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Nov 22, 2011

Snoods - Yea or Nay?


Friends, let's cut to the chase.  What do you think of the snood?

As my 1944 Outfit Project draws to a close, and with our photo shoot tentatively scheduled for Thursday (yes, Thanksgiving) morning -- where my cousin will be channeling Maureen O'Hara in Miracle on 34th Street -- I've been busy trying to assemble Cathy's period look on a dime.


I think you've already seen my muff, and why does that sound dirty?  The consensus seems to be that this little $3 hand warmer is shaved rabbit, or shaved something -- real fur.



My original intention had been to make my own shoulder pads for the coat, but I was up at Daytona Trim on 39th Street yesterday, and they had an entire canvas rolling cart full of these molded pads of thick, layered batting for just $1 a pair.  They're not covered -- I'll likely do that myself with muslin -- but they're huge.  To get the effect I'm going for, I'll be putting a pair in each shoulder!



I also picked up a yard and a half of crepe-backed satin for lining at Chic Fabrics.  I was originally going to use Bemberg rayon, but it didn't look heavy enough plus that's kind of fancy, don't you think?  I like the look of the satin better, it's cheap, doesn't wrinkle easily, and I think the weight will enhance the drape of the coat.



Then there was the question of hats/hair.  The Forties had a very particular look and I wasn't sure how to recreate it.  I looked at hats at the flea market, but the colors were all wrong (I needed brown or a muted green), or the shape, or the price.  I was hoping to find something like this, but no such luck.


So on my way home from the fabric store yesterday, I passed one of those ginormous beauty supply/wig/hair extension stores one often finds in New York City, Beauty 35, and I poked my head in to see what kind of accessories they might offer.  Friends, Lady Luck smiled on me once again: I found a wide assortment of snoods -- just $1.99 each!  I bought two: one brown, one burgundy.

I experimented with them, and I must get your opinion, both of Cathy in a snood and of snoods in general.  To me, this type of hair covering treads dangerously into Orthodox Jewish territory.  (I have two orthodox first cousins -- daughters of my Aunt Florence with the aqua toilet that looks like a Pintastic pin dispenser -- so it's a look I know well.)

OK, brace yourself:

1) With the bangs, I am a dead ringer for my cousin Ellen (who no longer goes by the name Ellen, of course).



2) This is a combination of Cathy's new hairdo, with Cathy's old hairdo in the snood.  Rest assured, she'll be clean-shaven and won't have swim goggle imprints around her eyes.  (Flower courtesy of Beauty 35 @ $1.)



3) Then last night I had an epiphany.  Some of the most famous Forties pin-ups were blondes.  I combined my vintage Eva Gabor wig (I didn't tell you about that $5 eBay purchase) with my Peter and the Parrot blonde wig in the snood, and came up with this:





Friends, Michael likes the blonde!

Anyway, back to today's topic.  I'm too lazy to delve deeply into the history of snoods, which have apparently been around since Medieval times, but you can read more about them at the Adore Cherie blog, where you can also catch a photo of Casey looking a little Amish if you ask me.  Snoods were popular during World War II and then fell out of fashion, though they've seen a resurgence in popularity among the vintage-loving crowd.

Are snoods simply too costumey for today, in your opinion?   Have you ever worn one?  Do they make you want to say One ringy dingy and snort through your nose?



In short: Snoods, yea or nay?  

(....and which Cathy hairstyle, please)

53 comments:

  1. I love snoods. I wear them at least a few times a week

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  2. I saw the question and before I'd even made it to the video, I was thinking Lily Tomlin. Even the word "snood" seems like it should describe her face instead of a hair accessory.

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  3. I like the brown one with the new wig. I would like to see it with the blond wig but maybe in a lighter color snood. Never worn one by the way. They remind me of hairnets in fast food joints.

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  4. I have always loved the idea of a snood with a rose. It's so Flamenco dancer. I wore one once for Holloween. I made this beautiful red silk and black lace dress from a Vogue pattern and added a ton of lace flounces. I felt absoulutely gorgeous and feminine in that outfit. And I agree with Michael. I like the blonde on you the best.

