I didn’t grow up in a “jewelry” family. Holidays or milestones weren’t marked with necklaces or bracelets. And it was great. We celebrated with Dutch letters in the shape of our first initial or a trip to the nearby outlet mall. At some point, I started wearing my dad’s wedding band on my right hand on top of a matching ring my sister and I received from our mom. When I graduated from high school, my dad’s old boss sent me a Tiffany pendant on a long ball chain. It was almost too precious to wear. When a friend’s mom gave me a shorter version, I felt like I was swimming in jewels. Before leaving for school, I must slipped my mom’s graduation ring, a little lapis with a hidden star, out of her jewelry box to feel close to her. I had, what I considered, a perfect collection.
My collection of and relationship to jewelry has evolved a lot in the past eight years. I even wrote about it for Brides. Much of my recent obsession with celebrating through jewelry has come from my relationship with my new family-in-law. After Christian and I were engaged, my mother-in-law laid out all her pieces on her bed in one of those “I’ll always remember this” moments of closeness. She showed me the pearl bracelet her husband gave her when Christian was born, since broken. It was a gift for me, to reimagine in a way that would celebrate our love.
Always keen on a assignment, I spent the hours after we’d all retired to our rooms on Christmas Eve researching brands in the city that reworked jewelry. It didn’t take much digging to discover Spur. A consultation call later, and we were set to create the casual pearl string of my dreams. Spoiler! Spur is also creating our wedding bands from very special family pieces, as well.
Wearing the strand of pearls makes me feel the way all beautiful gifts should make anyone feel—connected, cared for, and a part of something older and further reaching than the present moment. I love piling them on top of a vintage t-shirt with a blazer when I have a meeting I feel a little nervous about. When Jane and I discussed the prospect of remodeling the pearls, she reminded me that she just wanted me to wear them. The best additions to any wardrobe are the pieces shrouded in wearability. So chop the hems. Tailor the waist. Throw out the shoulder pads. Turn the bracelet into a necklace. Do whatever it takes to make the piece feel the most like you. This is the first step to creating a wearable heirloom.
Archived Outfit
It only feels right to feature a wide leg pant when mentioning my mother-in-law. It’s sort of her signature look. Jil Sander in 1996 (sigh) was nailing the wide leg story. I love the ease of the matching top and bottoms, very on trend right now, but specifically the way that the outfit feels so lived in with the rolled sleeves contrasted with the formal pleats. This is the kind of outfit I can imagine wearing to officiate a wedding (God help the couple) or to deliver a lecture. It’s impossibly cool. I’m also a big fan of grounding the look with a black shoe versus carrying out the monotone all the way. Here are some vintage Jil Sander picks from eBay I might snag if you don’t.
100% silk jacket I would 100% wear as a shirt with jeans.
Another 100% silk number in navy blue. Love it with cargo pants.
If you want a very Jil Sander DIY, then buy this $50 set, shorted the skirt, and wear it with tall boots. Please send me pictures.
Honorable Mentions
Ready for a secret? J. Crew was making really great sunglasses a few years ago. They’re surprisingly high quality, fun shapes, and if you search on Poshmark or eBay, you’ll pay less than you would for a pair from Target.
For those not in Brooklyn, and therefore, perhaps charmed by the newness of the non-alcoholic brand, Ghia, have your tried their canned spritzes? Dream happy hour.
The last recommendation, in typical niche-fashion, is for other freelance writers. If you’re unsure on a rate, I can’t recommend emailing a friend in the industry enough. It’s a great gut check to make sure you’re valuing your work as much as a friend would. Chances are, you’re not charging enough.
Here’s a writing prompt I’ve been using to journal this week. I set a timer for 2 minutes and write without stopping. Then I set the timer for 2 minutes of silence, no writing. And I wrap the whole thing up with another 2 minutes on the page.
Thank you so much for reading. See you next Thursday! x
Such a lovely story :) I love wearing my grandparents rings / earrings because it reminds me of them and I feel stringer when I wear them. I wish there was a similar style jewelry store offering the same service in Europe as well (if you know any I’d love to know) !