ADG Blog – Page 3 – The Research & Writings of ALISON D. GILBERT

Politics, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog, Vintage and Collectible

Not A Classic Flower Power Pin

September 1, 2024 No Comments

NFP-border

not-a-flower-power-pin — Lenore Dame Metal Flower Brooch in Gold & Violet – One-of-a-Kind Jewelry but not a flower power pin due to the embellishments of gold and stones in the center of it. Pin owned by author.

This magnificent brooch from around the time of Flower Power Jewelry is Not an original/classic flower power pin.

The reason is that it has gold filigree, decorative stone, is a one of a kind piece, and is signed. Therefore it is an embellishment of an original/classic flower petal ‘flower power pin’ design.

Decorative Vintage Pin This is a vintage upscale design inspired by the very popular actual flower power pin from around the 1960s. But it is a piece of jewelry from The Lenore Dame Studio using some of the basic FPP elements but for profit and decoration rather than a socio-political statement.

What is a Flower Power Pin The original/classic flower power pin (or FPP for short) has a daisy petal pattern and is made from “molded steel and colored with enamel paint” exclusively. So anything else would not be a classic/original FPP even if it looks similar to it. In fact a major distinction is that a FPP never has a designers identity and is not one-of-a-kind. Here are some examples.

original FPP — These four Flower-Power-Brooches differ in daisy colors and number of petal layers only. The stem is not a distraction from their design. They have all but only the elements to qualify them as flower power pins.

What is Not a Flower Power Pin A daisy design pattern that has more than just molded steel and sprayed enamel is not an official/original FPP although many are categorized as such today. If a piece has a matching pair of earring, I find it also questionable. Lastly, if a piece has a designer name on it, it can not be FPP. It is jewelry and its purpose is decorative. Here are some additional examples.

NFP-examples — There are similarities between the two groups of pins. But the second group is derivative of the first. The style attempts to be similar. But that is as far as it goes. There are gemstones, gold veneer, signed by the designer, and are much more costly than flower power pins.

Why Is the Distinction So Important?

As explained in the previous blog post, The Flower Power Mystery, flower power pins are more important socially than artistically. This is not to say that they are not adorable, colorful, and collectible. But at the height of their existence, they are making a socio-political statement rather than being just decorative.

A Second Thought on Anonymity The fact that the flower power pins had no identifying marks and that nothing is written about their origin may have a very simple explanation. Companies may not have minded manufacturing them. But perhaps they did not want the public to know what their socio-political positions were. To avoid that, they remained anonymous in every way they could.

Flower Power by Definition Actually the term ‘flower power’ was coined by beatnik poet Allen Ginsberg, to symbolize peace, love, and non-violence. Keep in mind that their popularity is during the Vietnam War era. Therefore a FPP represents the anti-Vietnam War sentiment that many young people of that time feel. Instead of being just a pretty piece of jewelry, an official FPP makes a socio-political statement that is recognizable even today.

51 Vintage enamel Plower Pin Brooch-Pinterest

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The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog, Vintage Fashion

The Flower Power Pins Mystery

August 26, 2024 No Comments

flower-power-mystery — This two-layer flower power brooch is two tones of blue with a green stem and two green leaves sold by Hey Viv! on ebay.

Flower power pins are one of my favorite kinds of vintage costume collectibles. But it is only recently that I have become familiar enough with flower power pins to realize that they hold a mystery.

This mystery makes these collectibles unique amongst other types of 20th century costume jewelry and alternative fashion materials that I wrote about in a previous blog post.

Motivation My desire to become knowledgeable about these very popular flower power pins of the 1960s and 1970s led me to discover that there is a flower power mystery.

The Mystery Strange as it seems and in contrast to the genre of other alternative fashion materials, no identifying information about these very popular collectibles from the 1950s and 60s seems to exist. Therefore this leads me to a conclusion about them that relies on a few clues but mostly amounts to educated guesses.

Undocumented There is very little if anything written about either the history of flower power pins, their origins, where they were made, their manufacturers, or retailers.

