Accessories With History
Accessories are my favorite part of getting dressed. I love the power they have to make an outfit sing or to stand on their own as the statement piece. Sometimes I wear pieces with sentiment attached that don’t add much impact to my outfit, but they make a statement to me.
I was going through some old photo’s and realized how often I reach for pieces with history to them.
I wear these earrings a lot. My Mom bought them for herself when we went on my first trip to Ireland during college. She collected jewelry the way some people collect pottery. They were souvenirs for her and mementos from fun times.
Sadly she passed away before she could travel to many places on her bucket list so I intentionally wear them when I travel. I feel as though I am taking her with me when I’m visiting places I know she would have loved to see.
I wore them to Iceland for my 60th birthday last year and to Montana for my 61rst birthday this year. I’ve also worn them to visit the Baltics, Hawaii, Italy, the Grand Canyon, etc.
I also inherited this charm necklace from her. 
She and I each started our own charm bracelets on a trip to Alaska over 30 years ago. We would both add unique charms from our travels which is what make charm bracelets so personal. My mom finally decided the charm bracelet was awkward and caught on things so she had many of her charms attached to this necklace.
I think of her when I wear it because we were together when she bought many of them. We were in London together when she bought the Big Ben. She bought the Sombrero charm during our trip to Mexico. We were skiing together in Squaw Valley when she bought the Ski charm. I was visiting her in New Mexico when she bought the Roadrunner charm. As I think about it now, she had a lot more charms than this so I find it interesting that she kept so many that had a history with me.
This necklace has powerful memories for me…more than I realized until I wrote this post. I seldom wear my own charm bracelet now because it catches on things so I’m going to add my most precious charms to her necklace and make it all the more special.
Many of my accessories hold memories of people, places and times I hold dear.
How about you?
Do you have special pieces with powerful memories?
Thanks for reading and have a great day!
Accessories make an outfit come alive, let you change up your look without buying new clothes, and show off some of your personality. Accessories with a history? Even more so! A touching post Jennifer – thank you!
Cheers,
Deborah
http://www.fabulousafter40.com
They do make things come alive, Deborah. Such a great way to describe it!
That photo with your grandson warms my heart.Best wishes from Australia.
Thank you Julie!
Oh yes. I have earrings and rings that remind me of my mother. I wear them at special occasions that she would love to attend. They give me some solace knowing she is with me. But then again I feel the same way using her old wooden spoon when cooking or one of her pans.
You’re blessed to have your mother’s spoons and pots! My Mom wasn’t known for her great cooking but I do have her silverware which reminds me of her.
I have a charm bracelet stored away from over 30 years ago. Most of the charms are also souvenirs of places we visited in the early years of our marriage. I’d never thought of putting them on a necklace. What a great idea!
It makes them so much easier to wear!
Love the idea of putting the charms on a necklace. I have charms with memories I love every time I wear it. However, I have the same issue with it catching on everything. Tomorro I think I’ll stop by the jewelry store.
Yay Kathy! Let’s me know how it goes!
My mother never bought ‘investment’ jewelry and her original wedding band was stolen. However she had a lot of costume jewelry, including two small gold frog brooches with rhinestone eyes that I took when she passed away. Whenever I wear them (which is frequently) I get tons of compliments, which she would have loved. I also have her beautiful charm bracelet that’s probably 60 years old. Sadly, she had the charms taken off and they were lost. Still, I love wearing the bracelet.
Thanks for the happy memories!
The value of those special pieces isn’t monetary Elizabeth. It’s how rich it feels in our hearts. You’re blessed to have what you do from her. Thanks for sharing!
I love collecting accessories and friends have told me that everything I have has a story behind it! But, I like that …and it makes the pieces so special. I love the picture of you and your grandson…so cute!
I hope you’re feeling better!!!
The necklace is lovely. Perfect for those of us who do not like all the “noise” a bracelet with lots of hanging bits makes. I am charmed by the idea of you taking your mom “with” you as you travel. As a mother, I would be so pleased to be so valued after I pass.
I agree! My charm bracelets are very noisy. I hope I leave cherished memories as well xx
Thank you for sharing this. It touched my heart and caused me to think of my Mom a little extra today. She passed away in 1989 when I was 37. I am now 65 and still miss her. I know exactly how you feel. Thank you.
Thank you for being here Paula! Hugs
Love the idea, and all your postings, as you have such a splendid way of doing things! Always look forward to your great and tasteful photos too❣️
Thank you Donna. That’s so kind.
I have a gorgeous heirloom gold charm bracelet that I, too, never wear since it always catches on things – I really like the necklace idea and will look into that for myself.
Another lovely idea from you – merci!
My pleasure Anne. It was my Moms idea and I love sharing it with you all.