Opal

Opal is my favorite gemstone, even though (or maybe because) it is the only gem to be considered a bad luck charm.

My opal bracelet doesn't photograph well, but trust me, it's lovely.

I used to think the same thing about Opal, but I'm no longer entirely sure, and it's bumming me out.

First, the good. Zipper + collar = fun, always, especially zipper + collar + shiny New Jersey necklace.

Also, it's lined, which you can't see here, but to me says, "This is a well-made garment!"

The print is a shoutout to one of my pitifully underexplored enthusiasms: paisley. But it's subtle. To be totally honest, I didn't even realize that it was paisley until I scanned it. I've worn Opal dozens of times, but it just doesn't hit you over the head with paisle.

By the way, I recently came across some lovely paisley wallpaper in my great-aunt's bathroom. The paisles are enormous! If I'm ever in a position to dictate the wallpaper in my salle de bain — or any chambre — it heartens me to know that paisley wallpaper exists. I might turn the color up a few notches from my great-aunt's tasteful décor, though.

So, what's the problem? I think... I think it's just a little too big. It looked really good when I first bought it, but it's somehow stretched out since then. (The alternative is... unlikely.)

I like having a dress to match my opal bracelet...

but unless I put on a few pounds, I think Opal will continue to look a little baggy on me.

Should I just roll with it?


All photos by Claire Loeb!