Necklaces For You, Fashionably Tailored by Your Personal Stylist
As you know from my previous blog, Why I DIY, and from my website which is filled with my own paintings and ideas, I like to make stuff! And after wearing my own creations around town, I was asked to put a few of them in a local store window. That got me going and going and going. Here was my conundrum: if I made necklaces that I really loved, how could I sell them (I want to wear them) but if the necklace I made wasn’t something I loved, I certainly didn’t want to put my name on it as creator and then sell it…. I have a reputation to uphold (or at least I want to develop a great reputation, not a mediocre one).
Here’s what I have decided and it’s a good life lesson. Create beautiful pieces and if someone wants to buy anything for a fair price, sell it and move on. There are always more beautiful pieces to be made, to own and to wear. What we do own isn’t really permanently ours; we have it for awhile and eventually it either is too old and ragged to wear anymore, we have outgrown the fit or the style and we send it on its way, or it if should outlive us, the piece will be passed on to the next generation.
The necklace that I was so proud of in my Why I DIY blog (and the one pictured above that I am wearing) has sold. I loved that necklace and I did wear it a few times. The funny thing was, before I sold it I didn’t love it as much anymore anyway and I told myself that its time for me had passed, such as some of the fabulous clothing that I had worn and given away. I have often looked back on what I’ve given up with regret. But, there were reasons I chose to give up those pieces. Mostly the reason for me has been that I just didn’t feel great wearing that dress, those pants, that top or jacket anymore. And my personal philosophy is, “If you don’t feel wonderful in it, get rid of it.”
So, I have offered up these pictures to show what I have made (these are just a few) and to let you know that: 1. It’s great to make your own stuff and to enjoy wearing it; 2. It’s okay to move on from clothing, jewelry, special items and to sell or give them away when you no longer have the same connection to them; and 3. Don’t feel obligated to wear or keep items that don’t enhance the way you feel about yourself.
If you’re interested in my necklaces, some can be found on http://sostrov.etsy.com. Tell me what you think and remember, closet-cleaning is not a once-a-year activity, it’s an ongoing ritual. Call me or email me at susan@ostrovs.com for help with choosing what to keep and what to get rid of — I am your personal stylist and I’m ready and able to help!
