To me, there is no better way to perk up a blah wardrobe (or just one that is maybe a little past its prime) than with statement-making accessories. Whether it is with a great hat or belt purchased at Urban Outfitters, the perfect headband from American Apparel or those old Chloes you found on eBay, it's the little things that make a difference.
As I've mentioned before, I love quirky little jewelry pieces, and some of the best come from Paraphernalia. Much has been written about their cut acrylic necklaces in shapes ranging from birds nests and binoculars to dresses, ribcages and skulls. I think the true standouts of the line, however, are the simple, oversized brooches. The two collections, Fauna and Portrait, feature whimsical wildlife illustrations and grand ladies with unique choices of chapeau, respectively. I've included my favorites below.
Portrait The Fisherman's Wife Brooch, $22; Portrait Ms. Oiseau Brooch, $22. The Paraphernalia jewelry collection as a whole is inspired by vintages illustrations, taking cues from anatomical drawings, pattern books, storybook silhouettes and flora and fauna. It is about beauty found in the "odd, the unusual, the uncanny and the bizarre."
Each piece is handmade in the UK, rendered out of printed and cut plastic, which is extremely light and just slightly translucent, making these playful pieces that much more wearable.
