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August 18, 2015

Introducing a new video series: Vintage Fashion 101 (which kicks off with a look at snoods)


Ever since returning to YouTube last month, my mind has been teaming with ideas for possible videos there, which I must say, I truly love and appreciate, because when I first tiptoed onto the YouTube stage in the summer of 2014, it was often crickets and tumbleweeds on the “what video topic to cover” front.

I'm sure, as with most creative endeavors, there will be further periods of feast and famine there as time goes on, but thankfully, again, at the moment, the well is not running dry and one of my favourites that I've struck upon as of late is is that of a Vintage Fashion 101 series of videos.

When it comes to the trifecta of beauty/makeup, hair, and fashion, the latter is my strongest suit and the one that I'm best able to readily create videos about.

Due to a couple of my conditions, my hands/arms shake when I hold them up for very long and I'm not a super great expert on fancy makeup how-tos, so that one isn't an area of videos that I'll likely make many on. Plus I wear a wig all the time, so between that and the whole shaky arms situation, hairstyling techniques, are not a topic I'll probably make a ton of videos on, but I can talk about and show examples pertaining to vintage fashion until the cows come home!

Not to contradict what I just said, as they are something of a hair accessory, but I decided to kick of this fun new video series with an in-depth, fun filled look at snoods. Those classic, comfy, stylish (usually) netted crocheted or knitted hair coverings that had a major moment during the mid-twentieth century.




In this video, I talk about the history of snoods, provide snood styling ideas and tips, talk about how to prevent your hair from sticking out of the holes in a snood, discuss some of the best places to source snoods from, and share examples of snoods from my own personal collection.



{Snoods are one of my absolute favourite vintage accessories and I wear them quite frequently both in outfit posts, as avid readers of my blog will know, and in my daily life, so I thought they'd make for a great topic to launch my exciting new Vintage Fashion 101 YouTube video series off on.}




Generally speaking, especially when I own examples of the garments or accessories that I'll be talking about in my videos, this is the sort of format that I suspect my Vintage Fashion 101 videos will take.

I adore hearing about what you guys like to see on my channel, so if there are wardrobe related topics that you'd like me to cover in my Vintage Fashion 101 video series, please let me know in the comment section here, on YouTube, or really, anywhere you can reach me.  Smile

You guys, I am really jazzed about this fun new YouTube series (which will likely be randomly occurring, as inspiration or a suggestion to create a new one strikes), especially since it lets me talk about an area that, humbly, I tend to know a great deal about (vintage fashion).

I hope that you all enjoy watching these delightful looks at a different vintage wardrobe area and creative, helpful ways to style that particular garment or accessory.

49 comments:

  1. Very excited about this series! I'm still pretty new to vintage fashion so I'm sure I will learn a lot. Thanks so much, Jessica!

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    1. That's awesome to hear, lovely Lisa!!! Please don't hesitate to let me know if there's any topics in particular you would like me to cover. I want to make second vid in this series for September and totally open to suggestions for it.

      Big hugs & my heartfelt thanks for your awesome support of my videos (it means a lot to me!),
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. Great idea for a series :) I'd love to see you cover headscarves and the different ways to wear them in a similar vein. I always find it interesting how there's lots of different ways people tie them. You are bang to video creating with a bang!

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    1. Awesome idea, sweet dear, thank you!!! There definitely are tons of ways (and I don't profess to know them all by any stretch of the imagination) and it would be fun to put some of my faves together. Thank you for the wonderful - and very doable - suggestion. I totally appreciation!!!

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  3. I've really been enjoying your YouTube videos lately, you look like a natural in front of the camera (which I unfortunately am not and have decided I'll probably be retiring my channel soon as I'm finding it too difficult with my own disability). I'm very excited about this series, I saw the video on my subscription list before I read this post and am looking forward to watching it later. I'd love to see a video talking about how you accessorise an outfit in general, as I'm an admirer of how easily you seem to highlight certain features and colours whilst still keeping your outfit classic and not cluttered.

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet dear. Though I was a total bundle of nerves when I started last year and for the first video I made this summer, those have since pretty much vanished and you know, I feel very at home in front of the camera. I tend to be very shy and often quiet in person, especially around strangers, yet here, talking just to myself and the pets (as Tony isn't home this summer), I feel confident in such a positive and empowering way (which is awesome!).