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  5. i love a red snood, how patriotic with blond hair and a pink coat. It feels like a picture of American prosperity and sweetness. I have always wanted to wear a crochet snood however I don't think I can pull off the look. I think I would need better shoes to pull off a snood if that makes sense. A 40's dress isn't enough, you'd have to have a great pair of shoes to pull off such a strongly datable hair accessories imho. Go big!

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  6. I love snoods! I wore one frequently when my hair was longer- I like the burgundy one best for Cathy, with the bangs.

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  7. Love it! Love the vintage feel, I think it looks smashing on you, and I'm kind of digging the blond as a change of pace.

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  8. I like the snood with the blond hair. It looks more period-appropriate (and yes, less Orthodox. I live in an Orthodox neighbourhood, and see snoods all the time — and combined with a wig: oy vey, people will wonder where your seven kids are).

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  9. Oh, and I should add that a colourful snood would make Cathy look less like a lunch lady. (Brown snoods, especially, look a little too much like a loose-weave hairnet, in my opinion)

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  10. I've got to say nay to snoods. They just remind me too much of the hairnets my mom used to make me wear while baking Christmas cookies!

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  11. I agree - blonde hair with burgandy snood (and of course, the flower). How much fun! I can't wait to see this outfit on Cathy!

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  12. I'd say nay to the snood. Too lunch lady or Rosie the Riveter. I realize they've (snoods, not lunch ladies or Rosie) been around for centuries, but somehow, the 1940's versions just don't appeal to me.

    Also, I think Kathy looks better with a bit of fullness in hairstyle on the sides of her face.

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  13. Love the snood & flower with either Kathy's new look or the blonde, very 40s. Looking forward to seeing the entire ensemble.

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  14. I generally love snoods, though I've never had enough hair of my own to actually wear one. Popping an extra wig in the back never even occurred to me! The blonde does look nice with the pink of the coat...

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  15. I love snoods, too! And I would give you my opinion about the hairstyles, but I am still stuck contemplating your shaved muff...er...oh, dear.

    (Oh, and the pic of Michael is *priceless*.)

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  16. I love snoods - perfect for when your hair needs a 'freshen up', but you don't quite have time to wash and set it. I like the blonde version best.

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  17. My initial instinct was to say nay, BUT I'm really kinda liking the blonde + snood look on you! It's classy and definitely of the era, I think.

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  18. "Snood". The name says it all. They remind me of hair nets.

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  19. I think that it really depends on what you are accessorizing it with, I don't think it goes with every outfit. I think it would look very nice with the 1944 Outfit Project you are finishing up. For some reason I feel snoods only work in the Fall and Winter months, I don't know why I think this. Anyway, what I really want to say is that I am extremely jealous that you live in an awesome city like New York that has so many fabric sources. Whenever I read yours or Gertie's blog there is a reference to a different fabric store....there are two in my town, both underwhelming, one is Joann's and the other, a local store, is better but the range of quilting cottons is voluminous and the fashion fabrics are limited. Maybe it's a good thing I don't have easy access like that to a plethora of sources, I'd go bankrupt.

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  20. nay. and whoever said lunch lady hit the nail on the head.

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  21. Snoods are a gamble, but they can be quite striking. I'm votin' for Look #2.

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  22. I think the red snood would look good with the 1944 coat/outfit project. Love the flower! The more I look, the more I am favoring the blond, although style #2 is a close second (initially my favorite). I think the extra hair volume in the front in necessary to pull off the 1940s snood vibe in a fun way. I can't say I have ever worn a snood, but I also can't say I never would wear one either, so well, I guess it is ok in my book, but I think it depends on the styling. Methinks the 1944 outfit is the perfect excuse for snood wearing.

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  23. Blonde Cathy! Love the curly bangs out front!

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  24. I always thought snoods served a practical purpose, when women went to work in the factories in the forties and had to control their hair, and could not spend a lot of time styling it. Snoods became stylish as a result of making-do, not choice.

