Tag Archives: jewelry

Yolanda Lopez’s Grandmother

Well known Chicana artist Yolanda Lopez died recently, bringing her unapologetically political art back into view.  One of her most famous works is a triptych of herself, her mother, and her grandmother as contemporary versions of the Virgin of Guadalupe, … Continue reading

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Dots and Dashes, 1935

Well, this much we know about Mrs. A. T. Hermann—she liked jewelry.  I count one choker, two necklaces, and one pin.  She must have dressed up for the photo.  I imagine that the trim on her exuberant bow is made … Continue reading

Posted in 1930s | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

A Navajo Fourth of July, 1953

Whatever you wore for the Fourth of July celebration, it was probably not nearly as beautiful as this Navajo woman’s outfit.  The shirt is most likely velvet, the traditional fabric for Navajo women’s festive clothing.  It is adorned with silver … Continue reading

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The Full Fancy at the Airport, 1963

This dressed up woman has inspired me to coin a phrase—“the full fancy.”  By that I mean adding every possible fancy element to your outfit, even when the situation doesn’t necessarily call for it.  Is she going on a trip … Continue reading

Posted in 1960s | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Deb Haaland and the Power of Jewelry

Many professional women wear pearls with their outfits.  Deb Haaland, second term Congresswoman from New Mexico, wears Navajo pearls.  These graduated silver beads are the signature piece in her large collection of Native American jewelry. When she was sworn in … Continue reading

Posted in 2020s | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

My Great Great Grandmother, Mary Wade

It’s not often you get such a clear picture of an old relative.  My aunt discovered this photo when she was moving.  In my grandmother’s handwriting on the back it says “My grandmother Wade.”  Given all the online sleuthing tools … Continue reading

Posted in 1920s | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Treasure and Trash on Pinterest

I have given up on Pinterest many times.  After getting recommendations from friends and sewing teachers, I’ve tried to assemble various “collections” of things that inspire me.  Each time I have delved into that chaotic bundle of images, I have … Continue reading

Posted in 1920s, General | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Big Birthday, Big Cake–1961

When this photo appeared in the Valley Times in 1961, the accompanying text read, “Five generations of the Prince family were on hand to help celebrate the 90th birthday of Mrs. Emma E. Prince, a woman who honeymooned to the … Continue reading

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Hiking in Pearls, Late Fifties or Early Sixties

From the recent showing of The Crown, I know that some older women (Queen Elizabeth, for example) hiked wearing skirts well into the 1980s.  However, Elizabeth’s outdoor outfits looked considerably more rough and ready than the sheath dress worn by … Continue reading

Posted in 1950s, 1960s | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Down Mexico Way, 1956

What do you with your travel souvenirs after you get home? For me the trick is finding something that I will actually use, something that will remind me in a glance that I had been away. This couple (Grace and … Continue reading

Posted in 1950s | Tagged , | 2 Comments