Europe, and North America, too (no set dates for such yet, but hopefully at least one such post will appear here later this year).

      Have a great evening!
      ♥ Jessica

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  19. The colors in this light are so clear and bright. The green hat on your hair is stunning and the amber necklace is so beautiful. How nice to have such a pretty bridge so close to your house.

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    1. It is indeed - to add to the charmingness of that bridge, every now and then we'll see some of the many, many dear that call our town gingerly making their way across it, like a scene straight out of an old world fairy tale.

      Thank you very much for your splendidly lovely comment and compliments, sweet Connie. I hope that you're doing well and enjoying a marvelous first week of May.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  20. The first thing that caught my eye was your gorgeous hat! That feather detail is so amazing, and then I scrolled down and saw the rest of your outfit… and it is beautiful too! That dress is lovely, and I may just have to check out what Heydey has to offer now.
    The Artyologist

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    1. The feathers on this hat are really something special, I agree. The depth of their verdant hues, even after all these years, just knocks your socks off. I feel very lucky to have this stunner in my vintage hat collection and definitely plan to weave it into future outfits here, too.

      Thank you very much for your wonderfully lovely comment and compliments. I hope you adore Heyday's site and offerings as much as I do.

      Big hugs & happy Friday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  21. Oh Jessica, you look glorious! I adore this whole ensemble! I'm trying to be braver in wearing my day gloves and since getting myself a glove clip, gloves are always with me and my, I was grateful for them yesterday, when come the evening the temperature dropped rapidly! I even had a man say he loved my gloves xxx

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    1. Aren't glove clips just the most delightful little invention? I have one (c. 1950s) myself and use it often, too. I love that you're actively working to sport your gloves more often. Way to go! (Naturally I support such wholeheartedly! :))

      Tons of hugs, my sweet friend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  22. What a stunning outfit! I love the colour combo. I imagine it would be hard to find different and interesting photo locations, but to be honest I never really take notice of the background, I'm always more interested in the outfit :-)

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    1. That's a good in thing in a way, you know, because it means that the background location isn't stealing the show away from the ensemble itself. We do try to come up with a diversity of locations though, even in our small town, and love that natural (or natural + man made) settings like this can often be "recycled" during different seasons for an nearly new looking backdrop.

      Oodles of hugs & happy Friday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  23. Oh wow what a beautiful outfit on you, I just adore how you accessorize beautiful lady! xo Great location for photos as well! :)

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    1. Thank you very much across the board for your fabulously lovely compliments, sweet Camilla. You have me blushing nearly as intensely as the hue this cardi. :)

      Scores of hugs & joyful weekend (yay!) wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  24. It took me awhile to realize your hat was multicolored. That is very unique. I will have to stash away the belt idea. It might save me some headache sometime. :)

    I have to say that I love the rocky cliffs in the background. They are certainly a unique accessory for a vintage outfit post. Sometimes I can forget that the people of the '40s wore that type of clothes out in such beautiful but remote from urban city centers.

    Sarah
    www.sewcharacteristicallyyou.com/blog

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    1. That's a great point, Sarah. The styles we treasure today and sometimes reserve for more genteel settings were indeed the everyday threads of our foremothers and fathers, who would have sported them in countless parts of the world, both urban and nature based. Thank you for bringing that up - it's well worth exploring further, perhaps in a post of it's own one day.

      Many hugs & happy Friday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  25. You, the divine backdrop and the colours in your outfit are a work of art. I could gaze at these photos all day, Jessica!
    Your hat is truly breathtaking. Do you follow Judith, The Style Crone? You ought to join her link up for Hat Attack. She showcases the most incredible vintage hats and she'd adore you and yours. xxx

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    1. Thank you so much across the board, beautiful lady! I do try to visit Judith's sublime blog when I can and always massively adore her her elegant, inspiring style. Thank you for letting me know about the Hat Attack linkup that she has going on right now. I'm off to check it out at once! :)

