Saturday, July 8, 2017

My new dress...

It's been super hot here these past few days and more hot weather is forecast.
I am in dire need of a cool frock...
something loose and in linen, my fabric of choice...

I recently culled my faded black Bamboo Gilmour dress after 5 years of service...
it had faded and was looking rather sad. It was difficult saying goodbye to such a fabulous dress...I wore it to my retirement party and for many other occasions after...

I popped into the shops on the hunt for something cool and I came home with a new Italian made linen frock.


I think it has a BOHO vibe.



Champagne shade which is as neutral as a black could be...


Nice details


Loose and bordering on baggy but HELLO COOL!


It works for me...
and at under $100 how can one complain?
In other news...
I went for my annual mammogram
I hope that all you ladies out there do your exams.

I have a breast lump that I have had for several years and am always a wee bit nervous thinking maybe something has changed...that it might be a cancerous lump.
Last year my GP said "its nothing to worry about" but I can feel it and it is larger.
I know my body and hope that it is just a cyst...but I do wonder.

So when the report comes in I hope the verdict will be the same...
Mom had breast cancer and I would like to avoid that diagnosis if at all possible.
That is always in the back of my mind...


So how are you staying cool in this heat?

Are you sipping a tall cool lemonade...
swimming in a pool
or sitting in the shade of a tall tree?


Have you bought anything new to wear this season?
Was it an impulse buy or one to replace a recently discarded garment?

Take care and stay hydrated my friends!
XO


65 comments:

Susan B said...

That dress is such a great find! It's been hot as blazes here too.

Anonymous said...

It is such a lovely dress! Linen,interesting details AND the sleeves!
Please,could you share the name of the brand?
I've bought the emerald green silk linen dress I've wear for the coffee with Frances and Paul-it was beautiful and I needed something in bigger size for this summer
We have 34°C,it is exhausting!
Have a nice weekend!
Dottoressa

Anonymous said...

I love your new dress, I cannot believe it was under $100. Winter clothes shopping here
in Australia, I recently purchased 2 Merino wool jumpers (love them)and a navy cotton jumper with three beaded birds on the front (on sale so cannot be returned) I now think it is a bit "out there" with all that bling and as I am in my late sixties a little young for me.

Patricia said...

It sounds like it is very hot over there, and your white linen dress is Perfect - as well as very nice indeed. Great bargain! All the very best wishes for a clear mammogram - always a relief to be in the clear, especially with your family history. Being in the opposite of seasons, I am enjoying a bit of winter weather, and while knowing it will be gone in weeks, am making myself a red wool flannel dress this weekend. Might be handy to bring to Canada at Christmas.

Marilyn said...

Good morning. I hope your result is a good one. I had a lump like that under my collarbone which was eventually removed. It was just a fatty cyst so I am sure yours will be the same but I can understand your concern.
Your roses are beautiful as always. I imagine the fragrance is phenomenal. Enjoy your Sunday.

Mrs LH said...

Hello from the UK. Love your linen dress - gorgeous and it suits you!
Here in the UK women get invited for mammograms once every 3 years once they reach 50. I think this has been extended in some areas to include women from 47 onwards. I'm 53 and so far have never had one - through choice - I know it's probably unwise to avoid it!! I hope your result is OK - am sure it will be.

Dana said...

Hi Hostess! I love your new dress and it looks very flattering on you. I am hoping for good news with your mammogram results. When I turned 40 and had my very first mammogram, there was a suspicious spot which ended up being biopsied. Thankfully everything turned out ok but that is not how I wanted to be introduced to mammograms. I do go fairly regularly now. I am a bit late this year so thank you so much for the reminder. Again, I am sending positive thoughts your way. Love your blog and the way you share your thoughts on living simply, kindly, and beautifully. Best always!

Madame Là-bas said...

That dress is so pretty! I really like the details. I am wearing mostly linen this year. I bought one new linen dress this season (a blue one from France). The style is loose and cool as well. I culled two blue summer dresses this year. Blue has been my "summer colour" since I went grey. I am trying infused waters (fruit mostly) and decaffeinated iced tea this summer. My daughter can't drink carbonated, sweetened, caffeinated or alcoholic beverages so I've always got something cold in the fridge. I'm reading The Little Paris Bookshop for book club
right now. You inspired me a few posts back and I put holds on 5 books with the word "garden" in the title. They're all in. Peaceful reading this month! Good luck with your mammogram!

KSL said...

Love your new dress!!! It's great on you.

Daisy Farm said...

