April 24, 2017

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)

19 comments:

  1. I love the scenario that you have built around the outfit and the location. Who'd have thought? Kx

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  2. The location looks so exotic!! I could almost believe it was Africa. Adore this safari style look x

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    1. Thank you Porcelina! I'm glad the location worked, I was so nervous when they started construction in one of my favorite little parks, but it seems to have worked out in my favor ;)

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  3. This is a amazing. What a wonderfully put together outfit! I love the history you have included about the bag. Very intriguing. Cool location. It looks like you're at an enclosure at a zoo (where hopefully the animals are being kept inside while it is cleaned...) - bobbedbernice

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    1. Thank you Bernice! It does look rather like the zoo, but sadly there were no animals to admire nearby, or perhaps that was lucky, as I wouldn't like to meet a hippo close up!

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  4. What a fabulous outfit, and I love the story behind it! It's so perfect with that setting. That first shot is so glam and cinematic. I think I'm making literal heart eyes right now.

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    1. Thank you Jessica! I'm always trying to get more cinematic shots and work on my posing, so I'm glad you like these photos <3

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  5. Fabulous outfit and fabulous location as always! That handbag is just gorgeous and I love that it picks up the lighter colour in the shoes. I keep thinking about doing a post of my outtakes, there really are some awful shots! xx

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    1. Thank you Cate! I may have bought the shoes just for this handbag...not that I didn't want them anyways!

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  6. I love finding things that lead me down the research rabbit hole! Your shoes are pretty darn fab-o, too. :)

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  7. I love this outfit- and the story behind your purse is so interesting. I always love finding out the history of things.
    I did a post of outtakes once- it's funny the faces that get captured sometimes :)
    The Artyologist

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    1. Thank you Nicole! I have several very funny faces captured in outtakes as well, I'll try and work up the courage to post them ;)

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  8. That's a great outfit. And what a journey your handbag must have had, to have come all the way to you from Zimbabwe over the decades. Have you any idea what animal the hide was from?

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    1. Thank you Mim! Unfortunately there is no indication of what animal the leather is made of, but it is quite rough and was labeled by the seller as steerhide so who knows!

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  9. I enjoyed the story, perfect outfit for it. Interesting history to the handbag!

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  10. I ADORE this outfit! And am for sure pinning it on my Adventurer Chic board on Pinterest.

    xoxo
    -Janey

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    1. Thank you Janey! It is adventure style season again and I am so excited to create new adventure inspired ensembles!

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