text:
Why I wear fox stoles, and plastic rain hoods
My favorite emails and comments are from people who tell me that reading my blog inspires them to be more themselves. Not more like me, not even more vintage, just more, well, them.
It can be difficult to be yourself, we have magazines, and television shows, and friends and peers all telling us what we should be. Telling us what is cool, and what will make us more popular and accepted.
When I was 14 I picked up a beauty magazine. It was awful. Biased to one type of woman, and none of those women were me. Nor were they what I wanted to be. So I put it down and decided I wouldn't pick up another beauty magazine until I was an adult, and was completely comfortable and confidant with myself. I consider that decision to have a huge impact in my teenage life, for I grew up to be what you see here every day. Thanks to the lack of that influence, among other things, I was able to decide at a seemingly early time in my life what I like, and accept it.
I've always had a soft spot for fox and mink stoles, but until a few years ago, told myself it was wrong to want something like that. Because everyone else said they were wrong. But I'd see them sitting in stores, unwanted, and sad, and needing a good home. People would pass by them and make faces, call them names, and not even want to touch them. I didn't want to be one of those people, I loved those little forgotten animals, and gosh darn it, I was going to save them from becoming cat toys and dust collectors.
So I adopted a few, and despite rude comments and dirty looks, I love them, and am happy to have finally accepted that even though lots of people think I shouldn't have them, I don't care. They don't have to love them. I will.
I like fox stoles, and plastic polka dot rain hoods, and sweaters with kittens on them, and ridiculous hats. Do I like them because the latest fashion magazine told me they are cool? No. I say they're cool. In my little world of handmade sweaters and untanned skin, I'm the coolest kid on the block.
I hope that you have the confidence to be who you are. Yeah, it can be hard sometimes if you're a bit different from everyone else, but whatever. If you want to wear a skirt made from pink cotton balls, do it. Do it someday. Do it everyday. If you want to write letters instead of emails, or collect pieces of thread, do it. You will be judged, just like you judge others, we all do it, but I hope you don't care what others think.
So there you have it, my thoughts on this and that. This blog is first and foremost a source of enjoyment for me. I love showing you my clothes, and love being surrounded by positive people and making new friends. After that it is for my readers, and while I'm very glad to have so many, and happy you enjoy my postings, I don't have this blog to please everyone's taste and needs. I have my own style, and so should you.
117 comments:
- mitukatie said...
amazing post! i have to say, this really strikes a chord with me. aside from the fact i found a fur pill box hat and an estate sale and felt a little guilty about how much i love it, i just watched the bachelor and my self esteem is suffering (who knows why such a dumb show could do that to me). this post could not have come at a better time. thank you!
- January 24, 2011 at 10:18 PM
- elventryst said...
Bravo! I wish I had an ounce of your self-confidence to just go forth and be! I LOVE the fox stole and wondered when you posted last if you'd get shite for that choice. Thank you for being an individual and refusing to conform. You are an inspiration to us all!
- January 24, 2011 at 10:21 PM
- art deco dame said...
*applauds*Very well written!All I can really add to it is "AMEN!"
- January 24, 2011 at 10:22 PM
- Jen said...
I hear ya about the furs. I still can't decide with myself over which way to lean when it comes to vintage furs. I feel insanely angry over what happens to the poor animal, but like you, I want to give it a "new life" (have you seen Dinner For Shmucks? Hahaha). I'm torn. But besides that, you look stunning in your photo up there! ox.
- January 24, 2011 at 10:24 PM
- Unknown said...
While I wouldn't buy a modern fur, I have had my eye out for vintage fox stoles, and I own my great-grandmother's mink stole from the 'teens. Somehow, it seems terribly wasteful to me to throw away a vintage fur; I feel better when I see a fur in the hands of someone who will take care of it.
And re: polka dot rain hoods, I think they're very practical, and I want one. - January 24, 2011 at 10:31 PM
- Rina said...
yes, I feel the same way. I see some sometimes and I see how lonely they are, and I really want to give them a nice home. I think I would treat them more like pets if I were to buy one (like Jen said in Diner for Shmucks, haha!) rather than wear them for fashion. but that's mostly because I really don't have the right outfit.
I really like this though. Your attitude is so wonderful, and I feel more appreciative to have my own sort of quirky style. It may not be as vintage as yours, or as cute as my friends, but I feel special knowing it's sort of my own. ;3 - January 24, 2011 at 10:33 PM
- Meg Eileen Carroll said...
Inspirational! I especially agree with your view on untanned skin. what's the matter with pale /9i like to say porcelain) skin. there's a government campaign ad here in aus saying "there's nothing healthy about a tan.' everytime someone complains about how they're not tanned enough this is what i'll say.
also my mum mum (mum's mum) has a few really lovely furs packed away, sadly un-used. and you should see the wardrobe at my theatre company (GSODA). fox stoles and fur coats galore! a lot of our shows involve that kind of stuff! - January 24, 2011 at 10:43 PM
- Meg Eileen Carroll said...
Inspirational! I especially agree with your view on untanned skin. what's the matter with pale /9i like to say porcelain) skin. there's a government campaign ad here in aus saying "there's nothing healthy about a tan.' everytime someone complains about how they're not tanned enough this is what i'll say.
also my mum mum (mum's mum) has a few really lovely furs packed away, sadly un-used. and you should see the wardrobe at my theatre company (GSODA). fox stoles and fur coats galore! a lot of our shows involve that kind of stuff! - January 24, 2011 at 10:43 PM
- toridawn said...
right on, girl! thanks for being you...and encouraging us all to do the same. I want to save this in case I have a little girl someday and have her read it when she reaches those scary jr. high years. Such a refreshing perspective!
xo - January 24, 2011 at 10:53 PM
- Sarah said...
You seem to be a very beautiful person and soul - thank you for writing this blog and helping others to find themselves :)
Thought you mentioning fox/mink stoles is kind of funny because I've been watching this style that's kind of popular in Japan called Dolly Kei/Antique Dolly style and they're in love with these kind of stoles!
The bottom picture is a pretty good example. Yay living in the Pacific Northwest! You've also inspired me to check out some of the vintage shops/antique malls in the Portland area. Thank you for that too! - January 24, 2011 at 11:00 PM
- Donna said...
That's a very sweet reason to rescue a fox stole, I think I'll look at them a little differently the next time I see one 8-)
- January 24, 2011 at 11:14 PM
- Helga said...
Most excellent.
- January 24, 2011 at 11:22 PM
I'm coming out of my lurking corner to say... AMEN! In my own little world of vintage-inspired fashion and celebration of my plus-size curves, I'm the coolest kid on the block. It's important to be who you are, and stop trying to be a person that others (medias, magazines, fashion designers, etc.) want you to be. Long live individuality!
- January 24, 2011 at 11:26 PM
I just started following your blog (I think you're super cool :) ) and I really loved this post. As I think many others have said, I can really identify with your way of thinking. I go through dips, both mood- and fashionwise (who doesn't?) but this was truly inspiring. I think I'll have to bookmark it for those days when I find myself wondering why I dress the way I do :)
Thank you - January 24, 2011 at 11:31 PM
- Elina said...
Thanks for this post! Last night I happened to watch some stupid TV shows with basic idea like this: take an eccentric and change her outfit to fit other people's tastes better. Well the participants looked kind of awful with tons of make-up and pink furry boots (think about raves and 1994) but then again isn't it better that they are themselves than just another copy of some actress/model -type fashion icon? For myself at 36 and being a mom I sometimes have felt the pressure to dress up more sensibly or "mom-like". But I don't have to, really, if my true love is vintage high heels combined to 50's wiggle dress... And my kid loves my dresses too :)
- January 24, 2011 at 11:46 PM
- poet said...
This captures pretty much my attitude towards fur, but I hadn't been able to articulate it before! Whenever I see a fur or leather vintage item, it's really hard for me not to feel the cultural imperative of "Ugh, some animal died for this, UNETHICAL, do not wear!", especially as I have some vegetarian/vegan friends and offending them by showing up in fur is really the last thing I want to do.. but on the other hand, I get this sense that, yes, some animal died for this and it's tragic, but if it just sits around un-used and un-loved, it's even more tragic. And since I've made it my task to seek out un-loved vintage things and give them a second chance, maybe I'll start doing this for fur items, too.
Thanks for making me think!
poet - January 24, 2011 at 11:54 PM
- Esz said...
I respect your views! Great post! I thinkthere's no problem wearing vintage fur - such things shouldn't go to waste.
Hypocrite that I may be, I won't support NEW fur production - especially animals farmed solely for fur that are of no "use" otherwise. And don't even start on rare animal fur - that's just obscene!
My beliefs fall in line with the "nose to tail" concept. If we are to kill animals then we must make full use of every single part of them we can. And make sure they live a natural life as close to their natural behaviours as possible. We are omnivores and on top of the food chain for a reason, I just don't think we should exploit that position as much as we do. - January 25, 2011 at 12:03 AM
- talking to Hattie said...
A very interesting post. I have always been like this too. In fact if you pay attention, you can hear my Mum whispering to the minister on my wedding video 'she always likes to be a bit different' I think my Mum was embarrassed, imagine still being embarrassed when I was 35. I remember a particular hat when I was 15. We were on holiday and my Dad told me to walk in front if I insisted on wearing it.
I have no objection to people wearing vintage fur, but I cant wear it. I tried on a gorgeous fur coat in a charity store (much to the delight of the old ladies who worked there), but it freaked me out and I couldn't buy it. I think life if much more interesting if we all 'march to the beat of our own drum'
xxx - January 25, 2011 at 12:19 AM
- Unknown said...
Great post. Its the best feeling being happy in your own skin. It can be hard for some to get to this point, but the world would be a better place if everyone felt this way! Love your blog.