      Oodles of hugs & fab Friday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  26. wonderful my dear!!!
    the heyday dress is a stunner - and it suits you perfect! and that beautiful hat! green!!!
    the belt trick seems very clever - especially if one has to sit a long time. i often have the problem of pinching in my belly with large belt clasps...
    if we ever should meet - i have the perfekt skirt to go with your dress: http://bahnwaerterhaeuschen.blogspot.de/2015/06/neuer-alter-rock.html
    :-)
    tons of hugs to you! xxxxxx

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    1. Yes, thank you for bringing that great point up, sweet Beate. That is definitely another huge plus to wearing cinch belts in reverse.

      Ooohhh, what an enchantingly gorgeous skirt! (The flowers on it are so immensely realistic looking - love that!) It really would go smashing with this dress. We must plan to wear them together if we ever have the joy of meeting one another in person.

      Huge hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  27. Such a gorgeous print! Truly beautiful.

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    1. What a wonderfully nice compliment, sweet Christina. Thank you very much. It is an incredible print, I agree - and one that I'm going to try and sport the whole year 'round (layered as needed come fall and winter).

      Tons of hugs & joyful Friday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  28. Wow, that burgundy cardigan is an amazing colour on you! I can see why you like burgundy so much. The print on the dress is so unusual and I love that yo've picked out all the different colours in your accessories xx

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    1. Thank you so very much, sweet Cate. What a fabulously lovely compliment. Burgundy is everything on the colour front for me. I simply must, must, must (yes, three "musts" :D) get a mid-century burgundy suit one day. I have a very vintage appropriate burgundy cord blazer, but not a suit or even a suit jacket in it. Major "perpetually on the hunt" list item for me. :)

      Oodles of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. Marvellous outfit! I love everything you matched with the dress, the colours, the accessories, all! I wish you a wonderful weekend :-) Eva (from Luxembourg/Germany)

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    1. Thank you sweetly, dear Eva. Isn't the palette at work in this Heyday dress marvelous? So alluring, sophisticated and feminine. It's me and my personal style to a tee.

      Huge hugs & happy wishes for a beautiful weekend to you as well,
      ♥ Jessica

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  30. Absolutely stunning, that dress is a dream and as always I adore your styling. That hat is really special and the shade of your lipstick is perfection to finish off this look x

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    1. Thank you so much, sweet Kayla. You always shower me with the loveliest compliments. I really toyed with if this vampy shade of lipstick was too dark for this point in the spring, but I think that in the context of this outfit it really works and am glad that I opted for it.

      Oodles of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  31. Yes! Love this entire combination. That hat...drool worthy. Once again jessica you hit it out of the park in the style department.

    Liz :)

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    1. What a terrifically sweet compliment, dear Liz. Thank you so much! Isn't this hat incredible? I'm a die hard fan of mid-century styles with standout feathers like this. They just bring so much pizzazz to any ensemble.

      Tons of hugs & joyful Friday wishes (hope your weekend rocks!),
      ♥ Jessica

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  32. Wow! This dress, those colors, that hat!!! It's amazing, and the jeweled colors really pop on you. I love the whole outfit, it's beautiful.

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    1. Lovely Akram, thank you so very much! You bestow the most upbeat, wonderfully nice compliments on my - and I sincerely appreciate all of them.

      Aren't the alluring jewel tones at work in this dress fabulous? I sort of want a whole room (or house!) decked out in them.

      Huge hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  33. You're absolutely gorgeous! I love your awesome outfit!

    Hugs xxx
    Pri
    vintage.blogspot.com

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    1. And you're as kind and sweet as they come, dear Pri. Thank you so much!

      I hope that all is well on your end as we embrace May's return and that you're having a splendid week.

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  34. You look great in this outfit!!

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    1. Thank you so very much, darling Liz. I'm in look with every element of this ensemble - it's one of my favourites in a long time and such a chic note to usher in the return of properly warm weather with.

