Decorative and functional
I really love accessories: scarves, bags, gloves… I have lots of them. But for me gloves (or any accessories for that matter) are not just decorative but first and foremost functional. I don’t collect them so that I would have something to add to an outfit to make it more interesting; I wear them to keep warm, to protect myself from the elements. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have a little something to set them apart…
In fact, I prefer my gloves with some sort of embellishment or interesting details. Probably because I prefer clothes in solid colours and with clean, simple lines. This contrast makes the accessories pop: gloves with metal accents can make a plain coat look cool. And a different pair of gloves (together with shoes and scarves and a bag, of course) gives the same coat a totally different personality. And it’s a lot easier to pack 5 pairs of gloves (or 5 scarves or necklaces) than 5 coats, of course…
Attention to detail,
that’s what it boils down to, for me. You see, I’m a bit of a minimalist: I hate clutter and prefer to have fewer items but insist on better quality. This means that I prefer to save my money and buy the one ‘perfect’ scarf / bag / necklace rather than several cheaper ones of poorer quality. In the long run this keeps the clutter at bay, too.
What does this have to do with gloves?
I require the same level of quality from my gloves than I would of anything else I buy: I expect them to last, and I expect them to impress. The devil is in the details: is the lining warm enough, is the stitching well done, and is the leather buttery soft? And then there are the buckles, buttons, metal accents…
And colour…
I love gloves in pretty colours. I just don’t have many of them. Why? Well, as boring as black may be, it is also practical, i.e. won’t show the dirt… I know, it sounds horrible, but it’s true. And I learned that the hard way. I mean, if I had the kind of lifestyle that involved cars and / or drivers and only social engagements, I would probably have a very different wardrobe. But my lifestyle requires me to take public transportation, carry a heavy bag and ignore nasty weather… which means that my wardrobe has to be utilitarian and sturdy, e.g. gloves that allow me to grab hold on a crowded bus. You only realise how dirty handrails etc are after you see what they do to your new pink gloves…
What about wristwarmers?
They may not be what you need for the really cold weather, but I find they can be very useful nevertheless, not least when taking photos. And cashmere wristwarmers can be washed, which is always a good thing.
What about you, do you like gloves?
Tiina
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I adore gloves and wristwarmers. Leather is best because it stretches and grips. And is gorgeous!Love your flag wristwarmers.Xo Jazzy Jack
Oh yes, leather is best, absolutely. I find the wristwarmers very practical in autumn and spring, or as an 'extra layer of warmth' under mittens in really cold weather.
I'm definitely in the glove department! I love 'em. They are such an easy accessory to add some interesting detail or a pop of colour especially when coats are more often than not (although not in your lovely case, you have have some fabulous coloured coats), dark colours.The wrist warmers are a great idea too.http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
Well, I wear gloves only when it's cold, but I think they should be interesting. I also think that when accessories such as gloves, or umbrellas, are pretty, we take better care of them and don't lose them so easily. At least this seems to work in my case.
I love the gloves, and your philosophy of buying fewer and better! I wore gloves today, a rare event in Florida : >-Pattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.com
Yes, less is more, and clothes should be made to last, that's my motto.
You've got quite the collection of gloves! I really love those light blue ones. I had to laugh at the link you sent me of the hoodie with the spot for the dog/cat. Yes, Zoe would be a bit too large for that. bisousSuzanne
Well, I have gloves for various degrees of cold: some are good for autumn or spring only, then there are wool-lined gloves for winter, and fur-lined mittens for really vold weather. But I don't have any that are purely decorative.
Nice gloves. I have six pair, five for riding my motorcycles. Mine are all black leather of varying warmth.
Yes, varying warmth, that's why you need several pairs. And riding a motorcycle requires special gloves, too, I assume.
I love cute gloves! I think it is fun to have different options!www.amemoryofus.com
Yes, cute is nice. Warm is a must. Cute and warm, that's perfect.
A great collection of gloves and wrist warmers. I agree with you, good gloves are a wise investment and I do find I am much more careful with them.Wearing gloves is one of the joys of Winter.
As much as I love beautifully made gloves, the joys of winter are wearing a bit thin right about now, after a two-week cold snap…
Colourful gloves all the way for me!
They are great, aren't they? I'd like to get a few pairs of colourful gloves, too, getting a bit tired of black I guess.
Where did you get those flag wrist warmers?! They're AMAZING!!!Stopping by from the Pleated Poppy link-up!-Adrielehttp://www.StyleAssisted.com
They're from Brora Cashmere, years ago.
I really need a nice pair of leather gloves and just some more stylish pairs! I love your collection!Carriecurlycraftymom.com
There's always room for another pair of gloves… and I'm a minimalist!
I think the knitted gloves looks pretty! Great idea to add to the accessory list!Thank you for linking up to "Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me"Rachel xo http://garaytreasures.com
Thanks, Rachel. The knitted wristwarmers are very useful when it's not too cold, in autumn for example. Or when taking photos.