Cut Steel

Back in June I talked about cut steel decoration in relation to an antique belt I bought featuring what I believe to be cut steel. The decorative technique was prolific in the Victorian era, featuring small, faceted studs of steel intended to mimic diamonds (similar, but not to be confused with marcasite). To say the Victorians loved a bit of cut steel is an understatement; they put it on bloody everything, not just jewellery. If you want to read more about Victorian cut steel, there is a good eBay guide here explaining the difference between true Victorian cut steel and 'fake' moulded cut steel. If reading isn't your thing, then enjoy looking at the pretty selection of cut steel I found.................

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Victorian cut steel choker £-sold

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Victorian cut steel shoe buckles $45 each

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Edwardian cut steel and pearl earrings $1325

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Pair of Victorian cut steel scarab brooches £350

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Victorian velvet purse with cut steel design on frame and body $795

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Georgian cut steel and peacock glass sash set $950

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Georgian cut steel Coque de Perle brooch $250

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Victorian cut steel necklace $785

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Late Georgian cut steel belt $275

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Victorian cut steel shoes buckles $50

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Art Nouveau enamel and cut steel buttons £-sold

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C.1900 cut steel earrings $850

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1890's cut steel lingerie buckles £-at auction

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Late Georgian cut steel bangle £-at auction

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Victorian cut steel belt and buckle $125

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Victorian cut steel button

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Victorian cut steel buttons

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Victorian cut steel buckle $42.95

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Antique cut steel shoes buckles $75

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Victorian cut steel brooch $225

HoH Holiday Highlights (week 2)

Week 2 of my holiday to Provence. The day I wore this Edwardian inspired outfit was perhaps the hottest day of the entire holiday (37°c +). I think the hat helped me avoid a deep tan. Also shown is a beautiful peachy pink caped dress my boyfriend bought me. Towards the end of the holiday it got quite windy (due to the Mistral winds); I was rather pleased as it allowed the cape to fly around in true superhero style.

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And again, just some general holiday shots of the area.

The detail on the Popes' clothing below is wonderful; what looks like Battenburg lace, and wonderful tirered crowns, the 'Triregnum'. This painting is just one of many beautiful Papal portraits I saw in the Palais des Papes of Avignon.

HoH Holiday Highlights (week 1)

I recently returned from a wonderful fortnight in Provence. Like last year, I shall share some of my finer sartorial moments. At times it felt too hot to even bother wearing clothes, but decency prevailed. I even caught a little tan, despite my factor 50. The area had a plethora of Roman ruins to explore, and many a picturesque vista. Enjoy!

This café surely has some of the best views in all of France...

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And some general holiday snaps; it really was a beautiful area.

My boyfriend nonchalantly walks past the Christian Lacroix shop in Arles, not knowing the beauty inside. Lacroix was born in Arles.