On the Third Day of a Feminine Christmas

And a good time was had by all…

I have hardly ever met a beauty or fashion book I didn’t like.  And somehow, I’ve managed to keep my finger on the pulse of books on their way to being published and those that have just hit the market.  I love perusing them and although I can’t buy all of them, I still find so many of them inspiring.

This is a lovely Christmas cover of Vogue.  I’m not sure of the exact date but it surely must be the glamorous 50’s. It highlights the season with color and flair.  A few years ago I wrote a review of an engaging book called Seven Sisters Style, written by fashion historian, Rebecca Tuite.  I interviewed Rebecca for a Fashion Studies Journal piece about her book.  She was kind and generous with her time.  Now she has published another terrific book, 1950’s in Vogue, the Jessica Daves Years.  I have again been commissioned to review this work for the Fashion Studies Journal next spring.  Last night I had the chance to finally meet Rebecca at her book lecture and signing in Connecticut.

To get to the lecture, I traveled in unrelenting rain to the Connecticut Historical Society in Hartford.  I wasn’t quite prepared for the beautiful setting – a fine old stone structure housing the society – which was magnificent and welcoming all lit up at the end of my hair-raising journey.  Running concurrently to Rebecca’s lecture was a quilt exhibit and before the talk began, I was able to amble through beautiful dark paneled airy rooms with several old quilts of distinction, created by 18th and 19th century Connecticut women.  In addition, the society provided clusters of elegant refreshments for anyone who braved the weather to hear Rebecca talk about Vogue, its famous but elusive editor, and mid-century fashion.  Punctuated throughout the hall were vintage dresses from the society’s in-house collections.  It was a marvelous and fulfilling night!

As for Rebecca, she was as charming as I imagined she would be and the evening turned out to be a pre-Christmas delight despite the weather.  Tonight finds me gently turning the pages of her spectacular tome and becoming acquainted all over again with the 1950’s from Vogue’s special vantage point.

I think having a special evening once in a while in a unique and special place can take one out of everyday life and problems.  It can catapult you back to another time or at the least reboot the soul, especially if the topic is something you have a passion for.  I am so glad that even in the rush of the holidays, I took the time to attend this Rebecca’s event.  I hope to review the book here or at least link my official review on this page.

Christmas is a great time to augment your festivities with lectures, films, book reviews, or museum exhibits.  It feels good to have a break from the Christmas machine and take a breather with something meaningful to you or something interesting.

(Picture of Rebecca and I and her marvelous book is on my Instagram).