You seem so into vintage, have you checked your vintage resources? Maybe the funky element can be found in the clasp? Some older pieces have really elaborate clasps. Or how about a double strand?

Do you want it to definately be a full pearl necklace? Or would you consider like a velvet choker with a band of pearls that centers on the front of your neck?

I found this shop on etsy that seems to specialize in pearls and other things. What about a necklace that is a strand of another material, like rounded coral beads or something? I like the blue coral necklace she has on her site.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5247852

Pearls are my thing. I have evolved my style to the extent that I will not wear a necklace unless it has some sort of pearl on it. Short, long, funky, classic, ethnic, retro or sporty, I have them all.

My advice is not to go vintage. Vintage pearls are generally too yellow and quite frumpy looking. You could get lucky and find a fab strand, but this is a tall order. I have been shopping in vintage stores for pearls for almost 20 years and have bought one strand that fits the bill (which broke and could not be fixed). May I suggest that you get yourself off to Ann Taylor and buy a short strand with an EXTRA large pearl bead for $39.The colour is right and the style is both funky and classic. Very Chanel meets Gaultier. This will start your “pearl style” off in a versatile and contemporary way.

I know they are, Angie, and I was waiting for your response all weekend!

Can I wear extra large beads? To be honest I do it anyway, but I always heard that jewelry should be in proportion to your size, so I am wondering if that's true. I also have a pretty slender neck, if that makes a difference.

Ana, I just like the idea of pearls because they look so dressy and formal and I plan to wear them in a very informal way, whereas other beads don't give the same contrast. I'll have to flip through that Etsy store when I have some more time--that's a lot of pearl for one store. Good find, though.

Nicole, I'll go for anything as long as it has the formal element I'm looking for.

You are patient Maya. I spent the weekend in San Francisco and was not on-line. But I’m back to answer your pearl question!

You can absolutely wear large beads if the strand is short and beads are all the same size. This makes the accessory proportional to YOUR size. My 5ft,size 2P client sports chunky jumbo pearls beautifully if that’s any encouragement. I’m thinking of a faux pearl bead that is two thirds of an inch in diameter. This is exactly what I mean. Dress them up for cocktails and down with fashion sneakers and biker jackets. I do this a lot. I’m a Chanel girl at heart so I’m very partial to the look.

http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Misses
Then to Nicole’s point, pearl necklaces come in all sorts. Chokers, pendants, in accompaniment of other beads (like in Lucite, wood, or plastic) and the list continues. They even come in colours. I stick to white pearls because the colours are picked up in my hair and it suits my fair complexion best. But you could sport black and brown pearls if you like?

I think I'll start with white for now. I really like that necklace. Looks like a trip to AT is in order in the future. I had this whole outfit envisioned in my head inspired by English schoolboys, oddly enough. Walk shorts, a cropped vest, shirt, loafers, and some girly accessories. For some reason pearls came to mind first.

Nice! Preppy pearl style is great.

Hey Maya, I was at gap.com and I saw these vests. Weren't you the one looking for a vest? I can't remember. Anyway, here are the links just in case:

http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....pid=413293

http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....pid=413294

I saw those Ana. Unfortunately I think I'm going to need something cropped to suit my freakishly short torso. I'm still on the lookout though.

Can you help me with my pearls too? I've got two necklaces-- one is 7mm Mallorca pearls with a silver clasp and the other is real 8mm pearls with a gold clasp. They are both 18in long. Neither is really yellow though they aren't quite the same color of course. I also feel too 50's home maker when I wear them so I don't wear them too often.

Majorica pearls are a great Spanish brand, Patience. I have pearl necklaces by that brand too. I feel that the 7 and 8 mm pearls are indeed too 50’s matronly. Not enough personality. You need interest to make a pearl necklace work both in a classic and contemporary way. Wear them as bracelets and start off afresh with a new pearl necklace.

I finally got a change to swing by Ann Taylor today and they are sold out, and it looks like they're sold out online and everywhere within a 100 mile radius of where I am :( Any other suggestions?

They can't check all the stores in the US, Maya?

I was at Macy's today and they had some interesting pearl costume jewelry. You might check them out.

They have them at the Seattle AT. Do they only ship within a 100 mile radius? Nordstrom has a similar strand for $59. You need to be very picky about your faux pearl necklace. You are after a strand with weight that’s the right shade of cream. AT’s chunky strand is perfect in every way. I’d persevere!

I don't know about shipping--I just used the "locate in a store" feature. I'm not too keen on ordering just a necklace anyway.

$59 is too much for me. I guess I'll just be patient. That can't be the last strand of perfect pearls on earth.

AT stocks this item all the time, so they are bound to come back into stock with it fairly soon.

I guess the 25% jewelry sale did them in this time. I will keep checking back.

Maya, do you have an Ann Taylor Factory (Outlet) store anywhere near you? I was there yesterday and they had loads of that pearl necklace. There were 2 sizes, medium chunky and large chunky pearls. They were $24.50-$29.50.

Doesn't look like it, Ana. I guess outlets are the one thing I'm lacking in NY. That's the perfect price and perfect pearls though! How annoying.

Maya, do you have paypal? I could buy them for you and mail them if you just paid for the pearls and shipping. We have 8.5% sales tax here in Austin.

That's very sweet of you Ana! I actually searched for them on ebay and found them for $5 with $2 shipping! If I don't win them I might take you up on the offer. Hopefully you aren't a stalker :)

Sounds good, I hope you win them! Ha, I was thinking, "I hope she doesn't think I'm a stalker!" :D

You two are too cute. I remember seeing a set of window blinds online at Ikea. I couldn't buy them online an we didn't have an Ikea in our area at the time. A cyber friend (whom I had never met) offered to buy the blinds, mail them to me and she trusted me to send her a check. The transaction went smoothly.

If Ana used costume jewelry from Ann Taylor as an excuse for stalking me, I would laugh.