Showing posts with label reasons to buy vintage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reasons to buy vintage. Show all posts

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.


Tuesday, November 26, 2013

5 Great Reasons To Shop Vintage This Holiday Season!



There are so many reasons to shop vintage this holiday season! 
Here are our top five:

1. Give Special and Unique Gifts

Seriously, who else in your circle do you know who is going to go out and get someone some cute 1960's Christmas ornaments or (obviously I'm biased) a beautiful1940's Christmas brooch?



2. Invest in Quality Lasting Treasures

You can go ahead and spend money on something that was mass produced in China in under a minute or you can give a mini investment to someone you love. Give them something that was produced by hand and has been around for decades. If they get sick of it, the value won't plummet off a cliff the moment it leaves the hands of the seller. There will always be someone who would be interested in a piece of the past.

See what I mean?

3. Vintage is Eco-Friendly!

You know the three R's? Which one isn't covered by buying vintage? EXACTLY!

You can create a greater market for things and stuff and fill our world with more items and plastic packaging which contribute to the Christmas carbon footprint....or you can buy something that was produced years ago and is likely better quality than anything you could buy today for the same price! If it makes you feel more modern and hip, go ahead and call it "eco-chic".

This piece? Produced in the 1930's. It's totally unique and still cool today. What's not eco or chic about it?



4. Support Small Business

Do you really want to give the executives at Nike a bigger Christmas bonus this year? Or maybe you'd like to boost the income of someone who has built up a small niche business from scratch and has spent the last year investing 12+ hours a day in their passion. Do you really want pad the bank accounts of those already living well beyond the average and increase the widening gap between rich and poor? You can encourage creativity and uniqueness in the world and strengthen our economy by supporting those who build something from scratch. Doesn't that sound nice?



5. Inspire Nostalgia and Good Memories

And finally, on our list, but certainly not the final reason to buy vintage, is for the memory. Ever walk around an antique mall listening to people's conversations about the items they see? If you have, you have no doubt heard people's voices raise in excitement when they see a toy or game they used to have or a piece of jewelry like their grandma used to wear or a glass candy dish like the one they gave their mother as a young child. Nostalgia and memories of loved ones and times past is nothing short of priceless. Jog old memories and create new ones by buying vintage this holiday season.





And here's one additional bonus reason to shop vintage comfortably online from home or at the relaxing antique mall during the mall's busiest time of the year:



So go forth! Buy vintage this season...and have a HAPPY HOLIDAY!