I had a great conversation with a very special squirrel recently. Guess what it told me? The deeper the roots, the greater the fruits — literally and figuratively. Literally, plants with deeper roots grow bigger. Figuratively, if a squirrel buries his nuts more deeply in the ground, less of them get stolen by rivals!
Truly understanding these kinds of lessons takes a maturity that develops naturally in most living things. The timing on this maturity, however, is different for everyone. It can’t be forced, no matter how hard we try!
Getting back to our fashion roots in a mature way is my goal for October. Nature matures in October. This is the deepest, most beautiful part of autumn. It is harvest time! The ensembles I’ve put together for you this month speak to this theme —the nuts, beans and berries are at the core of it.
Harvest hues, from pumpkins and persimmon to dark chocolate and light mocha… Fall colors and aroma magically lift our creative spirit. The days are shortening but the foliage shines with beautiful tones and the season is conducive to several home decor ideas and fun family activities. Halloween is one of my favorite things.
These pics above show some of the Halloween decorations I did last year with Lisa’s Black Cat artwork as a source of inspiration. This year home decor will soon be shown on my Instagram feed — @3cstyle_fashion Follow if you’d like. I would love to have you.
Without further ado, this month’s inspiration and fashion!
Note: In case you’ve not seen these capsules before, the When Fashion and Nature Collide project is a monthly collaboration with two of my WP friends: Lisa from Lismore Paper and Darren from The Arty Plantsman. Our team also create designs for our shop at Fashionedbynature.threadless.com Artwork Copyright ©Fashioned by Nature.
The third Wednesday of each month you can see outfits styled by me, and art from Lisa and Darren, that were inspired by Darren’s flower and critter pictures, and sometimes Lisa, myself or other photographers who collaborate with the team. With the spirit of protecting nature I pull together my outfits with clothing already available in my wardrobe. When purchases are to be made, these come from vintage boutiques and thrift stores or from socio-eco-friendly brands.
Enjoy the issue!
There are actually two outfit ideas for the chipmunk and nuts. The photo on the right was taken last year.
The no-boring beige is very trendy this fall. The Alberta Ferretti jacket and vintage skirt leave admirers wondering “what seed could she be planting?” You may think of beige as a color for spring, but when it is grounded with classic browns, rust, and ivory, it works quite well in the fall season.
Did you know that squirrels forget where they hide most of their nuts? According to ecologists, they are responsible for millions of trees being planted. One more good reason to protect them.
Check out the freckles! Love them so much. Thanks to my friend Khalida. Her makeup makes me look 15 years younger, which is perfect because I had a date that day. A special rendez-vous with a grey squirrel named Titi. I was hoping the rodent wouldn’t stand me up. You never know with those wild things. Titi was saved by my friend Mathieu and his wife, Caroline. They took care of him for a few weeks then he was released in the wild. Sometimes, he comes back to their home to get some food. I planed a photo shoot at my friend’s place and had my fingers crossed. He did show up, and oh my… he was sooo adorable! We were able to take a few pictures and, he even sat on my shoulder. I will show you other photos soon and tell you more about his story in another blog post. Stay tuned.
By the way, extra points if you know which of my favorite feminists I’m imitating in my picture with the squirrel. She’s inspired books, movies, TV series, and one of the best theme songs ever. Get in touch with me with your answer. (A hint: She is famous for her rebel attitude, strength, and she has freckles too!)
Green, any shade of green, is one of the IT colors of the year. Combine that with 70’s inspiration Chanel jeans, and you have a lighter yet still earthy base that you can surround with other earthtone colors. Browns, greens and a bit of tinted rust remind us of the coffee harvest. Refill, please!
Here’s more beans to smooth out your day…
Anybody else hate ruining the design the barista so lovingly puts in your coffee when you drink it? Whilst I’m more of a tea lover myself, I like the smell of coffee —thankfully because my hubby DOES need his buzz in the morning.
Another look with a bean plant in mind. I am especially proud to present the Gorse Bush outfit. In case you’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing gorse bush smell, think of smooth coconut mixed with a rich vanilla. Mmmm.
Check out this yellow pencil skirt with an ivory lace cami, topped with a vintage plaid jacket and beige pumps. A vintage wooden handbag completes the look. The bag is to die for! The Sonia Rykiel plaid Jacket and the rosewood bag were bought at ERA Vintage Wear.
