Preparing for a Different Normal

Notice to those receiving email notices from this blog: In July 2021, Blogger is discontinuing this service. I have been trying to work this "feed" service thing out but have not yet been successful. Presently I can't even access who is on my email service list so I can't contact you directly. You will have to either bookmark this blog address or simply visit me periodically to see what I have written lately. I'll be working on it but I can't make any promises. Thanks for your patience and understanding. And now to my post, something I have a relative amount of control over . . .

no thanks to pandemics

noteworthy that we are moving toward a new normal

need for more people to be vaccinated

nice that we are on the road again 

2020-21 has been an unsettling year. We have been given the opportunity to experience and live through a truly global event. The pandemic affected everyone on this planet. Through science and compliance with vaccination protocol, we will overcome this hurdle. Those who are choosing not to vaccinate are hindering humankind's general well-being. Think of polio and if you are too young to have remembered standing in line in elementary school for the polio vaccine, do some research. Trust science. I am alive today because insulin was invented.  OK, enough of that rant, this is a blog about clothing after all.

That being said, Covid-19 has affected what we consider "normal". It's time to prepare for a different normal. I don't believe we can resume "back to normal" or what was once practised as "normal". We are or at least should be much more aware of the correlation between basic hygiene and health, and hopefully, be more conscious of spreading a virus. How many of us didn't hesitate going to work, sniffling, sneezing and coughing with "just a cold" or "the beginnings of the more common flu" in the past? Continuing to wear masks, particularly if suffering from the common cold or flu, makes perfect sense.

As we move toward the normalcy we all want, my husband and I hope to be spending time in France this year. When we go, it will only be for three months since we do not want to deal with the onerous process of getting a long-stay visa. Yes, Canadians need a visa if they are staying longer than three months. Many think, both in Canada and in France, that because of Canada's historic relationship with France we don't. We do. And the fines imposed, if you are detected staying longer than you should, are significant. 

But back to preparing for my trip. I still cannot travel with only a carry-on because of all the non-clothing items I take. Here are some of the things I need to take or have taken when staying away for the long haul.

Protein Powder and Supplements: All the protein powders in France (or so I have found) contain sucralose and I have chosen not to use any products using this artificial sweetener. Most of the ones you buy in Canada do not contain this product anymore. I guess Canadian rats show different results in scientific analysis than French ones. So if you use protein powders in smoothies, it's preferable to bring it from home. I also find their prices for protein powders anywhere from twice to three times as expensive.

Many companies offer a single-use packet, which is convenient for short-term travel. Also, check to see if the country you are visiting allows you to bring in this product or supplements generally. Several years ago, a friend had all hers confiscated when entering Australia. Actually, any food item is suspect and you are lucky if they simply take it away and don't fine you. An apple or an orange is not worth $300.00.

Medication: I'm a diabetic and have gotten into the habit of taking all my medication and supplies for the time I will be away. Yes, of course, I can buy any of the above in France, but my Canadian health insurance will not cover it, nor will medical travel insurance because my diabetes is a pre-existing condition. It makes economic sense to take what I need.

My supplies for 4 to 6 months take a fair amount of space. As well the Freestyle Libre monitor calculates blood sugar levels in different calibrations depending on which country you live in. I have purchased one in France but I'm not accustomed to reading 3 digit numbers since I'm used to average readings in single digits.

I try not to take many clothes because I have a summer wardrobe in France, which is probably better than what I have in Canada.

I have already written about a more extensive list of clothing to take on a trip to Europe in the fall (underwear excluded) — August to October Trip to France.

This year I'll be wearing the following on the aeroplane:

• a mask

• a pair of skinny leg Buffalo blue jeans — I don't wear white jeans when I know I have to wear the same clothing for 24 hours. 
• my seersucker Smythe plaid blazer that goes great with jeans. I got this photo from lyst.com a while back but it's no longer in their inventory.

