Pierre Cardin Jewelry, 1962

I must apologize for my random posting of late.  Things are a bit crazy in my personal life right now.  In the meantime, I thought you might get a kick out of this necklace and bracelet made from plastic grapes by Pierre Cardin in 1962.

Take Your Holiday Dressing Up a Notch, Part 4

When I post photos of gorgeous vintage evening gowns and party dresses here on my blog or on my Facebook or Pinterest pages, one of the most common reactions I get is, "Why don't we dress up like this any more?" It is a shame that our society has become so casual that a pair of jeans and a t-shirt will suffice for most social occasions. Instead of bemoaning that fact, however, why not become part of a change back toward more formal dressing? An easy way to start is to amp up what you wear to all the holiday parties and get togethers you'll be attending in the next month. This week, I'll be looking at ways to accomplish that.  Choose one or more of these ideas, but don't do them all at once please!

The jewels, les bijoux, the baubles, the bangles, the beads.  If ever there was a time of the year to wear your boldest, sparkliest, and best jewelry, this is IT!!!  Don't be shy.  Pile it on!

Wear a necklace that captures your sense of fun and flamboyance!

Break out the heirloom jewels.  Why leave them sitting in a safe?  Wear them!!!

Wear your biggest, boldest earrings.

Pile on an armful of bracelets.

Wear a huge statement brooch.  Or wear a group of smaller ones.

Get creative!  You can even wear jewelry in your hair.  

In fact, if you want to bring out your inner princess, 

there is absolutely no reason why you should not wear a tiara.  

Go for it!!!!!

Les Bijoux - 1980s

Still dreaming!

Mouauad, 1980

M. Gerard, 1982

Boucheron, 1985

Van Cleef & Arpels, 1987

Yves St. Laurent, 1988

Les Bijoux - 1950s

Because every girl is allowed to dream, isn't she?

Cartier, 1950

Van Cleef and Arpels, 1955

Cartier, 1957

Mauboussin, 1959

Boucheron, 1962

Bulgari Necklace - 1972

I thought I would start my Christmas list early.  I am head-over-heels in love with this Bulgari necklace from 1972.  Black onyx and diamond stripes set in gold.   Yes, that will do nicely!

Wild Accessories - 1966

During the Mod craze of the mid 1960s, accessories became bold and fun right along with clothing.  Today, a look at some fun things from 1966.  Would you wear these today?

Above, Veruschka wears a collar made of blue rhinestones by Jack Gilbert.

Huge white plastic earrings by Paco Rabanne.

Peter Bateman wig made of strands of rhinestones.  That's one way to sparkle at night!

Mirrored cubes made into earrings and a ring by Antonio Lopez for Paris House.

Plastic jewelry by Ingeborg/Georgio for Richelieu.