Leslie, I work in the oncology department in a hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. If the lump bothers you, be your own advocate and request a biopsy. If you are the slightest bit nervous about it, your primary care doctor should get you in for a biopsy the next day. Not to further worry you but information is power. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Good morning, Hostess! Your new dress looks fresh and cool. I have found myself drawn to whites and linen this summer as well, probably for the same reason, that it is so hot. But I also think it looks classic and boho all at once. Love your gorgeous roses and simple but elegant decorating. I always look forward to your posts. Cheers, Violet.

Barbara said...

Your dress is perfect, Hostess! It looks so lovely on you and I'm sure it will make you feel good (and comfortable) as you wear it!

I wanted to let you know that I read one of your recommended books, "The Midwife of Hope River" and I enjoyed it so much. I suggested it to my friend and she loved it. She in turn told her book club about it and they all read and loved it. The long reach of the World Wide Web allowed a book suggestion from a blogger in British Columbia to be read and enjoyed by a bunch of women in the US Midwest. Keep your book recommendations coming, Leslie!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I heard it was hot in California! I am enjoying the sunshine and being able to wear lighter clothing...dress shopping was actually fun and I was successful so its a win win.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

The Italian company label is Via Signoria.
I think I saw you wearing that lovely green silk dress on mater's blog post.
34 is HOT indeed...hope you are keeping cool.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

It was on sale...I was attracted to the details and not so much the colour but it worked when I put it on so I took a chance.
The sweater sounds like a fun addition to your wardrobe...why not have a bit of fun and enjoy wearing it? I have my toes painted bright blue which for me is a departure from my usual but I am liking it...even getting used to the idea of "pushing the envelope" just a bit farther!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

It's probably nothing but I will feel relieved when I get the results.
I do envy you clever seamstresses...if I made a dress that I could actually wear it would be a minor miracle!!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

So many friends and acquaintances have been recently diagnosed with cancer that it is always on our minds.
The roses are spectacular this year and I am enjoying them so much...we planted 4 new roses this spring...3 Claire Austin and an Abraham Darby...I can never have too many roses!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I have to go for a mammogram every year because my Mother had breast cancer...
my cousin recently passed away from breast cancer so I am very aware that it runs in our family. BC has always been a leader in Breast Cancer screening...they do a lot of research here too which is good. There has been new studies suggesting that a higher BMI may be a factor in breast cancer...so thats another good reason to slim down!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

That is a scary scenario Dana....I totally understand as I had a lumpectomy when I was in my 40's. It was a fibroadenoma and fortunately not cancer. The lump grew rapidly from the size of a pea to almost a small egg size in the matter of months so it was removed. I think we always need to be mindful of our own health.
Take care.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh I hope you share that blue linen dress with us on your blog...I'd love to see it.
i have been wearing a lot more blue with my hair greying and it is flattering with my skin tone...probably brighter than my usual black.
Enjoy your summer reading...I am just finishing Alan Titchmarsh's autobiography Trowel and Error.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you..its easy to slip on and I have already had several compliments by complete strangers! The Farmers Market when I wore it with my big straw hat and flip flops and at the pharmacy by the cashier...so its obviously a winner.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I appreciate your comment here and I will see my doctor. I have not been for about a year and I need to review some things with him so I will add this to my list of questions. Our health care system is pretty bogged down so I would not expect such fast service as you have in Wisconsin...that would be amazing! We wait about 6 weeks to get an ultrasound and longer for many elective procedures. When I had my frozen shoulder I went on the cancellation list for an ultrasound as they said it would be 2 months and I got in at 5 weeks then it took me 3 months to see the specialist! So many baby boomers are ailing and it is clogging up the system.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Violet! I always like seeing your comments too!
Summer and the sunshine do encourage us to wear different shades of clothing...the greys and blacks that I usually opt for just feel wrong in the heat.
White linen is so elegant...and fresh.

Jerrine Wire said...

I have spent days shortening a dress for my daughter's wedding later this month..there are so many events connected to a modern wedding. the dress has miles, it seems of curving hemming to do, they only make dresses for women that are six feet tall now a days. it has a black top with a beaded (black0 boat neck that is now called a Mikado neck line. the waist is high and lush aqua blue silk skirt is short in the front and long in the back...I love it and will probably wear it when ever there is a real fancy party. Miles of careful hemming, i'm glad I know the skill.

Daisy Farm said...

Yes, we are spoiled here with our healthcare even though it is made to sound horrible in the news. Our doctors have contracts that include a bonus if they are more productive. That means seeing more patients, treating more patients...but the service is almost instant for patients. It's competition. Gads, I remember when I needed an MRI for a bulging disc -- the appointment was the next day. I sometimes chuckle that Americans are so driven by capitalism....the more we work, the more we earn. We are all so crazy here! By the way, I love your cute linen dress! I always feel like I should clean out my closet or clean my kitchen when I check in on your blog!