Darren photographed so many beautiful berries for this issue that it was hard to choose only one photo. I picked the Sorbus vilmorinii because its colors perfectly match a look captured by him on his last visit to Montreal, and I hadn’t showed you this outfit yet (still had long hair then). We added the Puna flower as its silky petals reminded us of my soft pink silk shirt. I wore it with my vintage black jeans. The mix of pastel is not only for spring or summer — I wear my pastels in fall and winter to contrast with all the black winter coats.
We also have many new designs with a walnut inspiration. Given the length of our posts we decided to show you only the Going Nuts for now. We care about you all, and don’t want you to go ‘Nuts’. Visit Lisa’s blog to learn more about this cool design that she created with… Darren’s nuts! (sorry, I had to say it. I am sooo immature sometimes.)
Speaking of maturity and timing, the walnut tree takes around seven years to fully mature and produce nuts that can be harvested. The best things come to those who wait!
We hope that we have brought you a fruitful connection with nature this month. As always, thank you for letting us share our inspirations with you.
Credit: Photography of 3C Style with the squirrel by Dominique Guy; photos with the pumpkins and for the Puna outfit by Darren Sleep; Gorse Bush fashion photos by Annie Gaudreau, pictures for the Coffee Beans outfit & the pics of me with leaf in the ‘Cup of inspiration’ collage by Hamza Boudjelal –– Makeup and Snapchat photos by Khalida Senni –– Flower, coffee plant, berries, pumpkins, walnuts, coffee truck and coffee flatlay photography & Artwork (Walnut drawings) by Darren Sleep, The Arty Plantsman –– Coffee flatlay with mug photography by Dominique Nancy, 3C Style –– Chipmunk and Maple Tree photography & Artwork (Halloween paper and Going Nuts design) by Lisa Lawrence, Lismore Paper –– Stylist & Photo collages by Dominique Nancy, 3C Style
Don’t forget to visit LismorePaper and The Arty Plantsman to get an overall view of our monthly collaboration.
Next edition of When Fashion and Nature Collide: November 20th
Let’s stay connected: Bloglovin – Instagram @3cstyle_fashion
If you liked this post, you’ll love these
When Fashion And Nature Collide — The Things That Give Us Wings
When Fashion And Nature Collide — The Aroma of Books
When Fashion And Nature Collide — The Edible Flowers Experience
Wow this was so fabulous. I generally love all your posts. This had something special in it. (not Darren’s nuts 🤪)
The entire theme was so beautifully done. Magestic and regal were the words that cane to me. Very thoughtful. The prose told me a lot about life and its roots.
As per the norm, I loved your pics. Gorgeous
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So great to read you Shalini. A big thanks for your really kind words. Hope all’s well in your world. Cheers my friend. xx
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And also this month you three are of great inspiration 🙂
So so cute Titi 🙂 I guess he liked the photo shoot 🙂
They forget where they hide most of their nuts? Lucky us 🙂 at least they care about our trees 🙂
I like all the outfits and the autumn colors but the Gorse Bush outfit I adore it! Coconut mixed with a rich vanilla, oh my…amazing 🙂
You are gorgeous Dominique! Pippi Longstocking’s makeup is wonderful 🙂
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Hello Ribana! Aww, thanks a lot. You are so sweet. Titi is such a cutie. I miss him. My hubby laughs at me and keeps telling me ‘But that’s a rat!’ Lol I guess that I have a thing for rats then. I really like the makeup that my friend did too. Keep well and thanks again for stopping by.
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Always a pleasure!
Then I have a thing for rats too 🙂 I love squirrels 🙂 Are so so cute 🙂
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Yay! 🙂 Have a beautiful day!
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A wonderful post Dominique. I so love your evocative writing and there is a lot of fun and humour in this post
The squirrel is adorable and almost as cute as you! And Khalida did such a lovely job with the makeup.
I am also very happy that we were able to use those outfit photos for the Puna/Sorbus. I really like the gorse outfit too.
Love and hugs my friend! x
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Thanks Darren. I am also happy that we were able to use those photos for the Puna/Sorbus. The day we took the pics with Titi was pretty special. This squirrel and your walnut drawings brought so much laughter this month. Just for the record… every times I think about our last chat on Skype with Lisa I laugh. We are definitely going Nuts!
