Feature Friday: Scrunchies!

Oh, the scrunchie. A must-have accessory in the 90's. A big debate starter. Yay or Nay? A love-hate relationship. What do you think?

Did you ever wonder how the "scrunchie" got its name? Today's "Feature Friday" will answer!

There are two stories floating across the internet regarding the scrunchie's emergence.

Some websites indicate that the scrunchie was invented by Phillip E. Meyers for a family bearing the name "Scrunci" in 1963.

However, other websites claim that Rommy Revson, the woman who eventually patented the product in September of 1987, named it after her poodle.

So even though we don't know who really came up with the name, we do know that the word "scrunchie" caught on from "Scrunci" because the fabric "scrunched" up.

According to the U.S. Patent, the scrunchie was invented to "add a decorative fabric covering to the rubber band to further enhance the look of the person’s hair.”

But as we all know, scrunchies weren't just holding hair in the 90's, they were worn on wrists too. They became multi-purpose fashion accessory.

Scrunchies began to fade by the 2000's and some people consider it a huge fashion DON'T. But as much as there are haters, there are lovers too.

Scrunchies are slowly re-emerging today in different colors and fabrics today. Girls are starting to wear them again, included celebrities. They haven't made there way back on wrists yet, but only time will tell.

Sources:
https://triviahappy.com/articles/the-inventor-of-the-scrunchie-had-a-second-idea-that-was-even-weirder

http://www.spectatornews.com/showcase/2007/01/25/history-of-the-scrunchie/

http://sjhelium.com/2009/09/08/the-history-of-the-scrunchie/

Feature Friday: Stripes!

Did you know there are different kinds of stripes? Click the chart to read about each one!

Stripes were a very controversial print when it was first worn. Originally thought of as "the devil's print," it was associated with criminals and prostitutes during Medieval times.

In 1310, a cobbler (shoe maker) was sentenced to death for wearing stripes. Yes, DEATH! He was a member of the local clergy and wearing stripes was seen as a major crime.

Thank goodness that the passage of time changed the view of stripes because then we wouldn't be able to wear them today!

It was around the 18th century, during the American and French Revolutions, that stripes became a home decor option. As opposed to the horizontal stripes in the Middle Ages, most stripes during this time were vertical, which may have had something to do with society's view of them. Stripes were now considered "chic."

In 1846, Queen Victoria dressed her four-year-old son, Albert Edward, in a sailor suit to board the Royal Yacht. Ever since then society fell in love with a child in stripes.

Stripes were also popularized by Franz Xaver Winterhalter’s painting in 1847 showing a boy wearing striped marine jacket. No one knew that the sea-to-land look would be a mainstream trend that would span more than 150 years.

From there, swimmers also adopted the style, wearing navy blue and white striped bathing suits.

The striped shirt became popular in the mid 19th century. A navy blue and white shirt with 21 stripes, symbolizing each of Napoleon’s victories, became the uniform for all French navy men.

In the beginning of the 20th century, Coco Chanel took a trip to the French Rivera. There she saw the workers in the marina wearing their knit navy and white striped shirts. Chanel loved the print and the minimalism to the pattern. After returning home, she took the pattern mainstream and started selling them at her store in France.

There was no question about it after that: Stripes were in. Everyone began wearing them, even celebrities from Audrey Hepburn to John Lennon to Kurt Cobain.

So, what's your favorite kind of stripe form the chart above?

Sources:
"When Fashion Decreed Stripes a Capital Crime," NY Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/09/books/when-fashion-decreed-stripes-a-capital-crime.html

"A Brief History of Stripes in Fashion," Harper & Lewis Vintage
https://harperandlewisvintage.wordpress.com/2013/08/30/a-brief-history-of-stripes-in-fashion/

Feature Friday: Valentines, Great Buys, and Upcoming Events!

