Saturday 24 August 2019

Just another week in August

We've almost reached the end of August by now and September is once again breathing down our necks. For the purpose of this blog, however, I'm taking you back to the first full week of August, which actually seems much longer ago to me than just a matter of weeks. 

Summer seemed to have returned but thankfully the mercury kept frolicking around the mid-twenties rather than returning to dazzling heights.

I'm still ploughing my way through my Summer wardrobe, assessing each item with a critical eye in a bid to keep only those garments that give me the greatest pleasure to wear.

For some reason, I hadn't worn this deliciously patterned Terlenka dress in at least two years. In what I can only describe as a moment of madness, I even relegated it to the flea market pile, from which it was promptly retrieved when I was sorting through my stock back in July.



Not the best way to go about decluttering one's wardrobe, I admit, but surely this one was too good to let go of. Plus, I loved wearing it, which is ultimately what matters.

My denim jacket has been doing overtime this Summer, but I've been trying to add some variety by matching the flower corsages I pin on it to my outfits!

I'd planned to exchange the dress's buttons which, although not lacking in cuteness, somewhat disappear against the dress's white backdrop. I'd even selected some likely red candidates from my stash of buttons, but somehow it never happened.


Taking my cue from the green bits in the print, I added a green necklace, butterfly brooch, ring and bracelet.

There's nothing wrong with the above photo, by the way, nor do you have to adjust your screens: the pale pink triangle is part of our garden table!


A second wear this Summer for this delightfully swooshy yellow based dress.  Found in a bargain bin for the silly price of € 1 a couple of years ago, it was missing half of its buttons. I don't remember what the original buttons looked like, but I love the pearly ones I replaced them with, which were salvaged from a blouse which had seen better days.


The material has a pleat-like texture to it and is sprinkled with dots in shades of orange and brown.

For contrast, my accessories were all in chocolate hues, including the vintage celluloid brooch with the drum beating Scottie dog.



In spite of this being only early August, the mornings already had that slightly hazy late Summer quality to them and, waiting for my tram connection, I couldn't help but notice that one particular tree was already donning some of its Autumn colour.


Another dress that has been patiently waiting its turn is this black and white chevron print one. 

My phone's camera clearly couldn't cope with its print, which shows up as being purely geometrical, so I added a close up to show you the flowers which are hiding in there!

My accessories, sandals and charity shopped King Louie jacket lift it up with some colour.


As the working week was drawing to a close, the weather returned to its usual Belgian Summer mix of sunny spells and showers on that week's Friday.

The olive green 1950s style dress I was wearing is a firm favourite, getting several outings each Summer. Its silky fabric makes this fit and flare dress an absolute joy to wear. Plus, it's got pockets!



I always gravitate towards pink to accessorize this dream of a frock, and this time was no exception.

The Lucite brooch is from an antique shop in Cardigan.




When I posted it on Instagram at the time, I got some lovely comments on its unusal collar, which prompted me to make this close-up. The collar actually consists of two separate flaps which have to be pulled through a loop.


The basket also got much love on Instagram. It was a flea market find back in May 2016 and when it's not in use as a handbag, it holds my small collection of fans.

The weather dropped all pretense of being summery on Saturday which, after some initial sunshine, devoloped into a miserably grey day. The dull sky threatening rain was joined by gusts of stormy wind.



On our way for a browse at the charity shops, we stopped at a pair of fashionably rusty gates halfway down our street. These belong to an organic garden established behind the local history museum, but sadly the garden itself is only open to the general public once a year.

It's the perfect backdrop for some quick outfit photos.

In classic white, red and blue, but with a dash of café au lait, this empire waist dress was one of the very first vintage dresses I ever bought. Although its fabric and label give away its 1970s origin, it is looking deceptively older than its age.



Competing with my dress for the starring role is this cream leather handbag with a Lucite handle. As it is quite delicate, it is one of those handbags that only comes out to play once in a blue moon.



The brooch with its red berries was a flea market find from earlier this year, while my watch's original 1970s strap was part of a lot found in a charity shop several years ago. My necklace, bangles  and ring are all second hand finds too.


