Monday Musings- Gucci Pearls, Travel, and What I Wore
Happy Monday, ladies. We are off like a herd of turtles on our holiday. It’s a sad state of affairs when you begin packing for a three-week trip at 10:30 pm in a dark bedroom. I didn’t put the light on because my husband was already asleep…smart guy. Uber would arrive at the crack of dawn, so I had to pack then. I had a few things on a rolling rack, but to be honest, I had no plan or what was going into my bags.
Packing
I know there is plenty of gray, black, and, I suspect, more black. I’d ordered a new carry-on because I thought it was larger than this blue dinosaur, but it turned out to be smaller. Ugh, best-laid plans. The vintage Hartmann personal item on top is at least 40 years old and is fading fast, but the shape is perfect.
Currently Reading
Have I ever mentioned how much I dislike flying? The meal service on flights has deteriorated to an abysmal level. For a 5 hour flight over dinner time, I had access to one cookie which I couldn’t eat because it was loaded with gluten. Yikes! We were one row behind first class and got to live vicariously through their first-class meals, complete with white fabric napkins and fawning service. They quickly ran out of tasteless Chardonnay and club soda in coach.
Gucci and Pearls
I watched The House of Gucci on my phone, which I’ve been anxious to see. It did not disappoint! I had no recollection that Maurizio Gucci was murdered. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend it.
The pearls in this movie poster have a personal story behind them. When I spotted this photo last year, I became obsessed with the baroque pearl necklace Lady Gaga is wearing. I love pearls of all kinds but have a growing appreciation for baroque ones. Their irregular non-spherical shape feels a bit less fussy than perfect ones, and their slightly edgy quality feels more modern to me.
I wanted one, so I shopped both on foot and online for a strand. The price varied widely, and so did the luster. The beauty of a real pearl for me is its luster, so I asked the Freshwater Pearl Company if they could make me one, and wow, did they ever deliver!
When my pearls arrived, I was blown away! They’re more magnificent than I expected. It’s a huge statement piece, and I adore it! The owner, Brian, liked the way it turned out, so he made a few more. Out of curiosity, he put one out at a street fair in Palm Springs and sold it in ten minutes, which confirmed for me that this was a winner.
I messaged Brian on Wednesday and told him I’d be wearing mine on this trip, so it would be showing up in my photos. Since I usually share links to what I’m wearing, he decided to put the remaining two up on his website and offer my readers a 15% discount with the code AWSL! Apparently, the discount works site-wide too. Then, Brian really made my day. He told me he named it the Jennifer necklace because it had been my idea. I’ve never had anything named after me, so that’s pretty cool.
Here’s the obligatory bathroom selfie while we waited and waited between flights 🙂 The smears you see are in the mirror, not me.
I wear tiny or no earrings with this necklace because it takes center stage, as it should. BTW- this is not a sponsored post. It’s just me sharing the most amazing necklace from a really thoughtful company.
Rain
The weather is predicted to be rainy and wet for our trip, which I am slightly prepared for. I don’t own a slicker, and wish I did…but the ship promises to have umbrellas, so it’s all good.
Thirty minutes after we took this photo, we were treated to the most amazing thunder, lightning, and rainstorm. It was glorious! We don’t get that kind of thing where we live in California, so it felt like a treat to me. I got two days of wear out of these jersey pants, which is how I will stretch my wardrobe…and yes, the suitcase is a sea of black and gray :)You can file this under I thought I’d seen it all. I’m a bit of a stickler about table manners. My mom spent a fair amount of time making sure my brothers and I learned and practiced proper table manners. I’ve always believed our manners speak loud and clear…often louder than our clothes. As we sat enjoying breakfast yesterday, I spotted a family across the room, doing the same. I noticed them because the teenage son was leaning so far over his plate, that his nose was almost on it.
How far in advance do you pack?
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
I love the story of your pearls, and I LOVE them on you! I don’t wear pearls much, but I am thinking I would wear yours. Your trip sounds exciting with thunder and rain. I live in Northern California where it is scorching hot right now. Thank you for sharing your tips and thoughts.
I have been on several trips , with most being in the last ten years…generally overseas from Vancouver BC… being long haul with British Airways. I always have my easily recognized medium and small ‘world map’ 🗺 Hays bags checked , with just a coordinating satchel holding my purse , magazine and important carry on items for my overhead bin. As I do not change airlines, even when directly flying on from London… eg Rome, Basel … I have never experienced any luggage losses. 🤞I recognize that I get quite exhausted hauling luggage , so this routine works well for this short 72 year old.
My most recent trip (solo) included a week long small ship cruise from Lisbon to London , then three days in London , followed by a bespoke countryside trip for a few days , and finishing with a train up to Edinburgh to meet ‘new’ relatives . This was in mid April , which meant a variety of clothing… more stylish outfits for the dinners on the cruise and in London, and casual wear for my daily walking tours off the ship , and later in the villages and gardens of the English counties . I was ready for rain ( April ☔️ showers) but was extremely fortunate with sun for the whole three week trip.
I like to plan ahead when packing, laying folded clothing in rows across my bed, including scarves and fun ( non precious) jewellery, and then taking a photo. I find writing a list of different outfits works well, and I can see how each top, pant, shoes etc works with other outfits… that list goes with me . After culling a few items, I pack the day before , so I’m ready for a good sleep, with my complete travel outfit hanging and ready for what is usually an early start to the airport. I do better feeling organized, and ready for my next travel adventure.
I laughed thinking of you packing in a darkened bedroom while your husband slept… but sounds like it all worked out! Have a great trip!
