NEW YORK STATE'S 'I LOVE NEW YORK' SCENT(c) By Polly Guerin

New York State Scents with Iconic Tourism Logo

New York may have a bad rap when it comes to smelling fresh like a spring breeze of crystal clean air, but NoHo-based perfumery Bond9, long known for creating artisanal fragrances—now in partnership with the State of New York--- has launched ‘I Love New York,' a perfume collection, whose inspiration is the entire New York State. The collection, created by the brand’s owner Laurice Rahme was launched at the New York State Summer Media Night, held to promote travel within the state. The iconic I Love New York tourisim logo adorns shapely bottles of in different colored bottles. Regardless of what you pick for your vacation signature scent there’s something for almost everyone in this collection.

INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY From landmark waterfalls and wine trails, to a splendor of cultural icons and a wealth of local food and drink, New York offers endless surprises and adventure in every corner. The 'I Love New York' fragrance collection seems to be meant to capture the endless vacation possibilities in New York State. Each fragance has its own distinct message in aromas that inspire one’s desire to travel and enjoy the many wonderful opportunities of discovery and leisure-time pursuits. Even if you journey vicariously there’s a great deal of thought that has gone into each fragrance.

HIS & HER SENTIMENTAL SCENTS The fragrances for his and her have distinct aromas that conjure up sentimental yearnings for the great outdoors. ‘New York for Her,’ fashioned in a Vivid ruby red bottle with peony and patchouli notes suggests—close your eyes and you’ll be transported to the sunny blueberry farms in the Chautauqua-Allegheny area. Well, it certainly beats the unpleasant odors of New York City. Then there’s ‘New York for Him’ in royal blue bottle, which suggests the rugged outdoors, rivers and lakes. Other scents celebrate Earth Day in a Green bottle and ‘New York for All’ with street smart geranium infusions.

MOTHERS & FATHERS AROMAS ‘I Love New York for Mothers’ in a pink bottle, celebrates a state full of tea rooms, hat shops, shoe shops and charming hansom cabs. Not to forget our founding fathers like John Jacob Astor, fur trader andThomas Edison who set up his company in Corning (Finger Lakes) to blow the first light bulbs, and the National Hall of Fame in Cooperstown---this is an amber based scent ‘New York for Fathers.’ A contemporary wedding bouquet of aromas identifies with “I Love New York for Marriage Equality,’ which celebrates New York’s same-sex marriage law in a white bottle with rainbow heart.

Ms. Rahme’s focus on custom-blended scents are sold in five New York area boutiques as well as Saks Fifth Avenue. BondNo9 also has 58 scents for different neighborhoods in the city. For further details check the website: www.BondNo9.

MILLINERS GUILD's Bonnet Bash NIGHT and DAY Show

The Bonnet Bash: Night and Day

Fashionistas’ Millinery: An exciting and distinct way for a millinery designer to exhibit their unique creativity is the subject of a new exhibit, Bonnet Bash, the NIGHT & DAY SHOW show, which is featured in the spectacular venue of the National Arts Club, at 15 Gramercy Park South on 20th Street, New York City. The enchanting presentation, representing the work of some twenty-eight millinery designers, opened last night and is free and open to the public until Friday, March 15, at which time there is a closing night party. When the party is over The Millinery Guild continues to provide a platfrom for millinery designers with its educational seminars and millinery events

ORIGINS OF THE THEME Linda Ashton, the president of Milliners Guild wrote, “A song started to run through my head. It was the Lyrics from a l932 Cole Porter song, Night and Day--- “Night and day you are the one, Only you beneath the moon or under the sun, whether near to me or far it’s not matter darling, where you are, I think of you night and day. Linda continues, “Since each milliner was to create two hats for the event, it made perfect sense to use the tune, as it afforded us the idea for the two hats, ‘one for day’ and ‘one for night’ and the milliners were encouraged to interpret the theme any way they wished.”

