December 2012
31 posts
365. yes, I can
And so the story ends where it began. A similar pair of earrings, but this time from my mother - as said, where it all began. The beginning of a new year always brings resolutions, but I never knew what I got myself into one year ago. The silly thought “could I fill every day of the year with a new pair of earrings” turned out to be a quest that moved far more people than I...
364. definitely daisy
This pair of earrings I got for Christmas turned out to be lifesavers. The very last pair of earrings for tomorrow has been set in my mind for quite some time, but for the second last pair it was a closer race. The honor goes to these yellow daisies I got from my boyfriend. No better color to get my spirits up than yellow…
363. dilemmas
The pair I did choose as a present from Lieselot (see yesterday) are these marvelous golden stars she found at Jutka & Riska in Antwerp. They add a little extra to the festivities - a walking Christmas tree in the best sense of the word. I haven’t got any pair like them, so Lieselot’s little dilemma was solved quickly…
PS: happy birthday to one of my best friends, Josephine!
362. two options
Since three years our group of friends has the tradition of holding a Christmas party. This year Lieselot picked my name for a present and knew what to give me: a pair of earrings. But as she wasn’t too sure on which pair to give me, she bought two pairs and I could pick one to keep, the other one she would keep herself. This was the pair I didn’t choose, even though they’re...
361. and now...
Now that the end of my 365 is near, it feels almost unreal. A subtle mix of relief and the sense that I won’t have any direction in 2013. But really, I haven’t got any earrings left, so the end it will be. And the realization: I actually made it - almost. For 365 days, I told you the stories my ears wear. Four more. It was my pleasure…
360. more than meets the eye
I love earrings with a twist. From far, these earrings might look rather conservative, but if you take a closer look you’re greeted by these pin-up ladies. Exactly the twist I like. I got them from my grandparents for Christmas - not exactly the pair you might expect from grandparents, but mine are unparalleled to say the least…
359. go retro
When in need, have a Christmas party. I could only hope I’d get some earrings for Christmas, but my family knows me well. This lovely pair was a gift from my boyfriend, he knows my weak spots. He found them in a quaint little shop called Tante Jojo in Leuven, and they’re from designer Annamarieke. I can always go with some retro!
358. catching up
The fact that I spent last Christmas in Africa made me realise that much more how much I love my family’s Christmas parties. It was the trip of a lifetime, but I would’ve given quite a lot to be ‘beamed up’ to my family for just some hours. So this year, I’ll enjoy it for the double, knowing what I’ve missed. Let the party begin!
357. wool it
It’s the time of the year for woolen jumpers and hot coco in front of the tv. Even though the weather isn’t quite that freezing anymore, I do love taking out my knitwear in these days, while watching some Christmas movies over some yet-to-be-wrapped presents. A jumper with a print asks for sober earrings, and these silver keys are perfect for the job!
356. home sweet home
It seemed to take forever, but the day has come - Christmas break! In the next two weeks I only have to work two days, which gives me a bunch of time to enjoy some quality time with family and friends, and most of all, just be at home. It’s a rare treat for me just to be home some days. The simple things in life…
355. beaten to the finish
Well, I haven’t seen any apocalyptic signs yet, but if the world were to end today, I would be pretty bummed, 10 days away from the finish line. Somebody suggested switching to the chinese timeframe, but heck, their newyear is a month and a half away. So I’ll take my chances on this 211212 - I bet we’re still good for some time, Maya’s…
354. class glass
My mother is a big Ann Demeulemeester fan, and every visit to Antwerp is a good reason to pass by her store. No wonder she owns some of her jewelry too, like these earrings that come with an awesome hourglass necklace. Her signature silverwork works pretty nice with the cut glass. Class.
