Style hyperfixations are nothing new to me. In 2020 I owned one too many pieces of clothing with teddy bears on them. In 2022 I lived in my pilates-esque one-pieces serving Jane Fonda for days. This fall and upcoming winter I am all about tortoiseshell. This is not a new concept in fashion. In fact, perhaps controversially, I don't think that tortoiseshell has ever really gone out of fashion. Dare I say - it might even be one of those rare patterns that truly is timeless. But where does tortoise shell get its start, and why am I so late to the train?
A Brief History
Unsurprisingly, tortoiseshell patterned glasses, combs, cups, etc. all originated from similar products that were made out of real tortoise shells. The material has been used for centuries. Even the ancient Greeks sported some form of classic brown and amber pieces. Since then the material has been used to produce anything from combs to glasses frames to furniture inlays. Beloved for its beautiful speckled appearance and durability, it was also a sort of status symbol given its high price tag. Although in 1973 a worldwide ban was put in place on the trade of actual tortoise shells, imitations of the lux brown material have been a staple in the fashion industry for years.
In Fashion
A staple of luxury styling, tortoiseshell is ever-classic. The most common variation of the pattern is used in eyewear. If they don't come in black, they likely come in tortoiseshell. However, this is not the only way to wear the pattern. Headbands, combs, and other accessories are a great way to add an old-money vibe to any outfit. Whether you're going for classic prep or 90s minimalism, tortoiseshell is a great way to elevate any simple, chic look. Even homeware and decor can become instantly more interesting yet timeless thanks to the tried and true pattern. Here are some of my favourite iterations of the timeless classic at the moment.
My Current Obsessions
Glasses & Sunnies
Although admittedly predictable, everyday eyewear and sunnies are amongst my favourite tortoiseshell pieces right now. My everyday glasses are a subtle brown version of the pattern. They're oversized and make a statement on their own, instantly refreshing any outfit. On my wishlist right now is a pair of tortoiseshell sunnies, like these ones from Le Specs. As someone who wears a lot of neutrals, these would be a perfect way to add contrast to an all-black or cream look without being too out there. I also think that, with the right pair of these sunnies, they can make any outfit look a bit more expensive.
Headbands
Anyone who reads this blog knows it's no secret that my current style crush is Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. Her timeless style and major impact on the minimalism trend of the 90s made her, in my opinion, one of the best-dressed women in America. Plus working at Calvin Klein no doubt had an influence on her overall aesthetic. Carolyn was known to have two staple tortoiseshell pieces in her wardrobe: a classic headband from C.O. Bigelow in NYC and a pair of Selima's Aldo sunglasses. Pairing these two accessories with any simple, well-fitting outfit just screamed effortlessly chic. I am currently on the hunt to find a headband such as this to start wearing myself. I will warn you, to check the measurements before you purchase one online. I thought I found one for a great price on Amazon that turned out to be made for children. Either that or my head is a lot bigger than I thought was. And don't worry - if headbands aren't your thing a claw clip would also suffice.
Combs
I first came across a tortoiseshell comb on Pinterest and I was instantly in love. I stopped in my tracks. My jaw fell to the floor. And my heart sank to my stomach when I realized this gorgeous Celine comb of my dreams cost a whopping $300. Since then I have been searching for a similar comb in my price range but have yet to purchase one. But who knows - maybe come Christmas I'll have one to share with you all.
In a similar vein, you can even get toothbrushes in the pattern. If not for yourself, this might be a great gift idea for the classic fashion girly on your list this year. Something tells me no one else will be getting her one.
Homeware
One of my favourite colours for glassware right now is amber glass. This gives a similar vibe to the tortoiseshell where it still seems somewhat neutral and subdued but adds a little sophisticated spice. However, if you want the full effect, they even have glassware in the pattern itself. From water cups to martini glasses, there's no shortage of tortoiseshell to spice up your cabinets.
Taking it a step further, you can even buy cutlery with the pattern if that's your vibe.
Nails
A great temporary way to test the waters with this style would be with your nails. Especially in the fall and winter, short tortoiseshell nails look so very chic. As someone who gets acrylic manicures, I don't think this is possible for me but if you are a gel girl yourself I am begging you - live out this fantasy for me. And take plenty of mirror selfies to show them off.
That completes the tortoiseshell diaries for now. If you enjoyed please give this a like and check out my TikTok @VanillaDarling for even more style and beauty content from me.
Talk soon,
-Vanilla Darling Xx
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