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Contemporary Style

Let’s talk hairstyles, especially for the ladies.

Dozens of lengths and arrangements have been considered stylish at one time or another over the past century.

Do you like a “bob”? Short and sleek? Step into a loose-fitting dress and dance to jazz in the 1920’s.

Let your locks grow a little longer, add waves, curls, and perhaps a “victory roll” to survive the 1930’s & 40’s.

1950’s? Tired of your pixie? Let it grow and style into a ponytail. Keep going into the 60’s and let it hang free. Unless you decide to put it in a beehive for a formal occasion.

Keep showing your own style into the 70’s and 80’s. All that hair you’re backcombing – tame into layers in the 90’s.

New century = new look. Highlights, bright color accents, and sparkly accessories take the spotlight.

And today?

Easy care natural look. Bangs are in — but don’t stress about straight lines. After all, a girl has enough complications in her life without adding time-consuming or difficult hairstyles to her morning routine.

Easy care hair is a matter of choice for the characters in the later-in-life romance, Fine Lines. She wears it short. He shaves his head. Will professional disagreement or personal meshing win the day?

Here’s a link where you can read the entire blurb. https://bit.ly/49FtvjF

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Fresh Spring Wardrobe

Keep the stitches small and even. Hold the garment secure and near the window. Stitch…stitch…stitch. The seamstress plies her trade.

Measure the customer to obtain a proper fit. What sort of undergarments will she wear with the new dress. Perhaps we can sew new ones of fine cotton.

Repair and refresh an older gown. Let me make a plan. New ribbons and buttons? New undersleeves? A little lace?

The style of a little girl’s dress has remained remarkably stable since the 18th century. Yes, trim and length changes, but the neckline and sleeves stay much the same.

A good seamstress was always in demand during the mid-19th century. Mass produced, factory clothes were beginning to replace custom-made (thanks to the sewing machine) but for anything special, or alterations, you visited the local dressmaker.

Check out the sweet historical romance, Stitching a Dream, to learn the story of one young seamstress and mother in an Illinois river town. Polly’s life is filled with surprises. Here’s the link to the book: https://amzn.to/3VwoeFh

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A Visit to the Dress Shop

Blink yourself back in time and place to September1851 and the fictional village of Elm Ridge, Illinois.

Are you there yet?

Today we’re going to a dress shop. The location is prime — on the corner of Third and Apple. They are re-opening after a disaster of a fire in July.

What do you have today? I really would like to find buttons to replace those broken and lost on my second dress. Oh — they have cotton prints beautiful for schoolgirls. And light wool in both dark and bright colors.

After much discussion and a new set of measurements. (The size book was destroyed in the fire.) This is the new gown I will wear to church.

The ladies, Mrs. Clark and her assistant, Polly Black, are so helpful and kind. A quick with the needle. They had this finished for me in less than two weeks. Why, if I’d attempted to make it myself (and it would not be so grand) I would have been working every afternoon by sunlight for two months — much too far into winter.

You can learn more about life at the dress shop — and especially about Polly Black — in the new sweet historical romance Stitching a Dream. Official release date is August 7 — but you can pre-order and delivery will be automatic.

Nook readers can click here: https://bit.ly/3Ri8RNX

Kindle readers click here: https://amzn.to/3VwoeFh

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A Touch of Formality

Americans tend to dress for comfort. It appears to be a trend which accelerated with the “Baby Boomers”. Women shed gloves and hats for all but the most formal of occasions. Men added colors and patterns to their shirts. And almost everyone wears sneakers and sandals instead of Oxfords and heels.

A few styles never change. Black and white, for example, are two colors which are acceptable for almost every event.

Take these two creatures, for example. Basic color scheme. Last minute adjustment of a wayward feather — and they’re set to welcome you to the most elegant of seafood restaurants.

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Spring Fashion

Dreary winter has finally given way to spring. Longer hours of daylight. Breeze – some not so gently – arrange hairstyles on a whim. Warmth seeps in and heavy winter coats are exchanged for lighter jackets and sweaters. Fur lined boots find a place in the back of the closet.

A new accessory takes the lead. Often you will find it just inside the door. Or waiting in the car for use. My own spends a lot of time in my tote bag. They are available in a variety of sizes and colors. Basic black is popular. Bold bright colors — often including the logo of a sports team or university — pop up in popular places. Some are large enough for friends – or lovers – to share. (Note to males — women appreciate your thoughtfulness to hold one over both of you.)

Independent children hold their own. Never mind that at the some moment they are shielding their heads from rain they stomp in a puddle. Consider their age.

April Showers Fashion
April Showers Fashion

Looking for a rainy day read? Check out Starr Tree Farm — now available in paperback from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.