Monday 9 October 2017

About things today and fallen leaves

Lately I've been so busy telling you all about our travelling adventures, that I've been neglecting to properly show you what I've been wearing.

At this time of year, the weather seems to be all or nothing, with the sun working overtime one day - as if to make up for the dreadful Summer - and Autumn at its worst the next. Sometimes it's a struggle to get dressed appropriately in the morning.

I've been trying to make the most of what is left of the season, by wearing items from my Summer wardrobe for as long as I can.

Two weeks ago (how time flies!), this was what I was wearing for a Sunday walk in the park.



Such a gorgeous day it was, but with a hint of Autumn's earthiness in the air.

I chose a short-sleeved dress printed with flowers and fruits (I detect apples, pears, cherries and grapes) in hues of purple and green.


The burgundy booties I was wearing are very comfortable and perfect for a walk in the park. However, when we were walking towards the park I noticed that the top piece of one of the heels was coming loose. There was nothing for it but to continue but by the end of our walk, it had gone, so it must have joined the carpet of crunchy autumn leaves at some point.


Or maybe I lost it near this weathered tree trunk, among the prickly husks of chestnuts, some of them still harbouring their glossy reddish cargoes.




There was no need for a coat, but I did wear a chunky knit green batwing cardigan, which I'd charity shopped the day before (one of three I bought that day).



This  majestic 180 year old weeping beech (left) is fenced in to protect its shallow root system and delicate bark.

Elsewhere, several trees were strangely bandaged up, looking like casualties in a hospital. I'm sure there's a reason for this, but I've been too lazy to find out!


The late September sun was bathing everything in a hazy golden glow, making the park's folly, called the English cottage, look particularly charming and lighting up the Japanese anemones growing in its diminutive cottage garden.


Emerging from the trees, the castle appeared like a mirage on the horizon. The dancing nymphs were dancing their eternal dance around the trickling fountain, with the sun on their backs and their skirts fluttering in an invisible wind.


On our way out, we nipped into the walled public picking garden where, when in season, a variety of fruits - apples, pears, cherries and plums, as well as soft fruits like gooseberries and raspberries - can be picked at will.

The Gautam Buddha was presented by the Ambassador of Nepal in 2004, as a token of friendship between Nepal and Belgium.



Fast forward one week. On Saturday before last, we were getting ready for a surprise birthday party thrown by Jos's children.

He really had no idea, thinking we were going to have dinner at his son's. I still don't know what made him pull out all the stops and dress up like that. The pocket watch used to belong to his grandfather.

Ok, that's it, he's now been taking over my blog for long enough!

Let me show you what I wore!


I opted for a maxi dress with three quarter fluted sleeves and a fabulous print of blue and pink flowers and orange and blue stripes. It's got not one but two labels: one says M. Fischer, Paris and the other Femina, Limoges. Sounds posh, but what is that all about? Googling didn't get me anywhere.

We had quite a full-on weekend, as on Sunday we had a flea market to go to.



Dithering in front of my wardrobe and  dismissing several options, I finally chose this Lucie Linden two piece with a brocade-like flower pattern in citrus colours.

Underneath, I wore a turquoise three-quarter sleeve top, and I accessorized with orange beads (charity shopped in Wales), an orange and green print silk scarf (charity shopped), turquoise plastic flower ring (flea market) and a green squirrel brooch, which was bought new from a delightful shop in Antwerp.



The suit turned out to be a show stopper, and I was complimented on it quite a few times that day.

At first sight, the flea market seemed to be in full swing, but it wasn't very crowded and some of the sellers complained bitterly.

Now, without further ado, let me show you what I found:


The cherry brooch is 1950s and the cheap 'n cheerful cup and saucer one was found at the bottom of a carton. The seller looked at it as if she'd never seen it before.



I'm quite taken with the Lucite necklace, which came from the same seller.

Top right is the ultimate pussy bow top, printed with red-eyed Phoebes.

I'd seen the burgundy bag, with its Lucite handles, in one of the first aisles, but having quite enough handbags already, I didn't immediately buy it. Before we went home, I went back for it, though.



On the bottom right is a vintage enamel lunch box, made in Germany, for our kitchenalia collection.

Our last two finds came from one of our favourite sellers, Ilona.

Top left and right is a child's embroidery set, which came in a cute vinyl case. How I would have loved this as a girl, even though I was rubbish at sewing. It's hard to resist such vinyl cases, and I have several of them in my vintage Barbie doll collection.

Finally, on the bottom left, a plaster Bambi ornament. I really have to stop buying these, as we have run out of space to properly display them. The epitome of cuteness, I couldn't very well leave it behind.

Linking to Patti's Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style.

After this little catch up, it'll be time for the final installment of my travelogue in my next post.

35 comments:

  1. Love your authentic vintage looks, and that lucite necklace is amazing - same for the purse. Thanks for linking up, xo

    Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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  2. Jos needs a regular feature on the blog.

    That orange suit is beautiful-it reminds me of fabric we had as home decor in the 70's-I mean that in a complimentary way, not that you look like a sofa ;)

    The lunchpail is interesting. I've heard the term, but I don't think I've ever seen one.

