At Kittie Kyle, jewelry is never just an afterthought. For Cindy Gambrell and Colleen Canale, pins, brooches and bold statement pieces are the secret ingredients that turn an outfit into a conversation starter. Their collections are a kaleidoscope of color and craftsmanship, each piece chosen for its spark—be it an unexpected design, a flash of beautiful material, a family tie, or simply a story too good to leave behind.
“I love that pins and brooches can give an outfit personality and a sense of history,” Canale says. “They are a piece of wearable art that can make even a classic blazer, button-down, hat, scarf, sweater or dress feel more individual and collected rather than simply ‘put together.’”
For Canale, collecting is an extension of her personal style, which she describes as “colorful, feminine, playful.” Brooches give her another way to experiment. “They allow me to be a little more creative and playful with what I wear,” she says. “A brooch gives me a way to take something classic and make it feel like me.”
Gambrell is drawn to pieces that invite a closer look. “I’m drawn to pieces that have a story, whether it’s the history of the piece, the inspiration behind the designer or even the journey it’s taken over time,” she says. “That sense of meaning makes a piece truly special to me.”
That sentiment is especially evident in her oldest piece: an oval bronze pin with a purple stone worn by her great-great-great-aunt on the sash of her wedding gown in the early 1900s. “It’s likely costume jewelry, but its family history and sentimental value make it one of my most treasured pieces.”
Her collection also includes a Schiaparelli set that belonged to her husband’s grandmother in the 1950s, alongside an eclectic mix of designer jewelry and handbags. Yet Gambrell follows no strict formula when wearing them. “I usually choose pieces based on my mood, my outfit or that one special piece that I want to highlight,” she says.
For both women, the joy is in making something beautiful feel personal. Canale loves her vintage floral enamel pins, wearing them individually or layered together. “It’s fun to play around with them and create a different look each time.” For Gambrell, the perfect piece has “quality craftsmanship, good condition, character and history.”
Ultimately, their collections prove that accessorizing is about more than completing an outfit. Each piece adds another layer of personality, creativity and story.