Snoods Are Hot Right Now

Snoods are everywhere this season, according to this article in the WSJ.

As a knitter, I've heard the term before, as there have been many versions out there for us hand knitters. But it came as a surprise to me to see the snood highlighted in the WSJ and even in a recent issue of Lucky magazine as a fashion statement piece for the season. It came as an even greater surprise to learn that snoods were also known as hairnets in the 1940s. While some are renaming the snood as "infinity scarves" and "circle scarves", I kind of like the weird, Dr. Seuss-esque term --- makes it fun in an anti-fashion and nerdy sort of way.

Image from here.

Thank You and a Candy Break

Thank you for your helpful suggestions regarding the wide cuff blouse. I think your comments were right on --- the ruffles look dense, heavy and too uniform compared to the original and the use of a solid vs. a print may be impacting the look as well. My fashion fabric is a solid silk charmeuse, so while it is much drapier than the cotton, I've decided to nix the ruffles and save the look for another time and another fabric. The front will be plain without the ruffles, but the wide cuffs and pleated sleeves will add some interest, I think. I'll post a photo when I'm finished.

To console myself for having to make the tough decision to forego the ruffles, I found this great article on making handmade versions of classic candies --- love those peanut butter cups!

Image from here.

To Ruffle or Not

I've been working on this blouse for a class I'm taking and am not quite sure the ruffles will work for me. The pattern is from the January 2009 issue of Burda World of Fashion.



I made a wearable muslin using cotton fabric but stopped after I sewed the ruffles in. For some reason, I'm just not liking those ruffles, which is odd for me, because I usually love ruffles. Perhaps they are too wide? Or are they too gathered? The photo below kind of reminds me of a tux shirt from the 70s! Any thoughts are appreciated.

A Story With Legs

I was really happy to see this NY Times video clip this morning about the boots I am fascinated with this season: over the knee boots.

I saw the Christian Louboutin version below --- in purple! --- that looked really cool. Sigh, unfortunately, they probably aren't the best look for us petite types, but one can dream!

Image from here.

Chanel Everywhere

Coco Chanel is everywhere these days:

Video Chanel
This week's NY Times On the Street video highlights Chanel-attired women on the streets of Paris during the Paris shows. Amazing --- imagine strutting around Paris showing off your Chanel!

Blog Chanel
A number of talented participants in the Go Chanel or Go Home project are now just a plane ticket away from doing just that. Check out their gorgeous finished jackets and read about their experiences --- very inspirational. There is so much talent out there.

Runway Chanel
Spring 2010 collection ---the show setting has been referred to as "Marie Antoinette's Farm", complete with requisite rolls in the hay...



Literary Chanel
I finished reading The Gospel According to Coco Chanel --- what a fun and lighthearted book to read.

Cinema Chanel
Finally, I still haven't seen the new film, Coco Before Chanel, but it is on my list.

Background Music

I'm not an early adopter, so my recent find may be old news to many. I am now obsessed with Pandora, an internet radio site that allows you to create custom radio stations! I typed in "Duran Duran" and poof --- Duran Duran radio was created. In addition to that classic hit, Hungry Like the Wolf, I get a continuous stream of 80s classics that make for fantastic background music when I'm at the computer or when I move over to my sewing area (which just happens to be on the other side of the room). Check it out if haven't already --- very fun!

Rolling in Catnip

We finally have proof --- definitive proof --- that Simon hangs out on the kitchen counters when we're not around. Someone left a little baggie of catnip on the counter. When we returned, we found a scattering of catnip on the kitchen floor and a light trail leading to Simon's scratching post. There, we spotted a ripped baggie, more catnip on the rug and a very guilty --- yet disconcertingly contented --- cat who looked like he just had a quick roll in the catnip!