Van Cleef in action!

[DS2006]

I love your attitude--and thank you for your lovely compliments.

One of the nicest comments I ever received was when I was grocery shopping. I had stopped at Trader Joe's on my way home and was wearing my YG WMOP 20-motif Alhambra. A young girl stopped me and wanted to know where I bought my necklace. I didn't want to say "Van Cleef and Arpels" (it sounded so pretentious). At a loss for words, I blurted out something like "a little place in Beverly Hills". She said she thought it was very beautiful.

I've treasured that remark because she responded to the design not the brand. That's one of the reasons I buy VCA.

The other thing I've noticed, is that VCA pieces are extremely comfortable. I've had earrings from other concerns, that, no matter how many adjustments have been made, remain painfully uncomfortable. Necklaces dig into the back of my neck and as the day wears on, feel oppressive. In others, bracelets turn and circumnavigate my wrist so the top rests on the underside--they're a nuisance. Brooches with a single stem flop and look sloppy. And when a clasp requires two people to secure it, or if it keeps coming undone and you have to constantly check to make sure you haven't lost it--forget about it.

I have a wide range of VCA and have never had a fit issue (yes, chains may need to be shortened, and earrings adjusted, but that's about it). It's easy and comfortable to wear, but there's a reason for that; it's not just engineered, but someone has thought the piece through and eliminated any potential problems so there aren't any.

Face it, I'm a fan . . .

This is so true! VCA jewelry is simply beautiful and people who don't know the brand will comment! I would have also avoided saying Van Cleef if someone asked where I got a piece! Someone told me once that they liked my long Magic pendant and said it reminded them of a 4 leaf clover! I said, you're right, it does! You are an inspiration with the 20s! All so beautiful! I am with BigA on hoping they will offer more in wg!

 

[DreamingPink]

My best blue buddies

 

[krawford]

in love with this❤️

 

[Deleted member 626500]

View attachment 5392969in love with this❤

Congratulations. It's beautiful. Wear it well and in good health and happiness.

 

[citykitty24]

Thank you very much, @mesh123 !

Love those blues, @DreamingPink . Very pretty!

 

[tenshix]

I love your attitude--and thank you for your lovely compliments.

One of the nicest comments I ever received was when I was grocery shopping. I had stopped at Trader Joe's on my way home and was wearing my YG WMOP 20-motif Alhambra. A young girl stopped me and wanted to know where I bought my necklace. I didn't want to say "Van Cleef and Arpels" (it sounded so pretentious). At a loss for words, I blurted out something like "a little place in Beverly Hills". She said she thought it was very beautiful.

I've treasured that remark because she responded to the design not the brand. That's one of the reasons I buy VCA.

The other thing I've noticed, is that VCA pieces are extremely comfortable. I've had earrings from other concerns, that, no matter how many adjustments have been made, remain painfully uncomfortable. Necklaces dig into the back of my neck and as the day wears on, feel oppressive. In others, bracelets turn and circumnavigate my wrist so the top rests on the underside--they're a nuisance. Brooches with a single stem flop and look sloppy. And when a clasp requires two people to secure it, or if it keeps coming undone and you have to constantly check to make sure you haven't lost it--forget about it.

I have a wide range of VCA and have never had a fit issue (yes, chains may need to be shortened, and earrings adjusted, but that's about it). It's easy and comfortable to wear, but there's a reason for that; someone has thought the piece through and eliminated any potential problems so there aren't any. It's not must manufactured. It's engineered.

Face it, I'm a fan . . .

This is a bit off topic and may sound like a strange question but are you a writer? If not, you should be (I also think @BigAkoya has talent for this) because I just enjoy reading your posts so much no matter how short or lengthy and admire not just your fashion style & collections but writing style as well! Apologies for fangirling I just had to mention this.

I’ve also had people come up to me to ask what pieces I’m wearing (usually my Cartier JUC or VCA pieces) and they are so kind in their compliments but I’m always a bit anxious to say the wrong thing. I don’t want to be rude and I worry that if I’m vague they would think I’m trying to gatekeep information or being snobbish by not mentioning the store/brand name.

