
I have a favorite gray sweater that I’ve been wearing for years. You know one of those pieces of clothing that is comfortable and comforting? That’s this sweater. It’s nothing special, just a cable knit pullover made of merino wool but easy to wear and funny enough the tag says Made in England (rare these days).
Well, I’ve worn this sweater so much and repaired it so often, it was time to make it an “at home only” choice and hunt for a replacement. Easier said than done and I’ll skip to the victory part of the story. I finally found close to what I was looking for at Talbots.
Blue not gray and no cable knit, but this sweater in cashmere is a winner all the same. I love the dark blue shade, which pops any outfit and works in fall, winter, and spring. It’s just the right weight making it perfect for layering. I’m reaching for this sweater again and again.
A word about Talbots. In 1947 Rudolf Talbot inherited his father’s clothing store in the Hingham, MA, a Boston suburb. He and his wife, Nancy, renamed the shop Talbots and offered classic women’s clothing. In 1952 Talbots sent out their first catalogue, which resulted in an uptick in business and it’s something the company continues to do today. There were five stores by the time the couple sold their business to General Mills 1973. Under a new direction, Talbots opened shops around the country usually in malls. Nancy continued to work in the company until she retired in the early 80s. Since then, Talbots has been sold many times and along the way it gained a reputation for being less classic and more dowdy. I remember seeing Talbots stores in malls and walking right by thinking they were a little too preppy.
Then last fall I popped into a local Talbots because I spotted in their window corduroy pants. I’m a big fan of corduroy anything and I haven’t seen cords in a long time. So I went in and I wasn’t impressed with the customer service, but I was kind of excited about the clothing! There was an array of basic styles – the cords, sweaters, vests, jackets, skirts, and dresses and a lot of color. I liked the high quality and good sales. Although there were some florals that were not my taste (and reminded me of that too preppy style), overall I was happy to see simple sophisticated options. I bought a pair of green cords that day and when it was time to replace my sweater, I headed back.
I tend to wear classics that I jazz up with layering and accessories. I’m new to Talbots and I appreciate what they have to offer. I wouldn’t go with one of their complete looks, but I will be picking up a piece here and there to work into my wardrobe.
A warning: I did some online research on Talbots and it seems that ordering anything from their website is a disaster. I read review after review saying pretty much the same thing – that the merchandise didn’t arrive and telephone customer service was useless. I would advise potential customers to shop in person at one of their many locations.
(This is not a paid endorsement.)
Posted in Fashion, Uncategorized, Vintage | Tagged fashion history, fashion news, Fashionable Favorite Things, Talbots, sweaters, Nancy Talbot | Leave a Comment »

It was paradoxical that fashion as a serious subject should have come to the fore in the context of feminism. One of the longest lasting and still very lively debates is that between feminism and fashion. Feminism became an established political movement in the nineteenth century. Many of those Victorian feminists, encumbered by the excesses of crinolines, corsets and bustles, saw fashion as central to their oppression. One argument deployed was that men were forcing them into elaborate outfits that crippled their bodies and restricted their movements, so that fashionable dress was a direct instrument of power.
Elizabeth Wilson – British feminist, author, and former professor at London College of Fashion.
This quote is from Wilson’s memoir Unfolding the Past (Bloomsbury).
Fashion for woman has always had its negative impacts from corsets to stilettos to Spanx. Oppression? Perhaps. Restricted or not, plenty of Victorian women enjoyed their fashions. Interestingly, today there are period costume groups recreating fashions of the 18th and 19th centuries complete with all the elements that hinder movement. Granted, these elaborate fashions really are just costumes worn for limited periods of time and then poof, back to leggings and t-shirts. Still, there seems to be a desire to don pretty feminine clothing of the past. And if not actually dress in such, definitely watch on screens given the popularity of shows such as the adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sanditon.
Please stop by ODFL tomorrow for a review of Unfolding the Past.
Speaking of women’s fashions, today is the Spring Equinox. Feminine clothing such as dresses and skirts, frilly tops and sweaters remind me of this time of year. In my area we have had a real winter so now we can appreciate the loveliness that is spring.
Posted in Fashion, Uncategorized, Vintage | Tagged Elizabeth Wilson, fashion and feminism, fashion books, fashion history, fashionable quotes, period costume events, period costumes, vintage fashion, vintage style | Leave a Comment »

