Sunday, October 18, 2015

Jewelry Trend for 2015 and Beyond: The Brooch

Everybody's talking about it...the BROOCH! It's the "it" accessory for fall 2015 and I'm positive it will carry over much farther into 2016 and beyond.

Check out these recent runway looks:



From left to right: Fausto Puglisi, Edun, Balenciaga, Prada and Luisa Beccaria. Photos: Imaxtree

Dolce & Gabbana F/W15

Now, if this trend conjures up images for you of cute little circular conservative pops of sparkle, typically worn high on the shoulder, let me be the one to tell you, a brooch can be so much more! Once you spend some time really studying all the different aesthetic styles of this versatile piece of adornment and how it can be used in so many different ways, you may just be hooked for life! 

Take some of the pieces from our collection for example. Like this piece by Mazer with big glass "fruit salad" stones, clear faceted crystals, and some swirling metal elements that give it a highly feminine look. The glass stones allow the color of your garment to show through. Can we suggest pairing it with a tailored blazer, mildly distressed jeans and a pair of pumps?


Say, with something like this: 

Source unknown


Here's another example that would work great with this look. This is another vintage designer piece, this time by the well known company Boucher. Such nice depth in this piece and a great combination of fantastic design and a bit of sparkle. Not too girly but highly attractive!


Or, you could also go with something like this for yet a slightly different look with a bit of sentimentality. This piece is a traditional Norwegian silver Solje brooch. Typically given as wedding gifts, the gold colored metal "spoons" are thought to reflect evil away from the wearer. Some sources say they are possibly also a reflection of how many children a couple will have.



If you like dangles, here is a statement piece with a girandole like structure.



This piece is just amazing. Take a look at the side view. The emerald glass stones are raised off the heavy brass backing with large metal prongs.



Or how about something exceptionally interesting like this vintage frog brooch with little starfish for feet and peackock eye art glass eyes? Cute, isn't he? 


And here's a fun piece! This flower is in the Brutalist style. Likely a Canadian made piece, it is a rare example of jewelry made in this style that actually resembles a form. In this case, a flower. 



Want to add some femininity without going overboard? Here's a glass flower pin that is both a brooch and a pendant! And it's made by Trifari. A company known for quality and design. 


So pretty with your summer pastels!



Or maybe you prefer something a little more quaint like this sweet petit point pin.


If size and detail are important to you, you might consider something like this bold but feminine brass floral brooch with a twisted metal border


Here's how I chose to wear this one for a day out shopping on the Ave. 


If sparkle is your thing, you could choose to wear something like this 60's piece that resembles a leaf.


Or perhaps something outstanding like this unsigned 1960's glam designer piece from the Juliana line by DeLizza and Elster?



Of course you could always channel your inner mid-century modern style with something like this groovy wood and silver cat pin



And one more...just for fun! A great 1940's vintage piece by Coro. A magnificently designed piece with charm and sophistication. Just think of the personality it would add to that blazer and jean combo! Perfection!



The brooch. So many different shapes, styles, and finishes! And vintage is the way to go if quality and design are important to you. Whether designer signed or not, you're sure to find something that speaks to you. 

Which style do you like? Do you currently wear brooches? If not, do you think you might in the future given their current popularity? Tell us in the comments below!

Our next blog post will cover different ways to wear the brooch. Subscribe to this blog or join our newsletter for updates!

UPDATE: See our newest post on Totally Modern ways to Wear a Brooch.


Saturday, October 10, 2015

Vintage Jewelry Display: Ideas From An Outdoor Market

Recently we had the opportunity to participate in an outdoor market!

Fun!

I hadn't done a market in YEARS, so given that I had two weeks to prepare, I think it turned out alright! But with more shows planned on the near future, I thought I'd share some ideas and tips for anyone else out there planning on attending their own market or show. And speaking of markets and shows, make sure you visit our Alberta Market Guide For Vintage and Craft Fairs.

Ok, on to the good stuff! 

(above) A DIY step display made specifically for brooches. Made from strips of foam clued together into "steps" and covered with black velvet fabric. Also, a cute sign quickly fashioned from a bit of paint on a couple of pieces of Saskatchewan barn wood.

I LOVE a good display, don't you? Something that grabs someone from a distance and pulls them in. Something with levels, style, color, and of course...sparkle!

This is what I tried to achieve with my display.

Now, I have to preface this by saying that I only had two weeks to prepare and I had nothing ready (including pricing) prior to this. Plus, I have a job...and a baby...and a house...and yard to maintain so there is potential for much more here! Also, I unfortunately forgot an entire box of display items at home including beautiful vintage china and silver that was supposed to take my display over the top. Oh well, I have another show coming up to make those revisions. Make sure to follow this blog for updates and more photos! :-)

The event was the Big Rock Brewery 30th Birthday Bash in Calgary, Alberta. Not something you'd expect to find vintage jewelry at but they graciously hosted a farmer's market with vintage inspired, true vintage, and handmade items. It was such a cute market with so many really talented vendors! Shopping, beer, and live entertainment...what a fun way to spend a Saturday! 

On with the photos!






(above) A basic spinning earring display with clip earrings. It was difficult to find way to display them without having them fall off. I used plastic and velvet earring cards. I cut the bottoms so the clip part would grip the velvet. An even better idea would be to glue some spongy black foam to the cards for the earrings to grasp.


 (above) Photo by Stephanie Arsenault 

(above) A vintage book (The Book of Golden Deeds) with pages folded in to create an attractive ring display.






(above) An old wooden case made into a jewelry display. 




So, all in all, not bad for a first shot at it with very little time to prepare and having forgot an entire box of display items at home. More posts planned for the future including vintage jewelry display inspiration and tips for jewelry shows.

Do you have any good jewelry display ideas? Share them in the comments below!


Wednesday, October 07, 2015

Grand Opening of Vintage Jewelry Girl Dot Com!

We are SOOOO excited to announce, that after a long summer of toiling over WordPress, our new vintage jewelry store is officially OPEN for business!! AND, it works Thank Goodness)!! ;-)


Vintage Jewelry Girl Grand Opening


The new site offers a beautiful clean design with large photos of items and an easy to use picture lightbox for each image. The new Vintage Jewelry Girl site also features a new blog and jewelry information and tips. It'll be continually updated and provide fun vintage and contemporary fashion information as well as valuable identification, historical, and treasure hunting information!

SO . MUCH . FUN


In addition, we are offering a grand opening discount of 20% on all orders for a limited time with coupon code VJG20)! Stop by today to get a great deal on a unique, quality piece of vintage jewelry. The Christmas season is quickly approaching! Wouldn't it be fabulous to get something special for those on your list this year? Stop by and check it out and please comment on this post with any feedback you may have. If we find it especially useful, we may just send you something pretty for free!

See you at the shop! :-)