Hello friends! I am not sure that Southern Ohio has really settled for Fall weather yet. The thermometer keeps a steady red line up into the eighty degree range, making it quite impossible to stay in sweaters and socks at present. Providentially, a lightweight turtleneck from recent shopping trip to Goodwill, and a sudden drop of temperature made it so I could comfortably fake my autumnal style for a day.
Top: Thrifted / Skirt, Belt, Earrings: Forever 21 / Shoes: Thrifted (Chelsea Crew)
When I first wore my newly thrifted grey turtleneck it happened to be in the mid seventies outside. I was getting ready for the day, and had an outfit of a short-sleeved top and light-weight skirt picked out, but I still was unsure about the paring. So, I consulted Charlotte for ideas. She took one look at the summery garments I had in my hand, promptly challenged me to try again, and this time come up with a Autumnal-looking outfit. She didn’t seem to care or even notice that it was rather warm outside. However, not wanting to make a fuss, I went back into my room, pulled out my new turtleneck, paired it with my rust and cream polka dot skirt, and tied it together with my black belt and shoes. I took a look in the mirror and thought, “Yes, I think looking like an autumnal fawn will fit the bill for today!” I met Charlotte in the hall, and she gave me the eye of approval. Success had been met.
So, about my turtleneck: when I was at Goodwill, I was looking specifically for blouses and sweaters. I didn’t find either of those, but what I did find were two lightweight turtlenecks, with waist-high ribbing; the grey one had 3/4 length sleeves, and the cream had full length sleeves. I thought, “Well, they’re not what I was looking for, but they’re just the things I need.” I was one happy lady!
As always, I want to leave something nice and thoughtful with you all as I do with nearly all of my posts, and today, its all about YOU!
There are many in the world, aye, even in the Christian world who would like to think that blogs serve no other purpose than to be platforms in which people like me and my sisters can put up content that thrills and informs at best, or merely entertains at worst. In their minds the content put up on sites like ours will eventually be forgotten and die away like so many flowers in Autumn. But those people have all missed something magical about the blogosphere–Community! There are real people behind blogs, who speak on real genres that they’re passionate about, to other real people. It is undeniable the sense of community involved with a blog!
But let’s get back to you. I want you all to know what a gift you have been to me, personally, over this past year. Though I met many troubles long the way, those troubles were met and matched in volume with love and support from all of you. Such memorable, well-written messages of hope could never have been given to me if it were not for blogging. The well-meaning people, who say blogging is a waste of time, have no real idea concerning the depth of sadness, understanding, encouragement, hope, love, joy, or peace just one post can bring to numerous people. Over and over again, I have read many of your comments that say things like, This post was exactly what I needed to read today, or, I know exactly what you’re going through…, etc.
More than anything, this year has shown me that when I am down, or am struggling with something, I know that there will be more than a few of you who have been there before, and know just what to say to help me back up again. The Lord has used you all in so many ways to get me through the year with my feet firmly planted at the cross. So, to you lovely readers, I give you my heartfelt thanks. Ultimately, though, I give the Lord my heart of gladness, praise and thanksgiving for using our blog to connect you and I together to “bear one another’s burdens in love”.
Along these lines, if you have not yet heard the plight concerning our beloved advertiser, Jessica, from Chronically Vintage, in our most recent post, then please, take a moment to read her tragic story of the fire that burned up her home and all her worldly possessions. The girls and I have already reached out to her to donate to her family’s cause, as well as keeping her in our prayers. As she has already testified on her blog, the sense of community that has come together to help her and her family has been overwhelming in the least, and has given her so much hope. Please join us as we band together to help this sweetheart of a woman, defying this belief that blogs are not worth our while!
What did you like about my outfit?
Is the weather at all like Fall where you live?
What do you appreciate about blogs?
Blessings and love to you all!
Jessica, the Eldest Sister
Marilyn says
10/18/2016 at 2:46 PMI love your outfit. my favorite is the skirt. It is very warm here in New York. I enjoy your blog and look forward to your posts. Please do not stop the blog. Thank you for this blog.
