Flagler Beach, Florida
What do you think of first when someone mentions Florida?
- Retirement homes? Of course! There’s plenty of them, most looking pretty swanky, if I may add.
- Alligators? So did I. Still haven’t had a pleasure of meeting one. We did, however, pass an alligator farm on our drive to St. Augustine, but that’s a story for another post.
- Dangerous sharks eating people in the ocean? Not sure if this is what people normally think of, but according to my mother, the know-it-all of world’s every catastrophe (and with the back up of National Geographic, local researchers and many public statistics) Florida happens to be a home of the shark attack capital of the world. While we did stay just 30 km away from this fatal place, New Smyrna Beach, I haven’t witnessed any shark attacks in the area.
Have you, however, thought about large colourful butterflies? As big as your hand?! Because Florida enjoys a whole army of those! What about armadillos or opossums? Yes, they do peacefully coexist one the same piece of land, of the same suburban neighbourhood. Together with lizards and Bambis. And by Bambis I mean beautiful, elegant deer. A whole bunch of deer families, actually. With loads of tiny, cute baby fawns cheerfully hopping in your back yard. Sounds too idealistic? Well, folks, what can I tell you. Add some funky tunes by the variety of birds to this image, add the quick wit of very skinny squirrels, add a “Howdy” from a friendly neighbour, and you got yourself a real Florida experience.
On Christmas Eve, last December, we headed to Ormond Beach, Florida. The weather seemed promising, but it was still hard to imagine myself relaxing on the beach, or in the back yard, in a summer dress with pleasant sunny days and temperatures above 20C. Once landed at the airport in Orlando, and when I took that first breath of warm air - well that is when it really hit me! Damn, I’m spending my first Christmas in a summer-weathered environment! I don’t need to layer my dresses anymore!
On one of those warm days, we drove to Flagler Beach via our favourite local route - Old Dixie Highway. Behind this entertaining name is the road, first planned in 1914, connecting Chicago and Miami. It northern Florida it is enriched with the most incredible views, miles of natural tunnels made of arches of palm trees and other tropical leaves hanging low, as well as windows opening your view to the abundance of Florida lakes, ponds, and wetlands.
As if these views are not breathtaking enough, when you finally arrive to the coastal road, the whole impressiveness of Florida’s beach life becomes obvious. Colourful beach houses are layered along miles of sandy shore. Each one of hem has a porch with a couple of sun chairs, or a chunky comfy sofa, as you wish - it’s Florida life. A very interesting industrial element also becomes obvious. A massive water tank tower stands tall, painted in pleasant aqua colour, with “Flagler Beach” written over the balloon-like top, it somehow adds charm to the aesthetic of this laid-back coastal town.
And while Tim positioned himself on the beach, taking in the fresh air and views, I headed on an adventure of my own around the beach. I love how all the natural elements of that place turned out in the photos, so without further ado, let’s jump to the outfit as well!
For this shoot I wore:
NA-KD dress (out of stock)
This feminine, frill-full dress helped me forget it’s peak of winter, and joined me in enjoying the breeze on this warm day
There’s nothing that can win me as fast as a neat, classic model. It brings out the nostalgic vibes, and as a nostalgic 90s kid, I’m a real sucker for it. Plus, I love the combination of retro blue and lemon on them! Since they are the comfiest trainers, I have ordered another pair in a different colour since.
Next week we’re heading north. To St. Augustine.
Stay tuned and, of course - chic
Dina x