Recycled Reptiles

Reptile skin is an exotic leather, and includes lizard, snake, alligator, eel, stingray, and ostrich. The scales and skin of exotic leather is held together by membranes, an armour-like skin that is a primary defence against predators, and an extremely moisture tolerant barrier against their aquatic environments.

However, it is more than merely beautiful: this strength makes it durable, and longer-lasting lasting than cowhide or the leather of other mammals. A premium quality exotic leather wallet should serve for five to six years, compared with a cow leather wallet. Even at top quality, the latter may last only two years.

Lauren Merkin pink stingray leather ‘Allie’ clutch

Cleaning Exotic Leather

Keeping accessories clean and dry is the best way to care for them. To clean them, do not use cleaning or conditioning products designed for cow leather as these will damage most exotic leathers; use products specifically for them. After cleaning with a clean damp cloth or appropriate cleaning product, condition the item to replace lost emollients and reseal the leather. An excellent natural product to use is extra fine beeswax: lightly applied, gently rubbed in and then lightly buffed off.

Chanel ivory ostrich leather 2.55 jumbo classic single flap bag

A Vintage Collection

My vintage exotic leather accessories have certainly stood the test of time. The snakeskin bag is sewn from strips of leather, alternating with natural coloured hide, celadon and viridian green. It’s Italian-made and cost me $5 at a Salvos.

It had an ugly long strap of
‘pleather’ (quite a different beast), which I cut off.

The bright turquoise shoes are also snakeskin, and were bought on eBay. I also own a little snakeskin clutch bag made in a delicious shade of vanilla that I bought on Etsy. It had an ugly long strap of ‘pleather’ (quite a different beast), which I cut off. Another eBay purchase was a large dark brown crocodile tote good for shopping. And yet another op-shop discovery was a little jade green eelskin bag, a bargain at $8.

Cherry red Gianmarco Lorenzi double platform eel skin shoes

Dinosaurs are reptiles too

The dinosaur spine (also a kind of giant reptile!) necklace however, is made from recycled shells and new grey freshwater pearls. The shells once formed an unattractive belt. I bought that also for a song at the Salvos, and chopped off the cord that knotted the shells into a belt. It certainly is a statement necklace and fragile – as much as the ecosystems all these creatures come from. It makes me glad to know that at least my exotic leathers are all recycled. 

The Ultimate Flower

What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. This quote, by Shakespeare of course, is probably the most famous quote about roses ever written. Roses are always beautiful, although the motif may not always be in fashion. Why are they universally adored? What is their history? This I wondered as I assembled a number of rose-shaped hair accessories I have collected over the years.

Aphrodite and Adonis, by Edmund Dulac (1882-1953)The etymology of the word has its roots (pardon the pun) in antiquity, and comes ultimately from Old Persian where it simply meant ‘flower’.

An ancient symbol of immortal love and beauty, the rose is associated with the goddess Aphrodite. She was often depicted with a garland of roses adorning her head or feet, for a rose bush grew from the blood of her slain lover, Adonis. She gave a rose to her son Eros, who in turn gave it to the god of silence.

…vampires cannot cross the path of the wild rose … I can’t believe Joss Whedon didn’t write this into Buffy the Vampire Slayer!

For the ancient Romans it was a symbol of secrecy: a wild rose would be placed on the door of a room where confidential matters would be discussed. Hence the term sub rosa, or ‘under the rose’, meaning to keep a secret.

In pagan mythologies, the undead and other ghostly creatures (particularly vampires) cannot cross the path of the wild rose. Placing wild roses on the coffin of the recently deceased would prevent them from rising again. I can’t believe Joss Whedon didn’t write this into Buffy the Vampire Slayer!

So when I tie back my hair with one of these rose ornaments, I will be simultaneously proclaiming immortal love, declaring my utmost discretion and keeping vampires at bay! A winner all round. And here I just thought it was pretty.

And here is ‘rosa aphrodite’ itself. It does have a beautiful shape.

Chic clichés

I thought since we’re on the subject of French style, we should celebrate some quintessential items of French chic.

Stripes and berets are instantly associated with the French. In combination, a striped t-shirt and the classic floppy beret make a graphic statement, appealing and nostalgic.

