Costume Jewellery: Égotique

As usual, I'm in search of the unusual in accessories. I found a pair of their earrings in Polyvore and went looking for more, in case they also made interesting bracelets, necklaces and rings. Turns out the rings were not what I expected, but there was plenty of the rest.
Égotique is a new brand of jewellery (created in 2013, as far as I can see) created by two young women entrepreneurs: Clizia Monaca, and Martina Raspanti, which is perfect for the lover of geometric shapes. If you are, you are going to adore how they mix triangles, squares, and circles, creating tons of interesting combinations.
They use high-end acrylic resins, and lead-free brass that is subject to a variety plating and galvanizing baths (24kt gold and ruthenium, certified nickel free and hypoallergenic), to create a long lasting product. Their packaging is designed to be used daily, which is great, because storage of costume jewellery is always cumbersome.
In their words, they create for the woman who is " a woman who is confident, feminine, and aware". Well, a romantic she is not, but rather quite tough! I have created some sets featuring them, and will be adding more in the future, because I do like them!
See if it's your style.

Égotique by Caroline Grant.

Styling checklist for day to night. Part 1

How to transform your work outfit into an afterwork one

You actually need very few items to go from day to night, adding some glamour to your basic work attire, so the transition to dinner, drinks, or a cocktail party after hours is painless. So, with a bit of forethought...

1. Choose a basic work attire. I am thinking neutral trousers, a skirt with clean lines, or a simple dress. Depending on the weather, the coat you wear can be a simple trench with a bit of shine (or not), or a winter coat with no bells and whistles. Leather is a good option.
2. Shoes can also be versatile, like simple leather or suede black pumps, or you can keep a pair or after-hours shoes at the office. If you are changing shoes and you are wearing a pair of trousers, make sure they have the same heel height or the trousers will drag on the floor or look ridiculous around your ankles. Think about comfort: if you are going out at night, it may be a good idea to have been wearing flats, or kitten heels during the day, and then change to a higher heel. I call this "saving feet", in the sense of not "spending" their endurance completely during the day so I can use it afterwards.
3. Change your pantyhose, for instance, from nude to sheer black. It's always good to have extra pantyhose at the office in case of accidents.
4. Change your handbag. A smaller handbag, alternative to your work bag, is a must.
5. Add statement pieces. A sequined shrug or cardigan, a costume jewellery statement necklace, a cuff bracelet or bangle, earrings...
6. Take your makeup kit with you, including the makeup you will need for afterwards. More of this in the near future!

Key accessories: Gloves

A passion for gloves

Gloves are always part of any outfit of mine when it's cold. I pay as much attention to them as to my other accessories, and I possess a good amount of pairs in my favourite colours: red, black (three pairs, one opera length, one buckled, one plain), forest green, purple, fuchsia, leopard, beige, gray (quilted), blue (half knitted, half leather), tweed (black & white). I also own two pairs of snow gloves in the appropriate materials, of course, but I'm not counting them for the purpose of this post. Currently, I am mostly missing a pair of cobalt blue ones, but I won't probably stop until I have most colours under the sky. I always buy on sale good quality leather (soft and supple, with a sheen rather than a shine).
Most Spanish fashion brands, like Zara and Mango, usually carry well made, good quality affordable gloves. Unfortunately, they do not do sizes, so they can be a no-no for many people. Marks & Spencer Autograph collection generally offers good quality options, sometimes cashmere lined too, usually in three different sizes. For a really good pair, consider more "serious" options like Dents or Aspinal of London.

A classic glove collection

A classic glove collection by Caroline Grant.

Accessories for the rain (3): Rain boots

Brands

Over 200$

• Burberrys
• Tory Burch
• Valentino
• Timberland
• Aquatalia by Marvin K.

Urban Woman: Monogram Umbrella by Caroline Grant. [Style: Urban Woman].

