Happy New Year everyone!
You know, in the blog-o-sphere at the start of 2012, I've noticed an overwhelming sense of cynicism - from posts on post-NYE hangovers to ruminations on the 'upcoming' apocalypse; and you know what? I can't stand it!
I started my new year inspired!
2012 is going to be a great year, I can just feel it!
It started off with an fantastic gift: a book was given to me written by designer Ann Fogarty called, Wife Dressing.
Written in 1959, and though it is geared towards the 1950's 'modern housewife' (hence the title) it is really interesting how so much of it still rings true today!
Written in 1959, and though it is geared towards the 1950's 'modern housewife' (hence the title) it is really interesting how so much of it still rings true today!
I devoured it - and if you remove the whole idea of dressing for the 'husband who pays the bills' - and take it as more of a meditation on individual style - it's a pretty amazing read. I found a lot of her ideas very similar to my own; whether they be 'shop in a shopping mood' or, the idea that 'expense does not assure good taste, nor is "good" taste necessarily expensive'. Some other tidbits that stayed with me after I finished the book - ideas and theories that I have wanted to sing - and have sung - off trio's rooftops for the past several years are:
You are you. You are not the model in that photograph or the girl beside you in the elevator or the woman eating lunch at the next table. What they are wearing may stop traffic, but be sure its right for you before emulating the effect.
If [something] is out of style - or makes you itch or squirm with discomfort - turns your skin sallow - get rid of it fast!
Fashion is for today!
Nothing spoils an outfit more than time worn shoes & shoes which are obviously out of style. Heel shapes change gradually from season to season, but the change becomes glaringly obvious when a three old pair comes out of the shoe bag.
But my favorite part was Anne Fogarty's chapter on what is 'chic'. She titled it 'Chicology' & it included this list:
CHIC begins with good taste.
CHIC is organization + inspiration.
CHIC is a statement of who you are & what you stand for.
CHIC is a picture of you worth more than a thousand words.
CHIC is bearing - the way you walk, move & sit.
CHIC is the image you convey to others.
CHIC is doing something for clothes rather than expecting them to do something for you.
CHIC is appreciation of fabrics, textures, colors.
CHIC is attention to the smallest detail.
CHIC is selectivity & the understanding that what may be great for someone else is not necessarily for you.
CHIC is not blind acceptance of fashion fad.
CHIC does not depend on money.
CHIC is classical styling with personal embellishments.
CHIC may be looking different than everyone else or looking the same as everyone else.
CHIC is a personal mood.
CHIC is personal identity, immediately distinguishable.
CHIC is comprehension of clothes, atmosphere, and surroundings.
CHIC is a custom-made look concocted from the assembly line of fashion.
CHIC is Insinct + Impulse + Individuality.
Brilliant, don't you think?!? Absolutely brilliant.
I guess what struck me most was that a book written about style almost 60 years ago could still be so relevent in 2012.
And probably will still be relevent 50 years from now! (Barring any apocalypse, of course.) I mean, some of the book is pretty hilarious, with whole passages devoted to white gloves and how a good wardrobe must have many many(!) hats; or her 'revolutionary' chapter on the importance of an every-day multi-purpose handbag, but when it really comes down to it; Anne Fogarty was pretty on top of all things Style, Fashion and, of course, Chic.
I definitely recommend taking a look at it.
- xo, Dori
