The Manatee is a marine animal native to the springs and rivers of Florida. It is one of the only animals in the world that has no known predators (besides humans). Recently the manatee's status was changed from endangered to threatened, due to this we decided to show our love for these big cuties! Kirsten has an unhealthy addiction to manatees (she is part of the save the manatee club, adopted a manatee, swam with manatees, and for a while) and when she came across the manatee brooches in the etsy store shop, she had to get them! We both once dream dog becoming marine biologists (Kirsten specializing in Manatee conservation of course,can you tell we were meant to be best friends?), but those dreams were set aside for even bigger and brighter ones. However even though our dreams were short lived our love for them was not or for any animals in general, so we relish any chance to show our deep love and appreciation for them . We decided to focus on Kirsten's favorite the manatee for this post and can't wait to share it with you . Since we were talking about animals we love,we decided to take this opportunity to also include the men we love in our little impromptu photoshoot !
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REVIEW
There's something about handmade that we just can't resist, sure we love the mass produced brooches like the rest of you.(if we could afford it,our Erstwilder collection would be off the charts). It's just that the mass produced prices don't agree with our wallets, and they lack the love and personality that go into handmade ones. With every handmade brooch we can feel the love, blood, sweat, tears, and countless hours that go into them. That's why we were so excited to do our third brooch review on another lovely lady who makes all the items herself.
These brooches are handmade by Natelle who lives in Gainsville, Florida and part of the proceeds went to the manatees! Her shop is known as SHOPNDS "Shop Natelle Draws Stuff" , we stumbled upon her shop while desperately trying to find ANYTHING Manatee related that didn't cost a fortune. We were about to give up when out of the corner of our eyes her bright and unique take on them caught our eye, we can't tell you how glad we are that we didn't give up. The brooches are very thin and light, due to what they're made of and it's definitely a blessing in disguise for us. We can't stand when brooches are so heavy that they weigh down a beautiful piece of clothing,causing not only a bigger hole but fashion mishaps (downside to wearing brooches on your chest, accidental flashing).
Now don't be alarmed by the description "thin & light", it's nothing but a pro we assure you it doesn't take away from how wonderful the brooches are at all. In fact you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised at how well made they are despite it. These aren't your flimsy, DIY run of the mill brooches at all its quite the opposite. They hold a candle to some of the more expensive ones we own and that's all thanks to Natelle's incredible skills. These brooches are white besides the flowers or waves and features of the manatee which makes them incredibly versatile. The colors are lively, eye catching and our favorite feature they photograph beautifully.(Miracles do happen ladies and gents!!). Just when you thought they couldn't get any better, they are EXTREMELY affordable. We cannot stress that point enough, pinups on a budget is our end game and we aim to show you that every chance we get. Again the price point doesn't reflect poorly on the brooches instead it astonishes, because YES you CAN get amazing brooches for half the cost of the bigger well known competitors. Now for the icing on the cake, she does customs and by this we mean she goes above and beyond to make whatever your little heart desires. Kirsten got one from her in honor of her late feline companion Duchess & the results exceeded all expectations. (its pictured above). These darling brooches and Natelle herself get a 10/10 in our book!
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Our very own Manatees
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Outfits
Kirsten's outfit details: In the Key of Chic Dress in Tea Time - Modcloth / Belt -Pinupgirlclothing/ Brooch no longer available similar Here -Natelledrawsstuff/ White Keds lookalikes-Walmart
Paola's outfit details: Details : dark blue off shoulder lace top -thrifted/ Jenny Skirt in Paris Print -Pinupgirlclothing /Belt- Pinupgirlclothing/Jennifer Petticoat-Malcomodes/ Black Iones-BAIT/ Brooch no longer availiable similar Here -Natelledrawsstuff
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DETAILS
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We hope you enjoyed our third brooch review, we had a lot of fun showing off our geeky side in the best way possible. We'll be the first to a admit that accessorizing isn't exactly our forte, in fact we keep things simple because we don't have many to begin with (accessories what are those?). However brooches are a must have for us,especially ones as wonderfully made and as cute as these. They draw your eye to them and can help tie your outfit together or even be a fun conversation starter. (you may meet fellow animal lovers thanks to them. You're welcome!). We truly believe in the power of an adorable brooch, they make outfits that much better we promise! Life's too short not to let your geek flag fly, to wear that quirky and fun piece of clothing or accessory. So go out on a limb, order that piece, buy it or pull it out of storage and flaunt it! The only person's opinion who truly matters is yours. As the very wise Dr.Seuss once said "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter". We cannot recommend Natelle's pieces enough and if you were eyeing some nows your chance to go get them! (I mean with such an awesome review, how can you not?). If you have any other comments, questions or suggestions don't be shy and feel free to comment below and we will do our best to reply and help out.As always thanks for reading,
may your days be filled with pretty dresses,dapper clothes & a lot of happiness.
Paola & Kirsten xx
aka "thehepburnmovement"
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