      That is stellar idea for a video - or even a series of videos. Thank you for bringing that topic up! I've had a lot of lovely comments and questions about how I accessorize and put an outfit together over the years, and while it's a topic I've touched, I've never (best I can recall!) devoted a whole post (and certainly not a video) to it, so be it one or the other (video/post/combo), I will certainly try to create one in the not too distant future. Thanks again!!! Please keep any and all ideas coming, I massively appreciate them!

      I really enjoy your channel and love seeing the records that you share there, but fully understand if your health isn't jiving with making videos or if you're just not feeling doing them in general. Thank you for sharing about that with me.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. Hello Jessica :)

    I love snoods too! The mother of my boyfriend did me two in crochet :) One it's green, another is beige, both beautiful!
    You look very pretty wearing snoods :)

    Have a nice week!
    KissKiss*
    Narcissa

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    1. Ooohh, those both sound gorgeous! I have snoods in each of those colours and wear them quite often, as they both goo really well with my hair and skin colours. It's fantastic that you have someone in your life who can crochet snoods for you.

      Thank you, honey! I bet you look magnificent in your snoods, too!

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. I recently discovered your blog as I was perusing the interwebs doing research for a book I'm writing about 1930s Hollywood. I love vintage stuff in general (especially 20s and 30s) and I've recently been thinking about trying to add vintage and reproduction style elements into my wardrobe. I look forward to more tips and info from your video series!

    I have one question about wearing vintage clothing on a regular basis: do you ever get questions or odd looks/remarks when you're out in public? Do people ask if you're in costume for a show or an event? I'm not trying to turn my entire wardrobe vintage (and as much as I love the flapper style, I don't have the right body for it :-P ). So how do you handle comments - or un-asked-for critiques - of your vintage dress?

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    1. Hi Grace, it's wonderful to have you here! Warmest welcome to Chronically vintage! I'm delighted to meet you and am enthralled by the fact that you're penning a book on 1930s Hollywood. I would love to read and, if you wanted, review it once it's on the market. Please feel free to keep me in the loop with how things are going on that front for you.

      I most certainly do get questions like that and have covered some of them in the following blog post and video (the vid is from last year).

      Strangers Say the Darndest Things: http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2013/08/strangers-say-darndest-things.html

      Top Comments That Vintage Wearers Receive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ldk5niZg-c

      It's actually something that folks write me about a lot (I've had two emails on it in the last week alone), so I think I'll bring it up again soon in a new video. I'm going to be shooting more (vids) this week and will aim to cover it one of those, with it going live in the in the tail end of this summer. Thank you very much for raising that topic. I really appreciate it.

      Wishing you a sunny, fantastic week!
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. After I posted this comment, I poked around a bit more on your blog, and found that video and that blog that answered my question! :-P Sorry to have troubled you when I could have just done my searching first! Anyway, thanks so much for replying.

      And thanks for the interest in my book! It's my first attempt at historical fiction (I usually write fantasy and fairy tale-type stories), so we'll see how it goes! I will keep you posted - and will post updates periodically on my blog.

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    3. You're very welcome! Please don't worry at all, I promise you, I didn't think that you "troubled me" in the slightest. I'm always happy to point new or long time readers alike to past posts. There's over 1,300 of them here now, written over the course of more than six years, and sometimes even I have a hard time remember everything that I've written about! :) (And I would never expect new readers to be aware of what I have and haven't covered to date.)

      Please feel free to ask me anything about vintage anytime your heart desires.

      Have a great night,
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. More about vintage sizing, please. How were hats sized? Gloves? Were RTW and patterns sized differently the way they are today? Were woman generally smaller, or is that a myth? I would love to learn more about this topic. Thanks for asking.

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    1. Awesome topic suggestions one and all, Piper - you're on fire with that great list! Thank you very much!

      I've covered some of them in blog posts unto themselves before. Here the links to such:

      Vintage Clothes Sizing 101: http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2013/01/vintage-clothing-sizing-101.html

      How I Store my Vintage Gloves: http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2012/11/how-i-store-my-vintage-glove-collection.html

      How to Size Vintage Gloves: http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2012/10/how-to-size-vintage-gloves.html


      My Top Tips For Vintage Glove Etiquette: http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/01/my-top-tips-for-glove-etiquette-and.html

      Advice on Wearing Vintage Hats: http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2012/10/chatting-about-vintage-hats-with.html

      I can certainly revisit these fascinating topics and delve into the others that you discussed. Thank you very much - especially for suggesting video topics that are fashion related. I really appreciate that! Keep 'em coming! :)

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. Denise @BuyRVintageJunkAugust 18, 2015 at 8:29 PM

    I love to read, especially your blog! But I really look forward to your Vintage Fashion 101 videos because to see the different styles, colors and shapes will 'show' us a lot more about vintage clothing and accessories.

