11.1.10

Keys


Keys have suddenly become an interesting symbol for me.  This interest started around Christmas time when I couldn't think of what to buy my sister.  I went to this local, privately owned gift shop hoping beyond hope that she would just have something that would bridge the gap between my ignorance of what she would like and thoughtfulness.  I did find something, a liquid silver bracelet that I happened to love as well.  As I was checking out I noticed a bowl of random keys, and one had the word happiness on it and one had wisdom.  I asked aloud, "What do you think is more important, Happiness or Wisdom?" I still wasn't sure what I thought, since I think they are intertwined a bit, but for my sister I chose happiness since I already thought she was wise beyond her years and didn't think It was making her very happy at the time.

Last week I had a dream about my childhood home and the insecure feeling I had about all the doors being unlocked.  I also pointed out that my sister and I never had house keys.  I was not very happy that day, but pearls of wisdom came from all corners of the world and the next day, that wisdom was the key to my happiness.  Shortly after, I received a package in the mail from a very sweet and generous person named Courtney.  Inside was a key, cast in brass from recycled bullet shells.  The gesture alone got to me but what really freaked me out was that a key close to my heart, was the most appropriate trinket to remind me about the lessons I have learned so recently.

My outfit today was pretty much built around this gift.  I have also wanted to mix these prints for a while and thought the plain black dress would be the proper base to let everything else shine.  The picture of me and my sister was taken a week after my son was born (I am still physically trying to hold my stomach skin up since my muscles were severed in the C section.)

36 comments:

Jen said...

I love how pretty much everything you wear has a fascinating story behind it. Keys are so symbolic - I use them in my jewellery lots and you can get some great, antique-looking styles.

You look so different with blonde hair! :)

Unknown said...

What a sweeeeeeet gift! That key is beautiful! Such a sweet meaning...

Check you out with your blonde hair! Thank you for sharing this picture of you and your sister!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely and well-timed gift. And I adore the outfit you built around the necklace, ESPECIALLY that belt!

K said...

Oh my goodness, I didn't even recognize you with that blonde hair! That's a beautiful picture of the two of you.

That key necklace was a very nice gift too. I love the outfit you built around it.

merl said...

move to wisconsin already.. i swear the snow isn't that bad.. (ya right, i hate it)

love the bangs!! we are so 'hip' ha. i love your stories.. makes it a pleasure to stalk your blog everyday ;)

Sidewalk Chic said...

What a gorgeous photo of you two!
Love your outfit and your key necklace - and the story behind it, of course! :) - JoAnn, Sidewalk Chalk

Academichic said...

This is one of my favorite outfits thus far - so simple and elegant and I love your hair pulled back like that too (although I love your hair in every incarnation, it's just so pretty).

What a thoughtful gift you received and what a beautiful homage to it with this post and outfit. S

Corie said...

I love this outfit...then again, I love every outfit you add on your blog. And the necklace is simple, yet beautiful.

Elle said...

Your belt is absolutely adorable!

Jessica said...

Lovely key, I've been wanting a key necklace forever. You look great.

Anonymous said...

First of all, great outfit (as always)!

Secondly, I just wanted to say how inspirational you are. I usually don't comment--not a blogger myself--but I feel like I need to this time. You are wise, thoughtful, and full of joy. I'm still a teen and reading this blog is a reminder that I don't need to be like the adults in my life. Thank you.

-MM

Anonymous said...

I do not usually comment either, but I think you are so inspirational and so very wise. Your writing is always honest and sincere and your thoughts are very encouraging.

piglet said...

The key necklace is lovely, and I love how it has such meaning for you.
Plus the outfit is wonderful, especially how you tied the scarf.

Amanda said...

This was such a great post. When I graduated a few years ago, family friends that I've known since I was 5 got me a key necklace and said to always remember the ones I love are the only ones with keys to my heart. It was such a sweet gesture and you just reminded me of it :]

fadetoblack said...

ust found your blog vis chictopia!
you have great style and i love your blog!!++

cadencesmama said...

love your blog - you inspire me! and i had a c-section too =)

Idée Géniale said...

ok 1. My mom asked me to pick up a present at Tiffany's for my sister and I walked out of there with a key! k, it wasn't vintage or antique but she loved it, it was really her.

