The Breton Stripe

I always associate the Breton stripe with the French company Armor Lux and with being a French invention. I was wrong. Its origin is actually English and apparently, it was Queen Victoria who started the trend when she dressed her son in sailor stripes. 

Nice: 

I have one black and white striped Armor Lux here in Canada and another three back in France, one of which is a beige and white stripe, a white with black stripe, along with a turquoise and white long-sleeved one. I like the heavier cotton and the perfect crew neck collars. I limit my stripes to tops. My preference is the subtlety of the beige and white stripe.

Need:

For Spring 2021 Judith and Charles have embraced the Breton Stripe in more choices than just summertime tops. I don't yet have a blazer. "Need" may be too strong a word to use because I have enough clothing and really do not "need" another blazer. "Wouldn't it be nice if . . ." is a better phrase to use in this case. 

No Thanks:

I do not own any striped pants because I have never seen a pair that looks good. They run from looking garish to clownish on me. Good for you if you are tall enough to manage them. the closest I ever got to a striped pant was back a few years ago when I bought a trendy pair with a single strip that ran vertically down the side. I did like those pants (the ones here in the photo to the left).

Another "no thanks" is when two or more people in one group are all wearing black and white stripes. That happened to me once. In fact, one of our friend's husbands made a comment about not knowing he was coming to a Marcel Marceau convention when he saw the three of us. We laughed. What else could we do?

Noteworthy:

Striped accessories, shoes, bags, scarves, and even jewelry say "summer" to me and can be fun to add if you do not like wearing stripes. This Michael Kors bag is several years old now but pretty much a summer classic.

Colourful Spring Legs — A Transition from Winter to Spring

Spring is in the air and that air can be a tad chilly on the Canadian prairies. It's time for skirts and tights.

Photo Source: Image by Michael Jarmoluk from Pixabay

Photo Source: Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay

Noteworthy:

Bright legs can transition winter skirts as this photo shows you. I like colour blocking but it might be a tad matchy matchy for some of you. This is a great option for work in an air-conditioned environment. 

If you're short, like me, 5'3", and have a collection of ballet flats, like Brian Davis, matching your tights to your ballet flats gives an illusion of a longer leg even with a flat shoe. 

Of course, I love a bare leg with a jean skirt in the summer, but it's still too cool here to be comfortable. A jean skirt would be perfect, with a solid leg and a top that had the colour of the tights in it but not necessarily another solid block of colour. 

Photo by mayu ken on Unsplash

No Thanks: Stay away from white tights. They look too much like what little girls wear to church.

In Readiness to Return to Work

Over the next week, certain districts in North American and European countries will be allowing shops to re-open under particular guidelines. Our prairie newspaper (retrieved April 23, 2020 from Saskatoon Star Phoenix) reported: "Some of those guidelines are geared to specific businesses, including bans on trying on clothes at clothing stores, which will also be encouraged to use online purchases and adopt no-return policies." Since then guidelines have been changed and adapted to more realistic limitations. With the original guidelines, customers like me, asked, "What's the point?" Government policymakers listened to retailers and now guidelines are much more reasonable for the face to face shopper.

Although I recognize it is much easier to buy online, I do not want a world where that is my only alternative therefore if we do not support storefront businesses, they will go bankrupt and I certainly don't want that. 

As we check the days of the calendar in anticipation of hairdressers and more retail outlets re-opening between now and the middle of June as the flattening trend continues, it's time (if you haven't already) to get your wardrobe work-ready. 

Instead of saying, "I have nothing to wear", you can say "everything feels new again".

Re-organize - take out all winter wear and if you have the luxury of another closet, place everything you won't need this summer. Make sure they are clean, mended and stored properly whether in drawers, bins or closets. This is also a good opportunity to place winter things in a "donate" bin for things you know you won't wear again. You will be ready when clothing donations will be accepted.

Organize your closet by colour and category. Place all tops starting with white, followed by colours - light to dark with black ending the "tops" category. Now do the same for skirts, followed by shorts, capris, jeans and pants, and dresses.

