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I Did A Thing, vol. 37: More Upcycled Jewelry!

It’s been a hot minute since I posted an update on my craft project, so guess what? You’re in luck. Okay, maybe “luck” is a subjective choice of words here; I know some of you are only interested in my fashion content. This is sort of fashion-adjacent? I’ve been focusing exclusively on jewelry upcycling efforts lately, and I guess that counts as “accessories”, right? Let’s take a look.

My recent pieces fall into one of two categories: polymer clay pieces, or embroidered pieces. The latter are more time-consuming, in general, so my output there is lower; by comparison, polymer clay pieces take less time to create, but getting the raw materials has been difficult. Stones, in particular, have been difficult to source in the size and condition that I want. I’m wary of sourcing them online, without being able to handle/see the stones before I buy, but I also have limited options to purchase locally. I would love the chance to attend a gem tradeshow but, for obvious reasons, that’s not currently in the cards. Polymer clay has also been surprisingly hard to source lately; it’s sold out all over the place! I guess lots of people are exploring their creative sides.

For my embroidery-based projects, recently I was fortunate enough to receive a huge box of textile scraps from a friend’s relative who was wrapping up her seamstress business. These are high quality fabrics in some amazing patterns, so they’ve really inspired me to indulge my maximalist flights of fancy (as you will see). I love being able to take scraps and other odds and ends, and making something I think is beautiful out of them.

So, without further ado:

This is the Catherine necklace (named after Catherine II of Russia). With these more ornate pieces, I decided to draw inspiration for their names from various queens.

This is the Fortuna necklace. I got the inspiration for it from a broken brooch (shaped like a cornucopia) that someone gave me to upcycle.

The Medusa necklace. While most of my pieces are available for sale, some I end up keeping for myself. This is one of them. It was one of my first pieces using black clay, and I am obsessed now.

The Alexandrina necklace – named after Queen Victoria (who was known by her first name while growing up).

The Tory necklace. This one has a more unusual back story: I was inspired by the fabric of a Tory Burch skirt I saw on Poshmark. Hence the name!

These earrings had no name, but I was inspired by the interesting, big, geometric shape of the metal pieces. They’re a bit heavier than I normally like (due to the metal components), but I think they’re such a cool statement piece.

Another piece that I didn’t properly name. I’ve been trying to get more creative about using jewelry odds and ends. This was made from bits of 4 different necklaces.

The Trident necklace. No explanation required 🙂

Another untitled piece. I guess you can say I like dangly pieces.

The Antoinette necklace, named after, who else, Marie Antoinette. This was such a fun piece to make – I love the intricate gold lace (part of my box of scraps).

The Diana necklace. I have been using names from Greek mythology for most of my clay pieces, but made an exception here to choose the Roman version instead because it also happens to be an anagram for my name, and this is one of my fave pieces.

The Arachne necklace. Inspired by a heroine from Greek mythology who challenged the goddess Athena to a weaving contest, and proved to good for her own good. She ended up as a spider. I love how this piece turned out.

The Margot necklace, named after Marguerite of Navarra (aka la reine Margot) – daughter of Henry II of France and the infamous Catherine de Medici, and wife of Henry IV.

Another untitled piece, also currently in my personal collection. It has a certain brutalist flair that I really like. The stones are raw rainbow fluorites (like many of the other pieces above).

More to come … a promise or a threat 😉

What I Wore: End of January 2021

Tulle Explosion

I “upgraded” my tulle skirt into a real tulle explosion and I couldn’t be happier, hah. I put quotation marks around upgraded because it’s not a real upgrade, quality-wise; my old tulle skirt was Boohoo and this one is Chicwish, so both are fast fashion. But until the tulle Dior skirt of my dreams comes up at the thrifts, I will take this. I love the tiers upon tiers of tulle – it’s so frothy and swishy and fun. I’ve been wanting to try this total fantasy lewk of tulle paired with a blazer for while, and recently rediscovered this old Theory plaid wool number which proved to be a good choice. Slapped a belt on for extra waist definition and — voila! A lovely confection, if I do say so myself.

The Cool Spectrum

It’s no secret that I love cool colours – blues, greens, and purples have long been my favourites. This outfit checks off a lot of boxes for me, in addition to colours. I love the mix of textures, the chunky knits, and of course, that wonderful midi skirt I love so much. I think I could honestly wear it every week, with everything in my closet, and never be bored of it. It’s rare to have an item purchased online work out so well, but I am so grateful I found this one. I am also really fond of my accessories here, especially after I added one of my own creations to the mix:

Back to the Past

I’ve never been super into nostalgic clothing until recently, but now it seems to hit differently. I have a newfound appreciation for stuff from the 80s and 90s. Not all of it, of course, but some. This tee was a fun thrift find; I love the colours, and I thought they would really pop with my old pink coat. The heartbreak came later … when my son asked me what the heck Back to the Future meant. Oy! There is some movie education in his future, I think.

Black and White

This monochrome Oak & Fort sweater was a bit of an impulse buy on Poshmark, but I couldn’t resist the graphic colour-blocking – it’s so unusual. I also love the sleeves, although they’re perhaps a bit too voluminous for real life. One thing I wasn’t expecting is how cropped it is; it was hard to gauge that from stock photos. I don’t mind, but it will change a bit how I can style this sweater. More layering (as with this culotte jumpsuit), and fewer low-waisted bottoms. But, let’s face it, that’s my motto in general.

