DRESS CODE: MARIE'S TREASURE CHEST

Recess owner Marie Monsod cracks open her personal collection and shares her fave five stories and memories behind these early acquisitions. We're salivating at the thought of how much more she has stashed away- and love how fun and quirky these pieces are, now available on the site.

This Hattie Carnegie pendant was one of my first vintage designer splurges! I’ve always been attracted to Egyptian inspired jewelry and loved the color combination of the turquoise and blue with gold. I wore it by itself and also layered it with a few longer gold chains especially with a long black caftan dress I had. It was hard to let this one go, but I've been in the mood to make more room for the great pieces that have been coming my way!

This unsigned brooch immediately caught my eye- not only was this piece unique, but at the time I had a vintage silk cerulean blue blouse that I immediately pictured, and thought would be a perfect pairing. I buttoned up the blouse and wore the brooch like a tie. I would also pin this on a Levi’s denim jacket and add many, many more (à la Tony Alamo!).

I was drawn to the fringe aspect of this unsigned vintage pearl waterfall and how it could be worn in front or back. It was one of my first purchases from Doris at The Way We Wore! I wore it to our best friend’s wedding with a silk chiffon tank, tiered ruffle skirt and white Loewe pumps!

I believe every girl should own a pair of Richard Kerr earrings! Whether they are balls, stars, swirls, or hearts, you can’t go wrong with crystals! This graduated pair of Kerr drops are in my favorite color, purple! 

This jeweled Ciner necklace came from a woman who had a very high end collection of vintage jewelry! It was another one of my first splurges, and people always asked what it was. It’s a great piece to boost a simple jeans and tee outfit.

by Marie Monsod