Colour Trends for 2012

Here are the colour forecasts for 2012...


"70s appliances": Gold, almond, avocado green, and muted mustard

Layered neutrals: Oatmeals, browns, tans, and grays.

Pastels: Blush pink, robin's egg blue, and mint green.

Graphic Black and White: This combo is being used in geometric, bold applications, which is pretty exciting. 




Tangerine Tango: Pantone, a globally recognized authority on colour chose this cheerful, feel-good colour to help keep spirits high.

For further information: International Colour Authority (ICA) and Pantone

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2012!

Start with a brooch

Coro, 1940s

"If you want to start a collection, start with a brooch because you will find most use for it. It can be pinned on a suit lapel, collar or pocket, on a hat, belt, or evening gown." - Coco Chanel

Sarah Coventry,  early 1960s

Trifari, 1960s

What a smart quote! I totally agree! And if you're like me, maybe you would prefer a classic piece for everyday wear, something nice to go with style to work, to the cinema or just hang around  with friends, and probably you would choose something dazzling to wear on special occasions. But a brooch is definetly a must have piece!

Avon 1971

Unsigned, 1950s

All brooches presented are available at "Absolutely Fabulous!" shop, at Dawanda

Necklaces lenght

Women's necklaces are often classified by length.

Choker

35 centimetres (14 in) to 41 centimetres (16 in) long and sits high on the neck.

Princess necklace

A princess necklace is 45 centimetres (18 in) to 50 centimetres (20 in) long, longer than a choker, but shorter than a matinee.

Matinee necklace

A matinee length necklace is 56 centimetres (22 in) to 58 centimetres (23 in) long - typically a single strand that rests at the top of the cleavage.

Opera necklace

An opera necklace is 75 centimetres (30 in) to 90 centimetres (35 in) long and sits at the breastbone.

Sautoir or rope necklace

A sautoir or rope necklace is any necklace longer than opera length.

Lariat necklace

A lariat is a very, very long variation on the sautoir or rope, without a clasp, often worn draped multiple times around the neck; the ends can be crossed over, looped, or knotted in various ways. This type of necklace sometimes incorporates a loop at one or both ends to allow it to be worn in the style of a lasso, or it may be worn doubled over with the ends passed through the loop formed in the middle.

Men's necklaces do not generally use these terms, though a very short necklace is still known as a choker. Men typically call their necklaces "chains."

The Honest Vintage Pledge

The Honest Vintage Pledge: Everything that I have tagged as vintage in my shop is at least twenty years old or older. I stake my reputation on it. I will never knowingly sell a fake or a repro knockoff to my customers.

Downton Abbey

Following Downton Abbey and loving it!

What I really hate...

Eu odeio o falso vintage  não porque é um falso, mas apenas, porque na maioria dos casos, é uma tentativa de enganar os outros. Algumas falsificações são realmente boas e engraçadas como o anúncio acima:) Mas são o que são, não pretendem ser mais do que realmente são. Incomoda-me, aborrece-me, odeio quando as pessoas vendem peças estilo vintage como vintage real. Também odeio quando um item não tem sequer 20 anos e o vendedor insiste em chamá-lo "vintage".

Também odeio clicar 50 vezes em itens feitos de metal cor de bronze com um nostálgico, romântico e ar vintage com "vintage" em seu título, quando são produtos modernos, e não vintage. No entanto, eles aparecem como "vintage" em pesquisas na web, o que é deveras irritante.

E, às vezes, sinto-me sozinha,  porque sou amante do vintage e a maioria das pessoas não entende por que isso me irrita e aborrece muito ...

_______________________________________________________

I hate fake vintage, not because it is a fake but only, in most cases, because is an attempt to deceive others. Some fakes are really good an funny like the ad above :) What bothers and hate is people selling vintage style pieces as real vintage. I also hate when an item isn't even 20 years old and the seller insists in calling it "vintage".

I hate to click about 50 times in items made of coloured bronze metal with a nostalgic, romantic, vintage feel with "vintage" in their title,  because they are modern, not vintage. However, they appear as "vintage" in web searches. 

And, sometimes, I feel so alone, because I'm a vintage lover and most of the people don´t understand why this annoys me so much...

The Myth of the Pearl

Timeless elegance and classic sophistication!

Scarlett Johansson

I truly believe that of all the pieces of jewelry, a pearl necklace is the only thing that a woman should not be without.

