| | Published July 7th, 2021
| Looking Good in Lamorinda
| | Summer jewelry splurges, and vintage events | | By Moya Stone |  | | Lockets by?Monica Rich Kosann available at Morrison's Jewelers in Orinda Photo Morrison's Jewelers |
When we were on lockdown last year, I never stopped wearing jewelry. In fact, I dug out some long forgotten pieces. Every day I'd don something different, something I hadn't worn in ages. Wearing jewelry while staying home lifted my spirits.
It seems I wasn't the only one getting excited about jewelry. I've been reading in fashion magazines that since the pandemic, interest and priorities have shifted and there's a desire now to celebrate life and important milestones with a piece of jewelry. Even designer Marc Jacobs finally bought the Mikimoto pearl necklace he'd been wanting for years. He said in an interview for Harper's Bazaar that wearing these pearls brings him joy.
Like Jacobs, people are no longer waiting to make big jewelry splurges. "People are commemorating their occasions in a different way," says Christine Berryhill from Morrison's Jewelers in Orinda, a family-owned business that specializes in custom design jewelry pieces. Berryhill, who works in the shop with her husband, David, says that instead of buying experiences people are buying jewelry. What's popular now is both small and larger pieces, colored stones, yellow gold, and pearls. Berryhill says, "This season is all about layering." Necklaces are "neck messes" and we are stacking rings and bracelets, mixing small with large. "Everything is in," she says. Including lockets. A favorite in the Victorian era, we haven't seen a locket trend in a long time but jewelry designer Monica Rich Kosann has updated the sentimental pendants with sleek designs for a modern sensibility. Morrison's carries Kosann lockets along with other designer lines.
Lamorinda is lucky to have an array of jewelry stores. In addition to Morrison's there's Ware Designs, CG Designs and Solano Jewelers in Lafayette and Moraga Jewelers in Rheem. Berryhill says that residents in Lamorinda are aware of the importance of shopping locally and points out that when we support one shop we're also supporting the small businesses that they work with, such as engravers and repair.
For some local summer fun, slip on that new jewelry and head out to Shadelands Ranch Museum in Walnut Creek. The Walnut Creek Historical Society's next event, Summer Market & Barn Sale, is set for Sunday, Aug. 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and it promises to be a great day of outdoor shopping and eating. Jackie Byrd, Walnut Creek Historical Society Office/ Events Manager says there will be 40 or so vendors selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and antique and vintage items. Additionally, as a fundraiser, the museum will be selling some vintage items from their archives. There will also be a few informational booths. Did someone say food trucks? At least two food vendors have signed up, Golden Gate Gyros and Cousins Maine Lobster. Plus, the Shadelands house will be open for tours. Are you a vintage dealer? A crafter? Vendor applications are still being accepted. For more information visit: www.wchistory.org.
Something else happening at Shadelands Ranch Museum is Fashion Through the Years, a vintage clothing exhibition on now through Aug. 31. Displayed throughout the museum are fashions from as far back as the 19th century, many pieces donated to the museum. One standout ensemble is a World War II nurse's uniform. The museum is open Wednesdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., but check the website for possible special event closures. Masks are required.
Summertime is reading time and I recommend the memoir "Dressed in Dreams: A Black Girl's Love Letter to the Power of Fashion" by Tanisha C. Ford (St. Martin's Press). In Dreams, Ford, an associate professor of African Studies, discusses the important role fashion played in her African American community of Fort Wayne, Indiana. From her parent's colorful Dashiki shirts to baggy jeans to the hoodie to knee-high boots, she shares her childhood story and how fashion influenced her life.
Stay cool out there and go forth in style!
Moya Stone is a fashion blogger at www.overdressedforlife.com. |
 | | Photo courtesy Walnut Creek Historical Society | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA