What I Actually Wore #0098

Serial #: 0098
Date: 11/10/2012
Weather: freezing and 15°C / 59°F
Time Allowed: 8 minutes 

It’s a really cold day despite it being spring, which is typical of Melbourne at this time of year. So disappointing when one is simply longing to ditch the winter knits and spring the fluttery chiffons free from storage. I compensate for the dreary weather by wearing something bright.

I love to mix patterns, and it can be done as long as one keeps to the same colour family. The striped red and purple knit is a favourite (I love the differing widths of the stripes), and I wear it with a deep plum and teal taffeta skirt. When I am chilly in the office, I throw on my striped cashmere shawl that I always keep in my tote bag for emergencies – it has saved me from frostbite many times.

I compensate for the dreary weather by wearing something bright.

Taffeta always reminded me too much of horrible prom dresses in the 80s, and so I used to hate it, but in the last few years I have started to feel friendly towards the fabric again, especially in plaid, of all things! Taffeta is fun and rustle-y and shiny. Its stiffness makes it somewhat sculptural too, which I like.

To keep the cold at bay I also wore my suede and fur Dr Zhivago coat and my vintage beaver fur and velvet cap, and was consequently told I looked very Russian. But in fact, I think it is the mix of patterns that is most Russian-esque – it reminds me of their colourful interior décor, for they do love mixing their textiles in a not too precious manner. 

Items:

Top: Sonia Rykiel
Skirt: Cue
Shawl: souvenir (Sharjah, UAE)
Stockings: Columbine
Earrings: handmade
Bangle: souvenir (Spain)
Rings: onyx – souvenir (Vietnam), silver – Roun
Watch: Kenneth Cole
Shoes: Wittner