Buttoned Blues

I bought this skirt last winter wanting to try a new silhouette. I loved the slight Chinoiserie of the cobalt/gold fabric but was unsure about the deep ruffled hem/drop-waist. The ruffle is of varying depths, being deeper and more flamboyant at the front, giving you two ways to wear the skirt. I think I prefer the bigger ruffle at the back, giving a bustle effect and leaving a daintier frill to the front.

Here I styled the skirt with an antique blue velvet bodice for a party look last Christmas (not Christmas last week, but Christmas a year and a week ago...I've been busy, oops. I was obviously going through a bit of a blue velvet phase at the time). Not sure on it's exact age, but it has lovely brass buttons all the way down the back and I love seeing the construction of garments like this from the inside. 

Antique bodice, skirt (ASOS), shoes (French Connection), vintage jewellery. 

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And I wore the skirt in a more casual context for a birthday meal; breaking up the black with a 1920's cream celluloid necklace. Still not 100% sold on the skirt. The perfectionist in me wishes it were higher waisted and a better fit, but it's nice to try something new every so often. 

New Hair, Old Dress

Late last year I chopped off a large amount of hair, after much consideration and procrastinating. I just needed a change and wanted to stop damaging my hair with so much straightening and back-combing. You can see my inspiration board over on Pinterest. I wanted to utilise my naturally curly hair for some sort of nonchalant 20's bob.

Back to the outfit, I wore a vintage royal blue velvet dress for Christmas 2013, complimented with gold accessories. The boat-neck, dipped v-back and a-line skirt all make for a very mid-century silhouette, something a bit different for me, but who could resist such gorgeous blue velvet? The belt is a rather interesting addition to my antique belt collection. It's an expanding design made up of a body of interlocking copper springs woven with thread. The back of the buckle is embossed with 'The Martin Patented' which after a bit of googling tells me this particular design was originally used in men's tennis belts, an example of which can be seen here.

Went for a silver theme on the tree this year, got some cute mini violas (or violins?) and some Fabergé egg style baubles.   

Dented Elbows

Over the winter months I became somewhat enamoured with white elbow-length gloves. There's an elegance to the crisp whiteness that can't be matched. I bought this antique pair off of an eBay seller who didn't provide much information about them, other than that they are kid-skin and brand new, still attached having never been worn. I was pretty excited upon inspecting them to find the faint stamp of 'Dents Gloves' in one of them. Dents have been making gloves since 1777, so who knows how old these are?! I would estimate them to be from 1900-1910. They really are a buttery soft leather, and quite fiendish to get on by yourself, what with 3 dainty buttons on each.

I'm also wearing a lovely Edwardian lace blouse, which is as light as air. I bought the blouse from a seller who had 3 or 4 similar lace Edwardian blouses listed with this one. Unfortunately I only won the auction for this one. I may be bitter and biased but I think I got the best blouse out of the lot. I hadn't intended to look like an Edwardian horse-rider in this get-up, but I'm not complaining!

Cape (Mango), vintage blazer, antique blouse, trousers (American Apparel), antique Dents gloves, shoes (French Connection)

I also took the opportunity to photograph this wonderful hat I purchased last year. It is an antique tricorn hat with a plume of ostrich feathers. I'm unsure of it's age and its base material; it feels like a waxed linen (it is very lightweight and has a slight sheen to it) but I'm no expert on hats. Just a little disclaimer; I didn't go out wearing the hat. One of the problems I have with styling it is that it looks very costumey. I have no problem being a little theatrical, but don't want to look like I'm in fancy dress. Also, it feels a bit lightweight for a winter hat, but a bit gloomy for a spring/summer hat (possibly a mourning hat then?). Either way, I love it and I'm sure I'll find a use for it one day!

Au Revoir

I'm off to the South of France for two weeks, so it'll be pretty quiet in the House of Harps from now on.

I'll leave you with a summery selection of clothes I was messing around with on polyvore last night. I'm not a huge fan of gold, but when the sun comes out I love wearing it. Mixed with my new found love of blue, there is quite an Egyptian vibe to the set. If only I was bringing it all with me on holiday! Especially those shoes, and the blue dress... oh and the brown blouse...Ok ok I want it all.

Bye for now xxxx