      Big hugs & happy May wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  35. The colors in this look are so divine I can't stand it! I have to go take a look at this dress as the print is so beautiful! Fabulous outfit, great hat! I can totally relate to the "outfit post bridges" scenario too :)

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    1. Thank you so much, my beautiful friend. There's a serious allure to posing on bridges, isn't there? The third one, which I'll be posting about sometime in the near future, is, by far, the most interesting bridge we've ever shot on and I can hardly wait to share it and my outfit from that day (which has serious BC notes to it, IMO).

      Tons of hugs & joyful Friday wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  36. Oh my god I love the details! You're so pretty in this outfit!

    xx

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

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    1. Thank you so very much, darling gal. You know, I felt pretty in it and I think that when one does so, it makes the outfit itself somehow all the more attractive. It's a very powerful win-win for sure! :)

      Many hugs & happy weekend wishes coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  37. After all - clothing matters!

    Hello Jess!
    Oh, the words I wrote before "hello"? Yeah, that is what I keep trying to convey to the the world out-there. Clothing may not make the man, but they DO matter when it comes to presenting ourselves. We should never let the clothes be our "spokes person" and say "hey all, I that Messy Gal" before we even open our mouth.
    Sure, in a perfect world one should not care about clothes, and others should not judge by visual moment when first meeting someone. But.... we're vain.
    You, however - you're adorable.
    Your figure is so lovely (and I know you're petite), this dress suit you so well - I dare say: like a glove. :)

    Do not feel ashamed when given a compliment - you deserve more than one.
    M.

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    1. I agree, getting that balance of person/personality and wardrobe right is a delicate balance and a fine art unto itself. So many women of the decades we hold most dear were quite literally raised from birth with training in such, but far fewer are now and I think that such plays, in part, to the continual causalization of fashion - or conversely, the very hodgepodge, loud style that modern fashion mags are so wild about. Then as now, many in the vintage world have mastered this art and it is downright refreshing to see.

      Thank you for your marvelously lovely compliments and insightful comments here alike here, my dear friend. I hope that all is well on your end and that you're having a terrific start of May.

      Many hugs & joyful wishes for the coming week,
      ♥ Jessica

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  38. What a beautiful hat. And what a beautiful lady!!! And what an amazing dress! I thought of autumn when I saw you in the first photo. I imagined you in the low sunshine of autumn with golden coloured leaves behind you. I think you can style this dress with endless choices of cardigans, shawls and jools. What a treat! If it wasn't because I've changed my summer/winter wardrobe today, I would have treated myself to one. BUT, I really cannot convince myself that I need more dresses (or shoes! For that matter). Boy, I have many! It was a tough job, but also fun and I feel so rich going through my collection. Here in Denmark we have had summer weather for a week now! Fabulous sunshine all day long and 20+ C degrees, I love it! Have a lovely day, dear. :) XOXO

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    1. That is such a serenely pretty picture that you've painted, dear Sanne. I eagerly look forward to sporting this dress come the first nippy days of fall, when it doesn't (yet) have to be buried under a thick overcoat.

      If you do give into the siren's call, I can totally picture this same Heyday dress looking head turningly marvelous on you.

      Shoes, due to my hard to fit feet, are one area where things get sparse very quickly in my closet (I just tell myself there that I'm taking an austere vintage approach to things :)). I bet it's a blast to have oodles of pairs to work with when getting dressed and simply admire. Do you have any green ones? That's a shoe hue I've wanted for much of my life, but I've yet to find a pair that fit me comfortably. It's definitely one of those searches that will always continue, so hopefully you'll see me rocking a verdant pair here one day (another that I've long yearned for is a pink pair).

      How wonderful! We're in the 20s here, too, and lapping up every not-too-hot, not-too-cold moment of it. Hopefully this summer season will be a long, beautiful one on both our ends.

