February 4, 2013

Pink is all it takes to make me smile


Vintage tropical flower print dress, orchid brooch, image_8 (pink Christmas tree)


Vintage tropical flower print dress, orchid brooch, image_4


Vintage tropical flower print dress, orchid brooch, image_2


Vintage tropical flower print dress, orchid brooch, image_7


Vintage tropical flower print dress, orchid brooch, image_1


Vintage tropical flower print dress, orchid brooch, image_6 


Vintage tropical flower print dress, orchid brooch, image_3


Vintage tropical flower print dress, orchid brooch, image_9


Vintage tropical flower print dress, orchid brooch, image_5 

Outfit details

Large black hair flower: Arden
1980s does 1950s tropical floral print dress: etsy seller Fresh Vintage
Green cardigan: Old Navy
Purple orchid brooch: eBay
Black carved bangle bracelet: Ten Thousand Villages
Green vintage twisted bangle bracelet: eBay
Purple bangle bracelet: (probably) Forever 21
Vintage Saks Fifth Avenue black patent purse: etsy seller MKRetro
Black opaque tights: Arden
Black 1940s style shoes: Thrifted (Salvation Army)
Lipstick colour: Clinique Raspberry Glace

Photography by Antonio Cangiano




So said Tony (about me) as we were leaving the Home Hardware recently after popping for something entirely different and walking out with the cutest little cotton candy pink miniature Christmas tree you ever did see! (We got it 50% on post-Christmas clearance.) I just about went weak in the knees when I spotted it, and proceeded to say, "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!" over and over as I made a rapid beeline in it's direction. Is it the same as a mid-century pink aluminum tree? No, but, by golly, it's pretty darn spectacular, if you ask me!

It's true though, you know, when I come across something pink that I love, and by the same token, when I wear pink and inject it throughout the decor in our home, it really does make me smile-inducingly happy, and tranquil, and extra girly feeling, all of which I adore. We weren't planning on doing a formal photo shot that evening (we'd been out for hours and I was completely knackered, plus Tony was on his way out the door to a raclette party, so he only a couple of minutes to take a few quick iPhone shots), but I was in such good spirits after the unexpected (gorgeous!) find that was this wonderful little tree, that I simply had to record how joyful I felt in that moment.

Adding weight to what I've talked about here in previous posts (such as this one) regarding wearing as much of my warm weather wardrobe as I can during the winter months, on that day I just happened to be sporting one of my most greenhouse-meets-tropical paradise inspired dresses. A cute 1980s does 50s number that is chock-a-block with vivacious hues and feel good flowers, and which I wore last year on my mom's birthday, but didn't get snaps of, so I've really been meaning to capture it on camera ever since.

Our little house is marvelous, and I truly love it to no end, but it rather lacking in available blank walls against which to take indoor outfit snaps. We keep experimenting with locations (the master bedroom, the living room, etc), and on that particular night, we gave the bottom of the staircase between the first and second floors a shot. It's not perfect, but it's not bad either, and I suspect other photos will transpire there over time.

I love my new little pink Christmas tree so much, I'm half tempted to keep it on display in my craft room throughout the whole year, perhaps sprinkling seasonal ornaments on it for other holidays. You know, come to think of it, that's not a bad idea. Money might not grow on trees, but (if they're pink) happiness sure can, and who can't use as much of that as they can get all year round?

60 comments:

  1. everytime that you put green on you look even more delightful:*

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  2. I came soooo close to buying a pink tree similar to that one at an after Christmas sale myself, and I regret not going ahead and getting it.

    I love your outfit, green is a great color for you. And your shorter bangs are knock out! Well done!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you very much! I used to trim my own (real) hair quite often and never really worried much during the process, but such was not the case with these bangs (given that they couldn't grow back if I messed up). I probably spent 20 minutes very slowly, carefully trimming them while wearing the wig.

      I hope you're able to find a similar tree again next holiday season.


      ♥ Jessica

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  3. I would totally use the tree year round - starting with a valentines one - it's perfect! It will look great with Easter stuff too :)
    Have a good week :)
    Jen

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    1. Thank you, Jen! I think it would be fun for Valentine's Day and birthdays as well. Too bad they don't make more decorations to hang on trees for other special events like these (of course there's always the fun option of making your own, which I rather enjoy).

