Some entries have emotions that my words don’t fully convey. This tune is the background score for this post. Presenting a summer looking through rose tinted glasses …
California gave me a golden summer. So much so, that I forgot that I am brown gal and uttered the words “I have a nice tan” for the first time in my life. We have been swimming in the rivers, kayaking, sun bathing, making bulgogi over fire, listening to Gustavo Santaolalla and drinking pale ales from growlers. “Beach”, he says in his husky yet gentle voice and looks at me with his wide questioning eyes. We pack up and go.”I found a spot to sleep under the big trees”, he says. We load our tent and go. This is how we do romance in our home. Harsha has been hunting down camping ground openings from his excel sheet. He reads maps and plans routes for our road trips based on the breweries along the path. #romance …. California preserved its history. Standing in a 20-million-year-old forest containing 3000-year-old sequoia trees is grounding. Summer nights are when we socialize a lot more. We never miss the trips to the farmers market when “the tomatoes are ripe and plump”. We sent out an open invite to our closest friends: “drop by any Sunday afternoon for food and beer”. My cottage has a wall of good books that are being read. Cinco, the cat, is recovering and slowly morphing into a little dragon again. There is a calm in my life that I don’t quite understand, but am happy to have it while it lasts. My closet is in a similar state of mind … a certain kind of slowness and too much beauty ….
Something Blue
Blues that live in my home.
The right shade of navy ? All of them ? A snapshot of my blue dresses.
“You have to go to Italy. They have the most beautiful blue skies I have ever seen”, says Meghana when asked about her honeymoon. The most beautiful blue – I have been hunting for precisely that, for years – in the sea, in the sky, in stone, in fabric stores, in indigo dyes, in my paint box … The greedy woman in me is not content with looking. I need to photograph it. I want to wear it. When the fabric of my blue dresses starts to wear out, I notice the gradient to see if its shade is better than the original. If the answer is yes, I am happy. If it’s a no, I then start to complain about how my clothes are old and about needing more blue clothes to fill my closet.
Love thy Wrinkles
Equipment Shirting : Army Green & Olive Green
My great-great-grandfather was imprisoned by the British Raj ( who colonized India from 1757 to 1947 ) for printing counterfeit currency. He lived a fugitive life. We didn’t know his whereabouts but he would resurface out of the blue – with presents, trinkets with questionable origins, recipes from far off lands, technical know hows, dried herbs, … My great-grand-mother has the most amazing stories to tell and they were all hidden in her wrinkles. The more you seek, the more beauty you will find. The imperfections on my linen shirt resemble the topography of the hills as seen from the sky. What the eyes see and the neurons interpret depends on the perception of beauty encoded in the brain. The images of travelers, explorers, farmers, hunters, riders, photographers, engineers … are enhanced by the signs of exertion in their clothing and exultation on their faces. I don’t want to see pristine clothes worn by airbrushed faces. I want to hear about the adventures of daily life told by wrinkled faces wearing soiled clothing.
Something new
Everlane Chinos ( Quick review : made of poplin. the kind you replace every two years. )
You stare at something long enough and yearn for it, it becomes you. Gretta from Begin Again and Max Poglia made me try out this new silhouette. This outfit falls flat without the belt and toned stomach. Menswear inspired pleated boxy cotton trousers are like shift dresses – minimum contact with the body and maximum comfort. Ironically, these pants seem to tickle Harsha. He laughs every single time. “Are you wearing my clothes again?”. “You look like like a kid in those.” “Where do you find these clothes again ?” “So you write a fashion blog huh”. He has his way to distorting my views with his wicked humor. Last year, I purchased this gorgeous navy blue brocade jacket from Dries Van Noten. It was stunning. I hung it on a nail in my bedroom, like one would hang a painting. He walks in and ….. “I am a disco dancer, I am a disco dancer, ….”, he pranced around the jacket like a primitive man. That did it and I promptly returned it. Not this time. These pants, are being worn.
Weather gods are tastefully eclectic
The cold winters can make me forget what true warmth can be and one fine day – it hits you hard. In the afternoons, I get an urge to peel off the clothes, burn my bras and puncture some holes into my ballet flats for ventilation … The evenings make me want to sun bathe and play volleyball outdoors …. and then the nights are chilly. California is a happy drunkard. Layering helps :
Black cropped pants that can go under the dress making it a tunic.
A neck scarf because I want to dress like Jude Law from The Gentleman’s Wager.
Goodbyes are always hard
[ Poplin shirts to be cut into cleaning rags. Silk shirt & red flats to be donated. ]
This is my worn out pile. The Everlane silk shirt aged terribly and has become patchy. The poplin shirts died in service. The red shoes pinch my feet real bad and I seem to need half size up for shoes these days. My loafers do the same and I want to sell them. I also have a ’20 more wears before I let them go’ pile because I don’t want to shop for replacements. I also have an ever growing repair pile. Truth be told, I am alarmed by how many of my clothes I have been wearing out this year.
My simplify journey so far :
Year 1: Own the least amount of clothes possible. ( Emphasis on decluttering. )
Year 2 : Build a closet. Be moderately well dressed with the least amount possible. (Emphasis on buying high-quality garments. )
Year 3: Concentrate on ‘buy less’ instead of ‘own less’. Be well dressed with least amount of wastage. ( Shop second hand, wear clothes till they die and buy for durability.)
This is how my goals shifted over time. If you have an active lifestyle, clothes wear out. Even the good quality ones. Have durability in mind when considering fabrics and construction. (Am reconsidering my silk shirt habit. ) Don’t buy things that might go to the ‘maybe’ pile next year once the love-at-first-sight wears out and will eventually be left behind. Optimize for time and money spent on all of this. Optimize for freeing brain space from the consumption cycle. Stock up on staples when they become affordable on the second-hand market. On that note, I sent a pair of shorts to Realreal for consignment and asked them to return it back to me. I can’t seem to part with my stuff anymore.
Something borrowed
Secondhand shopping. I go about bragging about my finds to anyone who cares to listen, partly because I want them to try it out too. With great power comes great responsibility and lot of errands. I have become the designated hunter for fashion finds in my inner circle of humans. ‘She’ asked me to keep an eye out for this sold out APC bag. We found it. When it came to it, she hated the bag. You can not fit a sunglass case in it. Inserting a wallet is like having a quarrel with the bag who doesn’t understand its purpose. This bag doesn’t know that it’s a bag. ” I don’t have time for this shit. Sell it for me?”, she asked. My price for making me do her dirty laundry: to be able to use it for the summer. One month in, I hate that bag too !
Beauty of the tiny
Straw Hat == sun protection
Neck tie scarves == subtle accent that can be tied to the handbag or the neck or the wrist or the bicep.
