In my continuing series chronicling the many reasons I regret making fun of my parents,
comes this point at which I address an item near and dear to she who birthed me:
Initially little more than a metal trinket housed in my mother's "special" jewelry case,
it has become quite the little record of my existence.
First breath of air, first communion, first train ride, first trip to Florida, first time killing someone with a pair of scissors..

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pardon the arm hair. |

kidding.
I have no idea what that one is about.
Truth be told, though, there are quite a few of those silver little charm bracelet charms that derive the majority of their meaning from the fact that they are, in fact, a charm on my charm bracelet, and little else.
But, for me, that's enough. In this instance, remembering futile attempts of cutting paper with my scissors charm will always be more enjoyable than glancing down at an empty Tiffany's pendant - no matter how expensive it may be.


In fact, the attribution of value is a pretty interesting concept. I admit - I've been known to alter my opinion instantaneously based solely upon the realization that an item was, in fact, a product of my favorite designer and not one of, say, Forever 21. (take one of any number of "high street vs. designer?" quizzes to see where your allegiances lay).
And I can guarantee you that, try as I might, anything worn by Keira Knightley, Alexa Chung, Emma Watson or Elizabeth Olson is immediately more appealing - despite my understanding that...it's not.


I'm not the first person to recognize that celebrities make things cool, or that designer labels are more desirable than knock-offs,
but what shocks me the most is accepting that it has so little to do with fact and so much to do with feeling.
I don't love my Burberry trench coat because it's "higher quality" or because it was an "investment piece" -
I love it because it combines the perfect amount of nostalgia (my mom wore it throughout her youth) and prestige (coughBurberycough).
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charm: mine, my own, my precious, necklace: Vintage via Cocoon Room, vest, pants: Urban |
For me, the ideal sartorial staple includes sentiment and status - even if I wish it didn't.
Some day that may change, but while I'm young and naive, I'll embrace my reverence for the esteemed (and the coinciding havoc it wreaks on my wallet).
It's interesting, though, that this differs between people. Some folks place all of their stock in nostalgia, whereas others rely solely on name brands and newness.
Wonder why.
i'm a total sucker for nostalgia, which is why i'm always shopping in my dad's closet every time i'm home. that and the prices are insane. i love that you're rocking a charm bracelet. i started like ten when i was little and would misplace them and start over so i have a bunch of bracelets with one or two charms on them. which i won't think is cool until some fashionista does the same and then it'll be the coolest.
ReplyDeleteabigail
www.farandwildjewelry.com
thought provoking post....i love these. i think i'd definitely have to say that at this stage in my life (gosh that makes me sound old), i love a good piece with nostalgia. i love when something has a story. i grew up in hand me downs, and my girls do now, so i guess my love for etsy and vintage kind of comes from there? i also love a good bargain. but, i guess i'm a sucker for brand names, too. there's this feeling (justified or not) that you're just getting something...better.
ReplyDeletehow are the shoes?
xo
n
That top looks amazing on you! I looove this post! I still have my charm bracelet; and I sold my sweet 16 Tiffany bracelet to a pawn shop when I was in a stick situation ;) Haven't missed that cliche piece once, but I would never dream of letting go of my charm bracelet. Certain items of mine do have great sentimental value: my first fur, my fave pair of jeans, my perfectly worn in vintage tee, and the lion shirt my boyfriend, er fiance, was wearing when I met him. GAWD sorry I am so lovey dovey these days ;)
ReplyDeleteLOVE YA BEBE
xoxo
www.PardonMyFashion.com
My charm bracelet is broken and i am BUMMED about it. Charm bracelets do have a mom factor to them though, don't they. I still put on my mom's charm bracelets when I go to visit my parents. Maybe one of these days I'll "forget to take it off".
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, lady. Sentiment and prestige. That's where it's at. I LOVE my vintage Cole Haan's. My mom wore them in college, and packed them away for me to find years later.
:)
xo
ashley
www.thephotogramps.blogspot.com
It saddens me that I will never have a piece of my mom's closet. {Long story, save it for another day.} I look at old photos of her when she was young, and I'm like, Dang, mom! Look at you rockin' that leather motorcycle jacket {or whatever}! And my dad, too! They were quite the stylish pair! So for now I'm sticking w/ vintage shopping. I love an interesting piece with a good story!
ReplyDeleteBut I will say, nothing beats the "worthy" feeling you get when wearing a designer label. Am I right or am I right? XOXO
www.foxyoxiesupernova.blogspot.com