• a blue merino long sleeve lightweight wool top (planes are often cold)

• my white Keds

In my carry-on:

• my three-month supply of diabetic supplies and medication. Medications should always be with you and not packed in your checked luggage owing to temperature fluctuations and most importantly, the possibility of loss.
• over-the-counter decongestant tablets or nasal spray for take-off and landing (if you have trouble with your ears in these situations) and eye drops for dry eyes.
• my journal and two pens
• my laptop and European plug-in converter
• packaged snack foods (in case my blood sugars start dropping and I need something quickly)
• my 100% moderate weight cotton beige & white shawl (a recent acquisition) or my camel-coloured cashmere shawl (I always need more than the little blanket you get on overnight trips when flying Economy)
• an oversized t-shirt and lightweight cotton pants or shorts (respectable substitute for pyjamas) to change into when taking an overnight flight
• basic toiletries including moisturizer, lip balm, hand-sanitizer wipes, toothpaste, and toothbrush. I have taken more in the past but never seem to use it.
• an extra pair of glasses

This year, I might be packing the following favourites in my checked luggage:

• my LBD (little black dress). I've carried it back and forth over the pond for years. Maybe it's time to get a second one.
• my favourite scarves and signature necklaces. Scarves don't weigh much so I can rationalize taking a few but as for the necklaces, I can always make another one or two or three while I'm there.
• my Burberry white tailored shirt
• dressy black flats
• beige heels

As well as . . .  two items I will take and leave there — a white denim skirt and white flip flops

Everything else in our check-in luggage will be items for the pantry and the house along with favourite toiletries that can stay there. 

I always take photographs of the contents of our check-in bags along with an itemized list. This is important, particularly if you are a designer type of guy or gal. You never know, your bag could be the lost one and this way, any insurance claim you make can be substantiated.

With this plan, there will be plenty of room on our return trip for wine and the clothing and shoes I buy there.

Wedding Gown: Then and if I was doing it Now

Mrs. Sutherland from Glamour Girl Bridal and Formals, on Graham Avenue in Winnipeg, Canada, (no longer in business) wrote the following about my wedding gown:

The bride chose for her wedding day a gown of imported silk organza and re-embroidered Alençon lace. The gown is beautifully enhanced with miniature pearl beading. The gown, in Empire style, has a princess collar and long slim sleeves with a petal point finish at the wrists. The skirt flows in soft lines to the back to form a full chapel train. Scalloped beaded lace trims the collared bodice, sleeves, front of the skirt and train. Her veil of silk illusion in chapel length is edged with the Alençon lace and drifted from a head piece of matching lace trimmed with pearl beading. 

 

This is not a photo of my wedding gown. I only have paper copies and haven't seen the need to transfer them to digital format. 

Therefore, I have been looking for a photograph online of my wedding gown worn in the late 1970s. The closest I have come is the one you see here. The sleeve finish was different on mine. Rather than a cuff, mine had what was called a "petal point" sleeve - a double-scallop border/edge, which I believe looked more elegant than the cuff on this one. The A-line style was the same but it is difficult to assess from online photographs how the lace differed. The neckline was similar. I found this version, dated as late 1960s/early 70s, on Etsy. Mine was purchased in the late 70s so it was probably a popular classic style that lasted a little longer than usual contemporary bridal trends. It's selling there for $527.30. My parents, who ran an upholstery shop and were of modest means, paid $351.75 for my gown.

My mother and I spent a cold February Saturday in Winnipeg shopping and it was the dress I said was "the one" in the first bridal shop window we encountered. And she agreed! The floral Alençon lace (described as a re-embroidered chantilly lace) is imported from France featuring beading which shapes beautifully and if I had to do it over again, I would choose a dress made of the same lace. 

If I were getting married today, I would probably choose something that showed off the back more like this one from Marilyn's Bridal in Aukland, NZ.

The collar of Kate Middleton's gown appeals to me.

Or better still, a bateau-style neckline. This gown was featured in the Mori Lee 2015 Collection.

              

I've been to a lot of weddings in my lifetime and there is only one bridal gown I can say stood out. It was amazing and when I saw it I thought, I would have loved to have gotten married in the same one Carly chose. I wish I had photos! In this case, electronic files disappeared when my husband's first IPad bit the dust. (We lost 3 years of our photograph archived lives on an airplane headed to Vancouver. When we got to the Apple dealership, during this pre-Cloud era, we received the bad news. Nothing was retrievable!)

As I'm thinking about what I should do with this dress — no kids, all my nieces are married, and their children are a long way from being married, and who wants their great-aunt's dress anyway? I'm thinking to have my gown remade into a cocktail-length dress. The dress is a size 2 (now I live in a comfortable size 6 and sometimes 8) but a good tailor should be able to manage. I have a friend who can advise me and maybe even oversee the project. My plan is that I will eventually wear it on our 50th. My husband and I have full intentions of being around for that event! 

