Yesterday's outfit was all about complimenting what is referred to in the antique jewelry business as "an investment piece."

The outfit itself is pretty simple. I was going for a column of color in olive greens, which I felt the need to break up just a bit because it felt too monochromatic, with the black leather and denim asymmetric vest and black v-neck t-shirt.

The statement piece here is the jewelry. The sterling and enamel snake necklace and earrings are from the 1950's and were made by one of the most famous Mexican silversmiths, Margot de Taxco (Margot Van Voorhies Carr).

Her work is still copied to this day (although nowhere near the quality of her work. The depth and complexity of her enameling technique is still held as some of the best ever done in any century). Her apprentice did good work as well (I own a rattlesnake brown enameled version of this necklace done by him, but even he couldn't hold a candle to Margot's work).

I owned this set (I have the matching snake bracelet as well and chose not to wear it yesterday) back when I was dealing antiques over a decade ago. My mother used to help me do antique shows on a regular basis (when we'd do the Brimfield show we'd jokingly call it "camping for cash") and I could not have done those shows without her help. For which she would refuse to ever let me pay her.

She really loved this set (as did I. It was always one of my favorite pieces). So one year for Christmas I gave it to her. I had no desire to part with it. But mom was always so good to me I felt she absolutely deserved it --even if I really didn't want to part with it. I gave it to her gladly and loved to see her wear it; which she did often.

Fast forward more than a decade later and I get a package in the mail on Tuesday from my mother. With a card that reads "I know you will love this gift. I love it, too, but I give it gladly to you. It seems a shame that it should sit in a drawer when it's so beautiful. It should be worn and appreciated and I know you will do that."

In the box was the Margot snake set.

Damn. I really love my mom. If I can be even half the woman she is I'll be doing just fine.

So yesterday's outfit was for mom.

Newsboy Hat: I've seriously owned it so long I can't actually remember where I got it!
T-shirt: TJ Maxx
Olive green sweater: Autumn Cashmere (thrifted)
Leather and denim vest: Helmut Lang (via ebay)
Olive green moto jeans: J Brand Roz Trapunto (via ebay)
Boots: Lucky Brand (via Zappos)
Ring: Vintage 1950's sterling and green tourmaline by jewelry designer Ella Cone (via antiques co-op in Boston 20 years ago)
Bag: Fendi (via Bloomingdales)
Snake Necklace and Earrings: Vintage Margot de Taxco sterling and enamel (originally obtained via a private sale with a collector)