Aquatalia by Marvin K. Gwen Booties / Louis Vuitton Vintage Monogram Umbrella / Plein Sud Stretch Leather Trousers / Alloy Sheer Marion Top / Hobbs Totley Mac / Zara Plaited Leather Tote Bag / Missoni Zig Zag Scarf / Aspinal of London Driving Gloves / Miss Bierner Jockey Hat (vintage) at ww.1stdibs.com / Nars Lipstick in Funny Face / M.A.C Nail Lacquer in Steamy. The Bulldog is wearing a Large GrosGrain Bow.

100-200$

• Hunter
• Kate Spade
• Juicy Couture
• Vivienne Westwood
• Paul Smith
• Le Chameau
• Kalso Earth
• Kamik
• Sorel
• Bass
• Miz Mooz

Urban Tweed: William Morris Umbrella by Caroline Grant. [Style: Urban Tweed].

Miz Mooz High Adrien Rain Boots / Fulton William Morris Compton Umbrella / Burberry Prorsum Herringbone Tweed Jacket / French Connection Otis Skirt / AWear Peter Pan Embroidery Blouse / Dooney & Bourke Tab Collar Handbag / Paul Smith Swirl Print Scarf / Lea Stein Maltese Terrier Brooch (vintage) at eBay / Modcloth My Point Exactly Earrings / Nars Lipstick in Casablanca / Nars Nail Lacquer in Cha Cha Cha. The Dachshund is wearing a Duchamp Garden Floral Bow Tie.

Under 100$

• Betsey Johnson
• Gabriella Rocha
• Lauren Ralph Lauren
• Chooka
• Sperry Topsider
• Nomad
• Crocs
• Tretorn
• Kamik
• Bogs
• Dirty Laundry
• Karim Rachid
• Evercreatures
• Hispanitas
• Dav Victoria
• Radley

Anne Walks Anton by Caroline Grant. [Style: Quirky Menswear].

Hunter Original Pearlescent Wellintong Boots in Orange / London Undercover British Woodland Camouflage Umbrella / Max Mara Weekend Leather Blazer / Ralph Lauren Blue Label Oversize Check Skirt / Mexx Bohemian Blouse  /  Cambridge Classic Satchel Handbag / Rue de Chic Chocolate Brown Fedora Hat / Paul Smith Printed Scarf / Lea Stein Petal Brooch on eBay . The Corgi is wearing a Gold Disco Bow by Firstcheer.

On the Run: Designer Umbrella by Caroline Grant. [Style: On the Run].

Hispanitas Navy Blue Rubber Boots / Fornasetti Hot Air Ballons Umbrella / GAP Tall Funnel Neck Trench Coat / Tall Girls Waisted Tunic Dress / Handbag (vintage) on Deconize on etsy.com / Blu Bijoux Coral Bib Necklace / Odeeh Viola Pink Horses Scarf. The Westie is wearing a Large GrosGrain Bow.

Accessories for the Rain (2): Galoshes

Return to the present

For most of us, galoshes were a thing of the past, images in films from the 19040s of women protecting their high-heeled shoes with rubber covers and their hairdos with scarves. Living in a country where it rains very often, they feel nothing short of an absolute necessity.  It must have to do with getting older, but you start questioning if some things, sometimes long gone, would not better be brought back, and why not by yourself? At some point you just not care about what others do, really.
Galoshes are very practical: if you buy good quality shoes and take care of them, why ruin your beloved pairs in the rain or the slush?
Give galoshes a try, I love mine.

Available in an array of colours, the City Slippers (for high-heels) have a sole decorated with a map of Tokyo, Paris, or London, and hole for the heel of your shoe. The point of your pumps is protected in any case, but in the case of the mid-cut slippers, the whole upper is protected too. [Images courtesy of Swims]

Swims galoshes

One thing can be said for Scandinavian design: it is always highly practical in nature, and almost universally top-notch quality, while at the same time, original and stylish.
Swims galoshes are a good example of it. They make three versions for women: low cut and mid-cut City Slippers, for high-heeled shoes (the first protect shoes with buckles, bows, or other details, the second protect booties), and ballerinas (to protect sneakers and flats). They are on the pricey side, but it is easy to get them at a discount (today I checked, and zalando.com was having a 50% sale on them), and they are surprisingly beautiful and fashionable for an item that is not very attractive in itself.

