Vintage Silk Vera for Style Imitating Art

It’s time for another Style Imitating Art challenge. The art for this round was picked by Salazar of 14 Shades of Grey. She picked a tapestry by the 19th century British Arts & Crafts Movement artist William Morris. He was a major contributor to the revival of traditional British textile arts and methods of production. William Morris has a very distinctive look with his work and it is still very popular. H&M featured a line of garments based on William Morris just last year. My daughter Michelle picked up a couple of them. Sadly, I missed out. Also, The Metropolitan Museum of Art has featured collections based on his work and his fabric is still widely produced. After this challenge, I now want a William and Morris face mask!

With this particular piece, one of the first things that struck me was the subject matter: flowers, leaves, fruit and a bird. Also the use of blue, green and orange stood out. Looking through my archives, it was clear to me that I didn’t have anything already styled that totally satisfied me so I shopped my closet.

The focal point of this styling is my silk vintage Vera scarf that I found on eBay a few years ago. I thought the green and blue foliage on a swirled line background had the same feeling as the tapestry. My next job was finding pieces to coordinate with it .

The wool Pendleton jacket came from Pendleton’s Woolen Mill Outlet in 2002 while we were up in Oregon attending The Black Sheep Gathering. My wool turtleneck is also by Pendleton which I found 2nd hand on eBay a few years ago. This is the fourth season for my Madewell jeans, which I bought new. I always have thought they were a good investment.

My green leather booties were made in the United States by Modern Vice. I think my Levenger bag was meant to be a tote bag but when I saw it in Levenger’s back clearance room at Delray Beach, FL (about fifteen years ago). I thought it worked as a bag and this was my first substantial bag that ever bought. There’s not anything new in this story; all just tried and true old friends.

I don’t know if you can notice it but it was a very windy day. I’m having to hold my scarf down with my hand.

I know that there is a Woodpecker in the tapestry. I have a Wood Duck. Hey, I got it half-way!

I am also holding a book with a cover by William Morris. Back in the dark ages we didn’t have cell phones to remind us of birthdays and appointments. We had to write that kind of information in books (a lot of you remember the days, I’m sure). This birthday book came from The Met. I keep it around because of the art work inside and it has all the birthdays of every important artist in the world.

If you want to have some fun, check this bi-weekly challenge out. Every Monday, there is a post on the ladies’ websites announcing what art work is going to be used. You don’t have to have a blog or even an Instagram account to participate-just send your photo (if its from your blog or IG, that will be published too). Include a statement of how that work of art influenced your decisions in styling your look. There are no wrong answers and all submissions will be published the next Wednesday by the curator for that round. Check it and them out!

Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks (this weeks curator)

Kim of Fierce Fashion

Salazar of 14 Shades of Grey

Take care and stay safe