Ask The Costume Goddess:

Tying A Hip Scarf

By Dina

Dear Costume Goddess,

I bought this lovely coin/beaded triangle belt. But it's heavy and it keeps sliding down my hips. I hate to tie it--that pulls some of the beads and coins into the knot and I'm afraid they will pull off. Help! Is there some way to keep it from slipping without hurting the bead/coin work?

--Clueless On Coins

Dear Clueless,

You're right. Tying a beaded hip scarf risks damaging the scarf and produces an unattractive golf-ball-sized knot that doesn't hold securely anyway.

I collect decorative pins from flea markets and thrift stores, like those shown in the photo. When I wear a hip scarf, I select a suitable matching pin, then simply cross the ends of the scarf for a snug fit and pin through all layers, including some fabric from the skirt or dress underneath. Using this method, the scarf can't slip down and it looks much nicer too. Photo Of Some Decorative Pins

If the scarf is especially heavy, it wouldn't hurt to pin an edge on the opposite side as well.

--The Costume Goddess

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