Ellie's friend from canada said...

Hi Leslie,

Hope the mammogram turns out well. I bought 3 new pairs of pants this summer. I don't know if I should divulge this but as I was walking uphill (just a small hill) from the vegetable garden, the last pair of wearable pants I had this spring found their way to my ankles. I could only thank heavens no-one was walking past on the sidewalk. So I went shopping and bought 3 pairs of linen pants. I bought 1 light beige top with abstract blue flowers that co-ordinates with two of the pants (one beige and one navy). The other pair is a fine pale blue and white stripe, which looks like a delicate seersucker but is actually linen. All o mine were made in Italy and found at Winners. I absolutely love your linen dress. The top is really baggy but I love it in the hot weather.

La Vie Quotidienne said...

A perfect dress for warmer weather. Very cute and I am sure quite comfortable.

Now that I have finally finished the entry hall drapes. I plan on making a few summer dresses. It has been "scorching" here and I find dresses and skirts the best for the summer months.

Wishing you the best on your test - I know how miserable it is to wait for the results.

Cheryl Fortier said...

It’s been very hot here and linen is one of my go to’s. I just bought 2 new linen dresses on our weekend getaway in Toulouse. Your dress is lovely, a perfect frock for SW France!
Hope that your test results come back negative. Bisous

Anonymous said...

The dress is very pretty!!! I, too, like linen. I recently purchased a linen dress and was told it may shrink 1-2 inches. Please let us know if yours does.

La Contessa said...

IT WILL BE FINE.....................NO WORRIES!
HOT HERE TODAY TOO I have been gardening!Headed to the shower for a rinse than will DON a CAFTAN!

Jeannine said...

Dress looks lovely on you. I think it suits you very well. One way I'm keeping cool is with a frozen lemonade vodka slush - never made this recipe before and it's quite refreshing! Definitely a keeper. Keeping a good thought for you, as always.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you as you wait for your results. Carol in Vt.

Lorrie said...

Your new dress looks cool and feminine - perfect for the weather we're having. Now that I'm done school for a bit, I'm spending time sewing. Summer dresses are easy to make and so lovely to wear.
I hope your results are clear. Waiting is always so difficult.

Julie said...

Perfect dress for the right price. You can dress it up or down and still be very comfortable. Wishing you five years of wear with this one too.

Your concern with waiting for test results is understandable. I'm in the yearly mammogram category also.

materfamilias said...

That dress is great! Such fun boho touches -- Very Summer of Love grown-up style, right? 50 years later, can you believe it?!

Sandra Sallin said...

Love your dress. You look adorable in it. Your roses are spectacular. I agree with Daisy Farm re a biopsy. I've had them and they are a relief. I have a mamogram every year. We have to be our own advocate. You have a history so you need to take care of yourself! I've learned that the hard way.

Adele said...

Fingers crossed your results come back negative. I, too, have a yearly mammogram because my mother had breast cancer, but she developed it later in life (around 68? 70?), which my doctor suggested is less likely to indicate a strong genetic risk factor. Still, I always breathe a sign of relief when I get the results back. Actually, I'm much more concerned about the strong history of Alzheimer's Disease in my mother's family.

Love the dress! I think linen always looks so cool and composed in the hot weather, even when it's wrinkled. And the wrinkles don't bother me one little bit, though I have friends who won't wear it at all, just for that very reason.

Anonymous said...

Leslie...the dress is beautiful. You look great in it. I think you'll get your money's worth.

I agree with Daisy Farm. As a breast cancer survivor, I know the importance of early diagnosis. Ask for a biopsy if you're worried. And, I might add...if your doc is reluctant or refuses, self-refer to a clinic in the United States. Not as expensive as you'd expect. I had to find a hospital there for life-saving surgery, because the wait time in Alberta was unacceptable. Even for an urgent procedure. Best money I ever spent.

All the best...I will be waiting for a good report!

Dawn

Carol B. said...

I love your dress! It does look like it will keep you cool. I live I Texas and it is hard to keep cool during the summer without sitting in front of an air conditioner.
I understand how waiting for the results of your test can be very anxiety producing. My Mother had breast cancer and so did two of my aunts. I have had a couple of scares myself. Wishing you the best.

Anonymous said...

Your dress is lovely and a great option for this heat. It looks like a good weight, not too sheer or low cut. I never understand why they manufacture some linen tops that need a camisole underneath???
Good luck with the appointment.
Suz from Vancouver

GG said...