353. out of luck
I’m starting to get out of stock. As I’ve officially ran out of my own earrings - yep, you’ve seen them all - I ran over to my mothers today to try and find some more earrings there. Alas, only to find that the end is near and she has only some earrings left. Luckily, my mom always has some Wouters&Hendrix in her sleeve. I can only hope for a fruitful Christmas…
352. Tiukutonttu
I was never really into the whole Santa Claus thing, but I do like the fact that the old man comes all the way from Lapland. Somehow, I can imagine no better place to spend Christmas than in the cold Scandinavian air. Apparently, The Finnish join me in this opinion - for instance the designers of the lovely brand Aarikka. I could love these earrings only for their amazing name: Tiukutonttu…
351. little redbreast
When I was about eight years old I learned how to play the piano. I wasn’t the biggest talent, but I quite loved playing some songs for my grandmother. Four years later I stopped the courses as they grew too demanding on me, and stopped playing from one day to another. The only song I still know by heart is one about a little redbreast in the winter cold…
350. close to the face
Only fifteen to go, so I’m starting to pick my earrings wisely. Mustaches are in these days - not to mention Movember - but I’ve loved them ever since I found these pillow sheets more than a year ago. It shouldn’t surprise you I also hang them from my ears, but that’s the closest I’ll get to owning my own mustache - at least I hope so.
349. bottle of joy
Some celebrating took us to the city of Liège this weekend - uncharted territory for me. I found the most darling little shop there, a true earring paradise: Mystika. Filled all over with original pieces for a very reasonable price - just my kind of shop. I left with three pairs of earrings, shame on me - but really, I need to fill the rest of my year…
348. pop up
Do these earrings even need an intro? I guess everybody is familiar with the work of famous pop artist Roy Lichtenstein. You might recognise his ‘Kiss V’ in these earrings, as well as ‘Pour La France’. I bet Roy never realised this, but his earrings go with just about anything. Add that to your resumé, mister…
347. argent-ina
Every now and then you see the link between things. Argentina got its name from the Latin of silver - argentum. Apparently, in the 16th century Spanish and Portuguese conquerors gave the name Rio de la Plata to the country for its natural resources - which later transformed to Argentina. No wonder they make some pretty nice silver jewelry there…
346. flou artistique
When I started this blog almost a year ago, I was just fooling around with this thing called Instagram and the effects it gave to the photos my phone took. One year later, my little frame here is used by half the internet population and I still try to take good pictures with the limits of my phone’s camera. But every now and then, it has it’s limits. Let’s call it a flou...
345. angel spirit
Today we bought a Christmas tree. Somehow, we came home with the only crooked tree of the bunch - I absolutely love it. We went with a golden theme, which reminded me of the little golden angels we used to hang in our tree as a kid - quite like these earrings. No harm in extending the Christmas spirit to your ears…
344. see things starck
Over the years, my parents teached me to appreciate design and functionality. As such, it was not a surprise to me that they visited the Faena Hotel in Buenos Aires, designed by Philippe Starck. He transformed an old port building to a modern hotel - quite the master. The fact that they selled earrings there, well - sometimes things just come together…
343. in the clouds
My love for felt is clearly shared at the other end of the ocean. These cute earrings are another pair from beautiful Argentina. My parents found them in Purmamarca, where they took the Tren de las Nubes, a historical railway more than 4000m above sea level. My dad immediatly regretted his decision to light up a cigar at the highest point…
342. back on track
My mother’s relationship with Wouters&Hendrix and their jewelry is pretty well known. Over the last twenty years, she must’ve gotten a pair of almost every collection. Well, not every collection, the last few years were not always her taste. But this year, we’re back on track, with this beautiful sculptural pair. On to next year!
341. kiss me quick
Every now and then, I get to brag a little. On the 7th of December, I can’t help but brag about him. For five years now, he makes me laugh every single day. I can’t say I’ve ever regretted speaking those infamous words, now five years ago, when he was about to get on the train. “Are you going to kiss me already?”