THE MILLINERY DESIGNERS Millinery creations and concoctions kept the invited guests entranced by their whimsical quality or serious interpretation. I cannot mention each designer here but jaunty Top Hats by Janet Linville took notice, as did Wanda J. Chambers’s melon colored fedora with striking feather decoration. Most elegant and stylish were the hats of Sally Caswell, Sally Caswell Millinery wtih jaunty straw with floral trim and one delightful concoction of feather origin. Linda Ashton’s beige cloche with button detail tuned into the night’s theme as did Linda Pagan’s theatrical straw top hat with circle feather. My favorite, and I am entitled to have one, was Aaron Keppel’s flying saucer red straw with white brim really which took off with flying colors. Anne dePasquale's fedora stood out in striking contrast to a hat bouquet perched on the head like spring field flowers.

 THE CLOSING NIGHT PARTY Should be lots of fun!!! Dance to the vintage music of the Avalon Jazz Band, strut your headpiece in the hat parade, meet celebrity milliners, craft a chapeau of your own design and peruse the installation which enjoying vintage cocktails, a light supper and parlor entertainments. Vintage-inspired day or evening attire with matching chapeau is highly encouraged. Cost $75. For more info about the artists featured in the show: MillinersGuild.org  Prizes will be awarded for the most Glamorous, Most Outrageous and Best Period Hat.

The Milliners Guild is an essential resource for stylists, Art Directors, Accessories Editors, and distinctive fashioniasts who appreciate fine millinery. Through special events and educational seminars the Guild provides consistent communication to, and education of the public, press and students. For more information about the Guild contact: PR@Milliners Guild.org

LADY'S MAID ON DEMAND (c) By Polly Guerin

Movie: Shall We Dance Serving Ginger Rogers in Bed (1937)

When I hear people being downsized and out of a job I wonder if they have considered entering domestic service to satisfy the needs the tony, trendy people who can afford to pay high salaries for trained help.The increase in the demand for good, reliable help has also come about by the effects of Downton Abbey, and countless of women are fantasizing and yearning to hire a personal lady’s maid. That’s right, there’s a certain kind of glamour that the show projects and after watching characters like Lady Mary get impeccably dressed women, who can afford it are looking for someone to take great care of their seasonal wardrobe, maintain the garments in pristine clean condition and also prepare and layout clothing for special events.

LEND ME A STYLIST Some women associate the career as a ladies maid as a put down, but when you consider that salaries for such service can escalate way up to $60,000 a year and better, it’s worth considering. Of course, if you are too pretty for the job you may not get hired, so it would be wise to downplay your attractiveness, cause your lady boss may consider you competition for her husband. Training may also require some time and investment but it may be worth investigating at the Society of Staffing or check out The Butler Did It, Inc. for starters to a new profession, which often comes with some perks. Better yet to give yourself the finest of training head for England where professional training is at its peak to meet society’s demands.

PERKS OF THE PROFESSION If a client is wealthy the extra perks that come with a domestic service might mean performing the same service elsewhere; like a swanky apartment in New York or Paris, and in summer or at winter break go along to the beach or country house or accompany the same client on exotic vacations. You may have to wear a uniform that would save on your clothing budget,  but then again maybe not. Just look at the maid in the image above she is wearing an exotic form fitting dress, but of course that is a Hollywood version of a maid's attire. Some women don’t want a live-in domestic but prefer hiring on occasion a fashion stylist to put their image together for career or social events. No doubt, a well-trained lady’s maid can help you make the right appearance, but it is a pricey indulgence that most working women cannot afford. Celebrities often hire an all-in-one person called a personal assistant, who performs a myriad of jobs and these careers also pay extremely well. However, I’ve read that some of those celebs can be pretty demanding so take caution before you leap into this profession.

REQUIREMENTS ARE HIGH You may not be working for the English royals in a countryside estate or great palace but the surroundings of a posh apartment or mansion can be just as demanding. For one thing, most clients want staffers to be well-educated, fluent in at least one language, well-traveled with a valid passport and able to drive them about if necessary. Consider the consequences of the job as lady’s maid. Your role as staffer means that you have to cater to the client and what’s more drop everything at the client’s request to even arrange for the complete contents of a dinner party. If that be the case just be sure that additional services are woven into your contract. Yes, don’t forget to spell everything out that is expected of you for that great salary.

