Wednesday, April 1, 2009

"Spring, Please!" Week - Mizpah Mystery

The spring theme here is carried in the browns (again, see? got that theme going) and the short sleeves.
I froze my butt off in the office today, but darn it, it's spring! Bring on the sunny weather! I am sick of rain.

The jacket is new-to-me, picked up at a thrift store for $11.50. I love the thin stripes and the peplum shape. It has two pockets on the front which are hidden by the wide belt.

The stuff: I just love those pumps.

The "Mizpah" mystery revolves around this brooch. This is a never before worn item by me - I got this as a gift from my dear friend Carollyne (go visit her blog and look at her amazing paintings), who sometimes posts comments. She got in Scotland - it's very Scottish-looking, isn't it?
I love the silver stag and the turquoise and orange feathers. I should have worn turquoise shoes! Drat! Opportunity lost.

Anyway, the back of the brooch is marked "Mizpah" and has two linked hearts with an arrow through them. I researched and found that "mizpah" jewelry was made by Quarrier Ward & Ward, an English company who made pieces with this mark (forgot to take a picture, next time), which had a small factory in Coldstream, Scotland from 1969 to 1980. Fabulous! It's practically vintage! I think it is likely on the newer end of that, since the feathers (being organic matter) are in very good shape.

But I must apologize to Carollyne for not wearing it until now. I love it and will get it in rotation.

Jacket (Final Touch, thrifted), dress (Le Chateau), belt (Le Chateau), shoes (Jessica Simpson), brooch (Mizpah mark, gift from Carollyne), silver filigree hoop earrings (don't remember).

8 comments:

  1. That is a springy outfit. I love the jacket. The pin is really stunning and unique. I love it.

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  2. The Scots would be proud of you - as the pin look great with your new jacket. Those were very common in the late 50s, early 60s. Oops, date myself! Have a super day.
    B

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  3. The shoes made my heart melt a little and then I kept scrolling down and saw The Brooch. Fabulous! Want, want, want!

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  4. I remember this brooch! I got it for you because you have (had?) a pair of turquoise shoes, the ones with the peep toes. And the warm colours reminded me of your hair. Funny the things you remember. So pleased to see it!
    Carollyne
    http://www.carollyne.com

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  5. I felt very girly in this, Alison. The skirt has amazing movement. It's a gorgeous pin. Thanks!

    Bonnie, thanks! I think this is newer than then, and hey, we all date ourselves.

    Tina, so glad you like them - I love the shape. Yep, the brooch is a winner.

    Yay, Carollyne! I don't recall peep toe turquoise, but I do have a pair of very 50s looking round toe shoes with flowers on them - I'm pretty sure you've seen them (I'll wear them soon). You're such a doll to have bought this for me - love ya for it. Mwah!

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  6. This shape on you is lovely! Something about the puffed sleeves, I think.

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  7. Mizpah brooches are very special. Mizpah is actually from somewhere in the Bible and it means "The Lord watch over thee and me when we are absent one from the other". We have had one in our family for many generations, given to the bride from her mother and the one I wore has passed from my grandmother to my granddaughter. Treasure it for its meaning.

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  8. Thanks, Anon. Yes, I read about them when I researched the mark. I'm pretty sure the person who gave it to me had no idea.

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