Style Guide: Wearable brooches

Even though the holidays are officially over, don't be so quick to put away your sparkly jewels. This year I'm looking forward to incorporating bejeweled brooches into everyday wear, instead of reserving it for the usual holiday happenings and festive soirees. Statement necklaces can be too formal, so instead, look to lighter-colored gemstones and dull silver or antique gold brooches for a wearable workplace piece (like seen here and here). When done right, these dazzlers can add a touch of lady-like glamour without looking like a relic of the past. I'll be experimenting with these year-round in 2011 in unexpected ways, like a cluster of two in complementary shapes to adorn the shoulder, to close a cardigan or coat, or to pin onto a purse strap, scarf or gloves. The possibilities are endless, it seems, with this one tiny, bejeweled piece.

All images courtesy of Avalaya.