Marisa :) - January 25, 2011 at 12:21 AM
A FRIENDLY rebuttal. I appreciate and empathise with what you and all the commenters are saying.
Nevertheless, it's hard to ignore the problem that wearing furs like these (as cute as I think they are) will ultimately influence other people. That influence, whether it be you as a blogger or high-end fashion brands, will undoubtedly create a higher demand. Unfortunately, the availability of vintage furs is finite. So I guess that's my problem with furs like these. It glamorises and popularises them and when the "wrongs of the past" run out due to high demand, what will happen? A black market will arise and more animals will be killed for aesthetic purposes only.
The common counter-argument is "people wear leather all the time, so isn't this the same thing?".
There are a few differences: (1) cows can be used in multiple ways, so the animal is not only used for making accessories or clothing but also as a source of food (2) cows have been domesticated and are bred on farms so the supply is plenty and risk of extinction low.
This is unlike other wild animals whose fur may appealing (leopards, bears etc). These species, if fur is popularised again, are at risk of extinction. (Although I do accept that foxes are generally considered a pest, or as in Australia, an introduced/invasive species detrimental to our native fauna). My main point is that wearing fur, in my opinion, has the potential to increase demand and therefore increase hunting of these animals for one, arguably unnecessary use.
This is where it gets tricky. Vegetarians and vegans will think eating meat is cruel. It's a tough line to draw as a meat eater myself (and indeed I try and limit my meat intake because of methane emissions/cruelty problems). I guess I draw the line at whether the animal is able to have the most use it possibly can in exchange for its death and whether the use of the animal in this way is (1) realistically able to cease, or drastically reduce in the world, (2) detrimental in that it'll promote a black market where animal death serves only aesthetic purposes (3) detrimental to the survival of the species/ecosystem/environment.
Although I don't look down at people who wear furs it does make me look twice in shock, probably because I've been "indoctrinated" my whole life with the "FUR IS BAD" notion. I see your point, but I think my points might be worth considering. I adore your blog and your guts to wear these beautiful, controversial pieces ☺ - January 25, 2011 at 12:22 AM
- LandGirl1980 said...
"In my little world of handmade sweaters and untanned skin, I'm the coolest kid on the block. "
I LOVE this notion and might make a new mantra of it! Top post! - January 25, 2011 at 12:52 AM
- Unknown said...
Re: Anonymous: That's the nicest, politest rebuttal I think I've ever seen. I would echo some of it's content. Namely the "nose to tail" ethic also mentioned in other comments,and the threat the fur trade can pose to rare or endangered species.
I don't belive eating meat or wearing animal skins and firs is in ANY way wrong as long as they are from a sustainable and humanely treated source. I too was brought up with the "fur is bad" edict and for a long time I belived it. Until I started to think about the issue properly, for myself, and realised that it's like pretty much everything else in life. Not at all black and white and a matter of personal choice and our own conscience.
I also find myself involuntarily stroking fur when I see it. I can't help myself. I love the way you articulate this urge to "love and look after" vintage furs. I've long thought it a bit of a contradiction that if it's sooooo wrong and wasteful to kill an animal for fur; surely it's gotta be pretty wrong and wasteful to just throw it away? It does seem wrong to me.
Aside from the fur issue in your post, here here to being yourself. I still struggle with that from time to time. But I can think of few better personal goals to pursue.
xxx - January 25, 2011 at 12:53 AM
- Fiona Timantti said...
Being who you are even though you might be getting laughed at is a good and brave thing to do. I've been doing the same my whole life. I love all those things you mentioned, like sweaters with kittens on them (my favourite sweater has a blue and white pony on it). But i still don't want to wear anything with a face. And fur farming is totally unacceptable.
If it's vintage, let's say 70 years old, i can somehow understand fur, like in the collar of a wintercoat (i have one 40's coat with lamb trimming). I think all the exsisting materials should be used and reused. But to wear something with a face is, in my opinion, not a matter of taste in clothing or about whats fashionable. It's about not wanting to wear something that shoud not have been killed because someone wanted get something "pretty" to wear.
Would you wear a kitten stole? - January 25, 2011 at 2:07 AM
- Charlotte said...
Fur - even vintage fur - is never going to stop being a controversial issue, but I'm with you on giving old furs a new life. (Although if I'm honest I'm not a big fan of fur with faces and legs and things - maybe that makes me a hypocrite)
It's great you have such a strong sense of self and I love that you encourage others to be themselves. Indeed, it's partly down to your blog that I made the decision to further develop my own personal style.
xx Charlotte
Tuppence Ha'penny Vintage - January 25, 2011 at 2:24 AM
- Unknown said...
What a lovely heart warming post :D. It's true, it's improtant to be yourself and not conform to what everybody else deems cool.
much love,
Miss Milly x - January 25, 2011 at 3:16 AM
- Lady Jardin - Vintage Views of the South Coast said...
i love the fact you have brought this age old debate up! i for one love wearing my furs, but i feel confident that when people come up to me and ask me how i can live with myself wearing them, i can explain to them, in detail, the differences between how fur was made pre 60s, and modern day fur techniques.
I have done hours of research and i dont feel guilty for wearing them at all. It was done in a much more humane way back then, and of course i can understand those who are anti fur as i've seen how fox furs are now made, and its sickening! all that would happen to these lovelies (yes, i treat them like pretend pets!) would be that they would end up in a tip, or worse, eaten by moths! i actually had to throw my 30s couture fox fur out last week because the moths had had it, and i will miss the little bugger.
I love reading your blogs, and it helps to reassure me i'm not the only one out there who wears vintage fur guilt free. Thank you so much, and to everyone who's been sharing their views, very interesting reading!
xxx - January 25, 2011 at 3:36 AM
- Keukenprinses said...
Adopting an old fur is like adopting an old pet nobody wants anymore. They are THERE, and appreciating them, giving them care and attention is always better than leaving them to rot away. Then the life of this animal has been totally invane.
These animals have lived to die for fur. Like it or not - they are dead now, and most of them would have been dead in nature also, years ago.
Celebrating the beauty of nature by celebrating this life of an animal, through appreciating the beauty of its fur and the wonderous usefullness is no sin, it is a reverence to the soul that died in this coat, once.
Which, by the way, means in no sense that I approve of new furs. Unless the animal has died for more use than just the coat, for instance for the flesh, there is no sense in killing for fur.
But on the other side: I wear leather, I eat meat, I use bone glue, etc. etc. What is there to be hypocritical about... - January 25, 2011 at 3:55 AM
- Alli said...
Solanah- I admire you for being so comfortable and confident in yourself, especially at such a young age. I'm now 36, and am still trying to feel comfortable with who I am. So great to see someone who doesn't try to conform to what is considered 'normal' by societies warped ideals. Good on you! Don't ever change ;)
- January 25, 2011 at 4:07 AM
- Casey said...
What a great post, Solanah! I think I nodded my head the entire way through in agreement. ;) I really appreciate that you do inspire others with your style and enthusiasm for not only vintage but crafting your own style within the vintage "look". I, for one, have always found your style charming and come away from each post with ideas for outfits and a appreciation for confidence to be different in a society that doesn't always look favorably on those who are outside the norm. Funnily enough: I was modeling for a local vintage shop yesterday and the lady who owns it asked me if I ever feel self-conscious about looking the way I do in public (in context: we were taking photos next to a busy city street and I was in a full-on 50s look)? At this point in my life I am glad to say that I'm not, and a large part of this confidence has to do with being able to "meet" and make friends with gals such as yourself through blogging! I know that somewhere else there are other ladies like myself who are just as interested in interpreting fashion in their own way.
Oh, and I also want to say that I think it's brilliant that you rejected fashion mags from such an early age. If only I had been so wise! ;)
Finally, on the fur issue... I agree with the idea of "rescuing" these old pieces. Fur has always been one of those things I am drawn to, although I could never buy modern fur simply because the modern fur industry practices bother me. But adopting these old, unwanted pieces and giving them new life (and hopefully from going to the landfill!) is entirely different. I guess I have a real soft spot for "unloved" things that I find in thrift stores and antique shops... I'm a sucker for something that needs a little lovin' and a new home! You're right: in many cases of "controversial" fashion you just reach a point where you realize that no matter what you do, someone out there will disagree, and you just have to accept that and move on. As one commenter said: the fur issue is full of gray areas! I've even found less "ethical" sides of fashion, such as wearing a hat, can cause just as much consternation among others. But that goes part and parcel with looking different. I think in some ways, the times I've worn a *gasp* hat out in public has garnered quite a few more semi-negative comments than when I've worn one of my fur pieces. Odd, no?
Anyway, enough of my rambling! I really appreciate that you took the time to write this and share your encouragement to be yourself--even someone like me who just doesn't really pay attention to the looks/comments any longer, does need to be reminded of that from time-to-time! ;)
♥ Casey | blog - January 25, 2011 at 4:15 AM
- pumps & luiers said...
indeed - all magazines and tv shows focus so much on being mainstream and want us to follow a beauty-'ideal' were I find that beauty lies in caracter and that everybody has to be able to show who they are
- January 25, 2011 at 4:32 AM
- Andrea Eames said...
I really admire you for posting this, and for your attitude in general. That's why I check your blog daily! (Stalker? No). I agree with your view on vintage fur, as well, although I can see the point of those who say you are 'advertising' the wearing of fur in general. I don't subscribe to that view, but I understand it - and bravo to that earlier commenter who posted such a polite and well-reasoned summary of his/her opposing views.
Andrea x - January 25, 2011 at 4:43 AM
- Stephanie Lynn said...
You go girl! I love and admire how confident you are. That's something I'm still working on. Being around people who live in sweats every day makes me feel nervous about even just wearing a skirt some days.
