It seems like brooches are the least recognized piece of jewelry and I really don't know why. They've been left out of the mass market in recent years so they've been lost on the Generation Y's. But they're worn by our nation's high-profile style icons like the First Lady and Carrie from Sex and the City (remember the huge flower from the movie?) Brooches are an easy way to add sophistication and style to an ensemble without having to spend a lot of money. Plus, if you don't wear much jewelry, brooches are the perfect way to add a little glitz.
I think the best place to put a brooch is the lapel of a blazer or coat, but they can be pinned on blouses, hats and bags. For an edgy look, pin a few brooches next to each other on a lapel. Of course, the runway always displays the most beautiful brooches embellished with Swarovski crystals or diamonds or other gems, but who can really afford those? So I ask, where can you find a pretty brooch that won't break the bank?
Here's how to find them: 
Online stores: You can buy brooches online without worry because you don't have to try them on. Stores like Forever 21 and jewelry brand Marquis and Camus sell brooches for relatively cheap. The Forever Flower brooch from Forever 21, pictured left, is only $3.80 and also comes in black and purple. The brooch, pictured right, from Marquis and Camus is $285, would be the centerpiece of your outfit. You'll pay more for a brooch from Marquis and Camus, but you'll be getting a piece that is better quality and will last longer.
Vintage/Thrift store: There are usually hundreds of old brooches at any vintage store. You'll pay the owner a premium at a vintage store as opposed to a thrift store, but it makes your chance of finding a pretty brooch much higher. If you find one you love at a thrift store, lucky you. It's rare that I do, but I always look just in case. You never know what you'll find.
Your relative's jewelry box: Personally, I think this is the best place to find brooches. You know you've been eyeing your grandma's pink flower brooch ever since you were 12. Most importantly, they're free, unless your relative doesn't like you. Recently, I've searched through my mother and grandmother's jewelry boxes and found some real gems, literally. It's vintage without paying the premium or having to search through a bunch of junk.
Do you wear brooches? Where's your favorite place to buy them?
Tags: Jewelry PR
