Brooch Out

I inherited a collection of vintage brooches and pins, from cameos, to owls, to holiday adornments that seem to call my name during the festive season as I search for new was to spruce up my style.

The classic way to wear a pin was at the shoulder, complemented by pearls, hat and gloves. Pins and brooches draw the eye, and placement is key.

Katherine Heigl wears a Brooch in the Updo

Nicole Kidman wears a Bow Brooch at the Nape

Alternative placements that I love: on the hip, the nape of the neck, bodice, hat or headband, or even on a ribbon that is tied at the neck or wrist.

Vintage Pearldrop Clasp worn at the Bodice

Vintage Fan Clasp worn at the Bodice

Vintage Clock Bee Pin

Simple Classic Jewel Brooch

Wearing a vintage brooch will inevitably bring back gads sharing of fond memories.  I hope I have tweaked a few for you.

Brooch Ribbon 2 Tier Necklace

Silk or Satin Ribbon-1 1/2 " wide cut into 4 (24" strips), Sandpaper, Clear Nail Polish, Glue Gun, Jump Rings, Paper Towels


With your wire cutters, snap off backings to your jewelry, using the sandpaper sand down any rough edges, use clear nail polish on any sharp edge remaining.  


Arrange your pieces to your liking.  I used 5 brooches and 4 pairs of earrings.


Add jump rings using the needle nose pliers to connect the pieces together and finish off with ribbon.  Experimentation is key to success.

Homegrown Jazz at Cafe Mitanni

I am hanging out at Cafe Mitanni these days when in Istanbul. This Taksim coffeehouse offers a cool home away from home space to chill out with a cafe americano or a glass of wine.Cafe Mitanni is owned by musician Turgay Demiryürek. Its frequented by musicians, artists and bohemians as well as expats.

The Swing Stars ~ Turgay Demiryürek

with Deniz Mercan and Gorkem Efe.

The ambiance mixes antiques, vintage photography and magazines, with organic, hand-drawn cephalopods; octopus and squid. Each item is surely carefully chosen and well loved.

The house cat, Arap, is family to bookseller and neighbor, Oktay. Arap sleeps all day and I wonder if he is up all night like most of the cool cats that hang out at this hot spot.

Oktay and Arap

Grandmas Recipes Rule

My drink of choice is Hot Milk with Cinnamon.  I also am a fan of the homemade straight-from-your-grandma's pantry recipes.

On any random night, Cafe Mitanni turns into a live music hole-in-the-wall ideal for people who are into a more funky-alternative relaxed experience. Deniz will be behind the bar ready to offer up something tasty.

You can find Cafe Mitanni off the main walking street of Istiklal. Turn towards the water at the Benetton on Çukurluçeşme Sok. No.6/A Beyoğlu.