Art of Style


Shopportunities: Stylish Head Coverings

Attractive alternatives to wigs for those battling cancer and losing their hair.

BY April 1, 2014

 

Dear Cheryl,

I’m undergoing chemotherapy and have lost my hair. I don’t always want to wear a wig, and hats aren’t always suitable—can you suggest any other options?

—Jessica M, North Fort Myers

I’m delighted to see from your letter (layout limits printing in its entirety) that your treatment is going well, and I wish you a speedy and full recovery. A stylish alternative to a wig is a scarf in a gorgeous print or favorite color. A large square scarf (measuring 36 inches by 36 inches) is the most versatile, as you can fold it into a triangle or oblong shape, as well as crosswise (along the bias) to create some stretch. From these basic shapes, you can create a variety of looks using different bows, knots and tying options. Don’t forget that, in essence, a “scarf” is simply a large piece of fabric. Dressmaking fabrics can be cut to the length you require, roll-hemmed by hand or machine and voilà—you have a customized scarf! Another idea is to add a specially made hairpiece to a hat, cap, head-wrap or hairband. These detachable hair strips are available in a variety of colors and textures, in the form of bangs, side pieces or even a “halo” of hair. An online search will bring up a number of specialist suppliers from which to choose.

Cheryl Lampard, founder of Style Matters International, answers your questions each month. If you have a question for Cheryl, send it to jfoerster@gulfshorelife.com.

 

What to Wear: GRANDE DAMES TEA

The dictionary uses descriptions such as “dignified” and “highly respected” to define the meaning of “grand dame,” so it’s hard to think of a better-named event than the Grande Dames Tea. This annual event—now in its sixth year—honors three of the community’s most revered women on April 4 at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers. The tea was devised to honor incredible women in Southwest Florida who, through their decades of service and philanthropy, have helped others. In this spirit of giving, the Grande Dames will share their experiences and advice with girls from the PACE Center for Girls of Lee County. As no afternoon tea would be complete without a ladylike chapeau, guests are encouraged to wear a favorite hat or fascinator. Pink and green are the colors representing the tea’s logo, so you could include these hues to complement your look.

 

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