    How lucky we are that you are going to share your knowledge with us!

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    1. Thank you very much for your lovely comment, Denise, and for your super kind final line (it's my absolute pleasure to do so!).

      I completely, flat out love to write and feel that a lot of topics, especially in the vintage realm where genuine old school photos/illustrations are often so integral to the subject at hand, work best (or at least equally well) in print (aka, blog post) form, so I promise you, I'm not replacing all, or even the bulk of, my written, often in-depth posts with ones that are just a few paragraphs and a video. Just as I was never the type who wanted to post mostly photos and little text, I'd never be that way with videos either and see them as another fun channel to connect with vintage lovers and to highlight those things that might actually work better (or, again, just as well) in video form.

      All that to say, again, my usual types of posts - lengthy, short, and in between - are here to stay so long as I'm blogging, they'll just be accompanied by video posts periodically now. :)

      Many thanks again - big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  8. My dear Jess,
    I've been reading your this blog for so many years.. and this video-series does feel like a continuation of your progress to being better and better.
    This place is growing, and you are great at choosing time to incorporate proper ways of growth: first the etsy shop, now the videos.. my tripple thumbs up.

    Marija

    P.S.
    Knowing that there are a lot of (somewhat) lazy gals out there, who are looking out for ways to learn about vintage clothing, but can't manage the heavy reading - video series is a perfect way to reach out to them.

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    1. Absolutely, I think that is the case, too. My videos aren't to replace my posts, of course, just a natural extension of some of the topics I cover here. I madly adore writing and would never want to give that up here on my blog. Some topics, IMO, work better (or at least just as well) in video form and others in video. They two are good bedfellows, so to speak, and as I enjoy creating both, why not embrace them each with open arms and see where they lead me? :)

      Big hugs & happy mid-week wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Hello (again)
      I have watched it - AGAIN. :)
      Since I've forgotten to mention this last time, I'm making sure this does get told (written): you have not covered all the basics - you have covered EVERY-snood-THING. After re-watching I'm pretty sure you've done some major preparations for this video.. your devotion to details deserves a two thumbs up.
      (I onny wish I was more diligent about fashion, but this is not my time for that - this is the year for "sucking it up" and giving all my best to my home.. and I am so close to moving...)

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    3. Hello my dear friend, happy Saturday greetings! What a long, busy week this has been for me! But you'll be delighted to know that I still had time to make a new video (for next week) in the midst of it.

      That is immensely kind of you to say. Honestly, no, save for wearing a snood myself and gathering up some from my collection, I didn't prep at all. I find, oddly perhaps, the more I just "go with the flow" with my videos this summer, the better they seem to turn out. There's something awesomely refreshing with taking an on-the-fly approach with them as well, especially since by choice or requirement, I plan out so much of my life and work usually. That isn't to say that I won't prep more for some in the future, I'm sure I will, but this one was just off the top of my head and what a ton of fun it!

      I hope that you're doing great and having a sunny, lovely last chapter of August.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  9. I am still sleepy and will watch the video later, but now you're making me want to knit more snoods!!
    I can't off hand think of anything I'd like to see on your channel, but I shall let you know!!
    And I'm trying to think of things to do for my own. Oh goodness!

    Carla, Tiny Angry Crafts

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    1. You totally should - they're so much fun! I keep thinking that if I had the skills to make them, I'd create some in holiday colour palettes (say black and orange for Halloween, red and green for Christmas, etc).

      I get that big time. I will likewise let you know if anything jumps out at me that I'd enjoy watching on your own lovely channel, dear gal.

