I wrote (started writing) this post a couple of weeks ago. Life intervened. It seems I'm busy but not in a connected, world-wide-web kind of way. I'll work out the details in time.
In the meantime there's this:
A couple of recent acquisitions that have become wardrobe staples that I wear again and again and can no longer imagine not having them in my wardrobe.
Wendy Brandes Black Swan Ring. Wendy was wearing this design when I met her in February 2011. I knew I would order it someday. I finally contacted Wendy this past spring, although I didn't actually finalize the purchase until this summer.
I've had the ring now for slightly over a month, which I suppose, is a relatively short period of time in which to know something is essential. And yet the ring just seems like it was meant to be on my hand. I love everything about it: the detail, the workmanship, the size, the weight, the color of the gold. It makes a statement and yet it doesn't shout. I love it even more wearing it than I did when I saw it on Wendy's hand. It is not quite what I imagined; it is more perfect.
Ferragamo Varina shoes.
When I was young (in my 20's lets say) I would have told you that I would NEVER wear Varinas. Well, in the intervening decades I've learned to never say never.
I love this particular color as it is very soft and feminine, and completely neutral with my pale pale legs, a perfect summer color. But it is not the color that is so important here; I have another pair, a darker caramel, which I will probably wear far more often come fall. I just love the shoes. They are comfortable. They go with everything from jeans and a tee to a skirt, although this summer I have been more inclined to wear them with jeans. I can move quickly and decisively in them. They make me feel simultaneously firmly in control and softly feminine. Quite a feat that.
Anyway, I haven't really worn heels since my back went bad early last spring. So far, these are my heels. I haven't addressed the shoe problem yet, or decided what to do with my collection of heels, but I have grown accustomed to speed and comfort and the Varinas are here to stay.
Added: Decisive is a good word. I like that idea of moving quickly and decisively through life, when I'm not moving slowly and thoughtfully. I don't need power shoes, or power anything really, just things that make it easier to bridge the divide and integrate the contradictions.
Comments
10 responses to “Elements”
So exciting about the ring! It looks like it was made for your hand. I’m very happy to hear you love it even more in person. That’s how I feel too about my Wendy Brandes pieces.
The shoes are beautiful. Why is it you wouldn’t have worn them when you were young? Is it because they are flats?
Hmm, I probably thought they were a bit fuddy-duddy. But then perhaps now so am I, or more likely my perceptions and biases have altered.
Oh, the ring is spectacular and looks amazing on your hand! There’s something so special about Wendy’s jewelry…
I love that juxtaposition, a Wendy Brandes piece and Varinas. Perfect and subversive.
I love Varinas, too! So comfortable and, as you say, wearable with most clothes. That’s a lovely color you picked. The ring is gorgeous.
More nice shoes, you have very good taste!
So your back problem has meant that those wonderful chestnut leather court shoes of maybe 5 years ago haven’t been worn recently? I still think of those shoes are they looked perfect in the photo.
I don’t think I have a shoes fetish but do remember those I like!
I love the ring. Wendy’s jewelry is very special!
I am catching up with your posts and looking forward to reading about your life adventures. Glad that you are enjoying knitting again. So jealous of your sewing room!
Beautiful ring, lovely shoes. There’s something so satisfying about those pieces we end up wanting to wear every single day — something about the way they confirm a consistency of style that we hadn’t quite known we reached, perhaps. I wear my Wendy B fleur-de-lis necklace almost every day and it makes me quietly happy. Which is a very good kind of happy, I think.
My budget doesn’t run to Ferragamos, but I see both the appeal you find in these AND the likelihood of having once seen them as frumpy or too “ladylike” (Not ever a goal of mine!). The red Ferragamos I inherited from my Mom amaze me with their comfort, and if they maintain their smart looks through the walking I do, I may just decide the budget needs to be stretched for another pair!
The shoes are beautiful “Lady” slippers, and suit your stuyle. A pair of flats or very low heels that look elegant is a marvelous find, and once you find your style it’s wise to have a lighter and deeper-coloured pair. And enjoy your serene swan ring, a symbol of a new time of life.