Large Victorian Revival Coral Celluloid Earrings

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something BoHo

Wedding fashions have taken a big leap, (I think) forward, since my own marriage in 1973. I admit, I did none of the planning myself and it was really my mother's wedding since I was busy trying to graduate from college. I gave my Mom two months notice. I wore her dress and pearl earrings and my bridesmaids made there own dresses. The rules of fashion were so rigidly narrow for church weddings--white or ivory for the wedding gown; "pearls" or "diamonds" for jewelry. Even the wedding cakes were uninspired. White on white.

One escape was a "flower child" union, barefoot in a field with flowers in the hair. This hippie or bohemian outlook on life and fashion did not die, but keeps reinventing itself. Resurfacing in the 1990s as BoHo, and skyrocketing to general awareness by celebrity endorsement, (notably, Sienna Miller, Kate Moss, Mischa Barton, Nicole Ritchie, Lily Cole, and the Simpson twins) there was renewed approval of a "folk" look. We are now past the first crest of this most current wave of flounces, smocking, long white skirts, Ugg boots, and embroidery. But, the need for self-expression is still strong, and the Boho vintage look is still mined and re-invented by fashion designers (Marc Jacobs, Pucci, and Dior). Romanticism, Goth, and "Twighlight" proponents also fuel the fire for "group individualism". From writer Bob Stanley, "the late 1960s are never entirely out of fashion, they just need a fresh angle to make them de jour".

The Recession has promoted a more sensible and thrifty attitude towards clothing and accessories. It's a relief to see movie stars and models mixing it up with vintage, thrift store, and new. Once, you begin looking backwards for inspiration, a huge palette for your expression becomes available. I am a proponent, since quality can be found in vintage at a fraction of new's price.

An example of undervalued vintage jewelry, superb as bridal jewelry, can be found in the Victorian Revival period. Coral-colored celluloid was popular and often pressed into flowery arrangements. It looks fabulous and fresh with lace. The combination is very feminine yet unique. (D.H.)

~More about the coral celluloid earrings~