Pearls are so versatile and so easy to match with any outfit, from formal evening wear to casual day wear. 

No one knows when pearls were first discovered but many believe it was long before recorded history. Long before written history, human beings most likely discovered the first pearl while searching the seashore for food.

According to Chinese folklore, pearls are the tears of a dragon. The Ancient Chinese considered natural black pearls as symbols of wisdom and thought them to be created in the brains of dragons. They believed that one had to kill the dragon to harvest the pearl, which was held safely between the dragon’s teeth.

The Greeks held the pearl in high esteem for both its unrivaled beauty and its association with love and marriage. Duringthe Dark Ages, while fair maidens of nobility cherished delicate pearl necklaces, gallant knights often wore pearls into battle. They believed the magic of these lustrous gems would protect them from harm. he ancient Greeks also believed pearls should be a part of the wedding ceremony. They thought pearls would bring love and all guests of the wedding were adorned in pearls. Pearls were sacred wedding gems given as gifts and the word “pearl” became highly associated with “love.”

In Roman mythology, they are the tears of Venus. It is said that the water that dropped from Venus’ body was so affected by her beauty and appeal that it ultimately formed into pearls, and that is where the pearl gains its lofty and holy status.

Pearls have often been called "The Fairies of Water" as they are the soul of beauty and love. The Myth from Persia believes that pearls are the result of different spirits’ tears. Interesting, you might say - but there are lots of myths when it comes to pearls. From the old times until today, pearls are deemed to be a gift to the earth by various spirits. Persians believed that pearls were born when a rainbow met the Earth, and any irregularities in the pearls were thought to be a consequence of thunder.

In Ancient India, people believed that pearls were made from the dew of the sun’s first rays in the morning.

The ancient Egyptians prized their pearls so much they were buried with them. Cleopatra reportedly dissolved a single pearl in a glass of wine and drank it. She did this simply to win a wager with Mark Anthony that she could consume the wealth of an entire nation in just one meal.

In Hindu culture, pearls were associated with the Moon and were symbols of love and purity. Hindu texts say that Krishna discovered the first pearl, which he presented to his daughter on her wedding day.  Ancient Hindu writings refer to pearls as bringing longevity and prosperity. The writings also tell an ancient story of Krishna (or Vishnu) who plucked the first pearl from the depths of the ocean and gave it to his daughter Pandaia on her wedding day. This Hindu story is one of the earliest known accounts of pearls in the wedding experience. Hindus also associated pearls with wild boars, elephants, snakes, fish and only very rarely with oysters. For Hindus, the pearl is one of the planetary gems, associated with the moon and second only to the diamond in regard. The Indian rulers considered the luminous gemstones to be symbols of love, union, and purity.

Islamic tradition holds pearls in even higher regard. The Koran speaks of pearls as one of the great rewards found in Paradise, and the gem itself has become a symbol of perfection.

Christianity also adopted the pearl as a symbol of purity. Many of these ideas have come down to us in pearl lore and legend, and persist even today. For example, pearls are often associated with brides and weddings -- a concept possibly dating all the way back to Krishna and the wedding of his daughter. Pearls are also said to symbolize tears, to provide love and fertility, to symbolize purity, and to ward off evil.

Birthstones

My favourite combination is diamonds and pearls, even if it is zircon or strass, clear crystal with fresh water pearls, cultured or even faux pearls. Who cares! I like beautiful, classy pieces, The ones than can make you feel glamourous, elegant, on the top of the world, no matter its value. 

And, of course, preferably a vintage jewelry piece, something with a soul, a story.

January	Garnet	Symbolizes constancy, faith, loyalty and strength.
February	Amethyst/Pearl	Symbolizes deep love, happiness, humility, sincerity and wealth.
March	Aquamarine/Bloodstone	Symbolizes health, hope and youth, brilliance, courage, generosity and health.
April	Diamond	Symbolizes brilliance, constancy, excellence, innocence, invulnerable faith, joy, life, love and purity.
May	Emerald	Symbolizes spring, rebirth, hope, peace and tranquility.
June	Pearl/Moonstone	Symbolizes beauty, faithfulness, humility innocence, integrity, modesty, and purity.
July	Ruby	Symbolizes beauty, charity, daintiness, dignity, happiness, love and passion.
August	Sardonyx/Peridot	Symbolizes divine love, marital happiness vivacity and power.
September	Sapphire	Symbolizes calmness, constancy, contemplation, hope, innocence, purity, truth and virtue.
October	Opal/Tourmaline	Symbolic of confidence, happiness, hope, innocence, prayer and tender love.
November	Topaz	Symbolizes divine goodness, eager love, fidelity, friendship, gentleness and integrity.
December	Turquoise/Zircon	Symbolizes earth, happiness, good health, hope, prosperity and success.

