Hello everyone , hope all is well in your part of the world.
While things are rather quiet on the home front due to our nursing and physio commitments with Raffy , who is doing well (more on that later) my posts will be a tad different to usual.
My long time blog friends will know of my love of all things accessory which I firmly believe provides the finishing touch to any outfit. For as long as I can remember I have always enjoyed finishing my outfits with an accessory or two but have definitely become bolder in my choices over the last few years. I do know that I have been influenced by many of the stylish ladies featured by Ari Seth Cohen in his blog , Advanced Style , later on Instagram and also in his three books. I first discovered an article on Ari and the ladies in an Australian magazine back in 2013.
One of those featured was Jean , who with Valerie are known as Idiosyncratic Fashionistas and they blogged for many years sharing their fashionable exploits around New York . Their style and attitude to ageing really resonated with me , they both also are known for their love of hats and Jean as she is wearing here as an amazing collection of Bakelite bangles.
Jean and Valerie always dressed to the nines with the most interesting finishing touches to their fabulous outfits.
Another style icon of mine is the uber stylish Valerie von Sobel , who I also discovered through Advanced Style and was the cover girl on Ari’s second book . Valerie has the most incredible hat collection , including many vintage treasures.
I really don’t have a favourite accessory as I love them all as each one adds a different dimension to an outfit. This outfit from a few years back (the long blonde bob is a give away) includes a few of my favourites a little red hat made by Tasmanian milliner Susan McArthur , sunglasses and long gloves.
I have amassed quite a collection of various gloves over the years from elegant long gloves to these little sporty numbers from a little glove shop in Paris that were a gift from John for my 70th. birthday back in November 2023. Several pairs of my gloves were found in second hand shops while others were wearable souvenirs from my travels.
Hats of all shapes and sizes will always top my list and again I have a bit of a collection . The mens top hat I am wearing here was a lucky find at Vintage Red Fox a few years back. I am always on the hunt for interesting hats , both vintage and new. For anyone interested in hats I would strongly suggest a peak at the Instagram of Judith Boyd (Style Crone) who has the most swoon worthy collection .
The thing I love about an accessory or two is how they can completely uplift any outfit and are always so much fun to play with . They also do not care if you are older or change size or hairstyle and really do add to my enjoyment of dressing .
I haven’t mentioned necklaces so far but are another much loved favourite of mine . These days I much prefer one that makes a statement like the one I wore yesterday for our trip down to Hobart with Raffy for a check up with the vet. I received a compliment from the vet and from a couple of ladies at our stop at Richmond on our way home on this interesting necklace that John gave me for Christmas. It is made from poly styrene and is as light as a feather and was made by the very clever Mika in Brisbane . The vet was pleased with Raffy’s progress so far but there is still a way to go.
Joining Gail at Is This Mutton for Tuesday Twirl – late again.
Hats look good on You!Happy to hear RAFFEY is doing better!
Ari has four books out now!The last one people with their PETS!I made that one with a couple of my BEASTIES!If you ever come over here I can set you two up for a meet and shoot!
He is in Southern California and I am in northern.I hope Raffey continues to heal!
Xxx
Author
Thank you so very much Elizabeth . We are so pleased Raffy is doing well after his surgery even though we know there is still a long way to go.
I have always loved my hats and do enjoy wearing them as I know you do too. I have the four of Ari’s books and enjoy them all . Would love to visit the U.S. again but not sure it would ever happen.
You have some beautiful accessories that make a real statement. Every piece is chosen with love and care. Thanks for the intro to these glamorous ladies. I love those Bakelite bangles, very dramatic. Hope Raffy continues a good recovery.
Author
Thank you so very much Gail. It was fun sharing many of my favourites from my various collections.Aren’t those Bakelite bangles amazing.
As a fellow member of Team Accessory, I love this! I’m surprised Ari hasn’t added you to his team of fabulous women! xxx
PS Sending lots of love and good thoughts to Raffey!
Author
Thank you so very much Vix for your good wishes for Raffy , he is doing well and we see improvements in his mobility daily.
You and I are very much paid up members of Team Accessory . I so admire your collection of interesting pieces.
While I absolutely agree you have some of the most amazing accessories, your clothing picks are also stunning! I think I like your hats best of all. Maybe it’s because you notice them before you see the jewelry. Anyway, I loved this post and reading about your style icons…which is our prompt for the Global Writing Challenge this month!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Author
Thank you so very much Marsha for your wonderful compliment. I am so pleased to be wearing my hats again I did miss them. I will keep an eye out for your Global Writing Challenge .
Hi Jill,
Raffy is also well accessorised! Very smart red scarf – and a great stylish idea to support his hips. Glad to know he’s
improving.
I absolutely love the photo of you at your front gate – the top hat, the gorgeous vest ?, the earrings and necklace – all so creative.
I have taken a big step back from posting on social media but I do enjoy your blog posts.
Love,
Elizabeth.
Author
Thank you so very much Elizabeth , he is doing well.
The front gate photo is one that I am pleased with showing many of my favourite things especially the vintage top hat.
I dont blame you for stepping back from social media but I am so pleased you enjoy my blog posts.
Glad to hear Raffy continues to improve with your loving nursing care.
As for your accessories I adore those gloves – and your nails!
Author
Thank you so very much Penny . Little by little we can see Raffy’s movement is improving.
You know me I do so enjoy wearing gloves and I was so pleased with that pair in particular.