Inspired by a recent discussion by L.L. Bean’s creative director Alex Carleton as well as the Linda Grant exclusive q&a and reading of her latest book, The Thoughtful Dresser, I started to think about my obsession with my clothing/accessories possessions, and why it’s so hard for me to purge my closets and get rid of things. As part of the Sorrelli earrings giveaway, I asked you about your most sentimental jewelry items, and am really touched by the responses. I definitely attach a strong sentimental element to items, and probably won’t be able to shed any of the items in the pics below: this was taken a few weeks ago while I was in Italy, on my birthday, and I went to the beaches at Lido (an island about 30 minutes from Venice) with my two close friends. The sun was shining, it was a fantastic day, as was my trip overall (and I bought that hat on my bday). I digress, but basically was thinking of the idea that every item you own, in some sense holds memories, good and bad. Even that top I got from Forever 21 was purchased to wear during New York Fashion Week, Continue reading…
April 13, 2010
The Thoughtful Dresser by Linda Grant
There are so many things we do on a daily basis that we don’t think deeply about, except for the fact that they must get done. Take for example brushing your teeth, combing your hair, and getting dressed. It’s such a part of our routine, that we rarely stop to think what these things actually mean to us, personally. The Thoughtful Dresser by Linda Grant (due out in the USA April 20th) takes the stance that we do care about what we wear — the significance of our choices, even if they are considered anti-fashion, still make a statement. Grant addresses the sentimentality we have to what we wear in different stages in our lives, how clothing correlates with first impressions, the ability for certain items to haunt us — as a remembrance of the past, such as the red high-heeled shoe the author saw jumbled on a pile at the museum in Auschwitz, or something you just can’t get out of your mind, yearning to be purchased and worn albeit unpractical like a pair of sky0-high stilettos or evening gown without being destined for a particular occasion.
Grant’s writing is absolutely brilliant and self-depracating; she doesn’t feign to know more about clothing than the average person, just shares her astute observations about dress and culture, mixed in with some personal anecdotes. For anyone studying fashion, fascinated by dress, or simply looking for a good read that will make you desire another few chapters once it ends, I strongly recommend you pick up a copy — it has definitely made me view and think about dress differently, and I do consider myself one of those fahsion ‘know-it-alls’.
-Julia DiNardo
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