Vestment

I bought this baroque beaded vest a couple of summers ago, and usually wear it open with a crop top. But during the colder months, I realised I could get away with belting it and wearing it as a dress; I think this probably makes is less boho and lends a more refined edge, more in tune with my style. I believe it's from the late 60's, the longer length and ornate pattern touching on hippy style but retaining some tailored structure. Worn here with a white turtleneck (I lived in this all winter), topped off with an Edwardian paste star brooch. I wanted to add some patent accessories, opting for a decidedly retro hat-box bag by Liberty of London, and the shiniest and pointiest of shoes. It's a weirdly 1960s tinged, monochromatic-mod look for me, no?  

Vintage vest, H&M turtleneck, Liberty of London bag, Signature shoes. 

Patent shoes when they were box-fresh and dangerously pointy

Pleats (and Pastel Fur) Please

I admit, I've fallen prey to mass-fashion's predilection for culottes. Not that I consciously avoid trends, but they don't dictate my wardrobe, and this is one I never thought I'd wear. As a staunch believer in the straight/skinny variety of trousers, this is pretty much a sartorial paradigm shift. But damn they are comfy, and I'm partial to the deco/speakeasy-gangster vibe they give off. I bought this micro-pleated pair last year. not whilst shopping for culottes, but whilst fulfilling my want for an Issey Miyake Pleats Please garment. Paired with a white turtleneck, and pastel blue stole (that I like to wear as some sort of pageant sash for some reason), this is an unusually silhouette driven ensemble for me. Apologies to those that hate matchy-matchiness, but colour-coordination is in my blood, and I just had to match my nails, socks, and necklace to the pale blue fur.      

Vintage coat and bag, H&M turtleneck, vintage stole, Issey Miyake Pleats Please culottes, Chloé shoes, vintage jewellery. 

Celluloid Cameo

I had a real thirst for some black cameo jewellery last year, probably due to my prolonged gazing upon Victorian women and their jewels (see why in this post). In lieu of more authentically Victorian jet or bog-oak jewellery, I purchased a 1930's galalith and celluloid cameo necklace- giving me the same aesthetic, but at a lower cost. It looks wonderful contrasted against a light background, as worn here with a blush, micro-ribbed turtleneck. Is it blush? I can't find the right word to describe the colour; it's not pink enough to be blush, and is too coppery to be nude. Fawn maybe? I don't know, but it's gorgeous and I like confounding people with my illusory semi-nakedness. 

Antique bag, ASOS shoes, Marc x Marc Jacobs scarf, Silvian Heach coat, H&M top and trousers, vintage jewels.