Do you have a signature accessory that you wear often and somewhat defines who you are? Mine is the scarf! It can be long, short, square or fluffy – and I love them styled in a variety of ways. These days, scarves are no longer just for keeping your neck warm or your head upright for that matter! A scarf can put some wow into your now! Tie, wrap or throw on a brightly colored scarf when you're wearing black, grey or brown and you'll see how easy it is to light up a room. It's fun and wise to accessorize!
When I travel, I normally bring a longer scarf such as a pashmina or shawl tied to my carry-on purse. Its' light fabric not only looks chic and colorful, but it also serves as a blanket when those darn airplanes blast the A/C and there are no blankets to be found! A scarf can also act as a shield from the rain should I forget my parapluie or my Weather Channel update. But mostly, I wear a scarf around my neck as a stylish accessory to my outfit because it is a part of me! Style note: I've found some of the best scarves at local flea markets when I'm traveling. Look for cotton or cashmere blend fabrics as those don't feel as itchy as wool does.
My scarf wearing stems back from my childhood when my mother worked at a woman's clothing store in Rhode Island called, "Perky's." She would bring home scarves for my sisters and me to wear to school. Yes, at age 10, I was wearing petite scarves. Imagine that! I'll never forget my very short stint of a modeling career for the local Barrington Times. Every summer, my sisters and I would have to put on these god-awful outfits (Sorry, Mom!) of the time and coincidentally; I was always put in an outfit embellished with a scarf. The only item I liked to wear was the scarf – and it stuck! I’ve always loved wearing scarves, so it’s no surprise one of my most prized possession is a Hermes scarf. I keep it nicely folded in its orange and brown lined square box.
I recall a time when I was on a Parent Volunteer School Board and for my welcoming speech I wore a small Pucci scarf (Another fav designer!). At the year-end farewell luncheon, a funny friend of mine roasted me with, "What's up with that scarf? What's up with that kerchief that's holding your head? What's up with that silk that's gilding your neck?" It was the funniest and cutest toast. And to this day I still laugh every time I hear how disarming my scarves are! Ha!
My tip to you: Dress like a Parisian! Look sharp and wear a scarf! There are many ways to style a scarf. At black-tie events, sashay in with a nice, fringed silk wrap draped over your bare shoulders. And at your next athletic event, come sporting in a fun, plaid, knit scarf loosely fit and double-knotted around your neck. So, the next time you're feeling ho-hum about an outfit, throw on a scarf to give it a little splash!
Tie one on!
