Blog
How to Care for Your Silk Twill Scarf
We are often asked how is the best way to care for your silk twill scarf. There are two routes that are equally acceptable to maintain the delicate touch and beautiful longevity of a silk scarf or silk pocket square.
1. The At Home Solution: This may take a bit more time, but is a perfectly appropriate solution.
* Hand Wash: Carefully fill your sink with cold water and use a very gentle detergent ~ or even Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo and swish very carefully in the basin, slowly swishing the fabric around. Do not scrunch with your fingers as the edge of a nail could snag the silk twill ribbing accidentally.
* Rinse Carefully: Rinse the scarf in cold water until all detergent is removed.
*Lay Flat to Dry: Lay your silk scarf flat on a towel or a clean, dry surface to air dry. Avoid hanging it, as the weight of the wet silk can distort its shape. This is very important!
*Iron with Caution: If necessary, iron the scarf on a low setting (silk or low heat) with a cloth or another piece of silk in between to prevent direct contact with the iron. AND NEVER, EVER iron the dimensional rolled-edge. This is a luxury cue to the hand-sewn craftsmanship and will never "bounce back" into a rounded shape once flattened.
*Store Carefully: Store your silk twill scarf flat or rolled to prevent creases. Keep it away from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can fade the colors.
* Protect from Perfume and Makeup: These elements have potential to damage your silk scarf. However, lipstick will inevitably get on your scarf as the wind always seems to blow just as i've applied lipgloss!
By following these care instructions, you can keep your silk twill scarf looking beautiful for a very long time!
John Ruthven x Grey Hall Design Artist Collaboration
Your Bengal Tiger game day spirit-wear is now available in a whole new realm of luxury! Thanks to a beautiful collaboration with renowned wildlife artist, John Ruthven, we are elevating the playing field of your football flair with an Hermes-like quality silk twill ~ 38"x38" scarf and 16"x16" pocket square. The vibrant orange is electric and sets the scene of quite the exotic jungle.
Let me take you back in time just a bit!
With a friendship between our families dating back generations, it was truly serendipitous that I should re-connect with John's grandson, Matt Weissman, who initiated the idea for a collaboration. Having possessed a love for John Ruthven's art for years, it really was quite an honor to be given the challenge to design a silk scarf and pocket square that would bring our different artistic styles together in one composition.
Both having roots in Cincinnati, Ohio, it was only fitting to step into a collaboration that would celebrate this common bond via our beloved Bengal Tiger. Thus the vision was aligned, sketching began and here we are with an absolutely striking display of Bengal spirit and pride. The leading character, John’s fierce Bengal Tiger, is ready to pounce out of my watercolor jungle. Ruthven's incredibly lifelike Bengal Tiger possesses captivating eyes and realistic striped coat juxtaposed against a monochromatic, dense orange jungle. The outcome, a dramatic crescendo fitting for a gallery wall in a beautiful frame or adorning the neck or pocket as wearable art for football fans everywhere.
*Here is a picture from 2018 when my husband, Matt, and I had the privilege of meeting John and hearing is captivating stories!
GO BENGALS!
How to Identify the Finest Silk Twill for Your Next Silk Scarf
~ The Essence of Silk Twill
Silk twill is renowned for its distinct weave pattern. Take a close look at your silk scarves, do you notice a very fine ribbing? Characterized by distinct diagonal lines in a subtle texture with the most beautiful sheen.
~ Luxurious Softness and Comfort
One of the most alluring aspects of silk twill is its luxurious softness against the skin. The weaving technique creates a dense fabric with a smooth surface, resulting in the most gentle touch when being worn. This inherent comfort makes silk twill scarves a delight to wear throughout the seasons, providing both warmth in cooler months and breathability during warmer weather.
~ Vivid Colors and Designs
We pride ourselves on delivering gorgeous, rich colors in each of our silk scarves. The intricate weave of silk twill acts as a canvas for vibrant colors and intricate designs. The fabric's ability to hold rich pigments ensures that every hue is brought to life with unparalleled brilliance. Whether it's a classic woodland creature motif, a whimsical and loose composition, or a very detailed pattern, silk twill scarves showcase designs with stunning clarity and precision.
