Style matters for a big event

I'll add a picture at some point, but because you know I take style seriously I'll tell you the meaning behind my party attire today (10/30). Not so different from medieval Europe where the different hat styles all conveyed a message!

I won't wear a hat, thank goodness, but I have on a jacket I bought years ago, maybe with VWS, at our local boutique Lemon Twist. It's a black/red/gold reversible jacket woven with Chinese motifs.  Since China has played a large role in our family and provided my living for many years, I wanted to honor the connection.  I'm wearing the gold chain I bought in Hong Kong in 1976 (!), the pendant from VWS and DMS with the girls' birthstones, and the emerald one from Art. On my right hand is my "family ring" of garnets and 4 tiny diamonds that I bought from a Foreign Service friend when I worked in the Refugee Bureau in the 1980's.  She bought stones in her different postings and had her father in Florida work them into beautiful jewelry.

As a final touch I'm wearing the little silver/ruby ring that Dad bought for Grandma Anne Ware in India back in the 1970's.  She passed it to Mom, who lent it to me for my college graduation!  You can see it on my hand reaching for the diploma in my official Wellesley photo.  This is another "graduation" where it can shine.