Tomorrow, February 14th, is the LAST DAY to pick up a Valentine at the studio for a special coupon on your next visit! Feel free to stop by anytime during business hours today and tomorrow for your Valentine. The basket is located right on the front desk ledge as you walk in the door. Good luck!

Also - MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

SATURDAY, MARCH 14th

An Event page has been created on Facebook, if you haven't seen the link on our FB page, click the link below to RSVP! We are STILL adding items to the sale = more items will be there than listed on the flyer, so be sure to stop by - you might just find a new treasure!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1050108175015607/

Wishing Everyone a great Valentine's Day

& Fabulous Weekend!

Feature Friday: "8 Things You Didn't Know About Color That Almost Seem Too Ridiculous To Be True"

Our workroom supervisor, Brittany, forwarded me this article that discussed eight very interesting (and somewhat crazy!) facts about colors. 

Courtesy of The Huffington Post

1. Until 1925, a common shade of brown was made from the flesh of Egyptian mummies.

2. The royal purple made famous by the Romans and Cleopatra was created by soaking thousands of rotten shellfish in urine.

3. The iconic yellow paint Van Gogh used in many of his paintings may have actually been partially to blame for his mental state. (Lead Paint!)

4. Red light might cause people to become stronger.

5. There was spray painting in prehistoric times.

6. The person who invented the color for Levi's blue jeans was only 21 years old.

7. Napoleon might have died because his room was green.

(The color, which was also common in kid's bedrooms, contained arsenic.)

8. A red used in royal tapestries was created with ox blood and cow manure.

I bet you didn't expect any of that - us either!

To read more about the history of colors, click here!

Feature Friday: Blue Jean Baby

Have you ever wondered where the word "jeans" came from? Or when the first pair was worn?

Today's Feature Friday is about just that - a fashion staple for everyone around the world.

The word ‘jeans’ comes from the French phrase ‘bleu de Genes’ meaning ‘the blue of Genoa’. The denim fabric originated in the French town of Nimes and owes its name to the location, which was quickly known as ‘denim’ abroad.

Genoese Navy sailors were the first people to wear denim in the 1500’s. However. it wasn’t until the 1870’s in the gold rush boom that denim took off. 

Levi Strauss, a now well-known brand in the denim industry, created a strong style of workers pants with rivets that was quickly adopted by Californian coal miners. 

Their jeans were originally made from hemp which was proven to be uncomfortable for the workers. Levi's eventually discovered and started using the twilled cotton cloth that originated from Nimes and denim, as we know it, was born.

It became popular in culture when jeans became symbolic of protest against conformity. Worn by teenagers and young adults, they were often refused admission to movies, restaurants and other places that hadn't accepted this new trend. 

However, the disapproval didn't last and by the 1960’s blue jeans became more acceptable to wear. They were an established trend by the 1970’s.

From there, "designer" jeans became available and it eventually made its way into fashion shows. 

Denim had a rough start in culture, but once it was finally accepted, it was officially here to stay!

Sources:

http://www.jeanswest.com.au/backpocket-daily/denim-expert/history-of-denim

Feature Friday: Polka Dot Madness

Though the word "polka dot" was created in the mid 1800's, it is believed that the print became popular around 1926, when Miss America was photographed in a polka dot swimsuit and men began wearing polka-dotted bow ties. Soon after, Disney introduced Minnie Mouse wearing a red polka dot dress and matching bow.

By the 1930's, polka dots were seen on many garments in stores with bows and ribbons. And by 1940, it even made it's way into a song by Frank Sinatra called, "Polka Dots and Moon Beams" because of it's rising popularity.

The Los Angeles Times was quoted as saying, "You can sign your fashion life away on the polka-dotted line and you'll never regret it."

The craze continued on into the 1950's with Marilyn Monroe sporting a polka dot bikini as well as the famous Brian Hyland song, "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini." It seems like from day one, polka dots had fame on it's side...

So where did the words, "polka" and "dot" come from?

