My Bleu Bijoux

I'll put it on someday
Come what may
My bleu bijoux...


Wearing jewels these fine
Makes me feel divine
My bleu bijoux...


With a silken scarf
Out on the town ~
Silver gloves and an evening gown...


I'll never be blue
My dreams come true...
with bleu bijou~ou~ou~oux!

Holly Days

'Heigh ho, the holly!
This life is most jolly!'



Greetings, loved ones! This time of year always brings warm memories of my childhood, when I'd enthusiastically embrace the season and all it entailed...gift shopping among the bustling crowds, hanging lights and tree-trimming, traveling long distances to visit friends and relatives, snow days...all the stuff I dread now because, somehow, it's evolved into a big pain in the ass.

I'm not a total Scroogette, though, friends! I do cherish certain traditions, especially a good seasonal party...or any reason to dress up and drink! I have wonderful memories of my folks dressing for holiday parties...my mom would paint her nails and splash on Arpege, which was exciting because that meant a special occasion! These were the times that I got to rummage through her endlessly fabulous and fascinating jewel box to pick out whatever I deemed appropriate to suit the dress and the special occasion.

So around the holidays, I always insisted that she wear this delightful wreath with its matching earrings...and you can see why! It wouldn't have mattered if her outfit was pink and orange...it was Christmastime and this was the suitable jewelry for any fashionista to wear at Christmastime...regardless. (Many years later she confessed that she'd wear them out the door to satisfy me, but have other jewelry stashed in her bag in order to make a quick switcheroo if necessary. Good ol' mom.)

I don't know the exact history of this set, or how long it was around before it caught my eye, but ain't it the berries? All hand-sewn on a felt base, then beaded and sequinned to perfection...I'm guessing it was done by her mother, an accomplished knitter and seamstress, who also loved to create tiny hand-knit sweaters, dresses and hats to adorn my Barbie dolls!



So now that it's that time of year, I'm just thrilled to get wear this charming set with anything I want...even pink, orange, purple or paisley...but I think it looks especially festive with my fuzzy red jacket and a dab of Urban Decay's 5150 lipstick, don't you? xo

Knocking 'Em Cold...

Ahhh...vintage bling! This glimmering gold necklace and bracelet, courtesy of my mom (rest her soul) are marked 'bergere'...and aren't they fabulous?? I wore this set with my outfit on Halloween and found it quite weighty...the necklace being reassuringly heavy somehow...in fact, I liked it so much, I can't wait to wear it out with my black faux fur! To quote Soft Cell's song 'Sex Dwarf' : "We'll look so good, we'll knock 'em cold...knocking em' cold in black and gold."



And here's a special surprise, darlings! If you happen to like this set, check out this link! I was doing some checking around and found its clone for sale...only 40 bucks! How 'bout that? Your pal Gams is looking out for you all the time! xoxo

Dear Jonne...

This brooch-and-earring parure, a glorious jumble of multi-colored beads, rhinestones, and filigree, were a hand-me-down from my dear departed ex-mother-in-law, June. She was a bona fide wacky chick who loved to dress up, drink up, smoke up, party down, and generally have as much fun as possible...no wonder I miss her!



As "the daughter she never had", she bestowed upon me an assortment of beautiful rhinestone pieces along with boxes of other amusing odds and ends...including this amazing, eclectic set. I don't believe I ever saw her wear this particular ensemble, but I'll say it's circa 1950...the brooch is unmarked, but the earring backs are stamped Jonne.



I was prompted to do a little research, since I'd never heard of Jonne before, and was oh! so pleasantly surprised to find some of the most delightful vintage bijoux that I've ever had the pleasure of discovering! So do yourselves a favor, loved ones, and pay this link a visit! Love, Gams
http://www.morninggloryantiques.com/collectJonne.html