Clothes…huh!
I strongly hesitate to mention my mother and sister were clothes horses because while they dressed fashionable and had an extensive matching wardrobe, they had other interests as well.
I, on the other hand, need someone to layout my wardrobe for the day. My daughters say to me, “you are wearing THAT!”
My mother, Lovie Belle, bought our clothes from a rummage sale or if and when purchased new they went on lay-a-way for an extended amount of time, or they were sewn by our local seamstress.
This is why I buy clothes first at our local secondhand store. If I can’t find what I will settle for, I may visit my local department store and purchase only if on sale.
My mother had a good friend, her name was Punchie Lee, Miss Punchie to me. She was the ultimate clothes horse. In fact, she and I were about the same size, and when I needed a special dress to wear I would visit her closet and she choose something exquisite for me.
I remember a green silk dress with capped sleeves, pleated with a small bow at the waist. I didn’t give that dress back to her because I got a stain on it. I miss that dress to this very day.
When was the last time I purchased an item that was not on sale? I don’t remember. When was the last time I purchased an item of clothes that was not used? When I buy underwear, I always buy the same brand underpants (panties) and bras. I don’t have to try them on. If you are reading this article you know why.
I look into my closet and I readily know what my clothing fetish is. Scarves of course! All colors and shapes and 100% silk. I love scarves because I have a long and elegant neck, well, I had at one time and a scarf hugs me and gives me comfort.
A psychiatrist could put all sorts of mental abnormalities into that statement; nevertheless, I stand by it.
Actually, I will buy a scarf new. I acquired my last new scarf three years ago while visiting the Africa American Museum in Washington D.C. A memory piece. Each time I wear it I think of my three lovely friends and the two marvelous days we spent there.
I bought my last scarf at an estate sale and though the lady who wore the scarves was not alive, her love for scarves will live on through me as I sport my new and colorful silk scarves around town.
I have learned something about myself and my relationship with clothes. Not all colors rest well with me and my personality. Red was at one time my color. Fiery as I. Now I am more of a pastel girl. Not sure how this happened, well, maybe as my feathers softened and relaxed. I do wear my red but somehow those pieces have slowly left my closet. I need to give that idea further thought. Not now.
I also adore dresses and skirts. I think they are cooler. When I lived in the south I enjoyed wearing long and flowing pieces. Since I moved to the Northwest my clothing style has changed with the weather. However, I refuse to part with my dresses because they are needed when I venture south.
It is an interesting idea that I not being particularly interested in clothes and my sister who is a clothes horse came to the same conclusion when we first visited Seattle. We said, “these people do not dress, they are so casual.” After living here for many years I still haven’t figured out why? Does anyone know?
All of the above said I dress as I please because I want to feel good and be comfortable. Do I want to make a statement? I don’t know.
This quote from Joan Crawford about sums it up. If I must buy a piece for an event, I make sure I can dress it up or down for many uses.
“If you think the dress is right for you, where are you going to wear it? Does it fit into the kind of life you lead? (If you live in the country, what are you doing with all those town suits and hostess pajamas?) Supposing the dress is all right. If so, what shoes do you wear with it? What hat, gloves? Handbag, jewelry? […] So many women fall in love with a dress, bring it home, and find absolutely nothing that will go with it.”
― Joan Crawford, My Way of Life
My last word on this subject is: We get our values from those poor souls that raise us from infancy. Nothing and I mean nothing can change that imprint upon us except a gift from the university of hard knocks. …and then we change in the blink of an eye.
Let me know your thoughts, leave a comment. Thank you.
Honor yourself!
Photos by: Artem Beliaikin and Onur Bahcivancilar via Unsplash.