Gold necklace == This is a pendant that I wear on the wrong side. This pink pearl is another treasure of mine and I like how it looks next to blue clothing and tan skin.
Red lip is the equivalent of wearing a tiara. Oh, the glamour and the beauty it brings to the table … !
Vitamin C serum == healthy glowing skin.
A lesson in Chic
[ I refused to backpack without my red dress. ]
Summer of 2014: Harsha and I stayed in a Chateau in a little vineyard in the village of Krems, Austria. Travel all week, vacation on the weekend was how we balanced our finances. We would sleep on trains, platforms and tiny bunk beds all week. I loved the hostel experience – everyone was on a tight budget and would share tips to get around. “There was no ticket collector on the train. So I didn’t get off and ended up in Netherlands”. “We floated on a raft into Germany on the Rhine river.” It was the weekend and we earned our vacation – a big bed in a very picturesque setting! The Chateau had a little garden which could seat 20 people, which was being used to host dinners. Reservation required. Local produce, daily menu and famous chef – Check ! The minute I walked in, all eyes stopped and stared at me.
I saw an avatar of Madame Chic, sitting at every table. Plain silk blouses. Muted colors that were soothing on the eyes. Crisp white shirts and red lip. Skirts and kitten heels. Trousers and black boots. Some showed their naked shoulders with a colorful stole nonchalantly thrown on top. They had glowing skin, no visible makeup, natural looking hair and dainty jewelry that sparkled like the distant stars in the candle light. The wine glasses looked like ornaments in their hands. The men wore linen blazers and loafers. I will never forget how mesmerized I was that night – the smell of the wine, the rustle of the wind tunneling through the grape trees, the full moon, the candle light, being in love, being happy, being young, being in a strange and foreign land, the laughter, belly full of food, the ancient stone walls, beautiful people, the wine …
That night also changed my idea of evening wear. Chic + simple == Elegant ? I haven’t given myself permission to buy clothes that fit the notion of ‘dressed up’. It’s like putting down payment on a vacation home while complaining about not being able to afford the rent in the apartment you live in. I could invest in my winter coat and silk blouses because I didn’t buy my fantasy going out closet yet. I like the idea of me on a beach in a maxi dress. I also like the idea of me in cocktail attire at a speakeasy. But I am not there yet to spend on clothes that get worn less than 10 times a year. Dressing up what I own works. The beauty of silk is not to be underestimated. Washed silk has this natural luster and an element of ‘noble’ that transitions to evening wear with ease. It drapes on my curves making me feel dressed up. Washed silk is not excessively shiny. I can wear it during the day without looking overdressed. After years of trial and terror, I think I get a hang of accessories. My current closet has been serving me rather well.
Beach : APC tunic and flip flops.
Walking date with him : Vintage denim dress. Men’s sandals from India.
Hostess uniform: a blue dress and nice earrings.
Upscale dining/Attend weddings/Go dancing to the clubs: red dress + black lace up flats
[ Yes, I have the same silk dress in two colors. And I found them both on the second-hand market 3 years apart. ]
Date night, brunch, work, play, concert, …. : blue dress + ballet flats. I can’t sing enough praise for this Steven Alan shirt dress. I think it hit 100 wears in the 3 years I owned it and is going strong – talk of quality! It was a second-hand find. One woman’s part-able item is another woman’s treasure.
Sensei, teach me
Dressing inspiration can be broken down into two components: The right basics and the right personalization.
Inspiration for the right basics: Margaret Howell. The colors I want to see, the cuts I want to wear, the shoes that inspire movement, the classics I want to own, …. the styling on her runway is an education. The blogs I read, pinterest, etc help me out in this aspect too.
The legends: Asian Street Fashion, Women in this town, Men in this town, The Sartorialist, The Sartorialist Closer.
[ I won’t see this image on a fashion blog that shows perfect outfits. I like how she wears her bag and how the brown has patinaed. ]
[ He wears yellow, brown and red paired with navy/black. I would have branded it too much color but it somehow works ! If I were more experimental, my red bag would get worn more. I miss it. ]
Personalization : A certain boldness is required to mix, match and make the outfit your own. I went back to street style for inspiration. The Sartorialist has a good sample size of subjects who seem to dress as they please. Every page has a combination that I would not have thought of by myself. The basics I own can be worn like basics or with some creativity. I am using the good taste of Scott Schuman, Giuseppe Santamaria and James Bent for an education.
Beware of the cliches
One late night, I caught myself browsing for straw bags and wrap dresses – neither of which I particularly find practical. It’s an aftermath of all the influencers I scroll, looking alike – exactly like Jeanne Damas. How did this happen ?
Fashion says “me too”. Style says “Only Me”.
It was fun while it lasted, to mock the fashion trends and to do the anti-haul talk. Nobody forced me to follow fashion blogs and read the magazines. I did so, out of my own volition …. only to become a fashion victim. I don’t want any part of it.
Over the years, I have been scrolling through a lot of pretty images put out by Kinfolk-y content creators with the Celine aesthetic ( which I really enjoy ). This exposure re-wired my idea of a good outfit. I was so stuck up on my one color per outfit rule because it looked picture perfect and visually clutter free. While this can be written off as refining the aesthetic, I was narrowing down the subset of combinations possible with the contents of my closet. I was wearing out my neutral clothing rather fast while growing bored of the teals and pinks that don’t get worn often enough. Once I put some distance between myself and the media perfect outfits, I am more relaxed. I mix navy with red. Or wear pink shoes while wearing a red jacket. Brown bag with an army green shirt. Wear more than one accessory at a time if I feel like it. The accent pieces are being used more often. Closet utility and efficiency went up.
I want a floral print tank top. Tiny and sparse flowers on natural fabric – why can’t I find it ? I might purchase this fabric ( indigo, navy) and ask my mother to make one for me.
Then, there is this itch to buy white clothes and dye them indigo. I spilled coffee on my husband’s white shirt there by staining it. “Oh, oh, we should dye it blue. It will look amazing on you.” He nodded and forgot to get angry at me for ruining his shirt.
At some point in my life time, I want a red Alaia skirt and a black trousers designed by Yohji Yamamoto. I will wait.
Since I shop second hand, I no longer know what’s in stores or when the sales happen. Feels liberating. Anything I might want, it’s cheaper to find used.
I have been visiting the local thrift shops whenever I visit a new place to hike. You guys have commented about finding your wool coat for 10$ and Ferragamo pumps for 13$. I see them too. Thank you for sharing your second-hand finds and for encouraging me to look off-line.
I would like to bring the slowness element to my blog too. Fewer posts, essay style? I don’t want to become scrollable. I want to be read and conversed with.
Cheers to the beautiful summer! I have missed chatting with you guys. We are like the women who brunch on the Sundays, talking about beauty, style and perspectives. Was your summer filled with must-have’s too? What are they? Whats your summer closet like ? Feeling the wave of straw bags ?
