Friday 27 April 2018

A brief foray into Summer

And then it was Summer.

No slowly easing into Spring by getting gradually warmer day by day.

No shedding your warm Winter coat for a lighter one, then switching to a Spring jacket until finally, one day in late May perhaps, you're leaving the house wearing just a cardigan, returning home bare armed, the sun caressing bits of skin which haven't seen the light of day for months.

Not this year! No, April, fickle and cruel at the best of times, pulled off the worst April Fools' joke of all by letting us believe it was June already, then making a U-turn back to Mid-March.



The garden's the jungle it usually only becomes in June, but still with the fresh greens of early Spring.

Plants which were late as a result of the long and harsh Winter seemed to have caught up overnight and people were already flocking to garden centres, prematurely stocking up on Summer annuals. Look at them all shivering in window boxes and hanging baskets, poor things!

Yes, Dove Cottage has a tiny pond, a.k.a. Phoebe's giant drinking bowl

But I'm digressing, as I still have to tell you about last weekend and the warm Summer days that came before it.

I've been persevering with the wearing of my Summer skirts and the mixing of floral prints. 

The starting point of this outfit was an off-white skirt, which was next in line and hanging ready for wear. Its red and yellow flower print prompted my choice of a blouse. That, and the fact that the blouse's cool and lightweight fabric was just perfect for a sweltering day at the office.


It is sprinkled with small flowers in many hues, and there's pale yellow piping at the collar, sleeves, yoke and button placket, and I dare anyone not to sigh a happy sigh at the sight of it.

Accessorized with a red belt, mother-of-pearl flower posy brooch, white plastic ring and ivory coloured necklace, I felt on top of the world that day.


As a bonus, the midi length of the skirt was ideal for going tights-less for the first time as they weren't revealing too much of my still far too pale legs. 


Saturday was another scorcher which we sought shelter from in a leafy nearby park, where we picnicked and went for a short walk.

Nothing too strenuous as I'd suffered a slipped disc in my lower back earlier in the week. After a day or two of hobbling around painfully things had started to improve, but I didn't want to jinx the weekend away we have booked for ... tomorrow! 



The sight of the wooden bridge, with the lush grass dotted by bluebells and cow parsley reflected in the water, a view reminiscent of the Monet painting but minus the Water Lilies, made my heart sing with happiness.



I didn't really need the blue vintage jacket I was wearing, but I loved the contrast with the yellow of my frock so, after posing on the bridge, it was swiftly removed.

In addition to the butterfly I'd pinned to the jacket, there were quite a few real life ones flitting among the wildflowers and gorging on their life-giving nectar.



The quietness of our surroundings was suddenly broken by a gaggle of ducklings and their parents, Mum and Dad having their work cut out keeping their little flock in check.


The enchanting play area was devoid of any children, so I made myself at home in this natural wigwam, complete with tree trunk seats.


The dress I picked was charity shopped last Winter, and this was its first wear. I took the lead from the colours of the flower print by adding an orange plastic ring and chunky necklace, while the blue bits were repeated in my belt. 

The shoes were a bargain from last Summer's sales. They are flat-heeled and comfortable to wear and its closed toes saved me the bother of painting my toenails. As they are quite open at the sides, I ended up with my shoes full of bits of twigs and last year's leaves.


Fortified in body and soul, we then made our weekly trip to the charity shops.



Another remnant of the Retro Day, this vintage portable water heater cost us all of € 2,50. 

I can't remember the price of Jos's Donegal Tweed cap, but isn't the shop logo wonderful? 

We also picked up two cushions for our garden chairs, paying € 1 for the two.


These all came from our most local shop: two brightly printed chiffon scarves, a vintage apron with the most glorious of prints and a new-to-me jacket.


As I'm typing, temperatures have plummeted dramatically, and I had to dig out one of my Winter coats to wear on our extended weekend break.



Leaving you now with some garden views from better - or at least warmer! - times.

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

44 comments:

  1. You look as summery as strawberries and cream, lovely. It all seems a distant memory now, the temperatures are back in single figures here, bah!
    I love all of those flower patterns, the bottom right, orange one is especially gorgeous.
    Hoping you have a great weekend.xxx

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    1. What a lovely compliment, Sally, and I've now got a craving strawberries and cream! xxx

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    1. Isn't that a bore! Thanks for trying anyway ... xxx

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  3. I'm loving both of your outfits. Isn't that red blouse lovely?

    I'm a big fan of tweed poor boy hats and that one is a stunner.

    Shame the weather turned as it looked amazing.

    We are finally seeing some signs of spring here and I'm very grateful.

    Suzanne

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    1. Thank you Suzanne! Jos is amassing quite a collection of tweed caps ... xxx

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  4. Ann, you look so beautiful in both of your outfits! The yellow dress is lovely, and you decorated it so well. I love the butterfly brooch, so charming! The red and white floral outfit is a stunner - no wonder you felt on the top of the world!! Red is such a power color, and you look gorgeous in it!

    I love the photos, so pretty and quaint, especially the wood bridge (it does remind of the famous paintings). I adore the tweed hat! What a striking pattern. Has men's fashion world ever created anything more compelling than the British gentleman style? I think not.

    Sending you warmest hugs and love! Have a great weekend away!