Pearls, pearls pearls

Pearls never go out of style.  They are always a classy and traditional wardrobe accessory that will ever be part of an  elegant, sophisticated, timeless and classic look.

The classic strand by some celebrities: 

 Grace Kelly

 Marilyn Monroe

Elizabeth Taylor

Amy Winehouse

  Katherine Heigl

  Rhianna

Scarlett Johansson

 Sarah Jessica Parker

Fashion tips: Belts and Scarves

Personally I like the belt thing :)

Belts and Scarves from Sydney Poulton on Vimeo.

Discovery Sale

New customers in  " Absolutely Fabulous!"  at Dawanda  will be rewarded with a 15% discount , from Tuesday (11.10.2011) at 10am CEST, till Monday (17.10.2011)! 

The online marketplace for unique and designer items, one of kind gifts and handmade products of all types.

Fashion Tips : How to Wear Long Necklaces

"Women like to get as many looks from a piece of jewelry that they can. So, here are some cool styles you might not have thought about when wearing that long chain necklace or pearl strand".

Long Necklaces: Fashion Accessories From the Jewelry Box -- powered by ehow

"New York Vintage" as Featured on "The Rachel Zoe Project"

Fashion Tips : How to Wear Vintage Clothing

October 4th is animal rights day

The Universal Declaration of Animal Rights was adopted by the International League of Animal Rights in 1977, proclaimed the following year. It was subsequently approved by the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in April-October, 2007.

Animal Welfare Day is observed all over the world today 4th October all over the world.

Vintage Condition Grading System

A large majority of vintage items have been worn and are not new unless stated. So, some wear should be expected. However, it is possible to buy vintage stuff in a great condition.

I don't buy something that I consider inferior just because it has a well known brand name. If the pictures aren't clear, if I feel unsure for any reason, I prefer to ask people to specify if there is any damage or irregularities.

This glossary can serve as a guide for vintage lovers. Some sellers have similar grading systems.

New Old Stock (NOS):

Never worn or used vintage item with original store tags or packaging. Also known as Dead Stock.

Mint:

Item is in perfect original or restored condition. It is not damaged or faded in any way. All original details and decorations are intact and no alterations or changes to the original item have been made.

Excellent or near mint:

Item is intact and has been gently-worn or used without any signs of wear or damage.

Very Good:

Item is intact but the decorations or item details show some signs of wear.


Good:
Item is intact but the decorations or item details may be damaged or missing.

Fair:

Item is wearable or usable but may have missing decorations.

Poor:

Design inspiration only. Item is NOT WEARABLE or USABLE due to the overall condition. Fabric or paper deterioration is evident, or the delicate condition of the item predisposes use other than display, rental for design purposes or private collection.

Sometimes the diference between "excelent" and "very good" is subjective... Because of that, if buying online,  be careful and take your time to make a judgement.

My rule: I only list items which I would be happy buying or receiving myself. I try to describe and photograph with the outmost accurately and, of course, people are free to ask me any questions.

Lazy Saturday night...

lying down, watching  Doctor Zhivago and Ryan's Daughter on tv...

Thank you Hazel Bishop!

Hazel Bishop invented the first long lasting lipstick in the 40s. Bishop worked as chemical, during the day,  designing fuels for airplanes that operated in high altitudes. But, at night, she was a make-up scientist, in a manner of speaking. Using her chemistry knowledge, she spent hours and hours in the kitchen of her mother mixing diverse prescriptions of lipstick. In 1950, the fruits of its effort had been placed for sale by US$ the 1 pipe - she finalhy had finished to invent the first “lipstick to kiss proof ”, a product that would be in the lips does not matter how many kisses, cigarettes or glasses of wine passed for the lips of the user. The product contained pigments that gave color to the lips.

