I am beyond excited to share my news with you….I have been invited by The Book Stall, my Independent Bookseller of choice, to be in conversation with author Andrew Morton to discuss his brand new book ELIZABETH & MARGARET: THE INTIMATE WORLD OF THE WINDSOR SISTERS. I happen to be obsessed with the Royals and am a devoted Anglophile, I’m sure I’ve mentioned that in many posts over the years, so it even more special for me

Here are all the details about the event….I do hope you can join us…it will be so much fun and, I know, very revealing about these close and yet distant sisters. Our conversation will be on the date of the book’s publication, March 30th. To attend please use link at the bottom of this post.

From The Book Stall….

An evening with best-selling author Andrew Morton discussing his new dual biography of Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret

About this Event

Join us for an online conversation with famed biographer Andrew Morton, talking about his new book, Elizabeth & Margaret: The Intimate World of the Windsor Sisters. Mr. Morton will be in conversation with Nena Ivon, Book Group Leader, former Fashion and Special Events Director at Saks Fifth Avenue, Chicago, and active blogger at nenasnotes.com. This is a ticketed event, and all ticket holders will receive a copy of Elizabeth & Margaret and an exclusive link to our live Crowdcast event.

“Thoroughly researched and well written, the most comprehensive account of the complex relationship between the Queen and Princess Margaret to date. Fascinating and enjoyable.”– Sarah Bradford, New York Times bestselling author of Elizabeth

About the Book: Perfect for fans of “The Crown,” this captivating biography from a New York Timesbestselling author follows Queen Elizabeth II and her sister Margaret as they navigate life in the royal spotlight.

They were the closest of sisters and the best of friends. But when their uncle Edward Vlll decided to abdicate the throne, the dynamic between Elizabeth and Margaret was dramatically altered. Forever more Margaret would have to curtsey to the sister she called “Lillibet.” And bow to her wishes.

Elizabeth would always look upon her younger sister’s antics with a kind of stoical amusement, but Margaret’s struggle to find a place and position inside the royal system–and her fraught relationship with its expectations–was often a source of tension. Famously, the Queen had to inform Margaret that the Church and government would not countenance her marrying a divorcee, Group Captain Peter Townsend, forcing Margaret to choose between keeping her title and royal allowances or her divorcee lover.

From the idyll of their cloistered early life, through their hidden war-time lives, into the divergent paths they took following their father’s death and Elizabeth’s ascension to the throne, this book explores their relationship over the years. Andrew Morton’s latest biography offers unique insight into these two drastically different sisters–one resigned to duty and responsibility, the other resistant to it–and the lasting impact they have had on the Crown, the royal family, and the ways it adapted to the changing mores of the 20th century.

About the Author: Andrew Morton studied history at the University of Sussex, England, with a focus on aristocracy and the 1930s. Morton has written extensively on celebrity including biographies of Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, and Madonna, as well as the British royal family. He has written bestselling biographies of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Prince Andrew, and Meghan Markle. His #1 New York Times bestselling biography Diana: Her True Storywon international acclaim, described by critics as a “modern classic” and “the closest we will ever come to her autobiography.”

We offer two ticket options:

1. Distant Attendee. ($32.45)This ticket admits one household to the event and includes a copy of Elizabeth & Margaret: The Intimate World of the Windsor Sisters at 10% off the cover price. This ticket also includes US domestic shipping. Your book will be shipped on or just after 3/30/21.

2. Local Attendee. ($27.45)This ticket admits one household and includes a copy of Elizabeth & Margaret: The Intimate World of the Windsor Sisters at 10% off the cover price. Ticketholders must pick up their copy from at The Book Stall, and can do so any time after 3/30/21 during our normal hours, 10 AM to 5 PM, Monday – Saturday. Pick-up must be within 20 days of the event.

To register use this link:

https://andrewmortoneventthebookstall.eventbrite.com

When two powerhouse fashion icons come together, what can they produce, a spectacular event, that’s what! The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum, the support group of the world renowned Costume Collection housed at CHM, is teaming up with the “invincible” designer and wellness guru, Norma Kamali to present a fascinating evening event exploring the lifestyle that Kamali has described in her just published book, Norma Kamali: I Am Invincible.

As I have mentioned in several nenasnotes blog posts, I have been involved with the Costume Council since its inception, have held various positions over the years, chaired events, given lectures, have donated garments to the Collection and continue to be an active participant in its programming, that is why I am sharing this extra-special event with you.

I don’t know about you but I need a diversion from politics, the pandemic, crime, the Polar Vortex, isolation, quite frankly the continuing upsetting world we live in today….what better way than to hear how we can take care of ourselves, learn more about a successful decades long career in the always fascinating world of fashion and engage with a legend. And as a bonus, when you subscribe for the entire event you will receive not only a signed copy of the book but a “swag box” chucked full of goodies. Your contribution helps preserve the Costume Collection. How could we have survived this past year of changes without communicating via Zoom, I know it has been a lifeline to me, this evening will be presented via Zoom.

From the February 2nd New York Times, “The fashion designer Norma Kamali stays young in looks and spirit, but not for lack of effort. Ms. Kamali, who is best known for the archetypal sleeping-bag coat that debuted in the mid-1970s, is serious about her skin care — her wellness line, Normalife, was introduced last year — and, perhaps more important, about her diet and fitness regimen. She details her philosophy of “aging with power” in her new wellness book, “I Am Invincible”.

The Costume Collection of the Chicago History Museum with more than 50,000 costumes and textiles dating from the eighteenth century to the present, the Museum’s world-renowned Costume and Textiles collection is noted for both its size and the quality of its holdings.

Costume materials include work by distinguished designers such as Norma Kamali. The pieces picture are from the Collection…

THE FOUR IMAGES ABOVE COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM COSTUME COLLECTION.

Here is everything you need to know on how to register for this not to be missed event…the deadline is fast approaching and I wanted to get your attention before Super Bowl Sunday….sign up now! Will I see you there, I hope so!!!!

HOW TO PURCHASE: www.chicagohistory.org/normakamali

Check out this video on YouTube:https://youtu.be/XxykzhKwOL4

I found this to be VERY much in the Schiaparelli tradition…whimsical, daring, very fashion forward….

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

“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.”

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.”

Queen Elizabeth II in her signature headscarf.

Audrey and Grace both huge Hermès supporters.

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

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

GUCCI

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

Another Gucci floral print…stunning!

CHANEL

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

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!!

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

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.

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

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…

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!!!!????

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…

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.

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!

Of course, A Christmas Story lives on and on…

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

Be your own tree, why not!

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

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

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!!

What could be ugly with Santa on your shoulder.

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

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

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

Perhaps hightops to finish your outfit.

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

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.

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

A snowflake pendant, why not…

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.

Books for established or beginning collectors, you bet…

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

We MUST support small local businesses, today and every day. We want them to survive this crazy time to be there for us to enjoy their unique offerings when we celebrate our “new normal”. We CAN do this!!!!