Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Zara Answers Your Questions About Turtlenecks

It is nice to think that all humans have at least one area of expertise; one topic that we can expound on with confidence. We encounter “experts” every day. The weather woman on the local news channel, a Banana Republic salesperson, the barista at your neighborhood Starbucks, etc. They can tell you all you need to know about nor’easters, boot-cut corduroys, and peppermint mocha lattes. (The latter being a delicious coffee treat that is available for a limited time –so drink up!)

At 32 years of age, I am quasi-knowledgeable about many subjects. As I subscribe to periodicals such as Vanity Fair and Real Simple, I am keenly aware of the “latest and greatest” high-brow celebrity gossip and which jar of peanut butter tastes the peanut-iest. As a college graduate who majored in Sociology, I am pretty sure that I know more about Max Weber than say someone who majored in graphic design.

However, my true area of expertise is turtlenecks. I am confident that I know more about these garments than any being in the entire universe. My love of turtlenecks began as a child. One of my favorite activities was to play “Charlie’s Angels.” A game that involved dressing up in my play outfit which consisted of a turtleneck, tights, and knee-high winter boots [those who play with me now know that this is STILL my favorite costume] and asking my mother to play the Saturday Night Fever album so that I could run circles around the dining room table while shooting criminals with my finger gun. My infatuation with turtlenecks continued into my adult life as I grew into one of those people who are “always” cold. To me, a turtleneck is both practical and romantic.

Back to the title of this piece…..

I would very much like to share my knowledge of turtlenecks with others and I am eager and excited to field any and all questions sent to me regarding turtlenecks. Andrea has already been kind enough to ask about the enigmatic “cowl neck.” I will answer Andrea’s question and any others that are sent my way in a soon to be published follow-up piece.

So please, stop wondering and start sending all of your turtleneck questions to me!!!

8 comments:

Evil Twin #1 said...

are you supposed to fold down the turtlenec or leave it scrunchy?

Zandrea! said...

I have another question. Aside from Professor Neeman, my evironmental economics professor senior year of college, when, if ever, is it appropriate for men to wear turtlenecks?

Yorkshire Pudding said...

I am sure that it is possible to receive counselling about your weird turtleneck fetish. Having lived with this mental torment for so many years, extrication will be difficult but hypnotherapy ought to do the job.
QUESTIONS
What is the origin of the term "turtleneck"?
Facially, do women who prefer turtlenecks resemble turtles?

rashmi said...

I know this is late BUT I was always told that well-endowed women should NEVER wear turtlenecks because it is aesthetically displeasing. As one of these women (sigh), does my life have to be effectively turtleneck-less?

Anonymous said...

I think that just the opposite is true. Smaller chested women look more masculine in t-necks to me. conversely, I like the way a voluptuous woman's figure is accentuated by a turtleneck top. It's just one man's opinion, but if I were you I might reconsider.

tht said...

A Woman in Turtleneck is for me a very special thing. The fitting, high sweater and collar enhances the beauty of a woman in a very special way. Especialy black turtlenecks are a must, a timeless chic fashion item. There is a site dedicated to women in turtlenecks. If you're interested, just come & visit this ultimate community:

http://turtleneck.cinebb.com/forum.htm

Stephanie said...

Hello Zandria - Youve got competition as a world authority on Turtlenecks!

Did you know Jackie Manning has just written her turtleneck memoirs? It is called the TurtleneX-Files and can be downloaded from www.lulu.com/uk . Just go to the books section of the website and type ‘turtleneck’ in the search field. Or go to the Biographies and Memoirs section and locate the author ‘J.E.Manning’.
There is a very good turtleneck picture of Jackie on the cover and a black and white one of her as a young college student on the rear cover. The resume of her memoirs is quote:-

“The TurtleneX-Files: Jackie Manning prides herself on being a particularly attractive young student at 6th Form college, fashion conscious and confidently able to turn heads with her svelte figure. Why would she ever want to conceal herself in a turtleneck rising so tight up underneath her chin? Jackie would sooner die than put on something she considered very much for the older woman. Jackie’s ‘Road to Damascus’ occurs when her tutors promote her to Prefect and she has to wear a thin black turtleneck as part of the uniform. Jackie relates how she effectively has a baptism of fire into the exciting new world of turtlenecks. It is truly a ‘rebirth’ through the collar-tube from which she never looks back.We then follow Jackie’s somewhat naïve turtlenecked progress through her remaining time at college and on into her adult career where she meets various interesting characters who relate to her as a turtleneck lover. Some befriend Jackie, others become her enemy. There are those who use and abuse Jackie for their own turtleneck agendas.The TurtleneX-Files is a unique biographical study of one woman’s turtleneck experiences which she candidly wishes to share with others who similarly have an interest in this fascinating subject. Beverley Turner”

Its only 67 pages long in 20 short chapters. I read it in an afternoon and it gives tremendous insight into modern womens relationship with turtlenecks. I could see myself in so many of the chapters - loved it.

Happy reading

Stephanie

Stephanie said...

Just an update, Miss Manning has now brought out her second edition with new material, just in case you're interested!