The Hand Fan – Every Woman Should Have One

It was 2005, I was in Cassino, Italy and let me tell you, it was as hot as Hades. I was “studying” abroad when I came across my very first hand fan. Ten years later I would be reacquainted with my favorite accessory, this time in Florence (temps were in the upper 90’s, the sun was beating down) and the rest is history. It doesn’t matter what I’m wearing, where I’m going, or what time of year it is – I always have a hand fan in my purse, bag, or back pocket. Yes, there is an eighty-year-old woman living within me, but she is super regal, extra classy, and rarely ever overheats. I look at it this way, what does one do when they are cold? They put on a sweater or a wrap, right? Why, when you are hot, or pregnant in 90-degree heat, having hot flashes in an air-conditioned store, or sitting in an overly heated restaurant, wouldn’t you fan your damn self off? Why suffer and sweat?

A hand fan is the most perfectly functional accessory any woman (or man) could ever have. And they aren’t just for the summer months. Here is a list of things you can do with a fan:

@fernfans_

• Cool yourself off anywhere, at any time. (duh.)
• Amp up your sense of style and make it your staple accessory.
• Hide from someone behind it. Say an ex-lover or that scary boss you escaped from.
• Waif away someone’s toot, bad breath, or body odor on an airplane. Been there, done that.
• Use it as a dance accessory.
• Fan yourself off during that really long and really hot wedding ceremony you have to sit through.
• Politely whisper a message to someone sitting next to you while using it. You’ll look less like you’re sharing a secret and more like your just fanning and chatting.
• Be less miserable in hot weather.
• Use it in an overheated classroom – that goes for teachers and students.
• Be more comfortable in a hot restaurant. During the winter when you’re all bundled up, sitting next to the kitchen, and drinking a glass of red wine…you’re going to want to have brought your fan.
• Hot flashes anyone? A hand fan to the rescue.
• Shoo away mosquitos.
• Shield your pretty face from the sun to avoid premature aging, sun damage, and sunburn.
• Hungover and overheating? Use a fan.
• Give it to someone as the perfect gift. ie. pregnant friend, bride, bridesmaid, aunt going thru menopause, a loved one going thru chemo, fashion-obsessed sister, world traveler, a classy and sassy lady friend, your insanely fashionable gay best friend, beach bums, your friend that sweats when sitting still….the list could go on and on.
• Feel less trashy and more classy.
• Take the perfect photo for Instagram – think fan induced windblown hair. Perfect for the gram.
• Cool off a hot baby. Whatever you do though, don’t EVER hand your hand fan over to a small child. They will, without a doubt, destroy it. The warning has been issued.
• Get your flirt on with one. If nothing else, it will definitely spark a conversation.
• Use it in the kitchen while cooking your family’s beautiful, holiday feast.

@fernfans_

Here’s the deal. Fans make you seem extra. When in fact, fans actually prove that you’re smarter than all the other overheated humans within your vicinity. There is no shame in whipping out a fan. Sure, they may not be for everyone, but if you’re willing to own it, then do it. I cannot tell you on how many occasions friends and family have pulled mine out of my hand to use because they were so hot. I ended up giving them fans as gifts later on down the road and wouldn’t you know it, they use it all the time.

Now, some fans can be incredibly cheesy, tacky, and cheap. Pass on those. There are some beautifully designed, fashion-forward fans on the market.

Here are some of the best:

Duvelleroy – Paris, France / @duvelleroy – I have two of their fans (including the one below), they are stunning.

Fern Fans – Designed in Copenhagen, made in Spain / @fernfans_ – on my fan wishlist!

VIXI – Designed in The United States; made in Indonesia / @vixihandfans – I have this 6 inch, mini fan below. Perfect for low maintenance fanning and for your purse.

I can’t tell you how many times I have thanked myself for having my fan with me. If you’re wanting to use one, but you’re worried about what other people will say or think about you – I have one piece of advice…who gives a damn what anyone thinks about anything you do. You do you.

xo, Lauren