Those of you who are regular readers know we have a special attachment to the blouson, But once, our love of the blouson got us into trouble.

We continue our homage to cocoa, a fabulous shade of brown and a delicious flavor.

Because summer is always coming

What is it? A plant of the genus Amaranthus, known for its brightly colored purple, red, or gold flowers. But perhaps the most charming meaning of the word amaranth is

The word is from the French for 'veil,' and may be pronounced as it reads in English, 'voyle' or as it reads in French, 'vwall.' Either is correct.

Yes, in answer to your question, there is an Anikka Becker Corporate Coat Hanger Collection. Pieces come from clothing shops, tailors, hotels, and manufacturers all over the world. Whether selected for the beauty of their wood, innovative shape, or evocative label, they all have a story to tell. One recent acquisition, the McGregor, really earned its keep.

Cocoa linen? It's that color of cocoa and sugar mixed together to make iced chocolate. Rich, refreshing, and not too sweet. We share our recipe for this favorite with you.

So many women ask, 'Why don't people dress up any more?' Linda Przybyszewski, a professor of history at Notre Dame and an accomplished dressmaker, takes a serious look at what has happened to American women's fashion.

So glad you asked. Blouson. Pronounced ‘bloo-sawn.’ If you want to give it the French pronunciation, make up your mind you’re not going to say the ‘n’ at the end, then say the ‘aw’ through your nose. The cut may be seen in a blouse, jacket, or dress.

A giant of American cotton manufacturing, the Amoskeag Mills of Manchester, New Hampshire were founded in 1809. By World War I Amoskeag was the largest textile company in the world, employing over 17,000 people across 30 buildings. They turned out 50 miles of cloth an hour.

The shirtwaist, a buttoned blouse styled like a man's shirt, became popular in the late 19th century. Worn tucked into a skirt, the shirtwaist blouse freed women from the earlier, more confining, corsets, bustles, and high necks.

A lightweight woven, cotton dimity is a corded fabric— two or more yarns are woven together to create raised ‘lines’ in the fabric. The derivation of the name is uncertain, but it may refer to the Greek, di mitos, for ‘two threads.’

The name refers to the city of Laon (lah-onh’), in northern France, where this type of cloth was first manufactured.

What is cotton?

Simple question, right? But shop for a dress or a pair of jeans. Try on different ready-to-wear lines. In one brand you’re a size 8, but in another a size 10 or even a 12. What’s going on?