Mother, May I Borrow...: Necklace

Showing posts with label Necklace. Show all posts

Thursday, April 14, 2011

In Place of Pearls

I could write a post each day this week on the merit of pearls. Fresh water, Mabe, Majorca. I wore pearls to my first job interview (with an Ann Taylor twin set no less). So original.

I'm sure you have a set or two of pearls tucked away in your drawer or jewelry box. They are the LBD of jewelry. Classic, simple and understated. Timeless. I have nothing bad to say about pearls. But sometimes you just want a punch of color.

These are vintage turquoise (borrowed from my mom of course) but plastic, glass or even fabric can be just as fun. Find them in droves at your local thrift shop or inexpensively at most retail stores.

You can wear them alone or layer them with other beads or metal chains. Go crazy and wear them with pearls. I love a good compromise.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Decorative Clasp

This is my power necklace. When I put it on I feel instantly glamorous. Like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

It belonged to my great Aunt Fay (pictured below). Can we please talk about her dress? STUNNING.

But I digress. My great Aunt Fay gave this necklace to my mother as a gift. I love that I have a photo of her wearing it.

Fay & Abe Allen: One Snazzy Couple

Many vintage multi-strand pearl necklaces have decorative clasps, but if you don't enjoy scouring jewelry counters at thrift stores like I do, you can DIY with a chain or beaded necklace and a brooch.

Do you have a power accessory that makes you feel unstoppable when you put it on?

Monday, March 14, 2011

The Luck of the Irish

I have often wondered what my Jewish grandmother was doing with a four-leaf clover. Recently, I have come to discover that this lucky charm has nothing to do with its three-leafed brother, the shamrock - Ireland's most recognizable national symbol. Don't I feel silly.

It is the shamrock, with its three leaves, that helped St. Patrick explain the concept of the holy Trinity to the Irish back in the 5th century. According to legend, the leaves of a four-leaf clover represent hope, faith, love and luck.

Glad I have that sorted out.

I still plan to wear this necklace on Thursday in celebration of my Irish roots. Roots, that thanks to dedicated family and hours online, have become much deeper and clearer over the last few years.

So, my clover has an extra leaf. I won't tell if you won't.

Clover Bouquet Necklace

Velvet Sheath

Tiny Bows... Made in Japan

All Tied Up

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

A Turquoise Pendant

I love turquoise. Thankfully, so does my mom. Here's a necklace I recently borrowed from her. I have been waiting for a lightening bolt of inspiration to deliver the perfect how and when to wear it. Thank you, Google Reader.

There it was last week, right there in my blog feed. Kendi Lea's (Kendi Everyday) "Casual Tuesday" post. Isn't this outfit fantastic? Isn't she fantastic? My friends will know immediately why I'm drawn to this.

I want to steal this entire look. Unfortunately, my turquoise necklace is little bit too short. Still, I am determined to complete my version of Kendi's ensemble. Do I see a shopping trip in my future?

Just in case, here's some turquoise that has caught my eye:

Simply handmade at Etsy

Turkish Feather Pendant

Van Cleef at Betteridge

Kitchy at Etsy

Green Turquoise at This Love Forever

Vintage Gold at Vintage Yard

Where do you find your outfit inspiration?

Thursday, March 3, 2011

The Letter M

If you've been reading my blog (and not just looking at the pictures), you may have noticed that family is pretty important to me. I joke about it in my introduction, but being an only child has allowed me many gifts.

I am grateful to have grown up in the same apartment complex as my maternal grandparents, seeing them practically every day. And now that they're gone, I am lucky to possess items that remind me of them daily.

You may also have noticed that I love jewelry. All kidding aside, it's the connection to the people who wore the jewelry that means the most to me - that I can wear items that have been worn for decades before me, by people I love.

That's what makes the gift I recently received from my cousin Sarah so special.

My nana, Marie, with my uncle Jim (Sarah's dad)

Last month, Sarah gave me a jewelry box that belonged to my paternal grandmother, Marie. My Nana. Inside: Clip-on earrings in the shape of holly leaves and Christmas bells, a few hoops. Pendants. I was in heaven.

Any one of the items would have been enough. Honestly, I would have been happy with just the box. Then, tucked in a corner in one of the drawers, I found the "M."

What is it about initials that instantly draws us in? My nana wore other jewelry after all.

It's one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. I can now wear these items - her jewelry - they way she once wore them, and be reminded daily just how lucky I was to have known her.

And for that, I am truly grateful.