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    1. Glad you approve of the sofa-fabric suit! And I told Jos he should start his own blog. Or go on Instagram! xxx

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  3. gorgeous looks! i´m especially taken by the yellow suit! and the green(!) squirrel brooch :-D
    and jos needs his own blog now! so cool!
    fab finds - necklace, blouse and bag are trés chic. but i feel sorry for your boots - is it fixable?
    big hug! xxxxx

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    1. I told Jos he needs his own blog, but I guess I'd have to do all the work ... The boots have been fixed in the meantime. They're too nice to go to shoe heaven yet ... xxx

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  4. That suit is a show stopper! I laughed when I read your comment about the sun working overtime to compensate for lacklustre days. It can be very challenging to dress for changing weather!

    Beautiful finds!

    Happy thrifting ;)

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    1. Thank you! Our weather's been quite up and down. Very challenging indeed! xxx

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  5. A beautiful post Ann and so evocative of the best of Autumn.
    Jos looks decidedly dapper and you positively wow in these photos.
    This made a very uplifting read, thank you! xxx

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    1. I'm glad you liked it Sally. I do love Autumn, when it's behaving. Once it start going downhill, no thank you! xxx

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  6. That suit *is* a showstopper - I loved the green and purple outfit in the early photos, but you saved the best till last. That suit's like summer woven into cloth.

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    1. I had to have that suit the moment I laid eyes on it. I often take it out of the wardrobe just to look at it ... xxx

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  7. Oo the citrus suit!! It's stunning. What lovely finds you had at the fair x

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    1. Thank you! I have quite a few suits, but this one is my favourite by far! xxx

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  8. I'm not surprised you got compliments on the citrus suit it's beautiful and looks stunning on you!

    I loved your maxi dress; what wonderful colours and print and the green and mauve outfit was fab - my favourite colours!

    Jos looks very smart in his outfit.

    Lovely finds at the fleamarket. I have several of those miniature suitcases; a set of three which contain my bangles and two further ones that I keep my crochet hooks and notions in.

    Love the beads and the cute brooches.

    What a fabulous park you have.
    xxx

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    1. Thank you Veronica! Antwerp's got quite a few lovely parks. We are, in fact, spoilt for choice. xxx

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  9. That suit is fantastic and just the thing for a warm Autumn day when evryone else is in dull colours. No wonder you were complimented!
    Love both your other outfits and Jos's, too!
    Fab finds, how swet is that tiny tea cup. xxxx

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    1. Thank you Vix! I'm usually the only one in colour during my commute. Even in Summer, dull colours seem to prevail ... Wearing colour makes me happy! xxx

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  10. Our weather is same here in the Uk Ann. And Layering items from the wardrobe is key. I think the Navy dress is super stylish on you xx
    www.vanityandmestyle.com

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    1. Thank you Laurie. Yes, I think we are often sharing the same weather. Layering certainly is key this time of year! xxx

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  11. Oh Ann I love your pictures, your dresses, your brooches .... oh squirrels, your boots ( hope it can repair) your wonderfull findings and Jo's Styling.I love it all. ❤️
    I must go to a fleamarket like yours, I would like to have so cute things, too :))
    I wish you a wonderful wednesday, big hug Tina

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    1. Thank you Tina! I'm glad to report that the boots have been repaired. They're a favourite pair! That quirrel brooch would be something for you, I guess. xxx

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  12. so fabulous outfits!, I love the green and purple combo, and the park looks amazing.
    Jos looks really dapper and elegant, and you're gorgeous in your maxi dress, such an amazing print!, love it!
    And your yellow suit deserves lots of compliments!, and you rock your fab accessories!, so lovely!!
    besos

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    1. Thank you Monica! I really felt the need to wear a maxi for this special occasion. But I loved wearing the suit even more ... xxx

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  13. You and Jos make a very stylish pair, especially with your citrussy bright suit. Though my favourite outfit of yours has to be the blue maxi with the flowers on the collar xx

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    1. Thank yuu Liza! That maxi really is something else, isn't it? xxx

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  14. Isn't your man looking dapper? LOVE it! It is so rare and wonderful when both members of a couple dress up.

    I love that suit (not something you see people wearing nowadays) but that maxi is my favourite.

    You guys always manage to find the most lovely spots to walk.

    Suzanne

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    1. Thank you Suzanne! I've got quite a few suits and love wearing them but you're right: people hardly seem to wear them these days. As for maxis, I should really wear them more often ... xxx

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  15. Oh my word I need that suit it’s gorgeous and you really suit the maxi. I was really taken with your first frock but the suit is awesome.
    I love the photo of Jos. He looks like a male model xxx

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    1. Jos has been walking around with his head in the clouds since I told him what you said ;-) xxx

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  16. Oh that folly is a delight! There's a gorgeous cottage on the way to Meirionwen, which I have adopted as my own. Now I just need the 'squatters' there to move out ;)

    A picking garden? That's such a good idea!

    And look at Jos looking all dapper, he looks fabulous! And I love your two piece, that's so stylish, very air hostess. xxx

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    1. I love that folly too. How dare these "squatters" be in your cottage! As for the suit, maybe it would be perfect for a "fair" hostess, like they had at Expo 58. Expo 68, perhaps? xxx

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  17. Fabulous brooches and bag as ever.

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  18. You look soooo classy in this yellow suit! Love it! Jos is a true dandy of course, with a pocket watch even! So special that it's from his family. Love the green and purple outfit, that cardigan is a great find! You always manage to find cutest things, my dear!

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