Marilyn
Jessica says
10/18/2016 at 7:40 PMThank you for saying so, Marilyn! We won’t, don’t worry. We may not always be able to post, I’ll take the week leading up to Brigi’s wedding as an example, but we won’t stop, so long as it is the Lord’s will.
Blessings,
Jessica, the Eldest Sister
MARLENE SIMON says
10/18/2016 at 2:53 PMDear Jessica,
I love your outfit, especially your skirt and your shoes. By fall is well Located, rain is the appointment and the temperature ranges from 0 to 10 degrees Celsius in the morning. This is the reason pay Which I caught a bad cold. See You soon. With love ?. Marlène ? ?
Jessica says
10/18/2016 at 7:37 PMOh dear! I will pray you get over you cold as quickly as possible, Marléne!
Love and prayers,
Jessica, the Eldest Sister
MARLENE SIMON says
10/18/2016 at 11:18 PMThank you very much. ?
Miss pond says
10/18/2016 at 2:59 PMBlogs are totally worth their while. There will be people for whom the only contact that day will be through a blog comment, and I would never have gotten to know wonderful people, such as yourself, were it not for blogging. I am eternally grateful for the support given through truly inspiring blogs like yours. The gorgeous Jessica Cangiano, is also someone who writes wonderful posts, and it’s our turn to pick her up and carry her through the ashes to a brighter future. I can tell that her tragedy has played on your mind, much like it has mine, and it’s very thoughtful of you to mention her again today. I pray she keeps receiving the support she needs.
I love your outfit, it’s beautifully autumnal. It’s quite chilly here at the moment, I have my thick tights on, but I get very cold legs and feet anyway.
Take heart, sweet girl, I see peace beginning to return to your face.
Jessica says
10/18/2016 at 7:35 PMIt is only so true.
Thank you, my friend. I only wish it were slightly more on the crisp side here, but it will come soon enough. You and I must have the same problem with bad circulation. My hands and feet are always blue when the temperatures drop, unless I keep moving.
I am so glad to know that. Thank you for saying so, Miss Pond. 🙂
Love,
Jessica, the Eldest Sister
Mary says
10/18/2016 at 3:09 PMHi Jessica!
I just want to say this post has been so uplifting. I wasn’t having the greatest day but when I checked your blog and saw this beautiful post, it tugged at my heart strings. Even though I don’t know you girls personally, I feel we are great friends because you really care about all of the people on your blog. That is really special to me. And your blog is incredibly special to me because you reach out to your readers and genuinely care about them. That is what I really do appreciate about your blog. And you looked absolutely gorgeous in that outfit! I love your hair! Did you pin curl it? I especially love the skirt.. ?
Blessings,
Mary
PS: You should be receiving a letter from me soon ❤️✉️
Jessica says
10/18/2016 at 7:32 PMPraise the Lord! I am so glad to read that the words I wrote today were a blessing in your life, Mary. You don’t know how much that pleases me. For me it means that the Lord put those words into my head for the very purpose to uplift sisters in Christ like you. 🙂
Oh, thank you! Yes, I did pin-curl it a bit. Not the usual tight pin curls, but bigger, looser ones. I think I will be doing a tutorial on it soon, so you can see how I did it.
Blessings to you, too, dear!
Jessica, the Eldest Sister
P.S. Oh goodie! Friend mail!
Racheal says
10/18/2016 at 3:39 PMThere you go, looking like Vera Lynn again! 😀
I like getting to know people through their blogs–so I guess what you said about community is about right. 🙂 I’m sure glad I accidentally stumbled onto this one two, three years ago now! Sure, I like the bits about vintage fashions, or history, or inspiring/edifying/uplifting words, etc.–but what I like most is the friendships that can and do get formed because of a blog. You realize, that if it weren’t for this blog that I probably never would have gone to RWWII the first time and never met you and therefore we never would have ended up being friends? No. Blogs aren’t a waste of time….
Jessica says
10/18/2016 at 7:28 PMWhat is it with these look-a-likes! I have been likened to Vera Lynn, Vera Ellen… Charlotte says its because they all have a down-to-earth look about them, and I have an old-fashioned look. But to me, an artist, I see only a very slight resemblance. It will be a mystery to me, I guess…
Are you serious?!? I had no idea (or else forgot, sorry!) that it was through our blog that you learned about RWWII! Wowzah! Well that sure is a cool thing! I won’t soon forget that fact now, you can be sure of that!
Nope, indeed. Blogs are not a waste of time. I am so thankful it brought you and I together to be friends, Racheal!
Love always,
Jessica, the Eldest Sister
Racheal says
10/18/2016 at 7:33 PMYou’re right…I meant Vera Ellen! 😀 But come to think of it, you do bear a resemblance to Vera Lynn too.
Love you!!
~~Racheal
Jessica says
10/18/2016 at 8:02 PMHahaha! 😀 Okay, lets just put them all in a blender shall we and see what comes out! I think the result would still look different from me. 😉
Merrily,
Jessica
Linda Justin says
10/18/2016 at 3:49 PMDear Jessica and Charlotte,
Thankyou for your lovely blog.
Charlotte i love your photography!
I was so excited to discover Christian ladies who love vintage and old songs from the 30s and 40s!
God bless you all.
Love Linda
An Australian sister in the Lord.
Jessica says
10/18/2016 at 7:20 PMThank you for blessing us with your sweet comment, Linda. Welcome to The Boyer Sisters! We are so glad to have you around, knowing that you are a fellow sister in Christ. Praise the Lord!
God bless you, too, dear!
Jessica, the Eldest Sister
Victoria Love says
10/18/2016 at 4:06 PMJessica, that outfit is absolutely darling, and I must say I’m more than a little jealous of your shoes! I wish I could pull off a turtleneck; you do it so beautifully!
I rarely (if ever,)comment on anything, but I discovered your blog sometime in 2013 and instantly fell in love with the three of you. I’ve laughed at the fun posts and cried with the sad, and while I know I’m not intimately acquainted with your lives, the bits and pieces you share make me feel as though I’m a distant friend, keeping up with your letters! I watched as the last year brought you great hardship, and while I never left a message, I prayed and prayed and prayed some more, and sent you all the good thoughts I had. I’ve been through eerily similar experiences, and already felt so akin to you, Jessica, it was easy to get caught up in what you were feeling.
Never suppose you are alone. There are many who’s lives you’ve touched without your even knowing. ?
Victoria Love
Jessica says
10/18/2016 at 7:18 PMVictoria, to tell you the truth, I have been searching for a pair of chunky-heeled oxfords like my black ones in the post for years now! Before I found these, it was always the girls who managed to find good shoes like these. However, that changed last Fall when I found them sitting on a rack in Goodwill. That was a happy day, indeed! And my favorite feature would be the practical, grippy soles.
Thank you for coming out and saying hello to us after these past few years of silent readership. I just love it when readers like you do that. For me it means that I have really struck home with something that I said to make you feel at home enough to come out and say hello.
So, Hello, Victoria! We’re so glad to meet you! And I just want to add here, that it is people like you that keep us going, giving us that extra boost to do even better than we have before. God, ultimately, is the reason why we are bloggers, and it is for His glory that we do what we do here.
Hugs and blessings,
Jessica, the Eldest Sister
Stephanie says
10/18/2016 at 4:41 PMI love your blog as it is always so encouraging! Don’t let anyone make you feel bad or vain for having a blog. It’s one way that you are sharing your light and encouragement with the world. I’m sure Paul would have been an avid blogger if he had the internet in his day!
P.S. I love your outfit. It is definitely not fall like here in Florida. We don’t really get fall till January. 🙁
Jessica says
10/18/2016 at 7:08 PMThank you, Stephanie! You’re the boon of encouragement, my dear!
Living up North makes it easy to forget that the seasons are so much different just a few States down from us. It must have been a funny transition for you to not have to layer up for half the the year.
