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Showing posts with label accessories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label accessories. Show all posts

4.17.2013

[ SPRING BRIGHTS ] Pretty Prints by Mitandio


1. Natraaj, $160  2. Splatter, $160  3. Pop Lakshmi 

It seems Spring has (finally!) reached British shores once more, and with a little sun comes a desire to shed those dreary winter shades and embrace those Spring brights. So, on an unusually sunny afternoon, what better to have stumbled upon than a plethora of eye-poppingly scintillating scarves? 

Created by designer Jas Sandhu and business partner Rukmani Singh, the label, aptly named Mitandio which literally translates as 'scarves' in Swahili focuses on the scarf as a "simple accessory that has the sublime ability of beautifying the simplest of looks" - a theory I whole heartedly support as a, perhaps overly avid scarf wearer. With their collection of unique prints in a spectrum of kaleidoscopic colours, this is one label that's definitely nailed their target. 

Having studied at Delhi's prestigious National Institute of Fashion and Technology (NIFT). and worked as a Stylist for ELLE Decor, it comes as no surprise that Jas's eye for design has lead to a line of sell-out styles. I, for one, am obsessing over their contemporary injection of ethnic inspiration; a style which comes as a result of Jas's unconventional upbringing spent shuffling between Punjab and the Tanzanian Serengeti. Fusing their love of travel and of the endless idiosyncrasies of varying cultures, Jas and Rukmani endeavour to inject each design with "its own story and history, springing from mythology to political issues to human values to nature, serving as an inspiration to different spans of life." Now that's an accessory to boast about. 

All images: mitandio.com

3.26.2012

[ BEADS & BOBS ] Mango Jewellery SS2012


And the 1st prize for the ethnic accessory collection of the season goes to....Mango! The SS2012 jewellery line from Mango looks just as exotic as its namesake sounds. Tropical shades of lime, fuchsia, lemon and an orange hue like that of a sun setting over a desert island on a hot summers night (ahh...how poetic!). So, if you fancy adorning yourself with a dose of Aztec bohemia, skip on over to Mango for some skull beaded, tassel dangling accessories that are sure to get your summer off to a bold start.

For more ethnic inspired fashion and accessories like this, check out my Lyst page or click the links above.

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3.05.2012

[ SUNNY SYDNEY ] Hello Australia, Goodbye Traveller Scruff!

Sydeny, street style, wandering style, hello australia,


So that's it, after ten long months of rickshaw riding, street stall haggling and noodle eating in the deepest depths of Asia, I've finally reached Australia, ready to get reacquainted with the western world, and man, what a shock. Why does it feel like there's been a zombie apocalypse in Oz? Where are all the people?! Why am I not under threat of being mowed down by a motorcycle on every street I cross (not to mention the pavements)? Where are all the street vendors? And what the hell is with this $4 Mars Bar deal?!

Ok, breathe...One good thing that comes with being in Oz is good hair. Yes, I know there are many fine salons in Asia but having someone cut and style your curly mass of hair when all your going to do in jump right in the sea the next minute is just not worth the hassle. And don't get me started on the colouring. Ten long months of growing out red henna had left me with a half ginger, half brown disaster (hence the lack of pics), so I was super excited when BIBA Academy, Melbourne gave me back my hair dignity with some beautiful new colouring! Ok, so its not super sleek and still not fashion-blogger perfect but, well, shamefully, I have to admit ten months without a hair dryer and I'm a bit out of practice...
Wandering style, Sydney Opera House, Australia street style, Bali blousechatuchak bangkok satchel, ethnic friendship bracelts, summer shades, Sydney style
In a forethought to the state I was going to re-enter society as a non-traveller with an ever-dwindling budget, I picked up a few necessities in Bangkok's infamous Chatuchak Market back in January. Let's face it, you can't walk around one of the worlds most stylish cities in harem pants and washed out, creased up t-shirts (or at least that's what my iron wielding mother would say).  So for the super cheap price of $6 I snapped up this rather chic leatherette box satchel and two pairs of these silky tailored shorts for $9. Bargain! I found this cute embroidered navy blouse in Kuta, Bali just a few days ago and loved it so much I bought 2! And there's those ethnic bands again (also from Kuta), see, perfect traveling jewellery that you never have to take off!

3.01.2012

[ DIY THREADS ] Friendship Bracelets by Honestly WTF



Earlier today whilst stumbling around the web (yes, I am now down with the rest of you Stumble Upon kids), I came across these bracelet beauties from one of my current favorite blogs, Honestly WTF. I've been lusting over this kind of crafty 'do it yourself' accessory look for a while now as they make for perfect traveling jewellery - you never need to take them off and they go great with beach brights and bohemian slouch (like these examples I picked up in Kuta, Bali). So when I discovered the girls behind HWFT had already provided a full on DIY masterclass in friendship-bracelet-making, I got a little over excited and started 'stumbling' all their DIY tutorials (if you're following me on facebook you'll already know what I'm talking about). If you love what you see and fancy getting a little crafty click on over to the fully illustrated tutorial here.


