Spring Streams and Umtali Leather

It's fun (and silly) to make up scenarios for outfits sometimes, lets say this one is a bit high maintenance wife of an early adventure filmmaker surprising him by showing up at his camp in the wilderness. One day I hope to be making up stories professionally (I swear the book I've been writing is almost finished, ahem, really it is...) but until then I'll just imagine stories behind a few photos.

Speaking of adventures, this handbag caught my eye because I loved the rusty rich ocher colored leather and deco inspired shape, but when it arrived the best surprise was actually on the inside! The small label says Umtali Leather and has a little sketch of what looks like a water buffalo. Intrigued I googled Umtari to find out it is the former name of a city now called Mutare in modern Zimbabwe. "THE lovely modern town of Umtali nestles at the foot of the mountains in Manicaland, the Eastern Province of Southern Rhodesia. The name "Umtali" is derived from the African word " Mutari," meaning " River of metals," and refers to the alluvial gold found long ago in the streams and rivers of this area." (1963, Booklet - Umtali - Capital of the Eastern Highlands of Southern Rhodesia). (Found here, but google says the link is not secure? Not exactly sure what that means but it is an interesting read? Hmm) It seems Umtari Leather was company specializing in exotic leather goods, but I can't really find much information about it. The idea that this handbag may have been made in Africa as an export item item makes it even more special to me as a safari style lover, though I do now wonder what kind of leather it really is made of?

I picked up this vintage snake skin belt to match the handbag as it was a similar color, and the mustard/tan piping trim on these Chelsea Crew pumps also sorta matches. The never ending quest for matching accessory sets marches ever onward ;) I'd love a straw hat in this yellow/orange/tan shade, or perhaps a silk scarf, so i'll be keeping an eye out for those in the future. Luckily my retro sunglasses match quite well already coincidentally!

While I am off adventuring a far different local, please enjoy the out-take of me directing my loyal photographer below ;) One day I ought to just do a post full of just out-takes, I make some strange faces!

Suit: Thrifted
Blouse: Made by me
Shoes: Chelsea Crew
Belt, Handbag, Jewelry: Vintage (Etys)
Sunglasses: Sunglasses Museum (Etsy)