Going Vintage

While I still love a great new piece of jewelry, my focus over the last few years has been scouting vintage gems. The uniqueness of the piece, the thrill of falling in love with something you found, and the fun of incorporating it into an outfit to bring it all together is so satisfying. When it comes to vintage, there are a few tips to share that I have found along the way. By no means am I am expert, but I certainly love the hunt. 

First, you want to find a place that carries a lot of different types of vintage and turns inventory fairly quickly. Find one or two places that carry things you gravitate towards and stick with them. There are so many spots, so having just a couple you go to helps make better decisions.  

You also want to get to know the shop owner. Especially if you are looking for something specific. If they do not have it in the store, they may be able to find it for you. They also should have a ton of knowledge on what they are selling. Some pieces are signed or branded by the designers and some are not. Your shop owner should know all about them, what decade they are from, if it is an original or costume piece, etc. The more they can tell you about what you are buying the better, then check out their story by searching for info online on your piece to make sure they are legit. 

Every shop I have been to have some sort of bargain bin going on and my best advice is to dig in! It is worth going through. You will not find the heaviest, gem laden pieces, but you could find that perfect long necklace for work or a fun bangle to add to your arm party. Some of the pieces pictured were less than ten dollars, can you tell which ones? Exactly. 

Because many of these shops are small businesses and they set their own prices, feel free to negotiate. I have never paid for a piece at any price point for what it was listed for. It works really well if you group together pieces as well and come up with a price for the entire lot. I know it can be nerve wracking, but throw a price out there that you think is fair, it doesn't hurt to try. 

Check out your local antique fairs and flea markets when they pop up. There are always great vendors at them and you might find one you love that has a storefront nearby that you can hit up on the regular. 

And lastly, buy what you love. It is usually something totally unique and different from what I had been looking for that I end up getting and wearing to death. If you fall for something that you can afford and know that it feels special, get it. There is usually no going back to find it later. Anyone can find a Yurman at the mall, but a unique vintage piece that feels totally original will make you so much more happy. 

Here are some of my favorite places that I found all the above at: 

Somewhere in Time, Denver

Coast 2 Coast Collection, Santa Barbara

Lulu's at the Belle Kay, Chicago

Sophia Live Lovely, Chicago

Happy hunting! 

xo

Erin 

Gift Guide 2011: The Luxe Life

For those that have been extra nice this year or are searching for a classic item to treasure forever, here are my picks for an unforgettable holiday. While the price tags are higher, no girl would ever be able to thank you enough with one of these gifts under the tree. Crushing on all of it and hoping for a piece myself! 

1. Fendi Peekaboo satchel, classic Italian with function  

2. Theyskens' Theory Navy split back blazer, fantastic fit and cut 
3. Ileana Makri for The Row rose gold and diamond evil eye necklace, unreal and so cool 
4. Loeffler Randall classic slip on boot with shearling lining, stylish and warm 
5. Vintage Chanel medallion pendant necklace, insane 
6. Proenza Schouler pony PS1 satchel, color is amazing 
7. Max Mara Volare camel coat, so Jackie O in the 70s 
8. The Row acetate and leather sunglasses, a little Audrey and a little nerd 
9. Jimmy Choo Nude patent leather heels with cut outs, so versatile and flattering 
10. Diane von Furstenberg classic Jeanne wrap dress, a classic in a fun print 
11. Chloe multi-color envelope clutch, unexpected colors in such a great way 
12. Jennifer Meyer diamond Je t' aime necklace, so sweet and sparkly 
13. Dannijo printed iPhone case, why not when you use it every day? 
14. Alexander McQueen Britannia clutch with cross stitch detail, great color and accent piece 
15. Vintage Chanel gold coin multi-strand necklace, channeling Coco 
16. Christian Louboutin leopard toe platform pumps, classic design turned up a bit 
17. Hermes Enamel and gold H bracelet, perfect for stacking with what you have 

Send this list to whoever you think is feeling extra generous this year and wish for the best! 

xoxo

Erin 

Showing your Tribe

There are some pieces in my jewelry box that I can barely remember where they came from. Old hemp necklaces from summer camp, tarnished rings bought at a holiday sale, and shiny crosses from Nana. I was sifting through a lot of these treasures and came across this elephant hair bracelet, something I do remember getting from my father at some point during my teen years. 

