Monday Musings- Gucci Pearls, Travel, and What I Wore
Happy Monday, ladies. We are off like a herd of turtles on our holiday. It’s a sad state of affairs when you begin packing for a three-week trip at 10:30 pm in a dark bedroom. I didn’t put the light on because my husband was already asleep…smart guy. Uber would arrive at the crack of dawn,Ā so I had to pack then. I had a few things on a rolling rack, but to be honest, I had no plan or what was going into my bags.
Packing
I know there is plenty of gray, black, and, I suspect, more black. I’d ordered a new carry-on because I thought it was larger than this blue dinosaur, but it turned out to be smaller. Ugh, best-laid plans. The vintage Hartmann personal item on top is at least 40 years old and is fading fast, but the shape is perfect.
Currently Reading
Have I ever mentioned how much I dislike flying? The meal service on flights has deteriorated to an abysmal level. For a 5 hour flight over dinner time, I had access to one cookie which I couldn’t eat because it was loaded with gluten. Yikes! We were one row behind first class and got to live vicariously through their first-class meals, complete with white fabric napkins and fawning service. They quickly ran out of tasteless Chardonnay and club soda in coach.
Gucci and Pearls
I watched The House of Gucci on my phone, which I’ve been anxious to see. It did not disappoint! I had no recollection that Maurizio Gucci was murdered. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend it.
The pearls in this movie poster have a personal story behind them. When I spotted this photo last year, I became obsessed with the baroque pearl necklace Lady Gaga is wearing. I love pearls of all kinds but have a growing appreciation for baroque ones. Their irregular non-spherical shape feels a bit less fussy than perfect ones, and their slightly edgy quality feels more modern to me.
I wanted one, so I shopped both on foot and online for a strand. The price varied widely, and so did the luster. The beauty of a real pearl for me is its luster, so I asked the Freshwater Pearl Company if they could make me one, and wow, did they ever deliver!
When my pearls arrived, I was blown away! They’re more magnificent than I expected. It’s a huge statement piece, and I adore it! The owner, Brian, liked the way it turned out, so he made a few more. Out of curiosity, he put one out at a street fair in Palm Springs and sold it in ten minutes, which confirmed for me that this was a winner.
I messaged Brian on Wednesday and told him I’d be wearing mine on this trip, so it would be showing up in my photos. Since I usually share links to what I’m wearing, he decided to put the remaining two up on his website and offer my readers a 15% discount with the code AWSL! Apparently, the discount works site-wide too. Then, Brian really made my day. He told me he named it the Jennifer necklace because it had been my idea. I’ve never had anything named after me, so that’s pretty cool.
Here’s the obligatory bathroom selfie while we waited and waited between flights š The smears you see are in the mirror, not me.
I wear tiny or no earrings with this necklace because it takes center stage, as it should. BTW- this is not a sponsored post. It’s just me sharing the most amazing necklace from a really thoughtful company.
Rain
The weather is predicted to be rainy and wet for our trip, which I am slightly prepared for. I don’t own a slicker, and wish I did…but the ship promises to have umbrellas, so it’s all good.
Thirty minutes after we took this photo, we were treated to the most amazing thunder, lightning, and rainstorm. It was glorious! We don’t get that kind of thing where we live in California, so it felt like a treat to me. I got two days of wear out of these jersey pants, which is how I will stretch my wardrobe…and yes, the suitcase is a sea of black and gray :)You can file this under I thought I’d seen it all. I’m a bit of a stickler about table manners. My mom spent a fair amount of time making sure my brothers and I learned and practiced proper table manners. I’ve always believed our manners speak loud and clear…often louder than our clothes. As we sat enjoying breakfast yesterday, I spotted a family across the room, doing the same. I noticed them because the teenage son was leaning so far over his plate, that his nose was almost on it.
How far in advance do you pack?