2.17.2012

[ TRIBAL BRIT ] Burberry Prorsum SS 2012

tailored bohemian, British cool, ethnic luxury, Christopher Bailey, Burberry Spring Summer 2012, exotica, exotic prints, tribal style, ethnic style, wandering threads, ethnic inspired fashion, Burberry artisan


































1. Woven Raffia and Printed Wedge Pumps 2. 130mm Wooden Beaded Sandals 3. Avonbrook Key Fob 4.TribalPrinted Woven Silk Dress 5. Hepburne Orange Ochre Bag 6. Woven Leather and Raffia Ballet Flats 7. Linen Cropped Jacket 8. Printed Silk and Cotton-blend Dress 9.Campanula Scarf
 

Ask me how I'd some up my personal style in as fewer words as possible and the answer could only be 'tailored bohemian'. Bit of a juxtaposition, I know.  By nature I may be a travel centric, ethnic style obsessive and hoarder of printed scarves and oversized gypsy earrings but by nurture I just can't bear scruff. Hailing from a quintessentially English town where blazers, starched white shirts and perfectly knotted ties were essential state school uniform, I spent my teens being chased by my mother wielding an iron and a bottle of shoe polish. Well, after 24 years of hassle over creases and frays all that fuss has certainly paid off and I've grown to appreciate the art of a perfectly shaped lapel and an impeccably ironed pleat.

Que the above from Burberry Prorsum SS 2012. A label that epitomises 21st century 'British cool', Burberry's typically British tailoring is continuously injected with an effortlessly youthful edge that, season after season, unfailingly appeals to both the young and the mature. First guesses as to why I'm head over heals this season? Yup, you've got it: Britain meets exotica aka 'tailored tribal chic'.

This collection is all about 'celebrat(ing) things that take time to do' as Creative Director and all-round fashion genius, Christopher Bailey puts it. Typical trenches and faultless tailoring embellished with beaded geometric patterns, raffia trims and boldly coloured block prints. This collections handcrafted, African touch is definitely pushing my ethnic obsessive buttons, and more importantly, hitting the nail on the head for spring's tribal trend too. This seasons footwear and accessories go straight to the top of my thread lust list. Long live Burberry! 


1.25.2012

[ ETHNIC BANDS FOR SUMMER HANDS ] Kuta, Bali

friendship bracelets, ethnic bands for summer hands, tribal style, SS2012, Bali, Kuta, wandering style, ethnic finds

I've been doing a bit of shopping (surprised?) since I touched down in the beautiful tropical paradise that is Bali. First stop, Kuta. Not exactly your ideal holiday spot thanks to all the drunken Ozzie's and Brit's falling all over the streets but thanks to an over friendly insect and a couple of knife wielding doctors, it looks like it's I'll be sticking around here for the next few days. So, in an effort to make the best of a bad situation, I bring you: ethnic bands for summer hands!

I snapped these little beauties (above) from a little jewellery store round the corner. Stocked floor to ceiling with handmade pendants, bangles and rings, all knotted and beaded, carved and chiselled, threaded and laced into brightly coloured, easy-wearing, beach friendly accessories. And for those of you who like what you see, I did a little online window shopping to bring you few ideas for your own summer hands! Of course you can always get crafty and make some of your own...



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1.12.2012

[ ETHNIC BEACH CHIC ] Holiday Style

 

In the words of Finley Quay, for some of us right now "the sun is shining and the weather is sweet yeahh". Yehh. I'm currently sunning myself on islands of Thailand, Kao Tao to be precise, and low and behold I'm pining for a beach side wardrobe to put my backpacker glam sack to shame (well, that wouldn't really be difficult). One can only dream...and thankfully Polyvore has once again entertained that dream and voilà, here we are with another compilation of my favorite pieces. This time I've assembled them all into outfits so, if you're sitting by that fire at home on this cold winters day, dreaming of outfits for sunnier days to come, let this help you along. 

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12.24.2011

[ PINTER LUSTINGS ] Ethnic Fashion Inspirations


So, I've already mentioned my new-found obsession with Pinterest, and over the past few weeks I've been busy pinning my favorite ethnically inspired images all over my boards. I've already shown you some of my top picks from my Ethnic Interiors category so here's a  little taste of what you can find on my Ethnic Fashion board. Click here to see more ethnic inspired everything from fashion and interiors to homeware, accessories, global inspirations and editorials. I'll be posting my favorites on here now and again but remember to follow me on Pinterest if you like what you see!