In the mid-19th century, Polka dots had many other names, such as "Dotted Swiss," which referred to raised dots an transparent tulle. During the this time, a dance called "Polka" was also becoming a craze and somehow, the two got linked. However, the only thing they share in common is the time they became popular.

The word "polka" itself means "little woman or girl" which could be a reason "polka" came into play since polka dots were seen as widely feminine. However, as the print continued to gain popularity, men wore it more as well. Even comic books, like Marvel's 1962 "Polka Dot Man" were sporting the print.

"Dot" on the other hand, is derived from the Old English word, "dott," meaning "speck."

The first magazine to print the term was Godey's Lady's Book in an 1857 description of a garment. “A scarf of muslin, for light summer wear, surrounded by a scalloped edge, embroidered in rows of round polka dots.”

Do you wear polka dots?

Sources:
http://thehairpin.com/2013/06/a-brief-history-of-polka-dots-2
http://www.word-detective.com/2009/06/polka-dot/

Feature Friday: 25 Timeless Style Lessons from Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn has been a style icon to many women. She represented simplicity but with a touch of elegance. Here at the studio we consider her one as well so after I coincidentally ran across an article about her online, I thought it would be perfect to share here.

Here are the 25 timeless style lessons she left us....

1. Sometimes a simple dress is all you need.

2. Gloves add a touch of sophistication to any outfit.

3. Always accessorize and protect your face with a stylish hat. 

4. Striped shirts and cropped haircuts can still look super feminine.

5. Wearing a cozy nightgown and is completely acceptable.

6. A belt cinched in the middle of a dress creates a lovely shape. 












7. You can wear a crown, even if you're not royalty. Audrey knew that every woman should be treated like a princess.

8. Don't be a afraid to rock the bow tie and a suit.

9. Collared shirts never got out of style. 

10. Your bangs don't always have to be word straight across your forehead. 

11. You can never go wrong with a bold red lip. 

12. Simple color blocking creates a classic look. 

13. Take off your heels to play sports, but still look cute in that summer dress.

14. Fun, bold prints are always a go.

15. Women can wear loafers just as well as men.

16. Sunglasses literally work with any outfit - including formal ones. 

17. Take a fashion risk, and wear that unique item. 

18. Find a classic and practical bag. 

19. In order to stand out, opt for a different take on your wedding dress.

20. Skip the bikini and wear a bright one-piece bathing suit. 

21. Expertly placed dark eyeliner can soften up a short haircut. 













22. Babydoll dresses still look great as you mature. Just make sure you don't pick a dress that's too juvenile-looking, but rather one that is tastefully youthful.

23. Long lashes look ravishing on older women. 

24. Your senior years are the perfect time to break out the intricate jewelry. While it can sometimes look a little overdone on younger women, flashy earrings and necklaces add spark to a sophisticated lady's ensemble.

25. The most important lesson: Wear clothes you can be yourself in. 









Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/20/audrey-hepburn-style_n_3780087.html

Feature Friday: All That Plaid

Starting today, every Friday will feature a "fun facts" entry highlighting a different item, fabric, or tools used in garment construction. Today's blog post focuses on plaid!

Plaid is an American/Canadian word used to describe tartan, a pattern consisting of crossed horizontal and vertical bands in two or more colors in woven cloth. It is derived from Scotland, being that Scottish kilts are mostly plaid. 

However, the word "plaid" in Scotland actually means a tartan slung over the shoulder, or a blanket kept on a bed. So if you are ever looking for a plaid print in Scotland, make sure you say tartan - or they may give you a blanket!

According to aesthetic critic.com, plaid first made its mark on fashion in the late 17th century as a signature in Scottish society. It eventually became a symbol of rebellion against England which resulted in it being banned for four decades.Wearing plaid after the Scottish rebellion in 1746 was forbidden. Plaid still holds as a symbol against society in general.

