So yesterday I realized that my childhood is essentially "vintage" now. It was a hard pill to swallow but I've made peace with it. The truth is, we had some cool (and slightly deranged) things in the70s and 80s. No wonder people are discovering them now and enjoying them anew.
For example, there are some pieces of jewelry I owned that are now turning up on sites like Etsy and eBay. If only I had kept these beauties in my jewel box! A few of my favourites:
For example, there are some pieces of jewelry I owned that are now turning up on sites like Etsy and eBay. If only I had kept these beauties in my jewel box! A few of my favourites:
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/1/6/16161574/3227630.jpg)
A tweet little brooch. I used to call this my Tweety bird brooch, even though technically it was just a bird not actually Tweety. (I'm sure it was trying to be Tweety-like without actually getting sued for royalties.)
The bird was on a small spring and would wiggle every-so-slightly if the cage was tapped. That made it extra special, of course.
One thing I will say about jewelry from my childhood. While it was made out of plastic, it wasn't cheap plastic. It was sturdy stuff. No wonder these things show up on Etsy in pristine condition.
The bird was on a small spring and would wiggle every-so-slightly if the cage was tapped. That made it extra special, of course.
One thing I will say about jewelry from my childhood. While it was made out of plastic, it wasn't cheap plastic. It was sturdy stuff. No wonder these things show up on Etsy in pristine condition.
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/1/6/16161574/61174.jpg)
Is there anything more vintage than a bunny on roller skates?! This was another classic, also from Avon. There were two fantastic things about this:
1. The legs moved. (I'm not sure that would wow me now, but to a child it was awesome.)
2. The back opened and had a compact of solid perfume. A brooch and cosmetics in one! What would they think of next? I'm not sure the perfume was one that you'd want a child slathering all over the place but oh well.
1. The legs moved. (I'm not sure that would wow me now, but to a child it was awesome.)
2. The back opened and had a compact of solid perfume. A brooch and cosmetics in one! What would they think of next? I'm not sure the perfume was one that you'd want a child slathering all over the place but oh well.
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/1/6/16161574/3026335.jpg?93)
Hold me closer, tiny dancer! I'm seeing a theme here with the jewelry - all of these pieces moved. In this case, the ballerina's legs would go back and forth.
I loved, loved, loved this necklace. I was fascinated with all things ballet, especially since my own experience with lessons was so sadly short-lived. This little necklace was so pretty and dainty - it always felt like a special day when I was wearing it. It reminded me of these cake decorations I had at one of my birthdays. (In fact, I seem to recall we re-used them year after year, because that's the way you did it in the 70s.)
I loved, loved, loved this necklace. I was fascinated with all things ballet, especially since my own experience with lessons was so sadly short-lived. This little necklace was so pretty and dainty - it always felt like a special day when I was wearing it. It reminded me of these cake decorations I had at one of my birthdays. (In fact, I seem to recall we re-used them year after year, because that's the way you did it in the 70s.)
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/1/6/16161574/1408244840.jpg)
Making a cameo appearance. This final piece is the only one that didn't move but it was still very special. Like most of my jewelry, Tracy had a matching one too. This necklace was so pretty - small, delicate and a bit old-fashioned.
You don't see cameo very often nowadays, which makes me think it's due for a comeback any time. The few times I have seen a piece, it's been a bit too modern for my taste. I love the look of the 1880's pompadour style in the profile, as opposed to something like this where the silhouette is more contemporary. Cameo blue would be my preference, although it is very pretty in that vintage pink shade as well. (Why did I ever let it go? What was I thinking?!)
Those are just a few pieces from my childhood. I didn't have a lot of jewelry, which made it all the more special when my parents would give me something new. Of course, when I got older and I had my own spending money (plus pierced ears) I expanded my collection. I'm not sure that my taste was always impeccable though! Michael Jackson earrings? Oy! Thankfully I think my style has improved over time. My collection now is less plastic, more gemstone. (And most definitely does not include tributes to pop stars!)
You don't see cameo very often nowadays, which makes me think it's due for a comeback any time. The few times I have seen a piece, it's been a bit too modern for my taste. I love the look of the 1880's pompadour style in the profile, as opposed to something like this where the silhouette is more contemporary. Cameo blue would be my preference, although it is very pretty in that vintage pink shade as well. (Why did I ever let it go? What was I thinking?!)
Those are just a few pieces from my childhood. I didn't have a lot of jewelry, which made it all the more special when my parents would give me something new. Of course, when I got older and I had my own spending money (plus pierced ears) I expanded my collection. I'm not sure that my taste was always impeccable though! Michael Jackson earrings? Oy! Thankfully I think my style has improved over time. My collection now is less plastic, more gemstone. (And most definitely does not include tributes to pop stars!)