      ♥ Jessica

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  4. What a cute little tree! Incidentally, it matches your outfit perfectly - I find that green and pink complement each other perfectly! :)

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  5. Pink and green are one of my all time favorite color combos! And what a delightful outfit you have here! I totally support your thought of keeping the tree up year round and decorating it through out the year. It would look super adorable with little red hearts on it right about now!

    xoxo
    -Janey

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, honey! I agree, green and pink is such a marvelous colour combination. I'm trying to wear more green this year (and also add more to my wardrobe, as I really don't have that much at the moment), so I doubt this will be the last time you see me in this combo throughout 2013.

      ♥ Jessica

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  6. Lovely tree and lovely outfit. What a perfect combo!

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  7. I have a pink tinsel tree about that same size, and you are 100%-- the pink does and SHOULD make you smile! I like your flocked tree even better, actually. Great find! :)

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  8. I've never been a big fan of the color pink but over the last few years it's been growing on me. I think I need to start adding more pink to my wardrobe. :)
    -Emily

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  9. I love love love pink as well! The tree is darling. Also that green cardigan is so cute and simple. It is amazing how a piece can bring an outfit together :)

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    1. Thank you very much, Tania. I completely agree, a seemingly simple piece can something bring a whole look together. This cardigan has since acquired a little snag near the bottom front, but I'm convinced I can save it before it turns into a full on hole. I wear this green cardi all the time and wouldn't want to loose it, especially since I'm trying hard to wear more green this year! :)

      ♥ Jessica

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  10. You look extremely beautyful in those pictures, you almost glow. Do decorate the pink tree all year round and show us. :)

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    1. Thank you very much, my dear! I completely agree - I do seem to have a certain glow about me here. I fully believe it's the happiness I was feeling that day having just found and bought my pink tree.

      ♥ Jessica

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  11. Your smile says it all! so cute! and this dress with the squeaky green sweater! great!
    I'm happy for you on this pink tree. personally, I prefer a real Christmas tree, preferably a fir that smell so nice......
    and I still find needles in the carpet at easter :-)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, my dear. I too adore a real pine tree most of all as well - there's simply no comparing to that elegant, earthy, aromatic scent - but a cute pink tree like this comes in a close second. :)

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. maybe i buy me some pink glass ornaments next season......

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    3. That would be very pretty! I have some pink ones for our regular sized tree. They're (mostly) a dusty, vintage-y champagne pink hue. Share photos of your pink ornaments with me if you do get some, I'd love to see them.

      ♥ Jessica

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  12. I am a pink lover also! I read that pink is a stress relieving color- so that was my excuse for incorporating it into my living room for a while and my ex hated it!!
    Adorable outfit... and I LOVE the shorter bangs:)

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    Replies
    1. Oh, I just love that! I could completely see pink being a stress relieving colour. I know it certainly helps to sooth my mind sometimes and always puts a big smile on my face.

      Thank you very much, sweet gal!
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. Pink, pink, pink oh how do I love thee...let me count the ways :-) Your pink Christmas tree is lovely and you should keep it up simply because it does make you happy. I have a set of Christmas rope lights strung around a double glass door and sometimes when the mood takes me I turn it on and just enjoy it :-)

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    1. Absolutely, I count the ways right along side you. :) My mom likes to keep pretty clear fairy lights out all year, too. I think I might pick up a string or two one of these days and do the same thing as you two as well.

      ♥ Jessica

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  14. very pretty Jessica !!

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  15. Oh I need to go find myself a pink tree, but I really want to get a white one as well. Your bangs look great and the green with your hair colour is lovely. :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, honey! Ohhh, I have to share a story about white Christmas trees with you. Shortly after last Christmas Tony and I were talking about fake Christmas trees. I said to him that I'd always wanted a white one and he said that he had too! Now, I know my hubby very well and would never have guessed that he was a fan of white trees (he'd never even so much as hinted at such). Shortly there after he scoured the whole town looking for a white tree at one of the post-Xmas sales and eventually found, what most likely was, the very last one in town. Now we have a great (full size) white tree to look forward to putting up for the first time next year. I really hope you're able to find one as well, sweet gal.

