3.27.2010

Smitten Saturday

The Girl in Pearls Dolls, a time comes in every girls life when she must ditch diamonds – if only for a single evening – and replace them with the more classic, yet understated preppiness of the diamond of the deep sea…pearls. As someone who flocks to sparkly baubles like a moth to a flame, however, I find this a difficult task. Therefore, if one is expected to become the girl in pearls for any period of time, the pearls in question must be drop dead gorgeous and worthy of taking the place of sparkly bits that shimmer and glimmer in any situation.

Kenneth Jay Lane’s Nestled Pearl Necklace is a wondrous representation of a piece of frippery that does pearls justice by making them stand-out in the form of long, glistening layers; putting a sophisticated yet youthful spin on a classic. There’s no question that Free People’s Pearl & Chain Nested Necklace will make an unspeakable statement when paired with a luscious LBD. And really…what better way to stop people in their tracks, mouths agape, than by proudly displaying Free People’s Pearl Encrusted Gold Cuff around your wrist. Ready to transform yourself into the girl in pearls, darling?

Café Fashionista in Wonderland My love of fairytales has made it nearly impossible for me to entirely grow-up. Part of me will forever be stuck as a child awaiting all sorts of magic to take place in my bedroom once night falls, the curtains are drawn, and I am supposed to be drifting off to dreamland. If it wasn’t Wendy from Barrie’s Peter Pan, it was Alice from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Her curiosity always intrigued me; but even more, I was quite envious of her time spent at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Despite the fact that I primarily drink coffee, I am in complete and utter adoration with all things influenced by tea – from parties to cups and everything else imaginable. Therefore I see it completely necessary for me to spend a day in Alice’s shoes – sans the White Rabbit, sadly – at Alice’s Tea Cup.

So the Queen of Hearts won’t be around to try her hand at beheading me, and the Cheshire Cat won’t be there to grin at me mischievously or tell me riddles; but the whimsy experienced at the Park Avenue palace complete with petit fours, crumpets, and a spread of other mouth-watering desserts is bound to make me feel like Café Fashionista in Wonderland. Care to fall down the rabbit hole with me, kittens?

DIY Darling It pains me to admit such a thing, but no matter how many times I attempt to perfect my own version of a style spotted on the runway, it ends up turning out less than fabulous. Step-by-step instructions, diagrams, photographs…any and all bits put forth to assist me in creating sheer splendor fall flat in my disastrous DIY endeavors. It has led me to believe that I am simply not cut out for crafting. I suppose my talent lies in putting pen to paper; not scissors to fabric or similar undertakings. But it’s hard to accept such an inartistic fate. I long to don frippery that has formed via my very own fingers; thus, I am relying on P.S. – I Made This… to help me channel the DIY darling lurking underneath my naïveté facade.

The Preppy Patch Necklace with just a few snips and a dab or two of glue seems the ideal way to add a little Blair Waldorf with just the tiniest hint of Jack Sparrow to my jewelry drawer. The Art Deco Headband, a homemade tiara-like hair accessory sporting the same type of romance and innocence as a Rachel Leigh original may be the simplest project due to the sheer fact that it requires nothing more than a glue gun. And a fabulous Rachel Zoe-inspired Faux Fur Vest is bound to keep me warm and looking wonderful through the fall and winter months. Ready to get in touch with your own DIY darling, loves?

What were you smitten with this week?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr and Free People for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Real Fashionistas Wear Aprons Giveaway for your chance to win a fabulous retro/vintage apron from Christa Taylor.
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57 comments

Leah said...

Thanks for sharing the PS I Made This site... I love it. I'm heading back there after I post my comment.

And pearls... I'm trying to incorporate pearls even in my casual daytime wear... makes me feel fabulous even if I'm wearing just a plain tee and jeans.

Have a great weekend Erika! xoxo

FASHION SNAG said...

I couldn't agree with you more on ditching diamonds for pearls. I love being in pearls. I am smitten with horse themed items this week including a fantastic horse belt! xo


www.FashionSnag.com

H A N N A H . M A Y . R O S E . † said...

another amazing post - you never fail to make me smile :)

LONDON--ROSE.BLOGSPOT.COM

xx

Unknown said...

