Live your summer the right way –make sure that your fashion is as hot as the weather! Summer is the season to have fun and getting dressed should be an adventure, not a chore. Playful patterns, bright colors and taking chances are the norm now, so use this time wisely. And even if it rains, keep singing and dancing. The entire shoot for this Issue was inspired by Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, the later famously did just that in the 1952 musical comedy film Singing’ in the Rain.
Hats, Stairs and Two Special Projects is the theme of our new edition of When Fashion and Nature Collide. Our feature issue includes beautiful summer hats – from Sunday cloche hats to floppy sun hats that top off your look in no time just the way you like. The amazing architecture and flowing staircases of Montreal served as another inspiration for this edition. Playfulness, beauty, flow –this is what we give you this month.
Note: In case you’ve not seen these capsules before the When Fashion and Nature Collide project is a monthly collaboration with three of my WP friends: Roda from Growing Self, Lisa from Lismore Paper, and Darren from The Arty Plantsman.
The third wednesday of each month you can see outfits styled by me, and art from Lisa, that were inspired by Roda’s critter pictures and Darren’s flower pictures. With the spirit of protecting nature I pull together my outfits with clothing already available in my wardrobe. If purchases are to be made, these come from vintage shops and thrift stores or from socio-eco-friendly brands.
Without any further ado, let’s take a look at these inspiring flower and critter pictures that have been hitting the spot for me this month.
The Kissable Frog
Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Emmanuelle Rochefort – Nature Photography by Growing Self 


The Mont Royal (pronounced mawn-row-yal in French) is the gem of Montreal. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, also known for his work on Central Park in New York city. During your vacation, get ready for an unforgettable experience around Beaver Lake and the Kondiaronk Belvedere (a.k.a. the Chalet). If you make your way to the summit, you’ll have a wonderful scenic view of the city. Well worth the hike up!
I’m still obsessed with my straw bag but this Tilley straw hat has got me crushing hard. It is a good alternative to your basic Panama hat.
Dress – Love Sam / Hat – Tilley / Earrings – Les Boucles d’Alice / Flats – Schutz
The Beautiful Orchids
Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Emmanuelle Rochefort – Flower photography by The Arty Plantsman – Artwork by Lismore paper


You are not going to hear me complain about the water that got on my clothes from the sprinkler… It was so HOT that day! –Inject modernity and feminine sensuality into your summer outfit with paper bag pants and Chinese embroidery. Complete the look with a floppy hat and a straw bag for effortless elegance.
Paper bag trousers – Mango / Top – Vintage / Straw Bag – Roberta Di Camerino (Vintage) / Earrings – Les Boucles d’Alice / Necklace – Kiel James Patrick / Kitty Heels – Prada / Hat – Adrienne Vittadini
Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Geneviève Lacelle MUA – Flower photography by The Arty Plantsman
Vintage coat – Era Vintage Wear / Top – Massimo Dutti / Bracelet – Private collection of Elena B. / Trousers – Conrad C. / Shoes – Guess / Earrings – Jennifer Behr at M’ODA ‘OPERANDI
A tailored suit in a bright pink will ensure you look cool despite the heat. Pair it with these Jennifer Behr’s earrings and you’ll be as adorable as this Orchid called “sleeping Beauty”.
The Lovely Hyacinthoides aristidis
Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style (by my hubby) – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Emmanuelle Rochefort – Flower photography by The Arty Plantsman
There’s a wearable way to wear the Summer 2018’s transparency trend. Here are a few tips if you want to make this work. Layered with matching lingerie that assure maximum coverage. This way you leave some to the imagination. Wear a less revealing item under or over the sheer piece. For this casual look, I am wearing white coton shorts under the dress so that only my legs are actually revealed. Opting for a classic cut also makes the trend more approachable and most importantly, more refined.
The facades of the triplexes built in the 1920s, 1930s or 1940s are adorned with exterior staircases of all shapes. This architecture is one of the peculiarities of Montreal.
Vintage Dress – Era Vintage Wear / Bag – Matt & Nat / Denim Jacket & Coton shorts – H&M (old) / Hat – (thrift)
The Stunning Moraea Villosa
Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Emmanuelle Rochefort – Flower photography and Artwork by The Arty Plantsman
Vintage silk skirt & Corset – Era Vintage Wear / Bag – Tory Burch / Earrings – Mango / Sandals – Aldo
283. That’s the amount of stairs you’ll have to climb to get to the Montreal’s Oratoire Saint-Joseph, the largest church in Canada. Some visitors even do it on their knees. But even a non-believer is left humbled by the meandering garden paths, the divine architecture and the views the Montreal Oratory offers.
