Inspiration and Appropriation

Three items I picked up at Lovisa recently. I'm probably too old to shop there considering how many junior high schoolers were wandering around in the store. Other than these two rings and the pair of earrings, I've only ever bought one necklace from Lovisa (which I've still yet to wear out), but overall the merch seems like a slightly more grown up, refined Diva. It's interesting that these youth-oriented costume jewellery shops have scored quite high profile models, like Bambi Northwood-Blyth for Diva, and up-and-coming Australia's Next Top Model Season 7 winner Montana Cox for Lovisa.

 l-r: Yves Saint Laurent Arty Enamel ring, Lovisa Dotted Stone Drop ring

And before any fashion purists get all up in arms, yes, Lovisa's Dotted Stone Drop ring is an unabashed YSL ripoff. However, it was practically free given that there was a 3 for 2 offer store-wide, and I was curious to try a cheaper approximation to see if I'd even like such a huge and gaudy ring before potentially shelling out for the real thing. While the price tag for the Arty rings isn't super prohibitive ($US250), my tastes tend towards the more dainty and understated, so this Lovisa copy is mainly for trialling purposes and the novelty factor. The Triangle Drop earrings are also reminiscent of House of Harlow, but I suppose they're a little less blatant and more "inspired".

Rock That Hue

I'm not really a jewellery-inclined girl. I could count the pieces of proper jewellery I own on the fingers of one hand, mostly gifts from my parents. I used to collect cheap earrings when I was younger, but most of them never saw the light of day. My ears have been pierced since Year 4, but they're usually unadorned, except for a period when I wore simple studs, or special occasions where I bring out a dangly pair. I tend not to wear necklaces or bracelets, partly because I simply don't like any of them enough to want to wear them, and partly because I find them superfluous and hard to coordinate with the rest of my outfit.

It's only when I find myself drawn to something that I begin to envisage the possibilities. I become convinced that I need a certain piece in my possession to coordinate and complete my wardrobe. When something just accords with my exact tastes, I'd want to wear it all the time. Enter this ring from Magnolia Silver Jewellery.

A simple, thin sterling silver band designed to showcase a round, multifaceted pale jade stone. The size, colour and slight translucence makes it look quite novel, almost like a ring pop, but the shape, cut and materials add refinement and quality. Best paired with an eggshell, cream, dove grey or taupe nail polish and ideal for adding a tranquil element of colour to my primarily neutral-based wardrobe.