Summer Fun Accessorising with Scarves

I've probably tried 6 times to write this blog with no luck. I think the reason I'm having a hard time is that scarves are so simple, right? They have been a part of the human wardrobe since ancient times due to their functionality and decorative capability. They don't require much consideration. It's a piece of fabric.
But I think it is the simplicity of the scarf that makes it such an important staple.  So I'll keep this simple too.
Lets start with bandannas.  Although they are not much more than a  swatch of cotton fabric I am absolutely in love with them.
Bandannas are perfect with the most casual outfit. Even if I'm wearing cut offs and a tank top to a backyard BBQ, I can add a bandanna for a little extra impact AND I can skip any serious hair styling for the day (bonus!)

My summertime favorite! And this bandanna was $1!!

I also like this look with a silky scarf. Below is pictured a white, tan and aqua Vera square scarf from the 1970's. I adore Vera! Known for bold colors and playful graphics, Vera Neumann began designing around 1947. In addition to scarves, she designed clothing and linens for the home.
Over the years, the Vera label was licensed to other companies and the signature label varied, but the appeal remains.
The Vera label is a fairly common thrift store find. I snap them up whenever I find them.

1970's era Vera scarf

The same scarf from the back.

I keep my head scarves in place with some bobby pins. That way the scarf doesn't slip around too much. If I need some additional hold, I spray the pins lightly with hairspray to  give them a little extra grip before fixing them in place.

Another hair option. 

Silky scarves have a little more formality to them and I like to add them as a quick fix to a simple outfit that needs some punch.

I love the added texture a shawl can give. Whats more, you can drape a long scarf around the neck and double it as a shoulder wrap for cool evenings.
Lengths of fringe and rich patterns make an impact on an otherwise simple dress. It also offers an extra layer of sun protection for hair or skin without being too heavy or bulky.

Wide net knit scarves are perfect for all seasons but I love them in the warmer months. Even monochrome basic black moves up to another level when this crochet texture is added.

The wide net allows for added elegance without adding heat.

Add some big dark shades for classic glamour and all the sunshine you could hope for! Not to mention a head scarf is wonderful for protecting against elements like wind and humidity.

Large rectangular red shawl. 

An effortless alternative to a bolero. A large square scarf is a classic accent. Add a different type of texture to simple lines with a mix of patterns and colors.

Moschino large square scarf. The mix of patterns and colors makes this one pop!

A timeless triangular fold. 

There are so many fabrics from silk, synthetic, cotton, woven, and who knows what? Iconic designers and unlabeled, different shapes and sizes - the list of options goes on and on. But for for a few dollars a scarf I luckily don't feel burdened by the choice and I can continue to grow my collection as a whim.

Time Traveler

I love to travel. I love everything (well, a lot of things) that goes along with it. From the original spark of the idea ("Oh, hey, we should go to blah blah blah"), to looking up hotels to stay at, to pricing tickets or planning the route. I even like packing. I also like luggage.

For many years the suitcases I traveled with were cool, old, vintage ones. Although not very practical, I loved using them. First off, they looked super stylish. Second, they really stood out from all the other baggage, which made baggage claim much easier! 

Bobbing around a sea of black rolling suitcases and nondescript duffel bags, my bright red plaids could be seen from a mile away. I suppose for their time they weren't unique, but you get my point.

1940's plaid hat box from Lark.

I continue to snap up vintage boxes and bags whenever I see them.  What could be more romantic than an old, worn steamer trunk? A hulking box wrapped in leather, metal bands and strapped down with locks, made for long trips on stagecoach or ship.   Think of these boxes brimming with suits or dresses from days gone by, loaded on to a steam ship and sailing off to distant ports! The trip of a lifetime for the turn of the century traveler.

But form and function go hand and hand when it comes to luggage. As different modes of transportation came about, the travelers themselves changed. As new materials where introduced to manufacture the bags with, the styles reflected the changing times as well.

1960's train case in blue from Carilite. I actually used this as my only suitcase for one trip. Some very inventive packing!