Re-construction — it's a thought . . . I'll keep you posted.

The Mask as a New Accessory

Necessary

We're fully vaccinated — places to go, people to see. But hold on, not so fast. 

Even though we are fully vaccinated and many of our friends have had their first shots, we're still very conscious that the virus does not discriminate and variants are still a challenge. This of course means that many of the habits we have started and re-inforced over the past year and a half need to continue — a new normal.

I appreciate the precautions taken in the grocery stores such as disinfecting carts, providing antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer, and plexiglass shields for the masked workers. All of the above needs to be continued for the workers' and our safety. As well, after going out for lunch in a 50% capacity restaurant, I rather liked not being an arm's length away from the next table. Lunch was a beautiful experience on the riverbank with a calm atmosphere and a sparsely occupied space, even though the place was full.

When it comes to personal habits, are people going to stop washing their hands and taking precautions? Of course not, at least I hope not. It's just good basic hygiene. This past winter no one around me had a cold or the usual run-of-the-mill flu. In the past, when one person in the house had a cold or the flu, everyone eventually got it. Not this past winter. When my guests come to my house I'll still provide them with antibacterial wipes and sanitizing options. And I will continue diligently cleaning for their safety. After all, we still do not know a whole lot about this virus and why some people are asymptomatic, others are afflicted with longstanding complications, and others die. Even though we are vaccinated we still can get it. And although we may not get as ill, we potentially can be carriers if we stop being diligent and catch it from someone, putting unvaccinated folks in danger. It will be a while before herd immunity kicks in. 

So don't put the mask away just yet. As for masks, they will continue to be part of my wardrobe accessories especially for shopping and casual visits. It's not such a big deal. How wearing a mask became a threat to personal liberty is beyond me. It's science, not an issue of freedom.

Thanks to Shirley B who made all of these except two (the stripe and the animal print). 

I'm happy to see celebrities doing their part, although in this situation, I've chosen masking and it has nothing to do with them. Tory Burch has a #wearadamnmask challenge. Through the campaign, celebrities are posting selfies sending the message of the importance of wearing a mask in public. There are sequined masks, tie-died, floral, basic solid colours, bright neon colours, pastels, animal print motifs, plaid, gingham, and of course, the novelty ones including sport team promotion, lipstick kisses, smiley faces, cartoon characters, and anything else that suits your personality type. Then there are the disposable options also being promoted. Bien sur, you need a LBFM - little black face mask. For a look at the celebrities and their choices visit the hellomagazine website. 

The CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) tested 20 different face masks and summarized the effectiveness in this Marketplace overview. Beware the one-layer bandana-scarf-face mask and gaiter-styled face mask. According to the Marketplace report, these are the least protective. These masks allow too many germs in and let too many out. If there is a disposable face-covering insert underneath, or a filter pocket insert inside the bandana and gaiter styles closely fitting the nose and mouth, then they may be redeemed but not always considered more effective. 

Masks with an exhalation valve are not recommended at all.

Need

Look for the following  criteria when choosing a face mask:

Good: tightly woven fabric (high thread-count) 

Better: two layers of fabric (both fabrics with a high thread count)

Best: reinforcement of a two-layer, high thread-count mask with a standard disposable mask underneath (In the photo you see that I just use tiny safety pins to add and easily remove disposable masks from my cloth ones.

Continue all those good habits when you are out and about. Don't be irresponsible during this pandemic (even if you are vaccinated).

Scarves: Wash, Iron, Mend

Necessary

I was out for dinner last weekend and had chosen to accessorize with a black, yellow, and white scarf. My scarf had twisted and so I gave it a tug and noticed a stain. Embarrassed, I excused myself and, in front of the powder room mirror, tried to position the stain so it would not show. Of course, the lightweight silk curled and curved the stain right back into its full frontal position. I finally tied a knot at the point of the stain and managed to get through the evening with a different look than what I had originally planned. The stain was hidden and that was more important.

This scenario motivated me to go to my closet and do a stain analysis of my scarves. My winter scarves, mittens, gloves, and neck warmers were all in good condition since I washed everything that was worn over the winter as soon as the spring sun started shining. 

Embarrassment revelation number 2: I could not remember the last time I had washed most of my accessorizing scarves. They appeared "clean enough" especially the patterned ones or ones that had no white or pale colours in the pattern. Nonetheless, I gathered them all up, took out my Forever New laundry soap for delicate fabrics, filled the fabric softener dispenser with vinegar and lavender oil, set the machine to delicate wash/gentle spin and set up my ironing board. 

