- Share This Post
- Pin It
- 1
-
Sparkle (0)
We all know the up side of the carefully edited closet: everything fits and works together and flatters you. The down side, of course, is that there will be days when you stare at your clothes and wonder how to make it all look new and fresh, ideally in the next ten minutes because you're already running late. Pins are an easy way to change up your look; add one to a sweater or dress for a little bit of shine, or pin one on your big winter coat to ward off the chills. Here are four ways to wear a brooch without looking like someone's grandma.
Restructure a sweater. We love how Michelle Obama used her trio of pins to turn a basic cardigan into a wrap. Having a tightly edited closet means that you won't necessarily have a sweater in every possible shape, but a pin -- or three! -- can change the look of even the most basic piece. You can do the same with a menswear shirt -- button the top button and then wrap the shirt; pin it into place and tuck into a slim pencil skirt for a simple, sexy twist on your office wear.
Embellish a dress. Think about pinning several small brooches -- or one really big one -- at the neckline of your LBD. Mix and match colors and styles; play off the neutral dress with bright faux gems. Cluster three pins at your shoulder for a fun corsage effect, or scatter five or six small pins around the neck of the dress, like a necklace.
Recreate your pearls. Attach a pin -- or several -- to a long string of pearls for a more dramatic effect. Or fake an elaborate clasp by placing a pin over the necklace's actual clasp. Think about a dramatic rhinestone pin with basic black beads, or a funky Bakelite-inspired piece with pearls.
Shine up your outerwear. Baby, it's cold outside, and bundling up to leave the house can feel like a chore. Pin something bright and cheery on your winter coat; suddenly it will feel a little less utilitarian and a little more fashionable. But be sure to put your pin on the OPPOSITE side from where you carry your bag; you don't want your tote to get tangled in your brooch.
Where can you find great pins? Vintage is always good -- shop eBay or local vintage stores, or just dig through your mother's or grandmother's jewelery box. Department stores are also a terrific place to look for fun costume-y pins, and at this time of year, they're all on sale (for stocking stuffers and Hanukkah gifts). Or browse at Etsy for one-of-a-kind artisan finds.
Mrs. T, at the Mrs. O blog, has the details on Mrs. Obama's trio of pins, StyleBakery has found some beautiful brooches (my favorite is the rhinestone insect), and AntiquesAvenue has the dish on vintage lucite.
Photo courtesy of AP Photo.
