I wear vintage for a lot of reasons. First and foremost, it makes me feel amazing. I never feel more powerful than when I’m wearing a waist cinched within an inch of her life, two crinolines, and a smirk. But then there’s the other reasons: the fact that it’s like wearing a piece of history, and I get to just be one part of her story. The fact that the care and attention to detail is something you so rarely find in clothing nowadays. The fact that I’m supporting independent, small business owners. And the one that often goes unnoticed: that buying vintage is buying green – it’s fighting against the “use and discard” attitude that our society has devolved into.
Although I definitely do not try to pretend that I’m not a consumer – I buy goods with the best of ’em and have a hard time resisting the tech. But I also like the reduce, reuse, recycle concept in life – and in clothing. I have a trusted cobbler on speed dial who I always take my tired soles to (and its a sad day indeed when a favorite pair is passed repairing). I learned to sew and was so excited to find I could breathe new life into damaged, discarded pieces with a quick flick of a sewing needle. So, I was incredibly excited when Bregje of Bregje’s Design contacted me on collaborating on this outfit post. Based out of the Netherlands, her shop epitomizes everything I believe in: Contemporary jewelry with a nod to the past. And a purposeful repurposing.
Bregje’s shop specializes in beautiful handmade jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and earrings, made out of broken pieces of vintage ceramic and porcelain. Each piece is sanded and shaped by hand, sometimes with cracks and what might be seen as imperfections inlaid with gold and silver glue, making things that were once considered flaws something beautiful. A features. As if our own flaws are things to be celebrated and brought to the forefront instead of hidden away.
I think my favorite thing as I slipped this beautiful red and cream ceramic necklace over my head this morning, was that it felt so perfectly fitting of the vintage dress from Cheshire Vintage that I paired it with. I could almost hear the clink of china during Thanksgiving dinner’s past, or the rustle of an underskirt as the previous owner of this dress darted off to a clandestine meeting. Both entrusting me with a piece of the past. Both something that may well have been forgotten or discarded – seen as old or used by someone with a less discerning eye. But instead, in the right hands, it can be made beautiful again.
I am absolutely thrilled with my newest piece of the past. From the careful packaging to the opening of my parcel and the sparkle of gold confetti that swirled around my ankles, this necklace feels as if she holds a bit of magic. If you want to check out Bregje’s full range of designs, I highly recommend looking at her website – and you can order directly from her Etsy shop. If you want to keep up with her latest designs and sales, I hope you check out her Instagram and give her a follow. We need more people to look at things that are “broken” with the eyes that see them as beautiful.
So, with a bit of magic around my neck and a swish of my skirts, I’m off! And believe me, I need some magic today to give me the final push to make it to the weekend. It’s been another crazy, busy week, but we’re finishing it off strong. The Mr. and I are taking a little Road Trip to Raleigh to catch the Flaming Lips. Music and Vintage? That just might be the perfect day…
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Dress & Jacket: Cheshire Vintage (similar modern or vintage here, here & here)
Necklace: c/o Bregje’s Design
Handbag: Ollie & Nic (similar)
Shoes: Miss L Fire, no longer available (similar here & here)
Lip Color: Dior
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