Wednesday, July 23, 2008

As chic as a peacock

Hey everyone,

First I want to apologize for being absent for so long. I haven't been feeling well this past week so I decided to take a break for a little while. I'm feeling better now so I'll try to get back to posting regularly.

The theme for today's post is the peacock which is one of my favourite animals. I remember visiting to the zoo when I was much younger and there were so many peacock feathers scattered all over the grounds because the birds were allowed to roam freely. I obviously gathered as many as I could, took them home and enjoyed playing many games of "Dress-up" with them.

I still love peacock feathers today and although they're not as abundant as before, I do love using them for various projects when I get my hands on them. The last time I got peacock feathers, I used them to make a haircomb for a friend.




Now what would this post be without a little info on the beautiful bird it's based on?

The term peafowl can refer to the two species of bird in the genus
Pavo of the pheasant family, Phasianidae. These two species are the Indian Peafowl (shown below) and the Green Peafowl.

photo courtesy ladyhalfbreed.files.wordpress.com


A male Peafowl is known as a peacock and the female is called a peahen. The Indian Peacock has iridescent blue-green or green coloured plumage and the Green Peacock has green and gold plumage and the wings are black with a sheen of blue. Both species have a crest atop the head.


photo courtesy subjunctive.net


The extravagant "tail" or "train" of the male peacock is the feature for which these birds are best known and it is proudly displayed when courting females (as seen in the photo above). This is often mistaken for tail quill feathers when it is, in fact, highly elongated upper tail coverts. The train feathers have a series of "eyes" that are best seen when the tail is fanned.

photo courtesy blanc-wall.com


Feathers from the train have long been considered a sign of beauty and knowledge because they are attractive and because they are in the form of an eye.

Peacock feathers or inspired motifs have a unique appearance that when used on clothing and accessories often leads to gorgeous results.

Here are a few lovely items with a peacock theme:




43 comments:

Couture Carrie said...

Hey D! Hope you are feeling better! This peacock post is beautiful and very thoughtfully researched! I love the colors and how you mention your childhood. Mcqueen did it so well this season...

Angela said...

hope you are better! so why is it that male peacock is so much prettier, not fair uh... CC mention Alexander McQueen's peacock head piece in the show. quite interesting.

Elizabeth said...

It's nice to have you back!

I love the Los Gatos clutch, and the t-shirt. You've found some great picks.

Page said...

Howdy!
Great job finding all those hot peacock pieces!!!! Maybe I should get one as a pet??!?!

Ha! Anyways, in reply to your comment, don't worry, I actually have no athletic ability at all. Not really good at anything other than running. Seriously though, get the second DVD from Amazon for cheap and watch your buns burn for days!!!

Yup...Laurel and I met in class. Super sweet gal.

And of course I want to exchange links but I have to admit...I'm super new at this and don't even know how!! Eeek!

Have a great night!

Anjeanette said...

I LOVE peacock! It never goes out of style and always looks chic. ANd I even have those urban outfitter earrings!

Sharon S said...

Hi Danz-so sorry to hear you wasn't well, I do hope you are ok now! Loving this post, I'm a great admirer of peacock feathers, they are just so stunning! The best item here is the haircomb for your friend-I really love it!!

Miby said...

I love the peacock colours! This post is something else! That hair slide is just beautiful! I won't mind having one of those! :)

Ps. Hope you are feeling well! :)

Imelda Matt - The Despotic Queen of Shoes said...

no need to offer any explanation, we call know the strain of blogging every day. Writing, finding pictures, putting pictures together, reading and commenting...it's a full time job!

That said welcome back, I hope you had a relaxing break away from the computer.

Hmmm...peacock feathers are meant to be bad luck so it's such a shite that they're so god damn beautiful.xxx

Ti Dickenson said...

i love thee sandals and belt..

Val said...

I've been craving for a peacock feather necklace for the longest time. Those ones from urban outfitters look perfect!

Ida said...

Hope you are doing better, Danz! Sometimes it can all get too much, no?

You did treat us to a wonderful post, though. Love your blog!

Samson said...

Somebodies a fasshionista ehh... Anyways I stumbled across your blog and it's funny that your topic is peacocks, because moday some dude was like "why do you wear those bright ass shoes?" (feelgood dunk's) and I told him that the more beautiful a male peacocks feather were, the more attractive to female peacocks he was. completely random I know, but shweat blog nonetheless...

Oh yeah, my mom is from christ church.. beautiful place.

Kimberley said...