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
How lovely to have a bespoke necklace named for you. The pearls are lovely … and you wear them beautifully. Packing for a cruise – I’m struggling with the same thing. We leave in October for a cruise in the Mediterranean and just discovered it will not be Fall over there, but a somewhat cooler continuation of Summer! Not sure if my merino wool sweaters will be too warm (they are very lightweight). Going carryon only with a new travel tote that fits the parameters of the airline. This should be very interesting!
Have a great time on your cruise and hopefully it won’t rain too often. I think I know which cruise line you are one (I recognize the placemats). If I am correct, you will be very well cared for. Bon voyage!
Have a wonderful time on your cruise. I recommend light layers because then you can remove things if it’s too hot.
Oh, wow! I love your photo with Boston Harbor in the background. I recognize the Boston Tea Party ship and the giant milk bottle in front of the Childrenās Museum. Jennifer, did you spend much time here in historic Boston?
Sadly, we were only there one day, but we had a lot of fun walking around and enjoying the sights.
Oh Jennifer, that necklace is amazing! How nice to have such a great story to go with it. I looked on the website, but no surprise that itās already sold out.
A friend of mine has a great packing formula, 3 complete outfits, wearing everything twice and plan on doing laundry once a week. Iāve tried to stick with this, but havenāt been able to quite pull it off. Still, a great place to start. Iāve even thought to pull out what I want to take and have her come over and pick what would work. Making those final decisions is so hard! My sister and I are planning a trip to Italy in October. I know I could get away with a smaller bag, but then there would be no room for shopping! š
Jennifer, those pearls are The Bomb! Love them.
For a 3 week trip I start packing and making a list about 3 weeks in advance. I start tucking things in an open bag as I no longer need them. I also keep a running list of last minute items to pack. While this may seem crazy to some, I find it comforting to know I have planned well.
It doesn’t seem crazy to me at all…it sounds smart!
What a gorgeous necklace and to have it named after you is so special. When I saw the title of your book, I laughed, as I picked that very one up last week and have not started it yet. Will have to get on that. I have read many of the same books as you present to us. Glad you enjoyed one of our exciting thunder storms, I love to listen to them while staying cosy and dry. The cruise will speed by so quickly, so wishing you wonderful memories and a safe trip back home. They say the airports are getting better, but still frustrating. I do tend to make many lists and spend a couple weeks sorting before packing, and then put half his and half mine in each case just for sanity reasons.
Have a wonderful time.
Black and gray work for me. Love the pearls.
Love love ā¤ļø love your pearls!
You look smashing in them
I pack ahead also
We are off to a river cruise in France in September & I think we should take rain coats. I start watching the weather forcast several weeks ahead.
Have a wonderful trip
Have a wonderful trip! We loved our riverboat cruise.
So great to go on this trip with those beautiful pearls. Even better to have them named after you. I love my pearls. I have a short strand and a long strand that was my mom’s. Also love fresh water pearls. Have a wonderful trip.
You’re so lucky to have strands that your mom wore.Thank you!
The Jennifer pearls are fantastic! You wear them well. Love to know where and what line you are cruising. We are cruising Oceania in November. I too find the planning is a big part of the fun. We will be gone for 3 weeks, 15 days at sea, and 5 in Barcelona pre-cruise. I would love to see your capsule wardrobe. I think will be black, and white with cobalt blue as an accent color. I bought a terrific art glass necklace with cobalt beads yesterday. I do think I may need to get a light slicker for possible rain storms. Packing light but for both winter and tropical weather is my challenge. That and having daytime trekking wear and dressy pieces for the evening. Love your sense of classic style. Have a wonderful trip.
Cobalt will be stunning with the black and white!
