Making A Statement

My wedding set is one that is more delicate looking, resembling an antique.  I love that older look.  But it is the only piece of jewelry I wear every day.  I've found that other than that, my taste tends to be more toward statement pieces, big, noticeable jewelry that is anything but delicate.  From a 60 inch strand of pearls to big chunky raw rubies to large bangles.  So it's no surprise that my jewelry wish list is full of statement pieces like the necklace I shared earlier this week.

My raw ruby necklace.  I wear it at least once a week.

Tiffany Elsa Peretti Aegean necklace

10thousandthings 18K gold and lapis necklace

David Yurman Albion ring

I'm not really all that into diamonds.  I'm more likely to lust after a great design or tahitian pearls.  And I love my collection of vintage/antique costume jewelry.  (We've already discussed how we're going to have to lock down these from a curious girly girl.)  I like my clothes more simple, classic, and so the statement pieces to kind of stand out. 

Do you prefer the more delicate jewelry or bigger pieces?  Do you mix it up a lot or have a few pieces you always wear?

Dilemmas

The necklace on top of the stone that I'd also like...

First, I have an actual dilemma.  There's a necklace I have fallen in love with.  But it's not an inexpensive piece (although it's by no means even a tenth of the cost of the aegean necklace I'm saving for), so I go and visit it in this local store.  With baby stuff to buy, bedroom furniture to buy, etc I just think, hmm, should I spend the money?  *sigh*  I suck at decisions.

And then I spent the morning at a coffee shop reading more of The Omnivore's Dilemma.  It's not an easy read for me.  It's the first book since college (and the only one not for a class) that I've spent time underlining things in.  I'm absolutely disgusted by the way our food system works here in the U.S. so I have to keep putting the book down and stepping away for a bit.  I wouldn't say it's been eye-opening for me yet (I'm only 1/4 of the way through), because I have researched this topic more than the average person, but it has confirmed that buying our food the way we do is a smart and healthy decision.

There is a line after he's gone to visit "his" cow at the feedlot that I underlined that states: "Eating industrial meat takes an almost heroic act of not knowing or, now, forgetting."  I really believe this is true.  Doing any sort of research into your animal products makes you have to really consider your choices of where it comes from, which may explain why most people seem to not want to know.  I'm happy we're omnivores, I enjoy meat tremendously.  But because of what I've learned the last several years, we eat less of it, because we've chosen to spend more on better quality.  I'm not saying we always know where our meat comes from (we eat out, and haven't been as good at researching cured meats around here), but we have chosen to only buy meat like chicken, beef, and generally pork that meets our standards. 

It's not easy when you take the time to learn about food, both vegetable and animal.  It makes purchasing food difficult, because I look at everything.  I read labels religiously as I try to avoid soy products (other than fermented like tofu) like the plague.  I don't like how much corn products we eat, so I have to check for all the names that goes under.  I check quality of produce and I check to see that our meat and animal products meet the standards we've set for our house.  We try to buy natural and local as much as possible, but for some things that isn't possible.  (Although I recently found a farm where we can collect our own eggs, which I am so dang excited about!)

So, I'm sure I'll do a review once I've finished the book!  

French Friday Mini Adventure

 Blue necklace from 31 Bits, made by women in Uganda....I get compliments on it everywhere!

Yesterday we were out of power all day.  All the dang day.  It came on at exactly 3:25 this morning, waking me.  What a way to start the day! 

However, yesterday I had gone for coffee and window shopping with a friend.  At an antiques store I had spied a milkglass crucifix candle that was beautiful, but didn't pick it up.  It called to me last night and so today I spoke with G about it and decided to go back and get it before it was snatched up.  Luckily it was still there, and now is sitting with a beeswax candle in it (so I could show G).

Then I stepped in next door and found a carved wood frame that suits our home perfectly.  We're not shabby chic, and in fact, our home certainly has more of a chic with antiques, but not too worn look.  However these pieces are excellent to make it look a little less stuffy.  Look for it when I finish up one of our art walls.

And then I stopped for lunch at a little place called Soups On.  It was pretty good food.  The asparagus salad with chopped eggs was delicious.  And they served Kerrygold butter with the bread, which took this place from nice to wonderful in 2 seconds flat.  These stores are in old homes with front porches (much like the homes a bit north of us).  So I sat outside on the porch to eat and watch the world pass by. 

A simple day, I'm home now browsing etsy for other pieces for our home.  I keep an eye out for chalkware statues of saints, antique christening gowns, and even came across a carousel horse G and I have both decided is a necessity for a future playroom (who doesn't want their own actual carousel horse?).  Life is beautiful.

