Cameo

We had a mini heat-wave at the start of October, giving me the chance to wear this dress one final time this year. Once again I found myself inspired by Bottega Veneta and their jewellery offerings...this time the lava cameo pieces presented for SS2011. The usual fusty connotations of cameos were turned on their head with varying shades of carved lava rock and blackened filigree. The classic Roman profiles carved from volcanic lava got me thinking of Ancient Rome, Vesuvius, draping...basically, that's how I got to this outfit. I dug out a few cameo pieces (annoyed I forgot about my cameo ring...oh well)....and added a tasselled belt I searched for months for and have hardly worn.  

Vintage dress, belt (eBay), shoes (Bruno Premi)

Faux-bob, angular liner and no lipstick (I barely recognise myself without painted lips!)

images from bottegaveneta.com and style.com

Gold Shell

This outfit began with the bag; a pale gold, shell shaped beauty. From there, I developed some sort of 'turn of the century, summer seaside look.' I love the brooch I'm wearing because it looks like its been at the bottom of the sea for a while... although its colours are pretty awkward to fit into my outfits so it really doesn't get worn much at all. Mint green and pearl accents finished the look off (pearls come from the sea too! I do like to carry a theme through).

Hat (Accessorize), bag (Zandra Rhodes), vintage shoes, vintage bag, skirt (Asos)

Wild, curly mermaid hair (i.e. I didn't have time to straighten it) and mint green eyes.

I created a little seaside themed treasury over at Etsy. I was feeling quite shell-y after I bought the bag! Creating treasuries is similar to using polyvore to create sets, except its a little more restrictive. I think I prefer it this way though.

Blood Orange

Excuse the wintry outfits, but I came across two sets of photos which were never posted and thought they deserved an airing. I wonder whether anyone else goes through 'phases' of loving certain colour combinations as I do? I remember a green/blue/purple phase, a coral/green phase which developed into a coral/royal blue phase...and in recent months, a burgundy/orange phase. It's been difficult finding the exact shade of coppery orange I adore, but that hasn't stopped me trying.

Outfit one - Vintage hat, scarf and belt, blouse (M&S), cardigan (Topshop), trousers (H&M), shoes (Office).

Stupidly wonderful shoes which were love at first sight... velvet; burgundy; fringed; lace-up; and with tassels. A combination of all things I love. Like theatre curtains for your feet.

Outfit two - vintage coat and dress, waistcoat (New Look), boots (Blay), self-made bag.

This dress features a marbled pattern on layers of tulle, with a vibrant orange lining. Two caped sections flutter from the shoulder to create the sleeves. The top 'cape' can be tucked into the neckline to create a scarf/cowl-neck (below). The dress is pretty versatile, if a little shapeless; I considered the usual route of belting it, instead opting for a black waistcoat, which contrasted nicely under the cape layers.