December and the beginning of January was somewhat of a euphoric period for me. Many mentions on blogs (thanks to all), being named on top instagram account lists, photo shoots and some fun collaborations. There were many visitors to the blog, lots of buzz and attention. Although we are only a week in, February has seemed to flat line and as I sit down to write this week, I feel rather melancholic and a tiny bit derailed. This feeling is intensified by the grey, rainy and icy days we have been having and my Stutterheim raincoat came to mind. The brand has the tagline, “Swedish Melancholy At Its Driest” and so signifies my mood. The designer, Alexander Stutterheim, is of the belief that if we try to get rid of melancholy we will be left with a sort of half-life because unless we can embrace melancholy we cannot embrace joy. Stutterheim suggests, “Let’s start by embracing rain”.
Stutterheim, interestingly a former social worker, tells us that we must be sure to make the distinction between melancholy and depression. Although both involve states of sadness, depression results in lethargy, lack of feeling and a resigned response. Depression is most times pessimistic and painful. Melancholy on the other hand is more of a state of reflection where we think about what we love and long for and such reminiscing can bring us happiness and pleasure. Yet melancholy makes us uneasy with what is longed for or lost because we can also feel lonely, sad or fearful because we are desiring. Both conditions can lead to unease about what is happening in the world but in the instance of melancholia, results in a desire or longing to create new ways of being or something new. In melancholia we become creatively empowered by negative emotions rather than consumed and immobilized by them. This is how melancholia is related to creativity.
So I will put on my Stutterheim, feel the feelings of sadness and longing that come from my desires, smile at the rain and see what comes next.
Visit again Wednesday for outfit details and on Friday to find out more about Alexander Stutterheim and how he began his brand.
Do you have a piece of clothing that reminds you to “smile in the rain?”
I love the raincoat and your kicks. MAN, too cool.
I feel that the term ‘depression’ or feeling ‘depressed’ has been layered with this idea of glamour, that the very strength and seriousness of the word has kinda been dulled. Your distinction between depression and melancholia is gr8 and a good reminder to keep in between the chasms of our thoughts! Sadness can feed creavity, so too can happiness – in fact a spectrum, of emotions! Stay divine.
Jenny of MVD
http://myviciousdarling.blogspot.com.au/
I agree with your point about depression and being human is letting yourself in for the entire span of ups and downs. With the right attitude it is a cool roller coaster.
I agree with your point about depression and being human is letting yourself in for the entire span of ups and downs. With the right attitude it is a cool roller coaster.
That’s a wonderful raincoat. I agree that we need to dance with melancholy as well as joy and embrace the range of emotions. It’s only natural to experience some let-down after an intense period of energy expended or excitement. And I must say I’ve been thrilled to see the recognition you’ve received. You take this medium to a whole new level.
You are so gracious, I thank you for your always thoughtful comments and compliments. As I have said before you are the trailblazer!
Leave it to the Swedes to make melancholy romantic. They put salty fish in everything! I love this raincoat and I love that you’ve introduced us to Stutterheim. Since I moved to California I find myself wearing less and less of my New York black. The weather here truly does inform my choice of more colorful clothing. Who woulda thunk?
Really interesting point and good question for research…how weather may inform clothing choice. That could be a very interesting post.
Leave it to the Swedes to make melancholy romantic. They put salty fish in everything! I love this raincoat and I love that you’ve introduced us to Stutterheim. Since I moved to California I find myself wearing less and less of my New York black. The weather here truly does inform my choice of more colorful clothing. Who woulda thunk?
Really interesting point and good question for research…how weather may inform clothing choice. That could be a very interesting post.
in "the power of now", eckhart tolle touches upon a similar subject – how thrills are inevitably followed by downs. that’s a great reminder to abandon our dependence on outer reasons for happiness, and learn to source our joy from within, no matter what the consequences are. once you’ve been immersed in our society’s programming, it might not be that easy, but I believe it’s worth it. I’ve just recently started on this path myself and I already feel much more peace.
correction: circumstances, not consequences
It does bring a sense of personal control and peace when one can let go and go with the flow of life feeling that containment inside. Not always easy but certainly has the best outcome. My thoughtful readers remind me of what and who is important.
in "the power of now", eckhart tolle touches upon a similar subject – how thrills are inevitably followed by downs. that’s a great reminder to abandon our dependence on outer reasons for happiness, and learn to source our joy from within, no matter what the consequences are. once you’ve been immersed in our society’s programming, it might not be that easy, but I believe it’s worth it. I’ve just recently started on this path myself and I already feel much more peace.
It does bring a sense of personal control and peace when one can let go and go with the flow of life feeling that containment inside. Not always easy but certainly has the best outcome. My thoughtful readers remind me of what and who is important.
Yes. The plum-coloured Issey Miyake raincoat I made at least 25 years ago and still love to wear after all this time. Though it’s not waterproof, it’s perfect for many Vancouver days. The fabric is lightweight, the coat is long and voluminous and I can wear many layers underneath depending on the weather. I actually made a short, slim fleece coat to wear underneath when it’s cold. Lucky for me I found the exact color to match the outer coat.
Because it’s an Issey Miyake, it always looks great and I feel fabulous in it.
After 25 years I’ve decided it’s time for a new raincoat and in the works is Marcy Tilton’s latest coat in screaming magenta. That should kick things up a notch.
