Since I turned twelve or thirteen, my parents started giving me gold jewelry for my birthday. If you’re an Indian woman– warning, I’m about to make a massive generalization– if you’re not wearing at least two items of gold jewelry at a time, then my assumption is you were adopted by white Americans. Rocking gold bling is a huge cultural symbol of femininity in India.
But I never wear real gold jewelry, because I always lose it. However, that hasn’t dulled my interest in bling. I love it anywhere; in my clothes, my shoes, my hair, my birthday cake. I love jewelry and wear earrings every single day. The problem is, I can’t wear real gemstones, because I get too worried about them since at work I have to change into my Kelly costume and am constantly taking my jewelry on and off. So I wear only costume jewelry. But in LA, even costume jewelry can be crazy expensive.
When Nicole Richie started her House of Harlow jewelry line, I flipped. I love Nicole’s jewelry sensibilities. Aztec, tribal, deco, she is inspired by some much that’s cool. And the price points are always reasonable.
They’re also great jewelry for day to night. I’ve worn a pair of half-moon shaped earrings to Sunday lunch and also to Jenna Fischer’s fancy bachelorette party at Nobu. (At this party I coincidentally ran into Nicole Richie, whom I excitedly interrupted on her date night with her husband to show her my earrings. Sorry Nicole, I’m afraid that’s what you get for making these show-offable earrings. Joel, to you I do apologize sincerely).
Good for: bling-loving girls who don’t want to break the bank.
The first pic is too funny! Hubby is always asking why I never wear the wedding jewelry he gave me…hello – it’s solid gold…not that compatible with my daily outfits LOL! Nicole Riche’s style is iconic. I love black geometric necklace that everyone (but me) seems to own!
Ella Pretty | October 26, 2011 |
Love the ones on the right. I’m thinking I need some new bling!
Claire | October 26, 2011 |
I love House of Harlow. Over the years I’ve accumulated a few rings and a necklace. A+ post. You’ve inspired me to buy a pair of earrings.
barb
barb c | October 26, 2011 |
bling in your birthday cake
Whitney Soup | October 26, 2011 |
This could only be better if you posted a photo of you wearing the earrings while thumb upping Nicole Richie at Nobu!
Natalie (Fashion Intel) | October 26, 2011 |
Hi Mindy!
I’m a big fan, and would love to interview you about your book for Listgeeks: http://blog.listgeeks.com
Get in touch (via danger[at]listgeeks.com) and I’ll send some questions along.
Take care,
Derick
Derick | October 27, 2011 |
Got to love some HOH1960. Nicole designs the best statement pieces!!!!
NRICHIENEWS | October 27, 2011 |
Hey Mindy! Not to be an annoying solicitor on here, but maybe you will like my jewelry? I have an etsy shop called bigtinsel.etsy.com. Hope you visit and hope you like! If not, I’ll just go stand over there…
Maria | October 28, 2011 |
West Indian girls start getting the gold jewelry around 18 as well. And without fail- for christmas and/or diwali- me and my sister got honking gold jewelry- as we got older, they got prettier. But even if I wanted silver- my parents would insist on gold.
One day I finally decided to ask my mom why they insisted on bathing us in gold…she explained that in Guyana, parents gave their girls gold jewelry as sort of marriage insurance. When the girls get married- they go live with their husbands who (naturally) control all the household income. IF things start going wrong (i.e. beatings + drinking…if it’s just one- you have to deal)…you have your own jewelry in the form of gold to pull a disappearing act- a la J-lo in “Enough”.
I appreciated the sentiment after that. And used to shake my gold bangles in my boyfriend’s faces like “i can go whenever i want. so there. you dont’ OWN me”….
arti | November 22, 2011 |