What Up Y2K the Butterfly Way

Blossom Bow Butterfly Necklace

Shoes: Katy Perry Collection

Skirt: Tinseltown, Macy's

Bag: Skinnydip London, Macy's

Top: Almost Famous, Macy's

Hair clip: So, Kohl's; Mint bangle: Decree, JCPenney; Other bangles: B Fabulous; Sunglasses: Michaels; Ring: Claire's

Bag: Xhilaration, Target

Black bangle: Mixit, JCPenney; Headband: Xhilaration, Target; Sunglasses: Betsey Johnson, Zulily; Ring: Mixit, JCPenney

Bold Butterfly Barrette Brooch

Dress: Lily Rose, Kohl's

Shoes: Circus by Sam Edelman, Zulily

Striped Flight Necklace

Skirt: ELLE, Kohl's

Fluorescent Fight Necklace

Top: SHEIN

Bag: Luv Betsey, Boscov's; Bangles: Target; Sunglasses: Brigantine Beach shop; Chartreuse ring: Claire's; Pink ring: Miami accessories cart

Shoes: Steve Madden, Macy's

Bag: Amerileather, Zulily

Butterfly Shape Escape Necklace

Fabulous Felt Orange Vanilla Custard Barrette

Blue bangle: Burlington Coat Factory; Purple bracelet: Etsy; Blue beaded bracelet: Cloud Nine, Ocean City; Sunglasses: Nordstrom Rack

Skirt: H&M

Sky and Twee Necklace

Shoes: Betsey Johnson, Macy's; Bag: Betsey Johnson, Dolls Kill

Jacket: Gap

Yellow bangle: Silver Linings, Ocean City; Orange/red/heart bangles: B Fabulous; Sunglasses: Wild Fable, Target; Ring: Mixit, JCPenney; Barrette: The Tote Trove; Mint bracelet: H&M; Striped bangle: Zulily; Yellow bracelet: So, Kohl's

Top: SHEIN

If you flap your wings enough, then you just might land on the last night of 1999.  Big business and government were in crisis mode, desperate to protect their computers while the rest of us prepared for the end of days, Prince's apocalyptical dance party anthem a drumbeat.  Not that I include myself in that us.  On December 31, 1999, I was almost eighteen and far more concerned with the impending horrors of dorm life than the power grid going bust.  But when it came to fashion, I knew what was up.  Which means I was probably rocking butterflies.  

I couldn't help but think about that as I raided my brooch box in search of cast-offs to repurpose for new jewelry.  I found two caterpillar candidates, then set about transforming them into butterflies (well, they were already butterflies, but I trust you'll humor my metaphor).  I had a great time making Fluorescent Flight and Sky and Twee with plastic beads shaped like, yes, more butterflies and also fish and dolphins.  And I can proudly say that these are no longer your grandmother's brooches.  Even though my grandma rocked brooches regularly and was as cool as they come, having busted out the air guitar one Thanksgiving while talking about Jimi Hendrix.  Still, the necklaces aren't even my biggest brag.  That would be the Bold Butterfly Barrette Brooch, which is my favorite barrette brooch so far.  Because a butterfly barrette is better than the butterfly effect.  

Especially if it takes you back to sharing a bathroom with strangers.