But I did mention a browse in the charity shops, so without further ado, here are my finds: a pair of wedge heeled shoes, two belts, a vintage notebook and folder, a pair of souvenir clogs from Zeeland in Holland for one of our mad collections, and a funky print top from a Belgian fashion label.


And what are the chances of finding a dress in exactly the same print on the same day, but in a different shop?

It's what Sheila would call a "jammy dress", and I'm actually wearing it as I'm writing this post.

Hope to see you later this week, when I'll be sharing another round-up of outfits.



36 comments:

  1. So many beautiful summer dresses! I really like the print on the first one. From afar it looks like cherry print, but from a closer view, it's more abstract. It still looks like cherries to me, but more modern ones- as if they were painted by a postmodernist painter. Wearing a green necklace with that delicious dress was a great choice. I also really like your yellow dress with dots, such a pretty look. The blue dress with triangle stripes is gorgeous too and it looks great paired with a blue sweater and red accessories. The green dress is a beauty too...and the printed white one. The delicate bag you paired it with is so pretty!!! All of these outfits are gorgeous!

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    1. Thank you so much, Ivana! I still can't imagine what possessed me to put that abstract cherry print dress on the flea market pile ... xxx

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  2. What a fabulous dresses! Especially the yellow one, and I am not even a yellow fan! All those brooches are amazing! I hope to vind some good ones in the UK next week! I tend to give away clothing to quick! I better should do that in two steps!

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    1. Thank you Nancy! I always try to give things one more chance, especially as I find it difficult to part with them ;-) Hope you find some nice things in the UK. xxx

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  3. Hello Ann. Have enjoyed reading your last few posts. I'm so mesmerized by your beautiful vintage dresses and the lovely accessories you add to them. So glad you retrieved that lovely Terlenka dress from your flea market pile - the pattern reminds me of Xmas baubles. Your denim jacket is such a versatile piece and I love that you add your own personal touches to it with accessories. Speaking of accessories, your collection is bright and colourful, and always finish off your outfits perfectly. Also love your collection of brooches. You've inspired me to start looking out for them in op-shops. All your dresses are very pretty, but my favourite on you is the green one. I think it compliments your skin and hair tone. That wicker bag is just too gorgeous. Am looking forward to more of your posts.

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    1. Hello Suzy! Thank you so much for visiting my blog and taking the time to comment! These are the kind of comments that make my day. So lovely to meet you here in blogland. I'm also secretly pleased to have inspired you to start looking for brooches in op-shops. They are a very addictive thing to collect, so before you know it you might have a collection to rival mine ;-) xxx

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  4. I am in love with this basket handbag. Looks like a normal handbag except from straw. You have so many wonderful summer dresses Ann, I wonder in every post... there is no end :))
    You look amazing!
    A very huge hug Tina

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    1. Thank you Tina! Well, I suppose I do have quite a large wardrobe, which might very well be the understatement of the year ;-)

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  5. Oh I love the yellow dress, it's so pretty and I can see why you've worn it a few times in summer! I tend not to be too critical of my summer wardrobe as I can wear it most of the year round, but with winter drawing to a close I'm taking a good look at all my winter knits before I pack them away to make sure I need everything I'm keeping!
    There's still a few more days left of winter here but it already feels like spring which is nice!

    Hope that you are having a lovely weekend :)

    Away From Blue

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    1. Thank you Mica! As we have very definite seasons here, I do a switch every Spring and Autumn, at which time I'm having a good look at everything ... xxx

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  6. I really like the first dress. And the handle of the cream handbag is beautiful.

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  7. So many fabulous summer dresses, Ann! They are all so pretty! I think the first one is my favourite. It looks great with the denim jacket. I'm so sorry for not commenting sooner: the last few weeks have been really hard. Anyway, hope you have a wonderful week ahead, Ann! XXX

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    1. Thank you so much to take the time to comment even while you are having a hard time. I admit I was/still am a little bit worried. Nothing too serious, I hope! You are in my thoughts, Sasha, and I'm sending you an extra special virtual hug! xxx

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  8. what a lot of fab dresses!, all of them have such beautiful prints!. I do love particularly those whith a White background and geometric prints, but also loving the subtle polkadot motive of the pleated dress, and the green leaves with the pink accessories!
    And such fabulous accessories!, the cute drummer dog brooch, the basket bag (a favourite of mine!) and the lovely red berries brooch and cream handbag!, I admire all of them and your talent to style them so nicely!
    Also admiring the serendipious find of these two ítems with same funky print!, so fabulous!
    besos

