Outfit for a Tuesday: Layering Rhinestones

To say I have been in a bit of a slump lately is a gross, bordering grotesque and horrific, understatement; unfortunately, this saturnine sentiment seeps up from deep within my bowels, spleen, liver, stomach and manifests itself even in the superficial layer of clothing covering my skin. I have not written anything substantial or worthwhile in months, it seems, I feel stagnant socially and professionally, despite numerous lovely and enjoyable visits with beautiful friends, and this overwhelming sense of apocalyptic economic doom shadows my waking and sleeping dreams. Since spring has sprung, though, which, in addition to giving me the liberty and authority to wantonly abuse trite aphoristic bastards, is thrusting upon me opportunity for new life, metaphorically, new perspectives, and, at very least, a sunnier disposition.

Yesterday, compelled by the impending Easter holiday and the warm face of our planet's steady star, I wore a new pink and white Oxford striped button-down blouse. Although specifically designed for women by the lovely minds at the Gap and, indeed, featuring the stereotypically feminine pale pink, this blouse had a decidedly crisp, masculine trim to the fit. Juxtaposed with my pseudo-femme, pseudo-investment banker top, I layered two of my favorite vintage costume pieces: a flat, resplendent rhinestone choker and a necklace with clusters of opalescent pearls, congregating as bunches of grapes, with accompanying rhinestone accents. The effect was obviously bright and glittering, a much needed reprieve from my general gloom. Worn within the collar of my new blouse, the sparkle was not obscured, rather, was appropriately contained and framed.