Make A Statement With Your Brooch

We’re all familiar with the idea of using “statement jewelry” to add spice to an understated outfit or to increase the glam factor to a fancy get-up…whether it’s an eye-catching necklace, cocktail ring, bracelet, or earrings. But amidst all these different types of baubles, the poor brooch has been forgotten. Many of us consider the brooch to be an old-fashioned piece of jewelry, something reminiscent of our grandmother’s generation. I’m here to tell you that this is not the case! The little brooch is getting a revival of sorts. It’s back as an accessory on women’s dresses and blazers, reminding us of the elegance or quirkiness it can bring to an outfit (just take a look at First Lady Michelle Obama!). And what’s more, the brooch is probably the most versatile piece of jewelry you can own. You’d be surprised by the innumerable ways that one can use it or wear it! How, you ask? Well, dear reader, you’re about to find out!

With your clothes
There is, of course, the classic approach of pinning a brooch to the top-half of your dress, shirt, or blazer. But how about adding a modern twist to it? You can transform a dress that is cinched at the waist by pinning a brooch to the side. To inject casual elegance into your daily wear, try wearing a brooch as a button that fastens your cardigan, adding it to the knot of your scarf, or even decorating your hat!

There are ways to get even more creative -- Wear an oversized brooch that will truly make a statement (for example, as seen here). Another idea is to wear several brooches at once on your blazer with a devil-may-care attitude. A recent trend is to pin several brooches of similar style and color along the neckline of your dress to create the illusion of a necklace (check out this gorgeous piece here).

With your accessories
Who says brooches only belong on clothing? You can even personalize your accessories with a brooch. Attach your favorite brooch to a necklace or bracelet to create more visual interest and detail to your jewelry. Give new life to your old, plain purse by pinning on a fun brooch (or brooches). Do something unexpected and add a quirky brooch to your belt. The possibilities are endless!

In your hair
Nothing says ooh-la-la like a sparkly brooch added to an updo, side ponytail, or headband. A brooch in the shape of a flower or a butterfly can create a feminine and romantic look to your hairstyle without the need for fancy hair accessories!

 All images courtesy of Pinterest

To the Land of the Midnight Sun!

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Hi guys! As you're reading this, Shruti and I are probably en route to the Land of the Midnight Sun...Yup, Norway! We are going on a week long cruise along the coast of Norway, starting from the city of Bergen and ending at Kirkenes. We're looking forward to what should be a feast for the eyes. Norway is celebrated for its breathtaking fjords, wildlife, and natural beauty. Along the cruise, we'll be passing the Artic Circle, the northern most point of mainland Europe, and the Russian border. And indeed, true to its moniker, we shall be seeing the midnight sun (in the summers, the sun never sets below the horizon).

Check back for a couple scheduled posts coming up next week while we're away. And of course, you can always follow our travel adventures on instagram (@richat81). Farvel, folks! (That's Norweign for "goodbye").:)

Spring Cleaning

I recently went through a cleaning spree of my apartment. People who visit my apartment exclaim at how neatly everything is kept, so they roll their eyes when I say I need to clean. While I might not be a messy person, I do tend hold on to things longer than I need to. I realized this when I recently discovered a pair of pants from my college days (they still fit – woohoo)! This prompted me to dig deeper into my closet (and find some gems and not-so-gems from years past) and finally make the decision to purge some of my clothes and shoes.

Rules of Closet Cleaning

This checklist I discovered on Pinterest provided me with my spring cleaning mantra. For me, the most important question from this list is whether I use a clothing item regularly. I found that the answer was no for a large number of clothes I own. I had outgrown some clothes in both personal style and size. Others were tops I thought I could carry off but just can’t. As difficult as it was, I put these in the Donation pile. When it came to shoes, I ultimately parted with 17 pairs! Getting rid of so many was daunting, but was much needed! Many of them were cute, but frayed at the soles or not practical for the office or walking around DC. I think I was hoping some shoe fairies would come fix them at night….Alas that did not happen!

While the closet cleaning process was time-consuming, I felt so accomplished at the end. I now have a more organized closet and more space….which I can fill with all the new clothes I buy! :)

Do YOU periodically clean your closet? What is the hardest thing for you to part with?

Florida On My Mind (Part II)

This is part II of a post on my travel to Florida a couple weekends ago (part I outfit post is here).

After a particularly chilly and rain-soaked spring in NYC, I was eager to get myself out of the Northeast for a few days. Florida was just the antedote to my cold spring blues. 

I’ve been to Miami several times before but I always enjoy walking along Ocean Drive and visiting South Beach, flocked by locals and tourists alike. I love the energy and the upbeat vibe here. You might have heard of the Delano Hotel and Nikki Beach, which are great hangout spots close to the beach. Perfect for soaking in some sun, sand, and cocktails during the day or night! One of the mornings, we also made a happy discovery of a great brunch spot called the Front Porch Café along Ocean Drive. Orange zest French toast with a cappuccino? Yes please! For a more local scene, visit the Brickell neighborhood and drop in at Taverna Opa. Guys, this place is life-changing! It's a crazy, odd combination of a really good Mediterranean restaurant that turns into a bar and where dancing on the tables is the norm!

The other stop on our weekend trip was Ft Lauderdale. Although it’s a mere 40 minute drive from Miami, Ft Lauderdale offers a totally different beach town vibe. While Miami has the showy culture with the wow-you-with-my-fancy stores, restaurants, nightlife, cars, and fashion (you’ll see a Lambo or Ferrari on every street, and women love showing off their tanned bodies with tight bodycon dresses and sky high heels, even in the daytime!), I found Ft Lauderdale to be more quaint. Walking along Las Olas Blvd, one of the main streets, I couldn’t resist taking pictures of the cute storefronts and mom & pop shops. And because I can't help taking the New York brunch culture with me wherever I go, I had to find a nice place to get my morning carbs. La Bonne Crepe along Las Olas Blvd with its amazing sweet and savory crepes was a great find!