ACCESSORIZING LIKE MY MAMA

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Mom in Trinidad & Tobago in the 1970's 

Mom in Trinidad & Tobago in the 1970's 

I love accessories and if you keep up with me that shouldn't come as a surprise. I mean, I have a weakness for all accessories and I blame my Mom entirely. Yes Joan, if you're reading this, it's all your fault!

Growing up I would be in awe of Mom's extensive collection and played with all her pieces. She has accessories in every color, size and shape. From jewelry, to belts, to scarves, sunglasses and shoes; that woman is the #accessoryqueen. 

When Mom was younger and lived in Guyana, some (not all) folks didn't appreciate her sense of style and how much she accessorized and layered her pieces. They criticized her for doing the most. Guyana is a wonderful country with a rich culture but our views, especially that of women can often be very traditional. A woman should "know her place", dress and act accordingly. Self expression and individuality (especially when it shows up in a very different way) is not always embraced and you might even get a "cut-eye" or two from a few.

The style scene from my experience in my younger years when I lived in Guyana was frequently a show and tell and less about the expression of individuality. I mean, I love a good fashion show (on and off the runway) but it was more about brand names and material possessions. Mom always encouraged us to be ourselves and in her own way challenged us to be different. She would design our clothes and  style us often saying "That will look different, you know!"

Mom mentioned how she "toned it down" for a bit in her younger days after being criticized for her accessories and that she didn't know better or have many outlets of encouragement as we do now. I tried to imagine what toning it down meant for my Mom and all I could picture her doing was removing one of her multiple necklaces while rocking her earrings, scarf, purse, sunglasses, rings and bright lipstick. My Mom doesn't do minimal even when she tries and was simply born to stand out. I'm happy to report that #IGotItFromMyMama!!!

I post a a lot of my accessories on IG from my very own collection and often get asked for sources. Today I'm linking to similar pieces as many of my accessories are vintage, belonged to Mom or are no longer available. If I pick up something more recent, I'll throw it in there as well. Enjoy! 


YOU TOUCAN HAVE IT! 

Yellow mules, vintage Toucan bangle & Mom's beaded collar that was handmade by Amerindian crafters in Guyana. 

Yellow mules, vintage Toucan bangle & Mom's beaded collar that was handmade by Amerindian crafters in Guyana. 


STRAWBERRY GOOD 

Floral embellished sunglasses, vintage strawberry print scarf & vintage 60's raffia purse with 3D strawberries 

Floral embellished sunglasses, vintage strawberry print scarf & vintage 60's raffia purse with 3D strawberries 


TALLY ME BANANA

DIY Tutti-Frutti sunnies, DIY fruit heels (coming soon), tropical fruit pinup hair accessory, Mom's vintage carrot brooch 

DIY Tutti-Frutti sunnies, DIY fruit heels (coming soon), tropical fruit pinup hair accessory, Mom's vintage carrot brooch 

COOL CACTUS 

80's inspired heels, cactus dish, metallic-gold cactus print scarf and Mom's 80's architectural earrings 

80's inspired heels, cactus dish, metallic-gold cactus print scarf and Mom's 80's architectural earrings