Feature Friday: High Heels

“I don’t know who invented the high heel but women owe him a lot." - Marilyn Monroe


Today's Feature Friday focuses on the one accessory every woman has in her closet: a pair of high heels.

As it turns out, the high heel wasn't actually invented as much as it "evolved" thanks to Venetian prostitutes, British Queens, and French designers.

Women’s platform shoes, or chopines, are thought to have originated with prostitutes in Venice. The shoes reached heights up to 18 inches. See them HERE.

The origin of high heels is debated. Some believe they either evolved from chopines or arrived from men's equestrian footwear in the Near East.

The first documented wearer of European high heels is Queen Elizabeth I. She was painted wearing a pair, and in “Queen Elizabeth’s Wardrobe Unlock’d,” clothing historian Janet Arnold includes a list of the queen’s clothes from 1595, with “a payre of spanyshe lether shoes with highe heels and arches.”

Early shoes, like the ones pictured below, often used straps called “latchets” with lace or ribbon ties — an early form of shoelaces.

Men’s and women’s shoe styles were very similar until about 1660. After that, men’s shoes tended to be more practical, while women’s shoes became more ornate, with silks, brocades, braids and velvet.

King Louis XIV of France started many fashion trends, including red heels and soles.

From his early 20s until he was at least 63 years old, Louis XIV had his heels covered in red Morocco leather or painted that color.

The Pompadour heel, named after Madame de Pompadour (a mistress of King Louis XV) came about in 1750. These heels were curved and very difficult to walk in. However, that didn't stop the shoe from becoming popular as it spread from Paris across Europe. See them HERE.

The stiletto was first introduced in 1953 by Christian Dior. Shoe designer Roger Vivier, who worked for Dior, is credited for its invention. He used plastic to create a strong, slender shell which he called "the needle."

Sources:

NY Post

Feature Friday: Bandanas

Bandanas. Another item, like overalls, worn by men and women of all ages. Every different color and pattern to choose from. Many different ways to wear it. An accessory that will always stand the test of time. 

So how did they come about? How long have they been around? Where did the word "bandana" come from? 

Today's Feature Friday focuses on the history of bandanas!

The word "bandana" is believed to come from the Hindi word, 'bāṅdhnū' meaning a tied, bound cloth. Surprisingly, these handy pieces of cloth have been around for over 200 years.

The bandana first came into renown in the Old West, where the cloth was used as a neckerchief, pulled up to cover the mouth and nose as protection against the dust and dirt of the as-yet uncivilized frontier. Unfortunately, this led to outlaws using the bandana to cover their faces during robberies and crime, and the bandana quickly became associated with the wrong side of the law.

Ironically, bandanas were also once used as a "tool for political struggle" thanks to President George Washington and specifically his wife, Martha. 

In 1775, Martha went north to meet her husband for Christmas, he was commanding the Continental Army at the time. While there she met with John Hewson, a print maker recommended by Benjamin Franklin for his skills & defiance in regard to a ban on textile printing by the British.

Hewson copied the drawings of militia flags & cannons that Martha shared with him and some time later, they received a parcel from Philadelphia containing a drawing of the General on horseback.

By the summer of 1776, patriots were cheering that very image of Washington on America’s very first bandana (photo on left). Many followed George Washington’s example by being portrayed as heroes on bandanas in pursuing their political ends.

Sometimes referred to as, “ little banners,” they increasingly became a means of economically promoting a range of issues. After all, they had the additional attraction of being an extremely versatile item of clothing, ranging from a handkerchief, a mask, a headscarf, a neckerchief, a means of carrying a bundle of goods, a bandage or a sling.

These were the years preceding industrialization – the bandanas were hand-loomed squares of fabric printed with images to value & save. Bandanas would pay homage to war or sporting heroes; demonstrate support for electoral candidates; & encourage patriotism through both World Wars.

Bandanas continued to move beyond politics by promoting special events from world fairs, commemorated anniversaries such as the Declaration of Independence, & acted as records of both the landscape & legendary characters of the Wild West.

The 1900's saw bandanas promoting movies like Snow White and sports teams like The Yankees.

By the late 60's, bandanas were frequently worn by teenagers, sometimes on the head, but also tied around the leg. In the 80's and 90's, they were also sported by bikers, and musicians.

Today, the bandana is far from representing a political point or achievement. It's a creative accessory to fashion that adds a little flare. 

Sources:

http://www.retroland.com/bandanas/

http://www.bandanashop.com/bandanahistory.html

Feature Friday: Overalls!

Overalls. A style worn by both men and women. Sported by adults, teens, and kids.

The very first overalls, originally referred to as "slops," were created in the 1700's. They were worn by working men and considered a symbol of low class.

The material was not denim, but instead a tough cloth. They were built for durability and not for comfort and were not fitted well at all. Men usually wore them over another pair of pants.

Around the 1850's, overalls became more convenient for the workday. These changes included pockets for tools, including rulers and pens and different colors. White for painters, blue for farmers and pinstripes for railroad workers. Shortly after, manufacturers started using denim to make overalls.

Women began wearing overalls by the 1900's.  Actress Helen Holmes wore a pair in a 1914 silent film. Rosie the Riveter also wore overalls on her "We can do it" posters during World War II. She represented the millions of overalls-wearing women in the wartime factories.

Children could wear overalls by the 1900's when OshKosh B'Gosh began selling them in children's sizes so kids could dress like their dads. Once these kid-size overalls were featured in catalogs, sales skyrocketed. They remain popular today.

It wasn't until the 1960's when overalls became a fashion statement. Retailers began producing them in high-end fabrics and a large number of colors. Plaid and patterned overalls also showed up in boutiques. 

In the 1990's, many popular hip hop artists wore overalls with one strap unbuttoned, which started a trend that made its way through American high schools.

You don't see as many people wearing overalls as they were in the 90's but you can still easily buy them in stores in many different colors and prints. 

Do you have a pair of overalls?

Sources:
https://blairmountainreenactment.wordpress.com/2011/05/10/the-history-of-overalls/
http://www.ehow.com/about_5070957_history-bib-overalls.html
http://www.waltontaylor.com/overallshistory.html

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