Pinks and greens

As September segues into October, and Autumn is slowly creeping up on is, the balmy weather we've been blessed with is starting to feel slightly unreal.

The garden is still wearing its overgrown lushness with relish and, even if the process of decay is unavoidable, its verdancy soon making way for mouldy browns and greys, for now it is dressed in hues of pink and green.

And so am I!

I've centered my outfit around this new-to-me green and pink pussy bow blouse which, after a bit of head scratching, I teamed with a green floral print vintage skirt. At my waist, a sage green woven belt

Both green and pink are represented in the rest of my accessories: a green beaded necklace and a chunky plastic ring in bright pink. Even the Bambi in my vintage brooch is frolicking on a pale green background!

The exuberant bush behind me is our beloved Fuchsia magellanica, which really comes into its own this time of year, providing a late-summer pit stop for visiting bees.

Another bee magnet is Sedum spectabile, the colour of which perfectly matches my pink Tweed jacket. I only needed it for my commute in the morning and had to carry it home in my bag as it was far too warm for a coat by then.

Here, I just threw it on for the purpose of this post, with the late afternoon sun illuminating the pinks with a magical glow.

The last Saturday of September was another one of those picture perfect Autumn days, with a sunlit afternoon inviting us for a walk in the park. 

The low, slanting light was almost too bright, adding to the unsettling poignancy of the season, knowing that the blue skies will all too quickly fade into a long season of grey.

The short-sleeved plaid dress, with its shades of green and olive, neck tie and box pleats, was a charity shop find from years back. Sadly, it was too large, but I took the plunge anyway, and had it taken in by a local seamstress. 

I used shades of rose red and pink for my accessories: a vinyl belt with a slanted buckle, beaded necklace, ring and orchid brooch.

I secured the neck tie with a vintage diamanté tie clip.

My cropped red cardie was only worn briefly, just long enough to show you my brooch with the cloche hat wearing lady.

Autumn still has to begin in earnest in the park as well. While the leaves have long ago lost their freshness, the trees are still holding on to them, only a handful wearing their bright autumnal coats.

There's still a scattering of dog rose and mallow flowers, their pinks a startling contrast with their withered and long-dead neighbours.

I was wearing plaid on plaid, adding my royal blue, chartreuse and white plaid Lilli Ann coat, a lucky € 4 find at Think Twice back in February.

It's not in the best of conditions, but good enough for a walk in the park.

Beyond the trees are pools of hazy Autumn sunlight and walking in their dappled shade, we delighted in the seasons's sights, smells and sounds, appreciating the rhythm of nature.

Oh, who could find a dearth of bliss

With autumn glory such as this!

~ Gladys Harp

Indeed, it's days like these that get my spirits soaring, realizing it's useless to mourn the passing of Summer. Surely, Autumn is nothing if not atmospheric!

To end this almost perfect day, we had a quick dash around the charity shop up the road, where I found a handful of necklaces and a scarf. While we were jokingly telling each other we now needed something to carry them around the shop in, I happened upon this tiny wicker basket, which was ours for € 0,25.

Green, ruffles and a row of self covered buttons at the cuffs. What's not to like? As luck would have it, this blouse was exactly my size too! There was no room left in the basket, but it still came home with me.

All I need now is some decent Autumn weather to wear it!

Meanwhile, I am taking my pink and green outfit to Patti's Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style as soon as the link is up!