Glove Love

Glove Love, Lisbon :: Bettie XL // Blanko Noir // No flash

One of the must-shop boutiques on my list for Lisbon was a ‘gloverie’ in the Baixa-Chiado district. I had read that the shop was so tiny there was barely space to turn around in it, but the stock was a marvel. I love my accessories, so I was looking forward to visiting this store. Unfortunately, I discovered that the prices were very high, and the variety not nearly as diverse as I’d been lead to believe.

It is a long time since the heydey of the glove, when shapes and decorative embellishments (cutwork, embroidery, unusual cuffs, etc) were as varied as the customers. Today most of the gloves were simple and plain, the main point of difference being the multitude of colours available. One can find more interesting vintage gloves on eBay.

I decided against buying, still looking forward to pom-pom trimmed gloves in Morocco. (That turned out to be just another of Lonely Planet’s false leads. They have much to answer for.)

A Posse of Umbrellas

The Pink Posse :: Tejas // Blanko Noir // No flashThis little posse of umbrellas belongs a couple of work colleagues and myself. After a rainy commute to work, we all put our umbrellas up to dry. I was amused to see they were all pink shades. Mine is the flamboyant frilly one (if it’s going to be frilly then it may as well be hot pink), and one of the other girls bought the pale pink umbrella in Japan, in homage to the cherry blossom festival. Pretty!

Farewell My Striped T

Farewell My Striped T :: Tejas // Ina’s 1969 // Laser Lemon GelOn my last trip overseas, I took a striped t-shirt with me. It was very cute, with 40s style little puff sleeves and ruching on the sides.

About ten days in, and after its second laundering, I noticed it was starting to look unattractively pilled. Never mind, I thought: Out with the old – in with the new!

I had already purchased a classic black and white striped tee from Zara, for about €12. On the morning of my departure from Porto, I packed my bags and left the old tee behind for the maid to do with it what she willed. Lisbon awaited.

A Good Pompom

Hornbecker // Blanko Noir // No flash

I love a good pompom. So does my cousin Naughty Amelia-Jane. She was passing the Indian boutique Tree of Life when a bath mat in the window display caught her eye.

Once inside, she decided to have a look around for anything else that might take her fancy. The pompoms trimming this scarf drew her like a magnet; the bold gingham print and classic colour combination of black, red and white clinched the deal.

The Denim Onesies

The Denim Onesie in Porto :: Helga Viking // Ina’s 1969 // No flashI first noticed the extremely amusing denim onesies in Barcelona, worn by dashing fashionistas. I admit I giggled and immediately dismissed them. 

They came in different permutations: long and short, strapless, spaghetti strapped and halter-necked. 

When I moved on to Porto in Portugal, I saw they were very popular on the streets there also. After a few days I found myself warming to them – so much so that I decided to try on a pair! 

I picked a long harem-pant style with a shirred bodice ... But, alas, they did not suit my figure at all. I will have to be content to admire from afar. However, just in case I change my mind, I will be able to have another go, for they will undoubtedly be in Melbourne come the summer.