Bishop applying lipstick, 1951

Vintage style

I Got You Babe - Sonny and Cher Top of the Pops 1965

Discovered on DaWanda

By: donotpushmybuttons

{1000 buttons} brooch_pregadeira

Discovered on DaWanda

By: tpafonso

Vintage Sarah Coventry "Allusion" Demi-Parure

5 reasons to buy handmade and vintage stuff

I found this fabulous quote in facebook by Etsy:

"I love how it feels to buy handmade, to feel a real connection to the real person that made each object. You can't buy that at the mall."

I totally agree.

and

Vintage! 

 Why?

1- I like to feel unique. I hate to wear the same as everybody else. Of course, nowadays it´s hard to live without ready-to-wear (or prêt-à-porter) garments. So, handmade accessories and vintage jewelry are a great way to add a personal touch.

2 - I like the connection with the person that made each object, that´s for sure, because it´s a  piece with a story. But I also like the glamour to wear a piece that tells a story because it´s a part of the History.

3 - Superior quality: Vintage pieces are often a much higher quality than what you will find today. Also, handmade things are made with love and attention to detail.

4 - Green option: Although I did not start out shopping vintage or handmade to save the plane, I must say eco-friendliness is an important factor and became  an ecological and philosophical statement. Most of my favourite handmade items are interesting and original ways to recycle fabrics and other materials.

5 - It's collectable: You can indulge your passion for vintage and collect from any designer, style or era. I find it very amusing and also a kind of investment. However, it is not the very first reason I like to buy vintage. I only wear what I really like and I only buy when I fall in love with a piece.

How many brooches is too many?

 

How many brooches is too many? According to one popular American fashion magazine, it seems one cannot wear too many brooches, even pinned on all at the same time.

Wearing a large number of brooches makes a statement. The style may not be to everyone's taste, but it certainly will get the wearer noticed.

Sometimes multiple small brooches can have as much, but more subtle, visual impact, as one large, over the top brooch.

Michele Obama wearing 3 brooches

Although some may say brooches come and go, it is my personal opinion that they are one of the most classic and chic ideas in jewelry.

Wearing two brooches can be very chic and just right, when one isn't quite enough and three are a bit too much. I'm especially enamored of the look of wearing two brooches that are an exact match except as to color.

With their timeless appeal and feminine elegance, brooches instantly dress up any outfit for a very put together appearance.

How many brooches is too many? You decide, it´s your call!

Message from Portugal to Finland

Who said brooches are an accessory for old ladies?

Who said brooches are an accessory for old ladies?

Nowadays brooches are very cool and are in trend. Old and young ladies wear them as versatile accessory to create a unique look by adding a burst of colour and/or glitter to a neutral outfit.

A great accessory can completely change an outfit and it´s a helpful way for transitioning a wardrobe from day to evening.

A casual day with the girls, a client meeting, a formal dinner, a date... Pins are a great accessory to make you glamorous and stylish, even if you´re wearing a white tee and jeans ensemble.

You can play with all the amazing pins you can find  in all different shapes, sizes and designs to create a fabulous look.

Be chic, be unique, be elegant and fun!

Vintage Flower Pins By Sarah Coventry & Avon

Easter Greetings!

Happy Easter everyone!

Boa Páscoa a todos!

Este fim de semana prolongado vou estar "off". Introspecção, organização interna e externa, cinema, um bom livro, o que me der na telha! Mas preciso mesmo deste 4 dias para mim!

 I am off for the weekend.  I have so much to do around the house and I need some introspection too. Maybe a good book or a film. I want some quite, a stress free weekend, only to myself!

Fever

Happy Birthday to me!

Modelitos Mad Men

Mad Men é uma das séries do momento. Um sucesso que se deve, sobretudo, ao retrato fiel da América do início dos anos 60, ainda sob forte influência da década de 50. As mulheres começam a ganhar independência, calmantes e anticoncepcionais estão na boca de todo mundo, os males do tabaco e as políticas contra o assédio sexual eram impensáveis...coisas do futuro!.

E não há série de época sem modelitos!

Betty Draper, personagem interpretada por January Jones, é uma princesinha suburbana, a imagem da dona de casa perfeita com ar de Grace Kelly. Uma lady com os seus vestidos rodados, batom vermelho, sapatos altos e as fantásticas pérolas!

Mas a minha preferida é a curvilínea Joan Holloway (Christina Hendricks), com os seus vestido e saias lápis,

marcam bastante a sua cintura e seu quadril, e os acessórios, mais precisamente: os alfinetes!

fonte: the streets I know - a vegan fashion blog

Simplesmente fantástico!