Opulence and Restraint

Chanel Necklace 

As much as I love restraint, every wardrobe needs a little opulence too. The key is knowing how to balance the two. This necklace is precisely one of those pieces that stands on its' own. It becomes the focal point of any outfit, so the key is keeping the rest of my look very simple. A dramatic piece doesn't need competition. Generally, I'm drawn to very delicate fine jewelry, but there's something refreshing about a piece that doesn't feel too precious to be worn. 

This piece has been safely tucked away for me since last winter. It finally feels like it's mine. It's a pin, but years ago I learned from a Chanel PR executive that Chanel pins are meant to double as necklaces. This necklace feels decidedly Fall. The dramatic black tulle reminds me of cooler weather. It's a bit melancholy. I can't wait to pair my necklace with Chanel 's Tulip Noir nail polish. I'm a pale pink polish girl, but Tulip Noir is my go-to nail color for evening events in the fall. 

I was inexplicably drawn to this piece. I instantly thought of a few pulled together sheath dresses in my closet that could play perfectly with such a gorgeous piece. Now, I'm just waiting for a little autumn air.

Style Avec Class

Mikimoto Drop Pearl Earrings with Diamonds 

Mikimoto Pearl Stud Earrings with Diamond

Growing up I wore pearl earrings. A simple pair of child-sized pearl studs may have been my very first pair of earrings. At a young age I fell in love with fine jewelry, however somewhere along the way I stopped wearing pearls. Pearls felt too grown up or conservative to my younger self. I rediscovered pearls after attending a university where they were de rigueur.

Plain pearl studs and strands don't do it for me. I like jewelry that's understated, but with details that make it feel special. I love a pair of pearl studs with a gemstone for day or a pair of drop earrings for evening. I'm also partial to the Lanvin silk ribbon, tulle and satin pearl necklaces. I prefer creme-colored or silvery hues to stark white pearls. Recently black South Sea pearls caught my eye.

There's something undeniably pulled together about pearls. When it comes to pearls I'm loyal to Mikimoto. Mikimoto pearls have the most luminous luster and surface perfection. The earrings above are my pearls of choice for evening and daytime respectively. I can see both pairs of earrings becoming heirloom pieces. They are an easy way to look refined. I find myself standing up a bit straighter in my pearls. Style avec class indeed.