DIY-Inspired Maison Martin Margiela Jewelry

I was browsing the sale content on Eluxury (since their current promotion offers an additional 40% off bags and accessories) and came upon a series of Maison Martin Margiela jewelry items that appear to be DIY, recycled, or recession-inspired. I can't quite figure out which. The prices are not very recession-friendly (even on sale, with 40% off) . I wonder if on some level, Margiela's pieces are manifestations of the pressure to "go green?" What do you think? Are they being tongue in cheek about DIY fashion or about the global economic downturn?

Regardless of the motivation or the meaning behind the pieces, the recession-unfriendly pricing means that I intend to make my own version of the can tab necklace. This statement necklace looks so grand, despite the mundanity of the found objects that assemble to form it! I don't drink much soda or beer (in cans, anyway) so I will need to collect the tabs in various sizes toward this project, somehow. I made many a paper clip necklace in my youth so I will pass on that one. And I'm just not sure of how I feel about the cork necklace. I think it would be difficult to not look like you were essentially wearing "garbage."

If the bow on this bow cuff was made of metal, I would actually consider purchasing it (for the right price)! The bow might be metal, but I can't quite tell. It looks like just a regular gift wrap bow, though.

I will keep you posted on the progress of my DIY can tab necklace... though it might be a while for me to accumulate all those tabs without drinking the liquids in the containers that have them!

Mail Call Makes It Easy To Come Home! Wolfords, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Jack Spade

Whenever I travel I request that the postal carrier (via the USPS website) to hold my mail so I can pick it up all at once when I return. The anticipation of getting a week's mail in one giant stack consumes me during the often bittersweet voyage home. This time was no different. When I got back from NYC I went to the post office eager for what had accumulated, which included a few packages.

Among the items included some discount hosiery. I wore these heart print Wolford tights in Thyme (green) with a Diane von Furstenberg Nadine dress, BCBG ruffled pumps, and a Marc by Marc Jacobs softy max purse to teach my Advertising class at Pitt last Thursday.

They were custom purchased for me by Clara on Fashionism from TJ Maxx. She shipped them swiftly and included a sweet note. I was so excited to get them when I got home from New York. I love them and have worn them a bunch already! They are pretty versatile for a printed style in a unique color.

I also came home to an "extra 50% off sale" Eluxury.com order in which I bought this Marc by Marc Jacobs Dita Lace Dress.

I love the layers of pleated lace at the collar, cuffs, and hem. I've already worn it a few times, usually with colored tights, and double strap mary janes. It was my OOTN to Chris's birthday party, and for my Tuesday classes, and it has elicited many compliments.

I wasn't the only one who came home to packages. Chris's order from the online sample sale website, Gilt Groupe (click for an invite), arrived. He got an incredible deal on a Jack Spade tech bag.

He hasn't used it yet because he also got a Fred Perry messenger bag for his birthday. But it will be a great option in his growing manbag collection. :)

To come home to these packages in addition to the stacks of magazines and mail and can be exhilarating. But I am going to need to curb my consumption to make up for a rather spendy February and early March!