I’m definitely a pre-packer as also do it for my husband, leaving only toiletries for the last as otherwise I’d be a basket-case …. lol! As to the young man you observed; perhaps he does have a disability however table manners are something I too was taught given reason why with my own children and theirs I insist they sit at the table for meals and not perched on a stool at the kitchen Island that appears to be the norm these day with often a technical device within their reach which are a BIG no-no for me. Last but not least; do love your pearl necklace and what a honour to have them named after you and wishing you and your hubby a wonderful and safe trip. -Brenda-
P.S. My father prior to switching careers, as a young man worked in the jewelry industry whose specialty was gems with pearls being one of them. Fast forward; after the demise of both parents I came across a (large wooden) box that contained many supplies which were used for stringing pearls that included an assortment of beautiful vintage clasps some of which were sold and others were used in designed anklets that were given to each of his five Grand Daughters as a memory token .
You found a real treasure!!
I travel frequently and use a spreadsheet with packing lists. Packing thoughtfully brings me joy at the destination! Plus my bags are completely packed and ready to go the day before travel day, so I get a good nightās sleep. And pack lots of mix and match color as I love color. Have fun! Just curious, which cruise line are you on?
You are so smart!!
Was that the street fair in Palm Springs or the street fair at the college in Palm Desert? I know there is a pearl vendor at the Palm Desert location & Iāve purchased some items from them. Also every year at the clubhouse we have a pearl presentation with the most astounding collection of pearls that I attend every year. Will look for the baroque pearls when the college street fair reopens for the season next week. I begin packing weeks in advance; Iām an under packer & Iāve found myself without essentials on way too many trips. My rain slicker folds into itself & I bring it on most of our trips just in case. I bought it at the North Face outlet in Cabazon years ago. Have a great time on your trip!
I think he was in Palm Springs! His things are so lovely.
The necklace is lovely! Let’s just acknowledge that manners are a class thing. I worked with someone who had no idea how to approach a table setting b/c his parents didn’t know. Eating from a plate, though. is inexcusable. I always pack from a list, laying out and weeding out my choices. Years ago, I gave the whole family emergency ponchos that fit in the car glove compartment – inexpensive and take no room at all. Umbrellas don’t cut it if rain is being whipped around by wind.
The wind changes everything, I agree.
Quite a few years ago, I lost my luggage to the London airport for the entire time we were gone. Fortunately, I had a backup outfit with a few purchases along the way that got me through the trip. Decisions were easy, Iāll give it that! What do you or your readers recommend for a carryon bag these days? I think Iāve learned my lesson!
Enjoy your trip! I love this blog!
Carryon bags especially those for under the seat are tricky in coach or the cheaper fare sections for travel within the US for me . As the room under the seat varies with each airline & with each seat location. It feels like a āGoldilocks ā situation for me.
I too am curious to hear what others suggest.
I agree. I find aisle seats have the least amount of space and yet, they are my favorite seat.
Wow Jennifer, your necklace is so beautiful! It looks stunning on you!
We are leaving on Sunday for a 5 week trip and checking luggage. But hear me out! We live near Ottawa, but are taking the train to Toronto and flying from there to Glasgow, so are hoping that our cases will make it. We will spend a couple of weeks around Scotland, then are flying to Southampton to board a ship to New York for a 12-day cruise, flying back home after two days in NYC. I took my suitcase out about 2 weeks ago and, similar to an earlier commenter, I pack then begin to weed out. Have a wonderful trip!
Your trip sounds amazing!! Have a wonderful time. Have a great time on yours.
The pearls are beautiful and I am obsessed with them. Saw them on Lady Gaga and I wanted them. Jennifer pearls are my goal. Now I just have to save my pennies.
Have a wonderful trip.
The āJenniferā pearls are beautiful. So cool you have a piece of jewelry named after you.
Enjoy your cruise š¢ completely.
Thanks so much, Lin
It must be a ‘Deborah’ thing, I plan my wardrobe as soon as I book a trip, even if it’s a year in advance. I also pick a colour scheme, and take photos or grab images from the website of each piece I plan to take. I decide what I will be wearing everyday depending on activities, we usually cruise so I know if it is a sea day or port. I will even do this for short trips, weekends away or a week long trip. I put outfits together and hang them on a door to take a photo. I print my packing list and wardrobe items and place them in a plastic sheet protector which I hang up near the closet. I never have to think…”what will I wear today?”. I always pack two days in advance in case I need to replace anything.