I know you must have replied to her in the most gracious way but I do feel when I say the brand names it sounds a bit pretentious and I don’t want to alienate people who don’t know the brand. Some people who have asked have been strangers or friends who don’t know the brand. I wonder if there’s a happy medium response to the question of “where did you get it from?” that doesn’t come off as information gatekeeping nor pretentious.

 

[BigAkoya]

@Happyish
I recall you also like Saint James. I'm obsessed with this brand, the original made in France striped breton top.
I thought I saw all the new apple green striped tops this season, but here is a new sweater in case you might like it.
Striped Cotton Boatneck Sweater for Women, White | Saint James® – Saint James USA (saint-james.com)

I just purchased it and plan to wear it with white jeans or shorts for the summer.
I think this would look great with a WG guilloche 20 as would my other St. James apple green striped tops I purchased this season (I am really loving the tee!) This would also look great with your WG oynx. I love green, white, and black.

Just FYI as I wanted to share because their seasonal pieces sell fast. From one St. James lover to another...

 

[tresjoliebags]

I’ve also had people come up to me to ask what pieces I’m wearing (usually my Cartier JUC or VCA pieces) and they are so kind in their compliments but I’m always a bit anxious to say the wrong thing. I don’t want to be rude and I worry that if I’m vague they would think I’m trying to gatekeep information or being snobbish by not mentioning the store/brand name.

I know you must have replied to her in the most gracious way but I do feel when I say the brand names it sounds a bit pretentious and I don’t want to alienate people who don’t know the brand. Some people who have asked have been strangers or friends who don’t know the brand. I wonder if there’s a happy medium response to the question of “where did you get it from?” that doesn’t come off as information gatekeeping nor pretentious.

One way you can describe it is the “VCA clover necklace/bracelet/etc.” It’s simple to remember, doesn’t come off as pretentious and if someone unfamiliar with jewelry does a Google search, it pulls up the Alhambra line at the top of the page.

 

[DeryaHm]

You're wonderful with thinking things through/advice. Thinking of buying the WG/Chalcedony as a complement to my other WG Alhambra, but now with the Guilloche . . .
Any thoughts about WG 20-motif Guilloche vs. WG/20-Chalcedony? The Chalcedony I could combine w other necklaces. I'm not sure if that would work w Guilloche. Would love to hear your thoughts . . .

20 wg chalcedony for sure. I’ve tried it on and was so struck by it. It’s the most beautiful VCA non-hj piece I’ve tried on. It just doesn’t work *on* me, but to me the chalcedony 20 is exquisite. BigAkoya said it better below and has expressed helpful thoughts on metal vs stone 20s before, but the chalcedony 20 is the clear winner to me (always)

 

[Deleted member 626500]

This is a bit off topic and may sound like a strange question but are you a writer? If not, you should be (I also think @BigAkoya has talent for this) because I just enjoy reading your posts so much no matter how short or lengthy and admire not just your fashion style & collections but writing style as well! Apologies for fangirling I just had to mention this.

I’ve also had people come up to me to ask what pieces I’m wearing (usually my Cartier JUC or VCA pieces) and they are so kind in their compliments but I’m always a bit anxious to say the wrong thing. I don’t want to be rude and I worry that if I’m vague they would think I’m trying to gatekeep information or being snobbish by not mentioning the store/brand name.

I know you must have replied to her in the most gracious way but I do feel when I say the brand names it sounds a bit pretentious and I don’t want to alienate people who don’t know the brand. Some people who have asked have been strangers or friends who don’t know the brand. I wonder if there’s a happy medium response to the question of “where did you get it from?” that doesn’t come off as information gatekeeping nor pretentious.

First of all, thank you. No, I'm not a writer, but have spent most of my professional career writing, so I've had a lot of practice. However, I far prefer this kind of writing, rather than that kind of writing . . .

I really don't know a good answer to your question, and maybe others can help. Like you, I don't want to be evasive which can come off as being rude or withholding, but at the same time I don't want to put myself in danger by announcing I'm wearing Van Cleef & Arpels. Maybe a sensible reply is to say it was a gift. In the past, I've said something to the effect that I bought it because I liked it, sidestepping the whole issue of the brand. At the same time however, I hate it when people feel so entitled, or are so mean-spirited that they refuse to share the name of a firm or individual (such as a plumber or painter) who could well benefit from the referral--not that VCA falls into that category.