Documented In fact, this is in contrast with other very popular vintage costume jewelry. It includes as well the alternative material accessories vintage lucite handbags explosion. Both are extremely well documented naming designers, manufacturers, and retailers.

Flower Power Slogan — Flower Power Slogan from Wikipedia

History, Manufacturers, and Retailers

Clues to Identification As a matter of fact, in researching what seems like hundreds of brooches and pairs of earrings first on Pinterest, Google or Yahoo and then on Ebay or Etsy, I find only a clue or two. Within the volume of jewelry on display, there is some singularity of designs and then in contrast some diversity.

Singularity To be specific, many of the daisy petal designs differ either in color only or slightly in design if the design varies at all. Actually these hint at a singularity or similarity between brooch and earring set designs.

Diversity On the other hand, I find brooch and earring designs that are unrelated to other design sets. What this means is that some of this jewelry has no singular grouping or consistent design like the daisy petal layer designs do. In fact those sets seem like strangers to each other.

The Daisy Enamel Metal Brooch and Earrings

one-layer-daisy — Vintage Mod Retro 1960s one-layer Metal Enamel White Daisy Pin Brooch with stem

Observation of this jewelry indicates that the most popular theme builds upon the basic one layer ‘daisy’ pattern. From this observation, certain conclusions might be drawn.

The Daisy Pattern Design Theme Actually what I observe about and call the original daisy pattern design theme is that there is a variety of designs built upon just a simple one layer daisy pattern theme.

Variations From that design theme come stems, stems with leaves, no stems, pin backs and earring backs. In fact the greatest variety comes from the numbers of layers of daisy petals and whether or not they have holes in them.

One Layer Daisy Pins and Earrings To illustrate what I hypothesize above are examples of one-layer daisy pins and clip-on earrings below. They all have the same flower design pattern.

Different Colors Only the colors are different. In addition removal of the stem to create clip on earrings does not effect the basic design. Therefore they could all easily be mass produced by the same company.

Pattern for one layer brooches and earrings are the same. Only the backing is changed to convert the brooch into clip on earrings.

Shown here are clip earrings with closed backs, a pin with a closed back, and clip earrings with the backs open

Singular Designs of Layered Brooch and Earring Designs I want to continue describing the jewelry that appears to have order and singularity. To build upon the basic one-layer flower petal version, there can be two, three and even four layer brooches. Although they can become quite ornate, there is still an order to them as each layer is added. This is evident in the images below.

These three Flower-Power-Brooches differ only in colors. The design templates seem to be identical.

At first glance these three layer daisy pins may seem completely different. But on closer inspection, essentially it is only the colors that differ. The designs are essentially the same.

Does the Same Pattern Design Mean They Are From the Same Company

Is it possible that brooches and earrings that vary only minimally such as color or the design variations (description above) are from the same company? In addition, can one conclude that brooches and earrings that vary significantly in design and patterns are from different companies?

Diverse or Unique Designs In contrast to brooch and earring designs that have similarity to them, there are brooches that seem to be unique without any relatives so to speak. Unlike the jewelry that seems to have a growing number of layers as their major difference, this other jewelry is diverse or one of a kind.

diversity-pins — These three pins bear nothing in common other than the fact that they have a daisy design pattern.

Different Patterns and Templates Might Mean Different Companies

On the other hand, such one and two layer brooches are unique in both pattern and coloring. They do not have the continuum in design theme that the continuous layer jewelry described above displays.

Guess Again Where there is singularity in those, there is diversity in these other designs. Therefore the possibility might be that they are from different companies.

Still A Mystery

Why is there no identification of Flower Power Jewelry like fashion accessories from this period? In other words, who designed it as well as what company manufactured and sold it? Instead much literature does exist about the flower power era culturally. But that is as far as it goes.

Sort of a Hint Other vintage costume jewelry companies did offer credit on their products. In fact this is before during and after the Flower Power rage. But these other brands tend to be more pricey and decorative with rhinestone and other embellishments on them. For example, these companies include Marvella, Trifari, Sarah Coventry, Albert Weiss, Monet, Lisner, Coro, Napier, Lenora Dame, and Vendome.

