O Dogwood, O Dogwood. Ode to the Cornus Mas

Hello Friends! Happy Friday!

Every spring, we here in Kentucky get a magnificent opening show from the humbly famous Dogwoods. Their subtle and quiet beauty is intoxicating.

In the center of our very fairest of cities, dogwood blossoms (along with azaleas and redbuds) will shower you for a mile’s walk or more. It’s probably my favorite thing about Spring. It literally is like stepping into a fairy-land whenever I choose. Oh how I pity those with inhibiting allergies.

And so today I make my ode to the magnificent dogwood tree.

There is nothing better to me than using natural, unpretentious beauty towards your own material expression. So below you’ll find photos displaying different colors, types and circumstances of this deciduous snow queen. And then below those are the items that might allow you to display, wear, or wrap up in this enrapturing star of Spring.

Enjoy!

(Photos are from flickr.  Click on them for credit where credit is due.)

Crisp-yet-soft white and green traced in girly pink (A sweet knobby addition to your dresser drawers from Anthropologie, a darling print from BlackApple, and a daytime clutch by GrandpasRags’nBags.)

Black and White still strikes strong even when playful and frilly (Wear it by getting this vintage-inspired swimsuit at Kohl’s or a classic par: cardigan & ruffled top by Ann Taylor Loft. All that playing might wear you out.  Retire on this 4-season-appropriate sheet set from Anthropologie.)

Ahhh… probably my favorite: antiquated, yellowy, creamy richness with just a tint of pink; Not too girly and hints at a story! I will take all three of these please( A very practical laptop-messenger/carry-on travel bag from Kohl’s, butterflies in your ears thanks to Anthropologie, and romantic, flirty glamour at a small fraction of the price from Forever21)

While spring can charm the heck out of me, I still am hopelessly devoted to fall. So when it comes to earthy greys, purples, browns, and greens, I get it both ways.  These romantically rustic pieces are right up my alley (Scalloped Lace Silk Dress from Forever21. Mixed Metal ring necklace from Old Navy. Gorgeous “Adriana” floral duvet by  Ralph Lauren.)

Popping happy colors will take you through Spring,  right into Summer.  (Old classics get Anthropologie’s book cover make-overs. Light lunch on the front porch with this pitcher from FishsEddy. If you’re a Southern Belle – or just want to smell like one -try perfume oil by TheDirtyHouseWife. Here’s what she says about it: “Southern Belle is a bold and daring fragrance that only a true Southern Belle could handle–pink dogwood, moon garden gardenia, peony, steel magnolias, a bit of sweet honeysuckle, and slow poured southern whiskey.”)

And finally we keep it at Southern veranda charm ’cause where else does the glory of the Dogwood shine? Light and romantic and full of adventure.  I wish I were describing myself but instead it’s what I think of these darlings. (If Scarlett were here and dressing casual, I think she just might love this handmade floral mini-dress from JenniferLillyDesigns.  How could you have a true Southern front porch without a rocking chair? This one’s pricey but absolutely priceless. Find it here. And it is taking everything in me not to snatch up this necklace (and the fabric/background behind it too). If you talk to SparklePeach, you tell her I’ll be comin’ round her shop soon for some browsin’.)