Do you know what a treasure you are?! A real woman in a real world that you share with us through your eloquent words and gorgeous pictures combined with personal touches of joy, elegance, zest and sensibility! Sending positive thoughts and prayers for good test results, please take care!

DaniBP said...

Love your new dress, what an amazing find. So nice to see a cool dress that also has sleeves, I've been looking for items like that without success.
Thinking of you and hoping everything is fine with your mammogram, I agree with Daisy Farm, I would ask for further tests. Too bad we have to wait so long for our healthcare here though. xo

Kristien62 said...

What an absolutely lovely dress, Leslie! I can see it dressed casually for day with low sandals and a casual bag; and dressed up with fabulous jewelry and great wedged sandals. I purchased a denim frock with raw edges and low pockets that I am wearing constantly this summer.

I just finished my fifth year cancer-free and know every emotion that you are experiencing. Early detection saved my life and I know that your vigilance will guarantee a good outcome for you. I must say that the tense time that accompanied my diagnosis gave way to a time of great blessings. The young technicians that carried out my treatments were a delight and I have many good memories of my association with those angels. I bless that office every time I go by. My physicians were thoughtful and caring. My friends were supportive. Moral to the story- I have been through worse and hope that you get a clean bill of health. Best wishes.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I am reading the Girls in the Garden right now...a mystery.
I can recommend the The Birth House and The Virgin Cure by Ami McKay...and I heard her newest book The Witches of New York is fabulous.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh that sewing job sounds tricky...good for you to have the patience to keep going! Your dress sounds perfect for a summer wedding!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Ah I can imagine your shock at the distressing pants "affair!"
That happened to my grandmother but it was a pair of knickers that she had on underneath a dress and she just kept walking away and hoped that no one would notice!
Winners has some great bargains...lovely linens too.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

You are so clever when it comes to sewing, making drapes and recovering furniture...and now you tell me that you can sew clothes! I AM impressed and your green thumb is evident in all your garden posts.
Please show us what you make on your blog...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh that is fabulous that you got to do some shopping in Toulouse!
My dress is not very different from the ones that I saw the women wearing in SW France...i think they were made in Italy too.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I will let you know...my other linen dress from Italy did not shrink but I washed it in cool water and hung it to dry.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Yes its caftan weather here too!
You wear yours with such panache...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Sounds like a very tasty lemonade indeed! Cheers!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Hi Carol,
Many thanks...will keep my fingers crossed.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

One day I may need tp take a sewing course...I took sewing classes in high school but my results were not that great...."bubble darts" and "sloppy zippers" were the comments that I received from my teachers!
Have fun sewing...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I'd love to get 5 years out of this dress...I do not buy that many things and so I am relatively hard on clothes...repeat wearings do tend to lessen the life of garments.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Summer of love...oh boy that takes me back!
Haight Ashbury and all those songs...we have "love ins" in the park....daisies in our hair and hippie clothes! Great memories.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I know what you mean...advocating for ourselves is very important. I do plan to schedule an appointment with my GP. Often times we do have to learn the hard way...those lessons stick with us.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Alzheimers is dreadful...my MIL has it too...so sad to see her decline.
I don't mind the wrinkles in linen either...its part of the charm of the natural fabric.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Good that you were proactive and able to fast track your surgery and get the care that you needed and that the outcome was favourable. It's great advice...I will report back here when I learn more.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Carol I have a friend who carries the BCRA gene for cancer and in her family relatives had many incidents of breast cancer...have you been tested for that gene?
Its not as hot here as it is in Texas...we only have a fan and plenty of cold lemonade to help us keep cool...the linen dress helps too!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

A camisole underneath a linen top would make it extra hot too...my dress is not too sheer...I saw a lovely white one but it was far too sheer. I agree with you that many dresses are too low at the neck or the straps are too skimpy to wear with a bra...and that is something that I cannot go without at my age!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh my goodness...what a sweet comment. I read this to a friend and we both agreed that you were very kind and thoughtful.
Thank you so much!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Our healthcare system is truly overloaded...I would pay extra to be fast tracked too but that is not even an option here.
The long sleeves are loose and do not make this dress too hot...perhaps you will find a dress if you keep looking. I purchased mine at Marshalls...not sure if you have one back east but its worth a try.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

You have my utmost admiration to have come through a tough diagnosis and treatment with such positivity and grace. You are a role model and congratulations on your 5 year anniversary...cheers to many more years!

Deborah Montgomery said...

Love the dress!! Wonderful. Perfect for summer.
Those test scares are awful, aren't they? Praying everything is A-OK. xo Deborah

Jennifer said...

Cute dress. Definitely got a touch of boho and so fun. It's been scorching here, and not pleasant. Praying things are OK for you. It is a very scary.