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I know – I keep smiling when I think about that conversation too😄. Xx
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The fashion this month is absolutely inspiring and the makeup is phenomenal, you look so beautiful 💕 The photography and Darrens nuts, hehe I really enjoyed the laughs with you and Darren. The writing is spot on. Its such a pleasure to create this with you both. You captured the theme so perfectly! Love to you!!
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This month’s issue was such a pleasure to do. It always is but this time there were no computer and dropbox bugs, and we got to laugh so hard. I will cherish these precious moments that I have with you and Darren forever. Much love sis! xx
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You look stunning as always, Dominique. I am sure that you keep getting younger. 😉
Lovely collaboration. Love Darren’s nuts, and Lisa’s fun with them. 🤪🤣🤣🤣
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So great to see you here Colette and a big thanks for your support and lovely comment. It is always such a pleasure to read you. I didn’t know you lived on a boat. Oh my, you must have many fun stories to tell about that special lifestyle. I would love to hear about some of them. Funnily, we created this month the ‘Get Nauti’ design. A little bit of nuts, some aquamarine color and good vibes, and lots of laughter was put into this artwork. I’m pretty sure you would like it. Keep well.
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What a lovely joyful post Dominique. Tit is adorable. I love all the outfits but Gorse Bush is my favourite this month. You fair suit the freckles. I have no shortage with my Irish blood!
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Lucky you! I love freckles. My hubby is half Irish but he has no freckles. His mom names is McCarragher. My son dreams to go to Ireland too, and I hope that I will have the chance to do that trip with him soon. Oh my, the squirrel was sooo adorable. Wait till you see the other pics. Fun, fun, fun! Thanks so much for your kind words Brigid. xx
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Dominique, I’m hoping you’re well and the cooler weather has ignited your energy levels. It sure does it to me. Like your husband, I must have my java right out of bed. That’s exactly what I was doing while soaking in your post. My favorites? You and Titi. What an experience for you. Cute little guy. Adored the ’70’s look with the jeans and green top. The 1970’s was my teen years. I wore those window pane jeans. Remember those? I also had some fashionable window pane overalls with buttons running down the center. Very unique at the time. I wonder if window pane jeans will ever come back. I may have mentioned before how much my eyes locked on to the wooden handbag. Perfect for your beautiful fall outfit with the pencil skirt and jacket. I liked that look. It was so good to see your words and pics again. Here’s to your next cup of tea, dear lady. Hugs from Texas & God’s grip. – Alan
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I was too young in the 70’s to remember this fashion. Your comment led me to search my photo albums hoping to find a picture of my mother with these pants. Alas … It has revived many memories, however, and inspired ideas for future posts. Thank you! Regarding my little meeting with the squirrel… An extraordinary and magical moment. My friend Mathieu told me that Titi almost doesn’t come at home anymore. I was extremely lucky to be able to take these pictures. Thank you Alan for your wonderful comment and support. I really appreciate. As you know it’s not a very easy time right now and your friendship brings me a lot of energy. I’m grateful. Hugs from Montreal. xx
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I still mention your name in my private prayers.
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I am deeply touched, Alan. My hubby is feeling a lot better now, and consequently I am too. Thank you my friend for being you, so thoughtful and kind. I am blessed to have so many wonderful friends around me. You certainly have become over the past year a precious one. Hugs. ❤️
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CUTENESS OVERLOAD!!! 😄😄 Love, love, love Titi the squirrel!!! 😍 And the outfits are all so beautiful I really can’t choose a favourite this time! 😄 And yay to Pippi Longstocking, feminist movement and freckles! 😄😉
Curious if the Gorse Bush also grows in Europe? Will have a look into it. 😄 Love coffee (and tea 😉) and walnuts! And science fun fact: a study (don’t ask me which one but it’s American) has shown that squirrels actually aren’t as forgetful as we think!! 💜💚💛
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Gorse grows in Scotland – not sure about other places, Sarah. In the summer it has a strong smell of coconut.
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Thank you, Kerry!!
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Hello Kerry! Always nice to see you here. Yes, I’ve been told by Darren and Alison that it smells like coconut. Never smelled Gorse bush myself though. Cheers!
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Well, it rarely smells like coconut in Scotland because it has to be really hot…😃
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Uhmmm… I hadn’t thought of that. Good point. I also recently found out that their lengthy flowering period has led to the saying: “When gorse is out of bloom, kissing is out of fashion”. I like that saying. Anecdote: When Darren first told me the name of this plant. I thought he said… George Bush. That made me smile.
