Gathering Flowers in Floral: A Summer Uniform
I don’t like uniforms. I once worked in a job that required me to wear all black, and that was enough uniformness for me. I think that’s why I love vintage- just so I can be different from everyone else. đ Thus, I am hesitant to even use the word “uniform” to describe my default summer look, but . . . well, it is a commonly used term. . .
Back in May, after participating in Me Made May, I decided that I needed more knee length skirts, as this black floral one is my absolute favourite and it is in constant rotation in my closet. So, I made a few more (the dutch wax, the vintage sheet, and I am currently working on another in denim), and they are getting their fair share of use over the past few months. Thus, I realized that I do, after all, have a summer uniform, er, “signature look”, and it consists of: a solid coloured t-shirt and a knee length full skirt. For the casual days of summer, it’s just perfect.
The nice thing about a simple combination like this, is that each time you can change it up with different accessories. On this occasion, I added my new leather obi belt, which coordinated perfectly with the cinnamon browns in the skirt, a long pendant necklace of a Victorian lady in a ridiculous hat, some flat comfortable loafers, and my woven straw carryall. (And no, the straw bag did not work very well as a flower gathering basket, but it was all I had, and it looked pretty, so that’s all that matters- right?)
Speaking about flower gathering, a few weeks ago, the county announced that they were going to be mowing the ditches, which was pretty sad news, as the country lanes are so much prettier overgrown with wildflowers, but I guess it had to be done. (Nooo! Why did it have to be done?!) Before they could get out with the mowers though, I decided to go and gather a few bouquets of flowers. I don’t usually go and pick wildflowers along the roads, as if everybody did that, then there would be no more flowers left to enjoy in nature. However, if the flowers were going to be sacrificed to the lawn mower, then I was going to save them! đ And I also decided to take advantage of the beautiful backdrop it would make for photos. Although, what you do not see in these romantically styled, pastoral images is. . . the mosquitos! They were out with a vengeance that night, but the photos made it worth it . . . maybe đ
Do you have a summer uniform? Or a winter uniform if you are not in summer right now? What pieces do you always find yourself reaching for?
T-Shirt: Company by Ellen Tracey, Made in Canada, and strangely enough, it’s from Costco
Skirt: Made by me
Shoes: Hotter Shoes, it looks like they don’t have them anymore?
Necklace: Chain from a thrift store, pendant from Michael’s craft store (they sometimes have really great pendants!)
Basket / purse: flea market
August 16, 2016 @ 5:55 pm
Mosquitoes! The scourge of every blogger trying to get “idyllic summer in the country” photos… These photos are definitely worth the aggravation, though. Great outfit, gorgeous scenery, and utterly dreamy golden light.
I’m also a big fan of the knee length skirt and t-shirt combo in the summer time, and come of think of it, I do something pretty similar in the winter as well, just adding a cardigan and some boots. The obi belt is a great touch, it really takes the outfit to the next level.
August 16, 2016 @ 7:52 pm
Ahh yes. . . the reality behind the pictures is not quite what it seems! Now that the itch has faded, I can say that the photos were worth it too đ Thanks for the sweet comment Jessica.
August 16, 2016 @ 6:20 pm
Ooohhh, these photos are so warm, dreamy and sweet. What a perfect backdrop for your summertime “uniform” – which is so classic and pretty. A vintage shirtwaist dress, scarf (worn as a belt or on my head in some fashion – or sometimes even two scarves, one for each spot), fun jewelry, and comfortable flats, sandals or (small) heels is my go-to summer uniform.
Many hugs & happy mid-August wishes,
â„ Jessica
August 16, 2016 @ 7:53 pm
Thanks Jessica!
Vintage shirtwaists are the best, so simple and easy and comfortable, so I can see why they would be your favourite. And it is amazing what some good accessories can do to change up and dress up an outfit! Happy mid-August to you too đ
August 17, 2016 @ 3:51 am
I had a similar favourite look for last summer too, except that I only had one such skirt, so it couldn’t really become a uniform! It’s a good choice, and I agree with Jessica that the belt is a particularly lovely addition. I struggle finding a winter go-to look, since it all ends up being so many layers!
August 20, 2016 @ 9:26 pm
Ugh- I agree- the winter layers. That is my winter uniform too: how many cardigans, coats and scarves can I pile on at one time? haha!
August 18, 2016 @ 1:04 am
Mosquitos are the worst, but those flowers look like they’d be worth it; they are absolutely gorgeous! Such a summery woodland feeling, and your ensemble works perfectly with it. â€
xox,
bonita of Lavender & Twill
August 20, 2016 @ 9:28 pm
Thanks Bonita! Once the itch went away in my bites, I will agree that the flowers were worth it đ
September 5, 2016 @ 1:14 pm
That is the kind of summer outfit that I like to wear too. I need some more skirts though. I’m glad you saved some of the lovely flowers.
September 7, 2016 @ 10:20 am
Skirts are such great wardrobe staples to have- as they just go with everything don’t they? đ
September 5, 2016 @ 3:58 pm
Lovely pictures! x
September 7, 2016 @ 10:20 am
Thanks Helen Mae đ