The Europeans Don't Do This with Scarves

The Europeans are style setters for sure, and when it comes to scarves, they just get it. They know how to tie them, but they also know something else.

They understand, (consciously or unconsciously), that patterned scarves look better than solid scarves.

Are there no solid scarves sold in Paris?

Yes, there are, but when I stop to think about it, they are at the stores that line the Rue de Rivoli. These are the stores that are filled with Eiffel Tower key chains and Paris refrigerator magnets.

Of course, these stores are lovely, but not a place where the Parisians shop... or buy scarves.

So to demonstrate this, I made a video showing why opting for a patterned scarf over a solid one can make all the difference.

I also illustrate another very important style know-how --- they don't wear their scarves with the ends squared off. Instead, it's always with a point, which adds length and fluidity (you can see this in the video :)

If you enjoy this video, be sure to share it with someone who would also like seeing it!

Happy Book Lovers Day!

August 9th is Book Lovers Day! Yay! I love books and these are fun, easy reads anyone can enjoy. You don’t have to be a fashionista to appreciate these books. :)

Mademoiselle Chanel
A comprehensive book about the history of Chanel from her childhood, to lovers, inspiration and, of course, her radical views on women & fashion. She was the first one to put logos on the outside and she made smelling good an art form.

Bringing Home the Birkin
What a delightful read! This is the true story of how Michael Tonello figured out how to get a Birkin every time he walked into an Hermes store (even though they were always “unavailable” and required a wait list — even for celebrities).

The Essence of Style
This is an amazing book that demonstrates how the French became the leaders in fine food, chic cafes, style, sophistication, high fashion and glamour. Champagne, couture or high heels, anyone? (Hint: The French stole Venetian workers who were better at making bigger and taller mirrors, even though the punishment was death if anyone found out who smuggled them in, who they were et cetera. It was that competitive!)

Deluxe : How Luxury Lost Its Luster
This is my favorite. Of all time. Excellent writer, with excellent research — it really gives you a complete background of how the fashion industry has turned into what it is today (bags and sunglasses have the biggest mark-up —-> sometimes almost 12x!)

NOT PICTURED - The House of Gucci : The Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour and Greed
This was a fantastic true story of the start of Gucci (Tom Ford era and all), but in true Italian style, woven with a lot of drama, complicated family dynamics, sex and scandal. Loved, loved, loved this book, but on the way back from Paris one time, it got dumped in the garbage as Air France weighed my carry-on and handbag.

While I was able to wear ALL of my jewelry through security, my carry-on was still over the limit so the book got tossed!

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I hope you will enjoy these books as much as I dd and cheers to great stories and the talented people who write them (and live them :).

Please share - what are some of your most stylish reads?

Modern Ways to Wear Silk Scarves

Silk scarves are lovely, but let's be honest, they can look old.  Tied off to the side, they can look like something a flight attendant might wear and worn draped over the shoulders?  Well, it's dated. 

Since I find them in every closet (usually unworn), I highlighted a few different ways to wear them in my May 2017 newsletter (not on the list?  No worries!  Click here to subscribe - it's free). 

I also created a Pinterest board to go with the newsletter.  This board has lots of stylish and modern ways to wear silk scarves (I love it worn through the loops of a trench coat - so chic!).  One of the easiest ways to wear a square silk scarf?  Make it into a necklace!

Moi, using an old silk scarf to jazz up a simple blazer and white jeans.  Pic originally posted on Instagram

Here's how to do it.   

STEP 1
Bring together opposite ends of the scarf to make a triangle. 

If your scarf is already an oblong shape, ie long and straight, then you can skip this first step.

STEP 2
Starting with the top of the triangle, roll the scarf to create an oblong shape.  This also helps condenses the bulk of the scarf to make it easier to wear as a necklace.

Now it's an oblong shape! 
 

STEP 3
Tie a knot in the middle of the scarf.
 

STEP 4
If your scarf is a little bigger, you can tie 2 more knots on either side of the middle knot.  If your scarf is smaller, just leave it with one knot.

Voila!  Tie the ends together at the base of your neck with any and all of your favorite outfits.


Would you wear this?  What's your favorite wear to wear silk scarves?  Let me know in the comment section - I'd love to hear!