Happily,
Jessica, the Eldest Sister
Sarah says
10/18/2016 at 4:59 PMI like the idea of calling your outfit autumnal fawn. It conjures up a lovely picture of a fawn out in a lovely fall landscape under red and yellow colored leaves.
The weather in Oregon is rather rainy lately with cooler temperatures. Some of that I believe is to blame on a Typhoon in the Pacific, and that might also have something to do with the tornado that hit the coast.
I agree that blogs have value. I love to connect with the readers of my blog through their comments, and also connect with other bloggers by leaving comments on their blogs. I learn things from other blogs, but then I also feel I am not alone when I find someone who shares my interests, because not many of my local friends (as much as I love them) share my extreme passion for the 1940’s and for sewing.
And I am so sorry for Jessica. I know I will miss her presence in the blogging community while she and Tony deal with this tragedy.
Sarah
Jessica says
10/18/2016 at 7:04 PMThat is precisely the idea behind the title, Sarah. I’m glad you like it. 🙂
I had no idea that you live in my birth State! I was born in Portland, Oregon. Where do you live? I have heard of the weather situation out west, and thought it could have been worse than it is, I’m not surprised that you all got a dose of rain out there.
That is another great point you bring up concerning blogs–the fact that we can learn from a lot of them. There are so many blogs on health, sewing, crafting, Christian world views, and so many others! It can be difficult to sort through the seemingly endless articles if you’re researching a specific thing, like a health regime or something like that.
Yes, her presence, as well as her wonderful Etsy shop! I am just devastated that all the work she put into that business is completely gone.
Blessings to you, dear,
Jessica, the Eldest Sister
Sarah says
10/19/2016 at 10:53 AMI live in Corvallis, and although I was not born in Oregon, go Idaho!, I have lived here most of my life. Around here anyway, rain is rather a normal part of fall, winter, and spring. 🙂 I am sure that it is not quite so bad as I think, but that seems to be the majority of our weather. 🙂
Yes, I will definitely miss her Etsy shop too! I always loved getting my orders from her. She does such a great job of showering love on her customers.
I don’t know which one of you it was, but I want to thank you for following my Instagram profile, sewcharacteristicallyyou. It means a lot to me as part of being connected in the blogging community.
With love,
Sarah
Jessica says
10/19/2016 at 7:32 PMAh, so you’re just a few hours south of Portland. Neat! Yep, I remember all that rain. It was an integral part of the weather around that region of the North West. Just can’t get away from it. 😉
That was the best part, besides getting to touch what you ordered, the fact that she really went all out when it came to customer service and attention to detail.
Of course! That was Charlotte, who did that. We were glad to find you on Instagram.
Love and blessings,
Jessica
Sarah says
10/19/2016 at 8:50 PMIt’s fun to find those little commonalities that you have with other bloggers. Do you remember any particular place in Oregon that you liked to visit for the natural beauty?
Well, thanks again! And if you are ever on my blog, I would love to hear from you!
Love,
Sarah
Alisha says
10/18/2016 at 5:07 PMBeautiful! Could you do a post on your hairdo?
Jessica says
10/18/2016 at 6:12 PMYes, of course! Charlotte and I were going to film a hair tutorial soon, so I might just pick this one, since there are a few of you who are intrigued. 🙂
Happily,
Jessica, the Eldest Sister
Alyssa says
10/18/2016 at 5:23 PMI love your whole outfit and especially the 3/4 length sleeved turtle neck! I need one! 🙂
Jessica says
10/18/2016 at 6:10 PMThey are super handy for the in-between seasons! 🙂
Love,
Jessica, the Eldest Sister
Virginia says
10/18/2016 at 7:59 PMYour outfit was amazing. Love it! It is fall here in Maine and this year’s colors are astounding. Not looking forward to winter but that is what is needed for nature to be beautiful. I read the blog about the fire. Such a tragedy. My prayers are with Jessica and her family. Thank you for blogging. It is such a great community.
Sarah says
10/18/2016 at 8:35 PMOh, such a sweet outfit and post! I love how you always leave something for me to think on.
