Peachy PJ's

Pretty standard summer uniform for me of skinny black trousers, strappy sandals, and a standout blouse. This dreamy silk blouse is an original 20s/30s piece -most probably worn as an item of loungewear- displaying a typically Oriental touch in its style. I was pretty excited to find it fitted me, as I believe it to be a child's...hurrah for my small shoulders (although wild arm movements are out of the question). The colour is a soft coppery-apricot, with deep blue trims and an applique of lilac and green, and there is a teeny tiny functional pocket to the bottom. The buttoned, asymmetrical high-neck and applique preclude the wearing of a necklace, which is weird for me as a devoted wearer of necklaces; some fancy earrings were therefore required, and these self-made copper tassels did just nicely. A large copper tote and matchy lilac nails completed the look. Can anyone date it more accurately for me? 

Vintage blouse, Topshop sandals, Ted Baker bag, ASOS trousers., self-made earrings, vintage jewels.

Blue-lined Beauty

I bought this 1920s jacket two summers ago and I remember waiting impatiently for some cooler weather to start wearing it. Despite the fur cuffs, it is incredibly light-weight and no good for actual winter weather, but I have a few windows of opportunity to wear it during the transitional months and cooler summer days (we get a lot of those during an English summer). It is a little on the large side, so I tend to belt it- though worn loose the beautiful blue silk lining and swing cut are better appreciated. There are so many reasons I adore this piece; Mandarin collar and fur-cuffs aside, the print is an incredible mix of all my favourite colours- royal blue, burnt orange, and burgundy. It was sold to me as a 1920s adaptation of a Victorian shawl, something quite common at the time. The jacket certainly bears all the hallmarks of being a handmade, re-purposed shawl, but the pattern looks printed, not woven, and seems unusual in design/colour to be genuinely Victorian. Not sure what to think, but I love it regardless. Perhaps someone more familiar with Victorian shawls could enlighten me?

Vintage jacket and bag, ASOS shoes and trousers, H&M blouse, antique/vintage jewellery

Matching blue nails, and blue glass brooch, were a must.