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Considering the number of people who have turned to jewelry making to supplement their income stream over recent years, many women are neck high in jewelry they’ve made themselves or purchased in support of friends’ endeavors. So much so that one trend has been to layer necklaces and bracelets, and we’ve all seen that woman who has Hawaiian bangles running up and down her arm like clanging body armor.
The last thing I need is another necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings. When faced with temptation, I always remind myself, "I only have one neck."
So it’s no wonder the brooch, last popular in the form of sunny blossoms in enameled colors worn by flower children of the 1960s and early ’70s, has made a comeback this season, fueled by a need for something new to dress up wardrobes and the aristocratic style of England’s queen and Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, whose every fashion choice seems to cause a stir.
Brooches are not restricted to any particular style. Boutiques are full of inexpensive pieces bearing rhinestones, crystals and beads, in styles ranging from Art Nouveau to Art Deco to contemporary florals.
Pin them on dresses, blouses, jackets, scarves and even purses to dress up an outfit. Go pin crazy.
Come to think of it, I wonder whether the rise of the social-networking phenomenon Pinterest has anything to do with our new penchant for pinning.