Lately I've been fascinated by blogs that are about vintage fashions and lifestyle. In that the blogger not only talks the talk but walks the walk. They wear vintage styles and decorate and run their homes in a vintage way.
I think it appeals to me (and to them, I can only surmise) because it seems to be a gentler, calmer time. And who couldn't use a little of that – vicariously or in reality.
Now I am not about to revamp my entire wardrobe or anything like that. I think the styles lend themselves to a more slender sillouette. I would look more like Mamie Eisenhower than Audrey Hepburn.
However one trend I can adopt is the wearing of brooches.
I love this little touch added to a cardigan or jacket. My mother was a big brooch or pin wearer. When we were going through her things after she passed away almost every jacket she had in her closet had a pin on the lapel.
I went through a stage in the 80's where I wore a lot of pins. In fact I specifically remember a denim duster with a large silver pig on the lapel (and please tell me I wasn't the only one in the 80's that wore a long denim duster. And big hair).
I just went through all my old costume jewelry and pulled out pins or brooches that I might actually wear today. I see I've always had a fondness for sparkle. Some things never change.
Isn't this cameo beautiful? My mother gave it to me. When I was nine or ten we were in Italy and went to a place where cameos were made and my parents bought each of us girls a small cameo pendant. A few years later I lost mine and my mother gave me this one to replace it. I think it is a particularly pretty one.
Looking at these patriotic themed pins makes me want to expand my collection. I think Martha Stewart had a spread in her magazine a couple of Summers ago about collecting vintage red, white and blue pins.
This last one is my favorite and while it is vintage (not all of the above are) it is new to me. I just ordered if off of Etsy. It ended up being even prettier in person. For costume jewelry I think the detail is quite fine.
Secretary of State Madeline Albright, wore beautiful pins. That came to my mind when I read your post. I hope I spelled her name right. If not forgive me. You have beautiful pins.
The last one is my fav too!
Oh, makes me yearn for some. I don’t have any, but now I have it in my head, I shall scavenge around (perhaps Etsy as well) and find some! So pretty!
Brenda
Not bragging, but I have many jewelry boxes full of vintage pins…some belonged to my Mom, her aunt and some from my Grandmother Nannie. Really should sell some and keep my favorites – some have wonderful memories attached to them. Most of them have some “sparkley” and would be considered costume jewelry….but still vintage.
Wearing pins must be in my blood because I, too, have a lot of vintage pins from my Mother and Grandmother. I also have the pins I wore in the 80’s. I still love them! I think everyone needs to wear a little bling everyday – vintage or not!
P.S. You have some beautiful pins!!!!
My grandmother always wore pins! I started collecting them about 10 years ago, starting with a very modern mixed metal piece from White Designs of Vermont. I prefer contemporary, but NOTHING beats a cameo.
My closets are like a clothing hoarder’s Smithsonian Institute. I actually HAVE that beloved denim duster of yours, little sister. The pig brooch was removed before you gave it to me, though. On the other hand, I have a carved ivory brooch that was once Grandma’s. I should send that to you!
Love your pins! I have some of my Grandmothers that are vintage and a lot of non-vintage ones I’ve purchased.
Yes to the big hair in the 80s (and Farrah Fawcett wings) but no to the denim duster. Ha!