Thursday, February 20, 2014

Garden Dreams


Back in the fall the weather specialists predicted that it would be a tough winter. Hmmm, for once they were right. I imagined mountains of snow, but never dreamed of the drastic cold temperatures and freezing rain we have endured all season. Even as a Canadian {and we are a hardy group}, I found this winter 'too much'.

via pinterest

According to the ground hog we have more winter to tolerate, but I think it's time to have a serious talk with Mother Nature about shedding her winter coat.

I've bought pretty flowers in light summer shades to brighten up the rooms, but there is nothing like seeing the snow melt and the first buds popping up in the garden. 


via pinterest

Is it any wonder why the seasonal home and garden shows are so popular, we are all itching to get the season going.



I had visions of planting allium bulbs last fall so that the path to the garden would be lined with their fluffy purple blooms. The man driving the back-hoe on our property had other idea's. So on the list for fall planting 2014 are lots of allium bulbs.

via pinterest

The garden dream at Cardinal House starts with blue Hydrangea.......... oh, I cannot wait.

The winter storm provided it's own tree pruning, but the clean-up and further trimming will happen when the snow clears. We need to lighten the tree canopy to allow rain and light into the garden. And then - hmmm, maybe some pretty blooms to bring a carpet of colour among the tall beauties.




My first garden had a clematis that grew to a healthy height up to the second story of my house. The Jackmania Clematis was planted in a cozy corner that had enough warmth and protection to keep her blooming from spring to late fall. Cardinal House has several spots that will provide the perfect conditions for more clematis to showcase.

via GB@H


My little garden Angels have added their charm for the past twelve years and they will find a new place of honour in the planters this spring.

via GB@H

It was back in the fall that I bought a case of French clay pots and have tucked them away to use for decor in the garden, just waiting for Mother Nature to put on her spring coat.



A large part of the dream for Cardinal House is within the garden. As much as both Richard and I are aching to complete the house and move in {more updates and pictures next week of the progress}, I am itching to see the buds on the tree's so I can play in my new garden.



The door is open and the garden plan for Cardinal House is being mapped out.



Thursday, February 13, 2014

Love is in the Air
















Love is in the air,
breath it in, each and every day. 


Happy Valentine's Day.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Dressing like a Lady

Evelyn Tripp 1952

I can't resist images of pretty vintage dresses. Flowing full skirted styles in swishy fabrics with tiny waists, there isn't anything more lady-like. Pencil skirt suiting, swing coats with generous shawl collars, wide brim or pillbox hats with netting....... it all gets my attention.

Jacques Heim 1953







I've always adored the ultra feminine and opulent fashions that are now labeled as 'Vintage'. By the time I was born in the late 50's, styles were beginning to be pared down and I've often thought I might have been born in the wrong era.





I feel much more confident and comfortable dressed up than dressed casual. This is coming from a woman who spends many days in leggings, a tunic sweater and riding boots - but my life is currently requesting a more casual wardrobe.


Along the road, women's fashion's have become increasingly 'liberating'; but it has been at the expense of forfeiting some of the demure and feminine styling. In the last half dozen years there has been a shift back to more feminine women's fashions. Designers like Elie Saab are proving the allure of ladylike dressing is what we are truly craving. 

The runways and fashion magazines highlight styles that designers think will grab our interest, but tucked in the online image journals of Pinterest the truth is told. Pinterest brings the opportunity to gather images of what we really captures our attention, and glamourous vintage fashion is high on the list of fashion pins. Along with the Pin dream closets being filled with vintage, women are gravitating towards the feminine styles that designers are revisiting.

Dressing like a lady is suddenly in style again. 

Chanel - forever classic and elegant.

Valentino

Ralph and Russo - blush pink....... one of my favourite shades.


Zuhair Murad


Elie Saab


For additional fashion inspiration visit my 
Vintage Love pinterest board
or
Fashion Plate pinterest board