I occasionally think I will pare down my closet and concentrate on creating "a look" for myself, but I have so much trouble deciding what that would be. Circle skirts and shirt dresses? A-line skirts, sweet tops and jeans? WHO AM I!?!
I've been thinking of creating a look for myself specifically for writerly events, especially if/when I ever become published. Most writers I've met, frankly, look like what we are--people who either work from home in our pajamas or have day jobs we're not that interested in to support our writing habits. So you see a lot of out-of-date, shabby, frumpy, ill-fitting clothes at your average writers conference. At best, you have people wearing appropriate but generic business and business casual looks.
The exceptions really stand out--I've been at two conferences where Diana Gabaldon was one of the keynotes, and she draws the eye, in a good way, wherever she goes. Lots of bright colors and flowing lines, which flatter her coloring and figure. I know that doesn't sound like much, but she was one of the few people in the room who looked like she'd thought about her clothes. And I want to be like that, but I feel like my identity as both a writer and a person are currently in sufficient flux that I can't point at anything and say, "That's what Susan W., the future best-selling author of historical adventure fiction, would wear to a booksigning."
Now that summer is over, I'm renewing my quest to find The Perfect Jacket. My requirements are:
- Light enough to wear in 50-60 degree weather.
- Be long enough that I can wear it with my shirttails out.
- Have enough pockets for gadgets.
- Look cool and not look preppy.
It's amazing how frustrating this is, especially the "not look preppy" part.
I can imagine the not preppy part could be very annoying to seek. Does Nordstoms or their local equivalent have personal shoppers in the men's departments? That might be a way to go.
I have a GP appointment at 1 and acupuncture at 2:45, so that's good. My blackberry is flashing a baleful red light at me though, and I don't want to look.
You can satisfy the "not look preppy" part by making it out of the skin of your enemies.
Do we have a local equivalent to Nord's in NYC?
I would like to be the sort of person who had a strong sense of personal and individual style. If I did, I would be able to work it, because I have no problem confidently wearing something unconventional. But I am too lazy, and it all ends up cargo pants, 'cause, pockets! Woe.
What I'm thinking about now is a sort of pseudo-military, monochromatic, highly structured wardrobe. Sharp clean lines, functional and hard-wearing, modular. But I dunno if I and my body type could pull it off. Definitely my budget can't.
I don't have a look. I just have clothes I like. Periodically I sweep through to make sure everything I have is either needed or loved, but that's about it.
If I could learn to resist the siren call of the long black skirt (the velvet one from J Jill looks marvellous--well, on the hanger. I haven't quite tried it on yet) I'd be in a much saner place, wardrobe wise.
This where I mention my project this month - I'm taking pictures of what I wear every day (to work and weekends.) Other people are doing it too. It's really interesting, to watch a whole wardrobe come out on a person you don't really know. And to see what looks good and what looks like crap on you. Anyone is welcome to join us... [link]
Tom, have you tried Loehmann's or the Filene's in Union Square?
I just interviewed a six-year-old for a summer associate position. Based on his unwillingness to go to parties and get taken to lunch every day (even though he wanted exciting work) I'm not sure he's going to get the job. On the other hand, he is the son of my boss, so maybe he's got nepotism in his favor.
