Monday 20th May 2013
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Department of life-altering purchases

After  years of believing that I was simply not a big-hoop-earring person, followed by a quite sudden realization that there was no reason I could not be a big-hoop-earring person, I spent months of obsessing over finding the perfect pair. And then Saturday, I made a crazyass splurge on these James Colarusso 14k gold charmers. And here’s the headline: Big gold hoop earrings are magic. They make you appear to have a look going on even if you don’t, and I’m fairly certain, make you prettier too. I shall love them until the end of time.

Posted on July 11th, 2012 28 Comments

28 Responses

  1. Pam says:

    To each his own I guess.

  2. Rosemary says:

    love, not a wild price point.

  3. Marianne says:

    Oof, those are gorgeous. I always get hoops all tangled in my unruly hair, but I love them.

  4. A friend of mine was just complaining that she can’t afford to go to the dentist and hasn’t been there in over 6 years because of the cost. I think I’m done reading this blog.

    • Viajera says:

      Well, the problem is that if everyone stops spending money at the same time – as has happened now, more or less — that only adds to the suffering. This James fellow presumably has employees, and he may even pay them!

      Anyway, KF is probably a Democrat.

      But, as far as your larger point about how insane it is to not have dental care in the US, I am *totally* with you.

  5. blackbird says:

    uh…crazyass splurge?
    For me, that might come in around $200.

  6. Audrey says:

    I disagree. I don’t think they’re too expensive considering they are 14k gold and are both current and yet not so trendy that they can’t be worn for many years to come. How big are they? I long large hoops, but always thought my face was too small (of course, these look thin which may help).

  7. Sophie says:

    I’m with Melody — done with this blog. Between the obsequious “requests” for advice and the narrow-minded preoccupation with judging celebrities you don’t even know, done.

    • erika says:

      if you’re talking about the judging of tom cruise…you don’t have to know someone personally to tell that they are bat-shit crazy.

  8. Leah says:

    I totally know what you mean about always sort of wanting the perfect pair of big gold hoops. Congrats on your purchase– may you and your gold hoops be best friends forever.

  9. CTanner says:

    Sad that I can’t wear gold hoops. Glasses. (And even though glasses are now in fashion, I still can’t find a pair that I love like I love my shoes. I wish I could pull off that French film vibe)

  10. Bella says:

    I know exactly what you mean! After years of avoiding drop earrings because my face is “too long,” I finally figured out that I love them AND they actually look good on me so long as they don’t dust my shoulders.

    I like the I idea of moving beyond our own self-imposed fashion rules. At the end of the day, it’s supposed to be about fun and self-expression.

    And for all the posters who are complaining about the cost, please try the Wal-mart website. You might find something to your liking without criticizing those who choose to shop elsewhere.

    • Eve says:

      OUCH. That was an unkind comment. Let’s not wish Walmart on ANYONE, mmmmmkay?

      For the comments above regarding $$$$:

      all though I personally haven’t bought anything over $500 that can’t be sat on or slept on or having to do with dental care ( yikes!) in ages I don’t criticize those who do. I like nice shiny expensive things too. I like cheapy cheap fake shiny things too. For all anyone knows, Kim could have sold a kidney to get the earrings. Or she could be living off ramen for a month to afford them. Even though I’m not in the $500 earring market at present, I like seeing what those who are buy. I think it would be fun to see some $50 earrings too :D

      I have been hanging out here a lot and I’m getting all possessive about the ” community” here ( zomg we can talk about books!) and even though I’m not affiliated with this blog I hate to see people leaving or feeling bad…

  11. KimFrance says:

    Thanks for that, Eve. I’ve been pretty bummed out since yesterday as I’ve watched the reactions to this post play out. I make it my policy not to step in and defend myself when anyone’s critical of me (except if I feel like I need to do so for clarity). I’ve approved close to everything that anyone’s posted, aside from the (very) few times somebody’s gotten outright ugly.

    Sometimes it’s hard to know exactly where to draw the line when the tone on a comments thread starts changing—and I was especially reluctant to delete any of the comments on this particular post, because it would look pretty lame to not give those who wanted to call bulls*** on me the opportunity to do so.

    Which was maybe a mistake. Like I said, it’s hard to know where to draw the line, and I like when you guys get into it on a topic. The fact that we’ve got such a lively community going here—the fact that you’re all so smart and fun, and engaged with each other—is hands down my favorite thing about doing this blog. You guys motivate and inspire me and I’m counting on you to keep doing that.