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    1. Thank you Monica! I knew you'd appreciate the basket bag. I am such a sucker for them! xxx

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  9. fabulous range of frocks! my fav - of cause - is the green 50s one - such a pretty print!
    i´m very into skirts and blouses at the moment - it saves me more then the half of the washing by this hot sweaty weather.... would like to go to the fleas again - but every weekend was & is already booked with other....fun!
    love the blue shoes!
    <3 hugsies! xxxxx

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    1. Thank you Beate! Our outdoor fleas haven't been up to scratch lately, and I'm actually looking forward to going to our favourite indoor one again in October! xxx

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  10. Oh, the weekend post! I love seeing your mix of clothes, accessories and interesting things. It's like a little glimpse into your life!

    This week, my faves are:
    - That first dress - the pattern reminds me of cherries.
    - The black and white chevron dress. Thanks for the close-up! The 60s/70s were totally "on trend" for pattern-mixing their geometrics and florals, weren't they? That's such a great bold pattern.
    - The collar on the olive dress is stunning - what a lovely detail. I like the pink accessorizing, particularly that beautiful floral brooch.
    - That basket bag is to die for! As is your fan collection! I lost one of my fans recently (it fell out of a pocket).
    - The handbag with the lucite handle - wow, what a stunner that is!

    Thank you so much for the shout-out! Hooray for jammy dresses! Have a great week - your Belgian summer sounds like our summer! A bit rainy, a bit sunny, not too hot.

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    1. Thank you Sheila! I've got another dress with a similar collar than the green one. I'm usually only using one fan, and it's not even in the picture, as it currently lives in my handbag. Such a pity you lost one of yours. xxx

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  11. Your glorious outfits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love them so much, every single one.
    That green collared dress really is to die for as is your new blouse that matches the dress! I am such a sucker for a collar!

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    1. Thank you Kezzie! I'm quite a sucker for a collar too. And sleeves ... xxx

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  12. Can't imagine what you were thinking when you tossed that first dress in the flea market pile. It is so pretty and I love the butterfly pin. But, seriously, I've done the same thing. Thrown a dress in the charity shop pile, then rediscover it. You envision a new way to wear it or accessorize it and all of a sudden it becomes a keeper! All the other outfits are fab as well. Love the chevron print, the green with the adorable collar, I could go on and on. And you are certainly the queen of accessorizing!

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    1. Neither can I, which is why I was calling it a moment of madness ;-) I do love my accessories, that's true. xxx

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  13. Cute dresses.. great prints and really exceptional accessories as well.

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  14. I think my favourite piece is that gorgeous olive green frock paired with the bright pink. That collar is super cute.

    That cream leather bag with the lucite handle is a real treasure.

    I'm sure people on the same tram as you always wonder what you'll be wearing.

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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    1. Thank you Suzanne! It seems that olive dress is getting much love here. Oh, and even Jos always wonders what I'll be wearing ... xxx

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  15. The empire line dress is a wonderful shape and the pattern of the first is fun and fab.
    I can feel autumn in the air but the last few days have been really hot, 30 plus degrees, its cooler today. I love autumn season, the light is so mellow.
    Hope you're having a good week. xxx

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    1. Thank you Sally! Autumn is my favourite season. We've been having another heatwave this week, with 30 plus degrees. xxx

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  16. you look absolutely adorable in every single outfit! :)

    you have such a wonderful blog. I'm following and I would love if you could follow me too :) xoxo
    TheNotSoGirlyGirl // Instagram // Facebook

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    1. Thank you so much. I've popped over to your blog in the meantime! xxx

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  17. What a good job you rescued that first dress from the flea market pile. I'm sure you'd have missed it. And I love the print on the chevron dress!

    I've got a 1960s Horrockses with the same sort of collar as your olive dress. I wonder if it was a bit of a midcentury trend?

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    1. I would love to see that Horrockses dress, Mim! It might indeed have been a trend, as I have another dress with a similar collar. xxx

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