Id doesnt get much better than having one tattoo'd on your foot ;)

-SLCsocialite

Unknown said...

Just wanted to tell you: I LOVE your blog! It's really one of the best style blogs I've seen. Keep up the good work! ^_^

Anonymous said...

what a fantastic post! i'm also been intrigued by peacocks (i would always leave the zoo with a feather as my souvenir). my favorite piece is the belt that's just a subtle celebration of the mystical bird.

christina said...

I'm in love with the peacock barrette! I'm a huge fan of peacock inspired things, especially in my hair.

Cheryl Lynn Pastor Romance Author said...

So glad to hear you're feeling better. What a lovely post. So informative, as usual. I love the feather belt, the racer back tunic, and the sandals.

I encountered peacocks when I took a trip to bush gardens, years ago. I had my camera ready to go and tried to coax Mr. Peacock to open his beautiful plume. Of course he completely ignored me and when he did look my way it was like, "You are clearly NOT my type Move along, missy.

Glad to have you back, my dahlink.

Dana (MODAna) said...

I clicked to order the peacock shoes at ASOS but they don't have my size anymore!
I love peacocks...!

Laurel said...

Lovely, lovely, lovely, D!
I missed you, I hope you're feeling a bit better!

I'm digging that amazing comb you made for your friend, it's beautiful! Miss Danzy has skills, :)

Thank you so much for voting like you've been, you're incredible - so right, it ain't over until it's over! So we'll see what happens! ;)

Miss you, babe! Feel better and get lots of rest this weekend, we'll speak soon!
oxoxoxox

Wuthering said...

as a child i loved peacocks too! & I love the peacock comb you made for your friend. She looks vogued :)

glad your feeling a bit better and back!

jess said...

its good your feeling better, i love the hairpieve you made

AlicePleasance said...

Oh, I love peacocks! Their colors are incredible...

.::JoSePhIne::. said...

I like the Peacock Feather Belt a lot.. though I don't wear this kind of items very often. I should dare a bit more :)
how are you dear? a big hug
J

Blonde hair, Blue jeans said...

the belt is seriously great!!
you always find such great things!! =)

Economy of Style said...

Glad you are feeling better!!

Peacock feathers are so beautiful.

Lucy said...

oh i am totally feeling the peacock love for next season! they just have such a sort of mystery to them!

Chelsea Rae said...

I love peacocks too. I used to chase them around the zoo when I was little— not to torture them, but to catch one so I could take it home. Apparently they don't like to be chased though...haha!

That hair clip is really cute, bravo!

p.s.Fell better!

Tricia said...

welcome back, and i hope you're feeling better! I love what you made for your friend, the picture looks very flapper.

Elisa Kwon said...

Everytime I think of peacock, I think of the dress Sweet P of Project Runway made last season!

WendyB said...

I saw some lovely real-life peacocks recently.

Fashion Addict said...

I really hope you feel better, I did notice that you weren't posting as much, so I was worried a bit. It seems like several people in this fashion blogosphere aren't feeling well like you.

Siljesfashion said...

Hope you are feeling better! Love peacock patterns, wish for a clutch like the Vera Bradley one.

Secretista said...

Thanks for the info on the peacock!

Jessica said...

i also love this accessory. We used to see them everywhere ! I still see a few on the runway but it's much rarer.
I love how they add a punch of colour to any outfit !
xx

Cammila said...

So fun and informative! The peacock feather is such a unique and iconic thing, I'm surprised we don't see it as much as other animal prints. That last pic of the t-shirt is really awesome, in fact I'm thinking maybe I need it!

Seeker said...

Hope you're feeling really better.

Again very informative post.

Peacock feathers are sooooo beautiful.
Pity that they are meant to be bad luck.

Hope you manage to rest, take care darling.

xoxo

Bang Bang Starz said...

hey hun
Glad your back & feeling better!!
Great post love the peacock inspire clothes!

<3

thetinylittlegirl said...

glad you're feeling better.
welcome back!!!

great post, want that tote!

Unknown said...

i love the colors of peacock feathers!

Always In Style said...

Awww...feel better!

And I heart anything with peacock feathers, that first darling girl looks amazing in her feather comb!

yiqin; said...

Get well soon! *BIG HUG* You have one of the best blogs around!!!! I want to stick a peacock feather on my fedora! hahaha

Diana said...

I love peacock feathers. I have some in my room.

Kasmira said...

Great collection of peacock items. I love feathered accessories - especially those with peacock feathers. I'm so glad feathers are a trend this fall.