Girl with an Acorn Earring

I have a love-hate relationship with squirrels.

It started in college when one broke into my dorm room. My roommate had left a half-eaten pizza by an open window, and this determined little creature chewed a hole through the screen to get that last slice. Unfortunately, once it had its fill, it couldn’t figure out how to leave.

I came back mid-feast to find a squirrel panic in progress—scrambling up walls, chittering, pooping, and flinging itself across the room until the RA and I finally managed to get the window open so it could escape.

For the next week, every time I walked to class, acorns rained down on me from the oak tree outside my dorm. I swear that squirrel told its tree-rat friends to pelt me in revenge. That’s how I earned the nickname “Squirrel Girl.”

Which brings me to these: Antique Acorn Earrings, modelled in sterling silver, circa 1880.

They’re dainty but full of character—Victorian-era craftsmanship that turns a humble acorn into something elegant and enduring. They’re a bit of a splurge, but exactly the kind of timeless piece “Squirrel Girl” would wear with pride. Proof that sometimes, even the most chaotic beginnings can inspire a little bit of shine. ($530)

Honey, I’m Lit

Beeswax burns differently than paraffin or synthetic blends. It’s slower, cleaner, and doesn’t leave that heavy, smoky smell behind. Instead, the room fills with a faint sweetness, like warm honey. No chemical perfumes, no hidden additives—just a natural scent that blends into your space.

There’s something quietly majestic about these faceted beeswax pillar candles. Its surface is sculpted into geometric planes—facets that evoke cut gemstones—and when lit, it emits a soft, warm light without reflecting glare. The flame seems to dance through the wax itself, turning a solid object into a living, glowing jewel. Instantly elevating your space. They’re not cheap, but at $65 for the set of 3 from Big Dipper Waxworks, not off the charts either for pure beeswax. You get what you pay for!

Pleats, Please: A Vintage Gown Worth the Drama

Some gowns aren’t just garments — they’re sculptures in fabric.

This 1970s Malcolm Starr Rizkallah chiffon gown in radiant sunshine yellow is one of those rare pieces where craftsmanship, color, and history meet. Nearly 55 years after it was created, it still feels strikingly contemporary, proof that true design never goes out of style.

What first captures the eye is the bodice: a masterpiece of draped chiffon, pleated into a crisscross construction that flatters and frames the figure. The work is intricate yet effortless, giving the dress both structure and softness. From the fitted waist, the skirt spills into gathered folds that float with movement, creating an ethereal silhouette reminiscent of Grecian goddesses and pageant queens alike.

The color — a bold, lemony yellow — radiates confidence. It’s not shy, not subtle, but a statement shade meant for someone who wants to be remembered. And even with its history (a faint stain, a few moth kisses tucked away in the folds), this gown has lost none of its magic. Like all the best vintage, its imperfections only testify to a life lived and nights danced through.

Designed under the creative vision of Youssef Rizkallah for Malcolm Starr, this gown embodies an era when American eveningwear was bold, glamorous, and meticulously made. Rizkallah’s Paris training and Egyptian roots gave his designs a unique fusion: couture lines, vivid colors, and a sense of drama that still translates today. Whether you’re a collector, a vintage prom dreamer, or simply someone who appreciates clothing as art, this piece is a rare find — and it’s available now in my Etsy shop. ($300)