St. Joseph’s Oratory photography by Tripsavvy
The Gorgeous Moraea Gigandra & Damselfly
Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Emmanuelle Rochefort – Damselfly Photography by Growing Self & Flower photography by The Arty Plantsman – Book artwork by Lismore Paper

Some stairways, such as the Université de Montreal staircase, offer more than just their practical function. They are now recreational spots for exercise. Me? I just love stairs. I don’t mind sweating a little as I hear music every time I see a few steps, especially if they are outdoors. I just imagine them as piano keys.
Denim Dress – Moschino / Bag – Giannini / Earrings – H&M / Rings – Room Service Loft Boutique / Shoes – Kenneth Cole / Ladurée Book with artwork from Lismore Paper
A frill denim dress looks summery cool paired with striped flats and a pastel color pouch. For a Bohemian inspired touch wrap a scarf around your head.
Two special projects…
The Dragonfly T-shirt
Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Emmanuelle Rochefort –– Nature Photography by Growing Self – T-Shirt art copyright Lisa Lawrence, Lismore Paper & design copyright Dominique Nancy – 3C Style, 2018. 
You’ll want to accessorize your new T-shirt with bold accents including pendant earrings and perhaps even have this Dragonfly design on your tote, diary and coffee mug. It might be the Year of the Dog, but you still can be a Dragon girl! Stay tuned for an update on how you can purchase this T-shirt and other great products.
Lisa and I came up with this Dragonfly T-shirt, which was made with our WP friend Linda in mind. The Queen of dragons is an amazing creature full of spirit, kindness and humour, a real dragon lady. We love you Linda! See Lisa’s blogpost to learn more about her lovely dragonfly artwork.
The Floral Butterfly Scarves
Artwork by The Arty Plantsman
And I conclude my contribution for this edition with another beautiful project. I should say “two” as Darren and I are working on two special scarves. They both take their inspiration directly from the beauty of Darren’s drawing and flowing nature of butterflies in a summer garden. From the colors to their silky texture, these scarves will remind you of the days when butterflies used to land on your fingers.
All the flowers that you see in Darren’s drawing were styled into outfits by me either in previous issues or in this current edition. See the yellow Moraea and the violet Moraea villosa, respectively in the May and June issues of When Fashion and Nature Collide. Stay tuned I will soon style these scarves with summer outfits.
Roda’s photo collage – Flower photography and Artwork by The Arty Plantsman 
From these pictures Lisa over at Lismore Paper has created once again beautiful artworks. Please, go visit her site as well as Roda and Darren‘s blogs to get an overall view of When Fashion and Nature Collide.
Note: I am leaving soon to Mexico with my family for a week of diving. Yay! Consequently, I might not be able to reply right away to your comments but you will hear from me as soon as I get back. And I will tell you all about my vacation. Much love to you all!
Artwork by Lismore Paper 
The team: Roda Shope, Dominique Nancy, Darren Sleep and Lisa Lawrence.
Next edition of When Fashion and Nature Collide: August 15th.
Wow.. Dominique. Lovely outfits. You are so beautiful like the flowers
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Hello Shalini. You are so kind, as always. Muah!
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Lovely post again dear friend😍. Dx
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Thanks to our team work. On my way to see your post.
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Not up yet! Another half hour😄
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You want to make me languish
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Patience Dominique. Anyway, It is nothing near as lovely as your post!
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I doubt that. You are always so humble.
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🙂
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It is posted now Dominique 🙂
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On my way….
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Dominique what a stunning post! The style is perfection and I love all of the architecture. Truly a blessing to work with you three. So much inspiration and I love learning from you. Much love my friend 💗😘🌞
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I was thinking exactly the same Lisa. Your post is awesome, simply awesome. Darren has a great one too. On my way to see Roda’s post now. Speak later dear friend.
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Gorgeous as always! It is impossible to pick a favorite!! I do love those trousers in the scooter shots. So cute. You are an inspiration!
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Ditto Sis. You know how much I love your photography and art… Amazing!