~ Versatility and Durability
While silk twill scarves exude an air of luxury, they are also remarkably versatile and durable. The tight weave structure contributes to the fabric's resistance to wrinkles, ensuring that your scarf retains its impeccable appearance even after hours of wear. This durability ensures that silk twill scarves become cherished heirlooms, passed down through generations.
~ Care and Maintenance
Caring for silk twill scarves is a testament to their enduring quality. Gentle hand washing with Johnson's Baby Shampoo, air dry and then steam or lightly iron ~ OR dry clean to preserve the delicate fibers and maintain the scarf's integrity. Proper care not only sustains the luxurious texture but also ensures that the colors and designs remain as vibrant as the day they were acquired. **But very importantly, do not iron the hand-rolled edge and if dry cleaning, be sure to inform them of the same. Once the artisan quality of the hand-rolled edge is flattened and compromised, it will not "bounce back" to it's original dimension and beauty.**
~ Embracing Timeless Elegance
In an era where trends come and go, silk twill scarves are a classic staple in your wardrobe with timeless elegance. Their quality craftsmanship, luxurious softness, and captivating designs make them cherished accessories that transcend generations. Whether draped around the neck, tied to a handbag, or worn as a headscarf, the finest silk twill scarves epitomize sophistication and allure. Even better, they make it easy to hop from yoga to running errands by simply tossing around your neck or tucking under your puffer vest! (Tips for How to Wear a Silk Scarf)
~ Enduring Symbol of Refined Style
Elevate your wardrobe with the timeless allure of silk twill – a choice that resonates with those who seek both luxury and lasting beauty.
Dreaming of Sea Island ~ The Cloister in Silky Blues
The timeless elegance of blue and white never ceases to fade. It's classic aesthetic is like a fresh breeze. Thus when we took to sketching the next generation Sea Island silk scarf and pocket square for The Cloister gift shop, this monochromatic color palette very quickly transitioned from a dreamy design of very loose watercolor brush strokes in varying hues of cobalt blue to the most beautiful interpretation of a custom-designed toile in an azure blue color scheme with white.
Expanding the featured vignettes to include the very romantic Sea Island Chapel was a must when designing the silk scarf composition! ~If you haven't discovered this charming cottaged tucked into the shadow of The Cloister itself, nearly hidden behind Palm trees and fauna with a curtain of Spanish moss, be sure to make a visit next time you are among the Golden Isles of Georgia. Its stain glass windows are breathtaking.
Organizing all painted scenes to nest together in a pleasing cadence, while ensuring each gem sparkled in its own right was quite the design challenge. And then, enabling a repeatable design for each side of the square so that from a distance, the visual contouring of the scarf as a whole would reflect fashion and art... elevated to a new level of creativity.
Discover the intricate details of all that is featured in this special Sea Island x Grey Hall Design silk scarf and pocket square collaboration:
- The Cloister
- Black Banks Terrace, The Cloister
- The Lodge, Sea Island Golf Club
- Sea Island Explorer
- The Beach Club at Sea Island
- The Chapel at Sea Island
art prints and notecards in addition to the silk scarf and pocket square are also available at the Shop at Sea Island ~ (912) 643-3296
Cheers to Blue & White forever!
💙🤍
Xx
The Swiss Army Knife in Your Wardrobe
Why we believe the silk scarf is the most versatile piece in your wardrobe, and not just an accessory for fashion enthusiast. Silk scarves reinvent any outfit with a touch of polish, color and uniqueness. With endless ways to tie this classic square, there is nothing ordinary about the end result!
Introducing the newest addition to our accessory collection: luxurious watercolor painted silk scarves by Grey Hall Design. These one-of-a-kind scarves are expertly crafted from the finest silk twill, and feature stunning watercolor paintings that are sure to make a statement. Whether you're dressing up for a special occasion or simply adding a touch of elegance to your everyday wardrobe, these scarves are the perfect choice.