      ♥ Jessica

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  16. Oh my gosh! When did you get the cute fringe?! I just love it on you! I've been so tempted to try it myself but I'm scared! Lol! Thanks for your sweet comment on the magazine, we had a lot of fun with it and we're already working on issue 2!

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    1. Hi sweet Brittany, thank you very much! Recently, due to half a lifetime of ongoing hair loss (with full on bald patches forming in some spots), I made the choice to shave my natural hair and start wearing a wig full time (I detailed the experience in this post at the start of the year http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2013/01/new-hair-for-new-year.html). My wig came with bangs, but they were a touch too long for my face shape, so I trimmed them a touch (this post is the first here on CV with the shorter length) and that's the story of how I came to have bangs. :)

      I think you'd look marvelous with bangs, too. You're very welcome regarding the magazine. I posted about it on FB to my followers there yesterday and will certainly mentioned it here on my blog in the future, too.

      Thanks again, honey!
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. oh i believe in the power of pink too to make me happy;)
    and what a darling dress you are wearing, those colors suits you so well, gorgeous in green;)
    kiss,mary
    http://www.maryloucinnamon.com

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  18. Love the idea that happiness grows on a pink tree...I think I most probably need a pink tree too! Also love that green dress...emerald really does bring out the red lipstick and looks so pretty on you!
    Thank you for the very very sweet comment on my Qipao look my dear...you are far too kind as usual! And congratulations on the boom of likes on Facebook...very well deserved! Love your blog! Here's to a lovely week!
    may xx
    www.walkinginmay.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, darling May, you're always so very sweet to me. I've been enjoying all of your marvelous posts relating to Qipao fashions lately and am even more excited about hopefully purchasing one of my own some day, too.


      ♥ Jessica

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  19. What a great find, I haven't seen any new pink trees that gorgeous before!I love your whole outfit and that green is particulary striking on you...but that orchid brooch is my favourite of the lot, so dainty, with just a sprinkling of bling.

    I find winter outfit posts very challenging too. Either you're freezing outside or running around the house looking for adequite lighting and nuetral backdrop...argh! xx Shauna

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Shauna. I completely agree, winter outfits - and moreover photos of them - can be so tricky in freezing climates. On days when the snow isn't too bad and the temps aren't completely bone chilling, one can venture outdoors, but sometimes you're forced to snap indoors in poor lighting and just hope that a few shots are usable. :)

      Awww, thank you, I adore this brooch, too. It's my only orchid one so far, but I'd absolutely love to add others to my jewelry box over the years.

      ♥ Jessica

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  20. Hello Jessica,

    New to your blog and enjoying a wander through. I've of course stopped dead with my mouth hanging open at that beautiful pink tree! (Note to self to race to Home Hardware to see if any are lounging about.) Will you put it up and decorate it for Valentine's Day?

    Heather

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    1. Hi Heather, thank you very much for your lovely comment and for letting me know that you're a new reader. It's a fantastic to meet you! :)

      Yes, I think that I'll cut out some cute little festive hearts from scrapbooking paper and decorate this pink tree for Valentine's. There's few other days of the year that it's colour makes it better suited to, come to think of it.

      ♥ Jessica

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  21. That is an adorable tree! The first thing I thought of when I saw your picture was the aluminum trees from the Charlie Brown Christmas special. I am very anti-fake tree, but I've always told my husband that when the time comes for me to give in to the ease of a permanent tree, it will be retro and colorful (I'm going to show him your photo next time the conversation comes up). And, as always, you look fabulous!

    Deborah
    Hellcat Vintage

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  22. Oh i love-love your little pink tree! It's quite fabulous. :) And i think your photo location is great. It doesn't take away from your outfit at all.. i also love-love everything you have on by the way. You look wonderful in that shade of green. I love it, but i can't carry it off myself. It's all wrong for my skin tone.... I also love the pink of the tree against the green of your sweater!

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  23. LOVE your pink tree!!! Our love of pink is one more thing we have in common!! YAY!

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  24. first it was a little strange to me to see this pink chistmas tree - right away AFTER christmas. but, i love this little pink christmas number. ohooo, and i love your colourful dress.