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Thanks!😊💚
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As usually…Just a touch of class
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Thank you Sylvain. Un gros merci! 💚
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FABULEUSE!! C’est fou comme les chapeaux te vont bien. Même quand tu le portes à côté d’un crapaud 😦 . Le chapeau cloche est magnifique avec le bord monté devant: une trouvaille. Le pantalon bleu est mon coup de coeur; tu le portes à merveille. Ce post fait tout à fait «Au coeur de l’été», Ah, vivement les vacances !! Repose toi bien Dominique! Bisous XXXX (quatre c’est mieux que trois 🙂
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Un gros merci de m’avoir prêté ton magnifique Tilley. Un coup de coeur! J’ai bien hâte d’avoir les deux fesses dans le sable et de faire de la plongée avec les enfants. J’espère aussi pouvoir faire des photos là-bas pour l’édition du mois d’Août. Merci pour ton gentil commentaire. 🌼
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Everything was just lovely but oh!! That Pink Coat!
I’m probably way too short for it but it’s just beautiful
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It’s a vintage piece from the 1940’s from a fabulous boutique called Era Vintage. She has an online shop. You should visit her site. FABULOUS. By the way, I’m not that tall either, only 5’5.
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At 5’1 that’s a big difference! I need platform shoes I think!
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I did wore heels with that outfit. 😊
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I practically wear heels with my nightie lol
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Haha…
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A fabulously inspiring post and such a special collaboration. I love the pink suit and the vintage silk skirt and top, the hats, the scarves…
Have a wonderful holiday. 🌼
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Many thanks. You are right. This collaboration is very special to us. Yes, we love nature, art and style, but most importantly it is about friendship! If you lived closer I certainly would ask you the permission to shot in your garden. Such a beautiful place you have.
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Love yellow and the background. Please visit my site
https://styleofbonnie.com/
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Nice to meet you Bonnie. I will. Thanks for stopping by my site. 🌼
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Thank you. Maybe you will dive in Ireland some day… 🌼
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Ooh that would be so nice. I always wanted to visit Ireland. My hubby’s mother is Irish by the way. 💚
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Lovely. There are good diving sites off the Donegal coast. 🌼
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I know I have heard… I dream to see the stunning cliffs and to visit the mythical island of Tory.
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I hope you get your wish. Last year I wrote 5 posts on a visit to Tory including one on its myths. You can find them on Tory Island button.
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I will read your posts with great interest. I’m leaving for Mexico for a week. Speak with you on my return, ok?
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Fabulous post and beautiful photos Dominique.
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Thank you Sharon! 🌼 Thanks for stopping by and writing a comment. You know how much I like your feedback… I appreciate your support. 😊
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Wow, you are a DIVA! Lovely outfits and gorgeous shots!❤
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What a lovely comment. Thank you Richa. 💗
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Another amazing collaboration! Love the Tilley hat (and no, our family does not get a kickback 😉)
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Haha… I AM wiling to do almost anything for one of your cheery pie. Thanks DEE-DEE.
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Lovely pictures and beautiful outfits.
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Thank you. Nice to meet you. You have a lovely blog and family. You got my follow.
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Hi. Thanksgiving and for your lovely comments. Some problem is occuring with my mobile screen. Whenever I am pressing reply button, spam button is getting pressed. Sorry for wonderful
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Thanks you. Nice to meet you too. I am following you blog. Liked your blog.
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Thanks and welcome.
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Such lovely pictures Dominique
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Thank you so much Kurian.
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You are welcome Dominique
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💗 I just got back from Mexico. I will go and visit your site soon my friend. Can’t wait to read you and to show you the beautiful sea creatures I have encounter.
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Hey Dominique ❤️
Welcome back. I am eagerly looking for them 😊
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Thanks Kurian. I will take care of that this week, but I have some blogs reading to do first.
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Sooo lovely pictures, the idea is great..Nature collides with fashion 👍
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Agree! Thank you for your visit.
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You are welcome 😊
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💗
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Wow ! You look stunning in this July issue !!
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Thank you so much Megala. I just got back from Mexico but I will post soon some nice pics from my trip. Speak to you soon. xoxo
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Thank you so much for mentioning me and my blog is this wonderful post. I am always in awe when I see the fashion statements you come up with mirroring the photos from Roda, the flowers from Darren and the fabulous artwork from Lisa. What a wonderful team you make!!!
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Agree! I love everyone in this team and their artwork. And you too my dear friend. I love you. I’m glad you like the t-shirt and the post. Big hugs.
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And I love you! Your posts have been just great. How on earth do you find these clothes that are such great complements to everything else in the series?
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I choose pictures that match the clothes I already have in my wardrobe. I would like to have a designer or boutique sponsor our project in order to have even more options.