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  25. My mom wore a snood in the '40's, to work - in the defense plant. No other occasion. More often you would see women with invisible hair nets if a snood would do. She says that a bandana was the second most common head covering, followed by the babushka (Polish neighborhood). Hats were for church and 'occasions' of uncertain type. I would like to see the red snood on the blond hair. I think that might just fill the bill. ( I crocheted and wore more snoods in the '70's than my mom ever wore.

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  26. Yes to the snood, but on the condition that the front of your hairstyle is puffy enough to offset the hanging bag of hair behind your head. You asked if anyone has worn one: yes, but it was at a Renaissance festival, so perhaps that doesn't count. In any event, if you are not bold enough to pull off a snood, try a hairnet, which will give the back of your hair the same shape without being as obvious.

    P.S. Blonde.

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  27. I really want to see Cathy with a total Rosie the Riveter look! I'll even send you the pattern I have if Cathy's game. :)

    As for the snoods, I'm not sure if I like them for Cathy or not. I definitely prefer Cathy as a brunette - she's more mysterious that way.

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  28. Ewwwww on the snood -- unless it's invisible net. A net does give a nice swing to the hair. Or wig, as the case may be.

    Those chunky crochet models are . . . well, words fail me. If Cathy must, she should probably consider making sure that hers is the same color as her hair, to mitigate the damage a bit.

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  29. BLONDE!!!

    Burgundy snood, with a bit of a victory roll instead of bangs. That should balance out the back, and frame Cathy's delicate features.

    The flower is fitting, and why deny Cathy the opportunity to wear one?

    You've just made Thanksgiving into Christmas - the gift of a Cathy photo shoot!

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  30. I can see it working for some outfits and some people... but not me. It would vear into costume on me rather than a look I own. That said... Cathy had personality to spare and an outfit to go with it. She can pull that off.

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  31. Unlike some of my fellow/sororal commenters, I like both actual snoods and the word "snood." Say it with me, folks: "All-American snoods." "A capable girl wears a snood." "Snoods for today."

    Don't you just want to knit yourself up a perky snood?

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  32. A couple of months ago my mom asked me to make her a new muff and apparently neither one of us has matured enough to stop from giggling when we say the word. I can be forgiven since I'm barely past puberty (52) but my mother is 77 so really has no excuse.
    I don't think the snood is too constumey for Cathy as she can carry off pretty much aything with panache, but I like the look of a contrasting color, so if you go with the dark hair, a brighter snood is nice.

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  33. YEA for snoods! I love them and own two (hot pink and white)! They are FABULOUS for keeping the curl in your hair and for keeping the hair out of the way. Plus, it's super easy to style and looks very 40's. Definitely wear a snood. I think the blonde would look stunning with the colour of the coat!

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  34. They're also an excellent place to store a wig.

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  35. Love the snood with the blonde hair and also love Valerie's 'muff' comment.

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  36. Yes to the snoods. The brown snood over the blonde wig with or without the flower. Cathy would have to see what went with her outfit. The flower addition could make her look demure or saucy so it depends on the look she wants :).
    Cheers,
    Robyn

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  37. I would say yes to the snood; I like it best with the blonde hair. It's important to have some volume going on in the front to balance the volume in the back (that may be why the blonde is my favorite look). Make sure the snood is well filled and not sparse; maybe set your back wig into curls? Also think about some sort of hairband, scarf or flowers around the edge of the snood over the top of the head. That will go a long ways to dispel the 'lunch lady' look.

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  38. Yay! My vote is Cathy's new hair (brown) with red snood.

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  39. I have to say, the second I read the word "snood" all I could picture in my mind was my orthodox sister-in-law with a mess of hair shoved up into a sack on her head she lovingly refers to as a snood. ugh. That said, I tried to give it an honest look nonetheless, and I think the blond hair/ dark snood combo looks the best. If you do decide to go with the dark, the flower really helps.

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  40. You're so cute and crazy! :)

    I used to wear them Alllll The Time. They're one of those vintage things that's actually so useful and helpful I don't see why "costumey" should come into the equation...

    I mean.. Dirty hair and no time to wash? Put on a snood. Humid day and getting the frizz? Put on a snood. General bad hair day, and no time or inclination to comb and re-set your hair? Snoodtime.

