Valentine’s Day & NYFW: it’s all about the sentiment

It’s that time again. Valentine’s Day is coming and I think most of us agree that it’s a made up holiday taken over by consumerism. But did you know this holiday is actually hundreds of years old? It actually has some deep meanings and a somewhat dark history. There are a few legends that deal with stories on the beheading of Saint Valentine. His reputation became heroic and stories were passed down for years. Regardless of the transformation, it’s clear it means something different for us today. And what I love about it is that it can be whatever you want it to be. Personally, I love pink and hearts, and if that is something lighthearted to celebrate… why not? And honestly, it means different things, different phases in life. When I was a kid, my mom made it special and made us scarves or got me my favorite sweets. When I was a teenager, it was important to have a Valentine and be recognized in the ‘dating’ world. Now, it means cute Valentine’s parties at school with my kids and notes on pillows to Robert. Nothing big, but little pieces of sentiment whatever they may be.

When I was 15 years old, my first boyfriend gave me my first piece of jewelry for Valentine’s Day. Like real piece of jewelry. It was a ring from James Avery. I will never forget it. The way it made me feel, the excitement of this phase of my life, and how I loved wearing it for years. James Avery became my go-to for jewelry and every year I would thumb through the catalog and pick my favorites. Do you know this brand? It’s a family owned company with timeless pieces for seriously every occasion. My love for the brand actually transferred from my first boyfriend to the next, and for many years, I collected James Avery jewelry (I still have most of it). It honestly has such a special place in my heart. The little boxes they come in, to the soft cloth envelopes they are kept in, is all so nostalgic. I love sterling silver as it is, and I think it’s the best kind of jewelry to spice up your wardrobe, be on trend, have meaning within your jewelry collection, and still be reasonably priced.

I love what James Avery offers in selection, and I truly connect with so many different pieces. They even still make a few of the styles nostalgic to my adolescence. The rings I’m wearing now were carefully chosen. I love this heart ring because it’s simple but makes a statement, and reminds me of love in general, which is what fuels motherhood to me. This second ring is one that I will have engraved for Elston. I actually wanted this exact ring for many years, and now, I would love to have Elston’s monogram on it because it means more than mine. Mine is just too confusing… do I put my middle name, original maiden name, etc, etc?? James Avery has meaningful styles and represent the important things in life, which they say themselves, but I couldn’t say it better myself from my own experiences with them! They have been there from my first loves, heartbreaks (still keeping the jewelry because it’s memories to me), best friend memorabilia (joy and I have a BFF ring), something to represent my journey through motherhood, and something special to pass down to my daughter.

So I brought these two special rings to NYFW with me this past week, and styled them the entire time. They stood out and were noticeable on my fingers and they truly make me smile. I love this brand so much, and it makes me so happy to wear them again, in yet another phase of life. Thank you James Avery for being there for my ‘coming of age’ at 15 and now as a stylish mama, to eventually being the pieces my daughter will receive and hopefully wear throughout her life.

You can check out the rest of this gingham suit outfit from NYFW below.

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Photos by: Viva Lux Photography

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