The semester ended yesterday and my grades are in and done. I look forward as always to my break and this year it feels like I really need one more than ever. I have been focused on the coming of this day. I find myself challenged with the desire to wish time away to be free of one kind of work so I can enjoy and be able to do another. Where I spend my days writing about, thinking about and performing fashion. The problem of course with that notion is that life is passing with dizzying speed and it is not the best time in life to not be savoring each and every moment. I can look back over the past year at all of the photographs that have been taken of me, the stories I wrote and I see many fleeting moments. I play at Instagram stories; videos, photos and writing that document life and then disappear in a day. These activities in reflection all allude to the passage of time. The nature of life.
The last several days in response, I have found myself drawn to articles and photographs that showcase slow fashion, businesses entirely created around the production of one singularly well-crafted object and stories of makers who are ensuring that what they do is for the greater good in a way that also allows them to live well. I find myself saying no to many more opportunities and choosing ones that offer an experience rather than just a payment. Rather than indulging in comfort food I want to indulge in comfort dressing. I choose to enter a vintage store rather than modern boutique. I found myself pulled towards a striped silk robe that I want to wear on Christmas day with comfortable pants. I feel a great desire to slow down (a challenging task this week when I still have some gifts to choose and wrap and a side dish to identify and cook). My task over this break will figure out how to be in the break and the new semester and not keep wishing for summer vacation.
Part of slowing down is to spend more time on researching and being thoughtful about what I write. I thought it would be fun since you are so creative and inspiring in your comments and responses to ask you what you would like to see me write about when it comes to “thinking about fashion”. Remember the topic can be anything as long as there is a garment involved that will inform my research and help tell the story. This will inspire my creative direction for the photos. I know everyone is busy this time of year but in one of your slowing down moments it would be wonderful to hear what you would like to know more about. I can’t wait to hear what you come up with.
BTW in the photo above I am wearing a silk pajama top from Chikimiki and overalls by Yohji Yamamoto.
I love the clothing from http://journal.alabamachanin.com/.
Simple cuts/design,
beautiful natural cottons,
subtle colours
and the most extraordinary hand embroidery done by local women.
She also has kits.
I love the clothing from http://journal.alabamachanin.com/.
Simple cuts/design,
beautiful natural cottons,
subtle colours
and the most extraordinary hand embroidery done by local women.
She also has kits.
I’d love to hear your resources for remaining intellectually vigorous, how the generation who did not grow up with digital communication continues to be receptive to change, while demonstrating the wisdom of age & grace in daily life.
Profiles/interviews with women like yourself, whom you admire, would be inspiring.
May you be renewed and inspired in 2017
I’d love to hear your resources for remaining intellectually vigorous, how the generation who did not grow up with digital communication continues to be receptive to change, while demonstrating the wisdom of age & grace in daily life.
Profiles/interviews with women like yourself, whom you admire, would be inspiring.
May you be renewed and inspired in 2017
What a lovely invitation to your readers! I suspect that we are all more or less in the throes of all that must be done to create the holidays for our loved ones, so it may take a few days for people (me included) to contemplate what we might like to have you take up in this space. (My head is still wrapped up in the term ending–today is the last day of school where I work, and there are certain unfortunate loose ends yet!)
So what I am saying is that I am promising to have a think on this topic, and then come back and share some ideas.
In the meantime I want to say that I am quite interested in what you had to say in this post about slowing down and slow fashion. Partly this is true because I have been involved in fiber arts (including a bit of my own clothing design) since I was in high school. . . And I love second hand shopping, but we don’t have much truly great stuff in the small city I live in–at least nothing like what I imagine you have access to in NYC. So, perhaps I have my first question–what does one do in that case? It’s easy enough to shop vintage and second hand on-line–on the surface–but I need to actually handle things, feel their texture, and try them on to see if they work…So what’s the best alternative? Or does one just make do with what is local?
What a lovely invitation to your readers! I suspect that we are all more or less in the throes of all that must be done to create the holidays for our loved ones, so it may take a few days for people (me included) to contemplate what we might like to have you take up in this space. (My head is still wrapped up in the term ending–today is the last day of school where I work, and there are certain unfortunate loose ends yet!)
So what I am saying is that I am promising to have a think on this topic, and then come back and share some ideas.
In the meantime I want to say that I am quite interested in what you had to say in this post about slowing down and slow fashion. Partly this is true because I have been involved in fiber arts (including a bit of my own clothing design) since I was in high school. . . And I love second hand shopping, but we don’t have much truly great stuff in the small city I live in–at least nothing like what I imagine you have access to in NYC. So, perhaps I have my first question–what does one do in that case? It’s easy enough to shop vintage and second hand on-line–on the surface–but I need to actually handle things, feel their texture, and try them on to see if they work…So what’s the best alternative? Or does one just make do with what is local?
Dear Lyn,
I’ve followed and shared your blog for a while now…this is my first written communication. Your photos drew me in, but it is your writing I find most compelling. I recently retired from teaching and devote my time to my metalsmithing (jewelry size) and horse ranch outside of San Diego. I share your posts with a small group of ladies ranging from 50’s to 70’s. They are all productive, creative, and fully involved in all their endeavors.
I’m most interested in the direction you are taking and how it takes you into the hands of young people. I’ve needed to remain relevant (musically, fashionably) to work successfully with high school students, but now I discover that the more time I spend engaging with younger people the more shared values and mutual appreciation surfaces. I no longer have ongoing access to them, but I seek them out wherever I am. They make me hopeful; they make me feel relevant.
Back to your invitation. As an Art Jeweler, I’d like you to see you look into Art Jewelry and how it reflects our world, expresses our values, and connects us.