- January 25, 2011 at 4:51 AM
- Shady Del Knight said...
I love your pictures, Solanah. Each one speaks a thousand words. Yet, this is your finest post ever because you gave us more words than pictures. You opened up and candidly revealed your personal philosophy. It took courage and I admire you for it.
Although I have an opinon about fur I will stay out of that debate, choosing instead to address another subject about which you wrote.
It amazes me that in 2011 women and girls are still apologizing for having white, untanned skin. Ladies, please wake up! You are not ugly duckings. You are beautiful swans! The images of Solanah presented on the pages of Vintage Vixen are the gold standard of beauty! Skinny and tanned is so yesterday. Natural curves and unspoiled porcelain skin is classic and timeless. - January 25, 2011 at 5:28 AM
- Brittany_Va-VoomVintage said...
This is the most well-written and kind-hearted post on the subject that I have ever read! I feel the exact same way about "potential cat toys" and I"m slowly learning to rescue them in spite of what modern society says about them because it makes me feel happy. Thank you for inspiring us to all have the courage to be ourselves. xoxo
- January 25, 2011 at 6:01 AM
I just have to say thank you.
I've always collected vintage, but my dresses would sit quietly in my wardrobe, I loved them but felt that I wasn't stylish or pretty enough to wear them.
Instead I safely stuck to jeans and a t-shirt, which I don't condone anyone wearing, but they help me hide myself. Slowly I've managed to put down the jeans and wear tights and pencils skirts, dresses and 1940s trench coats, and even a red beret! (-Before I wouldn't have dreamed of doing this!) I deserve to wear my lovely clothes, I look nice in them. I feel comfortable wearing my grey tweed dress and purple cardie and I don't care if others think I look like a librarian.
And you're part of what helped me get back to myself. So thanks. : ) - January 25, 2011 at 6:11 AM
BCF - January 25, 2011 at 6:27 AM
- Unknown said...
Very well written, Solanah! I've always marched to the beat of my own drummer and applaud anyone with the courage to be themselves.
As the mother of two young girls, I can also appreciate that you chose not to be influenced at a young age by fashion magazines or the media. My girls get a lot of exposure to history on our vintage/thrifting jaunts and have started to express a preference for originality over "mall fashion" that I am really proud of. I love seeing them figure out who they are for themselves instead of using their peers as a compass! - January 25, 2011 at 7:17 AM
- Jenny @ Kerrfect! said...
I love your blog and I find it inspiring in a number of ways. Everything from trying to take better photos (I'm no photographer, lol) for my own blog to maybe slipping in a hat or pair of dress gloves here and there. I haven't a lot of experience dealing with older fabrics and such so I heed your clothing care advice too. I'm not built for vintage clothing really, but I often dress vintage inspired. I have always been a thrift store girl, and I used to just leave the vintage behind no matter how awesome they were. Instead of them wasting away in the store I've bought a few pieces to try to share with the world in my Etsy store because I see that someone other than me might actually think they are cool enough to use. You have been one of my favorite blogs for a long time... I even featured your blog on MY blog back in Sep of 09! http://www.kerrfect.com/2009/09/i-subscribe-to-vixen-vintage/
- January 25, 2011 at 7:20 AM
- BaronessVonVintage said...
I truly think it is wonderful that you were able to become aware of (and reject) the negative effects of media-produced notions of identity and beauty and so forth at such a young age. I also think you make excellent points about the fact that people should do what makes them happy. I guess the point that some people are trying to make is that no animals were harmed in the making of the "plastic polka dot rain hoods, and sweaters with kittens on them, and ridiculous hats" you love (well, maybe some of the bird hats), so when a person chooses to wear vintage fur in the modern age, they have to arm themselves for the very emotionally charged responses some people may have to this fashion (it's not just an issue of people giving a vintage fur wearer strange looks because they are choosing to dress in a way that seems different from mainstream--it's an issue of ethics for many people). I personally think that many of the people who get in an uproar about seeing others wearing VINTAGE fur can come off as hypocritical, especially if they wear new leather or eat chicken, etc. I personally do NOT have an issue with anyone who wears vintage fur at all. I don't wear fur because of personal preference (I don't like the feel of it against my skin). But wearers of fur have to accept that fur of any kind continues to be a hugely contentious issue/fashion style choice--and this means that wearers of fur do have to be prepared to deal with the fact that some people feel that by wearing fur of any kind, one is in some way be continuing to fuel the fur industry in the 21st century. Good for you that you are willing to put up with the politics of it all when you continue to be yourself by wearing the fur that you love.
- January 25, 2011 at 7:21 AM
- Lauren said...
Great post!!!!
- January 25, 2011 at 7:36 AM
- BaronessVonVintage said...
Sorry, I just wanted to respond to one of the commenters above who stated that animals killed for fur were more humanely treated in the past. I know it's easy to look at the little glassy eyed fox faces and see them as cute and cuddly little woodland creatures needing rescuing (trust me, I've felt that impulse before), but the reality is that these are NOT stuffed teddy bears. They are essentially taxidermied animals! My grandparents managed a mink ranch during the depression and when I was little, I remember that my grandfather also raised chinchillas for fur. I can tell you that these little guys did not "go gentle into that good night." Many of the animals used for fur were regarded as vermin (foxes, rabbits, minks, martens, raccoons, the list goes on), so I can tell you that in most cases, when these animals' fur got harvested, it was not done with much concern for these creatures and the level of pain they were feeling. Just had to put that out there. Again, I'm not against people wearing vintage fur, but I also do think wearing vintage fur does come with a need to be informed and somewhat realistic about where it came from, how it was sourced, and some level of sensitivity to why others might find furs of any kind or age, a contentious and even ethically offensive piece of fashion.
- January 25, 2011 at 7:44 AM
- iLiveinmyLab said...
This post makes me happy inside! Keep up the fantastic blogging!
- January 25, 2011 at 8:04 AM
- Kitten loves vintage said...
Hear hear! I own a fur stole...but I haven't worn it yet, partly because I don't know what outfit and occasion it would go with, and partly because I'm afraid that someone will start asking difficult questions about how I can wear it...I'll try to keep this post in mind if that ever happens, thank you for sharing your thoughts!
- January 25, 2011 at 8:06 AM
- Flapper Flickers + Silent Stanzas said...
If only more young women felt the way you do, sweetie. Individuality should be pushed during the formative years, not following the herd. I've always been myself, and yes, sometimes I've "suffered" for it, but I wouldn't have it any other way. ^_^
p.s. Us pale girls need to stick together! LOL - January 25, 2011 at 8:29 AM
- seannaapproved said...
I love my fur stole! :) Wish I was able to wear it more!
Anyway I agree, I bought into the whole looking at a magazine to be me thing and now I am me! :) I march to beat of my own drummer!
thevintagedame.blogspot.com - January 25, 2011 at 8:48 AM
- Honor said...
Thank you for being an ispiration.
I went to a vintage shop the other week and all of the money they made from fur products when to an animal charity. I think this is the best way to trade these items.
http:/teapothonor.blogger.com - January 25, 2011 at 8:57 AM
- Kelly said...
I love this post! I love your blog for exactly the reason you stated, it is so refreshing to see someone who totally accepts who they are and what they like and doesn't care what others think. I know I care too much, I am working to try to care less. Your blog has helped me to think about what I like and what I should do about it. It's helping me get the courage to be me completely. It's been a great journey. Thank you for not being afraid to be you, fear is such an ugly thing. Why would we want to be ugly? :)
- January 25, 2011 at 9:02 AM
- Virginia said...
Excellent post!! THANK YOU!
- January 25, 2011 at 9:36 AM
With secondhand fur stoles and other furbits, I never feel guilty about adopting them, because they were manufactured for someone else, and otherwise they'd just go to waste.
I'm not really one to talk about the ethics of raising animals for fur: I have a taxidermed weasel hanging on my wall. He's rather pleased to be there instead of a landfill! - January 25, 2011 at 9:50 AM
- marjorie1940 said...
YES! I love that "....in your own world, you are the coolest kid on the block" ME TOO! Regardless of what anyone thinks! Thanks for the pep talk, and just for your everyday posts from your own little world!
Cynthia - January 25, 2011 at 10:20 AM
I'm a long time reader, and a big fan who's constantly blown away by the amazing ensembles you throw together! When I saw your last post with the jodhpurs I literally gasped. It was perfect! Thank you for your encouraging words to others, and for giving minks and wraps a good name! My grandma has the most precious mink hand warmer that still has the little feet and face attached. It would have been viewed as "taboo" to some, but why let such a precious memento go to waste? Thanks again, and maybe when my schedule gets less crazy, I can share a blog of my own with you!
- January 25, 2011 at 10:39 AM
- Stella Rose said...
I'm a 8+ year vegan and I completely support wearing vintage furs and leather to stop the demand for new animal products.
You are lovely! If I ever visit Portland I am bringing you a vintage red polkadotted plastic rain hood that I have lying around! - January 25, 2011 at 11:09 AM
- MissGinger said...
what an interesting post - firstly the vintage fur - i do agree with what you say and have no problem with vintage fur, but personally would not wear - a vegetarian for most of my life. there are so many other great things to wear... but i say that and i really want to buy some taxidemy, but resisted my urges so far.
i absolutly agree with your comments about being yourself. it can be really difficult at times. i have had very weird comments about my style. i do just feel happier when i am 'dressed like me'. and isn't thats whats important?! thank you for a great post and one with such interesting replies. i love that people are disagreeing but being so nice about it. woman are great! - January 25, 2011 at 11:37 AM
- Judi W. said...
Well said! I have a friend who always tells me to dress my age .. and I always have to wonder 'why?'.
