Pin-Ups

Bracelets are the accessory du saison replacing last year's longtime necklace-monopoly. To make a fresh lil bracelet for yourself, find some old lapel pins or brooches and some luxurious ribbon. Velvet is my favorite.

Most of us have a handful of pins passed down from Mom or Grandmom from another era when brooches easily complimented a wardrobe. Now, not so much, but you can add these little jewels to your wrist making a chic bracelet with a dose of heritage.

Loop different combinations of ribbon two and a half times around your four fingers (your hand flat, as if you are being sworn-in). Cut the ribbon on the diagonal so it won't fray. Have someone loop the ribbon twice around your wrist and tie in a double knot. Then have that trusted friend carefully put the pin or brooch through each layer of the bracelet like a watch.

Now you have a unique, one-of-a-kind bracelet with history to boot. If you're scared of losing your brooch, a dab of Krazy Glue works wonders. Just don't ruin your Great Grandmother's Tiffany brooch!