Thursday 19 April 2018

Spring fever

The sunny weather we have been graced with since last week seems to have finally snapped me out of the lethargy I've been in for the last couple of months.

Life is still a bit tough work-wise, as I'm still spending most of my days at the office on my own, and will remain doing so for the foreseeable future, but now that the days have been getting longer, temperatures have been rising, and nature has been having its annual wake-up call, at least it feels like there's a light at the end of the tunnel.

We've been quite productive, finally booking a long weekend away at the end of the month (just over a week now!), as well as browsing holiday brochures, ordering maps and booking our channel crossing for our upcoming holiday in June.



I've also been making a serious dent into my twice-yearly wardrobe switch, putting away almost all of my Winter stuff, and digging out my Summer frocks from our antique linen chest where they have been hibernating for six months

Hello, my lovelies, welcome back! It's so good to see you, and I can't wait to wear you all!



While I was sorting through my Summer stuff, I came across this skirt which I'd completely forgotten about. There's a belted blouse to go with it, but as it's a bit shapeless on me, I decided to play around with some Spring separates.



Instead of the blouse, I added a short-sleeved fine knit vintage jumper in the brightest of yellows. I've got a whole collection of them, in different colours, but in all fairness I don't wear them very often, as the weather's either too warm or too cold for them.

A thin layer of wispy clouds was playing a game with the sun on Saturday, making it just the right temperature for an April day, and so for wearing said jumper!



I tried tucking it in the skirt, but ended up wearing it out, with a wide orange belt, picking up the orange from the skirt, at my waist.

Once I got that settled, accessorizing was easy: a long, beaded necklace in the freshest of greens, a blue-rimmed brooch, bracelets in green and royal blue and a chiffon scarf in vibrant citrus shades.

I was still wearing nylons, as it wasn't that warm yet, and besides I don't want to give people a fright upon seeing my translucently pale winter legs. Need to get the fake tan out!

I also wasn't ready to give up wearing boots, but I'm sure these frivolous yellow ones are perfect for this time of year! They're becoming a bit scruffy, and it'll be a sad day when I finally have to let them go.



It was a toss up between a short-sleeved jacket and a three-quarter-sleeved one, so I wore them both. Not at the same time, obviously!

I left the house in this gorgeous yellow-based floral blazer, in a light-weight tapestry fabric. I picked it up in a charity shop back in February, and I've been eyeing it longingly ever since, waiting for the perfect weather to wear it.

Where were we off too, you might wonder? Well, it has been three weeks since we went near any charity shops ... But more about that later!

Before we hit the second shop, we stopped at the park for a picnic and outfit photos.


In search of the perfect spot, we came across a clearing in a thicket of willow shoots, freshly mulched with a crunchy layer of fragrant wood chips.

In the background, the tranquil water of one of the lakes was shimmering, adding to the sense of magic created by the veiled Spring sunshine slowly but surely breaking through the clouds.



Spring has definitely sprung now, and the few remaining daffodils, their limp ans straggly foliage the soul food for next year's flowers, have been joined by tulips and grape hyacinths.



Pattern mixing of a different kind with this short-sleeved textured polyester jacket, its blue matching exactly the shade of blue in the skirt.


I love the contrast of the mesmerizing, groovy print with the skirt's florals. More flower power was added by the wicker and straw poppy brooch.



We didn't come home empty handed, that's for sure. Here is our loot from the two shops we visited. Pickings had been very poor lately, so we were in for a surprise!


Here's a round-up of what we found.

A pair of rather sensible brown shoes to be worn to work on a "bad back" day (€ 3), a vintage orange Tupperware container for € 1,50 and a couple of belts for € 1 each. That's not a bad start at all.

And then there were these:


Clockwise from top left: a colourful pussy-bow summer top from Belgian label Mayerline, still with its tags, a small plaster bust of St. Rita, one of our village's patron saints, Blackeyes by Dennis Potter, of  Singing Detective fame - how 80s is that cover! - and a small wooden souvenir box.




