The New Adventures of Old Jewelry

One whole week without a blog post! Seriously, I should be ashamed of myself dear readers.

I do have a small excuse for it though it was my anniversary! Also, I had to overhaul my garden. It was starting to look like Jumanji out there. Then on Friday, I was walking out of the subway and the sidewalk literally crumbled underneath my feet. I was flat on my back on 60th street and 3rd Ave in front of the movie theater across from Bloomingdales with my foot stuck in a hole. If a nice man did not stop to help me get it out - I may still be there right now. That little escapade garnered me a chipped foot bone and a inflamed nerve. As a good friend of mine likes to say, "my life is not real".

I did, however, work on a post about my anniversary gifts which were repurposed jewelry. It is one of my favorite category of accessories even though it is hard to find done right. Though when you do the results are truly amazing.

For my anniversary I acquired these two lovely pieces from New York based Lori McLean.


1. Locket Pendant Necklace by Lori Mclean: It is of Persian descent and was originally part of a watch fob. The store put the glitter in and it is something I plan to rectify soon. I love the mystery of the piece, because no one is quite sure what purpose it was originally intended. Poison? Photograph? Lock of hair?

2. Compass Pendant Necklace by Lori Mclean: This is a functional brass compass. My husband bought it for me as I am always a bit lost figuratively and literally. The coolest part about it is that it still works!

My other favorite place for repurposed jewelry in New York City is Pippin. I bought this amazing pin made from the remains of an old watch chain.


For those of you not based in the tri-state, fret not as there amazing finds on the web as well if one looks hard enough for these repurposed baubles.


4. Dardeila Aristocrat Revisited Statement Necklace by Voleuer De Bijoux ($85.00) - This piece is simply irresistible as it weaves the old with the new to create something beautiful. The repurposed items are the vintage oval links, link rings, and filigree pendants. I adore these types of pieces in particular, because they truly go with anything. From tshirt and jeans to cocktail dress - this piece would definitely have you covered.

5. Art Deco Rhinestone Dress Clip Necklace by Destash Rehash ($90.00): Oh this is the piece that I am going to regret not being able to purchase. It is pure perfection, but then again I am a whore for art 40/50s costume jewelry. I also love that the chain is a bit rough around the edges in comparison to the pendant. It is what keeps the piece casual enough for everyday life!

6. The Dichotomy Locket Necklace by Basil the Cat ($142.00): Ok I am cheating a bit by including this one as it just vintage and not repurposed, but it is such an amazing piece. I would be remiss if I did not share it with you dear readers. My only gripe is the chain, which I would switch out for something a bit more refined to better contrast with the piece. Then again, I am super picky about my chains!

7. prizewinner by pequitobun ($450.00): Made using vintage rose and horse broaches respectively this piece is a show-stopper. I would probably wear it without wrapping it and wear a simple short base necklace to balance it out. This is the type of item that requires a bit of hutzpah to wear, but I highly doubt you would regret it if you did.

Got any vintage finds that I should know about? Leave them in the comments!

Friend Friday: Mothers

I recently joined a group called Friend Fridays being run by Katy of Modly Chic. She sends questions and we answer them on our own blogs. Then we send them over to her for meta posting on her blog!


This week's topic: Mothers

1. Which character trait of your mother's do you hope to emulate?

When I was young, my mom told me once that there was no reason not to share as you could always get more. Rampant consumerism aside, this I think is one of the best lessons she ever imparted on me. Generosity is one of the rarer traits seen in this world today, and as such I could not think of a more desirable trait to want to emulate.

2. What are your thoughts on your mother's/grandmother's sense of fashion?

I love my mom, but I hate the way she dresses herself. She could look so much better if she took the time to invest in herself, but like a true mom she just does not have any time for that. One of these days, I swear I'm going to plan a What Not to Wear intervention for her!

As far as my grandmother is concerned, in her youth full on Doris Day and in her old age Annie Hall inspired fashions reigned supreme in her closet. Black was one of her favorite colors and she wore it almost everyday, and as the years passed on it became a staple in mine as well. She may not be around anymore, but everytime I don something black I think of her.

3. When you reach your 70's you want people to look at you and think...

There is no way you are in your seventies! I know with age comes wisdom, but I am not necessarily looking forward to the wrinkles. Then again this may be highly possible as I am going to be 26 soon and people still think I am 13 - 14 sans fards. Plus, as long as the medical advances in science do not turn us all into zombies - I am pretty sure it is a go.

4. What piece or pieces from your mom's closet would you like to incorporate into your own?

Tough question as I said fashion is really not her cup of tea. I mentioned this question to my husband and he said why not opt for her gun? My mother is an ex-police officer, and according to him a girl could not look hotter than when she is packing heat in a sexy dress. Is it any wonder he likes the Resident Evil games?

5. What I like best about my mother is..

Besides her generosity, I think her willingness to do whatever how uncomfortable when asked by her daughters. Most recently, she has agreed to go bungee jumping with my sister for her 22nd birthday. If that is not a superhuman level of dedication to the whims of your children - I have no idea what is!

Fashion wise if you want to know how me and my mom match up - this graduation photo speaks volumes. Also, I had a panic attack earlier that day hence my delightful expression!