340. don't touch
I absolutely adore these earrings my parents brought from their most recent trip to Argentina. The simplicity of the silver cactus with the green thread gives it such a modern touch. They come from the Los Cardones National Park in the province of Salta, a huge park filled with gigantic cactuses. Quite the touchy subject on your ears…
339. put out your shoe
Belgium has this cute little holiday around some kind of early Santa Claus: Saint Nicolas. On the evening of December 5th, children put out one shoe near the chimney, and in the morning, it has been filled with presents and sweets. I’ve outgrown the custom, but somehow, I do get exited every year on this evening. Who knows what I’ll find tomorrow…
338. mokoro memories
One year ago, I was about to embark on an African adventure: trekking through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. It was quite an extraordinary journey, and we met the most amazing people. Realising how it has now been a year since we left, makes me a bit nostalgic - these will earrings always remind me of cruising the Okavango delta in a tiny mokoro…
337. hanging for trees
After this one I’ll shut up about Christmas until -well- Christmas, but you’d have to admit that this pair would make a pretty neat Christmas ball. Actually, come to think of it, I think I could decorate a medium Christmas tree with my earrings, they’d make pretty funny Christmas decoration. Not that easy to get out of your tree in the morning though. But hey: challenge accepted!
336. wrap it up
Christmas is approaching - today our family got together to exchange wish lists over a delicious set of pancakes. I always love when the whispering starts, and people start consulting eachother over who should buy what for whom. I start collecting wrapping paper and making lists which presents are yet to be bought - did I mention I love Christmas?
335. tic toc
A new month, new memories. Day to day two years ago we signed the papers for buying the grounds where we are now building our house. I can’t believe it has been two years and we still haven’t moved in. Things are looking up though, in a half year’s time, all should be different. I can only hope I’ll be matching my earrings to my garden by then…
November 2012
30 posts
334. tree house
So, 365 pairs of earrings is a lot. I get the question sometimes where I store them. Well, first of all, not all 365 pairs are mine, more than half is my mother’s. But those that are mine rest in two jewelry trees that I got in IKEA. I like the fact that you can hang as much as you want in them, without it ever feeling too crowded. Next to the tree, I have some little jars for my small...
333. light at the end
It are days like these - when I get to put a 333 in front of this post - that make me realise that the end is near. Only 32 earrings to go and I’ll have completed my goal. And so the question comes: is there life after 365? Well, I’m not sure. Getting something out of your pen every day is something I underestimated. But somewhere deep down I know - it’ll itch again soon...
332. sisters
I always love a piece unique, especially when it comes with a story. These earrings are another creation by Lies Wambacq, and she made them for her brother’s wedding. Each of the sisters (in law) got a similar pair. I quite love her use of old jewelry as an print in the metals she uses. On top of that, a big fan of the special hook. I guess that makes a big fan in general…
331. no resistance
I can still remember contemplating over these earrings quite some years ago - not wether or not I should buy them, but wether or not to keep them for myself. I guess that’s a true addict speaking, but there was something about these rather simple earings that was hard to resist - even though I was actually looking for a gift for someone else. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is...
330. in the woods
I’m a city girl in every way. Even though the suburbs aren’t that bad, I must admit I’m counting the days until I can move back into the city a half year from now. On the bright side, I do love living next to the woods. As I used to cycle under these same trees with my grandfather as a kid, it gives some kind of soothing recognition to walk the same path every day. Especially in...
329. basement jewelry
A few days ago Lies Wambacq gave me a look into her collection. I love the story that comes with these earrings. When she was younger, Lies and her friends used to hang out in the basement of her friend Lynn. They found these earrings there one day, but neither Lynn nor her mom had their ears pierced. That way, Lies ‘inherited’ this lovely pair. Convenient!
328. no coaster
A late christmas present of my cousins brought us to Disneyland Paris today. I must admit I’m quite the amusement park fan in general, and of rollercoasters in specific. Which earrings to wear on such occasions is a decision I don’t take lightly. I’m quite sure it wouldn’t be the first pair of earrings to be found at the foot of the Space Mountain. So I won’t be...