Flower Power Jewelry and the flower power era described by Beatnik poet, Allen Ginsberg

A Possible Answer As I point out, since there is very little written about enamel metal brooches and earrings themselves with no identifying documentation at all, one has to surmise what the reason is for the anonymity of the Flower Power Jewelry. The closest thing to an answer lies in the ten other brands of vintage costume jewelry listed above that are from before, during, and after the Flower Power era because they are not definitively ‘flower Power’ jewelry.

Conclusion Thinking along the lines of the sheer volume of flower power pins produced (not one-of-a-kind), their minimal price (they were cheap), and their purpose did not warrant identifying them individually or artistically.

It is as if they were not created as ‘jewelry’ but rather more like flower ‘badges’ mass produced cheaply in Asia (?) with a socio-political more than artistic intention. This is my conclusion. In conversation with another collector, a seller and the owner of HeyViv!, she tends to concur with this conclusion. What do you think?

SOURCES AND RESOURCES

Morning Glory Jewelry|Flower Power 60s Enamel Jewelry
Flower Power: The 1960s Cultural Movement that Still Inspire Today
Andy Warhol’s Flower Power in Interview Magazine
The History of Enamel Pins
Collecting Vintage 1960’s Enamel Flower Power Jewelry
Flower Power Fashion: Embracing the Spirit of the 60s Hippie Movement
Ruby Lane: Vintage Begins Here
Flower Power: An Era of Movement and Empowerment
Flower Power: A Nostalgic Journey to the Peaceful Revolution of the 1960s
Floral and Plant Enamel Pins
Pansy v2 Floral Enamel Pin
Pinterest: Vintage Brooches
Vintage 1970s Enamel on Metal FLOWER POWER brooches / pins

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Accessories, Fashion, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog

Flower Power Jewelry Rocks

August 18, 2024 No Comments

This flower power enamel metal pin rocks with orange explosion

Flower Power Jewelry rocks even though it is not fancy or expensive. In addition it is inspiring even though it has no semi-precious or precious stones. Lastly, it is made from an inexpensive metal, molded steel and sprayed with colorful enamel paint

What makes Flower Power Jewelry rock? It’s the bold colors and the sheer simplicity of the designs that distinguish it from all other types of jewelry, before, during, or after.

The Flower Power Decade

The story goes something like this. Flower power is the name for a revolution that takes place in the 1960s. Alan Ginsberg coins the term for it. Andy Warhol paints what it looks like, and Mary Quant invents its fashion style. Most of all an entire style of jewelry, enamel metal represents it. Even today, about 60 years later this jewelry commemorates it.

Andy Warhol, Flowers, 1964.
© 2012 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc./Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

Polka Dot Flower Brooch Pin Purple White Enamel Long Stem Floral Vintage on ebay

Flower Power
I love flower power jewelry as much as I love lucite pocket books. They both reflect a tremendous amount of imagination and appeal. Not so with lucite bags any more.

But for the most part in their day both lucite handbags and enamel brooches are very accessible to a large population due to the very reasonable cost.

1960s FP Pink Yellow PDB Enameled Vintage
Today they are collectors items and many reflect that in their cost. But I love them so much that whenever I can, I treat myself to an enamel metal pin.

So far I have not found a lucite bag I can afford. But this year my husband is starting another new tradition.

That is, he is giving me a flower power brooch for my birthday. Yes, a flower power brooch can last a lifetime rather than wilt and wither away. I am really looking forward to this new rest of my life tradition.

SOURCES AND RESOURCES

Andy Warhol’s Flower Power in Interview Magazine
The History of Enamel Pins

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Fashion, Handbags, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog

My Favorite Lucite Handbags

August 17, 2024 No Comments

bee hive

Most of my favorite lucite handbags are either unavailable, too expensive, or have imperfections. For one or more of these reasons I do not own one or have one in my collection of vintage accessories so far.

But lucite fascinates me because of its unique designs, the finish using a variety of materials added to it, and the history of lucite itself.

It does not mean that I never will. But serendipity has not shown itself to bring one into my life.