THE QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF: ARE YOU CUT OUT OF THE CLOTH OF SENSIBILITY TO WORK AS A LADY’S MAID? IT MAY NOT BE A LIFE LONG CAREER BUT JUST THINK OF THE ADVANTAGES. IF YOU ARE A FULL TIME STAFFER YOU CAN SAVE MOST OF YOUR SALARY WHILE YOU ENJOY FREE RENT AND MEALS AS ANOTHER VALUE PERK OF YOUR CHOSEN CAREER. BONNE CHANCE!!! PS I have been told that it would help if you spoke French as well.

RECREATE A DOWNTON ABBEY-STYLE WEDDING FOR LESS by Cara Davis

Dear Readers: Weddings expert Cara Davis, and thefashionhistorianpollyguerin's Guest Blogger is the author of Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot, a best-selling book on Amazon offering tips and tricks for planning a dream wedding on a budget. Cara also blogs from her home in Nashville, Tenn., about cheap ways to spend and save at her blog: CheapWaysTo.com She planned her wedding in under six months for $5,000 and has been offering tips and tricks to budget-savvy brides every since. Her tips have been featured in USAToday, The New York Times, Colorado Brides, Chicago Bride Magazine, Destination I Do Magazine, St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazineand many more.

Cara Davis writes : "Recreate a Downton Abbey-Style Wedding for Less."

The wedding of the season appears to be that of Downton Abbey's Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley. The popularity of the series has brought about a renewed interest in 20s-era fashion, as evidenced by the spring 2013 bridal collection from Jenny Packham and the fall 2013 styles of Sarah Seven.

If the grandeur of the Granthams has you dreaming of vintage touches and ornate headpieces, consider these
seven must-haves for a Downton-themed garden wedding.

1. The Venue
Shop around for an all-inclusive wedding package at a bed-and-breakfast, historical mansion or botanical garden. Package deals can be very affordable and the more options included mean less planning headaches for you. A church ceremony is perfectly suited for a Dowton theme and you can even get away with a quiet reception of cocktails and hors d'oeuvres afterward.

2. The Decor
Piece together vintage settings from your town's local flea markets and antique stores. Don't worry about getting all matchy-matchy at the reception; shop thrift stores for teacups and saucers, and load up on faux pearls to complete the look.

3. The Invites
To save on the cost of invites, create your own or print them from free templates. The monogram theme from WeddingChicks.com offers the perfect look for a Downton-inspired ceremony. Since printing your own invites also includes proofs, RSVP cards and reception information, head to InkjetWilly.com for discounts on ink cartridges.

4. The Attire
Shop vintage stores for your dress or research 20s-style patterns. Having a dress made may be cheaper if you know someone willing to lend his or her sewing skills. In the 20s and 30s, lean silhouettes dominated, hemlines rose to the knee and dropped waists were in fashion. Lady Mary donned long sleeves but the look can still be achieved with cap sleeves, especially when you add over-the-elbow gloves.

5. The Accessories
Lady Mary's gown was simple and conservative, but her accessories added a glamorous touch. Her jeweled headpiece represents a must-have piece and can be picked up for less than $50 or over $400, as seen in this Lucky Magazine feature. Additionally, her cathedral veil offered an ethereal elegance, the likes of which can be purchased on Etsy for as little as $30.

6. The Flowers
Lady Mary carried a simple bouquet of calla lilies, a decidedly frugal choice for such a fancy lady. A small bouquet of larger blooms is the cheaper way to go, and remember to think outside the rose or orchid; even a bouquet composed primarily of baby's breath is elegant in its simplicity.

7. The Music
Complete the theme of your 20s-era nuptials by adding the following artists to your playlist: Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Bing Crosby, Helen Kane and Ella Fitzgerald, or simply download a free 20s-era jazz collection. For a more subdued, Lord Grantham-approved soundtrack, stick with strings and orchestra,  and "Recreate a Downton Abbey-Style Wedding for Less."












