please help - scarf virgin!

[bessie26]

I need to wear a scarf - but which one? Whenever I try them on in the shops I just feel an idiot - like I'm someone dressing up so they look like a grown-up (I am 39)

I wear mainly slim/skinny jeans & tunic-type tops. I don't really do "girly". Where do I start?

That video is AMAZING! Not just for the scarf ideas, but the editing too!

Bloody hell, Mumsnet is making me spend so much money and I'm not even a mum.

Scarf lovers - have you all heard of Becksondergaard scarves? They're gorgeous.

I love scarves too. Nice and cosy, I'm permanently cold. Also I find them good for hiding behind, when you need to stifle laughter

Just purchased this scarf from Mary Portas at HoF - really like the feathers print and quite tempted to get it in the pink for SS. Should come tomorrow, will let you know if it's nice.

salamanda - gorgeous!!

Constance - that link does not work?

Hmmm...sorry, I can't seem to get it to work, maybe I bought the last one?

<a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=house+of+fraser+mary+portas+feathers+scarf&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1366&bih=673&tbm=isch&tbnid=MFnHbo-nLEVV1M:&imgrefurl=www.mattrichardsillustration.com/blog/2011/10/illustrations-for-mary-portas-scarves/&docid=TxTXERgNyx1KFM&imgurl=www.mattrichardsillustration.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/MARY_FEATHER_SCARF.jpg&w=600&h=420&ei=m-A7T7GTOdKU8gON18yKCw&zoom=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pic here

That should work

That's lovely Constance

You know you want to...

Thanks, Mad. I don't want a MN one though - I want one that I can feel in the flesh before buying. :)

LOVE the feather print.

So do I Remus

Feathers scarf has arrived and is beautiful! Nice size and print is really striking. I was a little when I ordered about it being 50% wool and 50% viscose but then I did read on another thread about being unlikley to have a 100% wool scarf for under £50 and this was £35, but it is lovely and soft and very light so will be nice for SS too. An definitely ordering the other colourway.

I've just discovered infinity scarves, they require zero effort to put on since you don't tie them. I have one like this, v nice:
www.etsy.com/listing/71789337/fabric-necklace-jersey-scarf-infinity

Do you know where you can buy them salamanda?

I do like my MN one, BUT it does crackle a bit with static.

Becksondergaard scarves, cardoon? They're quite hard to find in the UK and tend to only be stocked by independent boutiques, as far as I can tell. Googling will usually throw up the odd shop website where you can buy them, otherwise eBay, Amazon and TK Maxx often have them. I am obsessed with their eelskin purses too.

Becksondergaard scarves are gorgeous! I just bought this one on eBay.

Also love Lily & Lionel and Theodora & Callum. Some fabulous T&C bargains on eBay.

Scarves become quite addictive though. A year ago I had none. Then someone on here mentioned Lily & Lionel......

Ok, my experience and the rules I live by now.
I used to buy one in every colour, cheap. They crease, run colour and look like rags after 2-3 washes.
I bought a gorgeous one in East, lived in it, but lost it (still angry about that, it's been years)..
It was emerald green. Since then I have been hunting for the perfect one.
I have winter and summer ones. In winter I wear a red huge one, can be doubled up as shawl for christmas parties, festive spirit etc. I think is wool, feels a bit like it.
Then I hit jackpot in tk maxx with a cashmere one, perfect for freezing weather, but it is brown, my winter coat is navy.
For the summer I got given a blue silk one and I just bought a taupe very fine thread one.

The trick I think is to buy the best you can afford and either wear black and go mad on the scarf, or colourful clothes with a scarf that picks up one colour of your outfit.
I wash and iron them regularly, I'm a bit bonkers, I like them to look brand new and fresh.
I loved the becksondergaard links, thank you, they look scrumptious. Does anyone know if they have a shop in Holland?

I love scarves! And now, thanks to this thread, I own 4 more - pottering about the interwebs on a Friday night isn't good for my credit card... salamanda the Becksondergaard ones are stunning!

OP I completely agree with Dilidali - go with the best you can afford (or at least ones that look expensive, I have a few Pieces scarves from asos and they look a LOT more expensive than they actually are).

And I find that bigger scarves tend to work better with a semi grungy jeans/tee/leather jacket type look - my favourites are all pashmina sized, they drape better and look less posed. Soft makes a difference too, since it's near your face - my most loved scarf has cashmere in it.

Anyway, the main thing is to have fun - don't overthink the scarf draping as it will rearrange itself with the first gust of wind anyway.

Ooh, forgot to say. If you have a handheld steamer (cheap on amazon) it's the easiest way to look after them - just a quick steam before you chuck them on and instantly de-crumpled.