For now since I do not possess one, I am writing this blog post in recognition of my favorite lucite handbags. You can read more about them in this earlier blog post 1950s Lucite Handbags.

Types of My Favorite Lucite Handbags

I am aware of numerous types of lucite handbags. There are clear ones with and with out an etched design. Then there are clear or colored ones with another material on them. Third there are solid opaque ones. Last there are translucent colored one.

Clear and White Lucite Handbags Below are examples of clear or white lucite handbags with or without an etched design in them.

White and clear Lucite handbags.

Brown or Dark Red Translucent and Opaque Lucite Below are examples of brown and dark red translucent and opaque lucite.

examples of brown translucent lucite handbags

Colored Opaque Multicolor Lucite Below are examples of colored 3D Lucite or other materials in them.

Colored Opaque decorated and 3D Lucite

Solid Colored Opaque Lucite Below are examples of pure opaque colored lucite handbags.

Three examples of colored opaque lucite handbags
Red is supposed to be the most rare and therefore the most valuable. I prefer it in opaque rather than a transparent red lucite.

SOURCES AND RESOURCES

It’s in the Bag! The Popularity of Lucite Purses
LLewellyn Lucite Beehive Purse Handbag Pristine Condition

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Alternative materials, Fashion, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog

Alternative Fashion Materials

August 15, 2024 No Comments

Alternative fashion materials become wildly popular during the 20th century. Their zenith is the 1950s, when lucite handbags become the most trendy.

The reason primarily is that some materials have a commercial restriction during WWII. Therein lies the opportunity and even necessity to find alternative materials for the public. Because of various challenges including the one regarding WWII restriction, new materials enter the fashion scene.

First is celluloid, then bakelite. Afterwards bakelite evolves into lucite. In other words, each alternative material is an important improvement over the previous one. Today all these alternative materials exist as extremely collectible.

alternative-fashion-materials — Examples of cellulose, bakelite and acrylic as alternative material jewelry and accessories

CELLULOID

Celluloid Jewelry The use of alternative fashion materials begins with the invention of celluloid. It actually starts as a trade name for a type of plastic invented in the mid-1800s. Over time this becomes the generic term. The material’s use is to produce many different kinds of items, including jewelry.

From the early 1900s through about 1940, a primary use for celluloid is jewelry production. In fact it is used especially as a substitute for tortoise shell and ivory. Unfortunately it is unstable and not an optimal alternative.

Cellulose Definition

Cellulose definition from thoughco.com

Cellulose Jewelry Samples and History

John Wesley Hyatt is the inventor of celluloid. He patents it in 1869.
From the early 1900s through about 1940, celluloid is a frequent substitute in jewelry production. Its range is from bangle bracelets with rhinestone decoration, hair combs resembling tortoise shell, and chains used to hold charms made of Bakelite. One main issue with celluloid, however, is its flammable nature. As other plastics develop, fewer and fewer pieces of jewelry are made of celluloid.

BAKELITE

Bakelite is the next of the alternative fashion materials.
Definition of bakelite
Bakelite bangles available on etsy.com

Examples of Bakelite Jewelry

Examples from cheaper99.com of Bakelite jewelry

LUCITE

acme-plastic — Difference between lucite and acrylic by acme plastic.com

History of Lucite Handbags In the late 1940s, a new plastic, Lucite comes onto the scene big time. Its designs are not anonymous, but there are lucite purses by noted designers such as Rialto, Llewellyn, Patricia of Miami, Wilardy, Miami Handbags, and Myles Originals. Actually, they sell in for as little as $5 but also go up to $75. In fact, Hollywood stars are among the first to festoon these unusual bags.

Marilyn-lucite-Niagara copy — Marilyn Monroe is adorned by the latest lucite in the film, Niagara.

For a detailed display of lucite handbags, go to the blog post 1950s Lucite Handbags

1950s-lucite — Examples of Lucite handbags 1950s

THERMOPLASTIC

Two Generations of Outrageous Alternative Material Handbags From out of no where, and even the company employees don’t know when it came to be the Furla Brand Jelly Bag. Like nothing that came before it, and one resurrection since, this is one of my all time favorite handbags.

