Sunday, February 3, 2013

Working Backward

Normally, we select our clothes, try them on, and then choose jewelry to accessorize the look.  Today, I worked backwards.  I have a new brooch that was generously given to me by Michi and I wanted to wear it.  But how?

I built an outfit based on the brooch.  My criterion was clothes that would present the brooch prominently and in best fashion.  I matched the colors (the brooch is black, white and silver) and style (traditional, but with a twist).  I think I came up with a winner.

What do you think?  How would you have worn the brooch?


 

 

 

44 comments:

  1. O, that brooch is gorgeous!
    I work backwards, sideways, all sorts, depending on what handbag, item of jewellery or shoes or whatever I'm in the mood for! Makes for a good challenge sometimes to do it all arse about face, as we say down here!
    You look classy,and just a little bit naughty secretary!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  2. i think it looks great! and i love the brooch.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Aw the brooch is so cute! I usually start with whatever I want to wear most, clothing, piece of jewellery, shoes etc and go from there. I like the simple dress with this brooch, it doesn't need any further embellishment.

    ReplyDelete
  4. i can't choose which i love more - the dress or the brooch. so perfect! you paired them perfectly!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Gorgeous brooch, and what a beautiful outfit you created to showcase it! I like the little details, like the herringbone pattern of the dress. I think it would also be fun to swap the thin tie at your waist for a black obi belt. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow, it's like we're weirdly connected, Ally. I just ordered a vintage mink poodle brooch from Etsy :o

    Srsly, you look beautiful, classy lady. You just need a cropped cardi or shrug for winter, and this is the perfect opportunity to break out some pretty patterned or seamed black tights. (Otherwise, one has to shave her legs. Ugh.)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Gorgeous! The brooch s so cute and the dress is perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  8. A perfect outfit for showing off such a cute brooch. I often choose odd bits to draw inspiration from. Sometimes it's the shape of a seam or a particular feeling. Letting accessories take the stage is a great way to pull together an outfit.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is lovely! Great job finding a look to show off your new brooch (which is adorable by the way). Plus, the waistline ribbon placement looks really nice on you!

    In case you haven't entered, I'm holding a giveaway today if you would like to take a peek! ;-)
    Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

    ReplyDelete
  10. The brooch looks lovely with that outfit :). I would prolly put it on my hat, that's the way I use broochs most of time :)
    x, Lara
    http://rrv12.blogspot.fi/

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love how you chose to feature the brooch! You look lovely as always and I'm so glad that you were able to find such a beautiful way to wear it.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh this is perfect! I love the brooch - how could I not love a black kitty? I think it looks fabulous on the dress, honestly I would have styled it almost exactly the same - I have a black and white houndstooth dress in a similar silhouette, and I would do exactly what you did with it. Very nice!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I create outfits around stuff all the time - shoes, necklaces, a hat, etc. I think it is fun to work backwards. That is how some of the most creative outfits are formed! I love this brooch, by the way. It's gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I like the way you styled it! I think it'd also look great on the lapel of a blazer (or maybe even a cardigan?).

    I sometimes work backwards to feature a certain accessory, like a new statement necklace or a pair of shoes. Sometimes, it creates an even more amazing outfit than I could have imagined if I'd worked "forwards!"

    ReplyDelete
  15. You look fabulous--I love the dress!! I like how you used the pin as your inspiration for the colors of your outfit!

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a fun idea! I will have to try that.

    You look fantastic!
    :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love this! So sweet & classic! I have done this before, a friend gave me a little pin and I wanted to wear it really bad. I ended up attaching it to a beret and I loved it.

    ReplyDelete
  18. You look great! I love that brooch and the elegant dress.
    I often start with my jewellery and plan around that or, if my arthritis is troubling me, it's sensible footwear first! x

    ReplyDelete
  19. I really love brooches, and like that you styled the outfit around yours. It's definitely a beautiful piece. /Madison xo

    ReplyDelete
  20. We have a winner !
    Beautiful brooch and very nicely worn :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. You look very ladylike. I probably would have kept everything else simple just like you did. That way the brooch can be the center of attention. But I might also try clipping the brooch to a pretty scarf.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Very nice! I really like your dress, it suits your frame, and you look very elegant. I think the only other way I would wear the brooch to a scarf. But I am not so good with brooches..

    ReplyDelete
  23. Yes, you chose the perfect outfit to highlight this unique brooch. Jewelry is a great place to start, as is any item that begs for an outfit. Usually for me it's a hat.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Very pretty styling, Ally. The perfect way to show off that cute kitty brooch. Your look is classy, feminine, and ladylike. Love it.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I think what you did her is just perfect! I remember when we use to wear those brooches at the top of a buttoned up blouse. But now, I think I'd wear it on the lapel of a jacket. Very nice!

    ReplyDelete
  26. You did a perfect accompaniment to the very lovely brooch! Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Such a long time without visiting. I do hope you still remember me.
    Great look.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    ReplyDelete
  28. Fantastic, Ally! I love this soft grey, the way you've worn the brooch, and all the commenters' ideas - jacket lapel, top of closed blouse collar, on a scarf. I've got a couple of posts coming up with dresses a bit similar to this layered over blouses, which is a new-ish look for me.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Yes, I would have totally worn the brooch! Lovely outfit! :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. This is a small world! I'll have to add her. I love having new blogs to check out =].

    Oh gosh I love this dress and especially on you, the fit looks perfect on your figure. I'm also super jealous of the brooch, haha. I'm a crazy cat lady, and I fall for anything feline related.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love it- certainly less flamboyant than your usual doll ups, but it looks good on you! Great dress too- I'd like to see this styled with a sharp colorful blazer and some pumps!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I think you wore this quite well! How fun to create an outfit around a cute little piece! I have seen bloggers pile pins and broaches onto denim jackets too. Looks like fun.

    I love your dress.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Fabulous job my friend... it would look so stunning on a red jacket. You look fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I love how you styled it. Very elegant and totally showcases the brooch.
    Daphne.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I have tons of brooches and never think to wear them on anything other than the lapel of a jacket or coat. I love the way your brooch looks on that dress. I am totally going to steal that idea!

    Bonnie

    ReplyDelete
  36. very cute brooch! This kitten reminds of you in fact. something in the pose of this cat has a lot in common with your.
    I love your red lipstick and basic grey dress. Is it vintage as well? (dress not lipstick for sure)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Gorgeous brooch. Very classy look. I love that 50s style (yet timeless) dress. The neutral tone is so stylish and makes the brooch pop, but at the same time tones it down and ties it into the outfit. The necklace and shoes are great, too. This is such a lovely look (I need to learn to simplify... my wardrobe is so eclectic, I always look like I got hit by a clothing tornado).

    ReplyDelete
  38. What a splendidly cute - and simultaneously elegant - kitty cat brooch. I really like the classic grey background you gave it to rest on.

    ♥ Jessica

    ReplyDelete
  39. PERFECTLY executed outfit. From top to bottom. Just perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I like your outfit choice. I think it shows off the brooch nicely and the grey works well with it. It's an interested concept to work backwards when picking an outfit. I'm going to try that out since there are so many things I don'twear that are in my closet!

    ReplyDelete
  41. This outfit is perfect! Feminine, classic, classy... and the brooch is so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  42. The brooch is so lovely, and I love the way you paired it against the grey tweed.
    Truthfully, I think you could have removed the black necklace and it would have worked even better; it competes for attention with the brooch, whereas the goal is to draw attention to your lovely new piece.

    ReplyDelete
  43. You must tell me where you found this dress! I love this style and it looks great on you. I may have to come raid your closet....

    ReplyDelete