You probably have noticed that you have a particular colour palette represented in your closet. In summer, my colour palette is what I affectionately call, "sea, sand and sky" — basically blue, beige and white. Kick it up a notch with yellow or red and you can portray variety with essentially a limited numbers of pieces. 

Summer wear also means more casual wear and after working at home or not working for two months, we may have become a little too lax, a little too informal. 

Greek Designer. PhotoSource: AngieB

Appropriate casual workwear can be characterized by 4 features:

1. Nice and simple as in this sheath dress. The design encorporates textural detailing without being over the top.

2. cover up — nothing revealed. Say "No thanks" to too short shorts, bosomy cleavage, cropped tops and sheer sheer fabrics."

2. clean up — nothing grungy, nothing sloppy. Say "No thanks" to oversized t-shirts and badly fitting denim. 

3. add to — upgrade your look with natural fabrics, simple but well tailored pieces, and  statement accessories and make it "note-worthy". In the sheath dress photo, notice the shoes — simple nude heels which don't compete with the dress. Yet summer suggests colour so play with it in your accessories.

Photo Source: Zenka

Accessorizing is where you can play with colour. Scarves, belts, shoes and jewellery express your individuality. As with all advice at this time . . . do it creatively but do it responsibly.

😃Spring 2021 Update: Does dis-order in your life overwhelm you? Changing Spaces by Design has recently published a guided journal with inspiring affirmations, suggested daily strategies to create clutter-free spaces, time management recommendations, and charts to record your project. Shirley B says, "I embarked on the process and am pleased to say that it really does work. I put my stuff in order, found stuff I had forgotten I owned, and got rid of stuff I no longer need (that is somebody else’s stuff now). The result – I know what I have, and where to find it. Amazing!"

You can check out their launch page at 30 Day Journal to Triumph Over Clutter.

Jewellery Trends 2020

Closet Fashion Analysis: 

Big, Colourful, Chain Links, Pearls, Ankle Chains & Single Earrings

Asymmetrical Pairs from days gone by.
by JoyD. Photo Source: JoyD

Three major themes in jewellery trends for 2020 are colourful, chain links and big. And this year the single earring, pearls and ankle chains are recurring. 

Good fortune for those of you who have kept any single earrings after losing the other. Or if you bought an asymmetrical pair several years ago when that was the trend. Lucky you, now you have two choices to use for a particular colour palette. The single earring trend is one of the most creative and cost effective trends for jewellery makers. We get to use up those single over-sized baubles. 

All of the above are themes that always return in some variant form - I guess that's what makes a trend — the variant forms. And summer is always a time when flamboyant fashion jewellery appears. Throw colourful and summer into the mix for a jewellery crafter and it's time to play!

Fashion during recessions tend to become more minimalist and luxury items plummet in sales. Yet we as consumers look to lift our spirits, even through something as superficial as fashion and since the money is not there, we do it through trendy accessories. Coincidentally we are in a situation of economic difficulty and uncertainty about returning to a normal lifestyle, whatever that may mean to you, and both are happening as summer approaches, at least for us here. (My apologies to those in the Southern Hemisphere, where, of course winter is approaching. But with less sunlight and greyer days, colourful just may be a therapeutic choice.) 

If you are looking for something to cheer you up, to conjure a less pessimistic view of the world owing to this COVID-19 predicament, perhaps we can try to do it through something playful and superficial such as . . . 


Big and Colourful: Imagine super-sized hot pink hoops or just one matching a pink and yellow patterned face mask.

Statement Necklace by Joy D. Photo Source: JoyD

Pearls: Marie Claire tells us "pearl everything". Take a look at the page Statement Necklaces by JoyD for past pearl creations.

Ankle Chains & Shoe Chain Jewellery: As far as the ankle chains go, I don't want to admit how long ago I wore an ankle chain and I know a woman who hasn't taken hers off since then. Marie Claire writes, "Jewelry isn't just for your wrists, ears, or neck anymore . . ." Really?

