VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[A bottle of Red]

Had not considered the 16!!!! Will try it...Thank you again for your guidance . How I envy those who can wear things like the 20!

For my next dilemma, can we tackle earrings?
I have only the YG sm Frivole earrings. I also have the Onyx Magic pendant (I always wear it doubled), 5-motif MOP bracelet, and VA Pave necklace. All YG. Eventually I'll venture into WG but I want to complete a few sets first (see we are learning about sets from you!).

I want earrings, and I think I want:

MOP. VA? Magic?
Onyx. VA? Magic?
Malechite ( I KNOW I want the magic!!)
Pave Frivole (Going to say the large would probably suit me and it would differentiate from my more daily small)
Pave VA (to go with necklace). My SA who is no longer in the boutique in HI that also no longer exists once said they looked too "mature" for me. Hello I'm in my late 50s what does he expect me to wear????

I keep looking online (no VCA near me) and nothing is available but the VA size for MOP and Onyx. Given my height I fear the VA wouldn't have enough impact....unless maybe I got the Onyx in VA and the MOP in Magic.

This is what is keeping me from getting work done today. On a Saturday. Musings about VCA earrings. Meanwhile I study everyone else photos and love how everything looks!

I'm short and no longer thin somewhat busty and the 6 motif is very elongating but doesn't hit the bust.
I can't wear a twenty either

 

[WingNut]

I'm short and no longer thin somewhat busty and the 6 motif is very elongating but doesn't hit the bust.
I can't wear a twenty either

Yeah the 6 motif is on my list!!

 

[BigAkoya]

Had not considered the 16!!!! Will try it...Thank you again for your guidance . How I envy those who can wear things like the 20!

For my next dilemma, can we tackle earrings?
I have only the YG sm Frivole earrings. I also have the Onyx Magic pendant (I always wear it doubled), 5-motif MOP bracelet, and VA Pave necklace. All YG. Eventually I'll venture into WG but I want to complete a few sets first (see we are learning about sets from you!).

I want earrings, and I think I want:

MOP. VA? Magic?
Onyx. VA? Magic?
Malechite ( I KNOW I want the magic!!)
Pave Frivole (Going to say the large would probably suit me and it would differentiate from my more daily small)
Pave VA (to go with necklace). My SA who is no longer in the boutique in HI that also no longer exists once said they looked too "mature" for me. Hello I'm in my late 50s what does he expect me to wear????

I keep looking online (no VCA near me) and nothing is available but the VA size for MOP and Onyx. Given my height I fear the VA wouldn't have enough impact....unless maybe I got the Onyx in VA and the MOP in Magic.

This is what is keeping me from getting work done today. On a Saturday. Musings about VCA earrings. Meanwhile I study everyone else photos and love how everything looks!

This is funny as I had started to add a comment about earrings in my earlier response, but I deleted it as not to get carried away (I can get carried away sometimes talking jewelry! )

Therefore, I am so glad you brought up earrings as I definitely have an idea for you in the absence of a 20 motif.

First, to frame this, here is my personal view on boobie ladies and jewelry.
Everyone of course has an opinion, and mine is just that, one person's opinion.

I think boobie ladies look absolutely gorgeous with big earrings and a clean neckline, no necklace. It just frames the chest/neckline beautifully. The simplicity of big earrings with a clean neckline is just stunning without being too in-your-face.

To me, there is something very feminine and sensuous about a boobie lady with big earrings/bare neck/no necklace that skinny/no boobie girls (like me) can't pull off. It's "all woman" in the most positive way, if that makes sense.

To help you visualize, an extreme example is Salma Hayek... (google "Salma Hayek Outfits")
She is often over the top, especially when dressed in formal wear. She is a lady with serious boobies who loves to display them, but if you dissect her style, she oftens wears big earrings with a clean neck, no necklace. It's a beautiful look to me, and it can be done as a nice chic casual look. Think nice shirt, jeans, casual glamour.

Which brings me back to you...
For you, I vote get the two motif Magic in YG MOP. I think it's perfect for you given your physique and height. It will frame your face and neck/chest area beautifully. The earrings make a statement, yet the MOP itself is neutral and not screaming (like a three-motif Malachite would scream). It's a great look that can be worn daily and will go with any outfit.

