Into the Woods

This morning I was pleased that the sun came out gloriously, giving us respite from yesterday's perpetual rain.  I reached for my sunglasses, blinded by the brilliance of the winter rays, and declared that it was the perfect morning for a walk.  I spoke too soon.  The weather was that stereotypical 'changeable' kind that we get so often in Wales.  Literally five minutes later, the sun was completely obscured by snow clouds that flowed down our valley like a tide, leaving no more than a few metres' visibility.  Swirling snowflakes surrounded us, snatching away any warmth and replacing it with an icy chill.  I had to wait an hour for it to ease, but as soon as the sun came out we headed up the mountain into the forest.

A few minutes into our walk, and we were rewarded with the majestic sight of a bird of prey gliding silently from the top of the pine trees to its perch.  We were the only people there, and as we tread carefully over the icy ground to the shelter of the forest, it once again started to snow.  I still can't quite believe that somewhere so remote-feeling is less than 10 minutes' drive from our house.  The forest feels like the kind you'd get in a Grimm fairytale, perhaps with Red Riding Hood picking her way through the pines with a basket in hand.

Vintage dress from a Cardiff market stall, M&S tights, J Shoes boots, thrifted gloves, hat and necklace.

I've worn the '70s dress half a dozen times since I picked it up on a Cardiff market stall for a fiver.  It's quite a light cotton, so it's layered over thermals here.  The label reads 'Petri, Swedish Design.  Made in Finland'.  I love the full sleeves, and that touch of lilac velvet at the waist.  There's something a little Spring-like about the florals.  I'm sure we've not seen the last of the snow, but in anticipation of Spring I've had my hair cut - several inches off!  Sometimes you just need a change, don't you?

Linking up with: #iwillwearwhatilike, Visible Monday, Passion for Fashion, Fancy Friday