The 1960's brought plaid in skirts and shirts for women. It was used a lot for service and labor-orientated jobs as well. Outdoor men, like lumberjacks, became synonymous with red flannel plaid shirts. (Think the "Brawny" paper towels guy!)

The 1990's saw a huge increase of popularity for the patterned print as well. Commonly associated with the grunge decade, members of rock bands sported the plaid nearly all the time! Not all plaid popularity in the 90's was grunge associated though, it was still popular in jackets and skirts for women - think of the movie Clueless!

How many plaid prints are in your closet?

Sources:
http://aestheticcrit.com/a-history-of-plaid.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tartan

The Most Popular Colors in Fashion this Winter Season

Have you noticed a lot more of certain color garments at the store this year? I have too. I visited the website, We Connect Fashion, and got a list of the top 10 colors this winter season.

Are you ready? Here goes!

Color 1: Crimson

"Crimson sets a darker mood for the season with deeper casts of red, offering the most dramatic take on red this season."

Color 2: Cranberry

Cranberry presents a warm and bright cast of red, which serves as a lighter alternative to wine.

Color 3: Teal

"Set to blue-green undertones, teal adds diversity to a line-up of jewel colors."

Color 4: Orchid

Set to either purple or blue undertones, vibrant casts of orchid become the purple hue of the season.

Color 5: Honey Mustard

"Honey mustard is the most season-appropriate yellow hue with golden casts."

Color 6: Blood Orange

"Although orange isn't quite as powerful as its been in recent seasons, the major expression this season becomes a bright, saturated blood orange with red undertones. Featured especially in New York and London collections, the hue remains a must on head-to-toe looks and is often leveraged with sport reference."

Color 7: Cobalt

"Cobalt pushes forward as a seasonal must-have across all major runway cities. The bright and sometimes electric jolt of color has proven to be a commercial hit that remains relevant."

Color 8: Toffee

"Although not a widespread base color, toffee offers variation from camel tones with golden brown undertones."

Color 9: Dusty Rose

"Dusty rose offers a more subdued alternative to pastel shades."

Color 10: Peachy Nude

"Warm casts of peachy nude move forward from last season, becoming an easy-to-wear soft neutral."

What do you think about the results? I personally own every color except orchid. The specific shades of blue and purple surprised me on the list! 

Source: F/W 14/15 Women's Color Seasonal Guide

Holiday Gift Guide 2014

Christmas is only 20 days away; how did that happen?? If you're like me, you probably still have a lot of shopping to do. Some people it's so easy to shop for. Others? It can be a challenge. Sometimes you just need something unique, an item that stands out, and is also one of a kind.

Here are some great gifts we offer here at the studio:

Scarves

A scarf is something that never goes out of style. It's a great fashion accessory and a cozy comfort. We have several different colors, fabrics, and styles for your choosing.

This scarf is made from 100% silk, we also have knitted scarves as well & ones with pockets!











Shawls/Wraps/Ponchos

Much like a scarf, these will never go out of style and can do wonders for an outfit. This featured scarf can either be worn as a wrap or scarf. We also have a matching skirt, if you want to wear a set!

We have a variety of styles and lengths to choose from. We also have unisex ponchos in green & white and orange & blue!











Christmas-Themed

Do you have a dinner party coming up? Or do you know someone who is having one? These Christmas-themed Martini glasses are perfect for the occasion!

We also have Christmas napkins and Christmas aprons too!

Newlywed Gifts

Know a couple having a winter wedding? Unsure of what to get them? We have numerous bridal gifts at the studio. A "Just Married" apron, Mr. & Mrs. Towels, Duffle bags,  Custom Mugs, and more.








Other Gifts

We also have beautiful blouses, shrugs, jackets, sweaters, and dresses!

Custom- Made Gifts

Aside from our existing items in the studio, we also do custom-made projects like pillows, quilts, jackets, and more. If you have a great idea in mind for the perfect gift, give us a call and we can make it for you!