      Tons of hugs & happy Friday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. And now it's damn cold again here in Denmark, sigh! Green shoes, I think I have about 5 or 6 pairs. Since green is my favourite colour. But green and pink shoes are the most different colours to find. Therefore, I always buy them, if I find them. I'm lucky to wear size 36 (I think it is a US size 6, don't know about Canadian sizes), so I always get my shoes cheap, and I'm lucky enough to be able to fit vintage shoes. I really need a pair of pastel green shoes, I have a mint pair, but it is a difficult colour to match with anything. It is good to have something on your wish list though. Have a lovely day, dear. :)

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    3. That it most certainly is and I think mine will always be about the size of the equator. It's not that I'm (overly) materialistic, I don't consider myself to be, but simply that I'm an eclectic soul with countless loves/passions. :)

      Very true about light green shoes being hard to find. I think the last time I saw such was in a bridal shop (which can a great place actually to score less common styles of pumps/court shoes). I hope that a wonderful pair comes your way soon.

      Lucky you having size six feet! Mine are usually an American size 8 or 8 wide (though look smaller - everyone, my whole life, has thought I was a 6 or 6.5), but I have crazy high arches and slightly uneven sized feet (but not a full or half shoe size apart), and that combo makes finding comfy shoes that fit booth feet a substantial challenge. It's not uncommon for me to have to try on 100 or even 200 pairs in person to find one that even marginally works. As such, I've long learned from experience that ordering shoes online will rarely work for me and usually just stick to in person shopping, for which there aren't a ton of options locally. I try to hit more shoe (and thrift) stores when we travel for that very reason. And, silver lining, it means that the pairs that I do have get a lot of use and are treasured until their very last moments of life (for it's a very sad day indeed when one gives up the ghost beyond any reasonable repair).

      Not to chat your lovely ear off there though! :)

      Big hugs & happy Tuesday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  39. Wow! You look stunning in this outfit. All those rich colours really suit you. That hat is pretty amazing and it is the perfect topper for your ensemble. I don't have any Heyday dresses, though I would like to remedy that one day. I do have two of their plain skirts which are great wardrobe staples and I really like.

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    1. Ooohh, I'd love to try out their skirts, too. What colours do you have? I'm always so impressed by Heyday's offerings. From the authentic styling to their classic fabrics to their selection, they really know their stuff and it shines through in each garment that I have from them. I hope you're able to give their dresses a spin. I'm eager to try more styles of such as time goes on.

      Thank you very much for your wonderfully lovely compliments, sweet Kate. Have a stellar weekend!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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    2. I have a navy blue one as I wanted something really sensible that would be a great basic piece and then I got a Kelly green one for a bit of fabulous colour! I like them both. I had a lovely weekend thanks, hope that you have done too!x

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    3. Oooohh, those sound smashing! I swear, I was just thinking this weekend about how I need more kelly and emerald green in my closet. I'm surprised by how little of each I own at present. Both of your skirts sound like they've give you a lot of wardrobe mileage and I bet they're as pretty as the day is long. If/when I get my first Heyday skirt, I'll definitely try to post about it.

      Thank you very much for all of your fantastic blog comments yesterday. I appreciate them so much!

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  40. You have a beautiful blog. Gorgeous photo, ensemble and hat! Thank you so much for sharing with Hat Attack!

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    1. Thank you deeply, sweet lady. You're sincerely welcome! I've long adored and enjoyed reading your blog, but the credit for taking part in the Hat Attack goes to one of my blog readers here, who suggested that I do so. I'm delighted that she did and have really been enjoying visiting the sites of others who are participating as well.

      Many thanks again & have a stellar weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  41. I love this outfit Jessica! So many colours and they all work together and it is just a dream. Plus that hat is a little slice of heaven!

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    1. Oh my stars, isn't it though? I'm wild about this hat and would love to find other similar tricolor ones as time goes on.

      Thank you very much for your beautiful compliments on this outfit and for all of your lovely recent blog comments (each of which I sincerely appreciate.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  42. You look fabulous!

    xoxo sophia from

    www.thatpinup.com

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    1. Thank you very much, darling gal.

      Have an awesome week!
      ♥ Jessica

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