- January 25, 2011 at 11:39 AM
I applaud your courage and common sense! I have always felt robustly myself, and embraced my so-called eccentricities. Especially in a day and age when women are expected to fit the common cookie cutter image it is refreshing to hear a woman stand up for her right to individuality and reject the commercial, mainstream obsessions of today.
It was in this spirit that today I wore leopard print loafers, navy cigarette pants, a navy princess coat with velvet collar, a tortoiseshell hairband... things others think are old fashioned or weird. Snigger they may... care I never intend to! Bravo Vix! I prefer your soapbox : )
cakesandshakes.wordpress.com - January 25, 2011 at 12:08 PM
- Amber said...
lovely post. You were able to convey your feelings so eloquently. Being yourself can be hard thing, I know I have struggled with it but everyday it gets easier and reading posts like yours make me feel happy with myself
- January 25, 2011 at 12:44 PM
- Emma said...
Couldn't have said it better myself Solanah! I wish more people would feel like this and just be themselves! It'd make the world a much more interesting place!
- January 25, 2011 at 12:49 PM
inspiring, that is all
- January 25, 2011 at 1:33 PM
- Diva said...
Dear Solanah, I too love furs. To apease my own consience (please excue if my spelling is poor, english is not my first language ;) i only wear vintage furs. I have four and having once worn them in -32 C° I can tell you, that not only do they look glamorous, they really do their job! Sincerely Diva
- January 25, 2011 at 3:14 PM
- alittlevintagestory said...
A beautiful sentiment. It is so easy to get swept up in other peoples ideals of what you "should" do, be or aspire to look like. I am a vegetarian and I love vintage fur. I see no contradiction there. These creatures are still beautiful, leaving them neglected at the thrift store, rather than appreciating their beauty serves no purpose. As always, a beautiful blog.
xx - January 25, 2011 at 3:21 PM
- Ms.Tips said...
Good for you Solanah! I completely agree with you. AND people, especially who posts your comments anonymously, if you don't like what you read then don't read them at all! OWN what you have to say!
Thank you for this post, Solanah. - January 25, 2011 at 3:34 PM
- Melissa said...
I love this post.
Although I haven't commented before, I feel the same way some of the others do.
Seeing you in your wonderfully cute outfits is inspiring. You wear things I would shy away from but I think all of it is fantastic. Seeing that someone can wear something so out there but still look good gives me more confidence to wear the things I really enjoy but always feel embarrassed in.
I really love my peacock feather earrings, even if my mom repeatedly told me not to buy them. And although she constantly tells me I have 'too much hair', I love the way my long, wavy-curly-frizzy hair looks.
Thanks for helping give confidence.
Btw, I love your fox stole- It's adorable. It would be a waste to let something that is already made just sit around and collect dust. - January 25, 2011 at 5:08 PM
- lauren said...
to put it succinctly, you are all kinds of awesome. i love it.
- January 25, 2011 at 8:24 PM
- Hilary said...
I am posting a comment for the first time in response to such a fabulous blog. I wish every woman and girl in the world could feel the way you so eloquently described here. I have always followed my own path and been happy on it. Vintage/retro are a more recent passion, which came along when I started sewing. I love your blog and am always really excited to see a new post from you. Bravo to you! And you do inspire me to be more me, to try clothing I wouldn't have even thought of before. Thanks for blogging!
- January 25, 2011 at 8:39 PM
- Isabella said...
I've been reading your blog for awhile now, and while I adore your outfits, your passion for vintage clothing, and all the cute cat-themed clothing you have, the thing that has made me love reading most is how confident you are. Seeing people like you who are so comfortable with themselves is so inspiring, and I can't thank you enough for posting things like this. I'm 16 and wish that I had stopped reading beauty magazines at a far younger age, and avoided so many years and feeling horrible about myself for no good reason at all. As seniors at my school we no longer have to wear uniform, which was always a daunting prospect for me. I've always taken my fashion advice from old Girls' annuals from the '50s and '60s (which I find in second hand stores) which, at a school where most girls turn up in 'Jeggings'and Ugg boots every day (and would never, ever wear something that sat below the knee) is rather uncommon. I'm also very tall, head of the animal rights and environmental groups, and a vegan (and not a quiet one at that) - basically I do a good job of drawing unwanted attention to myself. Before I started reading blogs like this one I was incredibly self conscious wearing my own clothes out in public, and the thought of wearing them every day at school would have been unbearable. But as school nears I'm actually looking forward to putting together outfits every day, and realising my pressing need to aquire more plastic rain hoods so my pin curls aren't ruined on the way to school each day in winter. This was a beautifully written post, and I'm so glad to have been able to read it :)
Adressing the fur issue - as a vegan I'm probably expected to say that I hate fur, but that would be incredibly hypocritical as I wear second-hand leather all the time. I think that the fur and leather trades are disgusting, and protest against them, but I think that recycling garments is also important. In the same way I don't wear modern garments made with pesticide covered cotton, put together by slave labourers, but will wear cotton garments made 50 years ago. No, they may not have been ethically produced then, but to let them be neglected and slowly rot is a greater crime. - January 26, 2011 at 12:57 AM
- Erika said...
Wonderful post, and I can just applaud you for coming to these insights at such a young age. While I never read teenage magazins I have to admit to always threading a line, wanting to express my own style but being aware of why the clothes I wanted to wear was "wrong". I often ended up somewhere in between, in quite drab and uninteresting outfits. Nowadays I can say "what ever" and mean it (most days), and wear what I like, but it took some time getting there.
Thank you for a great post, reminding us to stay true to our own taste and ideals! - January 26, 2011 at 1:13 AM
- B Sees said...
Here, here!
Very well said.
At (almost) 37 I have black nail polish on for the first time in my life, though I had secretly wanted to wear it I just never felt brave enough.
But since reading this blog and others, I have finally found my way to be me and its totally because I see you being you.
Thank you for sharing :) xx - January 26, 2011 at 3:31 AM
- HildeKitten said...
I'm only partially against fur. I'm against killing animals for their fur these days. I'm not against buying a piece of vintage fur, that generally is older than we are, because it comes from a different time, a different zeitgeist if you will. I'm fine with someone wearing a fox stole that is decades old, I'm not fine with someone wearing one that's of an animal that only recently died for it's fur.
I am fine with using up everything of food animals mind, not using their pelts is just a waste.
What I'm trying to say is that wearing fur is not black and white.
I myself wear a fake fox stole, but I did buy a vintage fox and a vintage mink for my sister. Both of them are older than my sis and I's ages combined. - January 26, 2011 at 3:58 AM
- Jet said...
I have a fox stole, It needs cleaning but it's the most beautiful little thing. I'm not sure I'd wear it, not because I'm worried what people would say, but because I wouldn't know how to wear it.
That animal died, what better way to honour it's rather tragic death by using it. - January 26, 2011 at 4:14 AM
I've read your blog for a couple of months now and you are such an inspiration, especially with this blog post. I've never been brave enough "to be myself" with my style, working on it at the moment, and it's people like you who encourage others to wear whatever they like to wear. That's why I'd like to say: Thank you and Greetings from a rainy place in Europe
- January 26, 2011 at 5:38 AM
- Rebecca Ann said...
This was very inspiring as I am a gal who loves vintage, but sometimes its easier to put on the jeans and a tee-shirt and be done with it. I love being different though! You inspired me to put together outfits with my favorites cardigans and crazy striped skirts and just run with it! Yes I love your blog and your honesty is refreshing!
God bless!
Rebecca - January 26, 2011 at 6:39 AM
- Sara Kristiina said...
I feel the same. Thank you for posting this, This made me smile :)
autumn, coffee and inspiration - January 26, 2011 at 7:08 AM
- Stasha said...
Applause! You are wonderful. I wish there were more women who felt this way.
- January 26, 2011 at 7:42 AM
You're one of the coolest kids on my (Google Reader) block, too! Thanks for an empowered and inspiring post.
- January 26, 2011 at 8:09 AM
- Hanna said...
I found your blog yesterday. I was stunned, you are so amazingly beautiful!
- January 26, 2011 at 8:44 AM
- Mrs Amber Apple said...
PREACH IT! haha :) Seriously, lovely post!
- January 26, 2011 at 9:48 AM
Fashion is what one wears oneself. What is unfashionable is what other people wear.
-Oscar Wilde - January 26, 2011 at 9:52 AM
- Ana Peregrine said...
You're absolutely fantastic.
I like to paint flowers on my face and sing youtube karaoke in my living room. - January 26, 2011 at 11:17 AM
I've recently posted a link to your blog on my fb wall, because such a fantastic thing should be hyped. I love the fact that you really look so natural in your outfits - well dressed and not dressed up. Thank you for that. :)
- January 26, 2011 at 12:34 PM
I love my vintage stoles too! And I love wearing them out. I know exactly how you feel when your getting wierdo looks from people who don't understand vintage fashion, and lifestyle that comes with it. I'm a milliner, and I love wearing out my new creations, especially when I'm just going to run around town. But I always have some random person come up to me, and ask what's on top of my head? I simply reply, it's a hat. I know they don't get it, but thats fashion to me. Keep rockin' those classic looks!
themoderndayflapper.blogspot.com - January 26, 2011 at 1:12 PM
- Ms Wanda said...
You're like the Lady Ga-Ga of vintage. Rock on!
- January 26, 2011 at 4:23 PM
wonderful post! I'm reading your blog it's been 2 or three months, and I've never contacted you, but I belong to the people inspired by you to be more ourselves! All these years I had no idea what my style is. I couldn't decide which one is the ONE that I could stick to it and love it! But I always had a huge love for old times, old movies, old books, antique furniture, old lifestyles, and I loved the "old" styles, but I never thought that could be my style! Though I find it difficult yet to see myself dressed up like you, all in vintage, I have started to wear a vintage shirt,or a vintage dress, just that... or just some vintage accessories! I think I look more like me now! I would love a hat too put I haven't found yet a good one and anyway I don't know exactly how to wear them...
