New Old Bling

So, I've had this belt of my mother's for about 20 years.  It never fit me, so I can't imagine how it ever fit her, (which may be why I got it to begin with) but, I've always loved it.  Over the years, the belt had fallen into a state of disrepair, yet, I didn't have the heart to abandon it to the trash.  During my recent home rearrangement I once again came across the belt and greeted it with a sigh.  But, this time the sigh was followed by an aha moment.  I realized that I knew a person who could use her talents to create a unique, wearable item from the shambles of this by now vintage belt.  Elissa Halloran to the rescue. And just look what she made!  I immediately put this necklace on and imagine I will be working it into the rotation with great frequency because it makes me feel like Isis when I wear it.  I am absolutely in love.

Speaking of love, you know I have big love for Elissa and consider myself a collector of sorts of her jewelry, particularly her fabulous necklaces.  Please tell me you visit her shop on Lark Street.  You do, right?  Let me show you some reasons you should frequent her sweet little store on the off chance that you don't already...

One of my favorites from about 10 years ago

A special gift from my special friends, the Clancys

From me, to me

These three pieces provide a pretty good example of the variety of work Elissa does, I think.  The first piece always makes me feel like a Celtic warrior princess when I wear it - it is a strong statement necklace that speaks in an unrefined, natural voice and it really goes with most anything.  The middle necklace was a complete surprise purchased for me by friends in Boston and selected personally by Elissa for me.  That is one of the super cool things about Elissa - she knows her clientele and has helped me to choose items for friends when I have been overwhelmed by the options.  I love that middle piece because it is beautifully delicate, yet assertive at the same time - perhaps the "me" I strive to be.  The bottom piece is a favorite for sure.  The photo doesn't do the greens justice, however, trust me, it is stunning.  There is so much texture and there are so many shapes involved in this necklace, but they are balanced by Elissa's tremendous eye for design. 

First Friday is coming up soon - the perfect chance to visit Elissa's store and purchase a piece of wearable art that will bring you joy for many years to come.  Making something beautiful is Elissa's talent, wearing something beautiful should be your aspiration.

Elissa Halloran ~ Lark Street

Elissa's creations

You know how I enjoy little traditions in life, right? Have we talked about this before? I can't say they make sense to anyone but me, and whom I may share them with, but I like the familiarity of there being a consistency in some of my actions. Like listening to Simon and Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson" at high volume, with the sun roof open, as the boys and I cross the Bourne Bridge on our way to Wellfleet every summer. And Christmas morning would certainly not be the same without bagels, cream cheese and smoked salmon. A more recent tradition in my life is purchasing 40th birthday gift necklaces for my girlfriends at Elissa Halloran's wonderful shop on Lark Street. As you might imagine, I haven't been doing this for that many years, (I mean, how old do you think my friends and I are?) but it is a ritual I intend to continue because Elissa always seems to have created something appropriate for a significant birthday celebration.

I've got another one of these milestone parties to attend this weekend in New Paltz, so yesterday I made my way into Elissa's - and check out the cool stuff she's featuring presently! Now, she's best known for her amazing, unique jewelry pieces, but her store is truly a treasure trove brimming with one of a kind things. In addition to a full selection of jewelry, she also has vintage items, art in the form form of pottery, paintings and photographs, an awesome selection of scarves and cool hats, and a tremendous variety of consigned clothes. Yep, you could definitely devote some time to poking around this place and walk out with great stuff for little dollars.

check out the beaded head piece!

Yesterday's haul included a special necklace with a beautiful mother-of-pearl pendant that just seemed perfect for this weekend's birthday girl.  I'd show it to you but then she'd see it and I'd have to undo Elissa's wrap job - sorry, not going to happen.  I also bought a gorgeous handwoven scarf with colors which reminded me of Easter eggs - pinks, soft blues and greens...an ideal little gift for a friend who has been sharing her home and wardrobe with me in recent months.  Lest you think I only indulged my friends, check out the amazing, must-have-been-made-for-me, beaded headpiece I picked up for myself.  It is definitely an item that is a reach for me to wear, but I fell in love with it (funny, how spring seems to offer new opportunities to fall in love!) and I'm hoping to work it into my accessories wardrobe with frequency.  Maybe it will be my new signature piece?

I tried on a great dress, but ended up leaving it behind - my life isn't really offering me opportunities to wear long dresses these days, but it really was stunning.  It was a nude dress with a sheer black overlay, and featured these beautiful copper colored paillettes -  and it was brand new!  I did pick up an adorable black cotton skirt with sequins along the hemline for a mere $7, exactly how much I want to spend on clothing which will ultimately be worn for work at the Wine Bar & Bistro on Lark.  Through the weekend Elissa is selling off the winter clothing items at 50% off as she celebrates her 10th anniversary.  Get yourself there already.



feather handbands

 

neat accessories to wear or use decoratively

 

i'm a sucker for something sparkly





So, what are you wearing? — Photo update!

So, what are you wearing? — Photo update!