Glasgow Games

To celebrate the conclusion of the successful 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, I have styled up 2 Scottish themed outfits, replete with items purchased on our 2012 trip to Europe. 

Inspiration #1: 

www.carolynemerick.com 

Look #1:

Dress: Anthea Crawford crepe

Wrap: Johnstons of Elgin cashmere (from Edinburgh)

Ivy Cap: Johnstons of Elgin cashmere (from Edinburgh)

Platform Wedges: Emerson suede

Thistle Brooch: Carrick Celtic silver

Bangle: Wallace Bishop silver & elastic

Watch: Vintage Tasman (once belonged to Grandad Millar)

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The first showcases beautiful tartan cashmere proudly woven in the country since 1797, the black & white popping against the striking red crepe dress underneath. I have accessorised with a watch that once belonged to my Scottish great-grandfather (read more about him below) as well as a beautiful silver brooch depicting a circle of thistles, an ancient Celtic symbol - now symbol of Scotland - denoting nobility of character. Legend has it that during the Battle of Largs, an invading Norse army was attempting to sneak up on a Scottish army encampment in the dead of night. During the operation, a barefoot Norseman trod on a thistle, causing him to cry out in pain & alerting the Scots to the presence of the invaders, who were henceforth vanquished. 

Inspiration #2: 

www.museumvictoria.com.au 

Look #2:

Dress: The Works wool & chiffon

Tammy Cap: Johnstons of Elgin cashmere (from Edinburgh)

Bagpiper Brooch: Carrick Celtic polished pewter 

Highland Dancer Brooch: Carrick Celtic polished pewter

Cuff: Heathergems silver & green-stained heather

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The second outfit is a modern interpretation of a traditional patriotic costume with sash & tartan cashmere Tammy. I have added two Scottish brooches that I picked up at the Loch Ness Information Centre depicting a bagpiper & a highland dancer, pinning them where the traditional clan brooch would once have been placed. 

In addition to the brooches, I have added a Heathergems cuff, another unique Scottish product, manufactured in the small town of Pitlochry & made from heather that has been cut, cleaned, dyed, compressed & lacquered. Visitors have the chance to tour the tiny factory to watch the Heathergems being made (as I have had the pleasure of doing) but if you're not travelling to Scotland anytime soon, click here to visit their website & experience the "making-of" movie.

Image thanks to www.scenicreflections.com

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Scotland is country dear to my heart & often what I refer to as my "spiritual home." Everything there agrees with me - the brisk weather, the breathtaking scenery & the sound of bagpipes being played on city streets by buskers. I am led to believe that bagpipe music is an acquired taste, so I figure it must be in my blood as my maternal Great-Grandfather, Andrew Miller - referred to as Grandad Millar in our family & pictured below - was born in the Scottish city in question before emigrating to Australia as a young man. 

Speaking of people who LOVE bagpipe music... Here are a few snaps of (unofficial) Commonwealth Games Armchair Commentator Jeremy enjoying the tense action of the Women's Cycling Road Race, eventually won by England's Lizzie Armitstead...