Flickr Favourites: November 20, 2015 (plus an awesome giveaway over at CiCi Marie's!)

{The Bill ~ James Vaughn}






{1950 Family Circle Magazine Cover ~ Classic Film}


{Red-Bellied Woodpecker 28 ~ Diane Giurco}



{All Bright 'N Shiny ~ Paul Malon}



{Cutex Nail Polish, May 1946 ~ The Bee's Knees Daily}



{Röd lada/red barn/shades of grey ~ Tomas Baliukonis}



{The New Movie Magazine, June 1931 ~ The Bee's Knees Daily}

{Red ~ Kon!}

{1944 ... "A Wave, a Wac and a Marine" ~ James Vaughn}



{The Starlight Roof, Waldorf Astoria Hotel ~ Paul Malon}

{All images above are from Flickr. To learn more about a specific image, please click on its title to be taken to its respective Flickr page.}

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My passion for, and frequent wearing, of red/black/white and/or grey is anything but a state secret. I've mentioned it here before, including in this vintage outfit post from last August and as we head into winter again - fall time weather being as good as a distant memory here in Canada at this point time - my mind is turning to it once again, as I wear this combo during the winter more than at any other point in the year.

While red is certainly one of my signature colours, and a beloved favourite, too, this particular colour combination excels, in my opinion, because of the sum of its parts. It is classic and bold, but rarely jarring. Elements of it match winter's tones, while the fiery red provides a dose of warmth and vibrancy that is so often devoid from this season - save for in our festive December decor.

The grey and/or white in the equation are as calm as the first delicate snowflakes that accompany the falling mercury and the black speaks to the fact that winter is the end of one year. Yet in its very darkness, the slumbering world of Mother Nature will be reborn as the season draws to an end and we usher in spring's return. That point though, especially considering that we're still technically in autumn, is a long way's off though.

First there are snowmen to make, holiday treats to whip up by the dozens, many a layer to bundle under, and the bleakness - and light - of this time of the year alike to celebrate and welcome into our lives For there is an undeniable beauty and elegance to winter that resides in the stillness, the haunting chill, and annual traditions aplenty that call winter home - not unlike that of the timeless marriage of red, black, white and grey itself.

Even if winter is far from your favourite season, I encourage you to embrace the hidden loveliness in it and to keep yourself warm, if only in spirit, but wearing sizzling colours, like red, orange or yellow, yourself this season as well. It will go a long way in helping to keep your spirits up until that distant day when spring really does roll back into town again!

*PS* Speaking of things to help fuel your spirits this season, have you heard about the fabulous Etsy shop giveaway that I'm holding on my dear friend CiCi's beautiful blog, CiCi Marie? You'll definitely want to check out her sweeter-than-sweet review + giveaway post and enter for your chance to win a $75.00 store credit to my Etsy shop right away!

Flickr Favourites: December 26, 2013

{Ready for winter ~ Lucy_Fan}  


{Merry Christmas ~ Amelea Ng}  


{Alice's Adventures in Philcoland ~ Paul Malon}  


{Dr. Lyon's Tooth Powder (1946) ~ Paul Malon}  


{Winter at The Farm ~ June}  


{Modes Royale Winter 52-53 ~ carbonated}  


{Cushiony Snow ~ vastphotography}  


{Free Kix (1939) ~ Paul Malon}


{The Fresh Face of Royal Crown ~ Paul Malon}  


{Blue Deer ~ Calsidyrose}  

{All images above are from Flickr. To learn more about a specific image, please click on its title to be taken to its respective Flickr page.}



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The crinkling of wrapping paper scraps underfoot, the intoxicating aroma of oven roasted turkey, tart cranberry sauce and hearty mashed potatoes in the air, and the desire to both relax and be wildly active (Boxing Day sales!) in the same go, permeate this first post-Christmas day. I for one fall into the camp that prefers to stay at home and avoid the risk of being trampled as throngs of shoppers clamber for a great deal, much as I do see both the allure and bargain filled practicality of the latter.

For me, though Christmas proper falls of course on the 25th, Christmas is no less than three solid days long, spanning the 24th to the 26th, with its resplendently special, gorgeous spirit carrying on well into the first few days of the New Year.

Life calls for celebrations, for moments of joy and merriment filled with snowmen, steaming mugs of hot chocolate, glistening ornaments on the tree, laughter shared with loved ones, and a nearly nonstop soundtrack of festive tunes wafting through the air in the background, and that is precisely what next little while aims to deliver.

To me, Boxing Day, perhaps more than any other date in December embodies the spirit of all of these magnificent things and so many more. The (often) frantic rush up to Christmas and the whirlwind going-ons of the big day itself are now behind us. Yet all of the grand points about them linger on, to be enjoyed in each bite of a turkey sandwich, every swirling snowflake, and the pleasure that comes from celebrating so much of what is good, right and beautiful in life.

I hope deeply that you each had an excellent Christmas and that, whether you're on the march for the mall, relaxing at home, or doing anything else you desire, the serenity, loveliness and joys of the season continue to fill your heart and hours as we enjoy each moment of Boxing Day.