Brooch It!

Hello,

I love a sparkling brooch pinned to an outfit, on a hat or even other jewellery.

As you know I’ve always been a fan of brooches, styling women to add a cluster of brooches or pins as an alternative to a necklace. Truly individual.

I’ve incorporated brooches before in Working It and A Modern Work Romance but I was inspired after reading this article in the Sydney Morning Herald on the revival of antique brooches to broach the subject, so to speak, with a dedicated piece.

Here are some inspiring ideas.

From this …

To this …

A sparkling brooch on your outfit is a talking piece. This fun diamante toucan will give a simple dress an edge or light up a jacket or blouse.

• Toucan brooch from Bling Jewellery.
• Black knit dress from Witchery.
• White tuxedo style cape jacket from Forever New.
• Soft pink blouse from Blue Marine on Farfetched.

Add edge to a pretty printed dress by pinning several brooches in a little cluster. I’ve used different shapes and colours that complement each other.

• Polka dot dress from  Top Shop.
• Brooches from Bling Jewellery.

Don’t stop at dresses. You can really ramp it up combining shapes, textures and colours. Go a little wild with scarves or on shirts, jackets, blazers and coats. Experiment. It’s hard to go wrong.

I love this pretty, classic duo. Sometimes a statement piece does all the talking.

Don’t forget hats, summer or winter.

One thing few people think to do is add a brooch onto a piece of jewellery, such as this statement necklace. It truly differentiates the piece (and you). Adapt the same piece to many different moods and occasions.

I often order custom pieces for clients from accessories designer SoniaM Designs. Sonia has collected vintage brooches for years and beautifully weaves them into hand-made pieces such as this spectacular one-off. Sonia can also create magic by combining brooches or stones that you own and love with pieces from her own collection to make a truly personal piece.

• Multi strand crystal, pearl, stone, shell, vintage brooches and flower necklace from SoniaM Designs  

Need I add that brooch collecting and travel are a match made in heaven. These little treasure are lightweight, beautiful mementos. A vintage market in Barcelona, or the markets in Turkey add intangible qualities like memory, longing, love.

You can source well priced brooches and pins at vintage markets, antiques shops, op shops, online. One of my favourite vintage stores is Shag Melbourne, visiting is a must.

Experiment. You will be surprised at how radically a simple brooch can change a look.

You know where you can get me if you want to source a similar piece, but less expensive option.

I look forward to helping you shine.

To book me for a style session please fill out the form below.

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