On the other hand, you never know the kind of influence you may have. I remember an incident that must have happened thirty years ago (oh gosh, could it be that long)? I saw a woman at the beauty shop carrying the most beautiful handbag. The lines were stunning. It was structured and was bereft of logos or insignia. I can still see the bag. I complemented her and asked who made it. You probably guessed; Hermes.

Until then, I had never been in the store. That was the start of a life-long relationship with the brand. I'm grateful to her for sharing the information and making the introduction.

So I guess that is my circuitous way of saying in reply, be mindful of your audience and surroundings. You never know what kind of influence you may have. Depending on the context and who you're speaking to, share truthfully, but if you're in an elevator, the dry cleaners (depending on the dry cleaners!) or in unfamiliar surroundings, perhaps be vague.

 

[tenshix]

First of all, thank you. No, I'm not a writer, but have spent most of my professional career writing, so I've had a lot of practice. However, I far prefer this kind of writing, rather than that kind of writing . . .

I really don't know a good answer to your question, and maybe others can help. Like you, I don't want to be evasive which can come off as being rude or withholding, but at the same time I don't want to put myself in danger by announcing I'm wearing Van Cleef & Arpels. Maybe a sensible reply is to say it was a gift. In the past, I've said something to the effect that I bought it because I liked it, sidestepping the whole issue of the brand. At the same time however, I hate it when people feel so entitled, or are so mean-spirited that they refuse to share the name of a firm or individual (such as a plumber or painter) who could well benefit from the referral--not that VCA falls into that category.

On the other hand, you never know the kind of influence you may have. I remember an incident that must have happened thirty years ago (oh gosh, could it be that long)? I saw a woman at the beauty shop carrying the most beautiful handbag. The lines were stunning. It was structured and was bereft of logos or insignia. I can still see the bag. I complemented her and asked who made it. You probably guessed; Hermes.

Until then, I had never been in the store. That was the start of a life-long relationship with the brand. I'm grateful to her for sharing the information and making the introduction.

So I guess that is my circuitous way of saying in reply, be mindful of your audience and surroundings. You never know what kind of influence you may have. Depending on the context and who you're speaking to, share truthfully, but if you're in an elevator, the dry cleaners (depending on the dry cleaners!) or in unfamiliar surroundings, perhaps be vague.

Ah, makes sense as to why your posts seem to flow effortlessly! Thank you this is very sound advice regarding the question. I think being vague by deflecting and saying it is a gift while in unfamiliar surroundings with strangers is a great idea.

I love that you were attracted by the bag first without knowing the brand name, I think it goes to show the fine craftsmanship that everyone can admire despite not knowing. It’s always exciting to discover brands this way and fall in love with the designs first than just the brand name it holds.

 

[missie1]

I love the WG MOP, it's so gorgeous! The MOP is a cool silver overtone which is beautiful in its own way (contrast to the pink overtone MOP used in YG).

It looks great next to the WG GMOP. The clasp is 100% fabulous & creative you. I would have expected nothing less than that extra touch from you! I also do love the WG pieces on you; it's very cool and crispy.

Here is an idea... I hope you love WG MOP enough to get a 5. If you get a 5, you could build a white to black gradient necklace.
Here's how to string it, in this order... The first 5 bracelet is WG MOP, next is WG GMOP. last bracelet is WG oynx. Then you wear it with the WG MOP at the bottom as that is the "light" shade that will glow and also what you have least of vs GMOP and oynx which are both dark shades (e.g. 5 "light" motifs vs. 10 "dark" motifs). Try that and see if you like it.

By the way, I love the neckline of your jacket. It's beautiful the way you wear it in the photo. I love that asymmetrical look. However, if I am not mistaken, I can see it can also button-up to create a funnel neck/oversized cowlneck. I can see that would be a great look as well; very nice.

Here is a visual of what I'm trying to explain to create the gradient necklace so you can see if you even like it. This is done with Tahitian pearls, however, the black is never a solid black as it would be with onyx. A VA necklace like this will be very striking with oynx... I think! Oh, and now you get to show two clasps... super fabulous & creative!

