A Fistful of Turquoise

One of my favourite colours is a turquoise, a description that encompasses sky-blue, cyan, robin’s egg blue, Tiffany blue and cerulean. Turquoise was first introduced to Europe from Turkey in the 17th century, and that is how it earned its name. The blue tones come from copper, and the green from iron, and shades run the gamut from sky-blue to green – just as that list above illustrates.

The stone itself has been prized for thousands of years for its unique colour, and is associated particularly with the ancient Egyptians and Aztecs. It was in fact one of the first gemstones to be mined: beads dating from about 5000 BC have been found in Mesopotamia (Iraq). These days the colour is mostly associated with Tiffany & Co (although somewhat ironically they mostly deal in diamonds).

I have a small collection of turquoise rings that I have amassed over the years. All of them bear varying amounts of limonite veining, but they are all slightly different shades. The first was gifted me by a friend; the second is a ring I made myself a decade ago; the third is a recent op shop find; and the last I bought in Barcelona many years ago. My turquoise hat is a vintage 1960s wool fedora.

Perhaps I love the hue because it reminds me of the serenity of a clear blue sky (some American Indians associated blue turquoise with ‘Father Sky’). However, I don’t wear swathes of the colour often, using it more as an accent in accessories, particularly jewellery.

Turqouise has through millennia been for different cultures a holy stone, talisman, or bringer of good luck – while I have had bad luck to lose the stone from one ring while wearing it. Good luck chased me down years later, however, and lead me to an almost-exact replica in a thrift store.

Photos: August 2016

Spring Greens

Wooden beads, especially vintage beads that are a little worn with paint rubbed off, are so earthy and tactile. As if I don’t have enough already, I recently bought this one. But I couldn’t resist the quad-tone of two greens and two browns – such a harmonious combination. I also love the graduated sizes. It’s true the shades are more autumnal and Melbourne is heading into spring now, but I don’t care; we regularly experience four seasons in one day anyway.

Photo: August 2016

What I Actually Wore #122

Serial #: 0122
Date: 19/05/2013
Weather: 17°C / 62°F
Time Allowed: 10 minutes

Surprisingly, this is the outfit I chose to wear to Ikea! That makes me laugh. I must have been shopping for trivial items in the marketplace only. However, I do like it, mainly because the colours are so harmonious and soothing, with the different shades of grey. (The asymmetrical skirt is a blue-grey denim too.)

I’m pleased to see that linen long-sleeved tee – it is still in my closet, holding up well. I didn’t realise that it was this old! I bought two linen tops from Seed on one occasion; this dove grey one and another the same in a French blue. They were quite expensive investments, but it goes to show the value in buying good quality basics because they really do stand the test of time, both in appeal, and in the washing machine. I am also still wearing that grey wool cardigan because it’s so soft and cosy (sadly the label went into liquidation in 2011), but the skirt has had its day.

This is also still one of my favourite 1940s berets, or platter hats, one I bought on Etsy. The red is picked up in my lipstick and the ceramic jewellery, souvenirs from Barcelona.

That favourite 1960s bag is still in circulation, but both the socks and patent shoes wore out from regular wear. Those leather shoes I found in an op shop for around $12 (the label is now defunct). They were hardly worn and I was so chuffed to find them, so I was disappointed when eventually the patent began to become quite distressed. But then, in a thrifting miracle, last year I found another very similar pair, also barely worn, in an another op shop for about $20! The only difference is the leather on those is punched in a brogue style.

In this outfit, the cardigan, hat, bag and shoes were bought used. All my friends always marvel at the things I manage to find in second hand stores. They seem to think I have some extraordinary knack or magic trick, but the only trick is that I go often to browse in op shops. I rarely find what I’m looking for exactly when I want it. I simply go regularly – once or twice a week at lunchtime, and perhaps once a month on a Saturday. It’s not a huge investment in time, but it accumulates enormous dividends – in savings and bargains.

Items:

Cardigan: Satch
Top: Seed
Skirt: Obi
Hat: vintage
Socks: ASOS
Earrings: souvenir
Necklace: souvenir
Ring: NGV gallery shop
Bag: vintage
Shoes: Scooter

Photos: September 2013

Barrette or Hairclip?

I’ve always been a bit confused about exactly what a barrette was. Was it like a small hair slide, similar to a bobby pin? Or was it something bigger, like a hair clip used to clasp a substantial amount of hair? I’ve never, before now, been so befuddled that I was actually prompted to investigate this mysterious lingo. However, investigative journalism lead me to do some research, and I discovered something amazing …

A barrette and a hairclip are the same thing! Revolutionary. It is a completely generic term. It is, of course, an American word, while hairclip, hair slide or hair clasp are British English. I own many hair clips and slides and clasps, including this cobalt velvet number that features a knot design in the centre of the oval.

I’ve always been a bit confused about exactly what a barrette was.

Years ago, when I was in China, I went on a frenzy of buying, and trawled every market and shopping centre in search of interesting clips. I’ve also invested in some higher-quality French-made clips by Paris Mode; the French stainless steel is much stronger than that of more inexpensive brands. (Check them out online – the prices are waaay cheaper than in retail stores. I think the website is new, for last time I looked it didn’t exist.)

Since I am seriously thinking about chopping off my hair again, it behoves me to get lots of wear out of them while my hair is still long. It’s the only thing I lament about cutting off my locks – not being able to put them up!

Photo: August 2016

Sumptuous Stripes

James Galanos evening dress, 1955. From Fashion: The Whole Story, by Marnie Fogg (Thames & Hudson, 2013)If you knew how much I love stripes, particularly red and white ones, you would not be surprised to read that I nearly fainted with delight when I flipped a page in a book and saw this evening dress. It is from 1955, by American designer James Galanos (1924–).

This graceful gown is made from printed silk chiffon; note the nautical influence in the bathing suit style bodice and the insouciant knot in the overskirt. It is replicating a displaced middy collar. The term ‘middy’ derives from ‘midshipman’, a student at a naval academy, and is used to describe a sailor collar.

How I would love to swan around on the open sea in this!

~

From Fashion: The Whole Story, edited by Marnie Fogg (Thames & Hudson, 2013).

James Galanos evening dress, 1955. From Fashion: The Whole Story, by Marnie Fogg (Thames & Hudson, 2013)