Years ago, my husband and I asked my grandmother what she thought the secret to her longevity was. Without missing a beat, she said: sardines.
While wearing sardines may not offer the same health benefits, it does seem like everyone’s getting in on the trend these days. As usual, my grandmother was way ahead of her time.
This weekend, I was invited to a beautiful little pop-up in Amagansett hosted by Roxanne Assoulin. I’ve always loved her bracelets and necklaces—especially the ones she used to make that said kindness is magic. That phrase became a kind of mantra for me, and I used to give the bracelets as gifts to friends and clients. She doesn’t make them anymore (sadly), but she does make a sardine necklace now… and I knew I wasn’t leaving without it.
She’s also riding the cord friendship bracelet wave, and I picked up one of those too—because who doesn’t need one more piece of jewelry in summer?
I’ve actually been looking for the right sardine necklace for a while—one that feels playful and classic, not too quirky. I’ll link a few of the cute ones I’ve found - love this one from etsy and have had in my cart for a few weeks.
What do you think: sardines trinket box… or sardines in a can?
And if you’re not ready to wear your sardines, you can always eat them. I should mention that they’re an underrated powerhouse—high in omega-3s, protein, calcium, and vitamin D.
But here’s the part I keep coming back to: the sardine as a spirit animal. Sardines are small, but they move together with purpose. They symbolize cooperation, community, and adaptability—something I’ve been thinking a lot about when it comes to how we brand ourselves and show up in business.
It’s not always about being the loudest or flashiest. Sometimes it’s about finding your pod, moving with intention, and knowing that there’s power in subtlety. Branding, like sardines, can be small but mighty.
So maybe this summer is about needing less… but also needing things that feel like you. A sardine necklace, a reminder of kindness, a friendship bracelet, a tin of fish that fuels you.
Who knew a tiny fish could make such a big statement? Here’s to fashion, health, and branding—with a side of sardines