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.

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. 

Serpentine

I have recently become a bit obsessed with snake bangles, particularly the celluloid versions of the 1920's and 30's. Snakes were popular motifs within Victorian jewellery, symbolizing eternal love and infinity. During the 1920's the fashion for snake jewellery was revived, along with many other exotic designs inspired by Egypt and beyond. Here are a few examples of such snake bangles, which typically featured rhinestone eyes and tiny metal stud-work.

1930's celluloid and amethyst rhinestone $42

1920's cream celluloid with rhinestones £58

Black celluloid with green rhinestone eyes SOLD

1930's cream and navy celluloid with rhinestones SOLD

Translucent red celluloid with rhinestones SOLD

Green lucite with studs and rhinestones SOLD 

French Art-Deco celluloid with studs and faux emerald 

Faux tortoise celluloid and rhinestone $425

Dual-headed lucite and blue rhinestone $150

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And finally, my very special snake friend. He is a gorgeous translucent red-orange with emerald green eyes, clear paste and tiny studs. Also pictured is an embossed silver snake clamper bracelet, whose age I am unsure of.

Christmas, Cloisonné and Cinnabar

Christmas may have been a long time ago, but I wanted to finally share some pictures of my festive ensemble from the holidays. I wore a rather shapely velvet wrap-around blouse from the 1930's with jet bead embellishments, which my boyfriend bought for me this Christmas. I wouldn't normally wear such a bright colour on my bottom half (I'm pear shaped after-all)...but I wanted a contrast to the black and thought the shoulders of the blouse balance out my hips anyway. 

I wore a selection of cloisonné bracelets (which came in a cute little box), a carved cinnabar bangle, and a carved cinnabar ring, which had been at the jewellers for absolutely ages being cleaned but is finally back on my finger in its rightful place. 

Vintage blouse, skirt (River Island), shoes (New Look)

I have many more winter outfits I want to share, but I've been so incredibly busy with work. My boss only went and left me to look after her business for six weeks whilst she's in Bangkok! It's ok though, she's working hard too on her next collection ;-)