Thank you so much for your blog and never mind the others!
a reader from Greece! - January 27, 2011 at 4:58 AM
- jessica said...
beautifully written post, you are as Im sure you've been told, truly inspiring!! Thank you for being you!!
- January 27, 2011 at 7:11 AM
The world needs more women like you. Just beautiful.
- January 27, 2011 at 8:09 AM
- Lisa D said...
Well said! Oh, and for the record - I'd take REAL, antique fox over plastic crap from China any day.
- January 27, 2011 at 8:21 AM
- Cassandra said...
This is fantastic! I really loved it. You are so inspiring and I wish I had your confidence!
Oh and I gave you a Style Award on my blog. - January 27, 2011 at 6:07 PM
Great post-I really enjoy hearing about how people have come to love who they are and not be afraid of what everyone thinks! I find so much inspiration in the blogs I read.
And I respect your choice regarding the fur pieces. I personally do not wear vintage fur-nor leather, silk or wool. It can be difficult, because I also do not buy ANYTHING except socks, nylons and underwear new. So I live in cotton only haha. I've passed up beautiful pieces because of this. But that is my choice,and I stand by it-just like you should stand by yours. - January 28, 2011 at 7:49 AM
- Kristin said...
You're so inspiring! I only just came across your blog today, but I absolutely love it. :) I love vintage clothes, but don't have many (our thrift stores around here are full of 80s clothes and we don't have any vintage clothing stores). But I often change my mind about what to wear because I'm worried about what others will think. Thanks for reminding me of how silly that is! :)
~Kristin - January 30, 2011 at 7:29 AM
- Judy said...
I think you should always celebrate who you are. After all, you are unique! Your true beauty comes through when you accept and like yourself and the people that you attract are the ones that really want to be there. Imagine how boring the world would be if everyone was alike! Be real!
I enjoy reading your blogs very much! - January 30, 2011 at 9:15 AM
- Vintage Girl said...
I love that you said "Whatever", because that's where you have to be to wear what you want. I stick out for sure with the vintage stuff but in the words of a girl student I had in class, "Mrs G where did you get your purse, I know it didn't come from Kohls, you always look so classy" She was in 3rd grade.
- January 30, 2011 at 12:19 PM
- Unknown said...
That was a lovely post!
I too love vintage furs, even though I get some dirty looks when wearing them.
Thankyou for letting me know that there are other people in the world who feel the same way as I do. - January 30, 2011 at 5:18 PM
- Sanne said...
I love your blog. I've read it for about a year, but haven't commented yet (except for the latest give-away). I adore your style, and I myself dress fifties style. Most admire my style and always ask how I dare, which I don't understand. Be who you are! And I also love fur, can't help it, but I do. I have two fur coats, two vintage mink capes and a vintage mink muff - very elegant. Yesterday, DH and I attended a flea market and he bought me a very worn, but very charming old mink cape for what equals to 14 dollars. I love it, and will ask the dry cleaner to clean the smell out of it. :)
- January 31, 2011 at 1:54 AM
- Victoria / Justice Pirate said...
Right on, beautiful inspiring lady.
When I was a child my peers always tried to always make me like them and I got mocked often for being myself. I didn't dress like everyone else at all. I didn't want to. The best thing is my parents never discouraged me from being original. They did the same to my older brothers who were also unique (although one struggled a lot with peer pressure). It was fun that way. I got used to the mockery and bedcause of that people stopped mocking over time too and just said, "that's just how she is" if someone else would comment. I run an online organization/ministry and we do a lot of articles to encourage girls to not be so into what society wants to make them. It seems like there is far too much pressure on youth and it's terrible. - January 31, 2011 at 11:51 AM
- Miriam Parkman said...
Such a great, great post!
I'm exactly the same.
Grown up in a small village and a small town, always wearing what I liked instead of what the common kid wore =not so popular. Luckily, I have a mum who always encouraged me to wear what ever I liked (she used to take photoraphs of me on my way to school when I was 14-15 years old, haha). Thanks to her, I'm still wearing my favourite styles and feel quite confident about it!
It's so important to just give the finger to all those people thinking they can tell people what's good looking and what's not, but it might not always be that easy.
I also get comments from readers who thank me for inspiring them to be more confident in their personal style, and I'm so happy for that.
Again, great post!
...and, you are so incredibly stylish. My god. I love fur stoles as well, even though I am a vegetarian. They can't be saluted better than the way you are wearing them! Absolutely gorgeous. - January 31, 2011 at 12:35 PM
- Mia said...
When you are wearing fur, you pass a mesage of beauty. People will look close, think, and find very pretty (as it is). Passing this message will contribute for a reborn of fur in the corrent days, and its not because its old fur that you don´t pass a wrong message. I would beter use a fake fur and say it very loud, so people would think twice before they buy a real one.
Maybe you could check BRIGITTE BARDOT website...sorry for giving my honest opinion
people have diferent opinions, and i still love your blog :) - February 1, 2011 at 3:49 PM
What a wonderful and inspirational post! :)
MC - February 2, 2011 at 2:43 PM
- Maria Confer said...
I am very behind on my blog reading and so just getting to this lovely post.
This makes me adore you even more Solanah! You are so fully in touch with yourself that you make me want to love myself for who I am even more!
Maria - February 3, 2011 at 4:19 PM
This post has generated so many comments! Yes lovely post.
My husband and I have always encouraged complete self expression in our children and we have, thus far, ended up with a swimmer, an artist and a break dancing 6 year old. Never can tell what the future will hold for each of them but we will celebrate each step of the way.
On the other note. At the theater I work in we receive a large amount of vintage furs via donation and I love to use them on stage. I did an interview for the local news a few years back where a costume containing fur was featured and the anchor couldn't let it go! The whole interview was steam rolled and became about the stole. Guess bad press is better then no press?
I just feel so thankful that the pieces can be loved, preserved and used, not wasted.
Se la vie! - February 5, 2011 at 6:47 PM
- Jemima said...
What am inspiring and empowering post. Thank you.
- February 6, 2011 at 9:02 AM
- Dainty Librarian said...
You are amazing!
- February 8, 2011 at 4:29 PM
- Unknown said...
i want a fox stole now :3
- February 9, 2011 at 12:07 PM
- Alejandra Ramos said...
I love this post! I have quite a few fur pieces (both vintage and modern). Actually, on my wedding day I wore a vintage fur stole that I bought from FabGabs.
I haven't really dealt with a lot of nasty looks or sayings, but I do always make a point of speaking up when I hear people disparaging fur and those who wear it. To me it is NOT "unethical." I think it's beautiful and warm (especially this nasty NY winter). I see nothing wrong with wearing fur, just like I see nothing wrong with eating meat. And I feel proud and beautiful (and warm!) when I walk down the street wearing my large white fox fur beret which my husband had custom made for me after I fell in love with a similar one worn by the lead girl in the movie Benjamin Button. And I love the wedding photos of me in my gorgeous chocolate mink stole. My husband's father, who is originally from Kiev, was a furrier by trade. He gave up his shop a few years ago, but he talks with pride about the art and craftsmanship that went into creating the pieces he sold. I don't apologize for appreciating that. - February 9, 2011 at 1:03 PM
- Unknown said...
What a wonderful post! I have finally accepted my love of vintage fur and have freed myself to act upon it :)
- February 10, 2011 at 4:36 PM
- Rita BA said...
Thanks for this post. Many, many thanks.
- February 11, 2011 at 6:22 AM
- JenLove said...
I hope you don't mind, but I've referenced you in my own post on vintage fur... As a long-standing veggie I've started to question my thoughts on vintage fur, and you've put some really interesting points across so thank you!
- February 13, 2011 at 2:31 PM
- Sportsgirl said...
First time visitor here! Love the blog. While I might not love every outfit that you wear, I LOVE the fact that you take pride in your appearance and dress up every day. It's sad to walk around and see people dressed in sacks and dirty clothes (like your pajama post) so I love that you make an effort!
- February 15, 2011 at 9:55 PM
- Vintage Girl said...
200 years ago there were no options you wore fur, oh yes, there was an option, death by freezing.
- February 16, 2011 at 5:35 PM
- Jacqueline Tavs said...
I love your blog so much! It's all because of the beautiful self confidence you have... and the fact that I LOVE vintage. You inspire me :).
P.S. I am vegetarian but seriously have no problem with vintage furs, they were killed a long time ago and it's just a waste to not use them. - April 1, 2011 at 10:07 PM
- origanimal said...
qué pena leer que una persona tan interesante y encantadora como tú use un cadáver alrededor de su cuello, te hace ver horrible.
el usar la estola de zorro, era algo de la época, pero inevitablemente vives en el 2011 y usar un cadáver hoy en día te hace repudiable, aun que haya muerto años atrás, el cadáver en moda sigue viéndose mal en cualquier persona que lo use.
la moda debe ser con respeto a los seres vivos y naturaleza, tu postura vintage podría ser mas amigable con los tiempos modernos.
saludos desde Chile
tatiana renom - April 13, 2011 at 10:26 AM
- kitty said...
I just found this blog, and I guarantee I will be returning!
On the fur issue, as an animal lover I am on the fence. I was given a fur coat that belonged to my grandmother (who died before I was born), which I cherish. It has her name sewn inside and everything. However, I am not sure I would be comfortable wearing it. I understand that it was a different time when the vast array of synthetic and natural fibers we have today were not available. It is this same reasoning which angers me to furs produced today. There are so many other options for clothing.
I do like the idea of adopting a vintage fur. It is kind of sad thinking about them becoming dusty in some random store.
