Reader's questions - How to choose a scarf

Questions by V.O. and Chiarina:

I'd love to know how you pick a Carré from so many tempting options at one time -- your selection process so to speak. Your selections are so carefully made and harmonise so well with your colouring and wardrobe, so I'm sure there is a "logic" to your process. I'm looking forward to acquiring one or two new ones this year, but find it challenging to narrow down the options as I browse the designs, so perhaps you have some tips? ( by V.O. via email)

Love your scarf choices , always suit you so well.
I wish I could choose so well, can you share any tips ? Apart from coup de foudre , that often results in beautiful scarves that don't work with any outfits ! (by Chiarina via blog comment)

Before reading on, please keep in mind that the 'golden rules' below are based on my personal selection process only, they evolved over time, and derived from my needs and preferences. I am aware that others might apply completely different criteria. There is no right or wrong, the main thing is to enjoy the journey of finding your own preferences, discover what you love most, and what works best for you.

#1 The scarf should flatter you and illuminate your face

#2 Be in love with the design!

#3 The design also needs to work for you when the scarf is knotted

#4 Be in harmony with your wardrobe/other accessories

#5 Be open and flexible :)

#6 Never buy anything that does not feel 100% right!

In more detail...

Re #1 This rule is non negotiable ~ the scarf has to be in harmony with your features and complexion. If the scarf washes you out, or dulls your complexion, it is absolutely wrong for you. In my view, it is essential to try the scarf on, as a folded up scarf gives no indication which colours will end up framing your face. When placed around your neck in the basic bias fold, a glance in the mirror will tell you if it is the right one...if it illuminates your face it's a yes, but if it doesn't, don't buy it.

Re #2 You are going to fold and unfold this scarf hundreds of times, so it is important that you enjoy looking at it!

Re #3 Some designs have a lot of details, others are generously spaced, corners can be empty or rich... Try on as many scarves as possible, and observe carefully why you like some better than others ('If only this would be less busy!', or 'I wish this one would not have so much empty space!', etc..) If you have a favourite knot, try it with the scarf you are considering buying, and make sure you like the way the design comes out.

Re #4 This determines how often I reach for a scarf, and is therefore an important point when considering a purchase. Scarves that have a correlation with my clothes and/or accessories are the ones I wear most, I just love how it ties an outfit together. Matching patterns is often tricky, and limits the use of a scarf. Finding a match through colour is much simpler, just make sure there are some colours within the scarf that correspond with some of your staple clothes or accessories. This however, is my personal approach and I have seen many stylish and chic women who wear their scarves as a splash of colour, with great panache and completely unrelated to rest of their outfit. Whatever makes you feel comfortable and good, is definitely the right way!

Re #5 This is the most fun rule, as it is about experimenting with new and unfamiliar things. One can get almost too good at knowing which scarves pass rules 1-4, and therefore happily keep buying similar scarves over and over again. Nothing wrong with this of course, but it is also great to explore and discover new things. Some of my most cherished scarves I never considered 'on paper' or when seeing them folded up in the scarf drawer, but completely changed my mind when trying them on 'just for fun'. So keep experimenting and adding variation :)

#6 Only buy a scarf which makes your heart sing!

Online/catalogue shopping: When buying online, simulate the above as much as you can. Print out the scarves you are considering buying, and fold your 'paper scarves' in the basic bias fold. Observe closely which colours would end up next to your face, and if they generally go with your skin tone and hair colour. Check how the patterns comes out when the scarf is folded. You could also place your paper scarf on a photo of you, or hold it against your favourite wardrobe pieces .If you can't print the scarves out, imagine a diagonal strip like the basic bias fold, and contemplate the arrangement of the colours and pattern around the centre (the part that will frame your face) and near the corners (as in most knots, they will show most).

As with all things in life, mistakes are also part of the process. They ultimately help us to refine our selection procedure, and I hope some of the above will too.

Many thanks for inspiring this post, dear V.O. and Chiarina.

Coming next: checking my latest scarf purchase against the golden rules ;-)

Capsule wardrobe #29 - a trip to Bouzigues

Last weekend, we drove down the mediterranean coast line to the picturesque fishermen's village of Bouzigues, a center for mussles and oyster producing since ancient greek times. It's oysters, 'les huîtres de Bouzigues', are famous throughout France, and are wonderful to be enjoyed fresh from the sea, in one of the many little restaurants and cafés in this charming little town.

After lunch, we went for a stroll along the harbour, from where we had fantastic views on the oyster beds set in the salt water lagoon, the 'Etang de Thau'. Thau water is graded A, so shellfish can be caught and consumed within minutes.

