Mother, May I Borrow...: Rainbow

Monday, April 18, 2011

Mexican Poncho

Every once in a while my mom surprises me. In a good way. Take this poncho for instance. I mean, hello?! This poncho is incredible. And it's just been hanging out on the top shelf of her closet wrapped in plastic.

I think she's been holding out on me.

Good thing I'm on to her. Good thing I casually peek into closets when I go home. It's a magical closet that keeps giving me wonderful things each time I look inside. Like this poncho that she brought back from a trip to Mexico sometime in the early 60's.

I can't wait to wear it this summer with white jeans. Or a sundress. Or shorts (I don't really wear shorts but I would for this poncho). I'm so excited I've already got the accessories picked out.

There are dozens of ponchos on Etsy right now and Zara, H&M and Free People are always good places to look. Here are some of my favorites as well as a little "how to" inspiration.

Enjoy!

Free People

Fringed

Patriotic Poncho via Etsy

Spanish Moss

Guatemalan

Fashion Zen via She Blog She

Hand-Embroidered via Etsy

via Filthy Ego

via Zara

Reversible via Etsy

Ponchos: Ready-to-wear or rainy days only?

Sunday, January 16, 2011

A Colorful Strand of Beads

I've always been drawn to primary colors. Especially all mixed together in one place. So when my mom offered me my grandmom's multi-color beaded necklace, I scooped it right up.

The beads appear to be some type of small nut and the paint has a muted whitewashed effect. I just love them.

I've been meaning to find a jeweler in Philadelphia that will re-string the necklace as a precaution. It probably hasn't been worn in 20+ years and I'd be devastated if it broke. (If you know of a good jeweler in the Philly area that can do this, please let me know!).

I wear this necklace with just about anything. Doubled, tripled, knotted. And I usually get a question or compliment. I think that's what I love most about these old pieces. That they all have a story. And when someone stops to ask you about them, you get to relive the memory, the person, and all of the wonderful emotions that come with them.

And while I don't have a specific memory of my grandmother wearing this necklace, I love that separated by a generation and a plethora of fashion trends, we share a similar taste.

And apparently a love of primary colors.