Bringing Back the Brooch

In an effort to break away from the norm and expand my horizons, I've decided I want to bring back the brooch!  It's a great way to add a touch of glamour to your look and is truly a classic piece every woman should have in their jewelry box!

The First Lady, Michelle Obama, shows us how to rock a brooch, as seen below in a Miriam Haskell statement brooch of vintage gold filigrees, glass pearls and Swarovski crystals.

The First Lady has been setting trends since she stepped in to the White House, with her classic JCrew style pairing a pencil skirt with the button-down and a cardigan with a skinny belt on the outside, and now she's rocking brooches left and right! 

Part of the reason I think the brooch is a fantastic must-have accessory is because besides from being a timeless piece, it's something that people will discuss more at a party than say your ring or earrings or necklace, this is truly a statement piece of jewelry.  It's also worth investing in a high-quality brooch as this is the type of jewelry you will pass down generation to generation. 

What do you wear them with, you ask? Wear it with a dress as seen in above pictures or use it to clip a pashmina or scarf you drape around your shoulders or around your neck.  Throw on a wrap dress and pin your brooch at the hip or pin it on the outside of your coat.  Make it your own style because you can truly never go wrong with such a classic and elegant accessory that's been stylish for hunreds of years!

If you're looking to make an investment and find a classic brooch that will stand the test of time, try the mother of all brooches - this gorgeous Chanel Mother of Pearl Camelia brooch is a one-of-a-kind available on Esty (pictured to the right). 

Otherwise, you can find your brooch at any fine retailer - like the bird brooch by Jay Strongwater below, available at Neiman Marcus - or even at Forever 21! 

 

It all depends what you're looking to spend and if you want it to be a forever keepsake or disposable.  Or try the bright, jewel-toned crystal embellished rosette would go with so many colors, by Valentino and available at The Outnet. 

Jewel-toned brooches will add a pop of color to your little black dress or do a classic Swarovski crystal two-toned brooch like the Amythest Flower Brooch below.

I recommend hitting up antique stores and consignment shops first in your search since sometimes you can find the most spectacular hidden gems in these places!  Visit Ann Hand, a well-known local designer whose brooches have graced First Ladies, Senators Congresswomen and Ambassadors and designs have been featured on The Today Show, The New York Times and other prominent publications.  I love her turquoise turtle pin below!

Have fun finding your statement brooch and glammin' it up!

XOXO

~MyDCStyle

 

 

 

 
 

 

Comments

[Lorraine Jones]

Thanks so much for your article on Brooches and novel ways to wear them! As a Vintage Jewelry Dealer, I find that many designers showed their greatest creativity by making their Brooches small works of art. The colors, types of stones and combination of materials can be truly breathtaking! In the last several years customers admire these lovely creations but can't seem to visualize them in their wardrobes. Your article is like a breath of fresh air that says, "Yes, I can find a way to wear those lovely brooches that I've been admiring!