Paying More for Less: The Strange Fashion Trend of Winter and Spring 2008
What in the World is a Scarflette, Anyway?
For the similarly confused out there, allow me to introduce you to the latest trend in winter wear. Less (fabric) is more (stylish), yet more expensive.
Armwarmers and Wristwarmers
Armwarmers are like legwarmers, but for your arms. Think of them as arm-socks, but in a cute way. They make an interesting accent piece, either blending or contrasting with the multilayered clothes worn during unpredictable winter and spring weather.
If you still aren't seeing it, imagine an opera length glove, made of cashmere. Lop off the fingers, leaving the top completely open. Chop off the thumb, too. Bingo! Or, just look at the picture...
I remember as a teenaged grunge princess I'd shove my thumbs through a hole in my overly long, tatty sweater sleeve for a similar result. The new look is much more fitted and polished.
Some armwarmers are, in fact, made of old sweaters, but those are reclaimed, or recycled. They aren't old or tatty, thank you very much, just underutilized. (Pause here for a moment to hear grungers snickering and saying, 'whatever'.)
Average prices *of:
an old sweater: $5
Opera gloves: $15
Armwarmers: $30
Wristwarmers are the smaller cousins of arm warmers, looking similar, but only covering the hands and, duh, the wrists. In the '80s, we knew them as fingerless gloves or mittens. They're back, but this incarnation is more about cuteness than edge.
These are functional mild winter weather accessories, keeping the hand fairly warm while freeing the fingers. I plan to use mine for staying warm during Mardi Gras and not hampering my awesome bead catching skills. Unless it's hot this year. You can never tell.
Average prices of:
mittens or gloves: $5 - $10
wristwarmers: $15 - $20
Scarflettes and Neckwarmers
The latest winter neckwear for the super hip is no longer the scarf, but the scarflette, or neck warmer. While it's the same width as a scarf, it's nowhere near as long. It's unusual to see one measuring longer than 22 inches, because they're made to fit the neck precisely.
Envision a turtleneck sweater, then cut off the neck and toss the rest of the sweater in the 'reclaiming' bin. This winter marvel fastens on the side with buttons, or you can purchase a pullover model in stretchy material.
These have roots in Victorian fashion, at least according to some of the knit and crochet patterns I've seen. Since it buttons and is compact, there's no knot to tie. The winter chill stands less chance of tickling the back of your neck through a gap in your scarf. Still, asking a salesperson for a 'scarflette' feels much sillier than asking for a scarf. Whatever.
Average prices of:
a basic scarf: $10
a scarflette: $20 - $40
*Prices are based on my window shopping, online and off.
Published by neonola
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11 Comments
Post a CommentPaying more for less does indeed seem to be a continuing theme and trend. Nicely written, very interesting!
Seriously - SERIOUSLY great article!
I got rid of all my crochet hooks and stuff when I lost all use of my right hand. I had a leg warmer patten and did make a pair. My big problem is I do better by studying done pieces, often am clueless by patterns until after I do something and then, like with all instructions for anything, the light bulb goes off and I say "Oh, that is what they meant". People always gave me bags of clothes and I took an old "velveteen" gown; sewed on gold bric-brac at the empire waist, got a dime store necklace to compliment the v-neck borrowed a shawl and wore it to a younger brother's wedding. I said at the time "I feel just like Scarlett O'Hara" when my rich aunts wanted to know where I bought the outfit and how much it cost. I love updating and recyling clothes. I have put together some awesome outfits shopping Goodwill type stores and yard sales. I also have this weird thing where I dread wearing new outfits the first time. I like old worn stuff much better.
Hey, thanks for reading this! Since it causes me pain to pay retail, I usually try to design my own versions of trendy items. When I get a sec (and finish up some current knitting projects), I plan to publish patterns for basic knit, crochet, and machine knitted scarflettes and armwarmers. Check back with me soon, crafters!
Great article and info. I solved the cold weather clothing issue by moving to a year round warmer climate. A lot of retro clothes shoppes around here. I found an old late 1960s gauzy angel blouse. I could not see paying $40. for a used blouse, when I balk at paying $20. for a new one. Prices outgrew my income by leaps and bounds. I would like the arm warmers; I took to wearing work gloves which the guys taught me to cut off the fingers to be able to work better as outdoor gloves for driving in the winter time. Better control of the steering will when driving on ice or blizzard roads.
"handy" opps
My daughter does what you mentioned about the thumbs thru the sweater, only she does it thru her sweatshirt top that zips down the front. Apparently that is the rage in her school right now. I have a "scarflette" but it was only $5 at Walmart. It comes in hand when it is very cold and windy. I use it to cover part of my face since I am sensitive to the cold wind.
Great article and neat armwarmers you have there! :)
Hey, great article! Very cool.
I still wear legwarmers and get razzed about it but hey, at least I am not freezing. Great write up :]