Polka Dot It!

A brief history of the most whimsical pattern, beautiful things with dots on them, and chapter one of the adventures of Genevieve and Rose.

Welcome to Feeling! Magazine’s Monday Letter! This is a once-weekly letter made to feel like a magazine flip-through, purposefully designed to help you feel joy.

I hope you love it, and I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. (Don’t miss the printable puzzle at the end!)

OCTOBER 20th: Confetti, dalmations, baloons, and pearls strung on a necklace. The dot is a historically bold and unwavering design icon. It marks the end of a sentence, the base of an exclamation, and the dresses of the daring. And I absolutely love it.

From its origins in fashion of the Middle Ages, to the allure of the polka dot in the 50s and 60s, to the premiere of 101 Dalmations — the polka dot has stood the test of time as a classic pattern. Dare I say, the most whimsical of them all!

Photo by Kent Marshall

Colors of the week: Polished Plates + Striped Tablecloth

These two colors are begging to be polka dots. Banana split is a brighter & sweeter hue than it’s close relative, butter yellow. And Black Sesame lifts up from black, moving slightly to charcoal with a hue of purple. Pair these together for a sweet combination of dots for fashion, or in your home decor.

A Brief History of Polka Dots:

Polka dots started as a fashion trend in the Middle Ages. Unfortunately for whoever came up with the fun dotted idea, it quickly turned sour because everyone thought it resembled the rashes caused by diseases like, you know, the bubonic plague.

So the trend faded. Then a much more positive association came for the pattern at the height of polka dancing popularity in the United States. Immigrants brought the European dance trend over to the States. Polka clubs emerged, and rumor has it that frequent dancers, especially women, began to wear dotted garments to the dances. The two became associated with one another. At least, some think so. There isn’t really any proof that it prompted the formal name, “polka dots.”

The pattern had a resurgence of popularity in the twenties. Then came Minnie Mouse. Then Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, and Christian Dior brought the dots to fame in the fifties and sixties. 101 Dalmatians started another resurgence of pop-culture dots. And they’ve remained in an ebb and flow of fashion trends, but always a clear classic. And, I believe, a classic statement of whimsy.

The Feeling! group chat was given a creative project last week, and some excellent responses transpired.

The Challenge: Plan a dinner party.

- This week, select a date, a group of people you’d like to invite over — and then actually send the invites out!

- It could be a whole dinner bash, or just two friends, or even your roommates or family!

- Report back to this thread with some pictures (if you’d like) and a brief description of what you made AND how your time was. What made it special?

I know it may be out of your comfort zone a bit, but I just keep remembering how important it is to do tangible things together with people we care about. Sitting around a table is so important to do.

If you can’t swing a dinner party soon, participate by hyping our hosts up with me!!

If you complete the assignment, I may have a little prize for you too! ;)

✷

Bar

shared “Sounds very sweet! I can’t do one soon, but i did one after i moved to my new place, for some of my friends, and then on my birthday (aug 29) where i did everything from zero (even one cake and one tiramisú). Pictures on my Substack :).

It was amazing so i encourage all of you (those who can) to do it! Everyone was really gratefull, and had a wonderfull evening.”

✷

Alicia

shared, “Today is Canadian Thanksgiving so we are hosting two friends - I am making the roast carrots, Brussels sprouts salad, appetizers and dessert, and a friend is bringing turkey, stuffing and gravy. I love this challenge, I am all for dinner parties and host them often.”

✷

Eloise

added, “I’m planning a spooky dinner party for Halloween! ‘A Raven’s Gathering’ Everyone will come in their fanciest all-black outfits and bring a handful of random shiny/unique trinkets to trade with each other before we have wine and charcuterie by candlelight :)”

✷

ak

shared, “wow! before you even posted this i’ve been planning a party with my friends for fall! it’s going to be a craft day- wax dipped leaf garlands, sewn cloth pumpkins, acorn garlands! and for the meal: harvest bowls- quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, pumpkin seeds, beets, arugula, and apples. salty-sweet popcorn chocolate-pumpkin muffins (pro tip for people like me who are not bakers: box chocolate cake mix + a can of pumpkin= very easy, yummy muffins) guiding colors: burnt orange, pumpkin, sage green, brick red, rust, and dark plumi love hosting parties and you inspire me to really make them special and host more often.”

Join the conversation to participate in the next creatove challenge:

1. Studded dot flats: Sam Edelman flats are the most comfortable flats! I love these studded flats for fall. Walk around with a little extra sparkle this autumn.

2. Shiny shiny highlighter: My favorite highlighter is from Tower 28, and it happens to look like a giant polka dot. I put some on the top of my cheeks, brow bones, the middle of my nose, and the top of my chin. It makes me look so a shiny and dewy even in the dry winter months.

3. My new phone case: I just got this case from designer Jasmine Dowling, and I do smile when I look at it.

4. Dotted sixties style dress: Gap has a perfect sixties-style polka dot dress made of linen. I love the classic shape, and pair mine with blue tights.

5. Dot placemats: Because who wouldn’t want to eat off of a giant polka dot?

6. TV Tray:

   jamie from lazy jamie
   released a modern take on the TV Tray. It comes in a beautiful white and a bright cobalt blue, with a gorgeous silver spiral as the base. I’ve gotten to play with the table in person and love how the top is removable too! It’s the ultimate slow day, or even cozy sick day, friend.

7. Cozy dot socks: I found these socks that match my colors of the week and I think we should all get them together and match.

