How to Start a Brooch Collection

For years I have been buying up brooches just about every time I pass through a vintage shop. Whether it's something specific that I am looking for, or something that catches my eye. Brooches represent a decorative piece of art that are fun to collect and admire. I am sharing my favorite categories of brooches that I always keep an eye out for.

F L O W E R S

Florals are a very popular motif throughout vintage jewelry, and this is no exception for the brooch style! You can find giant daisies and feminine bouquets designed in various materials like metal, enamel and rhinestones. My favorite way to wear this style is to find a few different round florals and create a unique bouquet by clustering them together on a jacket lapel.

R H I N E S T O N E S

Rhinestone clusters were the first style of brooch I began to collect in high school. A classic style that adds a bit of sparkle to any outfit, the rhinestone cluster should be a staple in everyone's brooch collection. My favorite two ways to wear this style is dressed down pinned on a denim jacket, or dressed up pinned on the shoulder of a cocktail dress.

M O T I F S

Everyone has something they love to collect, and brooches lend themselves to fun and kitschy motifs. A few of the brooch motifs that I collect are: bows, crowns, insects, cats and poodles. There's something for everyone! My favorite way to wear this style is by grouping the small collections together, like a cluster of insects on a jacket lapel.

Morning at the Met

I visited The Metropolitan Museum a few weeks ago to see the Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology exhibit with my Mother while she was in town for a girl's weekend. We spent the rest of our afternoon wandering the sculpture halls at the Met. Afterwards, we walked over to Bergdorf's for dessert and tea.