327. superpowers
As the boyfriend is a classic comic-fan, I was flipping through an artbook with old DC Comics posters. It struck me, only a few female superheroes, and no room for earrings. So, for a change, this is my addition for batgirl. I bet she’d solve even more crimes with some bling on her ears…
326. slick snakes
I have some irrational fears. One for spiders for instance. Something about their eight legs and the speed with which they move just freaks me out - even though I’m a thousand times bigger. My boyfriend has a similar thing with snakes, up to the level of returning nightmares. Also because of the way they move, so slick. But on my ears, he can handle it…
325. take me there
It’s funny where a blog can take you. After posting how I didn’t understand that I never met her, as we live in the same city, I got an invitation from designer Lies Wambacq, to come and see her amazing collection. So today I did, and she showed me around her beautiful atelier and told me the stories behind her jewelry over a cup of tea. Yep, I quite like where this blog sometimes...
324. match the hair
I got my hair cut today. I always forget the effect this has on my earrings. They seem different with a new coupe - some work better than others. As my hair is shorter again, a little under my earlobes, longer earrings seem to match better. A perfect excuse to bring out these African earrings again, the little balls dangles just beneath my hair…
323. lucky number
I guess we all have some lucky numbers. Somehow, you just acquire them over the years. For me, it’s number 3 and 14, and the recently adopted number 7. 14 is my birthdate, so no surprises there. 3 just came over the years, I haven’t got a clue. And since Mister here is so attached to number 7, I kind of got the hang of it too. That silly number 8 though, must be the most fun of all...
322. Humahuaca
This jolly pair of earrings is another souvenir from my parents’ trip through Southern America. They found them while travelling through the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a valley in the northwest of Argentina, which is Unesco World Heritage. The little wool balls are typical of the region, I quite like them…
321. triangular
My parents-in-law’s 35th wedding anniversary brought us to lovely Ghent this weekend. Never a punishment, as I know my way to some lovely shops. One of these shops I can never pass is Zoot, as they share my love for quirky jewelry. My eye fell on these cute fluorescent triangles. They remind me of the work of Karen Kennis (still working on owning some of her stuff), but they actually come...
320. pouppées russes
When staying at my grandmother’s house as a kid, I had my favourite toys. My mother’s old Barbie dolls for instance, a spiral drawing game, but also a set of six beautiful Matryoshka dolls. I just loved the nesting dolls, especially the smallest doll right in the middle, like this one. I sure hope that this pair of dolls I found at Zsa Zsa Rouge, has bigger ‘sisters’…
319. nickel back
Some earrings irritate me. Not as a fact - hello, have you seen this blog? - but in a literal way, I sometimes have an allergic reaction to certain metals, mostly nickel. I used to wear them anyway, until my ear lobes were as red as my earrings. Well, let me bring out the Martha Stewart in me! Just polish the hooks in a transparent nail polish and you’re good to go. How’s that for some...
318. under the sea
So, last week I went diving in Jordan. I couldn’t get Disney’s The Little Mermaid-tune out of my head. Boy, was Sebastian right: “life under the sea is better than anything they got up there”. There’s something so soothing about the silence between the corals, flowing between the most colorful fish and seahorses. The best place to charge your batteries: under the...
317. metallics
My parents just returned from a three week journey through South America, bringing home some souvenirs - always a good thing. These metal thread earrings come from a Sunday market in one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires: San Telmo. I can imagine worse ways to spend a Sunday morning…
316. le fabuleux destin
I still remember stepping out of the cinema doors as a fourteen-year-old, believing the world was at my feet. The reason was the quirky tale of Amélie Poulain, and the way her small actions put a smile on everyones face. Until this day, I still can not pass by a photobooth without thinking of Amélie…
