A Bold Safari

I need a safari skirt, safari shorts, a safari dress, a safari playsuit, safari everything. They are just some of the things you need, whether you wear them or not. And then, some of the things you want but don't have. This week, I hit the Mango sales with the single aim of finding a couple of pairs of shoes I knew I wanted even while full-priced  but never got round to go shopping for them. And what did I get? A plain safari skirt and errm, a few extra bits and bobs.

The basic look is pretty easy to work: take something simple in a shade anywhere between stone and dark khaki (mine is dark beige or light camel), and add rich leather  accessories. The thing about safari is, well, while timeless and sort of chic, it easily washes you out. This season's boldness comes in handy to spice things up. You can go for a flash of royal blue, red, coral, even yellow, or do as I do and pick emerald green. You'll find this medium dark hue really flattering, whatever your true colours are.

I could not resist adding the green patent shoulder bag... matchy-matchy as it seems, what dominates is the eye-popping factor so why not load up? And, if you're short of bag space -I know you are- grab another beauty of an arm candy. I think the 1970s style platform wedges I've had for a few years will do nicely for the city safari. 

P.S. On the second evening of being abducted by UFOs (dearest's term for me getting sucked in by the shops and losing track of time), I did manage to pick up the last pairs of the shoes I had been after in my size - I'm sure they will crop up in one post or another soon enough.

shirt, skirt and bags: Mango, belt: C&A, sandals: River Island, sunglasses: Zara

Eighties Jeans, Seventies Style

I have had these straight leg jeans by Gap for a while. They are well cut, at least for a pair probably made in the 1980s, with the right sized back pockets placed at the right height.

What has so far stopped me from wearing them - besides the fact that they make me feel chunky from the waist down, which I'm not - are the high waist, the retro light mid-blue colour ('potty blue' as I call it), and the overly clean finish - just the reasons why I had to give them a go yesterday.

I still get a rash from the thought of wearing jeans the 1980s way, so I just gave the outfits a clean 1970s base style, and let the colour(s) do the job of making them look fresh enough for this season.

A safer choice would be a pair of flared jeans, whether bright or greyish blue retro hued mid-wash or indigo, it's up to you. The greater the flare, the stronger the 1970s theme. I decided it would be unfair not to stick with this pair as I didn't want to play it safe or to aim for a total 1970s look, not to mention the fact that these very jeans inspired the outfits.


LOOK ONE

jeans: Gap, shirt: Pacific Girl, belt: charity shop, wooden bracelet, bead and bone bracelet:
Mum's old stuff and a gift, fine velvet tie: found around the house, sunglasses: no idea, bag:
old family throwaway from the 1970s, leather and suede sandals: Zara

When searching for the right shoes, I suggest you choose heels, not wedges - again, the wider the flare, the chunkier the heels should be to get the balance right. Platforms are ideal for sandals, heeled loafers or boots, whichever you prefer. Here, you can be as seventies as you dare to be.

All items as before, velvet blazer: Gimbels

LOOK TWO

Wooden necklaces and bracelets were once big, so the hoarder in the family might have some of those hidden in a drawer. The same is the case of small 'disco bags', thrift shops and vintage style sections of stores are still teaming with those. Oversized clutches and similar style shoulder bags have already been back en vogue since last season.

Jeans, shirt, sunglasses and wooden bracelet as before. Wooden necklace: Mum's old stuff,
leather punchout belt: charity shop, oversized vintage clutch: Pelleterie Bucci,
jacket: Primark, heeled loafers: Zara (TRF)

The daywear jacket is a plain and timeless one, while the deep purple velvet piece is old kidswear I guess, in and out of style for the past century. If you happen to own one of those, remember Tom Ford's velvet suits and tuxes designed for Gucci around 1996 (pictured below), and hold on to yours.

Oooh, I love mirror dirrrt!