Let’s Talk About Jewelry, Shall We?
So, I’ve been in this fashion game for, like, 22 years now. That’s longer than most people have been alive, frankly. And in that time, I’ve seen trends come and go. But jewelry? Jewelry is a whole different beast. It’s not just about what’s hot right now. It’s about what makes you feel like a million bucks when you walk out the door.
I remember back in ’99, when I was working at that tiny boutique in Seattle, this woman came in wearing the most ridiculous choker necklace. It was, like, three inches wide and had little charms dangling off it. I thought she was nuts. But guess what? That trend came back around about 10 years later, and suddenly everyone was wearing them. So, who’s laughing now?
My Biggest Pet Peeve
Look, I’m gonna be honest here. There’s this one thing that drives me up the wall. It’s when people say, “Oh, you can’t wear gold and silver together.” Pfft. Who made that rule? Let me tell you, I’ve seen some of the most stunning outfits where gold and silver are mixed. It’s all about balance, people. You gotta have a little bit of both to make it work.
I had this friend, let’s call her Marcus, who used to be so strict about his metals. He’d never mix them, ever. Then one day, I convinced him to try it. We went to this little café on 5th, and I showed him how to layer his chains. He was hesitant at first, but then he saw himself in the mirror. “Wow,” he said, “I look kinda cool.” And that’s all it took. He was hooked.
The One Trend I Can’t Stand
Okay, so there’s this trend right now with these massive, chunky rings. They’re everywhere. And I hate them. I mean, I really, really hate them. They’re uncomfortable, they’re impractical, and honestly, they just look tacky. I was at a conference in Austin last year, and I saw this woman wearing one. It was so big, it looked like she was wearing a donut on her finger. I had to say something. I walked up to her and said, “Excuse me, but what are you trying to compensate for?” She just laughed and said, “Girl, I know, right?” But that’s the thing. Just because something is trendy doesn’t mean it’s flattering.
But hey, that’s the thing about fashion. It’s subjective. What I hate, someone else might love. And that’s okay. The important thing is to wear what makes you feel good. Even if it’s a giant donut ring.
A Little Secret
Alright, so I have a little secret to share. You know those “seasonal sale shopping guide tips” everyone’s always talking about? Yeah, I’m not a huge fan. I mean, sure, they can be helpful, but honestly, I think they’re a bit overrated. I’ve seen people spend hours poring over these guides, only to end up with a bunch of stuff they don’t even like. It’s like, why not just go out and find what you love? That’s what really matters.
I remember this one time, I was at a flea market in Portland. I wasn’t even looking for anything in particular, just browsing. And then I saw this little stall with the most beautiful vintage brooches. I didn’t have a guide, I didn’t have a plan. I just knew that I loved them. And you know what? Those brooches are still some of my favorite pieces. They’re unique, they’re special, and they’re all mine.
Final Thoughts (Kinda)
So, that’s my take on jewelry trends. It’s not about following the rules, it’s about breaking them. It’s about finding what makes you feel good and wearing it with confidence. And if someone doesn’t like it? Well, that’s their problem, not yours.
Oh, and one more thing. If you’re gonna mix metals, just make sure you do it right. You can’t just throw a bunch of gold and silver together and expect it to look good. It’s all about balance, people. Trust me, I’ve seen the consequences of not balancing properly. It’s not pretty.
Anyway, I gotta run. I have a date with a vintage necklace I found at a thrift store. It’s got these little blue stones that remind me of the ocean. I’m in love. But that’s a story for another time.
About the Author
I’m Sarah, a senior magazine editor with more opinions than I know what to do with. I’ve been in the fashion industry for what feels like forever, and I’m not planning on slowing down anytime soon. When I’m not writing, you can find me hunting for vintage jewelry or arguing with people about why gold and silver can, in fact, be worn together. Follow my journey on jewelrynearme.net.