I washed everything, the ones I barely wear along with my favourites. I didn't realize how many scarves I had. They are all now stain-free, ironed, and colour-organized. I need a tool, sort of like a fish counter, for every scarf so that I give them a timely wash. Make-up, natural skin oils, moisturizers, sunscreen, and hairspray all conspire to hold grime and so I'm setting up a routine to wash them, whether they are showing any errant stains or not. I don't think we need to wash accessorizing scarves after each wear as we do with cotton face masks or underwear but they certainly need to be washed more often than I had been previously doing. Jewellery is another accessory that we forget about cleaning, but I've dealt with that in older posts.

Doing this inventory was a good thing, I found one scarf with the hem ravelling and I found several that will be put into the "donate" bin. I don't know about you, but it does feel good to have a "clean slate".

I was inspired to attend to a summer set-up and re-organization of my closet. I colour-coded everything so that I can look at one section and have all my options available. And now my scarves are all organized in the same way providing even more options. Yay!

Buy my Guided Journal 

A Box a Day: A 30 Day Journal to Triumph Over Clutter 

Your Personal De-Cluttering Guide

ITSO . . . In the Style of . . . Diane Von Furstenberg

Character. Intelligence. Strength. Style. That makes beauty.

— Diane von Furstenberg (1946) Belgian fashion designer

Diane von Furstenberg started her fashion design career and became famous with her wrap dress. This orange 70s vintage example was retrieved on May 30, 2021 from Shopmodig.

Her silk jersey wrap dress was an influencer for me as I grew into adulthood. It was the seams on her dresses (or dresses like hers) I checked in my first job. I had to make sure every article of clothing that was put on the sales floor of the high-end dress shop (at least it was high-end in the mid-sized town I lived) was in faultless condition. I worked in the basement and checked for split seams, fabric flaws, sewing mistakes, dye irregularities, and print or stripe mismatches. Does anyone do that anymore?

People say I made the dress. Yes, I made the dress, but the dress made me.

- Diane von Furstenberg

Apparently, she originally created a wrap-around top with a matching skirt and that evolved into the dress. The DVF's wrap dress was born in 1973/1974 (depending on the source you read) when she arrived in New York with a suitcase full of jersey print wrap dresses. Asked why she invented this particular dress, she emphasized the ease of getting dressed and I would also suggest getting undressed. She has been quoted as saying:

If you are trying to slip out without waking a sleeping man, zips are a nightmare. Haven’t you ever tried to creep out of the room unnoticed the following morning? I’ve done that many times. 

Considering DVF's wrap dress has been used to symbolically represent the the rise of the women's movement in the 1970s, liberated women, and comfort and ease in workplace dressing, I find it has similarities to previous "house dress" patterns from an era that was not so liberated. Here's a wrap dress called "a 1949 Women's Wrap Around Brunch Coat" from the category of House Dresses in a Simplicity Vintage Sewing Pattern (Retrieved May 30, 2021 from Ecrater — 2845 https://www.ecrater.com/p/7216806/1949-womens-wrap-around-brunch-coat).

I remember my aunt having a blue floral wrap house dress just like the vintage Simplicity pattern. I feel certain that DVF, who was married to a prince (making her a princess although she lost that privilege with divorce) and who first designed a wrap-around top and a skirt was not influenced by a "house dress". However, DVF's wrap dress does look like a re-stylized, re-invented, shortened adaptation of the 1950s version. Has anyone ever had that thought before? It does appear like there's really nothing "new", simply revisited, modified, and revitalized with updated fabrics created for a new market audience and regenerated with a new "story". No matter the origin or motivation — it was brilliant.

Photo Source: Yahoo!Life This photo was retrieved May 30, 2021 from https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/diane-von-furstenberg-means-woman-140021841.html. Read the interview, Diane von Furstenberg on What it Means to be a 'Woman in Charge', by Nikara Johns, March 8, 2020

At 75, Diane von Furstenberg is still designing and still in charge. 

For me, the zipper issue is huge. I have one dress that has a side zipper - that's perfect. All the others have back zippers. Impossible if you are alone. With apologies to DVF, the ease of dressing gives the wrap dress a greater advantage than for the purpose of "sneaking out without waking a sleeping man".