Eleven years and a mini-break

March 25 marked eleven years since the Passage opened, and, digging into the archives (over 1, 275 posts), I've noticed I've moved from writing about style to, more often, culture and the life stories of women I've met. Pearls of course endure!

The first three posts from March 2008 were about Indian jamavar shawls, Zara Scoville's "Priceless Imperfection" pearls, and Thierry Rabotin shoes. I'd wear every one of those today! (When you see something in the Passage's windows, it's because it interests me; I do not write sponsored posts, earn commissions, or accept freebies.)

Today's windows show the 2019 versions.

The shawl: Heritage Trading on eBay sells these in an array of colours, though the price has crept up a bit ($US 66). They make wonderful gifts. My friend Lynda showed me how to handwash them: in cold water with baby shampoo; dry flat.
The pearls: Zara has no e-commerce site and high-quality non-traditional pearls are still hard to find. This Chinese keshi, Peruvian opal and golden South Sea pendant pearl necklace is from my favourite, Kojima Company; price, $US 504.
The shoes: Since that post, TR have only collected more fans who will endure the luxury-level price for comfortable shoes that look every bit as chic as non-comfort styles. This spring's star sandal is the "Barton" in Navy Africa; price, $US 495.


In the past eleven years, more has changed in my life than in my closet: my mother and brother died, and we became grandparents; our children and those of friends have grown from youth to adulthood; the family moved cities; I retired. And the world shifted, with new uncertainties, urgencies, discoveries.

But the inner transition has eclipsed anything showing on the outside. I dream about my work, not in a yearning way, but in a summative manner. I'm off that particular stage but grateful to be in the Passage, which I imagined from that first day as a Parisien passage, but also a time of life, a state of mind, a place through which to amble alone or with a friend, then have a coffee crème. Stop and smell the wisteria.

My reward has been the relationships, the sharing of ideas and resources. When you comment, I'm encouraged; when you send jewellery reno photos, I'm delighted.

There will be no post this Thursday; I'm taking a few days off to visit a recently-widowed Susanfriend. You know how that is: laughter and tears, our wistful knowledge that time moves on.

And I will bring her girlfriend goodies, one of which is Daniele Henkel's Renaissance Glove.

Earlier in the winter we visited a ritzy spa for full-body exfoliation. That cost $160 each, a pretty penny to be scrubbed like a baking potato. My neighbour Toni told me about the glove, which she uses daily. She invited me to touch her silky forearm: sold!

This particular Susanfriend visits the Passage occasionally, so I'm not talking about the other treats except to say salted caramel is involved.

My wish is that you, too, will meet soon with a beloved friend whom you don't see often enough. And lay on the salted caramel!

Thank you for reading; see you next Tuesday, April 2 when you'll be welcomed with a spring-celebratory draw. Hint: "April showers bring..."