You can wear the earrings alone (no necklace) and pair it with your MOP 5 motif bracelet. If you have days you want to be extra, you can add your oynx Magic pendant for a black & white theme.

A second earring to get is the VA pave earrings to match your VA pave pendant. That will make a great set and frame your face beautifully. Definitely another everyday, effortless look. It would also work with your onyx Magic as well.

Here is the two motif Magic earrings I am talking about.

https://www.vancleefarpels.com/us/en/collections/jewelry/alhambra/vcard78800---magic-alhambra-earrings-2-motifs.html

Ignore the model wearing the earrings; she is way overdressed. What really annoys me about VCA and their marketing team is they dress all the models as if they were attending the Oscars.
For real? Who dresses like that now? It's the 20s... loungewear rules! Their models and advertisements do not reflect real life, and it gives people the impresion the pieces are for dressy wear only which is far from the truth.

On the contrary, Alhambra is a very casual look which can be worn picking up the kids (cool mom look) or grocery shopping (chic gourmet chef look).

I think the two motif earrings would look everyday fabulous on you, especially when worn with a clean neckline, no necklace. It is not too busy and would highlight the beauty of the your neck/chest area.

Just my two cents. Sorry for the long response. Hope that helps in your decision.
I am with you on a lazy Saturday afternoon! I am reading a jewelry book, browsing online, and of course, doing this while having my tea and scone.

 

[A bottle of Red]

Yes I think a two motif can look fabulous

 

[WingNut]

This is funny as I had started to add a comment about earrings in my earlier response, but I deleted it as not to get carried away (I can get carried away sometimes talking jewelry! )

Therefore, I am so glad you brought up earrings as I definitely have an idea for you in the absence of a 20 motif.

First, to frame this, here is my personal view on boobie ladies and jewelry.
Everyone of course has an opinion, and mine is just that, one person's opinion.

I think boobie ladies look absolutely gorgeous with big earrings and a clean neckline, no necklace. It just frames the chest/neckline beautifully. The simplicity of big earrings with a clean neckline is just stunning without being too in-your-face.

To me, there is something very feminine and sensuous about a boobie lady with big earrings/bare neck/no necklace that skinny/no boobie girls (like me) can't pull off. It's "all woman" in the most positive way, if that makes sense.

To help you visualize, an extreme example is Salma Hayek... (google "Salma Hayek Outfits")
She is often over the top, especially when dressed in formal wear. She is a lady with serious boobies who loves to display them, but if you dissect her style, she oftens wears big earrings with a clean neck, no necklace. It's a beautiful look to me, and it can be done as a nice chic casual look. Think nice shirt, jeans, casual glamour.

Which brings me back to you...
For you, I vote get the two motif Magic in YG MOP. I think it's perfect for you given your physique and height. It will frame your face and neck/chest area beautifully. The earrings make a statement, yet the MOP itself is neutral and not screaming (like a three-motif Malachite would scream). It's a great look that can be worn daily and will go with any outfit.

You can wear the earrings alone (no necklace) and pair it with your MOP 5 motif bracelet. If you have days you want to be extra, you can add your oynx Magic pendant for a black & white theme.

A second earring to get is the VA pave earrings to match your VA pave pendant. That will make a great set and frame your face beautifully. Definitely another everyday, effortless look. It would also work with your onyx Magic as well.

Here is the two motif Magic earrings I am talking about.

https://www.vancleefarpels.com/us/en/collections/jewelry/alhambra/vcard78800---magic-alhambra-earrings-2-motifs.html

Ignore the model wearing the earrings; she is way overdressed. What really annoys me about VCA and their marketing team is they dress all the models as if they were attending the Oscars.
For real? Who dresses like that now? It's the 20s... loungewear rules! Their models and advertisements do not reflect real life, and it gives people the impresion the pieces are for dressy wear only which is far from the truth.

On the contrary, Alhambra is a very casual look which can be worn picking up the kids (cool mom look) or grocery shopping (chic gourmet chef look).

I think the two motif earrings would look everyday fabulous on you, especially when worn with a clean neckline, no necklace. It is not too busy and would highlight the beauty of the your neck/chest area.

Just my two cents. Sorry for the long response. Hope that helps in your decision.
I am with you on a lazy Saturday afternoon! I am reading a jewelry book, browsing online, and of course, doing this while having my tea and scone.

