One day when I was heading out to meet a very important client in NYC, I came downstairs, twirled in front of my son, Stuart (then 18) and said, “So, how do I look?” I remember I had a pink silk suit on. He smiled and said, “Fine, but you’re missing something.” I glanced down and didn’t see anything missing. “What am I missing?” I inquired. He nonchalantly responded, looking down as he was typing his homework, “A pin… you’re not dressed unless you have a pin on.”
What? I couldn’t believe my ears! He noticed that I wore pins? I mean he was a sport-o, the captain of his lacrosse team at Suffield Academy, and the last thing I ever would have guessed was that he was aware of this detail. Out of the mouth of babes, go figure!
Yes, I have been wearing pins since I received my first “big girl pin” from my generous in-laws for Christmas at the age of 25. It was a gold fox with a diamond on his paw… and he still hops onto my outfits.
As a child, I always admired Mummy’s pins and my grandmother’s too. So, when I first put my fox pin on, like Cinderella's glass slipper, the pin slipped onto my dress and just felt right! That was the beginning of my penchant for pretty pins.
Is there a protocol to wearing a pin? Traditionally, they are worn over one’s heart, on your LEFT side. Not too low, not too high.
HRH Queen Elizabeth, II, wore a stunning array of pins. Look at some past photos to see how and where she placed them. And, a younger, international audience continues to wear pins as well. Pins are stylish… and not just for old ladies!
Wearing pins as an attractive accessory, which has been done for centuries, subtly relays a “little insight” about you. From horses, foxes, pink enamel flowers, bows, and bees, my pins are an extension of my interests and passions.
Pins can add an amusing aspect to an outfit. Placing a bee pin to adorn the top of your shoulder, or a bow pin on a sash at the back of your dress is a clever way to wear a pin. Also, a pin can be a charming accessory on a hat. (Remember ladies, to adorn your hat on the right side!)
The term brooch and pin are one in the same. I hope to inspire you to take out a pin you haven’t worn in a long while and place it on your dress, a jacket lapel, or a party coat. Then, as my son noted, you won’t be “missing something!”
Xx
Holly
PS Take a peek at my splendid sponsors! I hope you’ll inspire just ONE friend to subscribe today, and please help me spread the word about my “Equestrian Collection” porcelain.