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I love the settings of this month pics.beautiful.and the outfits of course,I don’t even have to mention this,what is that last skirt you are wearing🤩
P.s
I want one of the scarf,I know it would be polite to say I would like,as my mother thought me,but I don’t feel that I would like one ,I feel I Want One💁🏻♀️😍
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Haha… I want those scarves too. We are working on this project and you will soon hear about it. Darren’s work is stunning indeed. Thanks so much Ortensia for your lovely comment. By the way, the silk blue skirt is a slip dress actually and it is a vintage piece from ERA VINTAGE Boutique. It would go so well with Darren’s scarves.
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It would be a match to die for😍looking forward to see more ❤️
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Thanks for giving me the idea of a great outfit by the way. 😍
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My pleasure 💃🏻even if I don’t really think you need inspiraton😎😍
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Always on the hunt for GOOD inspiration! You fit in this category. You have great taste and your writing is both delightful and inspiring.
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You are too kind❤️
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Maybe but I am also an honest person!!!!!
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Mua……you deserve a mega smack 🤩
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Oh, I know a few people that will be jealous. xoxo
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Love reading these blogs, so creative and inspirational and love the fashion ideas. Hope the holiday is doing you all good. x
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Hi Alison. I just got back from Mexico. We had such a great time. Lots of diving with the kids. I will soon be posting photos about our trip on my blog. Speak to you soon dear friend. xoxo
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Will look forward to them. Theres been a new little artival in the UK. Nonna pic on blog😄
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What’s not to love in this post?! It’s brimming full with beautiful outfits and a dazzlingly beautiful woman wearing them! 😍
Just looove all those colours! The yellow dress, the pink suit and pink earrings and that lovely turquoise silk skirt are especially my favourites this time! Hats are great and a must-have in every season. 😊 And all those stairs you’ve climbed! No need for extra workout for you on those days, eh? 😉 xoxo 💕
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I confess I was indeed a little tired at the end of the shooting. Thanks so much Sarah. I will write to you this week my friend. I have so much to tell you about. xoxo
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Will look forward to your email then!! 😄 xoxo
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Brilliantly and vibrantly colourful – a real nature and fashion collision with spectaculor results “Magnifique!’ Lovely post
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Ah, you made my day! Thank you so much for your kind words.
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Thank you 🙂
I loved fashion as an industry, it was just the people as in retail l didn’t like 🙂
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I can easily understand why.
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Thanks for the reblog!
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Wow! The nature-clothes pairing were phenomenal.
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What a nice comment. Thank you so much. You made my day! 😊
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FABULOUS use of colour, such style, LOVE the hat!
What an inspirational post, I am so thrilled already for Spring Day here in South Africa. I bought a black dress with floral prints. Cant wait to wear it!
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Love floral print. It’s like a ray of sunshine. When does your next book coming out?
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Tu sais… J’adore!!!! I am in love with this whole piece! You outdid yourself and I am speechless!!! Seriously. Lovely! Sexy!!! Super sexy!! I love the pink outfit… the orchid is my favorite flower. The white dress and jean jacket is totally me. I absolutely loved everything!
You guys blow me away!!! In love with this collab! Hugs! So much love for you… for this!!!
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You are sooooo kind. Thanks for this awesome comment. I feel on top of the world now. Muah!
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Wow, you look amazing in that yellow dress! Very beautiful issue! I kept saying words like, “wow and Whoa!” 😉
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You will not hear any complaints from me… Hehe.
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You are so wonderfully glamorous and elegant. Loved the lemon dress.
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You are so kind. Thanks. Strangely, I only have three items in my wardrobe of this color. I should actually wear more yellow. It makes me feel like a little ray of sunshine! Hihi …
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You should wear it – I cannot because my skin is surprisingly sallow.
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Blue, vert, red and grey must look great on you then.
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Blue and grey look good. The shade of red has to be cherry. 🍒
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That’s what I thought. Have you ever tried dark forest green? I think it would be nice too.
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I have not thought about that color recently, Luis, but now I am going to look for it! All through college I wore a dark green duffel coat and I had many admirers. Maybe it was the coat!🧥
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Your style is both beautiful and inspiring. I am a casual dresser for the most part, but after seeing this I may just have to step it up a bit. 😉 Loved the jean jacket over the white dress most of all!
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What a lovely comment. Thanks Christy. On my way to visit your blog. I have so much catching up to do with the reading of my WP friend blogposts. 😊
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🤗
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