Saying Goodbye To Summer
We managed to squeeze out a few last days of summer even though we are mid October.
I didn’t think I’d get to wear this newly thrifted Canadian made dress this year but the incredible weather made it possible.
This is a very well designed piece with so many flattering details for someone that is curvy and vertically challenged.
Can you spot them all?
These are some of the design details that make this dress work for me; cross over v-neckline, empire waist with wide contrast band, high angled pockets with contrast band, contrast hem and an a-line skirt hitting me just above the knee. Added bonus…the bold graphic print is very cool and the dress is made out of cotton with a bit of stretch. Perfection!
Since the hubby came back home we’ve been making good use of the amazing weather by getting outside as often as possible.
We have been immersing ourselves in ” Shinrin-Yoku” a Japanese term for forest bathing or as we’ve practised for many years, hiking.
We reduce our stress, increase our immune system, recharge our spirits and reconnect with nature. It creates a state of mindfulness and wholeness with the planet and each other that I don’t find anywhere else.
I’m sharing photos of our hike yesterday, a spot we just discovered only twenty minutes from where we live.
The air was full of the unmistakable earthy odour of fall and the sound of crunching of leaves underfoot.
Zoë was extra excited to come along for the trip. We don’t take her as often as she is normally tapped out at the 10 km mark but she made out fine yesterday.
I took the photo below while laying down on a tree trunk after our picnic.
The clouds hypnotically floated past while random golden leaves made their final escape and danced their way down to the forest floor.
It was mesmerizing.
When I think of “serenity now” the famous line from Seinfeld I picture moments like these.
Have you ever tried rejuvenation with Shinrin-Yoku?
Linking up with Patti for Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday and Fancy Friday
Wow–it never ceases to amaze me how often you and I are on the same page when it comes to stuff like this. I’ve asked to “be among the trees” for my birthday, so Hubby and I are heading out on Wednesday afternoon for a little forest bathing of our own! We’ve been getting some of that gorgeous weather you highlighted in this post. Those photos, by the way, are the next best thing to being out there! Thanks for providing my mind with a little virtual escape.
And I love your dress!!! So glad you got to wear it before the season changed too drastically.
– Sherry
I’m happy you will be taking in some hiking for your birthday. It is nature’s gift : )
Love the term “forest bathing”. And the pictures you took while hiking are beautiful! I can see why this activity soothes and rejuvenates you. Zoe, you are the best dog, yes you are. xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Ha ha! Zoë doesn’t need anymore help from the peanut gallery, her ego is big enough!
Now that’s the epitome of fall scenery, Suzanne!!
Gorgeous and perfect for the mind and body!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks Jodie : )
Oh my! One of my favorite posts ever! In so many ways!!!
That little dress IS the epitome of body enhancing details! I’m not sure I’ve seen that many contouring details in one garment! Even the border print has the effect of amping the a- line of the skirt. I also LOVE the fun, bright, bubbles of the print and the bits of rust used in the waistline and seaming flatter your hair color to perfection. Sheesh!
Now the Shinrin- Yoku. What a beautiful sentiment!! The proximity of this woodsy loveliness to your home is so fortunate! I know that many Canadian cities put wild space on the planning priority list and this is evidence of that. Knowing you and Robert are together basking in the JOY and serenity of the woodlands is just so good!
And little Miss Zoe!!! That photo of her stuffed into the stump is complete cuteness!! I think she’s thrilled to have her family back together and being included in forest adventures is enriching her ” Stuff I’ve Sniffed” repertoire.
Having moved a year ago to the Black Hills of South Dakota I have the privilege of living in the woods with a beautiful mountain view that includes Mount Rushmore (historically significant President’s busts carved into granite mountainside) and the opportunity to hike just feet from my front door. It’s life sustaining!
I visited Mount Rushmore as a kid. It is quite spectacular. Lucky you to have those views and hiking outside your door. The vastness of nature always adds perspective to life.
Ha ha! “Stuff I’ve Sniffed”. Love that ; P
gorgeous landscape! beautiful photos!
and zoe seems very happy out & about! 😀
as the BWH is located in the midst of the woods i just have to step out of the door to take a bath in healthy forest air. but of cause it all works better if i take a brisk walk – up hill – for breathing more and deeper…..
and so i do minimum once a week. would´t have survived the last years without ” Shinrin-Yoku” .
xxxx
We have an escarpment not too far from where we live which gets the lungs pumping. The best place we lived before with real mountains though was BC. I know you’d love it there Beate.
woww, that dress is so fabulous! Not only it fits you like a dream and have a lovely print (those colors!), but also lots of details which enhance your figure! and it has pockets! You Totally Rock!!