Also, I don't know if you are aware, but for those vintage (or newer) furs which have been through the mill and are unable to be worn, they can be donated to certain animal rehabilitation organizations. I read an article which said these old furs can be used on orphaned animals to give them the security that their mother would have. I'm sure more information could be found on google for anyone interested.
So the bottom line is, whether you adopt a vintage fur, or donate it, I can agree that they should have a purpose. It seems wasteful to let them rot away. Thanks for letting me put in my two cents! Keep up with the great blog!!! - July 21, 2011 at 8:25 PM
- Sophie said...
Bravo!!! At least a fashion blogger who's not pretending to be all eco-friendly to the extreme and vegan and all! I admire you for not being a hypocrite and for not being afraid of featuring real fur on your blog!! One should not be afraid of what they think! Again, bravo for your courage! And keep the great looks and posts coming!
http://twitter.com/miss_sonushka - October 4, 2011 at 6:48 PM
- Shybiker said...
Brilliant message. We should all develop and cherish our individuality, yet too few do. For an obvious reason, I don't follow the herd and know the value of your advice. Glad to see it spoken.
- October 23, 2011 at 8:57 AM
- Joli said...
I'm way late to the party , but I just have to chime in because I have a somewhat different perspective.
I keep chinchillas as pets, and also foster animals for a local rescue. I've had animals in my home that have been removed by the authorities from inhumane conditions such as pet shops and fur farms. I've nursed many of them back to life, and lost some along the way that unfortunately came to s beyond help.
It makes a difference being face to face with animals prized for their fur. I could never wear a chinchilla coat, even if it were a hundred years old and free. I know you think your fox is cute, but honestly how would you feel if you ran into someone wearing a skinned kitten? You can't tell me it wouldn't make you sad, and perhaps even horrified. It's not right to give respect only to animals you know on a personal basis. That's how I look at it. - December 17, 2011 at 1:34 AM
- Solanah said...
I think you may have missed the point if the post. Im not arguing why I think wearing vintage fur is acceptable. Frankly its a tired subject, and it's not something I want to get into in detail on the internet. But to answer your question no, I would not like to see a house cat fur, its a double standard, but that's how I feel.
- December 18, 2011 at 5:34 PM
- Solanah said...
Forgot to add, I feel a similar way about my foxes as you do about the animals you rescue (kudos for doing that btw!). They're no longer living, but such beauty needs a good home, not to be thrown in a landfill to rot. As a vintage lover my priority is preservation, and after many years of forcing myself not to care about them, I finally realized it's better to not lie to myself about how much I live them, and give them good homes.
- December 18, 2011 at 5:40 PM
- vintagevisions27 said...
I just started following your blog and I love it!
I think you and others here have made some great points about vintage furs. I love them too but also feel torn about owning them and wanted to wear them because so many people are negative about fur. I would never buy new fur but can't seem to resist vintage! I own several fur stoles and a late 50s mink coat. I certainly agree about wanted to preserve them! They are beautiful items and should be saved and loved by somebody! Even if they do take up space in my closet!! ;) - January 5, 2012 at 12:08 PM
- Beth said...
I really love this and i have to say that you do inspire me to be more like myself. Yes, i do like your style and i look up to you a lot, but i use your looks and tips for inspiration
thanks for all you do for the vintage world and all the inspiration!
We love you
Victory Vintage
Outside My Window - March 9, 2012 at 4:53 PM


text:
Mr. Jindal posed the problem in a way that would, I believe, have been unthinkable for a leading Republican even a year ago. "We must not," he declared, "be the party that simply protects the well off so they can keep their toys. We have to be the party that shows all Americans how they can thrive." After a campaign in which Mitt Romney denounced any attempt to talk about class divisions as an "attack on success," this represents a major rhetorical shift.There are 2 propositions: A. Those who are successful should be able to keep the fruits of their efforts, and B. All Americans should have the opportunity to work toward their own success.
Krugman comes close to saying Romney only said A and Jindal only says B.
But Romney continually said both things. His opponents worked constantly — and successfully — to make people feel that he was only saying A. And Jindal is also saying both things. That's the function of the word "simply."
Jindal — in the quoted sentence — isn't saying Romney only said A. He's talking about the way people think about the Republican Party, which is in A terms, because that's the way Democrats have successfully framed them. Jindal is saying the B frame is better political rhetoric.
Krugman goes on to explain why B rhetoric doesn't properly apply to what Jindal and the rest of the GOP are really doing. That is, he's continuing the process that was used so successfully in the campaign to defeat Romney — pushing A, obscuring B.
There is no major rhetorical shift. Not from Jindal and not from Krugman. Everyone is doing, rhetorically, what they've been doing all along.
There are 2 propositions — A and B — that relate to GOP policy. GOP proponents portray them as 2 sides of the same thing: The reason why A makes sense is that it's part of how B works. Opponents of the GOP de-link A and B and portray B as a trick to get people to vote for the party that's only about A.
2 questions for the GOP: 1. How can you truly be about B, with A as a subordinate proposition? and 2. Can you get people to believe that's what you are?

subset: commoncrawl


text:
A blue-eyed first grader at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, Dylan Christopher Jack Hockley loved trampolines, plain spaghetti with garlic bread and the color purple. On Friday, purple was everywhere at the Walnut Hill Community Church in nearby Bethel—his mother's blouse, his father's shirt, his brother's tie—as hundreds of people packed in for his funeral.
On Dec. 14, Dylan, who was six-and-three-quarters and autistic, was killed in the arms of his special education teacher, Anne Marie Murphy, when a lone gunman entered his classroom and opened fire with a semiautomatic rifle. Twenty students, five teachers and the principal were killed at Sandy Hook in what became one of the worst mass shootings in American history.
(MORE: The Re-Making of Newtown: Will Tragedy Make It Stronger?)
Now, as the final funeral processions weave through the streets of Newtown, Conn. and surrounding communities, residents oscillate between past and present tense while referring to the victims as they search for ways to move beyond the tragedy. The media hordes have grown smaller but traffic on the main road through town is still congested, and while people here were initially comforted by the roadside memorials that have sprung up on every other corner, some say they're just distractions that will eventually be torn down. At one, near the school, a stuffed bear is gripped protectively by a larger one, just as Dylan was last Friday morning.
John Dischinger, one of the pastors at Walnut Hill, opened the ceremony by urging the congregation to replace hatred with love, and darkness with light, in order to properly celebrate Dylan's life. "I don't know about you, but I think we've had enough darkness," he said. A woman on the stage then began singing "Hallelujah"—Dylan's favorite song from Shrek—rewritten with happier lyrics for the service.
His mother, Nicole, spoke of the "special" bonds that Dylan shared with his teachers, Victoria Soto and Murphy. "At the firehouse, I was looking for Mrs. Murphy because I knew no matter what, she would be with Dylan," she said. First-responders found Murphy cradling Dylan in her arms—an apparent effort to shield him and others from the bullets.
Services for Murphy, 52 and a mother of four, were held Thursday in Katonah, N.Y., where she lived before settling in Newtown. "Annie laid down her life for her friends," said Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, Archibishop of New York, at her memorial service. Her life, he said, and the sacrifice she made for Dylan, "brings light, truth, goodness and love to a world often shrouded in darkness, evil, selfishness and death."
(MORE: The NRA Responds to Newtown: America Needs More 'Good Guys' with Guns)
"Her family confirmed to us that she died trying to protect Dylan," Nicole Hockley said at her son's memorial service, with her husband Ian by her side. They took comfort, she said, in the fact that he wasn't alone—that he was never alone.
Throughout the service, friends of the family approached the podium and recounted stories of how they came to know the Hockleys and their youngest brown-haired boy. One woman recalled the first time he ate chocolate cake and how he would laugh while tirelessly rewinding parts of movies that he found funny. Above the stage, two screens displayed family photos and home movies of Dylan with his parents and his eight-year-old brother, Jake. When one clip showed Dylan popping out of a box on the floor, grinning, the hall filled with laughter.
At one point, his mother told a story about asking Dylan why he would sometimes flap his arms up and down when he got excited, as some autistic children are known to do. She wasn't expecting a response because his language skills were still underdeveloped, but he did answer: "Because I am a beautiful butterfly."
(MORE: Twenty Brighter Stars: Shocked Conn. Town Mourns Its Slain Children)
"He helped us to be stronger people than we might have been without him," Dylan's father said. He and Nicole moved with the boys from the U.K. to Newtown almost two years ago and were convinced that Dylan would flourish here. "Newtown just felt right," he added, thanking the emergency response personnel who had aided the community since the morning of the shooting. "We'll never regret this decision."
Shortly before they finished speaking, Nicole made a veiled nod to the renewed nationwide calls for increased gun control. "I believe that Dylan and the others are a catalyst," she said. "His death will have meaning. There will be a positive change from this. We'll be part of it. Newtown will be part of it." Right before the two stepped off stage to a standing ovation, Ian concluded their statements by saying: "We love you so much, Dylan. Our beautiful, beautiful butterfly."
Following the service, the congregation gathered outside. As a band played "Amazing Grace," Dylan's brother Jake released 26 balloons—20 of them purple to represent the children, and six of them white for the adults — into the gray, cloudy sky. A moment later, one final purple balloon was freed, speeding up to catch to the others. Clutching Jake close to her, Nicole wiped a few tears from her eyes and watched them fly away.
MORE: Sandy Hook Shooting: The Speculation About Adam Lanza Must Stop
MORE: The Teacher as Hero: Mourning Victoria Soto


text:
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
I Don't Know What to Write
33 comments:
- Darla said...