      Many hugs & happy mid-week wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. I loved the history and the snood itself! I liked the pictures with the snood and you are so right, that you like it so much, being one of your favorite pieces, because it is really so feminine, so sweet! I would love to wear one as well, but where I am right now I don't have the courage, maybe when going back to the UK! I didn't know you wore a wig, but I have to say, it looks beautiful and very very natural! I hope you are fine, dear Jessica, and in 2 weeks - I am counting too, to see you happier! - you will be together with your love! Hugs and kisses, dear Jessica!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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    1. They really are a feminine, sweet accessory that instantly evokes thoughts of the past. Thank you very much for your lovely comment, sweet Denise. I think it speaks well of this wig that you didn't know I was even wearing one. I've been a full-time wig wearer due to medical hair loss (that began when I was just 14 years old) since November 2012. Aside from the fact that there aren't many even vaguely vintage looking wigs out there and that most wigs have somewhat limited styling options, I don't mind and am grateful to have found this one. It's a synthetic wig and it costs less than $50.00 + shipping (the shipping is nuts though, as most wig websites use couriers, not the postal system in America), so replacing it every few months (3 - 6 usually) with a new one is comparable, or even cheaper, than going to the hairdresser's on a regular basis - which is a nice benefit of such an affordable wig.

      Just 15 more days to go - it's so sweet of you to count down with me.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. oh gosh, this is perfect! Snoods have always been a fall out for me, i just can't seem to get the hang of it, like ever. But my word if this cute lil vid doesn't give me just a glimmer of hope that one day i could pull it off, i don't know what would! I'm very much a visual learner, so this is perfect, oh thank you, you're just the bomb dot com in your snoods!

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  12. So nice to see you on youtube! You're very cute, Jessica and i also love snoods ^^
    Have a nice weekend!

    Hugs, Pri
    vintage.blogspot.com

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  13. Such a charming video. I have four vintage items that I never use/own/do: pincurls, bakelite, snoods and a bullet bra. But as you already know I've just bought my first bakelite bangle, but I don't think I will start a collection. And I think I will try and sew myself a bullet bra, since Brittany from Va-Voom Vintage has a free pattern and I have lots of fabric scraps to choose from. Generally, I don't like the look of the bullet bra, I prefer modern bras, but perhaps I will change my mind, and if not, it has not cost me anything but my time. I've always liked the look of the snood though, but I didn't know how to use it and am really surprised that you only use two bobby pins to hold it. I have very straight hair and am sure it would glide off in a few minutes. It looks so easy to crochet but I am not sure if I can read an English pattern, but perhaps I should give it a try and buy a pdf pattern, since they normally aren't very expensive. You always look so stylish wearing your snoods, and I think it is a quick and easy way to fix a bad or lazy hair day and get a genuine vintage look. Since I am not into curls either I could hope it would work for me. I think you just got me started here. :) I was really wondering what you would do with that horrible uncharming hair net, but as usual you surprise me with your great ideas. I have an idea for you lovely YouTube series: Tips on how to and what to use scarves for? I love scarves and have lots of them and know that I can tie them around my neck, use them in my hair or have them in my clear lucite purses, but I am sure you have LOTS of other great ideas, and even have lots of other ways to e.g. tie them. I would love to use my collection much more. Wishing you a lovely day, dear. :) XOXO

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    1. Hi sweet Sanne, as iconic as evocative of the 1950s as bullet bras are (and yes, I own and occasionally wear a genuine vintage one), they're never been a massive favourite of mine either (on myself at least). I don't have the world's largest bust and they often seem to minimize it, more than maximize it for some reason, plus they do epicly standout in 21st century society. Not that such usually bugs me at all, but, because they do and because I don't feel a burning desire to wear them very often, I rarely do so. They're a lot of fun though, don't get me wrong, and any 50s fan should given them a try at least once. :) I think it's really cool that you might give Brittany's version a spin. I hope it turns out marvelously for you if you!

      As someone whose natural hair is bone straight and very fine, I can tell you that adding a bit of styling product to your hair, and if possible some waves or curls before you put the snood on, is all it takes in conjunction with two to four (for me back then at least) bobby pins to get them to stay put. They really are charming, classic accessory and I think that they would look really great on you, too! (And as I touched on in this video, you could always braid/plait your hair instead of curling it and then just put the braided hair in a low bun at the nape of your neck and slip the snood on over top of it.)

      That is a fabulous video and/or post idea! I am adding it to my "to create" list right now. I'm a huge scarf fan and wear them often, so I will definitely try to tackle that topic for you and really appreciate that you brought it up. Thank you!

