Alright, let me walk you through my jewelry journey this season. Started when I emptied my jewelry box last Monday – total chaos in there, like a tangled necklace graveyard. Thought, “Time to figure out what actually works daily without looking like I tried too hard.”
The Reality Check Phase
First, I dumped EVERY piece on my bed. Picked up each one asking: “Did I wear you in the last month?” Shocking how many got a “nope.” Those fancy statement earrings from last Christmas? Still had the price tag hanging. Felt stupid tossing cash into stuff that just sits.
Then I separated into three piles:
- Daily warriors (the thin gold chain from my mom)
- Sometimes squad (those beaded bracelets I wear with jeans)
- Why did I buy this? (looking at you, neon plastic earrings)
The Hands-On Test Drive
Tuesday morning was brutal. Laid out five basic outfits (white tee + jeans, black dress, work blazer combo, etc.). Then played mix-and-match with survivors from the “daily warriors” pile. Made two big discoveries:
- Layering three delicate chains? Game changer – instantly made my Target tee look expensive.
- Hoops thicker than a pencil? Nope. Spent the whole morning feeling like my ears were getting stretched.
Also tried that TikTok trick where you leave jewelry on while washing hands. My favorite ring turned fingers green in 30 seconds flat. Straight to the “nope” pile.
The Goldilocks Moment
By Wednesday, I had rules:
- Nothing that hurts (goodbye, heavy pendant that bruises my collarbone)
- Nothing that requires 10 minutes to untangle
- Everything must work with at least three outfits
Hit the mall with those rules Thursday. Cruised past the glittery sections straight to simple displays. Tested pieces while wearing my comfiest shoes – if jewelry feels wrong when you’re in sneakers, it ain’t everyday material. Left with just two things: tiny pearl studs and a wheat chain bracelet thinner than spaghetti.
Why This Stuck With Me
Backstory time: Six years ago I worked this soul-sucking job where dress code demanded “professional accessories.” Wore this stiff pearl necklace every damn day like armor. Got laid off on a Tuesday. Next morning I threw that necklace in the trash and wore my husband’s old leather wristband for a month straight. Sounds silly, but it was the first time in years I felt like accessories weren’t choking me.
Now when I pick jewelry, I remember that leather band. Trends come and go, but the stuff you grab without thinking? That’s the real magic. My entire “everyday” collection fits in one sandwich bag now – and somehow makes me feel more put together than when I owned three boxes full of regrets.