My parents were here with me. They came in April and left yesterday. It was lovely having them around. I learned a lot more about myself and them the last four months.
Summer has been a mix of gardening, Tai Chi, swimming and gymming, yoga, lots of reading, endless dreaming… 🙂 And a ton of writing too!
The thought of an ebook arose and I RAN with it. 🙂 That was a nice little surprise, even for me.
Am joining a spoken French class next week, really looking forward to it. I learned the language two years in junior college but they didn’t teach us how to speak it. 😦
Off to Yosemite this Sep, then Guatemala in November.
Travel, meditation, breath work, contemplation… Not bad thus far!
Loved reading this post! Your summer seems to have been one of bliss, contentment, calm and love. Hope the rest of 2018 unfolds the same way. 🙂
Oops, I meant to say “rest of 2017,” obviously.
I have been wanting my parents to visit. Hope it happens this year for me. I need my mother here to finish her cookbook and I have no skill to cook half the things in it for the photographs.
Oh swimming : been meaning to ask you. Is your no shampoo method working for when you swim ? does it dry out your hair ?
I love all the summer activities you have on – its truly inspiring !
Swimming does dry out the hair. So I time my swimming days in such a way that I end up oiling/washing my hair the following day.
Interestingly, my husband and I had a conversation this evening about sartorial choices. I thought that most people (women) tend to buy clothes they like (connect to). Husband thinks otherwise. He feels that people tend to be socialized into buying clothes that they think makes them look good. It isn’t a question of personal choice, necessarily.
It was an interesting and spirited discussion. 🙂
I don’t understand his point entirely. I suppose it’s because I grew up around people who had clear ideas on what they liked (or not). I don’t recall my mother, aunt, or sister ever saying “this will make me look good.” Not to say that all connection (or like) one feels with one’s clothes is a healthy one. Sometimes, it might be an old pattern that has nothing to do with genuinely loving your clothes or expressing your true self through them.
Why do we think its one way or the other ?
If we are talking about our folk in India : I have heard “this color makes you look fairer/darker/brighter” so many times ! I do think we have an idea of whats flattering. Back in the day, saree was only silhouette so we didnt have to think about what to pick to make us look taller or skinnier or …. But I know folks who just wear what they like and don’t use a mirror like my great grand mother. Do we really need to decide on option a or option b as an answer to how women in general think or act ?
Also, when we make this genralizations, shouldnt we look beyond ourselves and the people we know ? Sample a data set and then make a conclusion ? Its easy to say ‘I dont feel this way’ or ‘my mother didnt do that’ and extrapolate …. ??? Non ? Thoughts ?
No, we certainly don’t need to think one way or another. However, the way I (or you, or anyone) end up making buying decisions is telling of the my individual mindset, motivations, patterns and tendencies, etc. Sure, you can go the quantitative way and collect data before making a judgment. Or you can study human behavior and develop an understanding of mental patterns and consequent behaviors.
Absoutely ! We dont just ask people a yes or no. We collect cultural, sub cultural, family, literacy, exposure, ….sort of factors coupled with biological impulse. Depending on the hypothesis, we follow a very specific methodology to make it into a theory. For a theory to become a fact, its a whole lot more work. This is my professor’s book : http://a.co/cNHUWb7
It’s the gold standard in the industry and a fantastic book. Do take a look if you like this line of work.
I work with a few psychologists. I will get her to comment on the method on Monday for this case.
Looks like your blog swallowed my comment whole. 🙂
I really enjoyed this post, and it’s good to see you back writing. Especially good to know that Cinco is recovering. I was worried about that little one.
I still think that the bluest blue I have ever seen is Lake Tahoe, any season, any weather. My best friend lives there and I would visit if I were on the west coast.
Your writing about your clothes (especially your dresses) makes me appreciate mine more. I finally got over my apprehension of buying secondhand online and got a lovely black silk dress. I nearly bought a blue linen dress last month, but it sold out before I made up my mind. I also am glad you posted that Man Repeller article because I’ve been wondering about how to classify the style “influencer” Instagrams I like.
I spent an unexpected (and very lucky) amount of time in the operating room. Finally got to scrub in and help the surgeons. Wore hospital scrubs all day every day, and I wore a hole into my old running shoes.
CInco has bounced back. He limps and sleeps a lot but its been a remarkable recovery. We are very excited ! Thank you for remembering him 🙂
I am sad to say I dont remember the blues in the skies for long enough to compare. I have been to lake Tahoe but dont remmbr !
I think I buy second hand because that’s the only way I can get my hands on the quality and cuts I want. Else, it’s Zara budget or a 20 item closet or a whole lot of guilt – neither of which are that exciting … After years at it, its become treasure hunt.
I cleaned up my instagram. Everyone does the same things and poses similar. Its become this strange contest of popularity and self promotion. The folks who inspire me are the travelers, scientists, journalists, poets and some educational accounts. I think I am too old to play this influencer-influenced game anymore.
We visited Tahoe this summer. Oh, the brilliant blues! It is a heavenly destination. 🙂
I’ve been thinking about you the pst few days and wondering when you’ll post again. Glad I didn’t have to wait too long. Give Cinco a squeeze from me and Bugsy.
Love the way you write about clothes, purses, shoes, etc and the art of buying them. You’ve made me want to go find a consignment shop so I too can start hunting for treasures…
Aww, Cinco is doing well. He is walking now and starting to get his hunting instincts back. We don’t know how long we can keep him indoors actually. But I am glad. We asked ourselves if we were being selfish in not putting him down and putting him through the pain of recovery. He has bounced back and it makes me so darn happy.
You know how Aarna drags you into her closet, puts on her princes’ costume and prances around ? I want us girls to do the same …. enjoy our clothes as much as a little girl does ! Be it the simplest black tshirt or a silk gown.
That little guy has a will to live! You were not being selfish at all. It would have been a shame to put him down when he still had fight in him! In these cases, you always have to leave it up to the animal. If they have a will to live, miracles can happen. This is what an emergency vet told me.
He has a fantastic life. He comes to us for food, water, etc. Then he goes next door, acts all cute and gets fed again. And then goes to Hombre and cuddles/plays. Then goes hunting for mice. Comes home when ever and claims the bed for himself. He has a great life.
He has a few fans down the street too who keep feeding him treats. There is a lady two streets down, who thought he was a stray cat and took him in : put a collar around him+gave him a new name+got him a bed in her yard. This cat is living a rockstar life !
Dear Archana,
Yay! How wonderful to hear from you again. It sounds like it has been a lovely summer for you. I particularly like your sunday afternoon drop-in policy and camping pictures. On my to-do list is book camping for the spring and next summer.
