How to wrap a head scarf 1940s style

I have very thick hair and can get away with washing it every three days or so. Because of this, when I'm traveling I'm super lazy about my hair. On day one I'll style it, but after that its ponytail and top knot city for me. If I don't have room to pack a hat, I like to bring a silk scarf. The scarf becomes a great multi-functional accessory. I use it to decorate my handbag, as a belt, and to cover my hair in the place of a hat.

I love the look of the women in the 1940s so I was very happy to figure out how they used to tie scarfs around their head. Rosie the Riveter comes to mind, yes? The women working in factories like Rosie had to tie their hair back so it didn't get damaged or cause an accident in the machinery. With only two bobby pins to secure the scarf on the head it stays in place surprisingly well. I never feel like it is going to fall off, even in a gust of wind. I can see how useful this style was for those hard working ladies (and its much more glamorous than a hair net!). I don't like copying the past exactly and style my by tucking the ends under and leaving my hair straight and parted to the side. I like to show my ears and front of my hair, I think it makes it look more contemporary.

Whenever I wear my hair like this I get two types of comments. From women, "You look like the lady from the 'We can do it!' poster. How did you tie the scarf?" Then they move in closer for a better look. Men will say, "You look like one of those 1940s pin-ups." If I'm with Gman they look at him while they are talking. Of course both comments goes straight to my head. Who doesn't want to feel like a woman, in either case, who conjures up beauty and strength?

After many requests on how to tie the scarf, here is a step by step guide. If you are thinking, "Jamie, come on, I can't pull that off." You can! Try wearing it with something you would anyways: a gray t-shirt, jeans, and ballet flats.

What you'll need:
hair tie
standard size silk scarf (36" x 36")
two bobby pins

1. Pull your hair back with the hair tie in a loose knot at the back of your head. The placement of your hair will determine where the bulge of the scarf is at completion. If the knot is too tight or high the scarf will look uncomfortable on.

2. Fold the scarf into a triangle. Put the long side of the triangle against the nape of your neck so that you can bring the long sides up together at the top of your head.

3. Tie the long sides together once at the top of your head.

4. Bring the third side of the triangle up over your hair to meet the other two at the top.

5. Pull the long sides tight so that it securely wraps around the bottom of your head and hair. If it isn't tight enough your hair will fall out of the back. Then tie them together a second time with the short side of the triangle pulled through the center of the knot.

6 and 7. Secure the sides of the scarf to your head with one bobby pin on each side.

8. Tuck the third side of the triangle (the one that came up from the back) underneath the knot.

9. Remove the bobby pin on one side, tuck the tied end of the fabric underneath the scarf and re-pin. Repeat on the other side.

10. Volia! You're done! Once you do this a few times you can do it blindly without a mirror, like I did for you here. :)

Style Outtakes from The Magazine

I had a lot of fun shooting my first editorial for High Heeled Traveler, The Magazine. The inaugural issue explores the concept of "home" and I wanted to talk about home in the context of travel. Besides referring to my hotel room as "home" while I'm away, that last leg of the voyage - when you get off the plane but you still have to drive to your house or hop in a taxi - is the most exhausting and always seems to last forever. As soon as I walk in the door I throw down my bags and take off all my makeup. Then I strip down, shower (to get the stale plane feeling off), then put my pajamas on. Gman unpacks his bags immediately then starts the laundry. Another one of my friends does her laundry while on vacation and when she get's home she unpacks clean clothes that are already folded and ready to be put away.

Here are some outtakes from the story in the mag, a little peek inside just for you. What do you do when you get home after a long day of travel?

Purchase a copy of High Heeled Traveler, The Magazine here to see the full story.

and last but not least...

Discovering Art and Art History: Q Antiques & Design

photo courtesy of Q Antiques and Design, Chris Thompson Photography, 2011

As I mentioned two weeks ago here, dealers are an important part of the art world. They are the ones mostly responsible for the buying and selling of fine art and art objects. This week we will start with antiques, because who doesn't want something old and something new?

It can be difficult to find unique objects for the house or for gifts as your options are grab something at Crate & Barrel or sift through an overwhelming amount of crap at flea markets and random antique stores. Now I have nothing against Crate & Barrel, I go there often. However, if you are looking for a unique object to display or give, you likely won't find it there. I'm also one who likes to find treasures in unlikely places, but I generally don't have the time or the patience to dig.

This is where an antique dealer comes in handy. You have to be careful when choosing a dealer so often antique and antiquity dealers try to sell stolen items. Some also claim to be dealers with no credentials or background in the field. It's important to ask questions and get to know the dealer you are working with before purchasing items. Look for an 'about me' section of their website. Email or call the dealer to ask them about their education and experience. Ask which associations they belong to and ask where they source their goods. An honest dealer will be happy to engage with you and will get excited about having a relationship with their client.


One of my favorite dealers is Q Antiques & Design, owned and run by fabulous Kim Ahara. Full disclosure: Kim is one of my good friends. This is why I trust her work ethic and can attest to her enthusiasm and expertise.

What's nice about her shop is that a) it is easily accessible online even though she's up in Rhode Island and b) if there is something particular you are looking for, or a collection needing nurturing, she'll do the digging for you. You can trust that her objects are obtained in ethical ways and that she prices them fairly. She sums up her mission so much better than I ever could:

WHY Q ANTIQUES & DESIGN?

Because objects tell terrific stories that make us ALL smarter, more interesting and attractive.
Because people should be able to AFFORD museum-quality objects and we make this possible.
Because we believe in USING great objects in day-to-day life.

Because good design is tasteful AND timeless.
Because everything does not have to MATCH!

Because antiques are GREEN and good for the planet. Re-imagine, re-purpose, reinvent, reanimate!
Because COLOR is cool.

