minimalism has always been a strong characteristic for me in dressing. but i always had to have something different or “special” to stand out. not so that i would stand out…at least i’m not sure. i think stand out enough to attract a discerning eye or person, not a whole crowd of just anyone’s.
i understand that discerning for everyone is different and people who i find discerning are a bit quirky or eccentric deep inside…just looking for a safe place to pop out and say hello. when i make jewelry i design for this kind of person. someone who knows how to color outside of the lines and knows how and when best to do so.
lydia for instance. former model. grew up in singapore to an african father and malaysian mother. i love her. she’s a new friend, but we had an instant connection. she has this light in her eyes and she loves my jewelry. instant friendship. (and fiercely intelligent which is really the first bar most people need to scale to catch my attention) we grabbed lunch one day in DC at a local Cosi’s where we discussed fashion, style, people in DC, the exciting buzz around the district and who we’d be in Sex in the City. i’m not sure how it came up. i’ve been so over the show for years now.
she is most like samantha. i’m most like miranda. lydia was telling me about a girlfriend who proudly announced that she was like charlotte. PROUDLY? wow. it does take all kinds to make a culture. and i accept my friends who are like charlotte, as lydia does. we’re just a tad too cynical to imagine living inside that personality.
as i wrapped up some jewelry to take to a store downtown with my friend maureen last night, she was pulling out her favorites. http://tinyurl.com/cwsagw this is one of my favs as well. the hand carved jade was my grandmothers and i love the color mix. unique. a quiet statement.
so i pulled out some of my favorites. today i’m wearing this one: http://tinyurl.com/ch4y8o and i often wear this one: http://tinyurl.com/az25cj
since i’m going into an office again for the Lupus Foundation, i’ve fallen in love with getting dressed again. working from home i revert back to grad school days. and since i gained weight with the knee surgery and no running i perpetuate the whole problem by dressing piggy and sitting too close to the refrigerator.
i’ve discovered the power of jewelry since i’ve returned to the office world. with DC being so bland and conservative, my jewelry stands out. pretty colored gemstones with hand hammered metals are something of a mystery amidst all the gray, navy, brown and black suits. ugh. i just can’t imagine. however, i’ve met people on the “hill” who are incredibly passionate about their politics, causes and people that they’re willing to do what it takes to make change. and for some, get what they want.
imagine what Capital Hill would look like if everyone could dress in a way that expresses themselves. no suity uniforms. less hidden agendas perhaps? a few people with horns and other’s wearing harp t-shirts?
if i had ANY drawing skills, i could paint a fun piece to represent the diversity as much as the similarity. that would be some piece of art!
instead, i’m handing over jewelry to my new friend who owns the clothing store and we’ll see what sells and what people start wearing.