Photo Source: Harper's Bazaar -
 Brandon Maxwell Design
Getty Image

Oversize and Chunky Chain Links: We've been there — it was about 7 years ago or so.

The one below with silver chain link and turquoise stones is one I made back in 2014 or 15. It was a favourite that I kept and have worn many times over the last five or six years. I keep carrying it back and forth between France and Canada.

Statement Necklace by JoyD. Photo Source: JoyD

What Would Happen If . . .

Closet Fashion Analysis: 

A Necessary Fashion Statement

Since face masks have been recommended, I decided to do a creative thinking exercise which predicts possible consequences - "What Would Happen If . . . ?"

WWHI face masks were mandated for use in all interpersonal contact outside of one's own home for an indeterminate amount of time? 

My thoughts, from my inner fashionista are . . . 

Face masks would become more colourful, more unique reflecting personal preferences and idiosyncrasies, thus becoming more fashionable, and more outlandish. There would be face mask trends to watch every season.

We don't have to go far, it's already happening. I bought this

Photo Source: JoyD

one yesterday at Nature's Health Centre where I buy my supplements and essential oils. A local seamstress has taken the opportunity and a local business is promoting and selling her wares. Grassroots commerce - love it!

WWHI we went more high tech . . . Cyclists have been

Photo Source: respromasks

 using pollution face masks in major British, European and Chinese cities for awhile now and Respro™ masks, manufactured in the United Kingdom, are being re-invented by consumers to deal with the predicament we find ourselves in now. When Respro™ was asked,"Can a Respro™ mask protect against Corona virus?" they responded with a technical explanation only they can do and not many can understand. Visit the Respro™ FAQ page for that explanation. 

Photo Source: Airygal.com

WWHI? Well, this too is already happening - "fashionable" alternatives being influenced by safety supply manufacturers. How much safety this actually offers may be debatable.

Ah but all that is still too ordinary - let's predict outside the patterned fabric face mask, cyclist pollution mask and safety-influenced samples.



Think more outlandish consequences for fashion trends such as elaborate designs re-creating, modifying and applying elements from Venetian eye masks . . . 

Photo Source: Simply Masquerade

or Jester masks . . . 

Photo Source: Simply Masquerade

or this Bauta Musica Masquerade mask. . . . hmm? Indeed, what would happen if . . . ?

Photo Source: Simply Masquerade

Christmas-Themed Clothing and Accessories - No Thanks

Call me what you want - kill-joy, stick-in-the-mud, party-pooper, wet-blanket, fuddy-duddy, spoil-sport, fossil, old fogey - I am unlikely to change my mind about this. 

Novelty clothing and accessories are For Children Only

No Thanks - For Adults

For anyone who is old enough to vote or to legally imbibe, novelty clothing items and accessories, including sweaters, t-shirts, leggings, socks and headgear, no matter the holiday, are a waste of yarn, fabric, thread, labour, energy and money. 

A visit to my doctor's office requires me to check-in with the receptionists before I make my way to the waiting room. Approaching a middle-aged woman with an oversized sequinned bow in red, green and silver, fastened onto a headband makes her look ridiculous and does not bring a smile to my face, just a sense of pity. Before attending to my request for a copy of my blood test results, she excused herself to right the headband gone awry. As she stood up, her leggings were reminiscent of children's pyjamas fully illustrated with Santa Claus and a red-nosed reindeer. A woman, no matter what the age should not be wearing form-fitting leggings with a smiling Santa on one cheek, saluting, a reindeer on the other cheek. The other receptionist limited her holiday accessories to a pair of snowman earrings. As I waited for the receptionist to align her headband and pull up her leggings, I felt an overwhelming sense of sympathy for those who believe they are adding to someone else's happiness by allegedly being cheerfully dressed. For this woman, save the get-up for your family. Don't worry about my happiness.

One could debate that the novelty clothing worn during designated holidays make for a more relaxed environment in the more intense places of business or service. I really do understand this choice in hospitals, particularly children's wards. But for me there is something slightly disconcerting when someone with a reindeer antler headband is smiling inanely while taking someone's blood pressure.