And I love the idea of having a ‘forest bathing’. Even my usual walk through city parks makes me feel so much better, walking under the trees is so fab.
And looking at the happy pug has put a smile on my face! she knows how to steal the show!
besos
Oh yes, I have to limit the amount of exposure the diva pug gets otherwise she will take over this blog. She already controls my life!
Amazing forest images!
I love the dress too – the graphic print is amazing.
Yay for getting outdoors! The best therapy and wonderfully rejuvenating. The dress is pretty and the dog… well, everyone loves dogs!
That graphic print dress is perfect on you. The pattern mixing is well done and that the neckline is so flattering. I love the light and shadows in these photos, and I agree that this extra sunshine has been such a wonderful bonus.
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
Love everything about this dress. The print is fabulous and the silhouette is very figure flattering. Looks fantastic on you. We’re def on the same page with the “forest bathing”. My husband and I love walks in the woods, especially this time of year. Your pix remind me of a hike we just took on one of the trails behind the Von Trapp family lodge in Stowe Vermont. Love the rustling sound and scent of the autumn leaves. Wish they could bottle that. Then I could smell it all year round!
Theresa
Wow, to have such a gorgeous spot virtually on your doorstep! It is looking truly wild, my kind of place! I’d never heard of Shinrin-Yoku, but I’ve always loved a bit of forest bathing. I love the woods, and I’ve got a soft spot for trees. I’ve even got a board on Pinterest with (own) photos of trees. Walking in a wild place and enjoying nature is the best mood enhancer there is. As a substitute, just looking at your pictures is already making me feel better after a long day at work! Oh, and the dress is stunning too, love the fabulous print and all those colours and details! xxx
It’s a beautiful dress on you, Suzanne. The pattern on the dress reminds of paintings by Gustav Klimt.
Zoe looks delighted to be among the autumn leaves and you both clearly were! You know I love the great outdoors….
That dress is gorgeous on you, the colours, the fir, the shape…absolutely perfect for this time of year.
What a lovely term forest bathing is. Being an out and out townie the only time I venture into the woods is at the End of the Road Festival (or our back garden with it’s 27 trees!) but the scenery looks so serene and picture postcard perfect and little Zoe looks in her element.
xxx
You certainly peeked my curiosity with the title, as I didnt know what Shinrin-Yoku was! I love the sound of that over hiking. But anyway, We enjoy the woods and nature, finding that it is really the most relaxing atmosphere for me. A sense of freedom and enjoying nature. Love that Zoe enjoyed it too. We laugh as we often get asked about our pups walking in the woods, how far they can go?? They walk for miles – despite the fact that some people think they are little doggies cant do that – they really can!
Love the design of the dress on you, the texture and style. Looks fabulous! The colors look great with your hair.
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Isn’t it fabulous that the weather is so gentle….our isn’t it actually….well that’s another discussion. Beautiful dress! Perfect with the colour of your hair. We’ve been to the forest last week, it was still very green.
I never have, but whatever name you give it, it figures that being together as a couple enjoying nature is a perfect way to reconnect and get rid of any every day stress. Your photos ooze the magnificent atmosphere. Very good.
And indeed your dress is a gem.
Greetje
That is a lovely term for time spent in nature! Looks like you had the perfect fall day for a walk in the woods, which definitely recharges the batteries. Zoe looks like she’s thoroughly enjoying the adventure.
The dress does have a load of figure flattering details! That should be a keeper for next summer.
I love your ideas here. Getting outdoors is peace-saving and peace-restoring for me. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos. I agree that looking at photos such as these brings that contented feeling even when I’m not actually outside.
The woods, a wonderful place to be. Peace. Quiet, except rustling leaves. It’s great that you are back on the trails again with your family. I love the image that comes to mind with the phrase forest bathing.
And that dress! A good one. You are talented at explaining why something looks so right technically as well making spectacular picks based on your intuition.
I am loving the natural makeup look!! Definitely need to check this brand out, I love the colors!
Kileen
I don’t know what you’re talking about Kileen but thanks for dropping by : )
Gorgeous pictures of a beautiful scenery! Zoe looks super cute !
The only bathing that makes me happy and rejuvenates me is soaking in a bath tub filled with hot water. Ideally accompanied by a glass of champagne, and some delicious bonbons or macaroons .