Believed to be birthed in the third quarter of the 20th century, this Yellow school bag is a knockout.

Furla Jelly Bag In fact, Aldo’s daughter Giovanna gets the credit for the invention of the original jelly bag. Then there is a second generation, the re•candy bag.

Furla Re•candy Bag The Furla Re•candy Bag is currently one of the hottest fashion statements amongst young and Gen z women. In addition, this new Re•candy is totally recyclable. This is all due to the fact that this fine leatherware company has also a growing focus on recyclability and sustainability.

Most noteworthy are those designed for Women’s Fashion Week SS22 in Milan. This Furla Candy is a mini satchel bag made of recycled thermoplastic polyurethane gathered and restored using previously-produced materials.

Furla-Re•candy exhibit at the 2022 Milan Fashion Week featured in a Town & Country article, photo courtesy of Furla.

ENAMEL METAL

I am a huge fan of what comes to be known as ‘flower power’. This is a jewelry type and lifestyle with acknowledgement by celebrities like Alan Ginsberg, Andy Warhol, and Mary Quant. Flower power, enamel metal contrasts traditional high end jewelry and chic lifestyles.

Just purchased, some flower power for me. Two pins, one with matching earrings.
In fact jewelry is made using inexpensive metal, without any semi-precious or precious stones. None the less, the designs and colors are outstanding and simple. They are as popular today as when they represented the mood of the day and the philosophy of their time.

SOURCES & RESOURCES

Celluloid Jewelry
Definition of Cellulose
Cellulose Jewelry on Etsy
THEY LOVED LUCITE: PURSES FROM THE ATOMIC AGE
Red Lucite purses
Lucite in the Sky with Diamonds
6 Ways to Identify Bakelite
Furla Re•Candy Embelished
Furla Jelly Bags on ebay

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Fashion, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog

1950s Lucite Handbags

August 8, 2024 No Comments

1950s-lucite-handbags — A VINTAGE PINK LUCITE PURSE HANDBAG WITH CLEAR ETCHED LID displays the whimsical touches that made Lucite pocketbooks so popular after the deprivations of World War II: an angular Art Deco body featuring shiny strands of gold and silver lame embedded between laminated layers of pink Lucite, lollipop handle, and transparent carved lid through which the bag’s hot pink lining is visible. It sells on eBay for $355 on May 5, 2020.

In the late 1940s, a new material called plastic or lucite is introduced. Actually, these bags become extremely popular.

In fact, already noted designers such as Rialto, Llewellyn, Patricia of Miami, Wilardy, Miami Handbags, and Myles Originals design and produce. To make them accessible to women at all income levels, they sell for as little as $5. But then they also go up to around $75.

Examples of Lucite Handbags

Examples of Lucite handbags 1950s

“Women of all ages carry these bags, now works of art,” quotes Frank Maresca, coauthor with Robert Gottlieb of A Certain Style, The Art of the Plastic Handbag 1949-59 (Knopf). “They come in shapes such as beehives, lanterns, and hatboxes, and embellished with rhinestones, colored glass, pearls, and shells.”

Other Examples of Lucite Handbags As mentioned earlier several well known designer are also responsible for lucite handbags designs. They include Rialto, Llewellyn, Patricia of Miami, Wilardy, Miami Handbags, and Myles Originals. Regarding this are examples below.

3-lucite-samples — Other samples of 1950s Lucite Handbags from Charles S. Kahn, Wilardy, and Florida Handbags

In addition to the above, you can read more about 1950s Lucite Handbags at My Favorite Lucite Handbags and other alternative accessory materials on the blog post Alternative Fashion Materials.