• Twenty simple decor ideas for refreshing your home for fall

• Chapter one in the journey of turning my kitchen into my favorite restaurant

• How to be good at the human part of hosting, not just the decor part

• How to make your dog’s life more whimsical, including very simple homemade treat recipes

• How to make pumpkin spice lattes at home

In this column, you’ll find curated discounts gathered in one place from brands that are friends of Feeling!, perfect for a little birthday gift planning or a home refresh!

Party Supplies at Bonjour Fete

My very favorite scents at Dedcool

The best-smelling cleaning supplies of all time at Preston Lane

Inspired by American Girl’s Coconut and Licorice, a fictional tale of my own dog and cat, Genevieve & Rose, will be coming to you in small chapters every week. Follow a whimsical story of a dog and cat duo navigating New York City when no one is looking. The story will have you on the edge of your seat, and perhaps so invested in their joyful, silly world so much that you pause scrolling just to sit with them for a bit.

The amazing mulit-chapter fictional story is written by Devon Taylor

D.B. Taylor

of Paper Mirror.
Illustrations by yours truly!

Cozy up, relax, and enjoy a whimsical, light-hearted story.

Chapter 1: A New Adventure

“I can’t wait to see Mr. Owl!” barked Genevieve.
The dog’s brown fur matched the golden hue of autumn leaves, which floated like tiny ships riding the breeze. She wagged her tail so hard it threw her off balance. Both she and Rose walked with purpose.

Central Park carried a crispness in the air. The fall chill was brisk enough to encourage a jacket, but only an unbuttoned one. Multitudes of people strolled the little forest, each holding a warm beverage in hand and a story on their lips.

It was easy for Rose to press forward; it was harder for Genevieve. There were simply too many smiles, and far too many potential pets. Still, her self-control proved true, for she only stopped for a dozen belly rubs.

“You hear me?” Genevieve bounced. “I can’t wait!”

Rose rolled her eyes. “We just saw him,” purred the cat. She didn’t understand her sister’s need to be so excitable.

“I know! But he’s so funny! Once we solve this, he’ll be happy, maybe he’ll even make us some of that special tea!”

Rose tried to remain indifferent. But for some reason, Mr. Owl’s tea came to mind: perfectly warm, perfectly sweet, and somehow perfectly kind. The thought startled her. How could a drink be kind? And yet, it just made sense. Despite her cunning nature, she didn’t notice the smile creep across her face, slow and sneaky.

“You want some too, don’t you?” Genevieve grinned wide.

“No such thing,” hissed the cat, bending her smile into a frown. She had to be the serious one, after all. Daydreaming about tea would only delay them. But inside, her heart danced like the pigeons used to.

They trotted in silence, noticing the sky grow thin and lifeless.

“So why do you think the pigeons stopped dancing?” Genevieve asked, cocking her head in that very doggish way. “Where might they have gone?”

Rose said nothing. She, too, wondered. “How strange,” she finally purred.

Suddenly, a small pigeon darted low, nearly giving Rose a heart attack.
“What’s the matter? Are you all sick?” barked Genevieve. The little white bird’s movements were sharp, frantic.

“Please! What’s wrong?” Genevieve cried. They chased after it until the sound of jackhammers and power tools shattered their focus. Both cat and dog turned toward the noise, but when they looked back up, the pigeon was gone.

Rose petted her chin thoughtfully. “The noise, the construction, it’s messing with their rhythm.”

“You think?” Genevieve said, scanning the sky, hoping for the bird’s return.

“It’s a hunch,” the cat shrugged. “But I think it’s true. Think about it, ever since the noise started, all the animals have been acting strange. You can’t even find a squirrel on the edge of the park, it’s that loud.”

The construction seemed to be the culprit. The jazz musician who once played on the corner was now replaced by orange cones, the only kind of orange that clashed with fall.

“Look!” barked Genevieve. “That kind old man, the one with the breadcrumbs, he’s not here anymore!”

They both stared at the empty spot. It was lonely without his presence, cold even.

“Good eye,” meowed Rose. “Let’s start with him.”

Puzzle Time

Feel free to save this image and print it out! It’s a perfect party trick to have at your next get-together. Puzzles and highlighters!

---

Exciting News!

Every year, I sell a color dot calendar. The 6th edition is now available for preorder! The process is very grassroots. I host preorders for a month and a half, and that is the exact amount of calendars I order from the printer, then I ship them all from my apartment! The quantity is minimal, and the timeframe to order is short because that’s all I can manage with a one-woman operation! But I would love to send you one and make you a part of the coveted Calendar Club. You can place your order here!

I have not made art prints for years, but I’m coming out of retirement just for Substack. Founding members of Feeling! Magazine will be inducted into the Color Club, a once-a-month art print delivery to your mailbox! My goal is to make this digital magazine become tangible. Pick up a 5x7” frame, and then every month for one year, you will receive an art print to fill it. A seasonal rhythm, I hope, sparks a year of joy.

After you subscribe, you receive an automatic email requesting your address information to fill out, ensuring the print shows up in your mailbox! If you are already a paid subscriber but want to join the Color Club and start getting art prints, you can upgrade and Substack will prorate the price! The first print will go out in October!

---

Thank you, Hailey Howe, for lovely work on Feeling! Magazine Graphics! You made this Monday Letter magical!

🐚 Read more thoughtfully created articles here

🪄 Shop all my favorite things

🍒 Let’s be internet friends, please! @ jennaisfeeling

🪄 Get more inspiration