We have been traveling the past month and return home tomorrow. I am looking forward to going to the farmer’s market, my exercise class, and seeing friends again. It has been very fun to explore new cities and have time in museums and cafes with my husband.
Having lived out of a carry-on the past few weeks, I can attest to the power of a dark blue linen dress and high waisted pale wash jeans. Throw in some white tshirts, khaki Patagonia shorts, tan mephistos, and a pale grey cotton sweater, and I have done really well. I succumbed to the lure of COS, Eric Bompard, and Acne, buying respectively a cream sweater and bumpy orange sweater, pale blue and rich green cashmere sweaters, and from Acne, the Canada scarf in pink. I splurged on an Opinel pocket knife, which I must remember to pack in checked baggage tonight.
I did bring a straw purse! A woven wicker back with a drawstring top by The Sak, bought second hand. It is definitely my summer purse, but works better at home where I can put it in my bike basket. I ended up wearing a very very old grey marimekko cross body bag all the time instead.
It is sad when things wear out! I always have to reframe it as, I loved it and thoroughly used it. It is also, not to be too pseudo spiritual, a good reminder of change as a constant. Better to embrace that then get stuck mourning what once was, I think.
The Margaret Howell pictures are gorgeous. I must say, the one time I actually saw/felt her clothes in person, they seemed stiff and clunky on the hanger. I believe it was at Unionmade in SF.
I am contemplating a pair of Dutch boy linen pants from South Street Linen and a dress from Pyne and Smyth, but only if I can get it made in navy. I also have a skirt I love, just a perfect cut, and am entering negotiations with a seamstress friend to see if she would be willing to copy it.
Well, off to shower and make breakfast for the hungry hordes. Wishing you a good weekend.
And thank you for the warm welcome !
The sunday afternoon thing – we are trying to be more social. Going camping by ourselves has been estranging our friends and I miss them 🙂 Food is the bait.
Time in the museums and cafes in a new city sounds like the dream ( its been ours to explore San Fran but we never do ).
Do you like the quality of COS ? I have ordered some things in the past ( mostly long sleeve thsirts ) and sent them back. Acne has this beautiful gray-pink scarft this season that I am coveting :
http://www.acnestudios.com/us/en/canada/273124-8C5.html#product-image-zoom-0
But I have a coat in the same color. Maybe its not wise to need both of them ? Is this the one you have ?
I used to own a straw purse when I was a kid in India. I wore it down. And it started to chafe against my clothes pilling them and my mother made me get rid of it. I think thats one reason I dont warm up to them.
MH : The styling on the runway is something I really enjoy. I never seen a Margaret Howell garment in real life. Definitely, need to visit Mill or Unionmade in SF this winter. I like the shape of her trousers but the cuts I like never seem to make it across the pond to the American stores. Stiff because the fabric needs breaking in or itchy scraty stiff ?
Oh, I am so late in replying! But, everyone survived the beginning of school and I made it through organizing the back to school picnic.
Museums, if you and your husband have a chance, I totally recommend going to SFMOMA and seeing the Gerhard Richter paintings at a minimum. They are so luminous and lovely.
I don’t totally know if I like the quality of COS yet or not. I really like the two sweaters I got, light bubbly cotton, one orange and one cream. It has been too warm in California to wear the black pants, maybe in a month or two. I have gotten a lot of compliments on the sweater which I think reflects the good cut.
I saw that scarf and it is beautiful, but I opted for this one, the plain pale pink: http://www.acnestudios.com/us/en/canada/273124-418. The grey pink just wasn’t as flattering as the pink. I like those scarves a lot, but they are really gear for cold weather. I found it disconcertingly bulky at first.
Margaret Howell, I never tried the clothes on. I would be totally curious to hear your opinion especially if you try them on.
You could do a field trip to SF!
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
Archana,
Wow. The time off has served your writing well. I am loving it!
Before kids, I used to be a mountaineer. This summer I’ve been getting back into the swing of things outdoors and have been thinking/contemplating a day hike bag. Was trying to figure out something that would be my “one bag” solution to everything (my large Longchamp comes close but I need a backpack for alpine hikes). My husband recommends a separate pack dedicated to hiking (along with a dedicated outfit). What are your thoughts? I am in resistance to this. I want my wardrobe to work for everything. I think I put too much pressure on myself in this way.
I found a larger 100% merino wool T-shirt from Ibex for more “well-endowed” women. Promptly got a hole in it bushwhacking through some thorny vegetation. Do you ever use synthetics when bushwhacking? I was going to buy wool pants for hiking but am now reconsidering a nylon blend for this purpose.
Also found a wool/lycocell blend tank top from Icebreaker (called “cool-lite) that is my new, favorite material. All my linen held up through the summer, but I also get shocked when my clothing wears out (I’ve found linen/cotton blend does not last through a single season). On that note, my J Jill big linen button down long sleeve has lasted for five years. And with linen, I can get any stain out. A small bar soap and bristle brush from The Laundress that I’ve been using (bought at The Container Store), works like a charm with cold water. The Lafayette 148 silk tank (purchased second hand) hanging in my closet got worn once this summer. Same with my Eileen Fisher silk cami. They just didn’t breathe. Too heavy? I don’t know. Neither my mom or I like wearing silk in the summer.
I’ve pretty much given up on searching second hand b/c I don’t enjoy the time it takes or the hunt. Have replaced with online searching for basic pieces. Also started grocery delivery for this reason (to get some time back), but I have a v. full household over the summers and will get more space when husband and kids go back to school/university at the end of the month.
P.S. I love the straw bag look but I’ve gotten to a point where I can appreciate trends on other women without having to have for myself (but the cut-out shoulder tops? No. Just, no.). I prefer items that I can use year round. Of course having said that, I am dissatisfied. So I recently reorganized to a seasonal closet b/c I think the year-round parameter is too high-end of a bar to set for my wardrobe. I thought perhaps I’d enjoy shopping my put away clothes each season, changing it up, so we shall see. I do not like eyeing my winter boots every time I open my closet doors (I’m a summer person), so I love having those packed away. Do you pack away clothes seasonally? Do you not need as much clothing for varying temperature swings in coastal California? I’m asking? I’d love to hear how everyone stores their clothes.
P.P.S. Cannot wait to watch The Gentleman’s Wager because, Jude Law! *swoon*
P.P.P.S Boo! to non-functioning but pretty handbags. I cannot do Hobo style for that same dysfunctional, half-moon shape. Totally cannot fit things in properly or access them conveniently.
P.P.P.P.S I’ll stop now.
Gee … my ‘writing’, … thank you ! I want it to improve though. Even installed a vocabulary widget to teach me a word a day. I have run out of words to use to convey what I want to say.