Accessories for the rain (1): Umbrellas

Why umbrellas?

Umbrellas are a major fashion accessory. Surprisingly, style and fashion books don't comment on umbrellas, but depending on your country, they form part of your daily life for around half of the year. Tell me, if you have spent some time choosing your outfit and then invested considerable money in your outerwear, are you then going to have your umbrella clash with all that work?
Then, umbrellas perform a serious task, keeping you dry and protected from the wind: your clothes, your hairdo and your makeup. It is also cheaper to buy an initially (and relatively) expensive umbrella that you won't have to replace for years than inexpensive bad quality ones that you will have to. Again, there is no reason why you shouldn't look good doing it: cheap umbrellas look cheap, the material is not . and will look cheap on top of that.

Under the Rain: Quirky Designer by Caroline Grant. Marimekko is one of the classics of Scandinavian design. Founded by designers Armi Ratia and Malja Isola in the 1960s in Finland, these two women have created some of the most iconic Scandinavian designs. The Unikko, the flower pattern in this umbrella, can always be found at Marimekko's, in handbags, scarves, and household items, and has seen countless imitations over the years. They aim at good quality, classic design that lasts in time.

Marimekko Unikko Umbrella / Hobbs Angel Trench / Hobbs Suzannah Dress / Hobbs Jeri Button Courts / Christa Radley Handbag / Blu Bijoux Coral and Gold Beaded Necklace / Oscar de la Renta Seagrass Ring / Yves Saint Laurent Lipstick in Indian Red.

Under the Rain: Modern Designer by Caroline Grant. A folding, light weight umbrella is a great idea when travelling, in case of showers. Most designers have their own version of this indispensable accessory at, of course, designer prices.

Marc by Marc Jacobs What a Spectacle Umbrella / Mango Three-quarter Sleeve Dress / L.K. Bennett Belle Cardigan / Miss Sixty Hot Mari Denim Jacket / Zara Suede Shopper Handbag / Chie Mihara Guinyo Sandals / Zara Cord Chain Colored Stone Necklace / Kenneth Jay Lane Lapis Dream Ring / Gucci Retrosun Vintage Sunglasses / Nars Lipstick in Heat Wave / Nars Nail Lacquer in Dovima.

The little extras that will make your life easier:

• An automatic open and/or close mechanism makes the umbrella heavier and more expensive, but consider how convenient it will be if you have your hands full when travelling or shopping or kids. Always test the mechanism several times before buying. Also, is the action smooth and easy or you have to use an immoderate amount of force to make it work?
• Tips that can be pulled on and off the ribs last longer than the ones sewn on. Rounded tips, by the way, are less of a hazard to others.
• A warranty. Is there one? If there is, for how long and what does it cover?
• A comfortable wrist or shoulder strap or a comfortable handle to hold or to place over your wrist when not in use.
• Pouch or case for storage when wet. It has to be waterproof so you can safely store your umbrella back in your purse. 

Under the Rain: Classic Designer by Caroline Grant. Fulton is one of those brands "By apppointment to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Umbrella Manufacturers" that exist in those countries that still have a monarchy. Trivia apart, this traditional British Brand colaborates on a permanent basis with well-known designers: Cath Kidston, Lulu Guinnes, Orla Kiely, and Ella Donan. They are one of the few brands that still make umbrellas with William Morris' patterns, that are a classic in themselves.