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    1. Thank you Natalia! I know, I should wear more red, but then there's all the other colours I love. Well, you know! Seeing the wooden bridge among all the greenery made me happy! xxx

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  5. It is indeed a peep into summer in this blog post, how lovely! I hope your back is improving and that you've enjoyed your break xx

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    1. Thank you, and luckily my back was back to normal (pun not intended) by the time we went on our break! xxx

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  6. flower prints galore!!
    love them all - but the shoes are the best! so 20´s cool flapper style!
    wonderful photos of the park and you both in it!! nature has exploded in the last week - around here its all lilac scents......
    have a gorgeous trip & hugest of hugs! xxxxx

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    1. Thank you Natalia. I'd never considered these shoes as being 20's flapper style, but now that you've mentioned it ... xxx

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    2. natalia and i are secret sisters but...... ;-D xxxx

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    3. Oops, I knew I should have had that cup of coffee first ;-) xxx

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  7. You look fabulous in both of these cheery outfits, Ann! I love the red and yellow combo in the first outfit with the fab accessories. Your yellow dress is gorgeous and I love your blue jacket with the butterfly pin. Phoebe looks like a beautiful black panther exploring! ;) Hope your back is feeling better. XXX

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    1. Thank you so much, Sasha! Phoebe of course thinks she IS a black panther ... xxx

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  8. I hope your back is feeling better, I fully understand the misery of a poorly back *hugs*

    Love your outfits and your buys, the apron is beautiful! You’ Have to let me know your dress size, as we have a great little vintage shop in town with bargains to be had xxx

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    1. Thank you Melanie, all better now! As for my dress size, I'm usually a UK 14. xxx

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  9. Hope your back is doing better. Now that you've made a point of wearing the neglected items it must feel like having a new wardrobe. Love the happy colours and florals.

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    1. That's the benefit of doing a wardrobe change: you always discover things you've totally forgotten about! xxx

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  10. Yes I agree entirely. It seems like we had four months of January and then five days of spring. Then Voila summer!
    The splendid flowers seemed to burst from the ground all at once. And this reminds me of your outfits today. I love the red floral outfit with mixed prints and the red belt.
    I also love this sunny yellow dress with a fine pleating. Everything you feature here is so beautiful and colorful. It looks to me that you are quite ready for summer.
    I hope your back gets better so that you can in fact enjoy the splendid new season.
    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/

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    1. Thank you Elle! We both seem to be in a floral mood! Thankfully, my back is all better now. xxx

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  11. Wasn't the hot summery weather delightful? I hastily slapped some fake tan on my legs so they could be aired without scaring passers-by! It was all too short of course and now I'm shivering at my keyboard, it's bitter today. Hope you've had a great weekend away and can't wait to read your account of it. xxxx

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    1. I'm an absolute dunce when it comes to slapping on fake tan, I can never seem to avoid the orange stripe thing. It's been cold and wet on my weekend away, but even that could't detract from the charms of Bruges! xxx

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  12. Spring is so fickle! I've been trying to put together a mix of outfits for the changeable weather.

    I ADORE your red/cream/white outfit - the two prints are so perfect together. Love Phoebe's personal water pond (Vizzini is jealous), all those lovely flowers, your vintage finds, and the gorgeous nature shots. Thank you for the loveliness, Ann, and wishing you a wonderful week of warm temps!

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    1. Thank you Sheila! Unfortunately the weather changed for the worse and I actually had to dig out a Winter coat again ... xxx

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  13. I love this picture in your natural wigwam and all these wonderful flowerprints. This shoes are gorgeous and yes this shoplabel of the cap is so nice. We bought a tweed cap in London. They are great to wear.
    i wish you a wonderful week. Very huge hug tina

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    1. Thank you Tina! The natural wigwam was irresistible! xxx

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  14. It was lovely to have some warm weather, wasn't it? I hope that's not the last we've seen of summer!

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    1. It's a bit on and off here. Mostly off :-( Let's indeed hope that's not the last we've seen of summer, which would be typical. xxx

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  15. Those four days were wonderful although they've spoilt me, I live for bikinis and now it's coats and gloves again!
    Loving the floral mash-ups and Phoebe's giant drinking bowl. The wigwam was a brilliant spot for posing. xxx

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    1. I know, I even took gloves and a beret to Bruges! xxx

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  16. The weather has been cruel hasn't it? We've had relentless rain and high winds for a few days, today the sun is out again, but it is still a little chilly.
    I love your pattern mixing, the floral midi skirt is lovely, but what a shame your shoes filled up with twigs and leaves (I admit I did laugh as this happens to me a lot too).
    xx

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    1. Cruel is the right word, Hazel! Oh, and I could hardly avoid the twigs and leaves with those open shoes. I'll never learn ... xxx

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  17. Loving both of these looks, Ann. And I adore the pic of the ducks and duck-babies! Have a great week ahead, xo

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. Thank you Patti. I loved watching those ducklings! xxx

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  18. Oh wow. You look fantastic in both these outfits hun! And my, I am loving the prints of your dress <3

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  19. A perfect setting for that lovely dress Ann. What a beautiful day out.
    Laurie xx

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  20. I couldn't believe we had a week of scorching weather and then the BITTER cold last weekend and now another scorcher here! Your day out looks glorious and I enjoyed your outfits!x

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    1. The weather's been really up and down here as well. Oh well ... xxx

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  21. (I'm a little bit late on my commenting!)
    I really love your 'doubled red prints' ensemble, such a great outfit!, and so fabulous to see you in the spring landscape, looking gorgeous in your yellow dress! like a ray of sunshine!
    besos

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    1. Never mind, Monica! I love getting your comments, whether it's sooner or later. We do live busy lives, don't we? xxx

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