My love of pearls was born the summer my dad and older brother, Ethan, took a month-long trek through Europe. Dad always brings home gifts from his international adventures, and to me he brought a pair of silver and pearl earrings he’d purchased at the Tower of London. They were simple, but they quickly became my favorites- they went with anything and had the ability to take any outfit and make it a bit more classy. Maybe it’s because the earrings themselves were beautiful, or maybe it’s because they were purchased in England, but I loved them and wore those things almost every day in high school. A few years later I received a pair of simple just-pearl studs, and as a celebratory gift for graduating from Radford my mom presented me with my first pearl necklace. A short rope of pearls that rests on my collarbone, perfect for the office or a date with Matt. I think I actually wore those pearls to my first job interview!

There’s just something so classy about a pair of pearl earrings or a strand necklace- something about wearing this particular brand of simple lobe candy that makes me FEEL more elegant, refined and chic. I’ve never been a huge “accessories” kind of girl- some of that originates from an inability to accessorize, but the majority of it comes from a deeper desire to stay true to “more is less.” It comes from the fact that I identify more with Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy than I ever will with Twiggy or Marilyn Monroe, that I’d rather wear a black dress with pearl earrings for a night out than something flashy or trendy. There’s something so honest about simplicity- a simple pair of pearl earrings doesn’t demand attention or cause a stir. They distinguish their wearer as classic and tasteful with just a hint of luxury, someone who’s fashion will never fade because classic never goes out of style. 

Happy Wednesday!