I have never shared the opinion of women who reject pearls as outdated or “old”… perhaps because my first extended experience with pearls occurred when I left home to begin my four-year stint at a small, liberal arts college in Texas. There for the first time I saw pearls adorn the throats of young women in all shapes and styles: single milky strands peeking past the collars of crisp Lacoste polos, plunging thick and long over barely-there camisoles, wound around ribbons or threaded with gold chain. I saw pearls in class, at the campus coffee bar, at black-tie dances and in Sunday Mass. They were worn both casually and formally, without irony or pretension and they seemed the perfect low-maintenance, fresh-faced accessory.      

 

It was only later that I discovered the alternate personality of pearls: sleek, Chanel-worthy, and favored by female lawyers and Secretaries of State >. But I soon reconciled myself to the duality that the very versatile gems are capable of. In fact, I have been very thankful for the no-nonsense, effortless elegance of classic pearls during rigorous job interviews and countless tense business presentations. My pearls can go from power lunches to happy hour. I layer multiple strands with a bright skirt for a gallery opening, combine them with a chunky gold cross and a little black dress for nightly salsa dancing, or wear a single pink strand to a polo match. The opportunities are endless.  

 

Never having been a bride myself, the association of pearls with weddings was the last one that I discovered, but now it is my opinion that a wedding day—sweet or solemn—is one of the most appropriate occasions for pearls! The wildly differing varieties of pearls suit the unique styles of each bride very well. The serenity and timeless, tireless elegance of the white variety is very appropriate for women beginning a lifetime commitment. But I have seen brides of all kinds spice up their special day with different arrangements of pearls: pearls strung with seashells for destination weddings, pearls paired with crystals to match rhinestones beaded in a gown, or pearls wound with silk to match bows on shoes or in hair. I have even seen dyed pearls used to fun, color-coordinated effect among all the members of a wedding party and strands threaded among the roses of a lucky lady’s bouquet. The opportunities to incorporate pearls on the most special of occasions are limited only by your imagination.

 

Now that I have seen pearls incorporated into almost every sartorial situation, I’m more surprised than ever that some women consider them outdated. All I know is that I have seen them worn by people of all ages, colors and styles—from Rihanna to Michelle Obama. Try it yourself: select some outfits from your own closet, find a strand of pearls and begin to experiment with all the looks you can achieve.

 

See?

 

  

— Personal Pearl History by Rachel Ball

Posted under Fashion Guide, pearls

 

 

 

Excerpts from Janie Bryant on Mad Men’s characters

 

“The early-‘60s garb seen on Mad Men has inspired vintage lust ever since the AMC series premiered in 2007, thanks largely to the talent of costume designer Janie Bryant. We caught up with Bryant, nominated in the Outstanding Period/Fantasy Television Series category at tonight’s Costume Designers Guild Awards.

 

How can we incorporate the Mad Men styles into our wardrobe and keep the look contemporary?

 

It’s about mixing the modern and the vintage. If you have a great little Chanel, or Chanel-inspired, three-quarter-length square-cut jacket, wear it with skinny jeans. But you could also add pearls—lots and lots of pearls. I love the pearls from the period, but to make it contemporary, pile them on. I love mixing the period jewelry with a contemporary look, like a modern dress with a fantastic period cocktail ring or several charm bracelets. You can also find great hats from the period. One of my favorite things is called a whimsy. It’s like a bow on the top of your head and the net falls around your face and the back of your head. It’s so flirty and fabulous and you can wear that with a beautiful cocktail dress. And the pencil skirt is always a classic–you can wear it with anything and mix it with your modern pumps and still look very fashion-forward and contemporary.

 

Why do you think the fashions on Mad Men resonate with people as much as they do?

 

I think because it’s a very sexy yet minimal period. It really has all the elements of being classic and sexy without showing too much cleavage or too much knee. It is about that perfect fit of the female form. And the design of the clothes is so elegant and sophisticated; I think people feel great when they put them on.”

 

Samantha’s View: Pearls are the timeless component to changing fashions. No matter what the fashion of the day is, adding pearls to any outfit brings a sense of style, sophistication, and elegance. Channel your inner Jackie O., Coco Chanel, or Grace Kelly and add a set of pearls to your wardrobe! Samantha Rose Designs offers classic pearls as well as fresh contemporary designs. Whatever your style, Samantha Rose has the touch of elegance that will bring your wardrobe class. From our classic bridal line, to our Atia collection and finally our Sofia line, you’ll be sure to find something that fits your sophisticated style and unique taste. Go to www.samrose.com to find the perfect piece limited edition piece that suits you!

 

With reference and excerpts from the article, Janie Bryant on Mad Men’s characters, can be found using this link:

http://www.elle.com/Pop-Culture/Movies-TV-Music-Books/Screen-Style-Mad-Men

 

 

 

—“Mad Men” Fashion for Women

Posted under Fashion Guide