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I haven’t heard that phrase – let’s hope kissing never goes out of fashion! 💋
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Hehe… I hope so too!
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Interesting research. I’ll try to find it. That squirrel surely made my day! I was so happy that it came on my shoulder. Felt for a second like Pipi Longstocking. 😉 Kerry replied to you already about the gorse bush in Scotland. I’ve learned from Brigid that Gorse Bush grows in Ireland, and I believe Darren took these photos in UK. He probably told me but I forgot. Thank you Sarah for your beautiful comment. Have a wonderful week my friend. xx
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Hi Dominique, what an awesome edition, there’s so much to love in this post. You captured the magic and the feel of Autumn (fall) so beautifully that I felt immersed. And what a cute date you had with Titi, he’s so adorable. As if he’d have stood you up, you look gorgeous and he looked smitten!
A fabulous, fun post that made me smile from start to finish. As usual you three have gone wild and a bit nutty with your fall inspirations and created magic. I absolutely loved it! 😊
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Thanks Miriam, so glad you enjoyed my post. You made me smile with your lovely comment. Smitten? Hehe… You should have seen me. I’m the one who was ecstatic. Felt like a 5 years old in a candy store. Hope all’s well in your world. Cheers my friend! xx
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The collages, colors & props(Can I call a squirrel a prop?…) are spot on. I love it! Plus, anything green is my favorite 😃💚
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Thank you Audrey. Lol I think I was the prop here. The squirrel is definitely the star! Have a wonderful week ahead.
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Haha! Coffee and freckles! Are you sure that’s not me in this edition 😂😂😂
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I did think of you indeed when I asked my friend to do a makeup with freckles. 😂
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I love the yellow skirt and jacket combo, Dominique. Your fall (or Fall?) is looking so vibrant. Lisa’s drawing is also very fab.
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Cheers Tracy, hope you’re well. This edition is very special for us in so many ways. So glad you enjoyed my post, and a big thanks for your really nice comment. Have a lovely week ahead.
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I’m well thanks, Dominique. The weather forecast is for an arty week. I look forward to your November edition and more window shopping. 🙏
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An arty week sounds good to me. 😀 The weather here is nice too but it’s getting chilly and in a week or two it will definitely become the ‘coat’ season. Glad to hear that things are well in your world. You made me laugh so hard… Window shopping! 😂
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🙏
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There is so much to love about this post Dominique: your writing, the photos, your outfits and style, that cute squirrel … It’s a feast.
Gorse grows like crazy here and is pretty much our number 1 weed. It’s so prickly how do you ever get close enough to know it smells like coconut?
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I was told it smells wonderful by a few people but never had the chance to experience it myself. I guess we have to approach Gorse Bush with the same precautions as roses. Thank you Su for your kind words. They go straight to my heart. xx
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Ah, the colors of fall.They are very nice but I love that hat! I could never make it look good on me, but it is stunning on you! Another lovely month of WFNC! I look forward so much to each of your posts! ❤️
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You are always so kind Linda. THANK YOU! Hope you and Bill are well. Sending hugs your way my friend. And love! xx
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Love and hugs right back to you, my friend! ❤️
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❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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You look stunning – I am in awe! Your eyes are the most fascinating color. I would say you are more attractive than Mary Tyler Moore but I loved her show, too. Loved the check jacket and ensemble. The squirrel is adorable – ours are currently eating pine cones like sweetcorn cobs. K x
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Lol 😂 What a lovely way to describe how the squirrels eat their pine cones. Very creative. I am touched by your kind words. Thank you Kerry.
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You are most welcome. 🧡🧡
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You are most welcome!
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Another fabulous post Dominique. I really love seeing what you come up with. You are so very stylish and beautiful. I never knew squirrels forget where they put their nuts (heehee), how interesting! Sweet little tree planters! Hope you are well, lots of love xx
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I am feeling better but still tired. I have slow down a little, and hope I will soon regain all my energy. So great to see you here Gill. I know how busy you are and I appreciate that you’ve taken the time to write me this lovely comment. Keep smiling my friend.
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it might be because fall is my favorite season or it might be the colors and outfits you used but I m in love with this edition😍🍁
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You are so sweet Sabina. Fall is my favorite season too. Unfortunately, it is the time of year when I am always the busiest at work and so I have little time to enjoy it. Keep well my friend.
