Orange Blush

British summertime is notoriously temperamental, so a cover-up of some sort is handy. I've been wearing this robe so much, as it is lightweight, dressy, and goes with most things in my wardrobe. The black and soft-pink brocade features a Japanese garden scene, with pagoda, bridge, birds, trees and a fan-wielding geisha. It hopefully avoids the gaudy tropes of tourist-market Orientalism...? Worn over a silk blouse that is caped, so extra aeration to the back is provided... you know, for when the sun comes out. The orange/blush colour-block shoes were a purchase on a whim; I bought them whilst wearing this outfit and they just happened to complement the blouse and robe perfectly. Note to self, silk creases like a bitch.

Vintage robe, Math Collective blouse, Issey Miyake Pleats Please trousers, Vanessa Wu shoes, ASOS bag, antique belt and vintage jewellery. 

Surreal, melting hand brooch will always be a favourite of mine. It has a cuff and ring detail; I like the idea of my jewellery wearing jewellery. 

Pleats and Pompadours

We may be having one of the hottest Junes ever, but no, I'm not currently sporting a polo-neck and socks... I'm just super bad at uploading photos within a sensible time-frame (I think this is the last of my transitional/early Spring looks- something more weather apropos is on the horizon). I've resorted to a bouffant to try and tame the unruly haystack atop my head; it's a throwback to my days of Gibson Girl hair-styling. I do enjoy the aesthetic and freedom that comes with short, and unstraightened hair, but the urge to grow it long and attain hirsute heights is constantly lurking below the surface. Anyway, I wore this look for a meal out; baggy trousers allow for extra dessert. Matching my Moorish antique tooled-leather bag with the vaguely Arabian pattern of my blouse, completed with lace-up shoes and galalith cameo.

ASOS turtleneck and shoes, Zara blouse, Pleats Please Issey Miyake culottes, antique bag, all antique/vintage jewellery.  

Cinnabar ring 

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.