Schiaparelli Perfume Named “Shocking” is Shocking to the Nose!

Elsa Schiaparelli (1890-1973), along with Coco Chanel (1883-1971), was the most influential fashion designer from the 1920-40s. Italian born, she moved to Paris and dominated the fashion world. Where as Chanel was a minimalist, Schiap (as she called herself) was flamboyant. Chanel was conservative; Schiaparelli was outrageous. Chanel was famous for a short boxy jacket. … Read more

Christian Dior – Emperor of Fashion Design

And boy does this Emperor have the clothes! With the exception of Coco Chanel, no one defines “high style” better than Christian Dior (1905-1957). He’s been called the “epitome of elegance” and the “impresario of haute couture.” After WWII he revolutionized the way women dressed with a fashion collection, dubbed the “New Look” (by an … Read more

California Wackiness – Politics as Usual

Random Jambalaya – Part 3 Wacky things are happening in California…what else is new? Last week a debate among the three candidates for the Republican nomination for the US Senate was held. The moderator asked each one: “Should a person who is listed on the federal government’s No-Fly List be allowed to purchase guns?” Carly … Read more

Talking Through My Hats by Lilly Daché – A Rare Book by a A Rare Milliner

Lilly Daché (1898-1989) is one of my favorite vintage hat designers. I like her style: bold design, colorful fabrics, ornate detail, and sometimes flowery.         I had wanted to read her out-of-print autobiography for some time. But I couldn’t find a copy at an affordable price, which is nowhere near the $100+ … Read more