As the first to comment on facebook I can only hope to be the first comment here as well! Lol. Even if you posted about a bunch of little incidents that don't really add up to much I still enjoyed reading it and was laughing hysterically. Especially about you considering acting as a pirate. If you don't do it tomorrow there is always September 19, International Talk Like A Pirate Day. We celebrate it almost religiously at my house, and last year I even bought eye-patches for us to wear! I kid you not though, it really is a holiday at least according to numerous sites on the internet, but hey it's a fun day and a great excuse to drink lots of rum! Enjoy!
- February 23, 2011 at 2:16 AM
You make "nothing" entertaining, way more than I make "something" sound :0)
- February 23, 2011 at 2:44 AM
- Donna. W said...
Dang, this is one of your most fun posts ever!
- February 23, 2011 at 5:24 AM
- noexcuses said...
Great job for not having much to write! You did good! I can totally relate to the sit ups!
- February 23, 2011 at 7:05 AM
- Melissa said...
Love it!!
- February 23, 2011 at 7:40 AM
- V1nce said...
Writers block schmiters block I was entertained. Loved the decapitated head in the fridge. I have to try that w/my goat heads, they keep going bad on me and only last 1-2 rituals/kids parties.
BTW is it just me or did the doll head look judgemental? - February 23, 2011 at 7:59 AM
- Tammy said...
So basically, you wrote a "Seinfeld" blogpost. ;0)
Chocolate and Coconut? I don't think they've made it here way out in the boondocks.
Dontcha love cleaning out under the couches? I pull our 3 couches out, and I swear, I don't know where all that crap comes from. I mean, besides ME kicking toys under there all day. ahem.
It makes me sick to think that your ex and his family would call DCFS. LOSERS.
Thanks for your post. :0)
When are we going to see pics of your bathroom redo? - February 23, 2011 at 8:00 AM
- Jen@Scrapingirl said...
HAHAHA!!!! I've had a rough few days and I totally needed to laugh. Crying seems to be theme over here. Thank you for giving me a break from it. :)
- February 23, 2011 at 8:09 AM
- Covey said...
I would highly suggest using one of these: http://partysurplus.com/ipics/Velcro%20Wall.gif
instead of duct tape. They are very effective at keeping my 1, 2 and 4 year old in bed once I've put them there. :)I just sewed up the velcro suits in my spare time and bought some velcro sheets at target. voila! - February 23, 2011 at 8:11 AM
- Janice said...
Maybe if Joe and his parents would think to spend time with the kids they'd have less time hunting through your blogs for reasons to call DCFS...yeah I'm talking to you Joe and grandparents, you should be ashamed of yourselves.
Dawn, how about writing some of those stories. You can self publish them on Amazon kindle and see how they do. - February 23, 2011 at 8:13 AM
- SandyAnnDee said...
Oh gosh I could have written this blog - except, you know, I couldn't have because it would have never gotten past the "in my head" stage. BTW, the friend's shoe is in between the mattress and boxspring of your youngest child's bed. I don't know why it's there either. Like you, I stopped asking.
- February 23, 2011 at 9:00 AM
- Tracy S said...
See, here's the thing: you manage to be completely entertaining and make me laugh even when you say you had no point and didn't know what to write! Now that's talent!! :o)
- February 23, 2011 at 9:02 AM
- Erin T. said...
You cannot be serious. Was your ex-husband, and/or his family, the ones who called DCFS on you?! If you wouldn't mind clarifying something for me - isn't he the parent who WALKED AWAY from his children and has caused more than his share of stress in your home?!
If he is responsible for your DCFS issue he should be hunted down... - February 23, 2011 at 9:32 AM
- Dana from Alabama said...
Manuscript? Are you writing another book? I just finished your new one and LOVED it. SO much.
- February 23, 2011 at 10:05 AM
- Unknown said...
I loved reading about nothing. Very entertaining while I was doing nothing.... or should I say, while I wasn't doing anything. Please do let us know how the pirate shopping goes. And have you ever changed your facebook language to pirate? I am not sure you still can, but at one point you could and it is quite a hoot.
And I do have to give Jackson a thumbs up on the turtle thing. I am pretty sure I keep my dogs around to clean up food messes on the floor in my house, but I do give up and clean up if they don't finish it all in a timely manner. ;)
Oh, and the Black Eyed Peas thing.... LOVE IT!!! Although I work with teenagers so I can imagine the look you received. I am sure he was laughing on the inside. - February 23, 2011 at 11:19 AM
- momnextdoor said...
This is a great post. I think it's in the same vain of what made Seinfeld so funny. Sometimes, something about nothing is better than nothing about something! You had me crying (from laughing, don't worry) by the end of it!
- February 23, 2011 at 11:34 AM
- Jen said...
I love the pirate bit! Please go to Target like that, PLEASE! And bring a friend with a video camera. That is sooo something I would have done in college...
- February 23, 2011 at 12:11 PM
- Nicole said...
LOL! Yesterday, I actually told my 8 eight year old that I would duct tape him to his chair, if he didn't sit there and finish his math. I was kidding too, of course :)
- February 23, 2011 at 12:14 PM
- Patti said...
I did in fact read through it all and laughed out loud, in addition to reading it a friend. Thanks for the funny blog!
- February 23, 2011 at 12:52 PM
- Kikilia said...
Has your ex really called DCFS on you?
- February 23, 2011 at 1:13 PM
- Chris said...
I was going to mention talk like a pirate day too, Dawn. Ahoy Matey is about as good as I can get with it. But if YOU want to talk/be like a pirate, go for it!! And Dawn, your blogs are always great. I aspire to be like you!! (And seriously? They'd call the authorities because you said you duct taped them in bed? I feel sorry for them...)
- February 23, 2011 at 1:29 PM
- Wendi said...
You crack me up! And I'm so glad to know that I'm not the only one who has always written stories "in my head". You don't even know how many times I've gotten the "coo-coo" look from friends and family when I have mentioned that to them.
Thanks for providing a little distraction during my work day! =) - February 23, 2011 at 3:29 PM
- Tammy said...
You have GOT to check out this site. It's got Clay written all over it! LOL
It's paper recycled from animal poo! Can you just see Clayton getting a major kick out of it. :0) - February 23, 2011 at 3:45 PM
- Maufeline said...
You do NOT tape your children on things? Unbelivable you were able to resist the urge ;-)
I wasn't: http://www.alchemikus.de/maufeline/2011/02/es-gibt-so-tage.html
(she enjoyed it very much ;-) ) - February 23, 2011 at 5:12 PM
- Susanne in Sweden said...
HAHAHA! Love this - it's brilliant! Thx for the laughter! :D
It also raises memories of when I was in 8th grade and had to write an essay about a subject of my own choice. After a weekend of procrastination + dull suggestions from mom&dad + staring at a blank paper in utter frustration and anguish, I realized that all my creativity was hopelessly gone on a long-term vacation to who-knows-where, and there was no way to ever find a suitable topic.
So, in the end, I wrote a looong essay entitled "An Essay About Not Knowing What to Write My Essay About". The result? Success!
You can safely do this again. It always works! - February 23, 2011 at 5:40 PM
- Dawn said...
For some reason this reminds me of those "If you give a mouse a cookie" type book, except for the ending.
- February 23, 2011 at 6:38 PM
- Sunnyworld said...
Loved the blog. Good job! It made me smile and it made me laugh and it reminded me of some of the things I used to do to my kids!!
- February 23, 2011 at 8:43 PM
- Snookie said...
Did you know that you were mentioned in this New York Times article?
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/27/magazine/27armstrong-t.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1 - February 23, 2011 at 10:47 PM
- Carrie said...
K, so, great use of the "sucks to be you" phrase. I wasn't expecting that. Haha! Also, um, hello? Seinfeld?? Show about nothing? I think that makes it pretty clear that a blog post about nothing is not only acceptable, but also hilariously funny! :)
I've enjoyed your last few posts about your silly kids. Keep smiling. :) - February 23, 2011 at 11:43 PM
- Jennifer Foster said...
Loved it!
- February 24, 2011 at 1:09 AM
- Beth said...
Funny post. I do remember being seriously tempted to tape, glue, or staple my oldest into bed.
Loved the 'Black Eyed Peas' still grinning just thinking about it and the eye rolling teen that called you a dork!!! - February 24, 2011 at 12:31 PM
- Bonnie Leon said...
Thank you for having nothing to say. I smiled and laughed all the way through. I really needed that today.
Amazing you! - February 24, 2011 at 5:43 PM
- Mommy to three said...
After reading about your ex and your inlaws calling dcfs on you I have to ask you a question-maybe for the Sunday sound off? How did you know when you had had enough? How did you know when your marriage was not going to be able to work? As someone who has alcoholics in my life I am just wondering how you know that enough is enough. I know in previous posts you mentioned that things had been difficult for years and I am wondering why did you stay then and what finally made you leave. I know these are really personal questions so ignore this comment if you want and know that I will still be a reader of your blog.
- February 25, 2011 at 4:46 PM


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text:
On Dec. 23, the last thing holiday shoppers at Target wanted to be thinking about was having their credit-card information compromised. But that was one luxury no one on hand could afford.
"We don't know yet," one harried store manager in Staten Island painfully admitted to one especially persistent elderly woman demanding answers about what data thieves now knew. Was she safe? Could she continue to shop? Should she? How badly had the retail giant's consumer database been compromised? No one could say for certain.
Target's data breach, involving the theft of at least 40 million credit and debit card records and personal information of 70 million customers, dominated headlines after it was publicly revealed in late December 2013, driving home the need for better protections against the growing specter of cyber crime. But if the Target incident was unusually large in scope, it was by no means unique: The Identity Theft Resource Center, which has tracked data breaches since 2005, reported 619 publicly disclosed breaches in 2013—a 30% increase over 2012.