Because a fusion of antique + modern is CONTEMPORARY.
Because we are merely the custodians of historically significant, FABULOUS objects.

If you are looking for beautiful objects for your home, then I recommend heading her way. Here are some of my favorite goodies from her shop:

photo courtesy of Q Antiques and Design, Chris Thompson Photography, 2011

photo courtesy of Q Antiques and Design, Chris Thompson Photography, 2011

 photo courtesy of Q Antiques and Design

 

photo courtesy of Q Antiques and Design, Chris Thompson Photography, 2011

And when you do check out her shop, you must read about the Ancestors Gallery! It's hilarious...

Shoe Love: Vintage inspiration

You must be so curious about those shoes from Wednesday's wardrobe post, eh? Well here they are! I was shopping with Gman at Anthropologie about a month ago and we both spotted these at the same time. The pattern matched my granny's vintage bag perfectly, so I had to have them. I usually don't like matching peices but something came over me and the heels had to come home.

They are a brand out of California called Re-Mix. They remake the classic shoe styles from the early-mid 20th century. These are 40's inspired and super comfortable. I can wear them all day {and all night} without the balls of my feet getting sore. I even wore them out for New Year's Eve! I have my eyes on these and these {in green} now too. So many choices!

What I Wore: a trip to Publix

Publix is pretty much the best grocery store EVER. Its clean, organized and the freshly made deli sandwiches are heavenly. We call them Pub Subs and when you are visiting you've got to eat one. Get one and bring it with you to the beach for a picnic.

I wore this casual, comfortable black strapless dress almost everyday while in Ft Myers. My bag is a hand-me-down from my great grandmother which she got in Mexico in 1971. It's my favorite. And the shoes? You'll have to wait to Friday to hear more about those...

Weekend Recap: The bar cart and other treasures

Seriously, it's Monday already? This weekend was definitely not long enough. Saturday I went antique shopping in Maryland at Chartreuse & Co. with two new girlfriends. We took one of their husband's Hummer just in case we found some larger goodies we couldn't live without. I wasn't sure what to expect as the place was described to me as three barns of treasures. The main barn was set up as shops by individual vendors and the place was swamped. There was something for everyone, shabby chic, industrial, and 40's glam are just a few examples. Each vendor did a lovely job designing their theme and displaying their treasures. I found most of the prices reasonable as well.

I found the 1950's bar cart that I have been searching for! I have seen others with 1,000 price tags and I was relieved when this one was more reasonable at $150. I bet it has seen many a party and I can't wait to test it out... what am I saying, I already did. (Picture below.)



That cat owned the place. Everyone who walked by petted him.

The second barn was a catch all for less valued furniture. I'm sure a great bargain was waiting in that pile somewhere... and the last barn was full of architectural remnants like doors and window frames. If I were to build my own home it would be neat to use the vintage doors on the interior.

After shopping we went to Frederick, MD for lunch and more shopping. I recommend this as a day trip if you are looking for something different to do around D.C.

This went home with me...

This did not...

How was your weekend? Do you like antique shopping or do you prefer buying everything new?

**PS - I bought the bar cart from The Treasured Hunt. She specializes in all things vintage barware and has two other bar carts. So like her on Facebook and check to see when they become available.

Wardrobe: Summer Neutrals in NYC

Dress, braided belt, sandals, handbag, ring, earrings, sunglasses

I'm all about the Little Black Dress. Whenever I go shopping I run the danger of bringing home another one to add to my already larger than necessary collection. This little silk number (Silk in the summer? Yes, I wear silk almost everyday. It's fine.) would be perfect for shopping and strolling on a hot summer New York City day. I love the vintage touch of the side buttons on the bodice and cuffed sleeve. Pairing it with light neutrals keeps you cool in the sun yet elegant enough for a spontaneous stop for dinner with your girlfriends. If you are in need of a little color, try my favorite summer lipstick shade, bright pink Nars Funny Face.

Also remember this ensemble for an early springtime brunch in New York? I love New York fashion (and black and tan as it were...).

Pizza, red wine, burlesque, nature, and... more food

It's Monday again, let's take some time to bask in our memories of the weekend, shall we?

As you already know it was G-man and my wedding anniversary! As you may also know, the traditional one year wedding anniversary gift is paper. We (I) already have an abundance of stationary and pens, so we decided to get creative. G-man is quite the outdoors man. He's a thrill seeker who used to jump out of airplanes for fun. He's a badass who can survive in nature with a pocket knife and a compass. I, on the other hand, like shopping and walking in cities. I like perusing pastry shops and looking at paintings and architecture. So we take turns and end up experiencing many new things. Although I will not jump out of an airplane.

 

This weekend we ate amazing food, starting with a homemade pizza, and drank too much wine! Friday night we went to see Trixie Little and the Evil Hate Monkey, one of our favorite burlesque duos (his gift to me, the paper tickets).

Then on Saturday, it was nice to relax together as we hiked through Harper's Ferry (The gift was trees, get it!? Paper is made from trees...) and had a leisurely picnic lunch while overlooking the historic town and surrounding mountains. The air was clean and crisp and the sun warmed our skin. Then G-man taught me to climb rocks!

 

 

Driving through the country was so romantic too. Looking out the window at the rolling pastures, farm houses, and tiny towns, I felt like I was in The Great Gatsby taking a Sunday drive.

Do you ever have moments like that?

Shoe Love

I found these darlings in the window of a consignment shop in Bruges, Belgium. They always remind me of spring time (and birthday parties, I always wear them on my birthday). With our last snow behind us, Let's hope spring is on the horizon!

I took the day off to roam around Tribeca and perhaps see the Pictures by Women exhibit at the MOMA. What are you up to this weekend?