About a nice mountaineering bag :
https://www.langly.co/products/alpha-pro?variant=11042243460
This is the one I use for work and play. It has a ton of compartments. I put lunch in the camera compartment and my wallet in the upper. The laptop compartment is very sturdy. Its water proof. When I take it hiking, I put a waterpack in the laptop compartment. And the rest of the cubbies for what ever else is needed on the hike. Its thick canvas. 3 years in, its still perfect !
But REI has a ton of nylon ones that look amazing ! We have a 30 liter one and a 20 liter one that we use for backpacking.
Abotu hiking clothes : I really think its one time synthetic clothing is justified. They dry fast. They last years. I am wearing my lululemon and zara polyester from 7 years ago. My husband wears flannel, chambray and work shirts from fishing companies that are durable – but look very masculine.
The Genleman’s Wager : the Italians ! Oh the Italians ! They really know how to wear their clothes.
I have a treasure chest in my bedroom that contains my off season clothes. I definitely dont have the space to hang everything I own in my current closet. I always have my jackets out and the seasonal clothes. Bay area is bizarre. I always need a jacket on hand. A trench coat or a leather jacket works really well for the 6 spring/summer months. I have them hanging in my closet at all times. Indoors are kept cold too when its hot outside. I always need a layer on the top. All year closet is too much of an exercise for me – dont want to attempt it.
Grateful to read a long post from you. Thank you for the inspiration with your journey. Love this line, “I don’t want to see pristine clothes worn by airbrushed faces. I want to hear about the adventures of daily life told by wrinkled faces wearing soiled clothing.” Keep it up and take care! Happy to hear Cinco is getting better!
I want to keep up with the essay style posts. Glad that you feel the same.
Little Cinco is doing great. He is walking now ! His recovery makes me so damn happy.
P.S.– I love the Gretta silhouette myself. I’m 5’2″ and sometimes it’s nice to simply feel small. I’ve been thinking about that a lot. Sometimes we (women) act and embody greatness, a large size, power (which is great too), but sometimes it’s nice to just be small and not have to puff out our chests to be taken seriously. Anyways, thank you again for writing!
Gretta and Keira Knightley’s style in real life is quite refreshing and unapologetic. The rules of flattery don’t seem to dictate the proportions or items. I have been thinking of what I would wear if proportions and body ‘flattering’ shapes didn’t matter. It is a relief to just wear what we like without a mirror in the dressing room ( I am trying it out).
You guys make me feel like a rockstar – I am being thanked for writing !! What !!
Girl, gorgeous as always. The pictures and you yourself, of course!
I had a trip to Shanghai this summer. I sent my Mum a lot of pictures and she said the city has changed so much compared to the time she was there. Shanghai is lovely, very fast paced, the people are quite friendly although brisk, the food are mostly super oily but tasty. It was quite an experience. Also, I didn’t know China has so many varieties of fruits. Needless to say, I ate so much when I was there.
The same with you, I have no idea why that half moon bag is so popular. The zipper is stiff and the bag is quite small. I have two APC bags, a June bag and a backpack. Quality wise, they’re okay. I love the brand’s aesthetics but some of their designs are not practical. They’re also over priced so I only buy their stuff on sale.
I also read a lot of books, my target on Goodreads is 160 this year and I have finished 150 so far.
My summer closet consists of linen shirts, linen skirts/pants and cotton T-shirts. There is no other variation. I find silk too high maintenance. Have to say it takes a bit of time to get used to the wrinkles on linen, but now I don’t care that much.
Margaret Howell is a good brand. The material is high quality, the stitching is good. I think the brand’s only weaknesses are the price and that it only looks good on a specific body type. My body is like ruler, boxy and without curve so I can wear her pieces. My voluptuous friends, though, look lumpy. It doesn’t help that Howell’s aesthetics tend to be tomboyish.
Thank you Jules.
I went to a Chinese bookstore in San Fran. They had a book on cooking mushrooms. They talked about 150 varieties and multiple ways to cook each one. I am truly amazed by the culinary depth and know-hows of the civilization.
The half moon bag – I became a fashion victim again. It’s unfortunate but true. I am going to sell it away soon, so that’s some consolation … The bags seem to hold their value and this pink might attract some suitors. It can be a clutch holding very few essentials but its not really a clutch.
ManRepeller ( my new fav blog ) did a blog post on reader fav books. I plan to listen to the top 4 this year :
A Little Life: A Novel
Middlesex
Americanah
My Brilliant Friend: The Neapolitan Novels, Book 1
Currently re-reading the Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy. I miss the humor and keep going back to the book to teach me how to write/talk.
I see my silks and wools piled up in a corner waiting to be handwashed. Why did I think this was worth my time when I could wear cotton ? Or have I been growing lazy ? Or is it a phase ? I like how silk looks and feels. But should I want it without doing the work ? I guess there are no short cuts in life. I usually co-incide it with cleaning my bathroom. Right after I clean my silk, I immediately rinse my silks in the newly cleaned wash basin or tub.
Margaret Howell, argh ! High on my wish list. Some day !
Chinese cuisine is really something, lol. Every region is different. I think India is also like that?
That half moon bag is pretty over hyped. It’s a cute bag, but it’s not very practical. The June bag is bigger and I still think it’s a bit too small for me. My work bag is this huge headporter Blau tote bag. Sturdy like a work horse. I just perpetually look like I am about to run away from home but who cares, lol.
If you like Douglas Adams, you might like Terry Pratchett. His Discworld books are funny (in a very British way). My favourites are the Death arc and the City Watch arc. Sadly he passed away a few years back so no more new book.
I handwash my favourite linen shirts too. My gripe with silk is it doesn’t seem to last long. The material is lovely but linen would last longer I think. The silk outfits I own are fancy dresses for formal events. That’s it.
I hugely enjoyed Americana. Let me know what you think about it.
You are a lovely woman. I can see why the humans in your circle treasure you. Like others, I enjoy your writing and anecdotes. (Yah Cinco!) You in a red Alaia would stop traffic. I can see you in either of those last MH dress. Olive would be a beautiful color on you. Some of the blogs I read wear those “intellectual cool girl” brands (APC, MH, Everlane, Cos, etc…) but I have no interest—I’m an ahole that buys my clothes from “the mall.” The APC bag is hilarious, I love it. I was the same about bags not fitting a sunglass case. The irony is now I keep my wallet and sunglasses in the car and wear a small bag during the work week.
I long since stopped looking at street style. But The Sartorialist was the last man standing for a while. He had a good mix of people. The Madame Chics and Jane Birkin clichés get all the style credit—but I’d rather be a South American woman anyday! For me they are IT. Think the style of Penelope Cruz or Zara 10 years ago—both from Spain but the look is similar.
