MONDAY MUSINGS: ROMANCE NOVELS

BRIDGERTON the new NETFLIX series.

First of all a confession, I have never, to my knowledge, read a Romance Novel. No Barbara Cartland, no Harlequin, and no Julia Quinn. That statement will, probably need some research, to see exactly what a romance novel really is. In my mind’s eye it is the bodice ripping damsels, shirtless rogues gracing the covers of said books, perhaps I’m wrong! For an example in other genres Louise Penny is often listed in Cozy Mystery round ups…I don’t think of her fabulous books as “cozy” but that’s just me!

Well you might ask why am I doing this post…the answer is I have become addicted to the newseries BRIDGERTON on NETFLIX (FYI this isn’t a sponsored post, I’m not fortunate enough to have sponsors, with the New Year approaching maybe that will change….I live in hope!). I must admit I am totally enjoying it.

Why, for several reasons which I will get into in a minute. Let me begin at the beginning with the first episode. I started watching because I am a major Anglophile and enjoy most English period pieces. The Regency period intrigues me with its manners, clothing, interiors, gardens, etc. again more later. We all know this has been an extremely challenging year and I wasn’t looking forward to Christmas which all of a sudden arrived. I usually go to a new movie on Christmas Day with friends, obviously this wasn’t happening this year but there were lots of choices to watch (read this as what to stream) and I choose BRIDGERTON. Almost immediately I said to myself, “this seems to be a live action romance novel and I seem to be enjoying it!” I needed something pretty to look at, I certainly found that and with “romance” thrown in. Is it a bit silly, sure, does it draw you in, yep, do you want to know how the characters evolve, absolutely. This isn’t WAR AND PEACE, it’s an escapist fantasy.

Now for some of the interiors, not necessary period authentic (think the Kristen Durst Marie Antoinette film, hardly correct but totally delightful).

The costumes identify the characters (that is the point after all!)….the socially established, understatement and soft colors and the nouveau riche, bold color and pattern.

Lots of feathers, fans, fluttering, flirty, fainting…manners, etiquette, duels, balls, court intrigue…marrying well (usually to improve the family’s fortune), gossip, lots of gossip, it has it all. It most certainly isn’t a documentary, just a fun interlude in our current very dismal year. Watch it for the fun of it and perhaps you too might become a Romance Novel convert!

Photos courtesy Pinterest photo credit unknown. Mostly still from NETFLIX.

FASHION FOREVER: VINTAGE DESIGNER SCARVES

Vintage Designer Scarves … Always Classic, Always New

An easy and highly collectible statement that is always in fashion….the vintage designer scarf! Of course, a new designer scarf is an accessory to add panache to one’s wardrobe, but we are for purposes here, talking vintage since this is a Randolph Street Market post (RSM IS ON HIATUS), after all! The knowledgeable dealers love to tell you the stories behind their wares, learn from them particularly when shopping designer labels. We seem to gravitate to European fashion houses but should also consider a very American brand VERA whose whimsical prints have been with us since 1947. The variety of designer brands, pattern, color, ways to wear the scarves and how to use them in home décor seems to grow in popularity rather than be a fading fad. Let’s take a look at the big names, how to style them and display them at home.

HERMÈS

Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market

“The scarf made its debut in 1937, exactly 100 years after Hermes was founded. The design of the very first scarf was based on a woodblock drawing by Robert Dumas, a member of the Hermes family. It was made with imported Chinese silk which made the scarf twice as strong than any of the scarves available at the time and, thus, became an immediate hit.”

Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market

Le Carré (The Square) first appeared in 1937.

“Since 1937, Hermes has produced over two thousand silk scarves, all produced in an Hermes factory near Lyon, France. Given that Hermes always catered to the very rich, the scarf was quickly adopted by royalty and celebrities. It was (and still is) worn as a headscarf by Queen Elizabeth. Audrey Hepburn wore it in countless iconic photos and Grace Kelly famously used it as a sling for her broken arm.”

Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market

Queen Elizabeth II in her signature headscarf.

Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market

Audrey and Grace both huge Hermès supporters.

Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market
Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market

From my wardrobe purchased in the 1980’s….love wearing it like this tucked into a suit jacket.

Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market

When not wearing them…..frame them!!!!!

Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market
Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market

GUCCI

Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market
Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market

1966 Floral Scarf created for Grace Kelly, I had it then….did you, or will you find one on your quest!

Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market
Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market

Another Gucci floral print…stunning!

CHANEL

Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market
Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market
Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market

Who doesn’t covet a Chanel anything….well I do and like to add the scarves to my wardrobe. Look for special editions in silk, challis and, in some instances, cotton.

LIBERTY

Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market

Let’s cross the pond to England where we find wonderful collections of scarves from Liberty of London. Always a favorite “bring home” remembrance especially the peacock print. The one below, in challis, a favorite of mine brought back for me by a favorite friend!!

Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market

Liberty Of London started producing light silk scarves that became extremely popular during the post-World War I years.

Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market

Vera Neumann was a very talented artist and produced over 7000 works of art in her lifetime. The book on her work is a fascinating study of this unique creator.

Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market

The last photos of Marilyn Monroe, before her untimely death, have her behind a thin veil….a Vera scarf…

Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market

The material below, from a Google search, gives us a detailed timeline of the label. A perfect “bring with you” when seeking a Vera piece.

“Vera Neumann (1907-1993), primarily a scarf designer, was a wonderful colorist with great graphic style. She signed her textiles Vera. Her fabrics are also seen in blouses and dresses from the 1960s and 1970s, using silk as well as cotton. Vera also designed textiles for the home, such as napkins and tablecloths. The Vera label is seen starting about 1947.

Here is a timeline to help date Vera scarves using the signature printed on the scarf.

1947 to mid-1950s: The earliest scarves were signed vera in a very small print. All the letters were lower case.

Late 1950s- The Vera signature became capitalized.

Early 1960s: The ladybug symbol and © copyright symbol (registered 1959) were added to the Vera. The signature and the bug were about the same size.

Mid- to late-1960s: The ladybug was used less and less, and the signature got larger. The ladybug became much smaller than signature.

Early 1970s: The Vera signature continued to get larger and bolder. Usually no ladybug.

Mid-1970s: Bug sometimes present, but disappears totally after 1976.

Late 1970s: Signature started to slightly shrink.

1980s: Smaller signature with © copyright symbol.

Vera died in 1993. At that time her name was licensed. The post-1993 scarves have a small “vera” signature and the copyright symbol.”

Written by Lizzie Bramlett, fuzzylizzie.com

Books… always…

Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market
Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market
Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market
Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market
Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market

There are literally zillions of tutorials available (including one from Hermès) on how to wear scarves. I find a casual look works well for me. How about you…how will you wear your new Vintage Designer Scarf that you scored at RSM!!!!????

Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market
Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market
Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market

I have just touched the surface of the vast world of vintage designer scarves….what treasures will you find to add a bit of flare to your wardrobe!!!! The possibilities are endless…

Vintage Designer Scarves Randolph Street Market

Richard Quinn Fall/Winter Fall 2018

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by Nena Ivon
www.nenasnotes.com
www.facebook.com/Nena Ivon
www.instagram.com/nenasnotes

All photos from Pinterest photo credits unknown.

ORGINALLY PUBLISHED FOR THE FASHION TREND REPORT EXCLUSIVELY FOR RANDOLPH STREET MARKET BY NENA IVON, nenasnotes. REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION.

HOLIDAY COLLECTIBLES

The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins: Always Classic….Always New

The trend of the “Ugly” Christmas Sweater started in the 1980’s on television and in movies, and more importantly were worn with pride by all genders and ages especially in the UK…in my opinion they weren’t that ugly as evidenced by those worn by Colin Firth, above, in Bridget Jones’s Diary, 2001…but then what would look ugly on him….Seriously!!!!!

The truly amusing, over the top sweaters have become so trendy, in the States, that parties are thrown, awards given, major competitions held to see who can be more outrageous. Many are now homemade, light up, have themes, I think, in some ways more fun than Halloween costumes. Let’s look at some of my Pinterest finds (photo credits unavailable), they might give you some inspiration….ho, ho, ho!

The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins

Of course, A Christmas Story lives on and on…

The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins
The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins
The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins

Rudolph has had too much egg nog, watch that you don’t over indulge when driving your sleigh.

The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins

Be your own tree, why not!

The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins

More themes and, I must add, they need embellishing without question.

The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins

To wear when seeing the new Grinch movie, watching the original at home or reading the original book, another classic.

The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins

Perhaps a food theme…pizza anyone!?

More possible theme and interests…start with these and make them your own. All genders and ages. No one left out!!

The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins

What could be ugly with Santa on your shoulder.

The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins

Even Whoopi has gotten into the act with her own on-line collection, way too much fun…love them, love her!!

The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins

How about a couple of rather pretty ones and to serve at the party, cookies, of course…

The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins
The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins

Love this one worn with red or white skirt or jeans.

The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins
The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins

Perhaps hightops to finish your outfit.

The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins
The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins
The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins

And, for our furry friends.

CHRISTMAS PINS..

My friend, Tommy, collects Christmas pins and displays them in a gilt frame. There seems to be room for more but I think a larger frame is in the future

The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins

A few that caught my eye to start my own collection or consider for gifts…could be a fun dinner table place gift, a tree ornament, when not adorning your Holiday outfit or tied to a special package.

The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins
The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins
The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins

Let’s consider a snowflake in diamonds, yes, please!

The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins

A snowflake pendant, why not…

The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins

Some suggestions on ways to display your collection of pins or collectible jewelry pieces. A great way to use broken or perhaps only one earring, dramatic, personal and most certainly, one of a kind. I think they are smashing.

The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins
The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins
The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins

Books for established or beginning collectors, you bet…

The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins
The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins
The Christmas Sweater and Holiday Pins

EXCLUSIVELY FOR RANDOLPH STREET MARKET BY NENA IVON, nenasnotes REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION