On The Fringe

Avid readers of this blog will already know about my deep & abiding love of all things 1970s - music, decor, clothing - so the fact that EVERYONE ELSE is getting on the bandwagon this Spring/Summer is pretty darn amazing because it means that I can find beauties like this fringed suede cross-body bag for reasonable, chain-store prices. Of course, I always like to TRY to find an original that is actually FROM the era in question (you know, purity & all that) but the ravages of time really seem to affect certain materials & suede is top of the list in my book. If it's stored incorrectly - dark places with zero breathability, you know, like most people's wardrobes - it's pretty much "Game Over," so items can be few & far between & prices usually reflect this, meaning modern interpretations are often the way to go to "get the look" without breaking the bank.

Below are 3 recent outfits featuring the aforementioned Sportsgirl cross-body bag that may provide you, my dear readers, with the inspiration to work some "Seventies Style" into your warm-weather repertoire:

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LOOK #1

Dress: NF by Nicola Finnetti poly-blend

Bolero: City Chic chiffon

Wedges: Novo suede, rattan & leather

Bag: Sportsgirl suede

Watch: The Strand Markets, bamboo & suede

Cuffs: The EKKA Markets, bead (handmade)

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The first look revolves around a floaty, trapeze-style mini dress from diffusion line NF by Nicola Finnetti (exclusive to Myer stores); the funky, mirrored jewel print & intricate cut-out yoke detail rendering it something "out of the ordinary" where little Summer dresses are concerned.

A pair of black suede & rattan heeled wedges from Novo - replete with thin leather ankle straps - provided my five foot frame with some much-needed height while adding to the retro-styling vibe & most importantly, mirrored the texture of the fringed suede cross-body bag from Sportsgirl to create overall cohesion.

When it came to jewellery, less was definitely more: a pair of eclectic, handmade beaded cuffs that I purchased from a little market stall at this year's EKKA celebrations & a lightweight suede & bamboo watch that I picked up from The Strand Markets at Coolangatta on a recent beach holiday.

Unpredictable Queensland temperatures meant that a further layering piece was required & this bright chiffon bolero from City Chic matched the flecks of purple in the print perfectly. Scroll down to see how it works with the rest of the look:

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LOOK #2

Dress: Vintage, Shane elastane

Cardigan: Yarra Trail mesh

Sandals: Novo leather lace-up gladiators

Bag: Sportsgirl suede

Bangle: Oxfam paper strips

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The second look starts with a vintage dress from the era in question: a large-scale floral printed elastane maxi by an Australian brand called Shane that I found at the Ipswich Antique Centre. The fairly muted colour palette of black, cream, puce & light blue really lent itself to flesh-tone or tan accessories - in this case, a pair of lace-up leather gladiators with zippers at the heel from Novo & the piece de resistance: the fringed suede cross-body bag from Sportsgirl. When it came to jewellery, I kept it minimal but sculptural & made a statement with a chunky, recycled-paper-strip bangle from Oxfam.

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LOOK #3

Dress: Passion Q silk (from Rock Olive Couture)

Cape: Nelly K knitted (from The Strand Markets)

Flats: Tree of Life suede moccasins

Bag: Sportsgirl suede

Necklace: Rock Olive Couture beaded with tassel

Ring: Gift, Sistaco silver & semi-precious stone

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The third look is a dreamier option than the others, focusing on this bohemian-chic printed silk drawstring maxidress by Passion Q that I found at Rock Olive Couture & baby-pink, hand-knitted cape from Nelly K that I picked up at The Strand Markets... another impetuous holiday purchase that I am absolutely LOVING for this indivinable Queensland weather. The best thing about the light-weight knit is that it solves the inevitable "visible bra strap problem" that plagues me when wearing dresses of this ilk as it camouflages the area without adding bulk.

When it came to accessories, comfort was key & these lace-up moccasins from Tree of Life fitted the bill perfectly! The sturdy flat sole provided stability while the soft suede sides felt like each foot was enveloped in a pillow or cloud. Divine. And what's more, they matched perfectly with - you guessed it - the fringed suede cross-body bag from Sportsgirl that I've been raving on & on about...

Bright turquoise jewellery pieces were then chosen to "stand out" against the otherwise pastel colour palette - a silver & semi-precious stone ring from Sistaco that was given to me as a Christmas present last year & a long beaded necklace with carved "peace sign" pendant & tassel that I also discovered at Rock Olive Couture when purchasing my dress.

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