It makes sense. We need to travel faster and more efficiently. We zip around the world in mere hours and we can do it just for fun. Weekend getaways and day trips can happen spur of the moment. I've been known to leave the state just because I was bored.

The Socialite 60 train case in white. I still love it, even with the cracked lid.

As rapidly as travel evolved it still took some time before the introduction of the wheel. In fact the patent for "Rolling Luggage" was not received until 1972. We have Bernard D. Sadow to thank for that brilliant idea!

But it still would take until 1987 until wheels caught on. 

That would happen when an airline pilot named Robert Plath made a few modifications to the design and "Rollalong Luggage" began. Thank you, Robert!

A suitcase is a summery of the travelers tastes. These are the garments that were chosen out of all others from the drawers and closets of the home base to set off on this trek. These are the items found to be necessities for this excursion. The rest is extraneous. Sure, the others may be suitable for the time spent at home but for this sliver of time, this is what's needed right now.

With so many colors, designs and styles to choose from, luggage is also an extension of style. Yet another way to express ones self!

My pretty vintage bags have retired to a quiet stationary life at last. I have adopted a state of the art wheeled set with telescopic handle in a cheetah print design! Now I can be seen dashing from point A to B quickly and glamorously. Always on the move, balancing important business and fabulous leisure in style! Well, at least in my imagination anyhow. 

This is my luggage of the moment! 4 piece cheetah print set from Safari. (Note the wheels)

Travel will remain a grand adventure to me. Not just the destination, but the anticipation and interactions getting there. You never know who you will meet or what you might see. After all, nothing changes your view of the world like seeing it.

The One That Started it All

When I was very young my mother had a jewelry drawer in her bedroom dresser. I still remember the first time I saw it. She kept it in the top drawer, which was smart because it was too high for nursery school me to break in to. She stood me on a chair next to her and opened this drawer that was like nothing I'd ever seen!

Pale and deep blue necklace, part of a set. Unmarked.  I've worn this more than any other piece in my vintage collection. An absolute STUNNER!

Beads, pendant necklaces, earrings, gold and silver glittered back at me from hidden depths. It was as if she shared with me a pirate treasure that she stowed away. How could such riches have existed this whole time in our own home without detection? How could this be? And how come I'm not wearing it all right now?!?

Clip on aurora borealis earrings. My mom had a pair just like these!

Before I continue, I should point out that every piece of jewelry that I was shown that fateful day was costume. In fact, other than her wedding ring, I can't think of any precious metals or stones ever being a part of her jewelry collection.

But I didn't care. The sparkle and glamour of these pieces offered was the same to me as if I had been shown  a box full of emeralds.

Clear rhinestone clip earrings. Unmarked.

This love of costume jewelry has stayed with me to this day and I have cultivated my own treasure box and add to it like a magpie!

Aqua-teal aurora borealis bead bracelet. Two strand. Part of a set. Unmarked.

What is it that makes costume pieces so desirable to me? I have no dislike of fine jewelry by any means, but I don't covet it in the same way. It's beautiful and rare and elegant so why don't I find myself wanting it?

Green and clear aurora bead bracelet.  Unmarked.

I don't stare longingly into Tiffany's dreaming of diamonds the same way I stare into display cases in thrift shops, hoping the iridescent spark of an aurora bead meets my eye. The most logical explanation for this would be the expense, and I suppose that is a factor, but not the first one that comes to mind. 

Two strand faceted bead necklace in pink. Part of a set. Unmarked.  

 I love the everyday elegance that is captured in these pieces and I find an understated boldness. Maybe it's a large statement piece but with a refined quality. Without attempting to fool the observer there is a richness to these fakes as elegant as their precious counterparts. They aren't trying to be the real deal. 

The beads and glass used in these pieces are beautiful in their own rights. It's a simple addition to an outfit that can't be easily duplicated; they posses their own special rarity. It's part of a formality that is no longer part of our social collective and I must admit part of me thinks that a shame. 

Blue rhinestone tension bracelet. Marked "Trinidad-USA" on the inside. This belonged to my grandmother.

Note: All the pieces shown here are estimated to date from the 1950's-1960's.