              

THE CHECKERBOARD SET (c) By Polly Guerin

Fashion’s latest variations on black and white can be a challenge to fashionistas. It’s an easy formula—checkerboard squares, cross stitch graphics and a myriad of stripe variations are the ‘it’ look for spring.

BLACK and WHITE PERPLEXED Not everyone can appreciate the black and white fashion theme—how do we make a white blouse and black pants look new and fresh? The old standby, a stylish white blouse with black pants doesn’t seem all that exciting until you choose a really special designer blouse and spice up the outfit with black and white accessories or graphic shoes. However, too much black and white can make one feel drab. It should not be worn as a uniform but alternated with other color wardrobe choices or checkerboard patterns in yellow or orange.

CHECK IT OUT Not everyone can wear checkerboard squares. Choosing the right black and white checkerboard pattern depends on how you can carry off the look. Large squares may work for one woman but a petite woman would find the pattern overbearing and might opt for smaller squares. Marc Jacobs’ spring collection of black and white checkerboard squares were inspired by the columns of different heights in Paris’ Palais Royal, known as Les Deux Plateau. Get ready, window displays of the black and white theme for select Vuitton boutiques are timed for arrival of the ready-to-wear collection in March.

KEEP IT SIMPLE The black and white trend doesn’t require a lot of jewelry. A delicate gold necklace on a white blouse can add a bit of flair, but chunky pieces just don’t work with the trend. Loud black and white prints take a bit of bravado to carry them off. For novice fashionistas the look can be achieved with just one wardrobe piece, like a checkerboard printed skirt or a black and white animal print top. A word of caution---a head-to-toe black and white wardrobe can be overbearing and few women can carry the look off to satisfaction.

COLOR SYMBOLISM Just how and where the black and white trend emerged is questionable. However, the timing seems just right for the economic climate today. There is powerful symbolism in the look. White evokes simplicity and purity while black symbolizes power and elegance. The effect is never boring. Black and white stimulates and challenges our brain to wake up and move forward.

BLACK AND WHITE CAN ADD SPICE AND ACTION FOR WARDROBES THAT SPAN FROM DAY INTO EVENING WEAR. IT’S A CLEAN AND PRISTINE WAY OF DRESSING WITH MINIMALIST APPEAL.

CIVILITY IS FASHIONABLE (c) By Polly Guerin

Whatever happened to proper English coupled with politeness and tender conversation? People today seem to have cultivated an abbreviated version of English that is both perplexing and disappointing. I remember my voice teacher, Madame Danova, when she wanted to excuse herself she would say, “Pardonez moi,” or “Excuse me.” Today, instead of “Thank You,” I hear “No Problem.” Just what does that mean? I did not have a problem in the first place so a polite “Thank You” would be appreciated.

A NEW LANGUAGE Greetings in the new jargon need explanation. I was shocked not so long ago, when a college colleague at a university where I taught would greet me with “Yo,” instead of “Hello,” I guess she thought she was being ‘cool,’ or the students had infiltrated her vocabulary to the point that on one occasion she tried to get my attention by saying “Hey!” I did not respond because “Hey,” seemed like a foreign language and I could not fathom how a colleague could speak in such jargon. Instead she could have engaged my interest by saying, “Beg your pardon.” Perhaps I am asking too much from society. It seems to me that even the slightest event is “Awesome,” even if someone is referring to a deli lunch.

“UMM” IS NOT A WORD Judge Judy has it right all the time on her TV show. When an individual responds with “umm” she cuts right into their “umm” and adamantly says, “Umm is not a word!” and they quickly change to “Yes.” She even takes time to berate them about their appearance in court. “Where did you think you were going today? That is not the proper way to dress to come to court.” I wish those words reach some individuals who think nothing about appearing in public places improperly dressed or rather in a state of undress. Isn’t it time to return to civility in every walk of life?

DINING IN STYLE Even corporations are concerned about how their junior executives appear in public with their clients and some go so far as to hire etiquette experts to teach their employees how to dine using the proper utensils and proper conversation, no putting elbows on the table, No iPads, iPods, cells or beepers to interrupt the business luncheon. Weren’t proper table manners something you were supposed to learn at home? Will the loud voices in restaurants ever simmer down? It seems to me that most of the most offensive people who have been plugged into various electronics devices must be somewhat deaf so by necessity they talk so loud that if you are in the immediate adjacency you can hardly hold a conversation with your table guest.

