Memories: A Cicada Embrace

Insect jewellery has become a fixation in the accessories department for quite some time. I’ve seen them encrusted in diamonds and outlined in silver or gold! Some are even surrounded by precious stones … and, well a bug may, in fact, end up landing on your stylish threads! 

It may even become showcased on your garment in a print. Brooch beetle anyone? Jewelled of course! So, what’s the craze of these dazzling, buzz-free, anti-crawling, and hauntingly accurate moulds of insects and other creatures? 

Insect Jewellery

                (Source)

I’m not entirely certain of the reasoning, nor do I really want to be; however I did come across a couple of brass cicadas, and one brass fly French vintage 1950s ashtrays. 

Ladyofashion Cargo Jacket Style
Cicada jewellery - animal inspired accessories

This was given to me by a late designer friend of mine, Bruce, a couturier and bug admirer who always collected the most interesting items. I remember him designing and leaving his signature somewhere along any garment … mostly resembling some form of a jewelled spider in a savvy way. Whether embroidered, hand-beaded, or stamped it was going to be present in a seam, bottom hem, or inside lining.  

After cleaning these cicada ashtrays (which I’ve chosen to use for holding small pieces of jewellery), I almost wish that their weight were much lighter. If smaller and lighter wearing it as a ring, hat, and pendant embellishment immediately comes to mind. Yet, the heaviness of these unique treasures is what I believe makes them all the more versatile, having a paperweight and art display aesthetic. 

Vintage Cicadas

What else could I do other than grab the cicada warmly and salute my friend Bruce in the process. He had a well-known saying when he loved anything … “Now, this says something,” in a dramatically genuine voice. Perhaps he’s right  and this might say, “what in the stylish heavens is she doing with those bloody cicadas?” But, I love them!

 Affordable beauty go-to: That Falsies mascara really works!

Fashion Tales

Has anyone ever given you a gift or small token for no apparent reason that you later embraced much more than the moment it was received? 

The goods: Handbag-seen here, Beaded necklaces-H&M/ yellow beaded-seen here, Boots-Franco Sarto, Skirt/dress-AC/ Jacket-Old Navy/gifted, Belt-Michael Kors 


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37 comments

  • Daniella says:

    Love love this! You have such great sense of style! 🙂

    Take care,Daniella xox

    Reply
  • Noelani@MonPetitChouChou says:

    Most of the random things my grandfather (a collector of ALL things) has given me are my most cherished. From the random brass loin head bookends, to deco jewelry, it means so much now.

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    yes, it's nice to have those archived items that you realise are just amazing to wear later on. -xo

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks Chessa! I adore them as well. -xo

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thank you Kirstin! -x

    Reply
  • Kirstin Marie says:

    I love your skirt, your boots, and that amazing bag. You always look so lovely. 

    Reply
  • MosaMuse says:

    cute jewels!

    Reply
  • style frontier says:

    oh this is adorable! that's a unique gift indeed

    xoxo
    style frontier

    Reply
  • Clara Turbay says:

    I like everything here.
    http://paquetevistasbien.blogspot.com

    Reply
  • STYLE, SHE WROTE. says:

    Awesome cicade pins — much prettier than the real things! xo style, she wrote

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    No worries, I knew what you meant! Thanks so much for your comment! Have a great Sunday. xx

    Reply
  • Fashionistable says:

    ooops I meant this not thus…..

    Reply
  • Fashionistable says:

    Yes thus has happened to me too. The 1st bug on the right is my favourite. Xxxx

    Reply
  • THE-LOUDMOUTH says:

    How awesome!  What a unique gift, and I love that you incorporated it in to an outfit post. 🙂 I used to use Falsies and now I use One-By-One.  Mascara is my main beauty product, if I wear nothing else it's that and some lip balm!

    Reply
  • Bravoe Runway says:

    I love LOVE the skirt you are wearing.  I wasn't a fan of these 'insect' pins as I called them as a kid but now…I would love a ladybug pin…could I have it with rubies and black diamonds? Thank you!

    Reply
  • Chessa! says:

    this happens to me all the time.  I love getting surprised by gifts and learning that I love them so much more months after receiving them.

    as for insect jewelry…I adore it!

    Reply
  • Winnie says:

    I can't say that I'm a fan of bugs…or bug shaped jewellery but I have to admit that the craftmanship and jewels are quite captivating!

    Reply
  • Jamillah says:

    Yes! I have a pink crocheted skirt that I got in h.s. and wore maybe twice and then lived in like 4 years later and still wear and love now! Also a leather skirt!! I thrifted a leather skirt years ago and never wore it but then last year could not stop wearing it!!! Ok, that one is not really a gift, but it's an example of love grown in. 

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Yes, it's such a special feeling when you look at a gift in a different way. Happy weekend lovely lady! xxoo

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks C,
    I can understand jewelled bugs/animals aren't for everyone. My sister dislikes them as well. I put them in the same category as owl rings, bird necklaces, or skulls. Do try the Falsies, I have been impressed, especially for the price & a quick fix! -xo Have a great weekend dear.

    Reply
  • Rochellekecloset says:

    Great outfit!

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    LOL, Oh dear, they're okay for me, but if you need them extra large you can always click the image for zoom. 🙂 xxoo

    Reply
  • Couture Carrie says:

    I'm buggin out!
    Love these, and your look!
    Must try that falsies mascara 🙂

    xoxox,
    CC

    Reply
  • SACRAMENTO says:

    I always wish your photos were bigger so I could see you and all the details much better.
    have a wonderful weekend, my dear Madison
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    Reply
  • A Brit Greek says:

    This has happened on numerous occasions, where I've re-looked at a gift and 'opened me eyes'…
    The bug thing does bother me, i'm not very good with bugs of any kinds, but yes, bling it up and I might just be ok with it.

    You look terrific as usual darl! I love everything you're wearing including the necklaces.
    x.o.x.o

    Reply
  • Ceri says:

    I love insect jewellery. I have a dragonfly necklace and a brooch. I also love discovering new blogs on Twitter. I only just joined Pinterest yesterday but love it! Have followed you now.

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Haha! Yes, "bling" does help, and of course knowing that their just impressions are even better! Thanks for your comment. 

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thank you. Yes, these hold such great memories for me. 

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    I love items like that! Hope you have a great weekend. -xx

    Reply
  • Hsboschke30 says:

    Not sure how I feel about the bugs – but with enough bling I'm sure I could handle it 😉
    XO
    http://www.pearlsandpaws.blogspot.com

    Reply
  • Maali Maikori says:

    Yep! A scarf and at the time didn't think too much of it, but it became sort of a transitional object cos it went everywhere with me.

    Reply
  • Veronica says:

    i love insect accessories!

    Reply
  • sartorialsidelines says:

    Such a sweet post – items that tell a story or hold a memory are always the best.

    Courtney ~ http://sartorialsidelines.com

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thank you. Yes, these hold such great memories for me. 

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    I love items like that! Hope you have a great weekend. -xx

    Reply
  • Alexis Grace says:

    They seem so personal and intimate to his memory—-I love pieces like that- especially when they are so unique!

    Reply
  • Maali Maikori says:

    Yep! A scarf and at the time didn&#39t think too much of it, but it became sort of a transitional object cos it went everywhere with me.

    Reply

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