SOURCES & RESOURCES

They Loved Lucite Purses from the Atomic Age
RETRO VINTAGE LOLA VON ROSE RED PURSE HANDBAG LUCITE
Charles S.Kahn Lucite Purses on ebay
Lucite Purses: What Is It? What Is It Worth?
A Certain Style, The Art of the Plastic Handbag 1949-59 by Frank Maresca, coauthor with Robert Gottlieb(Knopf)

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Fashion, jewelry, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog

Vintage Costume Jewelry as Be Jeweled Decor

July 26, 2024 No Comments

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kladdggh — Traditional stainless steel Celtic knot Kladdagh ring from faire.com

Vintage costume jewelry has always been my preference over precious and even semi-precious stone jewelry.

For example, I am not a fan of the diamond engagement ring. In addition whenever family jewelry needed dividing between siblings, an ordeal followed.

Therefore, I am perfectly happy with what I collect now. In fact, I prefer to make my purchases from the second vintage category for very reasonable prices.

VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELRY

Most recently I am being creative with a project called ‘The Be Jeweled Collection of Handbags and Accessories’. As part of this project, I am making use of collectible handbags and vintage jewelry. At last I have a way for these things to stop gathering dust. They also are looking rather artistic while still wearable.

English Bone China
Orange Laura Ashley straw bag with bone chine brooch decor

I am also learning about various categories of vintage costume jewelry. A very popular vintage category is English bone china brooches.

Since they are so delicate, they tend to have small chips on them. Due to that I do not mind using them as decor on handbags rather than as brooches. Learn more about the history of bone china brooches at this link.

English bone china brooch by Stafforshire (top row second from left below

English bone china brooches from Yahoo

Enameled Metal Another very popular combination of materials is enameled metal or molded steel with enamel paint. The technique and the look are very different from bone china. There is a simplicity and affordability to this jewelry that contrasts previous conservative ornate styles. Most enamel metal brooches are based on a daisy but in very bright, simple colors.(2)

In fact this generation of jewelry is termed ‘flower power’ by beatnick Allen Ginsberg. Designer Mary Quant is the poster girl for this period. Most impressive is the artwork by Andy Warhowl that represents this period, the 1960s. Besides these details there is no documentation of the period’s majority of designers or manufacturers.(1) Instead, as a reference one seller describes them in the following way.

Retro vibrant enameled floral brooch popular in the mid 1900’s is available on ebay.

Vibrant colored enamel metal brooches is from mid 1900’s and available on ebay

More about Vintage Costume Jewelry

green-bag — A simple and very typical enameled metal brooch festoons a light green purse, designer unnamed

At left is an example of an enamel metal brooch on a purse from an unnamed designer.

In fact, this daisy brooch is one of the most popular designs made. It is available in all kinds of color combinations and can be purchased at ebay online(2).

Russian Lacquer Miniatures
Palekh lacquer miniatures

Next are examples of Russian folk art known as Palekh lacquer miniatures. The top one is a rectangular box. Another is a round box. The third is a brooch. Note that the larger box and the brooch are signed and in excellent condition(3).

Below is a purse with a single Russian pin for focus and emphasis.

Handbag with Russian Lacquer Pin
Contrast and complement are shown here of a Stuart Weitzman(4) purse with a lacquered pin

Sources and Resources

(1) Collecting Vintage 1960’s Enamel Flower Power Jewelry by Adirondack Girl @ Heart
(2) Flower Power brooches available at ebay online
(3) The ultimate guide to Russian handicrafts: From Matryoshka dolls to Gzhel
(4) Stuart Weitzman

bone-china-border

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Accessories, Fashion, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog

The Be Jeweled Collection of Handbags and Accessories Introduction

June 16, 2024 No Comments

4-bag-banner

Be-jeweled-handbags — A vintage bag from a local thrift store with vintage jewel and crafts ornamentation.

The Be Jeweled Collection of Handbags and Accessories is the marriage of vintage handbags and vintage costume jewelry. In addition, the collection has hand applied ornamentation, each piece is one-of-a-kind, as well as great looking.

I am a collector. For many years I have accumulated vintage pocketbooks, jewelry, hats and other knick-knacks. Lately, I have decided to streamline and consolidate my collections.

