A Sparkling Vintage Life

Z is for Zephyr

In casting about for a good Z-word, I landed on “zephyr,” which means “a gentle breeze from the west” or “any of various lightweight fabrics and articles of clothing.” It comes from the Greek god Zephyrus, god of the west wind.I...

Y is for Yardley

One of the oldest soap, toiletries, and cosmetics companies in the world is Yardley of London. Established in 1770 by the Cleaver family, and named for a William Yardley who purchased the company in 1823, Yardley was a major producer of soaps, perfumes, powders, and...

X is for Xerox

Okay, so this one’s a bit of a stretch. Hey, “X” words are hard! Anyway, those of us who’ve worked in offices have much for which to thank the Xerox Corporation, namely the invention of the photocopier. Prior to that marvelous machine, typists...

W is for Wasp-Waist

At the turn of the twentieth century, the feminine ideal, at least in the United States, was the Gibson Girl. Drawn by artist Charles Dana Gibson, the Gibson Girl was recognized by her pouffy updo, high-necked blouses, swan neck, and proportionately small waist. This...

V is for Violets

“You are the only person who loves me in the world,” said Elizabeth. “When you talk to me I smell violets.” ? L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Windy Poplars