My doctor's assistant was dressed in nurse's garb that was Christmas themed but not obtrusive or offending. Her classic top was made from a print fabric with tiny blue and white Christmas ball ornaments. The print was muted and could have been flowers or birds or hearts or whatever . . . it was acceptable and for a novelty top, in good taste.

I don't have to post any photos or guide you online to the multitude of novelty clothing and accessory items, in both acceptable and unacceptable forms, since Mr. Google will help you if you want to have a look-see.

Although I acknowledge the other side and even empathize, I'm still sticking with my bah-humbug attitude when it comes to novelty apparel.

This might be a good place to share if you have examples of the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to novelty clothing and accessories.

ITSO . . . In the Style Of Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham's style is one of my favourites to research. Even with her, there are some No Thanks looks that make one wonder, "what were you thinking?"

NOTE-WORTHY  

Wide Leg Trousers. It is interesting that Victoria Beckham often wears either skinny skinny jeans or loose over-sized wide leg pants. I like them, even though you do not see them often on the streets. I personally am not fond of turtlenecks on myself but I love the casual look and the warmth portrayed. Although when you notice the snow on the street, what the guy behind her is wearing and that it was February, you want to say, "It's not that warm, Victoria."

Victoria Beckham, New York City, 2017
Photo Source: StyleBistro

Victoria Beckham, New York City, 2016
Photo Source: StyleBistro

NICE

Photo copied from: designerzcentral.com

Pencil Skirt and Over-sized Sunglasses. This photo keeps recurring when I search for pencil skirt - Victoria Beckham. I don't know the original source of the photo nor the year it was taken but it demonstrates to me, the Victoria Beckham look I love. 

The oversize sunglasses are another signature look that some might consider overdone. If she is in an airport, one does wonder why in the world she would be wearing them.

Designerzcentral.com called this look classic simple and that is my constant and never-ending goal for the look I want to portray. Compare it to the two "No Thanks" looks. There is no contest; the leaner slimmer look of the pencil skirt makes her appear in control, self-confident and successful. The other skirts illustrated here under the "no thanks" heading, seem disproportionate for her figure, the pink is too cutesy and the aqua just looks wrong.

NO THANKS

The Chunky Wedge and Matchy Matchy. Not my favourite look for Beckham. For a woman who can pull off the strappy stilletto sandal as a normal walking shoe and has made it a signature look, this shoe just doesn't live up to what Victoria Beckham should be wearing.

The second "No Thanks" look is the masculine big shirt with a skirt made of a fabric that looks like something from a tacky 1980s bridesmaid gown. Even her signature strappy sandals cannot save this look.

Victoria Beckham, New York City, 2015
Photo Source: StyleBistro

Victoria Beckham, New York City, 2016
Photo Source: StyleBistro

August to October Trip to France

Clothing is the least of my concerns.

2017 has had a couple of blips in my life, more my husband's life and there have also been several blips in our friends' lives. It has been a very unsettling year. However through hope meditation and a focus on being well, we are dealing with it and as part of dealing with it, we are attempting to resume something of our normal life. That includes spending time in our house in France. This year it will only happen for 3 months, not 6 and those 3 months include summer and fall.

With each trip, I vow that I will only take a carry-on but it hasn't happened yet. This time we are traveling through the United States and I would like to limit what I take and make sure that none of it is questionable. There are some health food supplements, protein powder, Chaga mushroom tea, and ground hemp hearts that are innocent but could be questioned and although there is definitely not a problem, it seems that airport security is not always consistent. That being said, protein powders have been confiscated. I suppose the worse that could happen is that they take it as they did from a friend who was entering Australia. Aggravating perhaps but not unbearable. I don't think I'll have a problem, after all, I am in transit. The "but" is that the agent will ask me about food and I will have to say yes and . . . well, you get the picture. I think I will just wait and buy what I need in France.