And though I do not remember how he came to acquire it, I know that he was proud to give it as they are not made anymore (for obvious humane reasons) and it came from someplace special. 

I did a little research and found out that elephant hair bracelets are swathed in legend and were used as a way to protect those that wore them. African mythology has told that the elephant forms a connection between heaven and earth. By wearing the bracelet you are blessed with love, health, prosperity, and progress.

It is fun to think of the tribes that used to wear these bracelets and the power they felt with it. Needless to say, I am trying to find ways to incorporate it into my accessorizing. 

Tribal accessories have been popping up everywhere and there are some fun (not as authentic) options to help you find your tribe pride, whatever that might be. 

1. Large Ruma horn bangle set Kora Designs $150

2. Juicy Couture Laurel Canyon dip dye fringe necklace from Zappos Couture $70

3. House of Harlow 1960 tribal three stack ring in gold from Boutique to You $62

4. Kenneth Jay Lane tribal earrings from Zappos $225

5. Pamela Love Tribal spike cuff at Barney's $195

6. Druzy geode & brass spike charm necklace Kora Designs $175

7. House of Harlow 1960 Arrow Cuff at Shopbop $175

8. DANNIJO Kate mesh bracelet at Shopbop $135

9. Horn cuff Kora Designs $180

10. House of Harlow 1960 resin stone and crystal ring at Revolve Clothing $75

xo

Erin 

In Love with Lapis Lazuli

There is always that one color for everyone that when it catches your eye, you gravitate for it. 

For as long as as my brain can remember, deep bright blue has been that color. I remember that Catherine's room was painted it in Cruel Intentions,  it was the color of the water in Capri, and Cornflower was my favorite Crayon color. 

So naturally this color peaks my interest while shopping, especially for vintage accessories. These two are frequently found on my wrist. 

Lapis has such a vibrant, rich color. It also feels exotic since it is mined mainly in the Middle East and its origin dates back to the Mesopotamians. Cleopatra used Lapis powder on her eyes, love that. 

Lapis pieces can get really pricey, but I did some browsing and found some great finds that are a bit more down to earth than the ridic pieces I saw at Barney's recently (worth drooling over). 

1. Kenneth Jay Lane lapis Dream cocktail ring at Max & Chloe $190

2. King Baby Studio lapis bead bracelet at Zappos Couture $345

3. Chan Luu gold and leather bracelet at Net-A-Porter $345

4. Lapis and coral drop earrings by Bounkit at Charm & Chain $375

5. Thin lapis cuff by Bounkit at Charm & Chain $430

6. Kara by Kara Ross lapis cocktail ring at Max & Chloe $280

7. Amrita Singh earrings at Couture Candy $100

xo
Erin

Pleats + Length + Skirt = Love

Long pleated maxi skirts and vintage-inspired jewelry at a steal sounds like the perfect summer look. Best part of these comfortable, soft skirts is that you can pair with your favorite cotton tank or tee so you always feel at ease. Whether real vintage or remakes, like those below, wearing an accessory that feels like it has a story is always fun. 

1. Long pleated skirt in rust by Tibi at Shopbop $297

2. Linked swirl earring by Topshop $10

3. Maxi Desert skirt by Rag & Bone $495 

4. Shannon printed maxi skirt by Alice & Olivia at Net-a-Porter $485

5. Bell engraved drop earrings by Topshop $15

6. Chiffon pleated maxi skirt from ASOS $94

7. Snake stretch bracelet by Topshop $28

8. Rectangle stretch cuff by Topshop $25

9. Slinky segment metal rope by Topshop $30

10. Long skirt by Zara $89

I am obsessed with the Alice & Olivia and am thinking that it has to join my wardrobe. It is what made me want to shop this look today. It would be so perfect with the Topshop cuff, white tank, and Capri sandals.  Which one is your favorite? 

xo

Erin