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  41. Love the snood! It would be great if you could manage a couple of rolls at the front, but any reasonable volume looks great with the flower. Blonde and brunette both lovely on you!

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  42. Well, Peter, I have to say, I must vote no for the snood (even the name is ridiculous). I wouldn't be caught dead in one.

    However, for Cathy, I think the blonde one may work. I especially liked the pic showing the back of the coat and the snood-do. I like the flower accent, too!

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  43. Peter...
    Before you allow yourself to be swept away by the cheers of "Yes! Yes!" and "More! More!", be mindful that snoods were worn with hairdos that were full and rather severe when compared to styles today. Bangs would tend to be evenly cut across your brow rather than 'fluffy.' If your hair was too long for bangs, we would often gather it up and pincurl it back or to the side. Hair was smooth and hair was even, focusing on big healthy curls and waves....no Farrah Faucett-like flyaway fluff in those days.

    And, ....also consider changing the flower to something less 'busy.' Things like decorated bobbypins, faux braids, rhinestone clips, velvet ribbons or headbands can define the snood transition, too.

    I'm not being a snot or anything so don't take my comments the wrong way...Just providing another opinion to this long list of suggestions and accolades. You always amaze me in thinking about and creating every detail of your looks. You do an amazing job, and don't need my help. :D Thought I'd pipe in my 2 cents. I'll be following you to see what Cathy decides! Ladies like options...make sure she knows about all of them!

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  44. Although not a snood fan, I think you can pull it off with the blonde hair, you need a change. Definitely victory rolls at the front (youtube tutorial, wonderful girl on there right into vintage 40's). The flower adds a nice touch, makes it less hair netty. I can't wait to see your look.

    Josette

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  45. I wear snoods all the time - and live in a Jewish neighborhood. I do victory rolls at the front and with a 1940s outfit you won't look too Orthodox. I vote for the blonde wig plus snood.

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  46. Oooh, I love the brown snood and the flower – paired with your new coat you have a fabulous ensemble!

    I often wear snoods myself because of my penchant for wearing 1940s style clothing (and because my hair does not like to hold a curl). I have two I crocheted myself and am sure I will add to the collection as soon as I find another pattern that strikes my fancy. The snood does make people stare a bit more, but with my vintage-style wardrobe I am used to it!

    I say go for it – it is the perfect accessory for any 1940s style outfit!

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  47. Go blonde for sure!

    And now I've seen your muff....bhahahahahahaha

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  48. Snood is so 40's and I say go for it in blond with brown snood

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  49. i went through a snood period in the late 80s so i'm yay snood for Cathy. But in saying that, i think the blonde hair with the snood is much more stylish than its brunette competition.

    On a totally different topic, Peter you're a bad influence! ;P i found another late 50s/early 60s Class 15 Japanese clone today; this one has the ability to lower the feed dogs and has two fabric choices - silk or normal. She cost me $50 (i haggled them down from $100). She's in lovely condition and her stitches are beautiful. Once my newly bought, 221 featherweight comes back from being serviced i'll be vintage sewing machine heaven LOL

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  50. Peter:

    You've confessed to being uncertain about how to re-create the '40s look, but you're on the right track. The trick is volume at the forehead, and at the nape. The forehead can be bare, with the hair swept up and back into a meche, or it can have bangs, but it should LOOM. Bangs sometimes had a little roll of padding (charmingly known as a "rat") underneath them to give them that "bumper bang" volume). At the back, lots of fluffy curls or a sleek chignon or a mass of hair held in a snood. The detail everyone gets wrong is the crown - it should be flat. For the past fifty years, fashion has demanded some volume there, and even in period-themed movies, hairstylists cannot seem to break themselves of the idea that the crown should be teased up a bit. No, no, no! FLAT.

    I have no preference for the blonde vs. the brunette; they both work. Blonde is a bit Betty Grable for my personal tastes; brunette veers more toward the Ann Rutherford.

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  51. Good grief, this is complicated. Maybe I'll opt for a beret!

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