Your Newsletters are Interesting But…Part IV
The Iconic French Sailor Shirt — the Marinière
Readers ask a lot of questions about my research, and I’m thrilled to report it appears in my books.
Here’s Part 4 regarding my first book, To Catch a Spy; Parts 1 and 2 were in the August 2025 and October 2025 postings, and Part 3 was in the February 2026 post.
Newsletter Item & Chapter in To Catch a Spy
Sept 2024
Marinière Shirt. In my September ‘24 post, I wrote about the Marinière shirt, one of the world’s most iconic tops.
It originally was a French sailor shirt, and it was extremely regulated regarding the pattern, colors, etc.
Tons of celebrities wore them (think Picasso, Bridget Bardot, Brando, and Kate Moss, among others).
No explanation needed
They are still very popular; I’d hoped to have one by now, but would I wear it?
Anyway, check Chapter 11 in To Catch a Spy; you’ll see where I included it.
Dior. In that same post, I wrote about Christian Dior, the fashion designer who’s New Look line was so instrumental in bringing French fashion back from the brink after World War 2.
Dior’s New Look
Great stuff, and BTW, Dior appears in Chapter 22!
Oct 2024
In my October ‘24 post, I wrote about a few things, all of which ended up in my book.
Pepa Cocktail. I’m just going to highlight the Pepa cocktail from my October post.
The Pepa Cocktail
It was named after a forceful French actress from the 1920s, who was immortalized by Jean Carlu, the famous Art Deco poster designer.
The Pepa Poster
The Pepa appears in Chapter 1. Enjoy (the drink and the chapter)!
Nov 2024
Italian Charms. In my November ‘24 posting, I wrote about Italian charms, specifically how my grandfather gave myself and my siblings each a set when we started driving.
Read Chapter 29 of my book to see how they were incorporated.
That was one of my favorite newsletters, BTW! I thought it was funny.
An Italian Charm
Prosecco. I also wrote about Italian “champagne,” otherwise known as prosecco.
It’s big in our family; in that same posting, I included a picture of our good friends -- and relatives -- John and Betty enjoying a glass in our lanai.
Prosecco makes an appearance in Chapters 10 and 11. Check it out.
Apparently Trader Joe’s Makes a Good Version
Dec 2024
Okay, this was my final research post for To Catch a Spy.
Hitchcock’s Cameos. In my December ‘24 posting, I wrote about the famous director’s cameo appearances in his films. I’ve always loved them, and I was delighted when I first saw To Catch a Thief -- there he was, in the back of a two-toned bus, sitting right next to John Robie.
John Robie & The Cameo Guy, Back of the Two-Toned Bus
I couldn’t exactly put Hitchcock in my book, but I did recreate that bus; see Chapter 48 for a mention.
I also wrote about the picnic scene from that legendary film, which I recreated in Chapter 44, and those celebrated limestone fireplaces for which France is famous (see Chapter 15 in To Catch a Spy).
CONCLUSION
So there you have it! The research you read about in these newsletters and blog posts actually end up in my books.
But here’s a twist to that; I’ve just learned that my third book, which is independent from To Catch a Thief, may be published before my second book, which is another sequel to To Catch a Thief.
I hope you followed that; I barely did.
Anyway, what I’m thinking of doing is sharing the research I’ve done for each book once I know for certain the book is being published. And until I know that, who knows what I’ll put in my newsletters and posts?
But I can tell you one thing -- no matter what I write about, it will be entertaining!