Ali Turner says
10/18/2016 at 10:46 PMJess! I do believe this is my favorite outfit of yours yet! So lovely. The shoes are so charming! And your hair is getting so long; are you growing yours out along with Charlotte? I love it!
Hugs and prayers,
Ali
Jessica says
10/19/2016 at 5:12 PMWow! Thank you, Ali! Yes, it is, isn’t it! As a bit of a spoiler, all three of us are growing out our hair! Brigid included! Can you believe that? I will miss her short hair, but she looks very pretty in long ringlets, too. 🙂
Hugs and prayers, back <3
Jessica
Emmeline Grace says
10/19/2016 at 6:01 PMThat’s so exciting that you all are growing your hair out! I’m sure it will be simply beautiful!!! ?
Bonita says
10/18/2016 at 11:57 PMI just to say how much this post resonates with me ~ you are totally right! Trying to express the worth of community and sharing like-minded thoughts in a world were we are all so busy living that we hardly get to share more than that… Blogging has brought me closer to people I would never know, to understand their hearts and mind deeper than I would otherwise, and I don’t think there are enough words in me to describe my gratitude for this community. It’s so nice to hear and be heard, isn’t it? ❤
xox,
bonita of Lavender & Twill
Jessica says
10/19/2016 at 5:18 PMIndeed it is! And, Bonita, I want to thank you personally for giving such a supportive hand to the Congianos. Well done! I hope it continues to go well as the support continues to flood their lives. 🙂
Love,
Jessica, the Eldest Sister
Nicole says
10/19/2016 at 12:02 AMThat is always so happy when you find something you’ve been needing in your wardrobe, while thrifting!
As for the weather: our weather is not at all like Fall (in Alberta, Canada). We got an extremely early winter- it snowed on October 8, and hasn’t melted away since. It seems winter is here to stay 🙁
And as for blogging- I also love the community. For the longest time I was an internet lurker; reading, but never commenting, or getting involved. But since I started my own blog, I realized the value of investing in this online community, and I enjoy it so much more now. I love, like you said, knowing that behind each blog is a real person! I appreciate your girls’ blog, as you are so real with us in sharing what you are learning and growing in. I always find a bit of encouragement when I read your posts. Keep up the good work 🙂
The Artyologist
Jessica says
10/19/2016 at 5:22 PMYes, I saw your post on Instagram about the sudden entrance of Winter. Brr! It must be frightfully cold up there! Usually when I envision myself in the winter I am walking through snow, against a strong, ice-cold wind, fighting to move freely and keep warm. A bit drastic, but I am slightly sensitive to the cold, so I much prefer the warmer seasons. I hope you’re finding good things in your surroundings, despite winter’s presence.
Thank you so much for saying so, Nicole. I enjoy your blog too, when I get a chance to pop over. 🙂
Cheerfully,
Jessica, the Eldest Sister
Madison McQuary says
10/19/2016 at 12:19 AMDefinitely loving this neutral “Autumnal” ensemble Jessica, and I must say that turtleneck sweaters are a fall favorite of mine. Sadly, however it is not yet fall where I am. The leaves might be changing and fall lingers in the air, but the temperature still reads in the 90s which is sad.
I loved what you said about the sense of community that blogging has, because it is so true! It isn’t just random people who read our blogs but REAL PEOPLE who care about what we love because they love it themselves and we all learn from each other as well as encourage each other:)
-Madison
http://www.minniemuseblog.com
Jessica says
10/19/2016 at 5:25 PMWow! What an extreme difference in weather situations for you and Nicole (from The Artyologist), Madison! She is living in sudden Winter, and you are still trying to make your way out of Summer! How funny that your comments were published right next to each other! But I do hope you get your Fall weather soon. Is this unusual for TX?
Blessings,
Jessica, the Eldest Sister
Lee says
10/19/2016 at 12:28 AMYou look gorgeous! 1950s chic. Rust is a great, unexpected color.
But when do we get to hear about the wedding??