So you can see that clothing is the least of my concerns on this trip. I have a summer wardrobe there already and a couple of pairs of jeans and trousers, along with a blazer or two, should get me through the cooler autumn weather. Or as a friend reminded me, "If money can solve the problem, you have no problem." - Ain't that the truth - just ask me this year.

Of course, I can buy whatever I might need however that conflicts with my downsizing efforts this year and I can just imagine myself thinking that I shouldn't buy something because I have one, albeit halfway round the world.

That was a fairly long-winded preamble to my fall travel list to France but the following list might help you plan a two-week vacation to Europe over September and October. The weather is usually pleasant on the continent, even summery by cold weather climate standards.

Traveling to Europe in the Fall

The Basics

Clothing to pack for September and October (I am making an assumption that underclothing is included and your choice, although it is not part of my list - I once received an email admonishing me for not listing underwear.)

• 2 pairs of skinny jeans: blue and black
• a coloured blazer that can be worn with the jeans or that matches a dress or skirt that you also are taking
• an LBD (aka little black dress or a little beige dress  - add a scarf or signature necklace to change it up a bit - although that is only for you, no one else cares)
• 4 to 5 tops of varying weights - mornings and evenings can be cool, although afternoons can be summer-like. Make sure they are hand-washable.
• a cashmere shawl (to use as a blanket on the plane and to use for cooler evenings)
• flat walking shoes
• a dressy flats or heels
• walking shorts - style and length will depend whether you are mostly in the country or the city
• hiking or running shoes but only if hiking and walking is part of your itinerary - I won't bother listing those items specific to any hiking, running, or sports activity since you know what you need better than I.
• a longer Gortex jacket or rain gear of some kind
• a small purse for going out at night
• a carry all — whether purse, backpack, or some other bag for long days 

That's a good start but I can guarantee you that you will want to take more. Curb your enthusiasm. 

Oh yes and take photos of your contents particularly if you are a designer kind of gal or guy; you never know, your bag could be the one lost.

ITSO. . . It's So in the Style of . . . Isabella Rossilini

NOTE-WORTHY and NICE

Isabella Rossilini, former model and actress, now director and producer, has aged. Really? Don't we all. Twenty-one years ago, Lancome fired her for no longer "having it" - she was "past it" at 44. There's that "it" thing again. Apparently at that time, she told them, women are entering a powerful place, a time of independence and assertion. They didn't buy Rossinlini's "it" in 1996. It is now 2017 and guess who was rehired by the company who told her she was too old two decades ago. Welcome back Isabella! Obviously to a very different way of thinking at Lancome. 

I love what Sally Hughes wrote in The Guardian:

What I’m struggling to understand is how, when Lancôme called her just eight months ago to ask her to return to the fold, Rossellini didn’t suggest they shove their mascara up their derriere and twist it.

You can read more about how she felt here but basically the sentiment I got from the article was the past is the past. It no longer is important what the Company thought then, it is now and the future that is important. Thank you Sally Hughes for a great article on the 64 year old Rossilini.

Isabella Rossilini at the
Rome Film Festival, 2015
Photo Source: Zimbio

No matter where she was or is on the chronological scale, I have always admired Rossilini's use of accessories, particularly shawls and statement necklaces.

The shawl is a beautiful fashion expression and it also keeps you warm in overly conditioned interiors and cool evenings al fresco.

SPhoto Source: BT News

From a jewellery maker's perspective, I respect that Rossilini loves a necklace of a particular style. How do I know she does? Simply by the number of photos that I have seen of her wearing pieces that include black, white pearls and pink. 

Isabella Rossilini, 2010
Photo Source: Pure People

I debated whether to add some photos of her when she was a model and then decided not to. After all, with respect  to Rossilini, the past is the past, we work from the present forward, and that is how we make the difference.  She has said "This is what 65 looks like." She obviously says it with pride and we need to learn from her, not from archaic ideas that when you reach a certain age, you no longer have "it". 

This is a good place to add Carolina Herrera's quote:

Elegance isn't solely defined by what you wear. It's how you carry yourself, how you speak, what you read. 

- Carolina Herrera