The Directrice Strikes Gold

 
Perhaps once a year I wander into a jewelry store over at Friendship Heights and find myself walking out with something I never thought to want.

 
 
 
This year, I found myself in possession of this necklace — a dramatic piece of costume jewelry — after approximately three minutes of consideration.
 
Once seen, it could not be unseen!
Remember, all that glitters is not gold; it’s totally faux

When I told you last week that I was showing you the last of my avant-garde Japanese clothes, I forgot about this top. Sorry!
 
Not sure how I forgot
Like the necklace, these sleeves — once seen — cannot be unseen

 
 
The craft in both the top and the necklace is so appealing.
 
These exaggerated sleeves — which look like bells roughly the size of my head — are shaped by incredibly thick welting along the inside of the seam. That’s the kind of trick associated with couture.
 
But this post is really about the necklace. Let’s get a little closer, shall we?
You know I love the construction details

Here, The Photographer appears to have captured the saddest moment of my life; why so forlorn, Directrice?
 
 
 
This necklace consists of gold-toned beads that look like misshapen pearls, threaded on an extremely thin, springy nylon cord.
 
When I tried it on in the store, I was wearing a black turtleneck sweater. The combination was Very Effective because the nylon cord disappeared. But I like the necklace against a contrasting color, too.

 
Come closer to appreciate the vitality of this necklace.
Come, come

Perhaps you need to come a little closer. Careful of my toes.
 
I have no idea what these beads are made of

 
 
 
 
A necklace like this works equally well with a conservative dress.
 
Like so!
Remember this dress?

Share your views at #DirectriceSoClever
 
 
 
As Directrice scholars know, I bought this dress 8 or 9 years ago in two colors because it fit perfectly (zero alterations) and will never go out of style. It can be made more interesting or less interesting with a jacket/wrap/necklace as the occasion demands.
 
I applaud my judgment.

 
 
I rarely — actually, never — wear a necklace this long, but I think this works. It’s elegant and dramatic, right?
 
It’s also a safety hazard so no blowing out birthday candles, cooking, mangling, threshing, welding, or refining oil while wearing this necklace.
Aiming for zero Lost Time Accidents in 2019

This color seems more ruby than crimson to me; what do you think?
 
 
 
Come closer and see the necklace against ruby red.

 
 
 
Too close! Too close!
You’re standing on my foot

While The Photographer fiddles with his settings, I chatter at him.
 
Here, I appear to be disputing something
Considering his point of view
Detaching and moving on

 
Top: Comme des Garcons from The RealReal; Pants; Nanette Lepore (part of this suit); Dress: Elie Tahari; Bag: Sophie Hulme; Shoes: Cole Haan; Necklace: Maria Calderara (from Tabandeh in Washington D.C.)

21 thoughts on “The Directrice Strikes Gold”

  1. I haven’t even read the post yet, but the image of your new necklace against the red dress should be immortalized in a wood block print. It’s fabulous!

    Reply
  2. Love it!
    I’m moving into phase where everything (ok greater than 50%)
    must flex with other garments in my closet. I am never stressed pulling an outfit together. Yes, it took a while to get here, but I have arrived.

    Reply
  3. So. Lovely. I quickly read the post on my phone, but then had to see the photos again on a larger screen — and, of course, I’m always curious to know how The Photographer has named the image files, which is always one of my favourite things about the blog. 🙂

    Reply
  4. I am obsessed with this shirt and the dress, as well as very impressed with your arms! maybe the Directrice can share her arm workout one day 😉

    Reply
  5. Both outfits are fabulous. I love the white and gray outfit especially since at first glance it looks simple and then the details of the necklace and sleeves add so much interest and personality. Beautiful styling choices!

    Reply
  6. Radiantly beautiful! The necklace is marvelous with the lovely dress and the delightfully styled top. And yes, do be careful.

    Reply
  7. Which jewelry store? This necklace is so fabulous that it would be fun to window-shop the rest of the store. Between the necklace, top, and dress I can’t decide which I love the most. Gold rocks!

    Reply
    • I LOVE the bolt bag, Yj! LOVE. I wish I had bought a second in a very beautiful teal blue color that is now sold out. REGRET. Notes: It was a little stiff when it arrived and it took a few weeks for the zipper and bolts to loosen up. The leather may lose its gloss (it’s a matte finish, but was very fine when it arrived) after a year or so, and then may seem less dressy — this is hard to predict. But it’s the perfect size to hold a pair of glasses, sunglasses, wallet, keys, business cards, tissues, and a tiny make-up case AND it’s very light.

      Reply

Leave a Reply to Bette Cancel reply