the tortoise in my hair

I was thumbing through the September issue of Harper’s Bazaar the other day, and was thrilled to see that tortoiseshell is back in a big way. The dictionary defines it as: “The mottled, horny, translucent covering of turtles, used to make combs, jewelry, and other articles.” I define it as: “The synthetic imitation of natural tortoiseshell from which, apparently, every one of my childhood headbands was constructed.”

Please see Exhibit A:

…And B…

It also followed me into my high-school years, because seemingly every fashion and beauty feature Seventeen magazine ran in the late ‘Seventies, included models sporting tortoiseshell glasses. (Can you guess what kind of frames I chose for my first pair at the age of 16?)

Since I can no longer wear tortoiseshell headbands without developing a pain in my temples (and black Armanis have become my eyewear of choice), I was happy to read that this reptilian favorite is being fashioned into everything from footwear to handbags this fall.

But then I took a look at the prices: $6,295 for a mottled clutch bag; $795 for a horny pump. A turtle could beat me to the mall for that shopping trip. I’d much rather run out for these goodies….

So now that I’ve crossed the finish line (we’re assuming I don’t spot another cool, tortoiseshell piece on my bargain hunts), tell me: Is the trend growing on you  slowly or quickly?