Fulton Riva Photographic Rose Umbrella / Orla Kiely Heavy Wool Dress / Hobbs Toatley Trench / Zara Two-Tone Shopper Handbag / Mary Portas for Clarks La Wesley Shoes / Asos Stud Flower Detail Belt / Daniela Swaebe Dragon Agate Earrings / Aspinal of London Lined Button Gloves / Dickins & Jones Flower Trim Cloche Hat / Tom Ford Lipstick in Black Orchid / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Black Orchid.

Under the Rain: Japanese Design by Caroline Grant. Sou Sou is a Kyoto brand that offers traditional Japanese clothing and accessories. This umbrella is 100% silk, has a detachable handle so it can be carried around easily and comes with its own pouche. It can be used to be protected against the sun or the rain.

Hiyoshiya for Sou Sou Square Umbrella / Moschino Cheap & Chic Black Wool Crêpe Jacket / Coast Ellison Dress / Moschino Cheap & Chic Satin Flapover Handbag / Jimmy Choo Berry Flats / Andara Peacock Druzy Tassel Necklace / Andara Peacock Square Druzy Tassel Chain Earrings / Helena Rubinstein Lipstick in Possess / Nars Nail Lacquer in Jungle Red.

Under the rain: German Design by Caroline Grant. Ultra light and handbag-friendly, this is a portable umbrella from a really good brand, the epitome of German technology for umbrellas, according to their website. I bought my first Knirps umbrella while visiting a friend in Dusseldorf, although not this version. Mine lives up to its promise: wind and water resistant, never gets turned inside out and dries in a second. This model comes with a zipper case that is really convenient to carry around.

 Knirps Baroque Rose Umbrella / Hobbs Victoria Skirt / Plein Sud Jeanius Turtleneck Top / Windsmoor Classic Black Cape / Aspinal of London Hepburn Handbag / J.Crew Valentina Pumps / Aspinal of London Long Leather Gloves / Trina Turk Mosaic Pendant Necklace / Charmed Circle Black Onyx Square Cocktail Ring / Estée Lauder Pure Color Lipstick in Scarlet Siren / Estée Lauder Nail Lacquer in Pure Red.

How to wear brooches

In general, brooches will be your jewellery, so use them sparingly with other items, unless they are on your outerwear, then you can go on. Here, three Alexis Bittar brooches form a cluster that adds texture and colour to an outfit in basic business colours.

Brooches figured nowhere in most women's jewellery boxes until Michelle Obama made them modern for them. I am myself a great fan of vintage brooches and Mawi's.
There is a brooch (or group of brooches) for everybody:

Choose your style

• Figural: animals (either real or mythological: dragons, griffins...) insects, flowers.
• Abstract: perhaps inspired in specific moments in Art history: Art Deco, Egyptian revival, Art Nouveau...
• Costume jewellery, modern or vintage. There are the classics of the past: Kramer, Vendôme, Trifari, Lisner, Kenneth Jay Lane, Butler and Wilson, Schreiner, Coro, Stanley Hagler, Miriam Haskell... And the classics of the future: Alexis Bittar, Mawi, Cilea, Erickson Beamon, Anton Heunis, ... plus the design houses of the past and present.

Styling tips for brooches:

What to wear:

• An oversized brooch that may take center stage of your outfit if it is in a contrasting colour, or just add texture, if it's not (the brooch can relate to any of the colours in the garment, if it's a print).
• A group of small brooches, in an odd number. One can be bigger that the others.
• A potpourri of badges or pins with a common topic: political affiliation, patriotic, thematic (women's suffrage, cats...). To see and example of someone using brooches to send messages, you can read Madeleine Albright's pins.

Where to wear them:

• On the lapel of your coat or cardigan (careful with creating holes there!).
• Your neckline, at a corner or angle, if your neckline has them (the peak of a V-neck, or the corners of a square neckline).
• Pinned on your necklace.
• On your scarf.
• On your hat or beret.
• On your waist, over a sash or ribbon, or at a strategic corner where draping or other details gather.

Always look at your whole body in the mirror to see the whole effect.
You can follow the label Brooches to get more styling tips, learn about places to find great brooches and more.