I have had a love for bandanas for quite awhile now and although this may seem like a strange blog post, I decided the bandana is a classic design who's style and function need to be acknowledged.
It began in 1990 when (I thought) I was moving to Europe. I condensed my luggage to just one carry-on as I knew I would be walking everywhere and jumping on and off trains. I remember throwing a bandana in my bag thinking it would serve me for so many things:
A headband
A wash cloth
A Kleenex
A napkin
A shower cap
A luggage tag
A towel
A necklace
A Band-aid
A carry-all when tied hobo style
And finally, a scarf
Some of you may avoid this universal accessory thinking you look like a cowboy or pirate when wearing one (not that there's anything wrong with that)- but not to worry. Designers from Louis Vuitton to my beloved Ralph take this scarf to a whole new level by adding their familiar signature.
My love for the bandana is two-fold. I not only love the classic paisley print because it falls somewhere between masculine and feminine but the soft cotton texture of a well worn bandana is equally appealing. Once the starchy stiffness is out there is nothing like reaching in your bag and pulling out that 'ol friend. I try to collect the dull, neutral colors whenever I find them (what a surprise) from Wal-Mart to the dollar shop but my favorite place to hunt for bandanas is the local thrift store. There they are always soft and worn and often found in offbeat colors and patterns. I even search for them on eBay now and then.
I roll them, fold them, sometimes iron them and have been known to coffee stain them to dull the colors down a bit. They're in my hair, around my neck, in a pocket or worn as a belt. (OK, not me, but maybe some of you). I also cut them in skinny ribbons to wear alone or with a pendant.
From pirates to bandits to rock stars- the bandana is one of the few accessories that are fun and functional- and sometimes found for only a $1.00! So tie one on.
My own personal stash.
20 comments:
I love that post and I also LOVE bandannas! I can't resist them. My favorite one belonged to my gr. grandpa - oh, the softness! I have a serious weakness for hankies, too. :-)
Cute post and very clever of you to treasure what many of us consider mundane. I have several in my drawer and the first ones that come to mind are the ones I bought for my kids in elementary school for plays and skits. Love those!
cool post on bandanas! I've also used them in decorating and wrapping packages or baskets and they have a million and one uses in the home! Since I've backed away from red and brights in my home i've put away all the bandanas. Thanks for enlarging my vision of bandanas...I'm off to look for "neutral" ones! You are always a blessing!
Patti
I love the bandana! My husband carries one in the back pocket of his jeans on the weekends (you know, just in case) and will always have the memory of it peeking out.
It's fun to read a sentimental post like this!
Angie
I love bandannas as well. I wear them around my neck, my daughter wears them in her hair or over her hair and hubby always wears one as a headband when playing softball. He also carries one in his pocket quite often. My son used to wear one to hold his dreads back. We always pick a few up here and there if we find an unusual color. We must be a bandanna family. I did have to laugh about the belt, I would need to tie a few together but it's doable, Pam
Hello! I just popped over from Whispering Pine Cottage. I love your ode to the bandana. I've always had them around and enjoy them, for all the things you mentioned. Yee haw! ~Mindy
Fabulous! A classic indeed. Don't forget doo-rag style. I don't see that happening with you Deb, but I could totally be wrong on that one!
Teresa McFayden
I have a Willie Nelson one!! got it at a concert in the 80's..lol..
oh my goodness, this blog post is INSPIRED... you just reminded me that i have two gorgeous well used and well lvoed bandanas that were given to us from a friend who passed away. i now know that i HAVE to find something to do with them. maybe frame them....... hmmmm...
Wow, you sure made me think about bandannas! Great post, and I liked all the pictures. I'll keep an eye out for them from now on. I remember my mom cleaning house with a navy blue bandanna tied around her hair.
When i was in 7th or 8th grade the hair band thing was big and we wore bandanas around our ankles, waists or necks. If you were really cool you wore two polos with the collars up and a coordinating bandana around your neck. I hadn't thought of that in years. I love the subdued colors. I rarely ever find those, but I have a drawer full of brightly colored worn bandanas.
This post made me smile...scrolling down through, thinking of horsecamp as a young girls and packing a bandana for every day but then...KEITH!!! Very nice addition in your photo choice. Thanks for the grin.
There is that undeniable softness and comfort to a bandana. Makes you feel patriotic ... kind of just like out jeans. Nothing better than when they are worn and loved
I will think of you when I walk by the bin of bandannas at the local thrift stores. I might just pick up a few! They also look really cute on my Puggie. It would be cute to wear matching ones...heehee
Who knew...that so many of us have a love of and history with the bandana! My husband favors the traditional dark blue and bright red. I on the otherhand lein toward more pastel...faded colors.
what a great post..so true.. reminds me of my ex husband but then again they remind me of a lot of things... high school do you remember kids would wear them hanging out of their jean pockets... oh I am originally from New jersey what do you expect..
xoxoxo Laura
Forget Louis Viutton and Ralph...you are today's designer! Your name would sell anything. I love your blog and I can't wait for the Romantic Homes article on your home! I wonder if our Elizabeth will have anything to do with that. Hope so!
Jenny, You flatter me. I may have some blog fans but I do not know about selling anything with my name in it! Thank you though for the compliment.
I did ask Elizabeth to do the shoot at my house but she never responded! I'm sure the trip was not worth it. I hired an ex-Hallmark photographer who has shot my house before so I know it will be great. We shoot Feb. 9. The local magazine 'Spaces' is shooting Feb. 3 and then this week I received a call to have my house shot for Meredith's 'Christmas Ideas' issue! So after this I have to decorate for Xmas! No pressure.
Everyone in our house wears bandannas -- hubby wears them on his head when he cycles, puppy wears them around her neck for guests and when going visiting. I buy colors like hot pink and peach thinking they'll be left alone. But no such luck. As a result everyone gets a bandanna or two on birthdays, Valentine's and for Christmas.
They are the best kid's gifts -- no size to worry about and they're universally popular.
what a GREAT post!!!!!!!! Very clever, indeed. They also make a cute dog collar :)
~Cheryl
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