How many brooches is too many? According to one popular American fashion magazine, it seems one cannot wear too many brooches, even pinned on all at the same time.

 In the April 2009 issue of Marie Claire magazine, the “fashionomics” feature suggests that a great excuse to get back into the stores is the jewelry line Sretsis by designer Matina Amanita, which “celebrates rebel preppies with faux-regal brooches and piled-on pearls.” The cardigan sweater styled in the photo bears eight brooches by my count, along with a slew of faux pearls and chain necklaces.

Costume jewelry is one thing. But the styling also works just fine with the real thing.

In its June 2009 issue, Marie Claire outdid itself, styling a model in a blazer by A.P.C. with no less than ten brooches pinned on. The brooches are a mix of high- and low-priced pieces, gemstone and costume together, ranging in price from $90 for a crystal brooch by Gerard Yosca to brooches by Van Cleef & Arpels and Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., both of which are listed as “price upon request.” The other selections are a $1400 floral brooch, a $950 bird brooch and a $550 frame brooch by Doyle & Doyle; an $850 so-called “25” brooch and a $650 black brooch by Camilla Dietz Bergeron; a $650 starburst brooch by Kentshire, and a $150 cross brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane.

I myself am a brooch collector, but thus far, I’ve maxed out at wearing five brooches at a time. I’ll see you one brooch, and raise you one!

JCK