Greetings, Blisters! Remember earlier this summer when we talked about the beauty of seasonal pieces, completely dismantling the concept of a year-round wardrobe? Well, we are so back! And no surprise, the same sentiment stands when it comes to your accessories.
Shell jewelry can be cheesy, but as a gal who loves to lean in, I’m in favor. When done right, the proper shell pendant can transform you from Girl Sweating at the Flea Market into Sara Paxton’s Aquamarine ISO True Love in seconds.
And who doesn’t want to channel mermaid realness in this excruciatingly hot weather?
My credentials: I shelled the shore every summer growing up, and was extremely particular about which treasures with holes pre-poked by nature were worthy of being strung onto a flimsy string (or better yet, a cheap gold chain) and transformed into the ultimate statement piece for a nine-year-old.
Of course, the Jersey shore had slim pickings when it came to color and variety of seashells (My collection thrived on our annual trips to Florida!) but I did what I could with the pale, white, often-chipped options at my disposal.
Everything linked below is much, much cooler.
The standout brands worth noting here are Julietta and Brinker & Eliza, with honorable mention to Jennifer Behr. In general, I prefer real shells to silver, gold, resin, or other faux interpretations (except for this rhodium-plated nautilus surrounded by black macrame). While I’m a sucker for nature’s true hues, I won’t lie — the funkier the color, the better. This lavender and blue combo might be my favorite of the options above. Or this green one.
Beads are big right now, as are cord necklaces and skinny gold collars. All three of these are perfect vehicles for shell pendants! Pro Tip: If you’d rather just buy a charm (like this Cristina V pendant, on sale!) than purchase a whole new necklace, I recommend ordering a magnetic cord on Etsy.
I have this one in a few colors for under $8 a pop, and I’ve been stringing on different charms and pendants all summer. Because the cord is magnetic all the way around, you can adjust it for unlimited length options.
If a necklace feels a little too in-your-face, try shell earrings instead. Something about a bit of seashell peeking out from a head of beach waves is just so quintessential summer to me.
I know I said I like real shells, but these clear resin earrings are the exception. And if you want to slap a rhinestone on top of a natural shell, as seen here? Be my guest!
So Good Right Now: Staud
Staud’s fall collection has me falling back in love with the brand in a big way. The campaign imagery is stun (see above), but the pieces themselves really stand on their own.
The color story revolves largely around a reworked millefiori print inspired by the iconic glassmaking style of the same name. Apparently, millefiori-printed silk pants are a fixture I can no longer live without.
Other highlights include chunky stripes that feel vintage-y and romantic — a gorgeous transition from summer’s punchy cabana stripes. See the Fabianne silk mini in Desert Stripe for a muted take, and the Sade Top and Odette Skirt in Cigar Stripe for a little more oomph.
Some potential purchases for me are the Bisou Dress in Pear, which may or may not look good on me, and the Winslow Bag in one of two colorways. The first, above, is a dark espresso with canary feathers. The other option is more of a milk chocolate base with lavender feathers. I’m not sure I’ll be able to choose until I can try both on IRL.
Help Me Spend My TRR Credit
I sold some pieces to TheRealReal in July while they were offering a $200 credit guarantee just for sending in. So, I have a bit of money to blow!
Help me decide what to spend it on. Do we like…
This gorg Baccarat pendant? I love that chunky chartreuse glass for fiddling with when I’m out and about. Plus, it’s under $200!
This insane woven Prada tote? I feel like it’s so timeless and practical. TBH, the only thing stopping me is that I have so. many. tote. bags.
This sublime Dries Van Noten skirt? [Which, now that I check the measurements, should not have been listed as a Medium. 24” waist? Not for me.]
This unreal Cartier watch? Although $200 will hardly make a dent in the pricing here, so safe to say we can rule this one out. Just had to show it to ya!
This nylon Prada bag with funky grommets? Prada nylon is never a bad purchase, and this could definitely edge up some of my simpler getups.
This funky layered Miu Miu dress? I’d never buy something like this full-price, but I hate the feeling of layering tees like this for real, so the faux approach could be worth trying…
This ridiculously cool fringe Chanel chocolate bar bag? I like that it has a vintage feel, but would go with a million different outfits.
These new Blazy Chanel pumps? I don’t think I’d get much use out of the black-and-white combo, but still. Crazy to see new Chanel listed for resale so quickly.
I usually only purchase from TRR when I’m really set on something (like the Tory tunics I fell in love with earlier this summer and have been wearing on repeat). But I think this credit expires quickly, so I’ll have to act fast. LMK if you see anything you think feels especially BGF!
Oh, and if you want to shop the pieces I sent in, they’re slowly being added to the site. I’ll include a few below. I typically sell to Crossroads in the city, so I’m looking forward to seeing how my items are priced/if they sell/if it’s worth going through TRR again.
Battle Of The Embellished Kitten Heels
Does it make me sick to my stomach that Tory Burch released the world’s most perfect beaded pumps in bridal white the year after my wedding? Yes, yes it does.
Still, I want them / would wear them loads! But before I make them mine, I plan to go into a store and try on the “bronze sun” colorway to compare. Visually, I love the look of the taupe-y brown grosgrain with the gender reveal-y blue and pink beading and embellishment — but how versatile will these be in my wardrobe?
There’s a sandal version in the bronze sun colorway as well, but my heart is set on a new kitten heel. I have a million pairs of Tory heels, despite the fact that they aren’t very comfortable. They’re just that gorgeous.
Now, if Prada’s embroidered and beaded satin slingbacks were priced similarly to Tory’s? I’d get the entire Wicked-inspired trio. The beaded satin chartreuse pair — which debuted on the FW26 runway — features seed beads, flat sequins, and intentional fraying for a sort of haphazard cool. But the embroidered satin pink and black pairs up the ante, with the addition of rhinestones and chunky crystals that clang about as the wearer struts.
I want them so badly, but for $2K, I don’t think I can invest in a pair of heels that are destined to break or get dirty. Even on the runway, the toes of every single pair appeared stained or overworn.
These are exclusively Uber heels (meaning you can’t be walking around all night in ‘em) and in Manhattan, I need something a bit more practical.
You might’ve seen that I recently retired my trusty tread-soled Prada slingbacks after multiple unsuccessful attempts by cobbler to save them, and I’m just now seeing that they’ve released a really similar style with the same reliable rubber sole. No, they aren’t nearly as fun as the embellished pairs, but perhaps a try-on is worth my time? The D’Orsay pumps are nice, too!
BTW, I took a look back at the FW26 runway snaps while writing this, and realized we’ve been jipped a few pairs! Where’s the Tweety Bird yellow pair? The ruby red slippers?? THE BOOTS??? Miuccia, girl, don’t deny us our options…
SYSS (SYSS)
I’ve been ISO an autumnal clog after living in this Marni-esque crochet pair this summer, and I think these calf hair UGGs need to be mine.
Adidas Originals did an ASOS collab and I ended up ordering two jackets to try on. The standout was this baggy red zip-up with eyelet cutwork detailing. I love the sporty/femme contrast, and I’ll never say no to a pop of red.
Are we sleeping on Rebecca Minkoff? This is a really good bag! The Nolita Top Handle has a YSL Mombasa-inspired handle, and I’m really feeling the snake print paired with silver studding and unlined ivory leather.
Great Basic PSA: Frank & Eileen recently gifted me their Ella Top, and it’s the kind of simple staple I want to buy triples of. I got the medium in white and it just hangs so perfectly.
Something else you should see? The haul I posted of my late great Aunt Joan’s vintage jewelry, some of which I was lucky enough to get to keep. Major fun vintage magic styling to come!
x BGF
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