OMG. I cannot thank you enough! I didn't even think of the 2-motif. What you have outlined is fewer items, more impact. Right up my alley . I prefer not too many variations of the same thing, and need versatility and low cost/wear. I was worried the VA MOP would get lost in my hair, yet felt I "needed" a pair in MOP. I do have pearl studs, but they are a filler pair while I wait to get nicer ones. That can satisfy my need for a simple non-dangly pearl earring. Then the Pave VA can work with everything else.

I do still want the Pave Frivole earrings. And the 6-motif necklace, will try the 16. And we haven't even gotten to the arms yet (single row Pave bangle, Frivole BTF ring)....But at least I have a vision for the ears.

The problem is everything I want is not available online, so I will have to make the trek to an actual store when I get to NYC hopefully soon.

 

[snnysmm]

You don't think you want it... you KNOW you want it!
To me, a 20 motif is the bomb of all Alahambra pieces. I love the 20 motfi. Very very easy to wear.

I do really want either a 20 or 10 motif — I think every VCA lover/collector needs one. The 20 never wowed me when I wore it, but I think I need to try it on again. Maybe with the right outfit. I also looove that sweater @Harpertoo wore and it’s reminding me to find that perfect beige/nude sweater.

Anyways… I’m in a bit of a style funk, if you will. I feel like my style is all over the place/I don’t know what my style is these days other than leggings and a baggy sweater/sweatshirt lol. So I’ve been taking a bit of break, VCA included…, but I might go pay my SA a visit soon lol.

 

[BigAkoya]

I do really want either a 20 or 10 motif — I think every VCA lover/collector needs one. The 20 never wowed me when I wore it, but I think I need to try it on again. Maybe with the right outfit. I also looove that sweater @Harpertoo wore and it’s reminding me to find that perfect beige/nude sweater.

Anyways… I’m in a bit of a style funk, if you will. I feel like my style is all over the place/I don’t know what my style is these days other than leggings and a baggy sweater/sweatshirt lol. So I’ve been taking a bit of break, VCA included…, but I might go pay my SA a visit soon lol.

Here is a great spring time sweater... nothing fancy about it, but it's a classic. Casual, cheap, 100% cotton.
Comes in many colors. Works with skinny leggings or wide leg jeans. Not too tight, not too loose. Just right.
Sleeves might be a tiny bit short for taller ladies, but I like that in a way as it says "spring" with the wrist peeking out to highlight a nice bracelet and watch.

I just discovered it, of all places, in a shop when I was hanging out in Newport, RI. I loved it, so of course, I went bonkers and stocked up. I have it in many colors and wear long necklaces with it. Looks great.

See if you might like it:

525 The Emma: Crewneck Shaker Stitch Sweater

As timeless as her namesake, as seen worn on actress Emma Stone with endless styling possibilities, you’ll find yourself reaching for this versatile shaker stitch style all year long. Relaxed fit Length: 24" Turn garment inside out. Machine wash cold water with like colors. Gentle cycle. Tumble...

www.525america.com

 

[snnysmm]

Here is a great spring time sweater... nothing fancy about it, but it's a classic. Casual, cheap, 100% cotton.
Comes in many colors. Works with skinny leggings or wide leg jeans. Not too tight, not too loose. Just right.
Sleeves might be a tiny bit short for taller ladies, but I like that in a way as it says "spring" with the wrist peeking out to highlight a nice bracelet and watch.

I just discovered it, of all places, in a shop when I was hanging out in Newport, RI. I loved it, so of course, I went bonkers and stocked up. I have it in many colors and wear long necklaces with it. Looks great.

See if you might like it:

525 The Emma: Crewneck Shaker Stitch Sweater

As timeless as her namesake, as seen worn on actress Emma Stone with endless styling possibilities, you’ll find yourself reaching for this versatile shaker stitch style all year long. Relaxed fit Length: 24" Turn garment inside out. Machine wash cold water with like colors. Gentle cycle. Tumble...

www.525america.com

And 25% off! You are the guru of absolutely everything. Thanks for the rec!!

 

[potatoagogo]

OMG. I cannot thank you enough! I didn't even think of the 2-motif. What you have outlined is fewer items, more impact. Right up my alley . I prefer not too many variations of the same thing, and need versatility and low cost/wear. I was worried the VA MOP would get lost in my hair, yet felt I "needed" a pair in MOP. I do have pearl studs, but they are a filler pair while I wait to get nicer ones. That can satisfy my need for a simple non-dangly pearl earring. Then the Pave VA can work with everything else.