Recent Purchases: Return of the Thrift

Yes, friends, thrifting is back. Sort of. I don’t go as often as I used, nor to as many stores (just the one closest to my house), nor for as long … but even the shortest of visits feels like a gift that I’m not taking for granted. As for Poshmark, well, it is always there. Too much there, if you get what I mean. But don’t let me get ahead of myself. What did I buy recently? Read on.

Pilcro floral jeans (thrifted)

It is no secret, I love Grandma’s Floral Couch Part Deux. I haven’t spent much time in the last 6 months looking at the denim racks, so I am glad I happened to be walking by one day and spotted these. They are stretchy and comfy, which is the only kind of denim I will accept these days. I can’t wait to style them this spring/summer.

Wilfred Cyprie dress (thrifted)

This is the dress version of one of my fave sweaters. I love the details – the sleeves, in particular. It’s a dress meant to be worn loose/baggy, but the slit keeps it from being too potato sack-y. Plus, it can be belted for extra oomph. Speaking of which …

MaxMara belt (Poshmark)

This was one of those “I see it, I want it, I make an offer” situations. I love the chunky resin links, and could imagine so many styling possibilities in my head – I had to have it. I paid $63 (including shipping) which wasn’t cheap, but it was so worth it for this one-of-a-kind belt.

Alexis Bittar ring (Poshmark)

This was a lucky find – the listing had a good price, and I was able to negotiate a bit, to end up with a real score – $31 (including shipping) for this gorgeous Alexis Bittar rings. This is one of my fave jewelry brands, and I love the unusual design and the colours of this ring.

Sarah Coventry necklace (Poshmark)

The next few purchases I ordered on Poshmark before Christmas as gifts from my husband. That guy has it so easy, I swear #kiddingnotkidding Anyway, this Sarah Coventry necklace caught my eye because it had a brutalist feel to it.

J. Crew necklace (Poshmark)

I loved the confetti-like rhinestone design of this necklace, and I got a pretty good deal on a bundle with some Rifle Paper Co. notebooks (it was $18 shipped).

Maria Cornejo dress (Poshmark)

Another great deal – this still had tags on it, and I paid $115 shipped — over 90% off retail. I love the soft velour fabric; it feels like pyjamas or maybe a fancy bathrobe, but can be easily dressed way, way up.

Moon face ring & labradorite ring (Poshmark)

Another great bundle – I paid $38 shipped for both. The little moon face ring just tickled my fancy; I love anything with moon, sun or star motifs. And labradorite is my favourite stone, so I was pumped to find this ring (set in silver) for a low price. I have a lot of green-flashing labradorite, but blue-flashing stones like this one are more rare.

Stella & Dot necklace bundle (Poshmark)

I love Stella & Dot jewelry, and I was able to bundle these two necklace for a great deal, again ($35 shipped). The first necklace is one I used to own, in a slightly different version. It’s reversible; mine was aqua blue on one side, and brown on the other. This one is also aqua blue, but the reverse is … surprise! … a labradorite. The listing photo wasn’t super clear, but I took a risk and it paid off, as this stone has a beautiful flash to it.

The second necklace appealed to me because I loved the green stone. It’s a simple design but so striking. And then the seller surprised me by adding in the matching earrings as an extra. How lovely!

Marimekko x H&M skirt (Poshmark)

I was drawn to the print of this skirt, which reminded me of Marni. Marimekko is, of course, famous for its prints. I took a risk because the skirt was size 6, and I know that H&M fits small. And … it does. Luckily, I can *just* squeeze into it, and it’s a good thing too because it’s such a cool skirt.

Anthropologie t-shirt (thrifted)

I thought this was a cute graphic tee. Love those umbrellas!

Golden open jacket (thrifted)

This jacket is right up my alley – open, soft, and semi-structured. I like the embroidery detail, and the colour is very versatile for my closet. I think it will look great with denim and, ummm, maybe those Pilcro floral jeans too.

Wilfred Cipriana dress (Poshmark)

I’ve been hunting for this dress for years now, and I finally managed to find it for a good-ish price ($48 including shipping). This wasn’t the colourway I had originally planned to get, but I think it actually works better for my wardrobe palette. It’s the same knit as my beloved Cipriana sweater, which I bought last year; it’s super thick and soft, not itchy at all.

Turquoise ring (Poshmark)

Honestly, I think one of my favourite things to stalk on Poshmark are inexpensive semi-precious stone rings. I spent a long time looking for the perfect shade of turquoise stone, and finally ring popped up AND it was a great deal ($30 shipped). I am obsessed with this ring!

H&M tulle dress (Poshmark)

Impulse buy, but no regrets. It’s everything I’m into at the moment – tiers, tulle, volume, big sleeves. I paid $28 shipped, which is more than I’d spend at the thrift store, but worth it for what it is and how much joy it brings me. I have decided to hunt down the cream version as well; I think it might be even more interesting to style. Or perhaps this can be my winter dress, and the light colour, the summer dress. Or … good Adina, bad Adina? So many possibilities.

Oak & Fort sweater (Poshmark)

Speaking of … how cool is this sweater? It was something I stumbled onto randomly, and purchased immediately. I love its graphic simplicity and, of course, the sleeves are so very cool.

What have you bought and/or loved recently?