I like those dainty pendant necklaces. But I feel that they are symbolic and I would feel contrived wearing one without the “my great grandfather gave this to me at my baptism when I was 2 months old” story to go with it. And I’ve significantly chopped down my fashion (“junk”) jewelry because I am wearing my nicer pieces instead.
My summer has been workworkwork. I came out of retirement very unexpectedly immediately after coming back into the US, (good problem to have I know.) Anyway, I had to tweak my closet assortments for Work vs. Not for Work. And now it’s a little tricky since it’s just not practical to wear anything too nice/precious to work and I can wear business casual to leather leggings and combat boots. And with age, I’m more honest with my wardrobe—so I’m on another round of purging. Nice clothes—but I’m less inclined to hold onto things for a life that never happened or no longer matches my lifestyle. If I don’t plan or dream up outfits around it—it should go–because a) I have more clothes than occasions and b) I can’t take it with me–except my white Rick Owens tornado dress–she is going with me.
Are you still using SkinC vitC+E? the link goes to Drunken Elephant. I’m currently trying out Mad Happie Vit C serum. I have a lot of beauty products to get through—and now I have access to premium/luxury brands through work and binge watching tophcam so it gets tempting.
Ps. Are you obsessed with the Dunkirk soundtrack yet?
Even better, went to a Hans Zimmer concert last week :
After a point, my heart forgot that it has a rhythm of its own and started obeying his drummer, Satnam Ramgotra.
The man spent every minute of the time he had to speak :
1. Raising awareness for social causes. ( Venezuela, London, Manchester, gun violence, refugee contribution, …. )
2. Praising his fellow musicians and talking about the life they lead working on the craft.
3. being thankful.
Nice way to live right?
I saw the gods of music and levitated for 3 hours. And cried when they played Pirates of the Carib theme ( of all the music I adore, that one? ). He was a riot on the stage. Felt like a rock concert than laid back instrumental. He remixed every song and made medleys for this tour. They transferred their energy to us listeners. I can still remember.
—————
I wear a lot of army green – shirts, trenches, backpack, brown shoes, brown belt, …. To the point that I sometimes get told I look like I am going hunting into the woods. I like that look ! Dont own a dress but some day … I like a certain one that Andy Heart, the blogger owns. I am waiting for her to dump it on to her depopp. ( I like all of her clothes ! She has my aspirational wardrobe )
Was having coffee with a friend. She called Valentino Tango pumps ‘intellectual heels’. There is definitely a style classification emerging from APC, COs,. …. the way you describe it. There is a disproportionate appreciation for a certain image – I agree. Lot of my Indian friends who wear print and color from head to toe are angry. Their style is talked about in articles before its suggested that you try french chic capsule wardrobe. I hope it’s a phase.
I want to do what constitutes fun in my book. The kind of clothes that I put on and it makes me smile at myself in the mirror.
To have sentimental jewelry, You got to be a sentimental person. There goes my hope of having a story linked to the shiny metal I own. I worked hard and bought it for myself can be a story, no ??
I use Skinceuticals, updated it. I ordered the Ordinary’s C serum and will try to alternate if I like it. Trying to bring the cost down on my skincare. Having more money in my retirement fund is more anti aging than smearing lotions on the face maybe ?
My jewelry has the same story too! Nothing wrong with that. I remember reading an interview with a french personality of some kind, Mademoiselle something (i dont remember the name), and she said something along the lines of “being a Mademoiselle means I buy my own jewelry.” As I’m not sentimental or romantic towards people, I would dislike to have something associated to/with a specific person–as people come and go thru life.
And yes to the retirement fund.
https://www.google.com/search?q=emmanuelle+alt+and+mademoiselle&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwizverVg9jVAhWGQSYKHfUmAb0QsAQIKg&biw=1366&bih=572#imgrc=PHIPtofmv3UKVM:
You are not an ahole 🙂 I too shop at the mall and we don’t need the right brands to express identity.
Dear Archana,
I just have to say how beautifully ‘A Lesson in Chic’ is written. I’ve read it again and again and had a very clear picture in my head of that special night in the Wachau.
I was in the surroundings of Krems a couple of weeks ago (lucky to live in Austria…), and thanks to your post, I can dive back into the smells, mood, and charm of the little wine growing villages, the taste of fluffy apricot dumplings, Zotter chocolate bought at a cozy delicatessen shop and eaten up while strolling through the narrow streets of Dürnstein. It’s so powerful when our senses get mixed with memories and trigger such strong emotions.
PS. Your blog and its content is beautiful. I adore your writing style and the way you see the world. It inspires each time.
Thank you Asta. I remember Krems that way too. Harsha still talks about the tomatoes in his pasta from that dinner. The lady who seated us had this genuine smile. The man who waited on her table had these beautiful brown shoes. He didnt look down upon us when we admitted to him that we dont know anything about wine. They really showed us hospitality. Beautiful people in lots of ways. Thank you for sharing your Austria. Some places have an allure that lingers …
I enjoyed reading about your musings. One of my main issues with higher-end clothing is their inaccessibility if you fall outside a certain size range. Same story with fashion/lifestyle blogs. There is some diversity among them but most fall in the same size range and are young women who are celebrating youth, able-bodies and conventional beauty be it shiny hair or skin or attractiveness.
Automation could be a potential solution to the sizing standards. I really dont know any other solution to make the industry listen and offer a wider range of sizes. But body scan techniques and machine sewed clothing is still 5-10 years away if I were to guess.
Chasing able bodies and conventional beauty – guilty as charged. A certain vanity goes hand in hand with my interest in style. Not sure if I will rise above it anytime soon (sadly). But with time, I hope I do. Some very good blogs who do and deserve a shout out :
http://out-of-the-bag.blogspot.com/
http://bienvestido.blogspot.com/
dritgirl.com
https://catherinerobinsoncashmere.com/blog/
http://classiq.me/
http://hyggehouse.com/
Please share as you find the inspiration you are looking for.
I hadn’t thought about the automation angle. The only deterrent to that would be the artist’s vision for the fit model and the silhoutte. The silhouette, especially, wouldn’t translate well to differently shaped bodies. That’s the main advantage of the sari.
– another able-bodied vain person 🙂
True. AI can learn tailoring and pattern cutting. Dont understand enough of the craft to make a prediction. But I hope responsive design as a technology encroaches into the tailoring world.
Hi Archana,
I’ve been reading your blog for a while, and I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your writing and content. It’s the kind of take on life and personal style that I am always searching for, whether it be in books, magazines or blog form, but one that is difficult to find. So thank you for writing and sharing. Your posts always gives food for thought, and inspires me to think (and write) about these things too.
«I don’t want to see pristine clothes worn by airbrushed faces. I want to hear about the adventures of daily life told by wrinkled faces wearing soiled clothing.» This.
Also Margaret Howell, eternal inspiration, both in objects and in spirit.