Creating Works of Art As a result, I am using them to create works of art whenever possible. In a previous post I describe how an entire ensemble can grow from a Bling It! combination of a vintage purse and vintage necklace. It is the inspiration for all the Be Jeweled Handbags that follow.
Black patent basic bag blinged for fun and excitement.
This purse is the first creation in the Be Jeweled Collection.

HOW I PAIR BAGS AND ORNAMENTATION

The pairing process of bags and ornamentation is spontaneous and intuitive. I have so many of each component that I don’t know how else I would combine them or which would inspire what any other way.

Ornamentation Storage
Rainbow colored 8-drawer taboret from Michaels.

My ornaments are kept in a rainbow plastic taboret from Michael’s. In fact, I don’t know how I would store all my ornaments without it.

I store all kinds of ornaments here. Actually there are colorful buttons, pins, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and individual beads or parts from broken items.

In spite of my desire to keep these things organized, it is difficult to do so. But at least it is neat. The third drawer is all full of earrings. So at least that is one orderly drawer.

Pocketbooks Display and Storage
There are a variety of homes for my pocket book collection. Some are hung on the wall. I display others on a DVD shelving unit while others need to be temporarily stored in the closet. They do get very dusty when I leave them out for display. So I have to prep them with a good dusting before I decorate them. This is actually a bit of a nuisance. But the results are truly worth it.

Handbags displayed on the wall with a Bill Blass tablecloth background. Bag on left decorated with a necklace, middle decorated with an acrylic floral pin, and right decorated with my favorite colorful acrylic Confetti brand buttons.

For more information about Vintage Costume Jewelry as Be Jeweled Decor, click on the link in this sentence.

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Accessories, Fashion, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog

Be Jeweled Coordinates

June 9, 2024 No Comments

INTRODUCTION TO BE JEWELED COORDINATES
A black patent vintage purchase is the creative canvas for the stunning purse.
Outfits of Be Jeweled Coordinates are taking off on this summer’s fashion scene for me. These Be Jeweled Coordinates are composed of up to four components and even more:
1. A vintage ‘canvas’ to apply coordinated decor like the black patent thrift store bag shown here
2. BLING (decor) to apply to the handbag (canvas)
3. A coordinated find at a thrift store
4. A new coordinated article of clothing, shoes, or handbag to tie it all together

#1 HANDBAG AS CREATIVE CANVAS

In fact, everything in the coordinated ensemble featured here came together serendipitously. This blog post actually illustrates how my years of collecting these components is starting to result individually in great sets of Be Jeweled Coordinates.

In this example, this black patent vintage purchase is the creative canvas for this stunning purse that ties the entire ensemble together. I can’t remember where or when I purchased this simple but attractive black patent leather bag most likely at a thrift store.

#2 BLING IT!

Bling is a necklace that can only be described in this extreme now popular manner of bling. It lay on my dresser all by itself until the moment occurred. Yes, I would use it to make a Bling bag.
The result is a Be Jeweled very bling handbag.

Black-patent-bling-big — Back patent basic bag blinged for fun, excitement, and even glamour.

This process actually reminds me of a Lego construction process except that each piece has a totally unique source. When put together, they result in a stunning casual, even dressy theme ti build upon.

Until I realized the kind of look I wanted for this ensemble, I put the bag aside like dough to rise for a loaf of bread. When the time was right, it spoke to me. Bling.

#3 COORDINATE IT!

Be Jeweled top — A Be Jeweled top from an unknown purchase source but available at Forever21.com

It seemed like I started seeing blinged decor everywhere. In fact, at a thrift store or free clothing outlet was this great bling patterned top.

I had to have it because I knew it was part of the building blocks for a Bling It! coordinated outfit. Then just to show how onto the trail I was for a full Bling It! look, a pair of sandals appeared .

#4 BLING IT! FROM HEAD TO TOE

Oka B sandals — Oka B sandals found at For the Love of Shoes NY

Then the final step in this serendipitous gather is a pair of Oka B sandals at For the Love of Shoes NY that I happened to see while on a search for another pair of shoes. They are indeed Bling Shoes.

It’s like the cherry on top of the sundae except from the bottom up. But the look is complete and very appealing.