I always look at the jewellery displays and this time my eye was caught by some amber coloured bangles and a long chain necklace with a definite Seventies vibe.




Last but not least, we found this Retro Day remnant in one of the shops. 

Oh dear! Or should that be, oh deer?

The plaster lady with her two pet deer has clearly seen better days, the paint cracked and with lots of chips showing the white plaster underneath, but how absolutely adorable are the deer! Especially the one on the left, looking up at plaster lady with big Bambi eyes ...

They're already feeling quite at home in Dove Cottage with its growing collection of deer!


32 comments:

  1. I love you accessories, you've picked up the colours beautifully.
    Sky blue is perfect for a warm sunny day, I love it with the yellow, it looks very fresh.
    I've been in sandals today, so the pale legs have been shown the sun for the first time this year!
    Have a good weekend xxx

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    1. Thank you Sally! With the Summer weather we had last week, my pale legs have been exposed to the sun in the meantime. I hope it's not the reason she has left us again ;-) xxx

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  2. Wow Ann you are ready for spring! It is wonderful to see all these bright colours and your wonderful accessoires.
    This weekend is summer :)
    Huge hug, Tina

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    1. Thank you, Tina! Unfortunately, Summer left us again :-( xxx

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  3. Such beautiful flowers and cheerful colours and patterns in your outfits. It must feel wonderful having your summer clothes out again. I only ever see vintage tupperware in green-the orange piece is quite lovely.
    Hope you find the perfect holiday spot.

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    1. Thank you Goody! We've already booked our holiday spot, we'll be in the UK again but a different place, which is quite exciting! xxx

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  4. I'm jealous of your great weather. I'm holding my breath here hoping that the weekend we will finally see some respite from this especially long winter.

    I'm really loving your bold mix of floral with floral although both versions were smashing.

    I cannot wait to see that pussy bow blouse on you! What a find!

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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    1. Hope your weather has improved by now! I simply can't resist pussy bow blouses, oops, bought another one today ... xxx

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  5. Hah! I started pulling my Summer stuff out several weeks ago then we received a snowstorm (colour me optimistic). I am very envious of your wardrobe and your accessories. I'm positively IN LOVE with the matching blouse and skirt set. You're created some fantastic outfits.

    Hello sunshine....happy thrifting ;)

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    1. Thank you! I'm afraid I was a bit optimistic as well, as temperatures have dropped again. As we've booked a weekend away, I'm thinking of digging out one of my Winter coats :-) xxx

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  6. Since I'm fairly new to your blog, I'm so excited to see your spring/summer outfits - it's all new to me! I am in LOVE with that beautiful yellow brocade blazer - it makes my heart sing. The weather is turning here too - it feels wonderful, doesn't it? Happy spring, my dear, and get out of your office and go on holiday!

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    1. I hope I won't disappoint you then, Sheila ... That brocade blazer was love at first sight and I'm sure it will see a lot of wear. Not today though, temperatures have dropped considerably! xxx

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  7. i´m in love with the yellow&flowers blazer!!
    the row of your summer frocks make for a pretty sight - a chic rainbow. would you believe that my daffodils and tulips are still not open? the ground is still very cold - although the air was summery yesterday and we have glorious weather since 2 weeks.
    the blouse and amber-like bangles are chic and hooray for sensible but pretty shoes! would you mind if i write that i find the deers+lady scary?
    ;-D
    schönes weekend! and hugs!
    xxxxx
    p.s.: flesh colored tights - yikes! ;-DDD

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    1. You, Beate, are allowed to write whatever's on your mind ;-) Friends are supposed to be honest with each other, don't they? I even admitted to you that I don't mind wearing nude tights. Flesh coloured makes them sound even more unappealing, don't they? ;DDD xxx

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  8. All the colours of spring! your outfit looks so cheerful, it's lovely.

