bring the brooches out...

the uses for brooches are vast...i tell you...vast...whether you peruse through your grandmothers jewelry box...or hunt some down at the local thrift store...what a fun way to update any old blazer or sweater...

but don't stop there...the more the better...how about trying for a cluster of brooches?  mix and match 3 different ones and create a wonderful arrangement on your blazer...whether you stick to pearls and rhinestones...or go for some color...what an easy embellishment...

thinking that is not quite your look?  how about attaching one to a necklace you have...perhaps your pearls could use a nice brooch...or add to a simple chain or leather string necklace...instant statement necklace...and you choose the color and style...

pin one to an otherwise boring clutch...how about adding it to a belt?  or pin it to the waistband of your skirt or dress...get the idea?  so many options...all with a tiny brooch...give it a try!

and if you have some innovative ways to wear your brooches...please leave ideas in the comments...so others can try them out as well...

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brooch it up...

the piece that at one time...seemed to be in every ladies jewelry box...now...can be found in so many wonderful places...whether you are looking for a new piece...which many stores carry...or opt for something older...whether found in your own grandmothers jewelry box...an estate sale...thrift stores...or flea markets...the nice thing...is that you can really find some that suit your style...

so if you are all about color...go for the gusto...find it in a beautiful favorite color...or bursts of colors in one piece...is metallic more your speed?  gold, silver or bronze...take your pick...perhaps you are a pearl girl at heart...look for something like the picture below...

and what to do with these lovely pieces?  while a jeweled or metallic brooch can add instant glamour to a simple black top...don't stop there...add it to your coat...or dress...pin it to a simple clutch purse...for an instant update...

if you are already a brooch girl...share the way you wear them in the comments section...inspire others...

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guest post: re-inventing your accessories...

my lovely friend and fellow stylist...dana lynch...had a wonderful article in her monthly newsletter...so i asked if she wouldn't mind sharing it on my blog as a guest post...and being the lovely that she is...she of course said yes...be sure to check out her website elements of image and follow her on twitter as well...she is located in denver, colorado...so if you are in that area and looking for a fabulous image consultant...look no further!



Do you always wear your accessories the same way? To change your look and get more mileage out of your jewelry, scarves, gloves, etc., I encourage you to look at your accessories in a new way. Here are a few ideas to get you started. You DIY types (you know who you are,) can go crazy with this!

Antique brooches strung on a gold or silver chain creates a whole new necklace.

The same pin can be attached to a long strand of faux pearls gives the everyday pearls a bit of sparkle. Or why not pin a scarf?

Do you have large button earrings left from the '80's? Try them on the collar of a casual shirt for a funky vibe.

Combine dressy scarves with casual clothes. Have fun mixing patterns!

Incorporate colorful gloves into your outfit for an outing when there's a tiny chill in the air.

Layer your necklaces. Get creative and go for combinations you normally wouldn't. The only hard, fast rule is for your necklaces to be varied lengths.




These are just a few ideas. Take even just a half hour; pull out all of your accessories and let your imagination run wild! You'll freshen up your wardrobe and you won't have spent a dime!

the brooch...

i have a friend (nina...if you are reading this...i'm referring to you!) who has the most unbelievable brooch collection that i've ever seen...she had collected these years and years ago...and wore them quite a bit...talk about the easiest way to spruce up a sweater...

some still look at a brooch and think...grandma...but honestly...the brooch is capable of really jazzing up an outfit...i've seen them placed in up-do's...pinned on hats...jackets...sweaters...really...if you think about it...a brooch can be placed in many areas on a simple dress...pin it on the waist...or the strap...if you are wearing a turtleneck...pin it on your shoulder...for that unexpected pop of "wow"...do you have a clutch purse that needs a bit of something something? pin a brooch on it...how about that long strand of pearls in your jewelry box? wrap that around your neck a few times and clasp it together with a lovely brooch...

brooches can be found in so many places...go for those with color...or just full out rhinestone glitz...scour your vintage stores...thrift stores...garage sales...grandma's jewelry box... =) you can definately find new ones in department stores...but there is something about a good old vintage brooch...

do you wear brooches? if so...what clever way have you worn it?