Blossoming

My wardrobe switch-over couldn't have come at a better time, as in the space of only a couple of days we have gone from Spring to high Summer with temperatures reaching just under 30°C.

And back to 18°C at the time of typing - but never mind, that's typical of April, isn't it? Fickle as they come. I'm sure we're in for some April showers soon!

I can't believe how lush the garden has become in only a matter of days. You can almost literally watch it grow.

Phoebe loves having her outdoor space again, with lots of places to hide in while spying on the local wildlife, or to bask in a sunny spot until it gets too hot and she's ready to move to a shadier one.

Small as our little plot is, it is still full of surprises, especially at this time of year. Take the delicate flower on the top left, a lonely survivor of the dog's tooth violet (or Erythronium) bulbs we planted many years ago. The species is called Pagoda, and it's plain to see why, as the nodding, buttery yellow flowers do resemble the tiniest of pagodas.

On the bottom right is Narcissus 'Bridal Crown', its double, creamy, yellow-hearted flowers releasing a quite intoxicating scent, especially when warmed up by the sun.

And look at the little stone dove, which in just a week's time can barely keep its head above the abundant geranium foliage.

With all the flower power going on, I felt a strong need to compete. Looking at the contents of my wardrobe, there is no denying that flower prints feature abundantly, and that they come in all shapes, sizes and colours.

So, let's retrace our steps to Sunday before last, before the temperatures soared to summery heights.

Having recently rediscovered my Summer skirts and pleading guilty to my neglect of them last Summer, I'm trying to make sure to put that right this year.

That I would be wearing my floral blazer again was a given. After all, it had been patiently waiting for me since February. I added a ceramic flower brooch which if I remember correctly came from Think Twice and chose the gorgeous rose-printed tapestry handbag I found at a flea market a couple of months ago.

I also wore Saturday's yellow booties again. They combine a traditional Western shape with feminine cut-out flowers. Cowgirl boots, perhaps?

This time, I combined the jacket and booties with a peachy pink skirt with florals in green, purple and yellow. 

I was determined to wear as many flower prints as possible, so after trying on and rejecting several tops, I chose this green fitted one (helpfully, it has a zip almost all the way down the back), with a pointy collar and turned-up short sleeves. Oh, I almost forgot: it's got a truly wild print of blowsy Summer flowers, orange being the most prominent colour.

A wide white belt did its best to keep the peace between the two totally different florals.

As if there weren't already enough flowers, I chose a blue plastic flower ring, and finished my outfit with a chiffon scarf featuring yet another flower print. You can see a detail of it on the bottom left in the collage of prints.

We were all set to go to a brunch, which unfortunately was called off at the last moment as our hosts were plagued by a stomach bug.

As a result, we found ourselves at a bit of a loose end, until I remembered there was a flea market in Antwerp, even if it was our not-so-favourite indoor one.

Jos donned his new-to-him jacket, charity shopped on Saturday. It was crying for the addition of a pocket square, so I donated one of my smaller scarves, a yellow polka dot one. Mr. Suave indeed!

The flea market itself was below average with lots of gaps between the stalls, but we hadn't expected otherwise.

However, I still managed to find a few odds and ends.

This vintage hand made Summer frock with its gorgeous green flower print and closing asymmetrically with divine green flower buttons was just € 2.

I never say no to more scarves, especially at € 1 each. The white, red and blue one with the umbrella print has a St.Michael's label.

With none of my favourite stalls present, I wasn't expecting to find interesting brooches, but I did. These two were just € 3 each. My favourite is the one on the right, featuring ... more flowers!

How could I not buy this gorgeous green wooden fan, with a different flower print on each side?

I'm leaving you for now with last Monday's outfit, when after work it was straight out to the garden to play one of Phoebe's favourite games, which involves trying to catch soap bubbles blown by me!

The green and yellow checked top, sprinkled with white flowers, was perfect for wearing the ceramic daffodil brooch I bought in Cardigan last year.

Linking with Patti's Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style as usual.