Ringing in the New Year

Many years ago, when I was doing a short jewellery-making course, I made this solid sterling silver ring. It was cast using the lost-wax method, which meant I had to carve this design out of wax. It was actually quite difficult to carve the letters straight and true (pun intended), and as a result the entire ring is quite crude and chunky. It is also enormous and heavy – far too big for my little hand, and even large on a man. I oxydised the entire ring (ie, turned it black) using liver of sulfur, and then polished off the top face to show off the letters.

The concept for the ring came from one of my life’s mottos: This above all, to thine own self be true. (Shakespeare) That quotation was deeply impressed on me by an English teacher, who wrote it on the blackboard when I was about 16. Since then, I adopted it as an excellent motto to live by.

It’s not always so easy of course – I learned some hard lessons this year. There were some very tough months in the latter half of the year (it’s one of the reasons SNAP hibernated through the winter and spring), requiring me to ask and answer some difficult questions, but I am thankful that I came through them as honestly as possible. The process, and the answers might not have been comfortable, but they were true, and that was the most important thing. There is no growth without pain of some sort, is there?

The truth is sometimes as hard and unyielding as the solid silver of this ring (this knuckle-duster certainly would pack a punch), but it really does set you free. So I for one will be very happily and thankfully ringing in this New Year. Bring on 2015! Have a safe and happy evening dear Snapettes.

O Star of Wonder

I can’t believe it’s that time of year again. It seems so short a time since last Christmas! I have taken a starry theme this year and am wearing a silver dress by Bebe, a vintage 1940s pearl and silver bead tiara – most likely originally a bridal headpiece – and silver patent sandals by Zoe Wittner that you can’t see.

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star of royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Following yonder star …
(from the Christmas carol We Three Kings)

It’s that time too, just a few days short of year’s end that we start reflecting on the past twelve months, and looking forward to a brand spanking new year. Whatever you’ve had, wherever you’ve been, I say keep following that star!

However you celebrate Christmas, whether as a Christian holiday or as a time to spend with family and friends, I hope you have a wonderful day.

Starry Christmas to you!

Christmas Traditions

One Christmas tradition I never indulge in is the Ugly Christmas Sweater (or Jumper, if you’re from my part of the world) – mainly because it’s summer at Christmastime here in Australia.

I have on occasion seen some fine examples of ugly Christmas jumpers in thrift stores, but while they have made me smile, I have never been tempted to purchase one even as a joke.

Until last week.

I popped into a Salvation Army Opportunity Shop (or op shops, as thrift stores are known here) last week at lunchtime, and just when I wasn’t looking I flicked a rack and there it was. The Christmas sweater to end all Christmas sweaters. Red-and-white, reindeers, snowflakes, fur-trimmed hood, wooden buttons and pockets … what more could your heart possibly desire? (Okay, maybe some actual snow.)

In truth, it’s a cheap quality knit, made most likely from acrylic as it was so pilled (I spent half an hour pulling off tufts), and it is machine-washable. But for $7 – and the opportunity to share it with my Snapettes in a spectacular come-back after several months’ absence – it was too good to pass up.

Merry Christmas Eve!

Aussie Men Are Not Afraid of Your Handbag

Some time last year I read an article about handbags in British Vogue. There is nothing particularly extraordinary in that occurrence, except to note that the writer opened with a declaration that if one wanted to reduce a British man to cringing mortification, one had only to ask him to hold a lady’s purse in public.

I read this and was truly astonished. Really? Are British men really that spineless and so afraid of having their manhood impugned? I was pretty sure that most Aussie men would be completely unfazed by this request. I conducted a straw poll and was gratified to find my good opinion of the Aussie male was justified.

I made a general call-out to my male Facebook friends with this question: ‘Who among you would be unfazed to hold your female companion's handbag in public?’ Here is a sampling of their (and their partner’s) comments:

‘All the time – I don't even blink.’

‘Completely unfazed.’

‘All the time, I take the role of humble servant or camp gay friend, depending on the bag she wants me to hold.’

‘I do it all the time.’

‘My husband does it a lot, no dramas!’ (Several women said this.)

There were quite a few ribald comments along these lines:

‘Depends on the colour, has to match my outfit too.’ And, ‘Only if doesn't clash with my outfit.’

‘Sometimes I meet my lady at the train station just so I can carry her bag home.’

‘And who would hold mine whilst I was holding hers?’

A single gentleman was agreeable with one qualification:

‘Marmaduke says he has no problem as he likes my handbags. If they were gaudy or frilly or something he may feel differently.’

And only one was uncomfortable with the proposition:

‘Never done it. To be honest I would put it on the ground and stand next to it, not hold it.’

I therefore come to the conclusion that most Australian men are so comfortable with the representation of their manliness that to be seen in a public street holding what is patently a woman’s handbag could not ruin their image – it could only enhance it. They are man enough.

Thank you gentlemen.

Many thanks to Volodya, who nonchalantly agreed to model for this shoot, and held not one, but two handbags with complete sangfroid.

Second Chance Summer

I couldn’t face the end of summer this year. I wasn’t ready to let go yet. AND LUCKY I DON’T HAVE TO! Because dear old Melbourne has served us up an Indian summer – you bewdy!

Just as well, because it seems it’s only been a month or two since I switched my wardrobes over and brought my summer clothes out of storage. I’ve barely had time to wear everything! 

Fashion Notes

Blue and white stripes are quintessentially summery (because of their nautical connotations), so when I saw this periwinkle blue and white silk tank by Aussie brand Ojay in the Salvos, I snapped it up even though it was two sizes too big for me. Loose is good in summer anyway. It is cut with a racer back, and features an unnecessary exposed zip in contrasting black at the neck.

Trimmed in broderie anglaise, the white cotton bloomers are vintage 1920s and likewise they are loose and cool to wear in sultry weather. I bought them from vintage store Suitcase in Berlin on Etsy, fully intending to wear them as shorts, or under summer short dresses. The first time I wore them on the street I felt a little scandalous. I wonder what their original owner would have thought of such an escapade? (More about bloomers soon.)

The navy umbrella piped with white along its ruffled edge is also vintage – possibly 1970s, or earlier. It does have a fancy carved plastic handle; I’m no expert on gauging what type, but I doubt it’s celluloid. The frame is steel, and is finished with a pointy end, so it doubles as a weapon too. I always feel more comfy walking home at night when I’m carrying a solidly constructed vintage umbrella. They just don’t make them like they used to. 

Picture Notes: the backdrops were photographed at Bridgewater Bay last December.