But it's not just about the visual appeal – these scarves are also incredibly soft and comfortable to wear, making them a true pleasure to use.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to add a touch of sophistication to your wardrobe. You'll love the way you look and feel! Enhance your wardrobe with Grey Hall Design's luxurious watercolor painted silk scarves featuring hand-rolled edges. Each silk scarf is a work of art, featuring stunning paintings arranged in a storytelling fashion. View our full collection of one-of-a-kind silk scarves and fall in love with your wardrobe all over again!
Xx
How'd She Do That? with host Emily Landers
Have you ever looked at successful women in a wide range of careers, vocations and business ventures and wondered.... "How'd She Do That?" Emily Landers, decided to investigate this curiosity we all ponder and turn it into a podcast series giving each of us a peek under the hood to the journey, trials, and magic that accumulate and ultimately formulate the most amazing stories of female entrepreneurs.
As longtime fans of Emily's talent for insightful questions, commentary and identifying guests with a fabulous range of backgrounds, it was probably the equivalent of Christmas morning excitement when Page and I had the privilege of meeting the renown HSDT podcast host at The Southern C Summit in Sea Island.
Emily is an author, speaker, and host in Malibu, CA. Through these many roles, Emily has had the chance to do one of her favorite things: connect and collaborate with people who are just as passionate about their work.
With this lens Emily selects women to be invited on to her podcast. Page and I could not be more humbled to be among this esteemed list in Episode 122 of HSDT to tell our Grey Hall Design story.
In our discussion, we give details for how our childhood was infused with creativity and imagination, how Page, our brother - Joe, and I were inspired to celebrate inventiveness and originality, and how our various college studies became building-blocks for an entrepreneurial launching pad.
And then fast-forward to when our focus on Silk Scarves began as Page and I entered the workforce.
Page and I being just a year apart, when we graduated college and began our first jobs, we were in search of a professional wardrobe that also represented our individual styles.
At the time, we would have loved an Hermes silk scarf but could not afford it - and yet, off-the-rack, mainstream stores did not offer the elevated sophistication and rich color palette in silk scarves that excited us.
You must listen to discover the rest of our story!!!
And if you enjoy this, you must investigate exclusive content and behind-the-scenes updates with Emily Landers through her Patreon site. Join as a Patron and receive additional podcast episodes every a month as well as unlimited access to vlogs, BTS, and so much more!
THANK YOU, EMILY for the honor and privilege of being a guest on your incredible podcast.
We are lifelong fans of HSDT!!!
Xx
How to Wear a Silk Scarf ~ made simple!
"How to wear a silk scarf!?" is the question we hear time and again!
Put all pre-conceived ideas out of your head because no rules apply here! Silk scarves actually give lots of freedom to elevate the most simplistic outfits and instantly transform them into a polished, chic look.
The Parisians have mastered this art. And why must they!? With closets the size of a high school locker, necessity is the mother of all invention. Silk Scarves require almost no space at all in your wardrobe and they make a big impact when worn. Thus, when in Paris walking down the Champs-Elysees, it is nearly a sea of all black, yet each passerby strolls with effortless sophistication and style. It's hard not to wonder how this is possible in one of the fashion capitals of the world when all black clothing dominates the landscape? Upon taking a closer look, it is resoundingly clear... the silk scarf accessory. Tied in dozens of unique ways, a pop of color in a rainbow of hues, and endless design themes, each similar version of black ensemble becomes distinctive and individual to her personal aesthetic.
We want to remove the mystique, the complication and the intimidation of tying a silk scarf, because we promise --it's really not so hard!! Discover simple and easy ways to wear a silk scarf in our "How To" videos. You will appreciate how the same exact outfit takes on a whole new style as Page demonstrates how to tie a silk scarf a different way in each video.
Tie around your head as a headband, neck as a necklace or waist as a belt and with a few select pieces of jewelry, you too can be ready for the avenues of Paris.