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Lovely post as always 3C you three did an excellent job.
Squirrels are not rat’s their two different animals with different eating habits and social habits so give your hubby one of this’s 😝 next time he calls a squirrel a rat. 😁
❤️✌️
BY FOR NOW
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I’m laughing so hard just imagining my hubby’s face if I did such a thing. Lol You are right though. Squirrels and rats are two different critters. Hope things are going well for you Dawn. Take care. xx
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I’m glad to hear it made you lafe. 😀
I’m doing alright.
❤️✌️
BY FOR NOW
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Happy to hear that Dawn. ❤️
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Ah I knew you would do a lovely fall post, well done. It incorporates so many of my favourite things and colours. The squirell pictures are sooo cute and will look forward to reading more about him. Lovely outfits as ever!
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Thanks Alison for your beautiful comment. I should be able to write something about Titi in the next two weeks. He sure is a cutie. Have a great week ahead my friend.
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Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
A POST AS WONDERFUL AS CHOCOLATE-COVERED ALMONDS—OR CASHEWS—YUM!
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WOW!! One of the annoying things about WP Font sizes in comments is that l can’t make this WOW as big as l would like it!
What a truly fabulously vibrant post Lady D, Lisa and Darren – job totally well done gang! Love the autumnal styles and looks – really beautifully done, styled, crafted and delivered!
Love the chipmunk look – am curious about the top squirrel species, l used to keep twenty different species of squirrels so have a serious soft spot for them – is the top a Douglas or an Eastern grey?
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Hello Rory! I think it is an Eastern grey squirrel but honestly I’m not an expert in squirrel. I’ve got a huge crush on this one though. Thank you so much for your lovely comment again. You are sooo sweet. Hope all is well for you. Cheers!
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Hey Lady D, yes l think it is an Eastern, they have really nice personalities, always a pleasure and hope you are keeping well 🙂
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I’m doing okay, I guess. Still working on the film project, keeping things organized at home, taking care of the blog and Instagram, doing the daily job -and hoping I will not go nuts! Wait, too late for that.
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Thank you Rory! You are so kind and supportive.
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As always, a beautiful fashion post. And I, of course, like the theme of setting fashion up against nature or maybe more correctly in collaboration.
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Thanks Otto. This was a really fun post to do. Never thought I would say such a thing but I miss that little squirrel. Lol
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Stunning images….looks like your ‘date’ was a lot of fun and very cute too !
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Hello Paula. Best date I’ve got for a long time! But then he left after he got what he wanted… a few nuts. Lol I miss him.
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I can’t believe that little squirrel got so close to your face. He really liked you!!! This was an unforgettably sweet post … The way you and your team pull fashion inspiration from nature brought back a cherished memory: My grandpa had a pet squirrel named Squirelly Pie. As a joke, he gave Squirelly Pie several reams of toilet paper one Christmas Day. One of my happiest holidays saw mounds of shredded toilet paper on my grandparents’ floor!
xOxO ~ Suzana Barton
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I can’t believe that little squirrel got so close to your face. He really liked you!!! This was an unforgettably sweet post … The way you and your team pull fashion inspiration from nature brought back a cherished memory: My grandpa had a pet squirrel named Squirelly Pie. As a joke, he gave Squirelly Pie several reams of toilet paper one Christmas Day. One of my happiest holidays saw mounds of shredded toilet paper on my grandparents’ floor!
xOxO ~ Suzana Barton
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Hi Suzana, Thank you for visiting my blog, and sharing with me this cute story about your grandpa and Squirelly Pie. Lol Such a fun name. Your grandpa had a good sense of humour. I was really surprised when the squirrel came so close. But you will soon see on my blog and IG that it got even closer. On my way to visit your blog now. xcxc
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This brought back the memory of a time in college when a friend who was working as a camp counselor for the summer adopted some baby squirrels and cared for them until they could be on their own. It was a great time to go over to her cabin and have the little guys (or gals) crawling all over us.
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Thanks for sharing that story Chris. My friend Mathieu-Robert had the chance to experience that. I met Titi when he was much older, and already wilder. He was adorable but already had the attitude of a teenager… Thankfully, he liked the pecans I had brought him. Lol
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Pecans! Titi ate in style!
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Lol He also love peanut butter!
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Ha ha ha – My kind of squirrel. I have a thing for peanut butter.
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My hubby too. 🙂
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I love your hat very cute
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