      Tons of hugs & joyful second half of the week wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. you always look very pretty when you wear a snood!
    this fancy and colorful hairnets are a great way to make an ensemble look vintage instantly!
    hugs&kisses!!!

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    1. They really, really are, I completely agree. In fact, I'd say there are few other wearable pieces that can convey a sense of vintage-ness as quickly as a snood can (circle skirt and saddle shoes are a couple of others that do a very good job there, too).

      Thank you for your lovely comment, my dear friend! I hope that you're doing well and having a delightful week.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. Hi Jessica! This post is great. I've recently got into making my own snoods and I'm obsessed. They make up so quickly so you can fashion yourself a cute accessory for little money to suit your outfit. I'm definitely going to start using ribbon on mine as it looks so cute on yours.
    Hope you're well.
    Much love,
    Rowena x

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    1. Oh how marvelous!!! If there was ever anything that would get me to try to learn to crochet, it would be the desire to make snood. It's awesome that you know how to do so, dear gal. I love ribbon on them. It just ups their sweetness and vintage-y factors all the more.

      Happy crocheting and many thanks for your great comment!

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. Hi Jessica!
    Such a great video! You talk so naturally, it's really enjoyable to watch it! Great job :) I don't have a snood yet, but I'm still starting up my own wardrobe! :) (But I find it really fun to keep track of it on my blog. <3)
    You look so pretty in your snood <3!
    x Angela // missangellane.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Angela, that is so encouraging to hear! I am absolutely adoring making videos again and feel much more comfortable in front of the camera this time around.

      I found snoods to be like potato chips - stopping at one was out of the question! :)

      Many thanks again & have a terrific week,
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. Oh, snoods! My hair is currently too short for them, but the reminder of snoods encourages me in my growing out goals. So very sweet.

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    1. Hi Megan, one idea, which I mention in my video, for snoods + short hair is to fill the extra space in the snood with something like real or faux flowers, a scrunched up small scarf, ribbons, or anything else that would make for a pretty hair accessory unto itself. Perhaps giving that a spin would let you enjoy them now at your hair's current length. :)

      Big hugs & many thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. What a great idea! Thanks!

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    3. You're very welcome, dear gal! I hep fill mine out with flowers sometimes, too. In the spring in particular, this look is nothing short of dreamy!

      ♥ Jessica

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  18. This is a wonderful idea! I love having ladies like you, with more knowledge of specific styles, being able to talk to the rest of us about them! (And snoods are definitely your thing, I've noticed them in your outfit posts all the time.)
    I can't wait to see the next installment!

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    1. Thank you very much across the board, lovely lady! I adore snoods and think that even if I had short hair, I'd still try to rock them. They're very much part of my general signature style at this point in my life.

      Wishing you a fantastic new week!
      ♥ Jessica

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  19. Oooh, this was such a great video. I'd always known that snoods were fashionable during the 1940's but I had no idea that their origins went back so far into history.

    I love crocheting my own snoods. I have quite a collection now and I sell some in my etsy store. They are a really great beginners crochet project because they are usually a fairly simple design (although you can find some extremely elaborate snoods) and you can whip one up pretty quickly with practice.

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    1. That's awesome! They've always struck me as being relatively easy - in so much as I can say that from a non-crocheter's perspective - and were I ever able to take up the art, they would be one of the first things I'd want to try and make.

      Thank you very much for your lovely comment - big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  20. Thoroughly enjoyed your video! I'm off now to buy a snood for an up coming vintage event. I will let you know how my snood wearing goes. Great video!

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    1. I'm thrilled to have helped inspire you and hope that you find a snood that you love to bits!

      Thank you very much for your great comment, dear gal!
      ♥ Jessica

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  21. Such a wonderful idea for a video series! I can't wait to see more :) I often admire snoods on stylish vintage-loving ladies, but this video has tipped me over into actually wanting to wear one myself!

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    1. That is awesome to hear!!! I'm definitely an advocate for the wearing of snoods and am genuinely touched that I've helped inspire you to give them a go, too.

      Like potato chips and pets, I find that stopping at just one is next to impossible and before you know it, you might have a whole rainbow of them yourself, too! :D

      Big hugs & happy Monday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  22. What a wonderful idea for a video series! You have inspired me to buy a snood soon!! x

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet dear! I'm delighted to hear that I helped inspire you to buy a snood. I just know it's going to look sensational on you!

      ♥ Jessica

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