A true - MUST HAVE - in your wardrobe is a silk scarf. Choosing to invest in a classic and timeless fashion accessory will not only elevate your most simple clothing pieces, but actually make it easier and faster to solve any wardrobe dilemmas and run out the door. Toss a scarf on & go!
Xx
How to Choose a Silk Scarf - A Must-Have for your Wardrobe
To what color are you drawn? Pick a silk scarf based on color first! If you LOVE the color, it will be magnetic in your wardrobe. You will reach for it time and again if it's a color that makes you feel beautiful.
Secondly, choose a silk scarf based on theme that inspires you. The subject matter of the design should spark an emotive connection, uplift, intrigue or represent a favorite personal motif.
Thirdly, look for artisan quality that will last as an heirloom you can hand-down to generations. As you investigate, look for:
- color saturation on both sides of the scarf
- drapability and hand of the silk twill
- hand-rolled edge ~ this is the mark of a luxury silk scarf! That gorgeous dimensional edge is the most special detail
We boast a lovely 38"x38" silk square that is actually a couple inches larger than the traditional 36" designer silk scarves on the market. Hands-down, we have received unsolicited compliments that ladies LOVE the slightly larger size as they can do more with it. For example, it's possible to tie your scarf as a belt and not just knot the ends, but have enough length to tie a bow! We just love the feminine touch this brings.
**PLUS, our silk scarves dry clean beautifully!! Be sure to tell your premium cleaner to NOT press the rolled-edge of the scarf and voila! You will be thrilled with the end result.
Enjoy the hunt for the perfect silk scarf for your wardrobe!
Xx
Pups EVERYWHERE!
Whether you're a dog lover or not, our silk scarf with 29 lovable pups will capture your heart! When a Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show judge was gifted one of these beautiful silk scarves, her response could not have been a bigger WOW moment for us. She gave the highest remarks for accurately capturing the personality of each breed.
I must say, this was such a thrill because countless hours were invested in studying America's favorite dog breeds. With watercolor paints and the stroke of a brush, capturing a freeze-frame moment of a pup's iconic behavior is no small task. In the flash of an instant, the personality traits such as calmness, boldness, kindness, playfulness and sociability needed to come through.
Relief (ha!) and validation were achieved with such an esteemed audience of approval! Plus, capturing the eye of design\milk as well who featured our classic canine silk scarves delivered the perfect surprise & delight moment too.
I must admit, by the final pup painting, I wanted all 29 dogs!!!
**Discover these pup in 3 colorways!
petal pink, ice blue, & ivory
Dogs featured on our silk scarves:
- German Shorthaired Pointed with black ticking - standing
- German Shorthaired Pointer with light brown ticking - sitting
- Yellow Lab
- Chocolate Lab
- Black Lab
- Dachshund
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Dalmatian
- Doberman Pinscher
- Beagle
- Pomeranian
- French Bull Dog
- Bull Terrier
- Bull Dog
- Miniature Terrier
- Vizsla
- Australian Shepherd
- Great Dane
- Scottie
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Shih Tzu
- Boxer
- Golden Retriever
- Poodle
- Shar Pei
- German Shepherd
- Corgi
- Rottweiler
- Siberian Husky
Xx
The Southern C Summit ~ We see in our crystal ball a return visit!
The most dreamy experience in every way! The Southern Coterie has created an incredibly dynamic conference ~ The Southern C Summit. This 3-day event brings together bright, hardworking entrepreneurs, designers, publishers, influencers and all sorts of creative Doers. With Sea Island as the backdrop, there is no shortage of magic interwoven into every aspect.
Our biggest takeaways from the 2022 Summit: a network of mentors, introductions to publishers, relationships with influencers, entrepreneur peers and all of whom we now cherish as friends!
Even beyond our wildest imagination, we gained exceptional clarity for brand growth and opportunities for business exploration. We are truly grateful for all the doors opened!!
Get excited for a number of surprises coming your way that we can't wait to reveal very soon.
Xx