CONCLUSION: THE ENSEMBLE

Be-jeweled-set — The complete Be Jeweled Ensemble handbag, coordinated top and matching sandals.

Here you have it. The spontaneous building of a very Bling ensemble. It starts with a blank canvas, so to speak and builds from there. The end result is a Be Jeweled Coordinated outfit that brings out the bling for summer.

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Bohemian, Lifestyle, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog

My Mother Lived A Bohemian Life

April 26, 2024 No Comments

etsy-lnitting-needles

1950s-dress — Wedtrend Women’s Vintage Tea Dress, Short Sleeve Cocktail Party Dress Work Church Casual Dress shown at left

My Mother could be described as living a bohemian lifestyle. This was at a time when other mothers are taking their fashion trends as well as lifestyle tips from the Donna Read Show closet. This was not the only unique thing about her lifestyle.

In addition these cultural oddity did spill over into her children’s lives to a greater or lesser degree. In fact we three were creative, artistic, musical, theatrical, and one highly successful businessman and college instructor.

My Mom’s Bohemian Wardrobe

bohemian-life-etsy — Plaid Bermuda shorts from etsy.com

In contrast to the typical mom’s everyday lifestyle, my mother wore Bermuda shorts, high socks, and loafer.

In fact when she wore her signature outfit and it was chilly out, she still kept the top down on her convertible. To keep warm, she just kept the heat on. When it was warm out the socks and loafers were replaced by Greenwich Village tie-up-to-the-knee-sandals.

Proud of My Mother

I remember a sense of pride in my mother’s unique wardrobe. Even more so, her youthful figure allowed her to look great in whatever she wore. In fact, other mothers looked more like grandmothers compared to my mother’s figure and fashions. She was only twenty two years older than me. At 28 my mother is still a youthful, slender, energetic mother with three young children.

Knit One/Pearl One/Smoke Zero When my mother needed to quit smoking, she took up the life long art of knitting. According to the woman who owned the local knitting store, her stitches were as even as a machine. But the results were 100% handmade for family only. And everyone of our growing family was a beneficiary of her talent.

A Set of Knitting Needles set in a Unique Holder, A Variety of Sizes, A Great Collection of Vintage Knitting Needles from Etsy.com

Eating Habits There are many out-of-the-ordinary foods that my mother brings into the house that even we kids will not eat such as head cheese. Her eating habits are bohemian way beyond ours. But on the other hand we never would eat the ever popular peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. What I still love is the bohemian lifestyle olive and cream cheese sandwich.

olive and cream cheese sandwiches from Jason Wilson/Taste of Home

Politics In addition, she was committed to liberal politics. In 1956 Long Beach NY starts a local League of Women Voters. Imagine who is the first president of our Chapter? None other than my mother. She resigns before the end of her four year term to make room for our year trip to Italy.

Long Beach NY League of Women Voters

Not A Typical Mother

By now it is clear that one cannot describe my mother as a typical stay home mom. Due to the untimely death of my father when I was six, the life of my mother as a widow makes a dramatic turn. There is now plenty of room for her Bohemianism spirit to emerge. As tragic as my father’s death is, this singular event makes room for her bohemian lifestyle. And it did blossom in many directions.

A Bohemian Lifestyle Motherhood was never my mother’s strong suit or greatest joy. Therefore bohemian would describe her more accurately. She was able to express a her love of culture, endless curiosity and tireless adventure for at least the ten years she was a single mother. The fact that she had three children and a dog did not slow her down.

A ride on an elephant in India during my mother’s trip around the world while in 1963.

Travel From the photo above and two previous blog posts, my mother’s love of travel becomes apparent. For details refer to these posts, Trip Around the World in Six Weeks and Introduction: My Year in Italy.

Second Marriage When she remarries, she still is not a stay at home mom. But she becomes a business owner. At least this gives her an outlet for her bohemian lifestyle in a subtler manner. She funnels it into entrepreneurship for many years until her untimely passing at sixty five. But in those years she lived many lives compared to most stay at home moms. She definitely lived a bohemian lifestyle.

etsy-lnitting-needles

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