I have a question for you – do you have any tips regarding second hand shopping online? You have some amazing finds (those two dresses, the blue and red silk ones, are just wonderful). I used to shop almost exclusively vintage and second hand in my 20’s, but always in physical shops. Back then my aesthetic was more vintage inspired anyway, and there are decent vintage things to be found here for sure, but regular second hand shops are mostly filled to the brim with fast fashion junk these days. I have made a deal with myself to only purchase second hand in the coming year (apart from two pieces, one a necessity and one a looong time wishlist item), and I realize that I will have to go online to find high quality, classic pieces, but I can’t quite bring myself to pull the trigger when I find something I like. I never buy impulsively anymore, I can think and plan and ponder an item for weeks, months, even years before purchasing, and when I do buy I never wear (just try it on a thousand times to be sure) or pull of the tags until the return period is over. A bad purchase can haunt me for such a long time, it’s a problem. This is what frightens me about online second hand, having to make quick, non-refundable decisions (especially scary if we’re talking expensive, designer pieces). So for now I don’t buy at all, which is more sustainable anyway, I guess. 😉
My favourite blues have been found in Greece, where we used to spend our summers. The skies and the ocean, offset by all those pure white houses and brilliant sunlight, is heaven. Also, there is something to be said for a Norwegian fjord on a sunny day, but being Norwegian myself I am biased in that regard. 🙂
B, Thank you so much.
Second hand shopping, i have a lot to say :
1. None of my clothes have been cheap really inspite of being second hand. They are in the Zara full price range.
2. I dont have the energy to go through thrift shops really. I did back in the day but its mostly fast fashion discards and too much work. San Fran has vintage shops. This city has no houses that cost less than 800,000$. Lots of tech people who are from Google, Apple, Facebook, … live here. Consignment stores have some rather nice clothing. When I lived in Arizona, I would go to consignment stores in Scottsdale – a very wealthy neighborhood full of retired millionaires. These days, I have been going to small towns which have some really old heritage. People buy for durability and much more carefully maybe ?
3. Brands. I built a directory of who makes what to my taste. Cuyana is my go to place for tshirts. Steven Alan makes nice shirt dresses. R13 makes good denim that fits me. …… I like Burberry’s dresses ( the blue and the red in the photos ). I have a list of 40 brands that I like. And I follow them on eBay in my size and color. I wear very few colors and cuts. I use that in the search terms and follow the search.
4. Vestiare Collective. I seem to find European brands over there. I got my Celine winter coat there. The seller listed it for 600$. You can make a bid that is 40% cheaper and see if the seller accepts. I did and got accepted. I bought it. While that is a lot of money upfront for a coat, I know that I will always make back 200$ if I sell it because Celine has a fan following. If I can wear it for 6 years, thats good cost per
wear ratio. Its my treasure hunting zone. I look for luxury brands on there.
5. RealReal. I dont know why anyone would shop at Zara when this place exists. I have to confess. I check this website every 10 days or so. I look at the new arrivals for women. I specifically look for blue dresses and shoes in size 8 every time I log in. This website can be a bottomless pit. Having a signature style helps. They have a phone app where you can follow the searches. I follow Yohji, the Row, Helmut Land, Celine, …. my fav designers so that I can see the new goods that come in.
I also have some python code that helps me stalk items for when they go on sale and sends me an email. It’s hosted on my local server.
I will try to write a more detailed post next month. I would be lying if I said it was easy. I had a learning curve but it has gotten easy now. I spend about 10-15 minutes twice/thirce a month looking at my search feeds. I buy about 1 item a month from what I short list. That is how I think I built my closet. Hope this helps.
Sorry to piggyback but I am one of those who wants to buy used but is overwhelmed by the choices and often makes poor decisions. Who in your opinion makes the best silks and cotton poplins? My other option is to get something tailored next time I am in India.
I haven’t tried too many brands. When I came to America, I started with American Eagle and went to Free People/Anthro/Zara from there. Stayed there for a long time.
Poplins :
Free People – not at all worth the money. Most flimsey cotton I have seen.
Zara – I like the material but not the stitching. If you own a needle, quick fixes keep you going.
Anthropologie – On sale, quality matches the price maybe ?
J-crew – On sale, quality matches the price.
Everlane – disappointed with all their cotton clothes in general that are not trench coats.
APC – lovely poplin. I am not in the income bracket that can spend 220$ on a shirt. I find mine second hand. Realreal sells them at 40$ mark. Ebay has plenty. Vestiare has plenty.
Steven Alan – Again, a dress is 220$ in store. Sales, second hand market allows me to find some. High quality that is on par with what I see from Luxury brands in Barneys and Bergdorf’s. I believe some of their cotton is GOT certified – they know the pipeline of their cotton crop and its high standards.
Silk :
Zara – I like the material but my seams come apart in some places once per season.
Everlane – The material seems to be less durable than zara but seams are stronger. Priced 30$ above zara but cleaner supply chain.
Equipment – There is a reason why they have the legend status. Mine are aging well. Thicker silk than zara or everlane. Never had a problem with seams.
Jenny Kayne – Excellent silk. they carry 32 mm silk which is thicker than Equipment’s silk. 32mm silk drapes well and I dont require a slip under silk dresses. I believe Elizebeth Suzanne carries this silk too. This fabric doesnt wear out and has lasted me years. She is not a popular brand for clothing. So her second-hand market is weak. Very good prices on ebay and realreal.
Cuyana – Excellent 32 mm silk. Good craftsmanship. Very expensive and hard to find on the second hand market.
APC – excellent thick and sturdy silk. They do washed silk that looks like canvas at first and softens with washes. For dresses, it doesnt get static and cling to the body. Drapes well.
Celine – Exorbitantly priced but fantastic quality. Expensive even on the second-hand market.
These are the brands I have tried. Hope this helps. If you have some wisdom from your experiences, please please share. The better my brand directory, easier it is for me to shop second hand.
I never buy knits only wovens and usually new. My Madewell cottons have down well. The very best are the hand-dyed fabrics from Gujarat that last years and years even with daily wear. They fade into lovely soft comforting rags. Silks are iffy. Equipment and Cuyana runs too long for me, so I have Everlane which is ok not great. I have sown Ann Taylor silk from over 10 years ago which is still going great and others from last year which are practically rags. Eileen Fisher is better than everlane and Madewell for cotton and linens but their silhouettes are not to my taste and they super big.
If I may ask, are you from Gujarat ? Do you get shirts/tank tops/blouses stitched from the hand dyed fabrics or is it more traditional silouettes ?
Grew up there but my parents don’t always live there so not many opportunities to visit. I had a reliable tailor who would sew me blouses. The style I preferred would be similar to the Madewell courier style. Or I would get men’s shirts and get them altered to fit me. Now I mostly have have pajama style bottoms. If I happen to visit for a longer time, I want to get some blouses sewn. I am over poor-quality clothing. In Gujarat, plenty of fabric to be found. Tailors not so much.
