Buying Tomorrow's Vintage Today

If you're like me and you love vintage jewelry you know how expensive it can be, especially if it's made by a designer of haute couture.  Ornate necklaces by designers like Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino run into the thousands of dollars, and good luck getting your hands on something truly fabulous.  Not that their current jewelry is cheap by any means -- contemporary Chanel necklaces cost thousands-- but rare vintage pieces will set you back.  As much as I would love to own a piece like the ones I photographed and blogged about from the Barbara Berger Collection Exhibit in September 2013 http://www.accessorygeneration.com/2013/09/collection-of-barbara-berger-at-museum.html I don't have the means to be buying up lots of vintage haute couture.  So, I've been adding to my collection and getting the same look by buying the signed designer pieces I can afford that I know will be collectible in the future.  I know I've mentioned this before, but it bears repeating.  Some designer jewelry is surprisingly affordable, in the hundreds of dollars vs thousands.  Oscar de la Renta, for example, makes beautiful costume jewelry every season to complement his gorgeous gowns and cocktail dresses.  The pieces are signed and made in the USA.  And, if you stalk them, you will eventually find them on sale for 40% off, especially in early June. I bought this necklace at the Oscar boutique in Bloomingdale's, on sale.  It's going to revitalize some older dresses I have.

Oscar de la Renta necklace

Close up

There were two small cases of sale items and I couldn't believe people weren't snatching them up.  I wish I could have bought it all, but alas, I picked the most beautiful necklace and consider myself lucky to have it.  I think most people go into the boutiques for the dresses and don't really think about the jewelry, especially in the department stores, which is a shame for them, but great for people like me.  I suspect there are still some beautiful pieces on sale.  There was a matching necklace and bracelet of green stones that looked like leaves that was stunning.  I hope they get a good, couture loving home.