lovely things

I had my second day at my once a week internship today. I am working in the Costume and Textile Archives at a local museum and it is so amazing. I went through a box of slips from the 1930s-present and it was like opening presents! I don’t know how to describe the feeling, but the only thing I can equate it to is the highest level of respect. I respect these garments so much, because they have lived a life that I will never know. I can only imagine the important life experiences that people had while wearing these garments. When they saw the person they were to marry, or got the amazing job opportunity, or felt so confident that the asked the cute soldier at the club to dance. I have always been fascinated with history, and the fact that I get to be involved with a tangible part of it is incredible. 

People may say they are not interested in the history of fashion, or may think it is boring, but if they saw the seam lines and lace designs that are on some of these garments they would change their minds. No question.

Thinking along the lines of style….

I’ve been trying to figure out my personal style for a while. I always felt a bit muddled up until about a year ago when I had a revelation: I tended to buy clothes because I liked them as pieces, not as pieces for me. They either didn’t work with my body, or just sat in my closet because they weren’t my personal aesthetic. 

Since then, I’ve been trying to hone my wardrobe. I’ve realized that I really like wearing simple pieces, that have an interesting silhouette, or detail. I love cut-out backs on dresses, asymmetry (whether hems or necklines), minimal prints (with the exception of stripes), and small details (contrasting lining for example). I also am pretty light with my accessories. I don’t wear earrings much, mostly necklaces. They are all simple, gold, with different chain or a quirky pendant. I also ALWAYS wear two rings on my right hand that were my grandmothers. Even to sleep.

It was hard getting to this point. I always look at other people’s style and wish they were my own. I long for piles of bracelets on my wrists, 4 different prints in one outfit, and the highest heels possible. But it just doesn’t work for me. I’ve come to love, and embrace, my minimalist (I think that sounds better than “simple”) style. I feel put together and classic. I feel like I’m emulating a style and expression from a past era, which, if you knew me, is no surprise. 

I may not be the most interesting or fashion forward dresser, but I don’t mind anymore.