Jessica says
10/19/2016 at 5:26 PMYou will get to see and read about it as soon as we get the photos from the wedding photographer. Have patience…it might be a little bit, yet. 🙁
Thanks for you interest!
Jessica, the Eldest Sister
Rebecca Young says
10/19/2016 at 4:08 AMI love your inspiring posts and wonderful outfits. They are always so special
It is still fairly warm here in the UK but the leaves are starting to turn brown and fall. I shall soon need to take to my warmer outfits!
Take care
Rebecca
Kaitlyn says
10/19/2016 at 4:27 AMThis outfit is beautiful, very classy. It’s spring here in Sydney, so I’m enjoying transitioning into warmer weather!
Thank YOU so much for your blog. I find you all so inspiring and encouraging. Isn’t it wonderful how blogs can connect us all over the world? I don’t have any friends that are into vintage/sewing, so I rely on the internet to get my fix!
Miss B says
10/19/2016 at 8:18 AMAutumnal fawn is a great way of describing your outfit Jessica. I adore that skirt. The weather here in the west is changing. The air has turned crisp and cool, the daylight is shrinking and the leaves are changing. Makes my desire to wear my sweaters even stronger.
I am glad you shared this. I have long struggled with the idea of blogging. I want to do it, if for no other reason than putting my thoughts out there. I feel as If I have something to say but usually have writers block when I sit down to say it because I think no one will read it. I don’t know if it is because I struggle to have proper marketing techniques to get it out there or if my ideas just don’t interest people. Either way, this was encouragement to keep trying. I will also continue to be in community with the bloggers that I follow and read.
B of Life on the Flying VS Farm.
Christina says
10/19/2016 at 9:13 AMSuch a cute outfit! Our weather here in Ontario, Canada has been alternating between very cold and frosty, and then unseasonably warm!
Christina
http://www.ourwoodhome.com
Jessica says
10/19/2016 at 5:34 PMThank you, Christina!
Hmm, it sounds like your weather has a bi-polar disorder. Haha! 😉
Happily,
Jessica, the Eldest Sister
Hadassah says
10/19/2016 at 11:49 AMI love your outfit Jessica, and you probably already know that Goodwill is MY FAVORITE store in the world! Do you go there often?
Love, Your Sister in Christ,
Hadassah S. <3
P.S. And I always LOVED that skirt, did you make it? 😉
Jessica says
10/19/2016 at 6:46 PMHello, dear! Thank you! <3 Yes, indeed, I did know that fact. It is one of mine, too. Yes, we go there fairly often.
Love you, too!
Jessica
P.S. Nope, I didn't. I bought it a couple of years ago at a store called Forever 21. I love it!
Laurel says
10/20/2016 at 9:04 AMYour outfit is so lovely, Jessica(as are you!)! Your blog is a blessing to many, thank you for sharing Christ and reflecting His beauty in all you do! <3
Laurel
Lexi says
10/21/2016 at 4:15 PMI love the skirt Jessica, you outfit is wonderful.(Those shoes too) *love*.
I really enjoyed your encouragement today, thank you for those words. I sometimes question my passion for blogging and reading blogs, and struggle with the guilt of “is this worthwhile or Christ honoring?” but overwhelmingly, I see that my life and many other lives are enriched by the fellowship of the blog world. I feel blogging is one of the most personable forms of social media, in a way that facebook or twitter rarely is able to be, and I have made so many lovely friends I would never have “met” otherwise. I want you to know too, that I regularly have prayed for you and yours this last year. Blessings, your post made my day.
Jessica says
10/22/2016 at 3:53 PMThank you, Lexi. The Lord has heard, and I have experienced the answers your prayers, and many others, over the course of this year. 🙂
Love,
Jessica, the Eldest Sister
Sanne says
10/28/2016 at 8:19 AMYou’re welcome. 🙂
And I donated immediately to Jess, and have also sent her a carepack, which I hope she has received, since it had to travel all the way from Denmark to Canada.
Wishing you all a lovely weekend.
PS: Lovely outfit, the polkadot skirt is so nice! 🙂