When I first watched Julia Roberts in the 1990 film “Pretty Woman”, I instantly decided her over-the-top hoop earrings (worn pre-makeover) were best reserved for scandalous women (AKA, not me). So you could imagine my shock when I noticed my mother wearing a pair a few years later. One of the most elegant women I know, my mother apparently loves hoops and has been wearing them all along. On her, they look so classy and beautiful (everything I hastily decided they weren’t) that I couldn’t believe I had written them off for good.
With this realization came a new attitude and the discovery that this is truly a timeless jewelry piece anyone can buy. I used to think hoops made any outfit appear over-dressed, regardless of the occasion. However, that has never been the case with my mom, who always makes her gold pair look effortless and essential. A good friend of mine was even inspired to get her ears pierced for the first time so that she could wear hoops just like my mom’s.
One of my most treasured jewelry pieces is now a pair of gold hoops that my mom gave me for my birthday last year. They happen to be a pair she designed herself for her Monica Rich Kosann Collection of Classics. As her daughter I am clearly partial, however, I’m not exaggerating when I say they are the most lightweight and delicate gold hoops I’ve ever seen.
Hoops, in general, are probably the easiest piece of jewelry to find at almost any price, whether at a local boutique or your nearest department store. Here are two other hoops I recently came across in a quick Google search: 1) Shopbop has both a gold and silver pair for $60; and 2) Me&Ro has an etched sterling silver pair for $245. No matter what your personal style may be, take a cue from my mom and opt for a simple, clean and classic pair of hoop earrings. It’ll make, not break, your outfit.
Published on March 3, 2010
While there are many sites today dedicated to the pursuit of fashion and style, here at MRK Style we approach these subjects through a collector’s lens. Through exploring how people relate to Art, Family, Fashion, Food, Film and Travel—essentially life’s various, everyday obsessions—we reflect on how we all live with the things we love. 
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