    Would you touch up the chips on the deer with a little watercolour paint to hide them, or will you leave them as they are? I have a battered 1930s penguin and I often think of repainting him, but in the end I've never dared to.

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    1. Thank you Mim! I'm still debating what to do with the deer, but I guess I will leave them as they are. Would love to see your 1930s penguin, battered or not! xxx

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  9. I'm happy to hear that the sun has lifted your spirits, Ann! I love your outfit: that skirt is gorgeous! I love how you've styled it: fab as always! ;) I especially love your necklace and scarf. Those deers are so cute! Hope you have a great weekend, Ann. XXX

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    1. Thank you Sasha! I'm so glad you think the deer are cute ... xxx

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  10. Hoorah for sunshine and floral clothing! You look glorious in your colourful outfits and the local flora is a delight.
    I'm a bit scared to changing the wardrobe over just yet, last time I did it this early the temperature plummeted and everyone said it was my fault!
    I love your chalkware figure, the deers are lovely. I've restored stuff with a tablespoon of coffee dissolved in a quarter of a cup of boiling water. xxx

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    1. Thanks Vix. Too right you are, the temperature has indeed plummeted, which is probably MY fault now ... Sorry! xxx

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  11. Wonderful Spring post! I love the fresh look of your frock closet with the shelf of purses - an eye candy for me! I might do the same with mine! How do you store the rest of your wardrobe? I'll use all tips I can get - mine is a disaster at the moment.

    Quite a few variations of this outfit you've created, just wonderful! I love the yellow sweater with colorful beads and belt, but my most favorite is the two florals, skirt with the jacket. Just ADORABLE!!! I love the addition of the red scarf, brilliant.

    Lots of love! Enjoy your weekend!

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    1. Thank you Natalia. Glad you love my rock closet. The shelf was originally meant for hats, but I thought is was a good place to store my smaller purses. I'm constantly reorganizing, though, as the rest of my wardrobe is a bit all over the place. xxx

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  12. My, you are so organized with your wardrobe. My stuff is all jammed in together. Things would certainly be easier to find if I separated my cooler and warmer weather clothing. I love the print on that 70s floral outfit and how your paired it with the yellow floral blazer and orange scarf. Your accessories are fab as well! And some great finds there. The woman and her deer friends is positively darling.
    Theresa

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    1. Thank you Theresa, but it's only my frocks which are organized. The rest isn't as neatly stored as I would like due to lack of space. Or maybe I just have too many clothes ;-) xxx

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  13. I've done a bit of a changeover for probably the first time in my life! Mainly due to no room! Loving all these florals equally- you have such a vibrant eye! Hope you enjoy your long weekend away- are you going to Wales!?x

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    1. Thank you Kezzie! Doing a changeover has its advantages. We aren't going to Wales, as that's a bit too far for a long weekend. Staying in Belgium for the weekend, but we've booked a UK holiday in June! xxx

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  14. woww, you look fab in your spring outfit, (looking forward to see all these colorful print 'in action') and I love particularly this short sleeved jacket with the floral skirt, and the awesome color combo!, your boots and accessories totally rock!!
    Glad to see all this blooming and sunshine!, and also glad that you've been successful in your thrifting!, so many cute things!
    besos

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    1. Thank you Monica! The "action" will have to wait now that the temperature has dropped again :-( xxx

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  15. And there is that lovely blazer again!
    I had to smile at your 'translucently pale winter legs' comment, I feel exactly the same way, sadly fake tan never goes well for me so I have to just grin and bare it (on the rare days that do see my legs come out).
    I'm so glad we've had some nice weather, it really does lift the spirits!
    xx

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    1. I have to admit that fake tan never goes well for me either. I can't even get it right when I'm using one of those gradual body lotions ... xxx

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  16. I’m not sure if you’re getting my comments, so this is a tester ❤️

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