View attachment 5392644

These pearls are beautiful. Do you wear them layered or just the single strand

 

[missie1]

Extremely helpful! As always, you're spot on!

I agree--the Guilloche is so dissimilar (although similar in theme) it will distract from vintage alhambra with the stones. It would have to be a stand-alone piece, but my preference is to wear two together (which I know sounds so pretentious), but if I can, why not, and given the combinations, they can be very harmonious--or not, as in WG/WMOP and WG/onyx. While three, is do-able, it's a bit much, not because it's heavy, but because it's busy. It also gets into gilding-the-lilly territory, at least for me.

As far as the WG-hammered is concerned, my concern is that it could look like aluminum foil, but as with all things VCA . . . probably not! Sigh . . . another piece on the radar. That list just keeps getting longer.

Thank you for your sage advice.

Oh no it’s definitely not pretentious at all. Your look is so refined and chic it’s effortless with the two 20 draped. It’s simply fabulous that’s what it is. Three 20s could be much but just depends. It’s a good dilemma to have.

 

[WingNut]

First of all, thank you. No, I'm not a writer, but have spent most of my professional career writing, so I've had a lot of practice. However, I far prefer this kind of writing, rather than that kind of writing . . .

I really don't know a good answer to your question, and maybe others can help. Like you, I don't want to be evasive which can come off as being rude or withholding, but at the same time I don't want to put myself in danger by announcing I'm wearing Van Cleef & Arpels. Maybe a sensible reply is to say it was a gift. In the past, I've said something to the effect that I bought it because I liked it, sidestepping the whole issue of the brand. At the same time however, I hate it when people feel so entitled, or are so mean-spirited that they refuse to share the name of a firm or individual (such as a plumber or painter) who could well benefit from the referral--not that VCA falls into that category.

On the other hand, you never know the kind of influence you may have. I remember an incident that must have happened thirty years ago (oh gosh, could it be that long)? I saw a woman at the beauty shop carrying the most beautiful handbag. The lines were stunning. It was structured and was bereft of logos or insignia. I can still see the bag. I complemented her and asked who made it. You probably guessed; Hermes.

Until then, I had never been in the store. That was the start of a life-long relationship with the brand. I'm grateful to her for sharing the information and making the introduction.

So I guess that is my circuitous way of saying in reply, be mindful of your audience and surroundings. You never know what kind of influence you may have. Depending on the context and who you're speaking to, share truthfully, but if you're in an elevator, the dry cleaners (depending on the dry cleaners!) or in unfamiliar surroundings, perhaps be vague.

I love your comments so much. I always struggle with the answer, so unless someone specifically asks for the brand, I just thank them for the compliment and don't volunteer it. If they do ask, I just say Van Cleef. Not many people in my area have a clue what that is, so similar to when I'm carrying an Hermes bag and the supermarket check-out person compliments it, I take it as an appreciation for the design, independent of any bias of perception based on the brand.

 

[BigAkoya]

These pearls are beautiful. Do you wear them layered or just the single strand

Sorry to confuse, but those pearls are not mine; I just posted a photo as an example.
I do have pearls (my first love is pearls!), and yes, I do layer. However, when I layer, I like to layer long strands, not short strands.

A layering short story...
The worst offence I have done in layering is wearing four strands at once. It was at a formal event, and I was wearing a red dress. I decided to pile it on with four strands of pearls. So... imagine a very clean, slim, red column dress with four strands of pearls piled on, layered from 18" to 52". It somehow worked, at least to me it did!

So yes... if you like pearls, pile it on! No one knows if your pearls are AAA top quality or fake glass. Only I knew my pearls were real and how much I paid (and perhaps a few pearl connoisseurs). If I had to guess, I would think most people thought they were fake as pearls are ubiquitous. However, that in itself was the beauty... it was not about the value of my jewelry, it was about the fashion look of my simple red column dress, dripping in ropes of pearls.

I love pearls... they always make a statement.
Pearls to me are quiet elegance, a fashion statement, not a money statement (unless a person really knows about pearls).

If you are thinking of getting pearls or adding more pieces to pile on, go for it!
I love love love pearls! They will make you glow!