I Only Want to Own Tortoiseshell Accessories

By,a features editor at New York.She received a 2022 ASME Next Award, honoring outstanding achievement by magazine journalists under the age of 30.
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Only part of the author’s vast tortoiseshell collection.

Did you know that tortoiseshellcats(called “torties”) are almost exclusively female? Some other little-known tortie facts: They often have hot-tempered personalities (called “tortitude”), and are considered tokens of good luck in Ireland and Scotland.

In a way, you could call me a tortie: I anger easily, have two X chromosomes, and decorate myself more or less entirely with tortoiseshell-patterned accessories.

I always have. I bought a set of tortoiseshell barrettes from J.Crew in elementary school, wore tortoiseshell glasses through high school and college, and have delighted at the recent spate of acrylic tortoiseshell accessories: earrings made by designers likeAlexandrine ParisandJennifer Matchett, a tortoise version of the perennially popularCult Gaia bag, and tortoiseshell patent-leather slides from Maryam Nassir Zadeh.

A tortoiseshell pattern is adaptable: It enhances the studiousness of a pair ofglasses; the elegance of ahairclip, the charm of a set offlatware, the cuteness of a cat. And it’s timeless, too: A recent Christie’s sale included 18th- and 19th-century tortoiseshell lighters,hairbrushes, bangles, and brooches; a recent Need Supply email blast listed a tortoiseshelltoothbrush, hairbrush, and pair of teardrop earrings.

Below, a few of my favorite 2018 takes on the century-old pattern.

Parcelona French Large Celluloid Claw
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This is a very cute thing to throw in your hair when you’re wearing a simple outfit.

Koh-I-Noor Jaspé Natural Bristle Toothbrush Soft
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Guests will think,Even her toothbrush is elegant, when they use your bathroom.

Sun Buddies Courtney Sunglasses in Blonde Tortoise
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Just great sunglasses. And Sun Buddies are extremely solid and long-lasting.

Cult Gaia Acrylic Ark Mini in Tortoise
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It must be that tortie luck! This Cult Gaia bag in tortoise is 30 percent off.

Melissa Cosmic II Sandal
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My colleague recently became enamored with these cool sandals. It’s set off a bit of a chain reaction.

Maryam Nassir Zadeh Lauren Tortoiseshell Patent-Leather Slides
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Or you can try the slightly splurgier — but on sale! — MNZ sandal.

Eyebobs Spank Me 45mm Reading Glasses
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My dad swears by Eyebobs. When I asked him where he first found the brand, he said, “Canada.” No further explanation.

L. Erickson Skinny Mini Hoop Earrings
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A cheaper alternative to MNZ or Bird.

Fortune Tortoise Kate Hoops
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The aforementioned Jennifer Matchett hoops.

Bird Medium Square Hoop Earrings
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But if you have to have them.

Tsubota Pearl Tortoise Lighter
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And this. This lighter was in our 2017 Gift Guide, and I’m still completely obsessed with it.

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