Last night we planned to go listen to the orchestra that plays outside. I roasted the chicken, spread bread with salty Irish butter, and went to Savenors to buy a packet of those crispy Tate’s cookies.
Then Lux’s mood seemed suspiciously explosive, like we might traipse over to the park put down our blankets settle in with our paper cups of wine and then she would start shouting and pointing with no reasoning whatsoever, just shouting and pointing.
So instead we invited our friend and her boston terrier over to have dinner at our house. We ate the chicken sandwiches at the table and poured the wine into real glasses and Lux tried to feed the dog, Murray, her spicy sesame noodles. After Lux was asleep we started talking about trends lately and the crafting trend of Brooklyn came up. You know, the one where studios have opened and beautiful watches are being made by hand, and crazy inventive sweaters are being knitted, and fine cloth is being tie-dyed in the best way possible. Whenever this comes up I begin reviewing my closet in my mind; wondering if I own anything of that caliber—that I would save for years to come—and more importantly: that would last for years to come.
I have a dress that I bought for my rehearsal dinner four years ago and I’ve since worn it to parties of all sorts, and some weddings, and just recently I wore it to the party we had in the park. The funny thing about this dress is that it’s from Anthropologie. In general I have a very difficult time shopping at Anthropologie. The trouble is that almost every item in that store is so heirloom. Usually there are two floors, both of them brimming with beautiful clothes, every single item could be that dress, or that sweater, or that jacket that you are known for, that embodies your style and makes you the richly dressed girl with lots of character.
I end up not shopping because I have this collision of “who am I?” thoughts: am I the bookish artist? am I the frivolous gardener? am I the spirited crafter? And I leave after admiring the lace bralette and examining the embroidery on the sweater and watching how the skirts’ soft cotton falls just so. And I also might have twinges of fear that say: that dress will try to make you, instead of you making it.
But nonetheless once I got my dress out of the store and into my closet, it became the clutch piece that I rely on and hope to wear for years to come. I’m grateful to Anthropologie for this lovely dress that was available to buy when I needed it and I’m especially grateful for how easygoing and accommodating it has turned out to be. Do you have these pieces like this in your closet? That despite the trend of $10 dresses from H&M or awfully sewn editions from Target, that you’ve managed to get home and love and make part of your life? Or are you considering investing in something truly made by hand?*
The loveliest illustrations taken from Danielle Kroll’s blog.
*I am! Right now I’m working with a local jeweler to make stud earrings just like I want. But more on that when it happens.
I love this post. It’s like the best of a dinner party in 30 seconds (because I can almost taste it, too), with the same winding trail of subject matter, and somewhat of an epiphany to send us home with.
When it comes to clothes, my investments equal cashmere cardigans, leather pumps, and a bag with the perfect length of strap. The louder the item, the less I probably spend. I did recently hear of a saying that the closer something is to your skin, the higher the priority of investing in quality items (lingerie, sheets, make-up, jewelry, etc.). Makes sense to me.
I knew you would have some good thoughts on this. I’ve never splurged on sheets but I think of it as something I’ll do in my fifties. (keep me accountable to that one)
the off white number you wore to lux’s party?! I loved it. anyway, I have a few things like that but here’s the thing: I never wear them! stupid. anthro mostly stresses me out for the reasons you mention. it’s all just so beautiful and perfect that i just can’t really decide so I end up buying $200 worth of knobs. true story.
Yes! That’s the one. I love that true story; I’ve definitely had that happen. “well I spent an hour here so I’ll just buy this soap.”
I love how, at Anthropologie, “heirloom” becomes an adjective!
I’ve been thinking about clothes and fashion (of a sort) all summer, and wondering if I want to buck my trend of jeans and t-shirts and range into something more … but more what? So far I’ve been stepping out through funky shoes. But next time I’m near an Anthropologie I’ll have to explore other nascent identities …
So glad to have found your blog via New Domesticity!
That thing you said about the dress making you instead of the other way around is why I am so wary of designer things. But I do have and hold dearly this one dress that I spent over $100 on at an A.P.C. sale (on my birthday) that I can wear always and forever. Speaking of which, are you going to keep any of your clothes for Lux like I wish my mom had done for me?
Rachael, you know Danielle is one of our good friends, yes? Grace asked her to make and sign one of her illustrations for Christmas. You two would get along swimmingly.
I think that must be how I found her! I’m glad you reminded me. I don’t keep notes on my bookmarks, but I should. I’ll get to see the print at the new place in September!