You know, people often underestimate the value of a good brooch. Sure, vintage is fine and good, but there's nothing wrong with finding a brand new pin that suits your style. Of course, you can pin it on the lapel of your coat and forget about it, or you can get creative and really make your pin a signature piece.

If you use a pin like this Faux-topaz Star Pin, $65 at J.Crew, you can wear it in a million different ways. Try it on the waist of a wrap shirt or dress. Pin a scarf or wrap in place with it. Put it on a hat, or, if your hair is particularly "done", work it into your 'do.
On days when it absolutely won't work into your outfit, look for ways to wear it on your handbag. When you find one that you really love, it's fun to wear it so often that your friends actually look to see where it is -- it's just about the easiest way to make an item "your thing" without letting it define your look!