Something Fierce

My boyfriend hates this necklace. 

Don't get me wrong, he's extremely supportive of my fashion choices and he waits patiently while I comb through racks at Good Will weekend after weekend. But he is vocal about this one and he's not a fan. Grrr...   

At least my mom is on my side.  Well, it's her necklace so I guess that's a given.  It's a LUKE RAZZA Leo the Lion necklace.  Razza is an artist from the '60's-'70's who created an increasingly collectible line of large Zodiac pendants using molded resins and gold tone metal. 

Here is his Aries the Ram:

Luke Razza Aries the Ram

I LOVE my Leo necklace.  I realize that it's not for everyone but that's what makes it personal style, right?  I will point out that animal-inspired jewelry has been spotted as a key Spring 2011 trend.  But that's not why I love it.  

It's big, loud and unexpected and when I wear it I feel fierce. GRRR!

Here are some pieces to inspire your inner animal:

Speak, See, Hear No Evil

Citrine Ring

Lions and Tigers and...

Gold Fox Ring

Elephant Pendant

Petite Curiosities

Circus

Bunny Ring (not so fierce)

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.  

Pretty close match

Pillbox Hat



Shamrock Pin

Erin Go Braugh



Charmed



Blue Hawaii

Clover Bouquet Necklace



Velvet Sheath

Tiny Bows... Made in Japan

All Tied Up

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?

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.   

D from Daydreamers Unite

Custom Rings

Old English Vintage from Andraliz

Handkerchief from Indulge Yourself

Whimsy Love

Photo by Monk & Mao

M is For

Photo by Seth Lemmons

Hawaiian for Marilyn

John Wind Initial Charm Necklace

Bunnies!

Whose initials do you wear?

Grandmom's Enamel Pendant

 

Have you ever noticed the special lingering quality of perfume, especially on vintage jewelry?  The way scents seem to linger years, even decades past when they were last worn?  

This enamel pendant still smells of my grandmother's signature scent: Estee Lauder Youth Dew.  I keep it in an old cigar box, in good company with other jewelry pieces that have also retained her scent, and I never wear perfume when I put it on.  

My grandmother was a little woman. I wish I could have seen her wearing this necklace, which seems oversized for her frame.  She must have made quite the statement.   

I wear this necklace year round - with sundresses and boat neck tops and turtlenecks with knee high boots.  They say a good perfume never goes out of season. 

Crown Trifari Pendant courtesy of Small Earth Vintage

Photo courtesy of Ruby Girl Jewelry

Crochet Art by Elle Decor UK

Double Chain Pendant by Vermont Jewelery

Painted filigree and oxidized sterling by OfLove

Stencil from Design*Sponge

Photo from CalloohCallay

Craft idea from Good Housekeeping

Small Porcleain Lace Bowl by isabelleabramson

Photo from Handmade by Diana