Silver Bullet To The Heart

I have been in love with a particular necklace for a couple years now.  As noted here and here (and that was only after coming back to the US).  But last night at the mall I stepped into a Tiffany's for the first time in years.  And yes, I was like a kid in a candy shop.  I was helped by Marie, a lovely woman whom I will definitely make sure I go to when I buy this piece.  And when I asked about the necklace I was lead around the store and it was brought out with a flourish.  

Now, I will admit I thought the price had to be absolutely ridiculous and based more on the store and designer's name than actual worth.  And of course that plays into it as well.  But each link is about an inch long, and a good solid weight.  It's a heavy piece that looks delicate.  And I had to laugh when Marie said that while I was tall and lovely with it she looked like a gangster when she tried it on (she's a petite tiny woman).  It was perfection.  

It wasn't an Audi TT sort of moment, but it was definitely one of those memorable moments when I realize that saving for this necklace will be worth more than all the clothes and costume jewelry I could spend the money on.  It's a luxurious piece that is simple and classic and I will be able to wear for decades.  I've been taking baby steps realizing that since I like champagne, I should really avoid the beer sort of items.  Occasionally I will pick up a good sparkling wine, but for the most part.....I'd rather wait to indulge on something really special. 

Pearls

Some say diamonds are a girl's best friend (and let's face it, I wouldn't turn down nice ones!).  However I have always and will always love pearls.  So when I saw a 64 inch strand online of 8 mm freshwater pearls  on a site that I had store credit I decided to ask G if I could splurge on a bauble for myself.  His answer was a resolute yes (he loves me in pearls and black dresses).   So now these babies will be mine!  I am already picturing wearing them in Paris next year, but I won't be saving them until then!  

And, as Ms. Chanel is the photo inspiration for the day I must mention that I am in a panic, because my Coco Mademoiselle eau de parfum is nearly gone.  I still have the parfum left, but because of it's high concentration (and tiny little bottle) I save it for special occasions, and in this heat it would burn off too quickly.  I checked the base store and of course they are out!  Hmm, perhaps no5 will become a more frequent scent.  

Birthday Wish List

We're not doing anything big for my birthday this year.  Maybe heading to D.C. to take in some sun and sketch a bit.  But if we were having a night out I would want this:

Paired with a leather biker jacket.  I love the idea of the floaty soft dress matched with the tougher leather.  Add some perfectly colored heels and a long silver necklace and it's perfection.  

Elsa Peretti Aegean Necklace from Tiffany 

I would kill for this necklace.  I really should set up a savings account just for it since I've been drooling over it since I first saw it well over a year ago.  I love the simplicity of it. (And I would love it in 18K gold too, but that's a damn car.)

More reasonably I would love this:  

Jonathan Adler ceramic elephant bottle stopper.  I just think it's cute. 

Marine Antoinette necklace by Untamed Menagerie on etsy. 

Beeswax Pillars by Brookingham on etsy.

(we have beeswax tapers throughout our home and they have such a divine light scent.  Best thing ever, seriously.)

And the Blue Satin nail colour by Chanel.  I love the deep blue of it, without it being as black as some I own.  

I also plan on picking up a novel or three for myself as a gift.  Because honestly I've made a no gift rule for G.  There are many many things I want, but so little I need.  I've got everything essential right where I am now.  And that calmness inside is worth more than the 18K necklace or an Audi TT.  (well, it was a close call with that last one....)

Accessories

I know I wrote earlier today about adding bright accessories to pop against my neutrals.  I also tend to dress more simply, and so more eccentric accessories are a fun addition.  Currently I have discovered a new love, and one I am trying to reason would be perfect for tea with girlfriends.  It's Tom Binns Mad Hatter Tea Party bracelet:

Images from boutiquetoyou.com

I'm picturing it with a simple sundress and wedges and letting it's charm and tinkle sound speak for itself.  

(and I would pretty much die for his entire Alice In Wonderland collection....I love the madness of it all! So if anyone represents him, lemme know, I will show this baby off everywhere!)

I'm also digging House of Harlow 1960, especially her peacock items such as the peacock cuff:

Basically I am loving statement pieces that are a little different.  What do you think of them?

By Request

                       
I love this necklace!  It's one of my absolute favorites, and I was so glad we got it.  The store in England that we bought it at has one of a kind style jewelry (it's also where I got my felt rose ring), and they never did have any other raw ruby pieces.  I've found some on etsy that are gorgeous though:

*click on image to go to store

And because I always love a reason for a gratuitous photo of my niece, here she is after a bath occupying her attention with her favorite thing ever.....this necklace! (she loves shiny things and necklaces that make noise when she drops them on Aunt Kalee's clavicle.)