this month in shopping i

It is probable that the juxtaposition of the excessively serious and excessively frivolous, which is the basis for the rhetoric of Fashion, merely reproduces, on the level of clothing, the mythic situation of Women in Western civilization, at once sublime and childlike.

                                                                                            –Roland Barthes, The Fashion System

I spend a lot of time determining what to acquire. A lot, a lot. I take acquisition quite seriously, or rather am able, when in the mood, to shift into a very serious stance about it, so my choices are at once outside, peripheral to what is necessary and deserving of considerable time and attention.

I think it’s always interesting, how people spend their money.

Here are some current highlights.

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If you’re in the market for a hat, the Goorin summer sale is a good place to start. I picked up a short brimmed straw panama, the Marin. [Wearing it here!]

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I find hats difficult to wear, usually, but I love them anyway. They radiate attitude. They often for me can fall into or at least approach falling into the category of too much, which is exactly what I like about them.

On a slightly related note, inspired by the price and the pattern, I picked up this utterly charming and unnecessary paper parasol mentioned in a recent xojane post. A childlike selection.

8pal60852_red_frontviewA parasol is a pleasantly eccentric accessory, but a practical one, too. As a prop, for about $15, I couldn’t resist it. At 32″ in diameter, it’s not small.

Made curious by boisdejasmine‘s post about ways to use orange blossom water, I picked some up to play with.

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Another comfortable underthing option for the flat chested, the Cheap Monday triangle microfiber bra (via asos). This looks less like a bra and more like a basic bikini top or abbreviated camisole. Great for wearing under loose tank tops as it doesn’t look especially bra-like, i.e. like it shouldn’t be visible. Great for tee shirts, too.

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And one truly practical item, a light cargo jacket by add (via YOOX). This is a wonderfully light (ideal early autumn weight) and thin parachute-like material. Loving the symmetrical pockets that make it at once slouchy and structured. I got this quite a while ago, actually, but only recently is it approaching the weather for it.

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Have also been finding some great dresses, on which will have to do a separate post.

 

the scarab pendant

Speaking of objects I was entirely right to acquire, here is an antique wood and enamel scarab pendant I finally picked up after many months of watching from afar. The colors and visual texture are incredible, and it reminds me of the intricate scarab cabochons you see in the ancient Egyptian section of the MFA (or any such museum), which I always find arresting. Like to try to imagine how they would have been used and worn. It’s quite small, just a little over 1/2″ long. This green-leaning turquoise hue appeals to me in just about every context, really, but especially this one.

[Imagine a massive scarab to hang on the serpent necklace, see what I’m saying? How FIERCE would that be?]

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I’ll get more into my love of the ancient Egyptian aesthetic later I’m sure, for now it suffices to say that yes: the creatures chosen for artistic representation, the blending of myth and nature and the mythical resonance of just about everything/pervasive symbolism, the crisp lines and bold colors, the prevalence of gold, eyeliner for all, and of course all those sphinxes…I love it.

I love, too, the process of building – borrowing and elaborating from the great pool of history and myth – my own mythology and establishing my own set of personal symbols, replete with any power I have channeled into them. I am drawn to the concept of the charm or the amulet (I recently lost my cimaruta, sadly), not because I believe in ancient or current systems of power, but because I believe in my own power (certainly over myself, conscious or no), and can derive comfort and strength from my personal totems and emblems. The scarab traditionally symbolizes the sun (another favored symbol of mine), and so growth, development, transformation, creation.

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There is a glyph on the back, anyone able to identify? Maybe a stylized Arabic script?

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