Unseasonable, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Dolman cardigan: Ann Taylor
• Top: Forever 21
• Necklace: c/o Beadle Bop
• Belt: thrifted
• Skirt: thrifted
• Tights: Banana Republic Factory
• Wedges: MIA, via DSW

End Notes:

It’s not secret that I have lots of issues with “seasonality.” Having grown up in a one season climate, I didn’t really understand that there were certain fabrics, prints, or even cuts that were deemed more appropriate for one time of year over another. While I do understand and appreciate that, say, wool trousers are better suited for winter than summer, I continue to feel a certain freedom to, say, wear a full white cotton skirt in February, should the mood strike.

All that to say, yes, I am wearing a flower necklace while there is still crunchy gross snow on the ground. And I’m okay with that.

I’ve really enjoyed reading all of the comments on S.’s post on gender and jewelry and A.’s post on jewelry as sign. It’s so interesting to read about all the different cultural traditions, connotations, and practices relating to jewelry. My own family does not have much of a jewelry tradition. I have a little Hawaiian “E” initial pendant that was my grandmother’s, but really other than that, my familial jewelry connection and associations are minimal. I’m not sure how much of this is particular to my family and how much is further connected to issues of ethnicity and class. I remember my mom and most of my Japanese aunties having very subdued taste in jewelry. This has changed a bit in the past few years with a growing interest in “beading,” but still, I got some good-natured ribbing for how big my earrings and necklaces were on past visits home to Hawaii.

Really, if we’re going to psychoanalyze this, let’s be honest. I am maybe a little homesick right now, and wearing a flower necklace lets me pretend that I’m wearing a lei. Take that, winter.