As the number of data breaches and cyber crime increasingly grows over the years, so has interest in cyber liability coverage by businesses—a trend that shows no sign of slowing. According to Betterley Risk Consultants Inc., cyber has grown to a $2 billion market (twice what it was in 2012), with the majority of carriers reporting premium growth between 10% and 25% and several reporting 25% to 50% and more.
"The impact of the Target breach on the cyber sector is that it will take a coverage that had already been growing in demand and make it even more so," predicts Christine Marciano, president of Cyber Data Risk Managers, an agency that specializes in data privacy and cyber liability risk.
Unlike a few years ago, she adds, companies now are growing more serious about this area of cover: "You'd be hard-pressed to find an organization that hasn't explored ways to budget for cyber if they haven't purchased it already."
Previously, the process of buying cyber cover spanned almost a year, in part due to the need to educate brokers and clients. Today, that awareness already exists when companies begin the RFP process, "and there is much greater buying activity than we've ever seen," says Ziad Kubursi, senior vice president and head of management and professional liability at Philadelphia Insurance Cos. Kubursi adds that Philadelphia is seeing double-digit sales growth in the line.
INSUREtrust, a white-label distributor of cyber liability products, saw 20% growth in premium in 2013, a number consistent with previous years—"and we've achieved 30% growth among our targeted classes of business," says Steven Haase, the company's president.
Yet, amazingly, not every business carries cyber liability protection: The Ponemon Institute estimates that about a third of 600 companies (of varying size) that responded to a poll it conducted in 2013 have a cyber policy in place. Marciano says that some non-buying companies mistakenly believe they are already fully covered by their CGL policies for cyber liability or don't understand the breadth of coverage available in stand-alone cyber forms. Others think that their IT security technology insulates them from attacks.
"Even though organizations see cyber attacks and data breaches continuing to occur and increasing in frequency, they still think, 'It can't happen to us.' That's naive," Marciano says.
"For some companies, it's a budget issue," says Tracie Grella, global head of professional liability at AIG. "Other companies struggle in the decision process to get their arms around the differences in coverage from carrier to carrier, while others are still trying to assess their exposure to cyber loss."
"There are two types of organizations—those that have had a [data] breach and know it, and those that have had a breach and don't know it yet," says Richard Betterley, president of Betterley Risk Consultants Inc.
Producer Opportunity?
Patricia A. Borowski, senior vice president at the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents, says that there is an opportunity for agents and brokers to market cyber liability by educating customers about the gaps in standard liability forms.
"Even among large mid-market insureds, there is a huge uptick that has to happen in terms of their attention to the real scope and detail of this exposure. This is even more the case with smaller commercial accounts," she says.
Ken A. Crerar, president and CEO of the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers, and NU P&C advisory board member, says that while there has been "more talk than action" among small- and medium-sized businesses around cyber insurance, he agrees that the market presents a significant growth potential for agents.
"The year ahead should give way to a much more proactive versus reactive space," he says.
Capitalizing on that opportunity requires articulating the different types of risks small businesses face as well as different products available to small businesses. "Brokers can continue to help ramp up awareness and education of clients by facilitating the input of technical specialists into the dialogue who can showcase the layers of risks across businesses," Crerar adds.
However, Borowski believes the tipping point in cyber purchasing will ultimately come not through broker outreach, but by the growing recognition of risk across the business community.
"While PIA members can help their customers better understand cyber issues and demonstrate how the available coverage can better protect them from exposure and losses, customers must have also gained an awareness of these matters independent of insurance carriers or their agents," she says, adding that recent news stories regarding massive personal data breaches is helping to increase awareness of these risks to all businesses.
Still a Buyer's Market
The cyber liability market remains highly competitive, with carriers still fighting over market share. Rates are stable, and brokers report capacity of up to $20 million with any one carrier and the ability to create $100 million coverage towers. And as competition remains high, underwriters are finding it increasingly difficult to exercise rigor in the underwriting process.
"It's definitely become easier to acquire the coverage," Haase reports. "Companies are offering simpler application forms and a more buyer-friendly process."
Kubursi recalls that when the coverage was first offered in the market in the early 2000s, underwriting was an involved process, involving on-site visits and interviews with clients' technology officers to understand the controls and safety. That's no longer the case. "Because the loss experience on the product is very favorable, underwriting diligence has dwindled to virtually nothing at some companies," he says.
Betterley reports working with one carrier that used to have 100 questions on its cyber liability application. Today, they have 10, Kubursi says. "When they tried to get answers to more questions, brokers simply took the business elsewhere.
"There are still two extremes in underwriting—from onerous to lenient—but most companies are toward the lenient side," he continues. "We are somewhere in the middle. I do think the underwriting will become more rigorous across the market in the wake of high-profile breaches over the past year and as losses increase."
Carriers are jockeying to compete not only thorough competitive pricing and streamlined underwriting, but with coverage and product differentiation.
"Cyber liability" is a catch-all term for insurance that typically includes a mix of third-party liability coverage for damages suffered due to loss of data, first-party coverage for response and remediation costs, and coverage for fines and penalties. Beyond those fundamental coverages, policies can include business income, intellectual property, errors and omissions, and more.
"The scope of coverage continues to expand, and what is already a broad product is getting broader," says Thomas Herendeen, vice president of management and professional liability for Philadelphia Insurance Cos.
Philadelphia's original cyber form has been enhanced over the years to offer coverage for regulatory fines and penalties, business income and extra expense, and extortion. Endorsements provide coverage for risks such as corporate confidential information loss, breach of private information related to minors and expanded crisis-management costs.
Insurance carriers also include more value-added services to their products, including cyber security tool kits, training "and other things to help companies understand and manage risk," says Marciano.
In 2013, AIG completed a major enhancement of its CyberEdge product, adding an array of risk-management tools to the third- and first-party coverage the product had provided. "We conducted a survey of customers, and 80% of risk managers felt that one of their biggest challenges was keeping up with changing cyber risk and emerging threats," Grella says.
Any business, not just AIG customers, can access information on cyber risk through the CyberEdge Mobile App for iPad that provides news from around the world and a continuously updated breach map that shows hacking hotspots across the globe. AIG customers that generate more than $10,000 in cyber premium also have free access to the CyberEdge Risk Tool, which provides resources for security, training, and compliance, as well as an AutoShun hardware device from RiskAnalytics.
The AutoShun device is installed on a customer's network and uses proprietary technology to prevent communication with known "bad" IP addresses. The list, which Grella says is updated every 10 minutes, "gives businesses protection against communicating with bad IP addresses that is much more current than a typical firewall provides."
In 2013, 170 customers signed up for the Risk Tool or an AutoShun device, a number that was in line with AIG's expectations. Betterley expects the amount and depth of value-added services offered by insurers to continually increase.
"Customers are looking not just for access to information, but answers to questions," he says. "Most organizations don't have a chief privacy officer, so having an outside resource to bounce plans and ideas off of, as happens with other lines of insurance such as EPLI, will be the next evolution of service in the cyber world."
Source: NetDiligence® 2013 Cyber Liability & Data Breach Insurance Claims Study
New Threats Raise Stakes
In managing cyber risk, businesses must address security concerns such as lost devices, unencrypted data and careless user behavior. At the same time, they must contend with new threats, including hackers' growing sophistication and organization. Increasingly, geopolitical forces are engaged in cyber terrorism.
"Hackers aren't necessarily persons or even groups of persons. They can be machines, often funded by criminal organizations," says Bryant G. Tow, a partner at Vaco Risk Solutions in Nashville.
Evidence is also mounting that there is an ongoing, organized assault against U.S. retailers. In addition to Target, Neiman Marcus reported a breach of more than one million credit cards in late 2013. Michaels Stores advised customers in January 2014 of fraudulent activity that the Secret Service is investigating. The same month, HasbroToyShop.com was hacked, resulting in shoppers being redirected to a malware site.
Companies also deal with new types of hacking activity. That includes crypto-locking, where hackers prevent access to a company's own data and threaten to destroy the data unless a ransom is paid.
"Crypto-locking is a huge concern, but something that companies quite frankly haven't gotten their arms around yet," says Matt Prevost, assistant vice president in Philadelphia Insurance's management and professional liability division.
Also, Microsoft's announcement that it will no longer support Windows XP effective this April has created significant vulnerability potential for companies large and small that still use it.
"XP makes up a little over 20% of the operating system market," says Tow, who expects hackers to aggressively exploit systems that will no longer be regularly patched.
"The bad guys won't stop trying to find holes in it. I would say you probably have a month at best after support ends before you are going to be significantly vulnerable if you use XP, and a few months until you're critically vulnerable," he predicts. "There really is no choice for companies but to upgrade or switch operating systems on or before the deadline if possible."
Claims Increasing, But Market Holding Steady
With increased breach activity and the growing use of cyber coverage, it follows that insurers would be handling more losses. INSUREtrust, for one, reports more than one breach incident a week, a frequency that Haase expects to grow.
"One of the problems with breaches is companies often don't know immediately that they've been compromised unless a third party tells them, so it can take quite a while for claims to develop," he adds.
At AIG, says Grella, "We're seeing about a breach per day. We're definitely busy in claims."
According to the Ponemon Institute, the breach cost per compromised record is $188. In the latest study by NetDiligence of cyber claims paid by insurers, the average claim was $954,253, which included legal settlement, legal defense and crisis-service costs.
"There is no such thing as a breach that costs $50,000 to resolve," says Kubursi in Philadelphia.
Yet despite rising claim frequency, insurers report favorable experience on the line. As a result, industry observers expect the highly competitive market to continue for the foreseeable future.
"I have no idea when the market will turn. It seems that coverage gets broader every year," Haase says. "Like any newer line of business, eventually critical mass will be reached in cyber claims experience, and companies will have to reassess how aggressively they underwrite and price coverage."