Hot Today, Mild Later

I suddenly realised I’ve been distracted by the still-summery weather and the traumas of html, and have forgotten to give a proper welcome to autumn!

Last year I went on a tour of op shops in my sister’s neighbourhood, and I managed to unearth many awesome clothes and accessories, quite a few of which have already featured on this style journal – a blue 70s cardigan, a pink plaid scarf, and a sculptured wooden bangle.

This leather belt is I think from the 1980s. I liken to bark or autumnal leaves. It was actually picked up by my sister first: she handed it to me, but it was only after I tried it on that she suddenly said, “Why did I give it to you? I like it!” “Too late!” I replied promptly, and bought it for $5. (I will add, I had seen it much earlier when we first arrived in the shop, but had been distracted by a magnificent 70s silk chiffon dress displayed on a mannequin – but that’s a story for another time.)

In any case, finally: welcome autumn.

Photo: August 2016

Enamoured of Enamel

I have always liked enamel jewellery, beginning with cloisonné that was fashionable in the 80s when I was a teen. It was de rigueur to have at least one bangle on your wrist, probably pinched from an older sister or mother who had bought it in the 70s. I still own a few of these vintage pieces, though I don’t often wear those unless I am feeling a rare bohemian mood.

However, I am very taken with this modern version of geometric and minimalist enamel. I really like the combination of colours too. The enamel is double-sided, and the whole piece has a nice weight – it’s certainly better quality than enamel pieces from cheap jewellery boutiques.

It is by the Australian label Sportscraft, which was established in 1914. It is quite conservative and preppy – a store I would not generally shop in at all – although I have come across a few useful basics in op shops. I found this necklace in a Salvos, at a fraction I’m sure of the retail price. I intended to gift it to a friend or one of my sisters, but I decided I liked it too much to give away!

Photo: July 2016

A Heart in the Right Place

Sometimes heart motifs are really naff. Other times they are on just the right side of kitsch as to be excellent, such as in this sparkling vintage rhinestone brooch.

Anything that sparkles and is also amusing is fabulous in my book. It’s amusing to me because it is so overtly feminine, but at 5cm across, it’s not at all bashful about it!

I’ll wear this heart on my soft black angora beret next winter, where it will make a striking statement. But to really up the ante, I may wear it right away on my sleeve!

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

Prussian Tiers

I really love this tiered wooden necklace! Its chunkiness makes it akin to sculpture. It’s another piece of jewellery that I bought from a thrift store, and like many pieces I’ve found, I wondered why on earth someone would toss it forth into the world. But their loss is my gain.

This lovely shade of blue, with the tiniest hint of warmth to it, I’ve decided is Prussian blue. The nuances of colour – in chemistry, nomenclature, symbolism – are quite fascinating, and the history of this particular hue’s creation, in 1706, is equally so. It is prepared from cyanide salts, but because they are tightly bound to iron, the pigment is non-toxic.

From the beginning of the 18th century, the colour was worn in uniform by the infantry and artillery regiments of the Prussian Army, and therein lies the origin of its name. Prussian blue can also be used in engineering work, and as a medicine! It is used to treat poisoning from heavy metals. Amazing. It was also used as a replacement for Egyptian blue after the loss of knowledge regarding its synthesis after the Roman Era – but that’s a whole other story.

Photo: July 2016