Be Inspired No. 94 - Pin Down the Brooch

For centuries brooches have been used to communicate class status, religion, martial status or hidden desires. But some were worn to convey a sense of personality and identity - not different from our jewelry choices today. Statement necklaces aren't called statements for no reason.

Jewelry is part of our fashion statement to the world around us. While one might follow fashion trends there is always an individual's interpretation of that trend.

Though brooches were originally designed as a functional embellishment, their purpose quickly evolved into a statement.

I'm loving how brooches enhance a sweater with buttons or replace the buttons on that sweater. A sweater is just a sweater until the wearer decides to make it theirs. It's called editing. Improve and polish the look.

Then there is the artist, the creator, the visionary. Who takes a memory and says, "how can I honor the history of this vintage piece whilst writing another page of that history?"

Embellishment is a tricky thing. There is a fine line between beautiful and tacky. One would be well off to remember this whether creating a fashion statement that portrays a message or designing the home. 

Simplistic, yet beautiful. Embellishing classic ivory candles with a bit of string is such a pretty add to a lux glam look. I'm loving the juxtaposition of the elegance of these brooches to the rustic tin candle holders and rawhide they hang from. 

Speak with a proud shoulder nod or with a "crown" on your head. Brooches are at home as a single item or a cluster of well-chosen pieces. Have fun! Play with the look and then wear it with confidence. Or let your room shine with just the right touch of bauble.

Whether this inspires you to dig into your grandmother's jewelry box or be on the lookout during your flea market road trips I would suggest you don't have their final placement in mind. Acquire them because of the memory they hold for you or the goose bumps you feel when you see it tucked away in that seller's booth.

Then there will be the classics that take very little thought to what brooch will pair best with. You know what I'm talking about. That well-worn denim jacket that lays on the back seat of your mini cooper for a quick grab when the evening brings a chill. Or that favorite cap that is our best friend on a bad hair day. These are the items in our closets that have been waiting for their brooch art.

Adding brooches to our fashion accessories is one of those embellishments that looks like it was the reason we are running late, yet it was so simple. You know the things in our wardrobe choices that have us replying to a compliment with "oh, this old thing!

And if your brooch collection is one that shouldn't be stashed in a drawer until you wear the perfect outfit there is always a lamp shade that is calling for your statement!

Something borrowed, something blue, and a six pence in her shoe. Keep in mind that the something old and something new can create a beautiful combination. The brooches can be vintage and at the same time create new memories.

Besides the story of how one acquired a brooch whose design includes an animal, the animal brooch can also symbolize a specific meaning. The wearing of a bee brooch can symbolize a strong network of unconditional love and support. And some think it brings good luck, wealth and abundance to the person wearing it.  

The spider brooch is said to mean mystery and growth. And the wearing of a butterfly means rebirth, life, freedom, transformation, and hope. Past, present and future are symbolized with a three rings brooch.

Your creativity is limitless. Now let's get to rummaging through those jewelry drawers, go visit Grandma and hit up your favorite markets. Brooches are at the top of your list this weekend!

 

Sources: Art UK, Modenus Media, Millenial-Me, BuzzFeed, Bed Knobs and Baubles, The Great Frog, Forger Design, Wendy Baker Design, Brenda Kinsel, Pinterest