Cute in pictures perhaps, but a little too cutesy to wear in the street? I am certain a Frenchwoman would never do so. The solution: split them apart, and they become quintessential items for every woman’s wardrobe. Which is fortuitous as stripes are back for spring…

It was Coco Chanel who first made Breton tops chic, pairing them with wide-leg pants…

A little history…

See, Coco’s not wearing a beret with her stripes…Any striped t-shirt will work, but to be truly authentic it should be a Breton stripe. These are traditionally associated with French fisherman—hence the classic nautical look—and date back to the 1800s. In March 1858, they officially became part of the navy seaman’s uniform: the block stripes of the shirt made him easier to spot if a sailor fell overboard.

It was Coco Chanel who first made Breton tops chic, pairing them with wide-leg pants, and wearing them on the Riviera. European and American socialites followed suit, and the striped top is still a classic today.

The beret is of course a timeless hat, and like the fedora, it often appears in the wardrobes of women who will wear few other hats. It was once considered the national cap of France in Anglo-Saxon countries, and forms part of many military uniforms.

The beret also goes hand in hand with the popular stereotype of arty types: intellectuals and artists; bohemians and beatniks… a cool notion to keep your head warm in winter.

Audrey sports a white beret. Click on the image for more, much more on berets at Dolly Rocker Girl!

What does one wear to fall in love?

One summer when romance was blooming, Princess Tatiana was carefully packing for a holiday rendezvous in lands far, far away. She consulted the oracles to ascertain the climes and culture of that exotic country, so that she could be sure to bring with her suitable raiment.

Everything she chose was the best her slender purse could afford, for although she was a princess, she had fallen on hard times. Still, there were pretty dresses of silk and lace, and liquid silver; delicate sandals for dancing and beaded purses; deliciously impractical lingerie – and daydreams.

Will you choose your prettiest garments already soaked in happiness…?

A romantic moment on a dusky terrace, by George Barbier for ‘Falbalas et Fanfreluches’, 1921What will you wear to fall in love? Will you like Tatiana choose your prettiest garments already soaked in happiness, or like one of her friends find yourself discarding your customary sober colours and donning bright hues to express your joy? Would you be content with your existing wardrobe and its attendant comforts, or would courtship be the perfect excuse to indulge in a shopping spree?

Princess Tatiana wore a cream lace top that magical evening a lifetime ago when she tumbled into love. Already it was a favourite, but it was then imbued with new memories. And although autumn came and her fairytale romance withered like a summer rose, the pretty lace top still hangs in her wardrobe, waiting perhaps for a new summer.

It’s Valentine’s Day. Come tonight it’s the perfect excuse to wear something pretty, something you love – even if you’re not in love. Have a happy day! 

Scroll down for more romantic notions of 1910s and 20s fashion.

‘Le Jaloux’ by Georges Lepape

A boating scene, by George Barbier, for ‘Modes et Manières d’ Aujourd’hui’, 1914

Doeuillet dress, by André Marty, for ‘Gazette du Bon Ton’, 1913

Cotton Picking

Mercerised cotton balloon-sleeved top by Kookaï. (The flowers are dried Australian billy buttons.)Who has noticed on their fabric content tags the description ‘mercerised cotton’, and wondered what exactly is the difference between it and ordinary cotton? I knew it was supposed to be better quality, but when my sisters and I were discussing it recently I could not explain why.

Simply, mercerised cotton is softer, stronger, and more lustrous than ordinary cotton. It absorbs dye more readily, making it popular with clothing manufacturers. Also, while it is resistant to mildew, you may find garments form lint more easily.

…mercerised cotton is softer,
stronger, and more lustrous than ordinary cotton.

The fibres are treated with sodium hydroxide in a chemical bath, which causes the cell walls to swell and soften – thereby increasing the surface area and reflectance.

The method takes its name from the Englishman John Mercer, who first developed it in 1844. However, it was not until 1890 that the process became popular, when Horace Lowe improved it by applying the mercerising treatment while the fabric was held under tension – which is what increases the lustre. This is the method still used today.

In my own closet I have noticed that the labels Kookaï and DeCjuba utilise it, although only it remains to be seen if they stand the test of time.

I learned more than I really needed to during research – if you really want to know the nitty-gritty, click here.