Dorothy’s Pin and Other Interesting Stories

(A pin that once belonged to my mother’s dear friend, who recently passed away.)

My mother’s beloved friend died recently, and I’ve thought about her a lot over the last few weeks. Dorothy was much older than my mother, and in some ways, she was like a great aunt to my sisters and me. She was quite eccentric in her taste and personality, preferring bright colors, with piles of beaded jewelry draped around her neck and wrists. Dorothy and my mom shared a love of perfume and antiques, and I’d often tag along as they visited stores and estate sales. Occasionally, I’d find something I liked, too, and I think my love for fashion and beauty stems partly from those times spent in the company of my mother and her friend, as they discussed their love of items from the past.

I have this beautiful little pin from Dorothy’s collection, and it’s a special treasure. One rainy day when I was in college, my mom and I met her for lunch at a local Mexican restaurant that was shaped like a pink sombrero. Dorothy thought I’d like the pin, so she sold it to me as we ate. That was her way, and she dealt in trade of beautiful things, so if she recommended something to you, it was smart to buy it. I’ve kept it in my jewelry box all of these years, wearing it sparingly because the clasp is small and fragile. When Dorothy passed away, I took it out and put it on my dresser, so I can see it every day. It’s a sweet reminder of a happy time and the lovely lady who wore it first.

Along those lines, here are a few things on my radar recently.

JUMPSUIT: “What if you never had to pick out an outfit again?”

Gorgeous accessories by Lizzie Fortunato. (Dorothy would have loved these pieces and she would have tried to bargain for them.)

Elizabeth’s profile of her friend, designer Christina De Smet.

Summer’s take on Canberra sustainable fashion.

A conversation on race and raising your children, from Cup of Jo. (As always, the comments are just as interesting and helpful.)

The fascinating story of an 81-year-old pitmaster, Tootsie from Snow’s BBQ in Lexington, Texas.

And color portraits of people arriving at Ellis Island, many wearing traditional outfits from their home countries.