Knock Knock

Who's there? It's me, your delinquent blogger.  

I know I have been less than exciting over the last few weeks but I have been studying hard for the GMAT, which I took yesterday and now never have to think about ever again!  Whoo hoo!

Okay, enough about me.  How have you been?  Rummaging through someone's closet or your favorite thrift store, I hope.  Find anything good?  I'd love to hear about it!  Send me a photo of something you've borrowed and tell me its story, and I'll feature it here!  

Now on to the earrings...

I titled this post "Knock Knock" because these earrings remind me of mini door knockers.  They belonged to my great aunt and when I found them I feel in love immediately. Only they were clip-ons. Ugh. My earlobes turn bright red and cringe at the thought.  

I can't tell you how many pairs of clip-on earrings I have stumbled upon over the years looking so cute and retro and taunting me from behind the jewelry counter. Until now.  

I took these earrings to a local jeweler and had the clips replaced with posts.  $10 and I had myself a new favorite pair of earrings!  This may seem obvious to some of you, but I had honestly never even considered the possibility.  Just like the first time I went to a cobbler (please tell me you use a cobbler) and felt like I had finally been let in on the biggest secret.  

Now, I don't suggest you turn every pair of clip-on earrings into posts, but if you just have to have them or find some that have sentimental value like I did, it's totally worth the investment. I'm also sure you can shop around and find a better price, or try bundling a few repairs together and ask for a multiple-piece discount.  

Don't you just love a good secret? It's okay, you can pass this one on. Earlobes everywhere will thank you. 

Laurel Burch Earrings

When I close my eyes and think of the early 90's, I see Laurel Burch.  

If you're not familiar with Laurel Burch, she was a talented artist who applied her paintings to jewelry, home decor and other collectibles. She also really loved cats.  

My mom loved Laurel Burch jewelry. Lucky for me, Laurel also loved flowers and abstract designs, or I'd be walking around with cats dangling from my ears. (Not that there's anything wrong with that, of course. It's just not really my thing).  

I adore these black and gold square earrings and the care Laurel took to name each design ("Naito" in this case).  It's like walking around with little pieces of art on my ears.  

So much better than cats.  

Wild Lily

Laurel Burch

Flowers

Fanciful Felines

Coin Purse spotted on Flickr

Mali Earrings

Garden Rose

Spotted on Flickr

Something Beach-Inspired

My Grandmom Pauline's Sterling Silver Sand Dollar Earrings

I'm not headed anywhere warm anytime soon, but with the heat on high and in just the right light, these earrings almost make me feel beach-ready.  Almost.

I can't say I remember seeing my grandmother wear these, and to my knowledge there's no special story behind them.  Just a great pair of earrings I love to wear... and wanted to share.

Check out these other beach-inspired items:

Sand Dollar Brooch from mmsVintage

Image courtesy of Flickriver

14K Sand Dollar Necklace from Classic Designs

One of my favorite blogs: Beach Vintage

Vintage Japanese Cabochon Earrings from Jamieson Barkett

Image Courtesy of Country Living

Petite Knotted Line Earrings from Harbor Side Treasures

Personalized Red Coral Frame by Marye-Kelley 
(on a tip from my best friend!)

Brass Whale Ash Tray from Olive Vintage

Vintage Handprinted Sailboat Wallpaper from Stable Mates

My grandfather Chick, Great Uncle Frank, Family Friend Tom McCormick
and Great Grandfather John at the Jersey Shore

Your Holly Yashi Earrings?

Holly Yashi earrings embody the 80's for me.

I picture my mom - short feathered hair (highlights of course), scooping me up after school with these dangling from her ears.

Niobium, the company's signature material, is a lightweight natural element that changes color with the light.  The design takes on different hues depending on how you hold it.

I'm pretty sure I used to give my mom a hard time about how many pairs of these earrings she owned.  But the other day when we were sorting through items to post online (check out our Etsy store link below!) I pulled these aside and just could not let them go.

I love that the earrings I so fondly associate with my childhood have crept back into my adult life.  I find them surprisingly modern considering when they were made, and I love their simplicity.

You can find vintage pieces on Etsy or eBay:

Vintage Holly Yashi from For Sadie's Sake

And I love the new collection.  Beautiful pieces that retain the company's signature look (plus they're affordable!):

Holly Yashi Fleurette

Have you brought anything out of hiding lately?  Have you heard of Holly Yashi?