I love pearls, certainly, at the moment, much more than diamonds. Pearls ooze class and well diamonds ooze wealth.
XOXOX
Libby
http://fashionconfectionairy.weebly.com

alexkeller said...

so happy you love a girl in pearls. i've been neglecting my jewelry shop, but i plan to get back to it this week and i'm starting with pearls. i'll keep you posted :D

Joanne said...

Not so much what I'm smitten with as to what I'm looking for. I love scarves, and have my eye out for a pretty Spring scarf, very very lightweight, maybe a little sheer, for the cooler Spring days!

Tiffany Kadani said...

Seriously, you need to come up to Northern California and hang out with me. There's a place here called Fairy Tale Town that has recreated all the fairy tales for kids. Huge Queen of Heart Chairs, gigantic Candle Sticks, etc..

Also I have always wanted pearls so my husband gave me a beautiful strand four years ago and our marriage has been amazing ever since (hehe... it was amazing before that, but pearls just change things.)

Jessica Samantha said...

Thanks for linking to the DIY blog! I was scourging the internet for one of those!

And most definitely... pearls complete the girl.

Unknown said...

LOVE Pearls! These pieces you posted are so unique and more than just pearls. Great finds as usual! I'm wearing a twisted pearl necklace with my wedding gown!! :) I cant wait to post pictures! ♥

Anonymous said...

Nice post:) Have a good weekend!

www.janetteria.com said...

J'adore pearls! So classy and chic!


The Trendy Fashionista said...

I just checked out the DIY website and it's great!!! Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful weekend

-The Trendy Fashionista
http://thetrendyfashionista.blogspot.com

tess said...

the preppy patch necklace is awesome

E said...

That pearl and chain necklace from Free People is stunning! I might have to snatch that one!

monica said...

omg pearls! im definitely going through pearl love affair

Jen said...

Oh Erika, it's like you've known me forever! I just ADORE pearls - I'm so smitten!

daisychain said...

wonderful post! have a great weekend x

Dina's Days said...

You always find the coolest links and websites! Alice's Tea Cup is so cute!

Francy said...

This is such a great post! I love pearls. They can be classic, but wearing layers of them can add such an edge to an outfit. And thanks for the DIY inspiration. I struggle with it too, but I'm trying to ease up on myself a little ;-)

pixiedrivein.blogspot.com

Sara said...

I love these posts! (I know I say that all the time, but I do, they are great!)

I love the faux fur vest!! I have no clue what I would wear it with, but I am sure i could figure something out. :)

xoxo~Sara

Rock Couture said...

I was just sayin how I long to be smitten in love... But since my price charming has not brought his chariot by... I was smitten with my children. :) xoxo T

Denisa L said...

love psimadethis:)

English Rose ♥ said...

As a huge fan of the classic 'Chanel look', I'm forever wearing pearls - they are so timeless and i'll never get bored of them.

Have a wonderful weekend my love =]

Stay safe and chic,
English Rose x
http://iamanenglishrose.blogspot.com

Charlie said...

lovelovelove alice in wonderland, and all the other fairytales you mentioned, have really inspired my clothes since i was little :)



VAMPIRES-AND-CARDIGANS.BLOGSPOT.COM - Dont forget to enter the Giveaway!




xx

Robyn said...

I love PSIMadeThis, but like you, I seem to be hopeless in the crafting department. It's still fun to try though!

Robyn
ChiChiSaysRobyn.blogspot.com

jess said...

I love pearls. P.s I made this is a great site.

Josie said...

I love that top photo; it's beautiful! And I also find it difficult to swap out sparkles for pearls, but I must admit that I do love my pearl studs!
xxoo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Stephanie said...

I'm totally lusting over that KJL necklace. I just adore pearls!

xoxo

Punctuation Mark said...

nice post... have a great weekend!

Sherin said...

I'vealways loved pearls. They are so classy and I always feel special when I wear them.
Amd I love P.S. I made this. She's so creative!!