You are amazingly organized! Bravo
I am jealous of your trip too! What is the name of your carry-on suitcase? I would have loved to seen a picture of all your clothes and how you packed all in that suitcase! Maybe a tutorial in the future?
You always look lovely and with those pearls- wow! Amazingly beautiful!
Your packing resembles mine- neutrals with a scarf, kimono or necklace or belt in a bold color.
I pack a but ahead but only nighties, tees or camisoles and undies or shoes. The order of things might vary. I do layout or hang in a dedicated spot items I refer to as āpossiblesā or probables and then finish it all the day before we leave. I still pack lightly as I did when we were visiting in Europe more than we are now. My shoes or boots were the most crucial as we walked everywhere back then. Hope you have a great time- relaxing! Shopping?
I must have missed something- where is your cruise taking you? If an umbrella doesnāt keep you dry, shopping for a slicker or raincoat shouldnāt be too hard š
How fun to have a necklace named after you!
I pack ahead of time, we spent 3 months in Italy with a 25ā suitcase ( now I would take a carry on, because of miss placed luggage). I did pretty well. I think I learned along the way what works, it just takes practice. Finding comfortable walking shoes takes time, so I start early.
Have fun, enjoy the rain, stay safe!
Hi! Having Justin returned from a quick trip to the UK and Amsterdam, and taking only carryon, I felt so pleased that I could actually do it now that I am home. I agree anticipation of your trip is half the fun! Plan ahead but do carryon only! Most people do these days.
Sue
Enjiy yuyr holiday.. yiu always look smashing!
Iām so jealous of both your cruise And your beautiful necklace, named after you. How cool is that. Our last cruise was to be in May 2020, we all know how that turned out š¤¬š¢ . Cancelled a week after we had paid the finally amount.
Hope you have a wonderful time and send lots of pictures so I can live vicariously thru you.
Oh, Iām a Deborah type packer. Not the drawingās but do lay stuff out on the bed. My process is a little different ( Iām that over packer) I lay out everything I want to take, a lot of stuff. Then start weeding it out, slowly getting down to a workable wardrobe. Hoping for a 5 day trip in October. Going to try using a carry on and tote, wish me luck.š¤Ŗ
Thank you, Julie.
Have a fabulous trip Jennifer ! Those pearls are just so beautiful l love the irregularity. Enjoy your time away š
The necklace is beautiful, and having it named after you is the icing on the cake. How fun is that? I hope you have a wonderful time (and not too much rain!š¤š»).
Thanks, Jo.
Your pearl necklace is stunning and it’s so cool that they named it after you! Enjoy your trip.
Oops I did it again! Your recommendations are just the best:) I’ve been looking, since they had my only 3 year old granddaughter’s ears pierced, for affordable child’s jewelry. Nordstrom’s mignonette line runs close to $100, but this freshwater pearl company was the perfect fit for me at $42, thanks again for your diligent research and recommendation. Enjoy your trip!
Their prices are wonderful, I agree.
I am the butt of jokes among my friends because I start planning months ahead of a trip. I pick a color palette and stick to it – it makes planning/packing/dressing so much easier! I write/draw my wardrobe pieces on paper that I will take, depending on length of trip, activities , weather -3-4 pants, 6-8 shirts, next layer and outer layer if needed. I draw shoes and accessories as well. The next step is to lay the pieces out on a bed (luckily I have extra bedrooms these days) and mix and match outfits that way. I always try on my outfits to make sure they work. This way I have ample time to fill in any cracks in my travel wardrobe. I enjoy the planning stage of packing and it has served me well. Your advice has proven invaluable. Have a great trip!
I do this too, Deborah! Planning the trip is a big part of the fun for me. I tuck my ādaily outfit listā in my suitcase ( always a carryon, even for two weeks) . I can vary from it, and do, especially when I shop at my destination!
I do usually plan ahead to the point of being neurotic about it so this was a first for me š