I do still want the Pave Frivole earrings. And the 6-motif necklace, will try the 16. And we haven't even gotten to the arms yet (single row Pave bangle, Frivole BTF ring)....But at least I have a vision for the ears.

The problem is everything I want is not available online, so I will have to make the trek to an actual store when I get to NYC hopefully soon.

I'm somewhat busty and tried on both the 16 and 20 motif necklaces recently (in NYC actually). Depending on how tall you are and how long your torso is, that might impact where the necklace falls on you and might help/not help with the "valleying" of the motifs so to speak . I didn't move around a ton while trying on the necklaces but I definitely felt like the 16 motif already took on a V shape rather than the U shape of the 20 motif, which might be better for someone bustier. Even if the 16 motif were to get "valleyed," I think the hammered metal would stand up to that better than the stone/guilloche 20 motif necklaces.

Sorry for the potato quality pictures but hope they help.

 

[BigAkoya]

And 25% off! You are the guru of absolutely everything. Thanks for the rec!!

A sale! I'm going to go more bonkers and see what other colors I want.
Ooohhh... there is a STRIPE VERSION!

It will look fabulous with white jeans and my WG 20 MOP! Ordering it!

SALE of 525 America - 525 America

Looking for items that are on sale in 525 America? You are at the right place! Dozens of items that are on sale for you. Click to learn more.

www.525america.com

 

[WingNut]

I'm somewhat busty and tried on both the 16 and 20 motif necklaces recently (in NYC actually). Depending on how tall you are and how long your torso is, that might impact where the necklace falls on you and might help/not help with the "valleying" of the motifs so to speak . I didn't move around a ton while trying on the necklaces but I definitely felt like the 16 motif already took on a V shape rather than the U shape of the 20 motif, which might be better for someone bustier. Even if the 16 motif were to get "valleyed," I think the hammered metal would stand up to that better than the stone/guilloche 20 motif necklaces.

Sorry for the potato quality pictures but hope they help.
View attachment 5743540View attachment 5743541

This is helpful also thank you! I'm 5'9 so quite tall. I guess the only way to know is to try it. Maybe it's for me, maybe not.

 

[potatoagogo]

This is helpful also thank you! I'm 5'9 so quite tall. I guess the only way to know is to try it. Maybe it's for me, maybe not.

For reference I'm ~5'7" with a longer torso so maybe the necklace length will wind up working on you. Hope you get a chance to try on both the 16 and 20 sometime soon

 

[LenaDuree]

This is funny as I had started to add a comment about earrings in my earlier response, but I deleted it as not to get carried away (I can get carried away sometimes talking jewelry! )

Therefore, I am so glad you brought up earrings as I definitely have an idea for you in the absence of a 20 motif.

First, to frame this, here is my personal view on boobie ladies and jewelry.
Everyone of course has an opinion, and mine is just that, one person's opinion.

I think boobie ladies look absolutely gorgeous with big earrings and a clean neckline, no necklace. It just frames the chest/neckline beautifully. The simplicity of big earrings with a clean neckline is just stunning without being too in-your-face.

To me, there is something very feminine and sensuous about a boobie lady with big earrings/bare neck/no necklace that skinny/no boobie girls (like me) can't pull off. It's "all woman" in the most positive way, if that makes sense.

To help you visualize, an extreme example is Salma Hayek... (google "Salma Hayek Outfits")
She is often over the top, especially when dressed in formal wear. She is a lady with serious boobies who loves to display them, but if you dissect her style, she oftens wears big earrings with a clean neck, no necklace. It's a beautiful look to me, and it can be done as a nice chic casual look. Think nice shirt, jeans, casual glamour.

Which brings me back to you...
For you, I vote get the two motif Magic in YG MOP. I think it's perfect for you given your physique and height. It will frame your face and neck/chest area beautifully. The earrings make a statement, yet the MOP itself is neutral and not screaming (like a three-motif Malachite would scream). It's a great look that can be worn daily and will go with any outfit.

You can wear the earrings alone (no necklace) and pair it with your MOP 5 motif bracelet. If you have days you want to be extra, you can add your oynx Magic pendant for a black & white theme.