Roxanne said...

That cuff is so, so, so wonderful. The price tag, however, is not! xo

Mimi said...

I need to get me a few strand of pearls stat! Also, that Alice in Wonderland jewelry is gorgeous! Very gorgeous post!!

Emily said...

I love the jewelry. pearls are beautiful :)

J said...

i wish i could be better at DIY projects too! some people are so amazing! i am smitten with pretty dresses for spring!

Unknown said...

LOVE PEARLS!! as always great post my dear! Actually im now getting ready to head out to a wonderful dinner w friends and was wondering what accesoires to use with my outfit tonight! well HELLO! PEARLS IT IS ;)!

xoxoxo
-Carlis

molly said...

pearl is my birthstone! interesting post

ellie said...

Some very cool ideas. I love pearls!

Honestly..about the cliffhanger. Truly, didn't know it would start this way.

The Girl With a Feather said...

Wow the jewellery is really stunning!

Rick said...

Wow, Erika. willing to give up the glitter, glitz and glam for the pearls (of which, I am also a fan)? (smile :) The pearls you selected are quite elegant and sophisticated. You look great in either diamonds or pearls!

Death Wears Diamond Jewellery said...

oooh i love ps i made this! such an awesome site. seriously need to get crafty again, i kinda miss it!

Petitebine said...

Lovely post!
Love the pearls <33

Susu Paris Chic said...

Pearls, diamonds... I accept it all. Gals gotta stay gals - right! Your posts keep inspiring me. Your blog is such a beautiful word that I love popping in and I leave happily refreshed and confident in my femininity!

coolboy said...

such a long time back i saw you

how are you erika

most of the people like pearls than diamond, diamonds are too costly,

http://101smiles.blogspot.com/

Romany said...

I've been smitten with florals since early Feb, and I have a feeling it will be a long and beautiful love affair! ;)
I'm so glad you enjoyed my beauty post - there's nothing better than positive feedback. Thanks for the sweet comment! :)
Romany
xx
p.s. my mother gave me her wedding pearls, recently. How special is that?

FashionJazz said...

U know I live in my pearls hun, so I really luved ur post!!!! Hope u are having a fabulous wknd! xxx

Glam Girl said...

Nice post! I love the pictures!

Gabby / Gypsy*Diaries said...

I love pearls!!! :)

P.S: I moved my blog! Please come by to say hi and now you have to re-follow! :)

THANKS and have a wonderful Sunday!

http://gypsy-diaries.blogspot.com/

Embodying Fashion said...

Such a great post and i loooove pearls they make us feel like a real woman :)

Midnight Cowgirl said...

Wonderful list! I love pearls and diy.

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Sniff said...

When my paternal grandmother died, I inherited a strand of genuine pearls from her. They were a gift to her from my father when he was a young sailor at age 15. It was his first trip on the sea, and for his very first wages he bought the pearls in Japan for his mother. That was more than 50 years ago! I've had them cleaned and rethreaded, and they look fantastic. Only wearing them for the most special occasions.

Andhari said...

I love pearls :) they're gorgeous and make you look classy instantly.

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

I love that cuff and the necklace. They look so gorgeous!
And that faux fur vest... Fabulous!

Maddy said...

I, like many women, belive that Diamonds are a girl's best friend...but pearls come at a close second! I love the look of the classic pearl that even chose to wear them over diamonds at my wedding :)

BTW - "Cafe Fashionista in Wonderland"! I just started reading "Alice I Have Been" which is supposed to be loosely based on the "real-life" Alice in Wonderland. I'd be happy to pass the book along to you once I'm done with it. I know how much you love all things Alice! Let me know if you're interested.

Sierra said...

Those pearls are amazing and I love the DIY shirt, how clever!

Islandia Lane said...

I was all about boots with leggings and loose, long, flowy tank tops this past weekend!

J. said...

I've been so busy w/visiting family and have so missed your musings!

I love pearls and have a fair amount but haven't pulled any of them out in ages! I'm putting them on now!

And thanks for the P.S. I made this...I love DIY's!

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