2. Love how you styled your fringe today! it's more noticable today more so than yesterdays for some reason.

3. Oh blonde hair! I too had blonde hair ALL throughout highschool and a little time afterwards too.
Hmm, we really are similar, although you're so much wiser than me. can you move to Brooklyn please? I need you in my life. your hubby and boy can come too!

Anonymous said...

gorgeous outfit! i love it & even more, the lovely and meaningful story behind it :]

C said...

You look so different as a blond! Seriously, though, I love the key story/connections. Also, you look lovely.

megannielsen said...

I love that necklace! I'm pretty obsessed with Key pendants at the moment too, but I think my reasons are more to do with some brainwashing from Tiffany's :)

Brittany said...

I love hearing such touching stories, especially when you can translate them to an outfit!

You and your sister look so much alike! You look great as a blonde too! Gosh.. a WEEK after you gave birth??? I can only hope I'm as lucky as you :)

And as for the outfit.. simply lovely. In love with the tights and key necklace!

Anonymous said...

I love key jewelry, no idea why, but I collect it. it doesn't have as meaningful of a story as this though

and its so different to see you as a blonde but you look great

Sonya said...

You and your sister look so much alike! Love your outfit though, and the reason behind it!

www.sonyasark.blogspot.com

Rebecca, A Clothes Horse said...

Interesting post. I found a key necklace at a thrift store once and it spurred this really strong daydream all hinging on a ring...
The ring from bullet shells sounds cool; like all this hidden depth and history.
Love your belt; really cool.

Anonymous said...

I love your blog so much for the different stories you tell about the clothes. Seriously.

And what a lovely outfit. The tights are awesome.

Marie McGrath (The Joy of Fashion) said...

Hi!! I just wanted to let you know that I love your sense of style! I awarded one of your outfits as my outfit of the week on my blog. I added a link back to your blog of course. You can check it out at www.thejoyoffashion.blogspot.com

Keep up the good work!

Oh, and btw, I was trying to figure out what was your name since its not written on your blog, and I guessed it was Marie because of the name of your shop. If I'm wrong, please send me an email at thejoyoffashion @ hotmail.com and I will correct it right away! :)

sfordinarygirl said...

I've been lurking for a long time but finally had to comment. Your outfit posts interwined with the beautiful, thoughtful and touching stories are wonderful. I love how you take something simple and mix it with interesting accessories like the key necklace and the funky tights.

B a la Moda said...

What a beautiful story. Life teaches us every day. Love the key! Hope it opens the door to many good things. ;)

xoxo
B* a la Moda

juliamarisa said...

when i found a bowl of keys at an antique store i immediately started digging for the perfect one. i knew i wanted a key necklace. its cool that yours is made of bullet shells, though also a bit eerie.

Jolie said...

What a sweet gift and your outfit revolving around it is Perfect! Love the booties and your scarf tucked in!
You were a sassy little blonde and you looked great for just having a c-section, after mine I look hagard! lol
xoxo Jolie

Unknown said...

Wow as your mom, it is interesting how much I am learning from YOU!!! You have made me so very proud of you! You are an amazingly smart person with much wisdom, well beyond your years... Use those keys, pearls and what not to unlock more doors. Don't be afraid of them... I pray God continues to bless you with all you need to touch more and more people!!! Keep up the incredible work!!!
You, your sister, and both your bothers are MY most amazing creations!!!
Love always your mom!!

Coco said...

Wow you and your sister look so much alike; both gorgeous! You look so cute as a blonde! Beautiful gift, I also like to go through bowl of vintage key at vintage store... even thought before reading you post I never really thought of a meaning for them!

Jason said...

You have a great blog here. I like reading personal blogs, luckily I found yours today. I have a blog myself which brings inspiration and guidance to people all around the world. Life is hard enough, and I hope that my site can provide even the slightest bit of happiness and guidance to anyone's day.

I'd like to exchange links with you to help spread some traffic around between each other. Please let me know if this is possible. Until then, keep up the good work.

Jason
TheWISDOMWALL.com

anon said...

i think the black broke up the prints really well!

i hope you feel much better now. there was a period of time i couldn't sleep either because my mother would wander into my room at night around 3 am and i was and still am a light sleeper. when i locked the door, she opened it with a key only she had! needless to say i never slept well until she got over her habit.

Anonymous said...

Love the beautiful floral stockings!

Otis said...

Really funky tights! I'm diggin em!

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