I titled this post Accidentally Holly for two reasons, first being I accidentally looked like Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and second being I accidentally looked very Christmassy in this outfit! Luckily, not too Christmassy as my coat wasn’t red. I don’t know if you agree but my turban somehow looks like Audrey’s beehive here and I quite like that first picture looking like a movie still.
I am ridiculously giddy with excitement to finally show you this interview with the fabulous vintage Egyptologist Colleen Darnell in this latest installment of Around The World with Vintage. This blog series aims to highlight vintage lovers from all over the world and promote cultural diversity in the vintage community. This time Colleen takes us on a journey to the ancient Egypt. You must have seen her on Instagram or heard her on the Dressed podcast but on ATWWV I ask her a few questions focusing on her academic work and interest, as well as the influence of Egyptian culture in vintage fashion. I feel a kinship with this lady as we both use our platforms to promote women in science as well as vintage fashion, so I was really pleased when she agreed to an interview. Let’s get started!
Myrna Loy has lots of problem as the wife of an overworked lawyer husband, William Powell, who is tempted to have an affair in order to get back at him for having one. The plot turns on the murder of a cad who tried to blackmail Loy, but whose long-suffering girlfriend is accused of doing him in instead. Loy feels guilty and has her husband defend the poor girlfriend for free.
It’s a good story and the outfits are wonderful. Loy wears evening dresses, at-home outfits, and day wear by designed by Dolly Tree. And Una Merkel, playing her best-friend, gets to wear over-the-top stunners as she is supposed to have recently returned from Paris with all the latest and most outrageous looks. They are both supposed to be wealthy women, so that means the wardrobe is varied and rich.
You see Loy in a dressing gown trimmed in lame chatting in the first photo, and in the last she is wearing velvet lounge wear trimmed with embroidery at collar and cuffs. Notice Merkel’s dramatically trimmed bodice in contrast. Then the two wear evening gowns with Loy all black with a diamond clip at center of the deep, wide neckline, and a cut away top over a long pale skirt, while Merkel is in a white metallic evening suit with dark velvet collar. Lots of great clothes and a good suspense story too. What’s not to like?
Finally finished my riding habit and just before the hunt on November 3rd. I got my darling husband to walk to the park with me in the morning to get some pictures of it.
The jacket is thick cotton velvet with black velvet accent. The vest and blouse/cravat are pretty simple and the petticoat is a lovely lightweight black wool and I managed to get some vintage kid leather gloves! The feather in my hat is also vintage. It’s all very comfortable and warm and probably my favorite project so far.
I’m so pleased to present to you my latest design collaboration with Australian milliner Tanith Rowan!! Our project last year was a hit and we wanted to create more turbans based on the original design so this time we kept it similar but with different colours and an even more lush fabric. The berry-inspired turban and matching dress clips are just perfect for the coming cold weather. It really is so satisfying to finally be able to share these gorgeous pieces with you and I sure hope you love them! This collection will be on sale on Tanith’s Etsy shop but I will update you as soon as they are live.
Sometimes the most beautiful backdrop is just around the corner of your house waiting to be found. Sometimes it is next to the busiest park and somehow looks like the most peaceful quite corner. Photographs can do two very different things – capture a place and a moment as it was, or as the photographer wants you to believe. Instagram has fooled us again and again with these “perfect photos” – a solitude moment in Fontana de Trevi, quiet picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower, or in this case a peaceful corner in East London. Angles, lighting, and editing can do wonders – just a good reminder to not believe everything on the internet haha!
[September 15th] When you have a cross-stitching and tea meetup in the afternoon and the Tokyo Vogue’s Fashion Night Out in the evening. I mixed a Vogue hat with a classic outfit finished with a more streetwear yet doll-like tight and shoes combo. I know not everyone likes my slightly more experimental coordinates (judging from the poor response on my previous outfit), but I like them. Dress: Juliette et Justine Blouse: Innocent World Bag: Moi-même-moitié Hat: Vintage Vogue Shoes: Yösuke USA
Just like the condiment, sometimes mustard is the key to spice up your life. I recently acquired this classic pinafore and for its first outing I decided that mustard will give it an extra kick. It’s vintage, it’s comfortable, and I even think it looks professional enough for work. While I am on the home stretch of my current job I might have to go for interviews, run a workshop, or meet other creatives soon. Looking professional is very important for me and is always a part of the “fake it til you make it” philosophy I live by. I swear I’m not making excuses for buying this pinafore.. hehe.
It feels appropriate for me to title this post The End of the Tunnel as I am mentally finally seeing the light. I am in the last month of my job and am really looking forward to taking time off. There are so many things I want to explore while I’m off but I’m also considering using the break to work on this blog. I am nervous, of course, but I know I need time off to recuperate and rediscover colours in my life. Just like I can spice up my dress with new dusty pink heels and headscarf, I just need new perspectives and some time to see the light.
Spitfire Alice A Gra 
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