All images sourced from Pinterest.com

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12.16.2011

[THREAD LUSTINGS ] Holst + Lee

i{Thread Lust} Holst + Lee by wandering-threads on polyvore.com


Whilst I'm sunning myself on the beaches on Vietnam, back in the UK you must all be snuggling up to the fire, wrapped up in your woolens or maybe even splashing about in your wellies (sorry, did I go to far)? OK so enough of the gloating, I just wanted to give you all a mental picture and cast your minds forward to the myriad of style possibilities awaiting us in SS'2012. Take these Holst + Lee beauties for example, what more could and ethnic style junkie want of a summer accessory than vividly coloured, oversized, tribal-inspired statement jewellery? Can't think of a thing.

Hailing from the beautiful south (of the USA that is), designers Natalie Holst and Rochelle Lee met whilst working in the NY nightclub scene, of all places. Naturally the pair are flaunting their jewellery line all over New York right now, having accessorised runway collections for designers Yigal Azrouel and Mara Hoffman. I'll definitely be adding these to my SS'2012 wishlist (emphasis on the plural). 

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9.28.2011

[ FALLING FOR FRINGE ] Free People


In case you may be new to this blog (welcome along!) I'd just like to readdress the issue of my undying lust for everything made by the wonderous Free People. There yet fails to appear a rival to this brand that endlessly delivers me with beautiful, folksy, bohemian, ethnic inspired fashion. My only wish is that it would pack itself up and fly over the Atlantic to London so that I wouldn't have to pay the postal fees! Anyway, to the point, today I would like to draw your attention to Free People's tasslerific AW 2011 collection of fringed bags. Below are some of my favorite picks from the collection - they'd go great with that Native American Fringed Blanket Coat from Etsy, or a pair of those winter moccasins, don't you think? Click on the links below to make a speedy impulse buy through Polyvore, or at freepeople.com before you change your mind! 

                                        
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9.16.2011

[ HAPPY HEMP ] Pokhara, Nepal




Yet another of my Lakeside finds, today's post comes from a foray into a particularly hippy looking hemp clothing specialist. My wandering style hunter's eye was instantly drawn by the outer displays of raw, laddered knit dresses, loose, oversized crochet jumpers and rough-dyed tee's - the perfect type of clothing to boost that effortlessly cool (yet evidently considered) boho-traveler wardrobe. Sourced locally, as industrial cultivation of hemp is illegal in Nepal, the hemp fibre comes from a homegrown source of naturally occurring cannabis sativa plant. Durable and strong, the plant grows densely and quickly in poor soil and harsh conditions of the western mountainous regions of Nepal, resulting in a more quantitative yield without the need for chemicals. That should put some smiles on the faces of ethical fashion fans!

Naturally, everyone seems to associate hemp with old tree hugging hippies but if your on the pulse of the ever expanding sustainable fashion scene, you will by now be well informed of the multiple benefits of alternative fabrics such as hemp (even Bottega Veneta are cashing in on its .....!). Not only is hemp both ethically and environmentally sustainable, its also bacteria resistant and far more water absorbent than other fabrics meaning it not only keeps you cool, holds its shape and is wrinkle free, but also retains dye colours and actually gets softer the more you wear it!

If you're looking to jump on the hemp bandwagon, take a look at sustainable fashion brand Komodo. Not only do they focus on sustainable fabrics such as hemp, soya, organic cotton and rayon.....but they've got some super cosy winter warmers and some cute tailored work wear.

9.14.2011

[ ATTRACTIVE TREKKING ] Pokhara, Nepal

                    River Island Backpack with Tribal Print Flap £35                              River Island Canvas Tribal Backpack £30

I've never been a big fan of over exerting myself when it comes to exercise, nor am I a big fan of the practical 'active' gear that such enthusiasts seemingly consider mandatory. Bit weird then, you may think, when former fashion student decides, voluntarily, to go on a three day Himalayan trek. To be quiet honest, when I first started backpacking in 2007 the concept of needing to wear trainers, carry round a giant Karrimor backpack and wear strange 'fisherman' style pants in order to retain my modesty (or so the Thai's see it) was all a bit overwhelming. Now, thankfully, four years on and I've realised traveling doesn't need to mean looking like some 'just-stepped-out-of-Blacks-hippy'. 

Loathe to purchase a typically practical backpack for activities such as said three day trek, I've found a rather good looking alternative. These two felt-touch finished cotton tribal canvas bags from River Island are nice and light-weight, big enough to fit a that essential pair of leggings, warm socks, hoodie and long-sleeved jersey and a few toiletries. Perfect! Plus, they double up as rather stylish city day bags or as hand luggage for the rest of your trip! 