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  25. Lovely pictures Jessica! I love pink aswell - makes me feel girly and brightens me up - I need more of it in my wardrobe! I got a lovely pale pink 40s style skirt from a charity shop today £3.00! I can't wait to wear it :) I love your dress!

    Katy
    xox

    http://vintagewife.co.uk

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Katy. Awesome find on your new 40s style pink skirt - and for a mere three pounds, what a stellar deal. I'd been wanting a pink vintae pencil skirt for years and found one (on eBay) last year at long last. It's going to be part of my Valentine's ensemble this year.

      ♥ Jessica

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  26. That tree would be a perfect backdrop for some hollow painted Easter eggs hung as decorations with a pink Easter bunny on the side!

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  27. Hey whatever makes you happy right! If you wanna have a permanent pink Christmas tree why not ahhahaah! I love your outfit, that brooch just takes it to another level - you must have lots and lots of accessories!!

    Nora
    NoraFinds

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  28. I just had to comment - you look lovely! Especially in the photos in your home, the lighting and colors and your smile just make you glow!

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    1. Thank you very much, Kristin, that's so wonderfully sweet of you to say.

      Have a beautiful Wednesday,
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. Hi sweet dears, thank you all so much for you marvelously nice comments and shared enthusiasm for this darling little pink Christmas tree. I definitely sense that this will not be it's last appearance here on the blog. :)

    ♥ Jessica

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  30. As a pink-lover myself, I am eyeing your tree with a bit of jealousy! It's beautiful!

    I love your dress...what a beautiful print. So colorful on these bleak winter days. The brooch is lovely too.

    And, Jessica, I truly adore the wig! You wear it beautifully!

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    1. Thank you very, very much, sweet Patti. I wish you lived nearby so that you could - a fellow pink lover - could help my decorate it throughout the year.

      Warmest thanks again,
      ♥ Jessica

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  31. You just made me remember the silver aluminium Christmas tree my grandparents had !
    This is a lovely outfit, your flower dress just reminded me of one I have that i have not worn in quite a while ....
    Ally from Shybiker pointed me this way - after i posted about also having hair loss issues. If she had not said it, i would have never known you wear a wig - you look spectacular. Hugs.

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    1. Dear Lorena, thank you very much for your lovely comment and for letting me know how you came to discover my blog (Ally is best!). I'm quite new to wearing a wig myself (I detailed my experiences with hair loss and becoming a wig wearer in this post recently: http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2013/01/new-hair-for-new-year.html) and feel like I still have so much to learn, but would be completely happy to try and help answer any questions or just talk shop (so to speak) you may have anytime.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  32. You look positively stunning and I adore that cute tree!!!

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  33. Too much cool !!
    I really need a green cardigan too.
    And navy one.
    And more gorgeous flower printed dress.
    Oh my gosh, i'll have never enough stuffs :) haha

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  34. I am tickled, umm, pink just by the joy in your face and smile over your pink fluff Christmas tree! It is too cute and pink no less, what more could a girl want? Well, OK, lots of things but that little tree is high on the list of cuteness!
    You are right about how pink is girly and brightens up things around it, your sweet face included! :D
    Hugs,
    Beth P

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  35. I do believe that I have that EXACT pink tree!!!

    That particular shade of green looks absolutely stunning on you!

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    Replies
    1. Soooo cool! Another wonderful thing that we have in common. Do you keep yours out all year, too?

      Thank you very much for all of your comments this week, sweet Collette, I completely appreciate them.

      ♥ Jessica

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  36. ... it only takes green to make me smile ... OMGoodnees! that cardi!! it is sooo gorgeous.

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  37. You look very pretty in these pictures X

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  38. I can't believe I missed this post. I adore this dress!! Green and pink is my perfect color mix. I wish I had more of these fab floral dresses, or even more dresses for that matter. Anyway, Great post, I'm glad I didn't totally miss this! :-)

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    1. Thank you very much, honey, I'm thrilled that you spotted and commented on this post, too. :)

      If I can ever potentially be of help to you in tracking down floral print dresses, please don't hesitate to let me know.

      ♥ Jessica

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