NO SUBJECT IS TABOO Every topic imaginable is out there discussed on television. From the most intimate physical disorders to sexual functions and a myriad of diseases…it’s a wonder anyone feels healthy. Then the list of adverse side effects you could contract, that the ‘so and so medicine’ may have, is enough to make you vomit. When someone affronts you at a party and opens the conversation with some vulgarity, it’s supposed to be funny. You can’t blame the inebriated guy who got into trouble because he grabbed a woman’s boob that was hanging out of her dress. “She asked for it,” he said in defense.

CELEBRITY INFLUENCE. Celebrities cannot be trusted to give the proper message either. What with necklines down to their waist and slits up to their crotch no wonder women who can easily be influenced think that’s the way to dress. It baffles me why nudity is so prevalent. I wonder why they bother to wear the dress at all, but leave it to the paparazzi to expose their brevity as the hottest new thing. There is no better time than now when people need role models that show off their civility with style and good manners.

I AM NOT SUGGESTING THAT WE GO BACK TO STRICT FORMALITIES, BUT LIKE MANY OTHER PEOPLE I JUST WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RETURN TO MANNERS, POLITENESS AND CONSIDERATION. IN SOME POCKETS OF SOCIETY IT DOES EXIST BUT THE MAIN STREAM POPULATION IS OVERLOADED WITH A LANGUAGE Of QUESTIONABLE INTERPRETATION.

FASHION''S DOWNTON ABBEY STYLE (c) By Polly Guerin

Lady Mary's 1920 Style 

There’s nothing dowdy about the Downton, Abbey!!! Just when World War I was recent history, English aristocrats, Mary, Sybil and Edith adapt 1920s style with the fashions they wear to embrace a new era. The costume look---the dress plus jacket or coat with matching trim goes back to Victorian times but it’s a refreshed version that only the Crawley women could carry off, particularly Mary who wears a going away ensemble that is serious yet quite chic. The good news; the Downton Abbey look is easily adaptable for today’s fashionista and the stores have responded to it with garments that have that special refined look and the dignity of performance for work or social occasions. Simplicity is the rule in Downton Abbey style and young women might take inspiration from it.
FASHIONISTA’S STYLE The 1920s look is not all about flamboyant flapper dresses, though there are many on the retail racks, it’s all about choosing accessories as well—like a clock hat which is a close fitting hat that allows peeks of curly hair to peek out at the sides. Other modest brim styles reflect the modest taste of the 20s look. Sheer lace tops add flair to dignify a black skirt for evening wear while a vintage clutch will carry through to any special occasion. Streamlined, sleeveless sheath dresses simplify daywear and bulky jewelry is replaced by demure jewelry or a simple strand of pearls. The Art Deco influence also comes up strong as an accessory theme, especially drop earrings in architectural motifs.
THE REAL-LIFE DOWNTON Just where is Downton Abbey? Good question. It’s actually, Highclere, the grand, 175-year old family home in West Berkshire, England, where the adult soap opera is filmed. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions and thanks to the TV drama it has become the popular location for real-life weddings, pricey I might add. It is also the home of Lady Fiona Carnarvon and her husband the Earl of Carnarvon, and legend has it that the family has lived there since 1679. Interesting to note, the home is exactly as it is on television and even the great drawing room where the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith) holds court.

HERE’S TO THE RETURN TO ELEGANCE!!! TO THE MANOR BORN CAN BE WORN BY FASHIONISAS WHO DESIRE TO EMULATE DOWNTON ABBEY STYLE.  WITH THE RETURN OF REFINED TASTE, FROM HEAD TO TOE, THE COLORS ARE GENTLE BEIGE AND DELICATE PASTELS BY DAY AND BY NIGHT RICH MAROON MONACO BLUE, A DEEP MIGNIGHT NAVY SHADE, UPDATES THE SOCIAL WARDROBE.