Have you tried Brass Tacks? Nice designs but the one knit top I ordered did not last more than a few hand washes. Very disappointed. I haven’t tried their other things.
I often get overwhelmed and fall down a rabbit hole of browsing, so I think a more focused approach like this is a must. It’s probably also wise to focus on brands that are popular and thus easier to resell, which might lower my anxiety concerning bad purchases. Thank you for your tips. Would love a more in depth post about this as well.
I love me a nice, long, afternoon of a post – really enjoyed this one while in transit 🙂 Glad to know Cinco is recovering!
I didn’t have a real summer exactly, but I travelled for about five months and I suppose that was my summer. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself and I would do again, and for longer. I’ve not been this chill in years.
I don’t know if I’m kind of kind of workaholic though, I actually miss working, which I think really means I miss a sense of mission and purpose. Hopefully I can plunge into something meaningful now that I am home.
I feel you when it comes to the colour blue – I can stare at the sea for hours and when I was in Cuba I was absolutely mesmerised by the colours of the Caribbean and the Atlantic. Too bad it’s near impossible to capture that kind of luminosity in real life! I fill my wardrobe with navy and denim instead.
You’re so lucky to live somewhere with so much outdoors to explore (and a partner to explore it with). One thing about living in Singapore is that there isn’t many opportunities for camping.
The APC bag is ridiculous in a funny way – I don’t understand why the half-moon model is so popular when they make so many other user-friendly bags. I received a Sac June for my birthday last year and it rocks – it has a similar, distinctive shape but it’s got plenty of room for essentials and it doesn’t have that annoying zip.
I’ll never dress full-on MH (not that I can afford to) because not all her designs would suit me, but I too love her runways for inspiration – it’s a great lesson on how to style simple clothing to bring out their appeal and there’s always a great colour combination I never thought about. Not mention that all the styles work with flat (and comfortable) shoes, and I am strictly a flat shoe girl.
Speaking of inspiration, I ordered Hermes: The Margiela Years on Amazon after seeing it on your blog, and boy, it is amazing. Thanks for the tip-off!
Do you know of the new book on Calvin Klein coming out next month ? http://a.co/hwgXSPM It’s really expensive for now. But with time, I want to find it second hand or from a library.
Cinco is walking and kicking and doing really well. Thank you for thinking of him.
I have been following your summer travels and boy, I want that for myself : to be able to pack up and leave solo. I really want to do a solo trip before next year ends.
Lin, if I was obsessed with blue before, indigo dying took it up a notch. I am hunting for second hand clothing in white that I can dye to the perfect shade. And I am pressing flowers and leaves to make patterns with my dip dye. I used to walk my dog. Now I drag him along till I find the leaves that I need. Blue is magic.
When in Arizona, I used to climb the same mountain every weekend and developed an intimacy with the place. But California has been the dream all along. There is so much nature to explore and folks really take their time outdoor pleasures seriously. Bike to work days are encouraged. Biking miles aggregate and you win spa credits if you hit a certain mileage. Its the land of the liberals. You should move here !
I don’t understand how I got stuck with that apc bag. Now that I ranted about it, any chance of selling it on the blog is long gone 😉
Archana, I love everything about this post, and enjoyed reading about all the things that made up your summer. Your words and images are beautifully evocative, as always. I especially love the section entitled ‘A Lesson in Chic’, and wholeheartedly agree with Asta’s sentiments on it; it really is written in such a way that I feel like I was there with you (I only wish! Austria is still on my list of places to visit one day).
I also appreciate that so much of what you have written here is less about the aesthetics of clothing (or what looks good) and more about the pragmatic side of getting dressed. I’m not sure if that sentence quite captures what I mean, but, basically, I really like that you discuss your clothing in the context of how it helps you do the things you want to do, visit the places you want to go, and generally live the kind of life you want to lead. Not that this precludes you from wearing things that look good — you look great in everything you wear — but this clearly isn’t your sole motivation in dressing, and the fact that so much of your writing is like this has really helped me shift the emphasis from simply looking good in what I wear, to feeling comfortable and capable in what I wear. So for this, I thank you.
It’s lovely to see so many photos of Cinco, too. My cats are my children (a comment that many people have scoffed at, but I don’t think you will), and although I originally came here for your wisdom and wit, I can’t help but love you all the more for the way you talk about Cinco. He sounds like a real character, and you’re lucky to have each other.
It’s funny that you should mention the A.P.C. Half Moon bag. I recently bought the Andrea bag, which is basically the same shape flipped up the other way (a terrible description, I know!), largely because it was on a sale for a very reasonable price. I love the way it looks, but because it’s so rigid, getting things in and out of it is a total nightmare. I’m hoping that it will relax with a little bit of use (and that the zipper will stop trying to chew my hand off whenever I stick my hand through it!). If not, I’ll have to concede defeat and sell it. This would be a pity, because I love the way it looks, but there’s no point keeping something I can’t use.
On a closing note, you asked recently if we would mind if you posted less frequently, and while I obviously can’t speak for everyone, I just wanted to let you know that I wouldn’t mind at all. You should post whenever you feel inspired to do so, not because you feel obliged to. Also, taking a break helps recharge the batteries, so to speak, and the things you do in the meantime will provide you with a wealth of material to mine for when you do feel inclined to write next. So go forth and live! I’ll still be here.
Brook,
Thank you so much ! I wasn’t sure if my tales of life are interesting, but you guys have been very encouraging wrt my testing out new blogging formats.
I want everyone to have their own version of Krems : an everlasting meal of sorts whose allure stays through a lifetime.
Arent we women pragmatic about our clothes ? We may not talk this way but we definitely think this way ? Most of us dont have large budgets or disposable temperament. We dress for pleasure. We want to live lives that maximize pleasure. When everything collides, it somehow works out …..
Cinco is the joy bringer of our home. Our stand up comedian. Our teddy bear. Our destroyer of couches and bedding. The one who brings me rodents as presents and insists on dropping them in my lap. The one who runs behind me if I go for a bike ride until he cant catch up anymore … I read/watch the Game of Thrones. What Danny feels about her dragons, I feel that about my animals. We have been in situations where they have protected me and hiss/growl like the dragons and wolves. People without pets just dont know.
That APC bag. I still need to sell it ! I am impressed that the structured leather kept its shape. Any other design with this leather, I would have liked. I really like the color. Black/navy/gray + nude pink works well for my closet. But life got in the way.
I saw my blog being shared on the internet and the stats growing. And fell into the trap of writing every week with nothing real to say to keep my ego bloated. Taking a step back really helps. Thank you for all the support Brook.