I find that between my long gray hair, my clothes and my jewelry, I’m able to draw people in and continue to be part of the bigger conversations. After all, not many gals in a dusty little horse town wearing Eileen Fisher sandals and concrete earrings set in silver and gold 🙂 so I do what I need to do.
Lastly, although I sell my work on a tiny scale, I am occasionally inspired by a person and the result is a piece I make for them and just send it out. They may never wear it and are free to regift it….just needs to be done. I’ve had yours ready for a little while Lyn. Just need to know the best way to get it to you. Involves silver, vintage buttons, and Yin/Yang.
Again, many thanks for following your heart and inspiration….because of you, many of us out here are encouraged to do the same. Kathy O.
Dear Lyn,
I’ve followed and shared your blog for a while now…this is my first written communication. Your photos drew me in, but it is your writing I find most compelling. I recently retired from teaching and devote my time to my metalsmithing (jewelry size) and horse ranch outside of San Diego. I share your posts with a small group of ladies ranging from 50’s to 70’s. They are all productive, creative, and fully involved in all their endeavors.
I’m most interested in the direction you are taking and how it takes you into the hands of young people. I’ve needed to remain relevant (musically, fashionably) to work successfully with high school students, but now I discover that the more time I spend engaging with younger people the more shared values and mutual appreciation surfaces. I no longer have ongoing access to them, but I seek them out wherever I am. They make me hopeful; they make me feel relevant.
Back to your invitation. As an Art Jeweler, I’d like you to see you look into Art Jewelry and how it reflects our world, expresses our values, and connects us.
I find that between my long gray hair, my clothes and my jewelry, I’m able to draw people in and continue to be part of the bigger conversations. After all, not many gals in a dusty little horse town wearing Eileen Fisher sandals and concrete earrings set in silver and gold 🙂 so I do what I need to do.
Lastly, although I sell my work on a tiny scale, I am occasionally inspired by a person and the result is a piece I make for them and just send it out. They may never wear it and are free to regift it….just needs to be done. I’ve had yours ready for a little while Lyn. Just need to know the best way to get it to you. Involves silver, vintage buttons, and Yin/Yang.
Again, many thanks for following your heart and inspiration….because of you, many of us out here are encouraged to do the same. Kathy O.
To me, slow fashion means those I make myself, or refashion to suit my needs. It means shopping very thoughtfully, and winnowing from my wardrobe all the things purchased without thought, all those regrets (right now that seems to mean a fairly spartan closet with 28 winter sweaters…still trying to achieve balance). Slow fashion gives me license to wear only what I truly like and disregards things such as "this seasons color". I am 70; I get to wear whatever I choose.
I’d give anything to have Bonnie Cashin designing today! I have read Stephanie Lake’s book about the late fashion designer and Cashin’s story was quite captivating. I loved her garments and accessories. I loved that she had a certain "look" which encompassed so many unique uses of heavy fabrics, knits, grommets, and of course, her leathers.
Lyn, you write wonderful, vibrant background stories about up and coming designers. whom you’ve had the pleasure to meet and talk to about their wares. Thank you for doing so. I’d love to see you "make over" some women in their 50’s, 60’s and 70’s–and dare I add 80’s and 90’s(?) using your keen eye and styling ability to showcase much of what you have been sharing with us. Odd request, I know. But it would be fun to see an "average" jeans and sweater gal or two be transformed into some of those wonderful looks we see on you. But….perhaps….part of your mystique is that I look at you and imagine myself in what you’re wearing and looking smashing. Reality might be crushing!
Keep up your great posts.
I’d give anything to have Bonnie Cashin designing today! I have read Stephanie Lake’s book about the late fashion designer and Cashin’s story was quite captivating. I loved her garments and accessories. I loved that she had a certain "look" which encompassed so many unique uses of heavy fabrics, knits, grommets, and of course, her leathers.
Lyn, you write wonderful, vibrant background stories about up and coming designers. whom you’ve had the pleasure to meet and talk to about their wares. Thank you for doing so. I’d love to see you "make over" some women in their 50’s, 60’s and 70’s–and dare I add 80’s and 90’s(?) using your keen eye and styling ability to showcase much of what you have been sharing with us. Odd request, I know. But it would be fun to see an "average" jeans and sweater gal or two be transformed into some of those wonderful looks we see on you. But….perhaps….part of your mystique is that I look at you and imagine myself in what you’re wearing and looking smashing. Reality might be crushing!
Keep up your great posts.
I love everything that makes me happy and beautiful! Love your blog! You are doing a great work keeping us curious and busy discovering life! Thank you and Merry Christmas!
I love everything that makes me happy and beautiful! Love your blog! You are doing a great work keeping us curious and busy discovering life! Thank you and Merry Christmas!
I am fascinated by two garments. The sari and the kimono. How they came to be traditional dress,how did/do women feel about wearing them,how relevant they are today.Food for thought?
Have a wonderful Christmas,Lyn.
I’m embracing the idea of slow fashion myself, and having almost completed the final chapter of my book, my brain is slowing down, too. Thank you so much for your contribution, Lyn, it was wonderful to chat to you about style (and then about politics in NYC). Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a peaceful and productive 2017.
Very best, Alyson x
Thank you for your lovely blog. It has provided much food for thoughts. I would be interested in hearing what you think about stylish comfort dressing when applied to older women. Everyone, regardless of age (or gender) are free to wear what they like but are there societal expectations on what an "old lady" should look like in this day and age?
Hi. I enjoy your pov bc it is intellectual. I am 61 and interested to read more about capsule wardrobe in top quality garments and accessories that represent the antithesis of what is considered "sexy" while offering pleasing alternatives. Now that I’m older, I resent clothes and shoes that demand the wearer believe "Beauty knows no pain" Let’s re-define what is chic.