Poppy Poses At The Denver Botanic Gardens

On a bright and sunny day in August, Diana and The SC wandered the exterior areas of the Denver Botanic Gardens HERE.  Within walking distance from my home, this Denver treasure offers hours of magical splendor that I enjoy several times a year, throughout the seasons. However, today we barely touched the surface of what is located within this landmark by lingering along its boundaries on both sides of the street that passes by its entrance.

As I composed an outfit worthy of the Botanic Gardens, each piece that met my gaze was decidedly vintage.  This vintage straw headpiece adorned with its brilliant red poppy and wide black taffeta ribbon which drapes to the nape of the neck, caught my eye as I walked into the hat room. This was my starting point, and the memories of wearing this hat in the 70’s, dancing with abandon, brought a smile to my face.  It’s about time this beloved beauty had another outing!

The red skirt flew out of its closet as soon as I noticed that it matched the red of the poppy.  The skirt consists of two layers of organza, and has slits on both sides, almost to the waist.  I chose to accessorize the hat with a vintage black silk satin slip with sheer silk trim at the hemline and lace trim which emerges from the neckline of the vintage sheer blouse with large collar. Its long attached belt wraps around the waist and when tied in the back, creates a peplum which gives me pleasure.

I’ve noticed that in ‘Discovering Denver’ I have become aware of changes within myself. As I focus on the beauty that greets me daily in the city that I love, I have a new appreciation and gratitude for my life in the here and now.  I feel more alive and tuned in to my surroundings.

To have been well-loved, appreciated for who I am to the bone, to have been accepted unconditionally and not destroyed nor injured in the midst of conflict which makes a visit in any relationship of substance, I emerge from the intensity of grief to explore the world in a new way.  This love will always be with me, bathing every cell with its powerful abundance. Living with Nelson was a gift that continues to give, that changed me and now allows me to embrace the life that has come forth from the embers of loss. To greet each day with a newly opened heart.  To breathe in new experiences and let the sun shine on my face as I admire beds of flowers and a multitude of vegetation, dressed in vintage from head to toe.

That’s not to say that grief is finished with me, as it can take hold once again on anniversary dates or when an experience that triggers a memory ignites a new insight or perspective.  Similar to shedding the red skirt, another layer emerges.  One more playful and lighthearted, as we explore the sculpture within the parking garage across the street from the Garden’s entrance.

The mid level of the sculpture, along with concrete and metal, provides the background for the change of sheer gloves to red lace, and the rhinestone earrings bounce off the bling of the buttons on the sheer black blouse purchased at The Vintage Studio HERE. Except for the blouse, the red earrings from the Artisan Center HERE, and the rhinestone earrings from a consignment store,  all pieces in this ensemble were discovered at estate sales over the years.

The top of the parking garage reveals the tip of the sculpture, which is difficult to see because of the blazing sun.  But somehow I like the effect.  Sometimes that which is unseen can be the most intriguing and complex, as in the feelings that I experience in the 70th year of my life, without my partner, but with a desire to participate in the richness of life with all of its twists and turns and the awareness that I, as the lovely Patti would say, am Not Dead Yet HERE.

The flat stone at the base of the sculpture provides a platform for the vintage shoes that peek from beneath sheer silk.  The shoes, with a Neusteters label, are open toed suede pumps embellished with suede detailing.  By the 1920s, the Neusteter Company was the most fashionable women’s clothing store in Denver.  Sadly the department store closed in 1985; I have found many treasures at estate sales with its label signifying elegance and timeless style.

Returning to the black sheer gloves provides a third option of self expression, allowing The SC to participate in Spy Girl’s 52 Pick- me-up: Triple Play HERE.  Though the changes are subtle, there are three outfit combos included in our romp through the fringes of the Gardens.

Photos by Diana

Twirling on flat stone adjacent to the Garden’s grasses for the ‘sheer’ delight of the moment!

Just because I’m alive!

Speaking of the lovely Patti, I’m twirling off to Visible Monday HERE, eager to see what the other gorgeous bloggers have to reveal in August, as the morning chill hints of fall and more substantial layers to come.

Many thanks to Ari Seth Cohen for the inclusion in 30 Of The Most Wild And Wonderful Hats You’ve Ever Seen at Advanced Style HERE.  Now there’s a post that instantly provides a “hat attack” of enormous magnitude!

Which leads me to mention that Hat Attack will be featured again on September 1st HERE.  I’m waiting in anticipation to gaze upon the beauties sent my way!