A Gem from Barbara: Flower Power

Spring is in the air!  At least according to the groundhogs that did not see their shadows on Groundhog Day.  I'm going to be optimistic and start thinking about my Spring wardrobe and that means brighter colors, lighter fabrics and flowery accessories to add a touch of whimsy to any outfit.  Among my favorite vintage accessories are the brightly colored flower pins popular in the 1950's and 1960's.  As a child I remember looking in my mother's and grandmother's jewelry boxes and seeing lots of flower pins.  And, since we save most of our old accessories we still have them and have added a few new ones to the collection over the years.  About five years ago I was reading Departures Magazine and came across an article about Palm Springs and was very excited to see a treasure trove of vintage flower pins in the photo below:

Departures Magazine article

 

 



I've been wanting to do a post about these pins for a while and after talking to my mom (Barbara), we decided that she would make some sketches of how she remembers wearing them in the late 50's and 60's.  She remembers having a black suit with a butterscotch blouse that was featured in a Mademoiselle Magazine layout.  As an employee she was able to go to the designer's showroom and buy the suit.  She sketched a selection of our flower pins with that jacket.

 

 

Barbara's black & white 1960's vintage flower pin

 

Grandma's vintage '60's daisy pin

 

Barbara's vintage '60's pink & pearl flower pin

 

Barbara's 1990's Kenneth J. Lane goldtone flower pin

 

Barbara & Alison's 2000's Joan Rivers Classics Collection pink flower pin

 

 

 

I think she did a really good job sketching the pins. Here are the real thing with their corresponding sketches. 

 

 

 

If you love these pins as much as we do and want some of the vintage variety, they are readily available on Ebay and very inexpensive.  Flea markets are also a likely source.  Vintage stores probably have the nicest ones, but they will be a little more expensive.  But, before you rush out to go shopping, check the jewelry boxes of anyone in your family who was at least a teenager in the 1950's.  You may find an unexpected treasure right at home.  And send us the photos; we'd love to see the flower power you find!

 



 



 

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