A second earring to get is the VA pave earrings to match your VA pave pendant. That will make a great set and frame your face beautifully. Definitely another everyday, effortless look. It would also work with your onyx Magic as well.

Here is the two motif Magic earrings I am talking about.

https://www.vancleefarpels.com/us/en/collections/jewelry/alhambra/vcard78800---magic-alhambra-earrings-2-motifs.html

Ignore the model wearing the earrings; she is way overdressed. What really annoys me about VCA and their marketing team is they dress all the models as if they were attending the Oscars.
For real? Who dresses like that now? It's the 20s... loungewear rules! Their models and advertisements do not reflect real life, and it gives people the impresion the pieces are for dressy wear only which is far from the truth.

On the contrary, Alhambra is a very casual look which can be worn picking up the kids (cool mom look) or grocery shopping (chic gourmet chef look).

I think the two motif earrings would look everyday fabulous on you, especially when worn with a clean neckline, no necklace. It is not too busy and would highlight the beauty of the your neck/chest area.

Just my two cents. Sorry for the long response. Hope that helps in your decision.
I am with you on a lazy Saturday afternoon! I am reading a jewelry book, browsing online, and of course, doing this while having my tea and scone.

Love the two motif. I have the pave diamond yellow and GMOP (I think that’s the combo) and the tigers eye and carnelian … but I can never get the MOP version - are they even available? I think you might be able to order them (I can’t remember) but I feel like they wouldn’t put any time frame on it bc they are so hard to get? It was something weird. Any insight?

 

[snnysmm]

A sale! I'm going to go more bonkers and see what other colors I want.
Ooohhh... there is a STRIPE VERSION!

It will look fabulous with white jeans and my WG 20 MOP! Ordering it!

SALE of 525 America - 525 America

Looking for items that are on sale in 525 America? You are at the right place! Dozens of items that are on sale for you. Click to learn more.

www.525america.com

I’m debating between sizes… do you find that it runs big or true to size?

 

[BigAkoya]

This is helpful also thank you! I'm 5'9 so quite tall. I guess the only way to know is to try it. Maybe it's for me, maybe not.

@etoupebirkin has a 16, and it looks fabulous on her! I can't find her photo though, and I can't remember for boobies... if she has mountains or molehills (like me).

@etoupebirkin
Can you kindly please repost your fabulous 16?

I’m debating between sizes… do you find that it runs big or true to size?

Oh.. tough question on this sweater...
I'll have to explain a bit and split hairs. I would say it runs true to size, but it is still loose, yet not slouchy.

However, if your definition of true-to-size is slouchy, then it is not quite that wide.

I wear a size 2 or 4 top (I have broad shoulders), and I purchased an XS. I like how it is not super slouchy, but it is still loose.
I am short, 5' 2", so if you are taller or have long arms, pay attention to the sleeves as they hit right at the wrist bone. At first, it kind of annoyed me, but now, I really like that. I can push up my sleeve or keep it long, and I like the wrist peeking out showing more skin for a spring/summer sweater look.

The shoulder is slightly dropped, so shoulder fit will not be an issue. The deciding factor is more about the width of the sweater.

For reference, I also wear La Ligne sweaters, also in XS, and they are cut super wide (super slouchy) with very long sleeves.
The Emma is not cut that wide at all which is why I like it so much. It's still loose, but still gives a very slimming look.

I would say I look slouchy in a La Ligne sweater and my body shape is a bit lost. I look casual loose in the Emma sweater, and I look slim, even though the sweater is loose.

Oh... what I love about this sweater is the neckline. The ribbing is flat at the neckline, it's a lower crewneck (vs. a highcut crewneck), so it shows off the neck and collarbone nicely and allows long necklaces to drape over some skin.

Hope that helps.

UPDDATE:
Here is La Ligne for reference so you can see the fit. See how wide it's cut?

Mini Toujours Sweater Pink | La Ligne NYC

This is it. This is your everyday, never-without, take-with-you-everywhere sweater that will always have your back.Deliciously ribbed cashmere in a loos...

lalignenyc.com

Toujours Sweater

This is it. This is your everyday, never-without, take-with-you-everywhere sweater that will always have your back. Deliciously ribbed cashmere in a loose crewneck silhouette means you need one in every color for tous les jours.

lalignenyc.com