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9.12.2011

[ THE CRAFTS CENTRE ] Pokhara, Nepal

Shops like this are the reason I keep adding to my photographic collection of super bright, ethnic patterned fabrics, clothing and accessories - they make it so easy! I wondered into The Crafts Centre, again on Pokhara's Lakeside area, having been dazzled by the array of coloured weaves and embroidered homeware strategically placed out on the roadside. 


Whilst I'm a big fan of shopping in local markets and bazaars on my travels, I love discovering small, independently owned, fair trade stores like this one that stock hundreds of locally produced, traditional items. You may pay a slightly inflated price for those desirables but, generally, you can leave happy in the knowledge that the local artisans who hand crafted them are getting a fair price. Heed the obvious warnings though and assess the shop by its owner or salesperson - too pushy and you know they're out to make a quick buck, most likely paying under the odds for the goods themselves.  

 



The Craft Centre's chirpy owner was happy to take the time to show me around, explaining to me the significance of the symbols embroidered and woven into wall hangings, cushions and bags as well as the location of the villages that produced the unbelievably soft 100% yak wool scarves - perfect Christmas presents!

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8.02.2011

[ ACCESSIBLE ETHNIC ] Asos Patchwork Mirrored Bag

ASOS Premium Patchwork Mirrored Ethnic Bag With Leather Handle £45

I'm rather lucky to be trawling the bustling bazaars of Rajasthan for handmade mirrored, embroidered and sequined accessories at very far from UK prices, but for those of you stuck back in the rainy, cold UK (sorry, I just had to get that in there) who like what you've been seeing here for the past few weeks but aren't lucky enough to be able to jump on a plane to India for a shopping trip (or enough pennies to pick up an Antik Batik alternative as seen here), I've found you a very accessible alternative! ASOS are currently selling this beautiful mirrored, patchwork bag. Perfect for that bohemian summer vibe. Snap one up for £45 - it's no 300 rupees but, hey, at least your saving yourself a couple hundred on a plane ticket!

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8.01.2011

[ BIZARRE BAZAARS ] Pushkar, India



So it seems the holy town of Pushkar in eastern Rajasthan (supposedly the place in which Brahma dropped a lotus flower on the earth) has cashed in on its popularity. A destination for foreigner and Indians alike, Pushkar is a favorite on the traveler/pilgrim trail for witnessing the, often very peculiar, acts of Hindu worship. Priests with dreadlocks, holy men swathed from head to toe in orange and a lot of flower petal accompanied dipping in the many ghats, Pushkar is one 'interesting' place, and its not just the scamming 'holy men' that will make you part with your money. Feast your eyes on this array of dazzling bazaar finds: from piles of pendants to mirror work bags, camel leather wallets and patchwork cushion covers. There's something for every ethnically obsessed traveler in Pushkar. 

7.25.2011

[ SANDCASTLE SHOPPING ] Jaisalmer Fort, India

 
For the past couple of days I've been literally roasting in the Thar Desert in the far and distant city of Jaisalmer. Like a giant sandcastle, Jaisalmer's fort rises above the sandy coloured city like something from an epic. If adventure if what you seek, Jaisalmer is the place, the place to plod through the desert on a camel before camping up for the night on the sand dunes, under the stars with a cup of chai to sooth your weary camel strained legs. But adventures aside, with all these camels plodding about (and cows of course being redundant), there is no better place to pick up some camel leather accessories (sorry vegetarians!). Here's a few I picked up inside the fort, adorned with brightly coloured embroidered patterns, they please my ethnic sense of style greatly. I just hope a few certain people forgot to be supportive followers today, otherwise they'll find out what's coming at them through the post...


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6.01.2011

[ ANTIK BATIK ] Ethnic Threads SS 2011

Zanon embellished knitted cotton cardigan £444 and Simoni paillette and bead necklace £127
Costa appliquéd python belt £182
Antik Batik has been whirling round my head since my days at Saint Martins but I've only recently come to remember why....and now its glaring me in the face. Inspired by her travels around the globe, Italian designer Gabriella Cortese set up Antik Batik in her now adopted home of Paris back in 1992. Fueled with decorative extravagance from every corner of the globe, with an eclectic mix of geometric and floral prints, neon colour combo's from Peru, Indian bandhani and mirror appliqué, and Indonesian batik, her aesthetic is unquestionably ethnic. My kind of label. And since I'm covering almost a quarter of the globe over the course of the coming year, its' a perfect excuse to follow in the footsteps of Ms. Cortese and seek out such indigenous artistry!

www.antikbatik.fr


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