classic freshwater pearl studs: a giveaway!* [closed]

*This post is not sponsored, etc.

Perhaps you will remember my oft-mentioned enthusiasm for pearls? My pearl stud size guide?

I have on a number of occasions now given pearls as gifts (not infrequently to myself), and each story is one of success. It’s hard to go wrong giving pearls away, so here we are!

For the size guide I modeled various sizes of gem quality freshwater pearls from the vendor Pearls of Joy, and I’m going to give away one of my favorites: the 7-8mm pair.

You can read about my thoughts on the different sizes in that post. The 7-8mm–these really measure in at 8mm–was the size I found the most proportionate and versatile; transitioning effortlessly from casual to elegant, suitable for a wide variety of ages.

It’s difficult to capture how beautiful they are in a photo. Excellent quality and luster.

IMG_6605Here’s what you can win:

1 pair 7-8mm white gem quality freshwater studs from Pearls of Joy with appraisal paperwork and pearl care card (here I am forced to admit that I don’t have a prettier gift box).

[These earrings were worn only once for the purpose of modeling. The posts have been sterilized and they are in pristine condition.]

IMG_6607Here’s how you can win:

for 1 entry:

  • leave a comment on THIS POST (if you are on the home page you will need to click on the post title above to see the post page and comment options) and
  • like my facebook page (you can use the shortcut in the sidebar or this link).

for extra entries:

**Let me know in your comment how many entries you qualify for (1, 2, or 3).**

So your comment might look something like: I wd luv to win pearlz! u r so stylish! 1 entry for me.

or: Hi from Raleigh! Cool blog! 2 entries, please!

or: I love peonies, too. x3 please!

You get the idea.

This giveaway is open internationally. It will close September 15, 2013 at midnight EST.  Please be honest about your number of entries: details of the winning comment will be verified. If you post more than one comment, only the first will count toward the giveaway. The winner will be announced on the blog on Thursday, September 19, 2013.

Good luck!

 

classic: basic black pumps

IMG_2024-mod

So, yes, I was looking for a comfortable pair of heels, and naturally wanted to find that basic, quintessential, serviceable black pump.

I knew exactly what I wanted, which often causes problems for me. A wide, rounded toe, no platform, 3-4″ (really, 3. Keeping a 4″ heel was a surprise to me), leather, flattering lines, no embellishments, comfortable. A lot to ask, and I’d turned down every candidate until this shoe.

IMG_1948-mod

They even look basically cute without any feet in them, which in a size 10 is truly not the standard. They are not insanely comfortable, I admit, but they are not unfriendly (especially with insoles), which is, in the context, high praise. In a way, this is not even relevant, I think of them more as props than as actual functional items. Sort of in the same category as faux bangs and fake glasses…fake shoes. Or, only real shoes for a limited time on any given wearing. I’m not going to try to walk very far in them, as the feminist in me balks at this. Why should I suffer in discomfort? In the realm of my tableau-creating, though, I want them as an option. I understand their limitations, and I am still interested in the silhouette they make possible.

I keep incorporating them into future visions (you know, fashion visions), and dub them powerful additions to the closet. It seems so sensible and efficient to add one [collective] item capable of effecting great, versatile change rather than several lesser items. This is a very French stance, and also very me. At least, it is very me on my practical, intelligent days.

What I’m taking away from this experience is: the Cole Haan Nike Air line is worth checking out. Steep at full price but not bad if you can find them in great used condition, which is what I did.

x