In the spirit of variation, contrasting and comparing, I tried the 'asymmetrical shoulderwrap' technique with a 70 Carré, resulting in a lovley and soft drape


Capsule pieces: beige 3/4 beige jeans, chocolate sweater and chocolate leather jacket
Shoes: mocca jumping boots
Accessories: Modulation 70 Carré, Capitales enamel bracelet and 32 Kelly in Ebene
Scarf tying method: Asymmetrical shoulder wrap. Click here for a how-to
Scarf ring: MT Collection petite size

Interestingly, with a 70 Carré, the wrap can be realized with both a 'petite' and a 'moyenne' size scarf rings, each creating a different effect.

Here with a petite scarf ring, resulting in short ends and a voluminous wrap...
(the varying effects are created by simply turning the wrap in different directions)

.. and with a Moyenne ring, resulting in a neat wrap with longer ends


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'Scarf it Up' and reader's style challenge

Today's reader's style challenge came a couple of weeks ago via email, from dear C.S.

I read Frances' request for an asymmetrical shoulder wrap knot video, and was wondering if you would please incorporate into that a way to wear that style more casually, like with a pair of jeans?

When checking on previous postS featuring the wrap, I realized that I have only ever worn this knot in a dressy way, so C's request was an interesting challenge.

To me, a key element of this knot is to let the scarf define the neckline, which is why I think tops with a cut out neck work best (it might be great though with a rollneck too, and I will give this a try in the next couple of days) So for the casual look C requested, I chose my recently purchased v-neck (new clothes get the same treatment of being experimented with as scarves), a pair of jeans, and the Carré en Carré, as it picks up so nicely on the khaki sweater

Capsules: blue jeans and khaki v-neck sweater
Shoes: suede loafers
Inspiration: C.S.
Accessories: Carré en Carré 90 Carré, MT horn bracelet in honey & écru, 32 Kelly in Ebene (and a short necklace, which avoids having the neckline look bare)
Scarf ring: MaiTai Collection - light honey moyenne (instead of using a scarf ring, you can also secure the ends with a small double knot)
Scarf tying method: asymmetrical shoulder wrap click here for a how-to

Much like the waterfall knot, the asymetrical shoulder wrap looks different each time you tie it, and you can play with having it draping over one shoulder only, or both, or none.

I'm so glad to have discovered how lovely this knot is worn casually, many thanks, my dear C!

PS. Frances, I have not forgotten your request, and a how-to video will replace the photo tutorial soon.

Many thanks to all for the lovely and sweet comments on the previous posts ♥♥♥

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Capsule wardrobe #29 with some extra colour

Spicing up trusted capsule pieces with a khaki v-neck sweater, a find on my recent trip to Paris, bought at the 'Le Bon Marché' department store in St. Germain. At 80 EUR, it was a 'bon achat' too!

The 70 Vintage Carré 'Pani-La Shar Pawnee' is one of my favorites, and I only now realized it has never before featured in a post.

Pani-La Shar Pawnee AW 2007 (orig design Kermit Oliver 1984)

It's contrasting border makes it a perfect candidate for the waterfall knot, highlighting the fabulous ripple effect. I love to explore how a knot works with different scarf sizes, and the waterfall turns out easy and casual with a 70x70 format.

Capsule pieces: camel corduroy jeans, khaki v-neck sweater and chocolate leather jacket
Shoes: chocolate leather sneakers
Accessories: Pani-La Shar Pawnee 70 Carré Etoupe, MT Horn bracelet (coming bientôt) and Picotin bag
Scarf tying method: Waterfall knot here
Scarf ring: MT Collection moyenne size in light honey

Closer on the knot, and without a jacket


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Yesterday in Paris...

.. it was a cold but beautiful winter's day. As usual, no visit would be complete without a stopover at FSH. The horseman on the roof top held Aloha Carrés from the SS2010 collection, matching the vibrant colours of the current corner window's display.

All other windows were in the process of being redecorated, so no new pics this time!

Moving over to the left bank, I went to check on new treasures displayed in the 'bamboo baskets' (love this expression, thank you, dear Scarf Enthusiast!) of the Rue de Sèvres boutique. I spotted a few more scarf designs turned into homeware, and the beautiful 'Plume' (by Henri de Linares in 1953) looked particularly lovely and inviting as heavenly bed sheets. The cashmere throws depicting the Quadrige pattern were another favorite, so gorgeous!

Stepping outside H, you'll see the fabulous department store 'Le Bon Marché' just a stone throw away. I needed a winter hat, and fell in love with this dark chocolate brown one, which kept me wonderfully warm for the rest of day.

Scarf: Brides de Gala Dip Dye 90 Carré
Scarf ring: MT Collection grande in black
Scarf tying method: Scarf wrapped once around the neck and ends secured with the basic slide method.

I was hoping to snap some pics of petite Parisians wearing jeans and ballet flats for dear Tabitha, Trudye and SMR, but as it was so cold, everyone was wearing jeans and boots instead. I decided to at least practice my 'paparazzi skills', and got lucky on the escalator in the 'Bon Marché', were a stylish Parisian was shopping with her daughter, carrying a beautiful Picotin!

I had no chance with catching up on everyone's lovely comments on the previous post, but will try my best to do so soon.

Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche
24 rue de Sèvres
75007 Paris
+33 1 44 39 80 00
www.lebonmarche.com

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Capsule wardrobe # 28 - Two requests in one

When bringing a new scarf home, I love to explore different ways to wear it, and see how different knots create different looks, and which clothes it goes well with . The recently acquired 'cheap and chic' scarf did not escape the routine, and first of all I tried dear Lilian's suggestion from a couple of days ago:

Might I suggest this scarf for demonstrating the already mentioned waterfall knot, as it is long enough and is not too thick, i.e. it would make a wonderful waterfall? :-)

And of course it did make a wonderful waterfall, thank you Lilian! The instruction video is in the making, and will follow soon :)

Curious how the scarf would work with a casual outfit, I remembered A.R.'s recent request, which I received by email

Hello!
Since becoming a mother 3 years ago, I've lost my personal stye. Spending most of the days playing on the floor and changing diapers didn't leave much room for anything but lounge pants and t-shirts. Since my daughter started pre-school, I am able to better reconnect with my style. I have always had a passion for Hermes scarves and am trying to again incorporate them into my everyday wardrobe. My questions is, could you show more casual, mommy on the go looks in an up- coming post?

I exchanged the grey wool trousers from last time..

..for a pair of jeans, while keeping the rest of the wardrobe and accessories pretty much the same. When DS was little, jeans were the most practical basics for a casual mommy-on-the-go look, and as the scarves play the flamboyant part, I keep the tops simple. Shoes have to be comfortable, and I like to match their colour to the top (or pick up on colours from the scarf), to frame the jeans.

Capsule pieces: jeans, black v-neck sweater
Shoes: black suede loafers
Accessories: Cheap and chic silk scarf from Galerie Lafayette, beaded bracelets, ancient Prada nylon knapsack (when DS was little, I used it as a nappy bag, and it still comes in handy on more adventurous outings, such as tree climbing, rollerblading, canoeing etc)
Scarf ring: MaiTai Collection moyenne size in black
Scarf tying method: Waterfall knot, instructions soon to come!

PS. If going for a H scarf (depending on the age of children who are part of the outing) I would make sure to keep the ends short (ascot knot with the ends secured behind the neck, cowboy knot etc), or go for smaller formats such as Twillys or Gavroches. However, with my wonderfully inexpensive new scarf, I am going for a full length knot ;)

Many thanks for the inspiration, dear Lilian and A.R. xx

Market Day

Most Saturdays we go to the market, a trip everyone in my family enjoys. DS finishes his tennis class mid morning, and after picking him up, we wander across to the boulangerie for a fresh baguette, and then to a café for a café crème and a chocolat chaud. Today we were sitting outside in the warm sunshine, it was truly lovely. On the way back, we get our fruits, vegetables and cheese for the weekend.

The colours and abundance of the produce are always such a feast for the eyes

I was thrilled to see the first Mimosa flowers of the year, a sure sign that Spring is coming closer..

Sharing a joke with DS, who has got such a knack for making me laugh
(Vif Argent Gavroche in the basic bias fold and a scarf fur band in blue frost)

For dinner tonight we'll have artichokes, along with some freshly made artichoke tortellinis we bought at our favorite pasta stall.


Wishing everyone a happy weekend!

Cheap and Chic

A couple of weeks ago, I received this great style challenge via email:

I would love to purchase items you show as I'm sure many other readers would like also, unfortunately our budgets do not run to such wonderful items. Is it possible that you could show us how to start to incorporate what you show but with cheaper accessories.

When I was in town last week, I went to investigate the scarf counter at the 'Galerie Lafayette'. The sales were still in full swing, and I was lucky to find something perfect to meet the challenge.

It was reduced from 29,90 to 14.95 EUR

and it is made of 100% silk

A very pretty scarf!

Cheap & Chic pieces
Clothes: Grey wool trousers by Caroll, black sweater by H&M (9.90 EUR)
Accessories: the bracelets were gifts from girlfriends, but similar ones can be found or made in pearl or arts and craft shops

How to work the scarf
Scarf ring: MT collection, black moyenne
Scarf tying method: Fold scarf in the basic bias fold, wrap once around your neck and slide ends through a scarf ring with the basic slide method.

Tip: Choosing the right scarf ring size does not only depend on the size of a scarf, but even more so on it's weight and thickness. Although this scarf is large (97 cm x 97 cm), I used a moyenne size scarf ring, as the silk is considerably thinner and more lightweight than the silk of H Carrés


I loved this challenge, as I believe that stylish looks can easily be achieved with modest or moderate budgets. Of course I adore my Hermès accessories, but it was fun to prove how an inexpensive scarf can elevate a simple outfit into a chic look. In my view, the effort is so much more the key than the cost. With time, I will try a few more knots with Ms Polka Dot, I hope you'll enjoy. Many thanks for the challenge, dear V.I. !