Start 2013 with subversive DIY style
Spring Fashion
Written by cjhammon in Life in Yesterday's Clothes, Style
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Following the most contrarian of instincts, here’s an odd weekend antidote I swallowed to help me confront the reality of winter. (Have I mentioned how much I hate being cold?) I pointed myself straight at the thing I dread most about it –bitter temperatures. Thankfully, (or not) that’s only a three-hour drive to the Windy City where even a balmy 32 degrees can be brutal. But here’s the thing: if you can face a windy winter day there, you can handle anything.
It’s possible that this approach would work on any kind of dread. I don’t know. I only know that my eye had to travel—and I don’t mean that the Diana Vreeland way. I mean this: when you’re running low on inspiration, a trip is the perfect remedy. My husband and I love Chicago in any season.
On the bus ride home yesterday, I sat next to a gorgeous 67-year-old woman with a head of cropped, white hair that she cuts herself with clippers. I’m highly suggestible. Less than 24 hours later, I was standing in front of the mirror with a set of clippers in hand and only one thought: “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”
Maybe it was only beginner’s luck, but I didn’t botch the job. Now I’m all ga-ga over the money I could save! It reminds me of something an old friend used to say: “I don’t drill my own teeth, I don’t do my own taxes and I don’t cut my own hair.” It was her way of saying that certain jobs belong in the hands of pros. It’s hard to argue with that, but if I can master this monthly DIY project I may cross one of these three imperatives off my list––hopefully without any emergency trips to repair damage.
What do you think about this ultra feminine idea of a necktie? I discovered it on a quick walk through Nieman Marcus. Oh, I’ve worn men’s ties before, but never like this. My take was always closer to Annie Hall without the charm. The last time I wore one, I enjoyed a full day of demeaning glances wherever I went. Evidently, a necktie is no-woman’s-land. Try it some time. You’ll see what I mean. But this? I can’t wait to pair a brilliant necktie with a turtleneck.
Also on my necktie inspiration list: a skirt and/or a vest made of assorted ties found at thrift stores.
Know of any great necktie DIY projects? What’s your favorite way to wear a necktie?
12 comments
Maureen said:
January 8, 2013 at 9:33 am
have you ever run across these? I’ve nearly bought one numerous times, but always held off (when I’ve seen them at craft shows, they were always >$60.)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/102564056/necktieartisticviolettullsilkretrovintag
cjhammon said:
January 8, 2013 at 5:02 pm
Oh, my goodness, Maureen! I have never seen those! Gorgeous! That one at $30 seemed like a bargain to me. Clever designs.
Maureen said:
January 8, 2013 at 9:37 am
Actually, this is the designer, whose pieces I’ve wanted to buy! http://nicoledeponte.com/
cjhammon said:
January 8, 2013 at 5:04 pm
Well, this designer knocks my socks off! Of course, you WOULD have to like these. Totally works of art! LOVE! Perhaps I’ll have to experiment!
Jill said:
January 8, 2013 at 12:43 pm
I have been known to tie them around my waist and use them as a belt.
cjhammon said:
January 8, 2013 at 5:06 pm
Now that’s a clever idea, Jill. I want to give that a try. There are some incredible tie artists out there and thanks to readers like you, I’m finding out about them!
April Just Verte Stle said:
January 8, 2013 at 1:55 pm
That’s a great look. I’ve always loved wearing neckties, although my ideas ran more towards Fred Astaire and not Annie Hall, and wore them as a belt through jeans. Ah…if only I could dance, too.
Anyway, Hotlanta is having a cold spell right now. I’ve been to Chicago in late-winter. Brrrr! I think you’re awfully brave! lol
Just wrap that necktie ’round your neck, down a nice Bourbon Manhattan while you’re at it, and you’ll be fine.
April
cjhammon said:
January 8, 2013 at 5:08 pm
Oh, thank you, April! We had so much fun. We saw the Maria Pinto exhibit at the Field Museum…very clever marriage between fashion and history!
Maureen said:
January 9, 2013 at 4:14 pm
In our costume shop, there is rather short olive silk tie that I think is probably a women’s tie from the ’40s. I’ve always wanted to use it, since it’s pretty great and could really make a costume pop, but I haven’t had a character in a show where it would work. Yet!
cjhammon said:
January 10, 2013 at 10:26 am
Oh, I’ll bet you find that opportunity! Tell me, did your polish arrive safe and sound in the terribly cold weather?
The Style Crone said:
January 9, 2013 at 11:47 pm
I used to wear vintage ties to work, sometimes with a tee shirt or a turtleneck. Thanks for sharing the tie idea from Nieman’s. I’m going to give it a try.
cjhammon said:
January 10, 2013 at 10:22 am
I would love to see how you styled those ties with your tees. Yes, I’m just dying to try this with a bright and beautiful tie! Thank you for commenting! It thrills me no end to hear from anyone, but especially you!