I do prefer being as organized as you. It’s my preferred way to pack 🙂
On a recent trip to Paris and a barge cruise after, I did lay everything out and weed. (of course, it was hotter than . . . you get the idea) After we got home I laid everything once washed out again and took photos of what we wore; what we didn’t; and all the additional stuff we used and didn’t use. I’ve saved those photos to improve my packing on the next big trip out. I’m sure my memory won’t serve!
That’s a great idea Liz
I live the irregularity of the pearls and they look lovely on you. I am sure you will have a good time. Enjoy your trip!
Was this a last minute trip?
Nope. I was just uncharacteristically unorganized because I had so much work to do before we left.
I love the pearls.. we are definitely pearl twins! As you might remember I have a strand from 3 generations of Hong Kong pearl growers…my friend Mary from Skanda design formerly of Victoria BC sourced them for me. I hope that you’ll enjoy wearing your new Jennifer pearls as much as I love wearing mine. I think that pearls light up the face and accessorize everything from a tee shirt to a denim jacket.
Have a fun cruise!
I do remember! Your pearls are simply stunning. Thanks, Leslie
I didn’t know those were called Baroque pearls. A few years ago I was in Manila at the pearl market and picked up several strings of those irregular pearls for myself and friends. Needless to say, they were far cheaper than the lovely string you have. But if you love pearls, Manila is worth the visit.
Thanks for the recommendation, Karen.
How lovely to have a bespoke necklace named for you. The pearls are lovely … and you wear them beautifully. Packing for a cruise – I’m struggling with the same thing. We leave in October for a cruise in the Mediterranean and just discovered it will not be Fall over there, but a somewhat cooler continuation of Summer! Not sure if my merino wool sweaters will be too warm (they are very lightweight). Going carryon only with a new travel tote that fits the parameters of the airline. This should be very interesting!
Have a great time on your cruise and hopefully it won’t rain too often. I think I know which cruise line you are one (I recognize the placemats). If I am correct, you will be very well cared for. Bon voyage!
Have a wonderful time on your cruise. I recommend light layers because then you can remove things if it’s too hot.
Oh, wow! I love your photo with Boston Harbor in the background. I recognize the Boston Tea Party ship and the giant milk bottle in front of the Children’s Museum. Jennifer, did you spend much time here in historic Boston?
Sadly, we were only there one day, but we had a lot of fun walking around and enjoying the sights.
Oh Jennifer, that necklace is amazing! How nice to have such a great story to go with it. I looked on the website, but no surprise that it’s already sold out.
A friend of mine has a great packing formula, 3 complete outfits, wearing everything twice and plan on doing laundry once a week. I’ve tried to stick with this, but haven’t been able to quite pull it off. Still, a great place to start. I’ve even thought to pull out what I want to take and have her come over and pick what would work. Making those final decisions is so hard! My sister and I are planning a trip to Italy in October. I know I could get away with a smaller bag, but then there would be no room for shopping! 😆
Jennifer, those pearls are The Bomb! Love them.
For a 3 week trip I start packing and making a list about 3 weeks in advance. I start tucking things in an open bag as I no longer need them. I also keep a running list of last minute items to pack. While this may seem crazy to some, I find it comforting to know I have planned well.
It doesn’t seem crazy to me at all…it sounds smart!
What a gorgeous necklace and to have it named after you is so special. When I saw the title of your book, I laughed, as I picked that very one up last week and have not started it yet. Will have to get on that. I have read many of the same books as you present to us. Glad you enjoyed one of our exciting thunder storms, I love to listen to them while staying cosy and dry. The cruise will speed by so quickly, so wishing you wonderful memories and a safe trip back home. They say the airports are getting better, but still frustrating. I do tend to make many lists and spend a couple weeks sorting before packing, and then put half his and half mine in each case just for sanity reasons.
Have a wonderful time.
Black and gray work for me. Love the pearls.
Love love ❤️ love your pearls!
You look smashing in them
I pack ahead also
We are off to a river cruise in France in September & I think we should take rain coats. I start watching the weather forcast several weeks ahead.
Have a wonderful trip
Have a wonderful trip! We loved our riverboat cruise.
So great to go on this trip with those beautiful pearls. Even better to have them named after you. I love my pearls. I have a short strand and a long strand that was my mom’s. Also love fresh water pearls. Have a wonderful trip.
You’re so lucky to have strands that your mom wore.Thank you!
The Jennifer pearls are fantastic! You wear them well. Love to know where and what line you are cruising. We are cruising Oceania in November. I too find the planning is a big part of the fun. We will be gone for 3 weeks, 15 days at sea, and 5 in Barcelona pre-cruise. I would love to see your capsule wardrobe. I think will be black, and white with cobalt blue as an accent color. I bought a terrific art glass necklace with cobalt beads yesterday. I do think I may need to get a light slicker for possible rain storms. Packing light but for both winter and tropical weather is my challenge. That and having daytime trekking wear and dressy pieces for the evening. Love your sense of classic style. Have a wonderful trip.
Cobalt will be stunning with the black and white!
I’m definitely a pre-packer as also do it for my husband, leaving only toiletries for the last as otherwise I’d be a basket-case …. lol! As to the young man you observed; perhaps he does have a disability however table manners are something I too was taught given reason why with my own children and theirs I insist they sit at the table for meals and not perched on a stool at the kitchen Island that appears to be the norm these day with often a technical device within their reach which are a BIG no-no for me. Last but not least; do love your pearl necklace and what a honour to have them named after you and wishing you and your hubby a wonderful and safe trip. -Brenda-
P.S. My father prior to switching careers, as a young man worked in the jewelry industry whose specialty was gems with pearls being one of them. Fast forward; after the demise of both parents I came across a (large wooden) box that contained many supplies which were used for stringing pearls that included an assortment of beautiful vintage clasps some of which were sold and others were used in designed anklets that were given to each of his five Grand Daughters as a memory token .
You found a real treasure!!