Costume designer Ruth E. Carter took home the 2023 Oscar for Best Costume Design for her work on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Carter is the first African American to win two Oscars, her first in 2018 for Black Panther.
The array of costumes in this film is amazing. Not to mention the detail. (Click here to see a short video on the costumes.)
Congratulations to Ms. Carter!!
Posted in Arts, Events, Fashion, Uncategorized | Tagged 2023 Oscars, Best Costume Design Oscar, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever costumes, costume designers, Ruth E. Carter | Leave a Comment »

Welcome to something new – Fashionable Favorite Things, which will alternate every other week with the ODFL traditional Fashionable Quote of the Week.
OK, so I don’t need another brooch. But need had nothing to do with this purchase.
Last fall I popped into a new-to-me consignment shop with the idea of mentioning it in one of my future fashion columns (for the Lamorinda Weekly). I was excited to see that Divine Consign in Lafayette carried quite a lot of vintage clothing and jewelry.
As I perused the jewelry (Bakelite, cameos, rhinestone necklaces, and more) this brooch caught my eye. I knew what it was immediately – a mid-century Danish enamel calla lily by Volmer Bahner.
Sure enough the brooch is marked on the back VB Sterling Silver. Bahner (1912-1995) was a Danish artist known for sculptures and modernist jewelry. After WWII he opened his own silver workshop where he created nature-inspired jewelry in silver and enamel.
This brooch is in pristine condition and when I saw the very reasonable price tag it was was mine. Since then I have worn it on sweaters, jacket lapels, a hat, and my fondness for it has only increased. Like a small piece of art, I enjoy just looking at it. The sleek design and the beautiful dark red enamel speak to me. The craftsmanship is excellent and there’s no wonder why VB brooches are very collectible.
It’s a good choice for fall and winter, so I will put it away pretty soon in favor of spring colors. I look forward to wearing it again in the fall.
It has definitely been a favorite thing!
(For local readers interested in vintage I encourage you to check out Divine Consign at 1014 Oak Hill Road, Lafayette – right off highway 24.)
Posted in Arts, Events, Fashion, Uncategorized, Vintage | Tagged brooches, consignment shops, Divine Consign, Fashionable Favorite Things, jewelry designers, Lamorinda Weekly, silver jewelry, vintage brooches, vintage fashion, vintage jewelry, vintage shopping, vintage style, Volmer Bahner | 4 Comments »

It’s been years now that every Monday ODFL has posted a fashionable quote. Perhaps it’s time for a change.
Not that Fashionable Quote of the Week is going away. It’s not. But to mix things up a bit there will be something new called Fashionable Favorite Things. Every other week or so I will discuss what I’m currently liking and using. Such as: what pen am I reaching for; what handbag is my go-to; what beauty product has me hooked and so on. Whatever I’m excited about and want to share with ODFL readers.
(This is not going to be a paid promotion. The Favorite Things I feature will be items that I have found on my own.)
Something new is always a good thing!
Posted in Arts, Events, Fashion, Uncategorized, Vintage | Tagged fashion history, fashion news, Fashionable Favorite Things, fashionable quotes, handbags, jewelry, sewing, vintage fashion, vintage handbags, vintage style, writing tools | Leave a Comment »

What’s the story behind this Valentine’s Day sketch? Take a peek inside Mom’s Closet (click on the tab at the top – link to post will be at the bottom of the list) and read all about it.
Posted in Arts, Events, Fashion, Mom's Closet, Uncategorized, Vintage | Tagged funny Valentine's, jewelry sales, Mom's Closet, mother daughter, Valentine's Day, vintage fashion, vintage style, Zales Jewelry Store | Leave a Comment »