    So let’s do keep things nice, ladies. Disagree with one another passionately if you want, but with respect. And obviously, call me on whatever.

    • Eve says:

      Awww don’t be bummed. I think we can all agree that the economy rather sucks it, and with so many people out of work, having their homes foreclosed on, not being able to afford necessities etc, it’s hard for some to read about someone making a pricey purchase that isn’t a necessity. I have nothing but sympathy for those struggling. But I also don’t condone those who aren’t. You be you. A lot of us like reading about your shopping habits. You can’t please everyone. I do take issue with some of the ” girl on girl crime ” in the comments section, I think people can disagree without being nasty. I think with me, I’m just too old to be so judge-y….

      • CTanner says:

        Agreed. I really like your blog, your conversational tone, etc. Been a fan of your aesthetic, your sensibility and your humor since Sassy days. You and Andrea Linnett have introduced me to a lot of great brands (I’m still eyeing Lucchese boots longingly after learning about them in Lucky).

        Blogging is hard– it’s hard to hear comments people make. I’m in the journo biz and it can get shockingly nasty down in the comments section. Somehow you can’t just let it roll off your back like you can when someone writes in about a mag story. Maybe it’s bc when someone objects to a mag story, by the time you get the reader feedback, it’s several weeks after you wrote it and you’ve moved on and just don’t care as much what people say.

        As to the purchase posts. Even if I can’t afford– or don’t chose to save up for– a particular piece, what you put out there can inspire me to find something like it that I can afford. (After all gold come in many different price points–I just bought an awesome gold plated Giles & Brother bracelet at Steve Alan. Looks pretty good to me). So I hope you don’t self-censor. It’s always a blast checking in here.

    • Tonya says:

      I love your blog, I love your hoops, I love the humor, which is cheeky but never harsh. I will not spend $500 on hoops, but you totally should because they are perfect. Instead, I am currently ripping them off via my daughter’s talented, designing fingers. Child exploitation anyone?

  12. Jonesy says:

    I don’t really understand the animosity about the earrings. I get it if someone suddenly realizes that a blog is not for her because of divergent taste in fashion, different lifestyles, purchasing power, etc.–it happens all the time–but then why not just quit reading? Why the need to make the dramatic, cutting Statement Exit?

    I also don’t understand the “obsequious” charge. I guess one person’s obsequious is another person’s warm, genuine, and conversational.

    Kim, I really enjoy reading your posts and I hope you keep it up, earrings, queries, trips to Europe, the whole nine yards!

  13. Erin says:

    I love this blog. Can’t afford the earrings, but love thinking I could if I really wanted to. Love the TomKat links. Love cracking up, outloud, daily, over Kim’s snarky, crazy humor. The end.

  14. Well…I admit I had a really bad week. Kim, I’m sorry I dumped it out here. It was a confluence of things that happened immediately prior to sitting down to this computer. I do like your blog and clearly – despite my declaration of taking my toys and going home – I have not left. Please carry on and accept my apology.

    • KimFrance says:

      Glad you’re back. Apology unnecessary. xxx

    • Eve says:

      Besides Melody, you can’t be cranky at Kim because whooooo just went to Ireland with her new iPad?! Hmmmm?

      I’m now hating both of you.

      Hee hee, just kidding. I profile stalked you and your photographs are beyond gorgeous.

      • Hah! Thanks. I had no idea that trip would bring out such jealousy in people but it certainly did! I got a lot of flack for not taking an entourage. I am way remiss in not getting the rest of the photos edited and posted.

        • Eve says:

          I really loved your photos because they felt so intimate, and I usually don’t care about others travel photos. Yours are soooo dreamy!

  15. Lisa says:

    my hope is that you (kim) stay true to yourself and please do not hold back. we all have choices and there are lots of them out there. if the dialog is not to someone’s liking then they should not participate. no need for lectures or judgement, just find a better fit.

    you are an interesting person with an interesting history and “we” want more of you!

  16. Michelle says:

    I laugh every time I read your blog! Please don’t stop. I’m sporting a pair of gold hoops I got for Christmas last year, and they always make me feel so hip, even at BJs. Haters gotta hate; ignore.

  17. amorris says:

    Another tip for gorgeous hoops, Dean Harris@Jeffrey, all day everyday earrings.