Why It’s Time To Wear The Jewelry You’re Saving

Pearls Don’t Need To Be Demure

My handsome husband invited me to lunch the other day, for chicken and waffles. We do live in the South y’all. As I was getting ready I opened my jewelry box.

Instead of reaching for the same old jewelry I always wear, I spotted an old brooch from my event-planning days.

Then I had an idea. Why not pin it to three strands of pearls and wear it with a white tank top?

Who says pearls only belong with cocktail dresses?

Certainly not this Rebel.

Somewhere along the way, women were told to tone it down as we got older. Smaller earrings. Delicate necklaces. Muted colors. I couldn't disagree more. If anything, this is the season of life to go bigger, bolder, and brighter.

Remember the 80s? Madonna! She wore an abundance of necklaces and bracelets. It was a beautiful chaotic mess, and we wanted that style. She was our fashion inspiration. When did we forget that feeling? My personal style and business influence has always been Coco Chanel. That’s a boss who knew how to wear pearls. It’s time to start channeling those women again.

Jewelry Doesn’t Finish An Outfit – It Makes a Statement

Jewelry can do so much more than just make us feel special. It draws the eye where we want it and away from the areas we don’t want to emphasize. Bold necklaces keep the eye trained on your face and neckline and away from a middle that’s not as fit as it once was. Those hoops will keep people looking at your beautiful face. Especially that dazzling smile. Stacked bracelets say to everyone—-I’m here!  They make a joyful noise that heralds your entrance.

We’re not here to be softer and quieter. We’re here to make some noise!

Go Shopping – In Your Own Jewelry Box

I’m inviting you to go shopping in your own jewelry box. If you’re anything like me, you have pieces you wore in the life you retired from.

Pull out the pieces you haven't worn in years. The bracelets you were saving for a special occasion. The pearls your mother gave you. The chunky necklace you thought was "too much." The oversized hoops that make you smile. The bigger the hoops the better I always say. Just make sure they’re lightweight, because our lobes aren’t where they used to be.

Now play. Mix gold with silver. Layer the pearls. Stack the bracelets. They don't have to match. They don't have to make sense. Wear them because you love them.

Don't hide them. Show them off. And while you're at it, show yourself off too.

When I went through this exercise, I found pieces I’d forgotten I had. My mother’s rings. The turquoise one and her gorgeous square cut emerald in a vintage setting. I’m getting them cleaned and plan to wear them as often as possible.

Make sure to mix the old with the new. Mr. Handsome recently bought me a choker that has a punk rock vibe to it. Silver on one side, onyx on the other, with rhinestones. He knows how to remind me that I’m still a rocker chick at heart. I’m mixing it with the pearls now and it’s a vibe.

Just do it! Don’t wear your favorite pieces because someone else might like them. Not because it’s fashionable. Not because it’s expensive. Wear it because it makes you feel like yourself. Wear it because you love it.

We're dressing for ourselves now.

Because it's fun.

Because it's liberating.

Because we're Rebels.

Until next time. I’ll just be over here channeling my inner Madonna and Coco Chanel and playing in my jewelry box.

With Rebel Love — Jeannie

Tell me in the comments — what piece of jewelry have you been saving for a special occasion? Today is the day. Wear it.