By definition, a pin is a decorative piece of jewelry that typically has a sharpened wire on its backside by which it is attached to a garment or other object. The terms pin and brooch are often used interchangeably even though not all pins are truly brooches.
As indicated by the title of this post, the selected theme for this edition of the Magnificent 8 Collaboration is pins. Or perhaps it’s brooches but I don’t think we intended the theme to be so narrowly focused. You see, a brooch is a specific type of pin; in its origins, it was made to be utilitarian and functional. Brooches were clasps and fasteners for use in holding closed garments like cloaks and other outerwear. If you’re interested in reading more about the history of pins and brooches, I recommend this article.
The sky’s the limit when thinking up ways in which to wear pins. A traditionalist might tell you that a pin should be worn singly on the left side of your chest but that viewpoint seems a bit restrictive to me. Unlike all other jewelry, a pin is the one accessory that can be strategically placed anywhere on your outfit to give it a little bit more personality and flair. Left side, right side, high or low, individually or as part of a set, the choice is yours to make.
I’ve seen some very smart looks where a pin is worn at the shoulder, or on a hat, or at the waist. I even recall seeing a blogger who had attached several to a chain and she fashioned herself a fabulously unique statement necklace. Imagine attaching several smallish ones along the front of a button-down to look as if the pins were themselves the buttons. I’ve even fancied with the idea of using a couple to hold rolled-up cuffs in place.
For today’s look, I didn’t get nearly as creative. On my right side is a clustering of three butterflies and on the left side is a dragonfly. While I do tend to wear my pins on or near the lapel, I rarely wear them solo. When wearing one on its own, I’ll often also add a necklace to the look. Since I more than met my quota with pins in today’s look, I opted to forgo including a necklace. And as you can see, I’ve got a little theme going on with my choice of pins.
Outfit details: Jacket, Old Navy (dated Spr ’04, thrifted); Top, Mossimo Supply Co (dated Spr ’14, retail); Skirt, unknown (thrifted, seen in Fresh Focus: Maxi(mum) Impact Skirts); Boots, BORN (Poshmark); butterfly pins, unknown (Poshmark); dragonfly pin, Ann Taylor Factory (retail); dragonfly earrings, Betsey Johnson (Poshmark)
Let’s move on to the Magnificent 8 Collaboration. It began in the Summer of 2018 as a quarterly venture and this is its 15th installment. The previous ones were; Life’s A Beach, Distressed, Workout Wear, Spring Pattern Mixing, White Dress, Animal Print, Family Heirloom, Garden Party, Hello Yellow, Pearls, Outside The Box, Statement Pants, Inspired By, and most recently Invested In Style. Have you visited any of the other Magnificent 8 gals yet and seen their spins on the theme of Stick A Pin On It? In case you haven’t, let me get you on your way.
The Magnificent 8 is a collaboration among 8 stylish women, each in a different age bracket, ranging from early 20’s to early 80’s. The intent of the collaboration is to show that there are no age restrictions on style. So wear what you want, when you want, add a smile, and strut your style with confidence. And be sure to check out the other 7 amazing gals! We are sharing these posts on a quarterly basis … be on the lookout in April for the next post in this series.
Grace of Graceful Rags
Mica of Away From The Blue
Roxanne of Glass of Glam
Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge
Rena of Fine-Whatever
Eugenia of The Age Of Grace
Lesley of Jodie’s Touch of Style
And Charlotte of Jodie’s Touch of Style
Remember, you can’t put a number on style!
My collection of pins and brooches is quite vast. I’ve not counted them but I’d guess that I have over 50 of them with the majority being snowflakes and Hanukkah themed ones (see photos in 21 In ’21: Holiday Traditions). Along with those, I also have 8 or so cameos as well as an assortment of other motifs like flowers, bows, and geometric shapes.
Besides adding interest and personality to your outfit, a pin can also serve as a great conversation starter. Perhaps you have a favorite (or two or three) that was once your grandmother’s or bought at an estate sale or a handmade one-of-a-kind. Don’t leave it unworn in your jewelry box. Anyone at any age can “stick a pin on it” and turn the ordinary into extraordinary.
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Note: This is an unsponsored post. However, some or all of the links to clothing items (if present) are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Photos: MMPerez
9 Comments
Rena, this is one of my favorite ways to wear pins…clustered on a denim jacket! I love your buggy theme. It gives me hope that spring will soon be here! What a fabulous outfit, too. That tie dye maxi skirt is amazing and the lacy peplum looks super cute with it! Well done, my friend!
Shelbee
Very cute! I love a good denim jacket outfit 🙂 the “pin” really adds a nice touch
Those are lovely brown boots
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Oh, I love how you added it to both side this time Rena!! The more, the merrier, I always say.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I love all the pins on your denim jacket! Such a fun way to wear them and a great way to showcase a lot at once! 🙂 It’s true there are so many ways to wear pins and brooches when you think about it, it’s a shame I don’t wear them more often!
Hope that your week is going well 🙂 We enjoyed the public holiday yesterday 🙂
Now, see, you are the cool person I aspire to be! That’s the look I go for, but I always feel like I’m wearing a costume! I’m just going to have to do it! I absolutely adore that skirt! This is one of the coolest looks you’ve worn! Love it!!!
https://marshainthemiddle.com
I love seeing people wear brooches (I’ve never called them pins, I wonder if it’s more of an American term??) but I’m also a bit dubious of wearing them myself because I’m worried about making holes in my clothes! I do own a few, that I inherited from my late step mother-in-law. I like how you’ve clustered them all on your denim jacket, I also like how you wore it last year (with a Victorian twist).
Hugs
Suzy xx
I loved your style, I liked the skirt.
xoxo
https://beperes.blogspot.com/
This is one of my favorite skirt of yours! My pin are all sitting on a drawer, I just add a few to each of my denim jackets!
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