“Flowers have a language of their own, and it is this bright particular language that we would teach our readers. How charmingly a young gentleman can speak to a young lady, and with what eloquent silence in this delightful language. How delicately she can respond, the beautiful little flowers telling her tale in perfumed words;…
DetailsCan you recall the scene in “The Wizard of Oz”, where the Wicked Witch turned the Tin Man into a “human beehive”; or, can you conjure up Kevin Costner’s performance as the college friend around whose funeral the movie “The Big Chill” revolves? Of course you can’t, because, in both cases, those scenes were deleted…
DetailsThe Easter Parade, while also a famous song, book and movie, is an actual parade that takes place in Manhattan every year. This New York tradition goes back to the middle 1800”s. The social elite from the city would attend church services along 5th Avenue and then afterwards, parade down the street jubilantly in their…
DetailsQuite often, I’ve purchased white or ivory vintage hats and they have had spots on them. In terms of cleaning them, I would use Johnson’s Baby Shampoo or Ivory Dishwashing Soap. These items worked O.K., but I’ve found an even better cleaner. Bickmore’s Nustraw Straw Hat Cleaner removes most oil and water based stains on…
DetailsBeing a creative person, I love the “buzz” that comes when doing new designs. There’s an energy that comes when you are on a design “roll” like nothing else. It really is like a high, similar to one that a girl might get when shopping in a favorite store. I can get a similar feeling…
DetailsIn past blogs I have talked about the untimely and tragic death of one of London’s most famous fashion icons, Isabella Blow. Isabella Blow was one of London’s most creative forces. She was known for her fabulously unique style as well as her fabulously unique personality. She was able to spot creative talent from a…
DetailsRemember your mother saying “Don’t forget to wear your hat or you’ll get sick.”? I heard that all the time growing up. Well turns out, your mom was right. Hats do help keep us warmer and keep in body heat. I know for me, having my ears covered helps me avoid colds. I almost feel…
DetailsWriting this blog was difficult as I’m still battling the flu and my brain is all clogged up. The upside of the flu is that one has a perfect excuse not to do anything but drink tea and watch television! I’ve always loved Masterpiece Theatre on PBS. Each Sunday at 9:00 p.m., they are running…
DetailsIt might seem a strange blog topic, but when you have the flu and feel awful, what is there to do but lay around and feel perfectly miserable? I’ve been in that situation all week. I can’t really work, but I’m tired of being in bed. Some activities that can cure boredom and not be…
DetailsAt this time of year, what I love most is curling up with a good book and cup of tea. One of my favorites has been “Vintage Hats & Bonnets, 1770 – 1970”. This complete millinery historical guide was written in 1998 by Susan Langley and published by Collector Books. My husband gave this book…
Details