The Stutterheim looks wonderful and I love what he says about melancholy. Vancouver has many grey, cold, drizzly days and after a long spell of it, sometimes it’s hard not to feel grey and cold too – inside and out. You make a fine distinction between melancholy and depression.
I look forward to your next post and more wisdom.
Vancouver Barbara
Yes. The plum-coloured Issey Miyake raincoat I made at least 25 years ago and still love to wear after all this time. Though it’s not waterproof, it’s perfect for many Vancouver days. The fabric is lightweight, the coat is long and voluminous and I can wear many layers underneath depending on the weather. I actually made a short, slim fleece coat to wear underneath when it’s cold. Lucky for me I found the exact color to match the outer coat.
Because it’s an Issey Miyake, it always looks great and I feel fabulous in it.
After 25 years I’ve decided it’s time for a new raincoat and in the works is Marcy Tilton’s latest coat in screaming magenta. That should kick things up a notch.
The Stutterheim looks wonderful and I love what he says about melancholy. Vancouver has many grey, cold, drizzly days and after a long spell of it, sometimes it’s hard not to feel grey and cold too – inside and out. You make a fine distinction between melancholy and depression.
I look forward to your next post and more wisdom.
Vancouver Barbara
I agree with une femme. I too have been thrilled to see the recognition that you’ve received.
Your discussion of depression vs melancholy rings true on a Monday following a very busy four days! Your photo speaks as many words as your exquisite writing.
Oh yes, perhaps it is the slow down of activity more than anything else. Maybe I need a special Hat!
Wow thank you so much. I have started following your blog too. That is why I started this blog because I could not find a space where we could think and reflect on clothing and what it means to us. Thanks for the kind words.
I agree with une femme. I too have been thrilled to see the recognition that you’ve received.
Your discussion of depression vs melancholy rings true on a Monday following a very busy four days! Your photo speaks as many words as your exquisite writing.
Oh yes, perhaps it is the slow down of activity more than anything else. Maybe I need a special Hat!
Oh with the weather we have been having melancholy does not surprise me. But you don’t look melancholy at all. You look super fashion forward. And congrats on the last two months.
Allie of ALLIENYC
allienyc.com
Thanks Allie, now I guess it is the longer haul and just plugging away day by day. Any advice?
Oh my heavens … this post is all kind of wonderful … so I will start further out … and work in!
First … what you have done with the raincoat … such a chic example of bringing personal style … to a piece! Masterful personal styling my dear!
Second … your clarifying description of the difference between depression and melancholy … and the potential of both to affect creativity is so appreciated. As an often melancholy soul myself … your words are balm to my soul.
Lastly … this is probably one of my favorite posts of yours … as I most appreciated your honesty … in regards to feeling flat … after so many exciting triumphs and well deserved attentions. My favorite blogs, (and people), are always those brave enough to expose their own authentic emotions. Thank you for sharing yours! I think new and dramatic successes and attentions … come with so much new to factor into to our own views of who we are.
Sending you big grateful hugs … for your sharing and inspiring … and extra ones of comfort as you settle into your new found fame my dear!
Oh my heavens … this post is all kind of wonderful … so I will start further out … and work in!
First … what you have done with the raincoat … such a chic example of bringing personal style … to a piece! Masterful personal styling my dear!
Second … your clarifying description of the difference between depression and melancholy … and the potential of both to affect creativity is so appreciated. As an often melancholy soul myself … your words are balm to my soul.
Lastly … this is probably one of my favorite posts of yours … as I most appreciated your honesty … in regards to feeling flat … after so many exciting triumphs and well deserved attentions. My favorite blogs, (and people), are always those brave enough to expose their own authentic emotions. Thank you for sharing yours! I think new and dramatic successes and attentions … come with so much new to factor into to our own views of who we are.
Sending you big grateful hugs … for your sharing and inspiring … and extra ones of comfort as you settle into your new found fame my dear!
Hi – I just started following your blog a few weeks ago. I love your sculptural take on clothes. I am in my 50s and my body has more lines than curves – it always did – and since I started working out, I have been dressing it differently.
As to your perspective that melancholia can fuel creativity, I wondered if you had ever seen the video of Pema Chodron "Why I became a Buddhist nun" on Youtube. She talks about reading an article by a teacher – who later became her mentor – who wrote that negativity has a powerful energy. I have read the article to which she refers in the video and her other works and find them to be inspiring as well as applicable to my day-to-day life.
Thanks for sharing this with me. I have read some of her work but will look up the Youtube clip for inspiration. Thanks for sharing that with me.
I’m enjoying your blog….just discovered it. I LOVE how you don’t let your age dictate how you dress. Well, maybe you consider your age, as I guess we all change over time. You dress agelessly, for sure. I must say, I don’t think I’ll be wearing 15 colors and toilet-paper tube necklaces or paper plate hats as I get older. I prefer the chic look I see on you and Linda Rodin. I think I’ve become better at putting things together now, at almost 50, than ever before. And I studied fashion in college and am a former buyer! I know myself better now and the look I’d like to present. After going through a divorce, and having a smaller budget, I also feel I am much better at putting myself together, as I "shop my closet" so much more. I’m enjoying your shoe choices, as I usually wear heels 5 days a week in my job, but am trying to do more flats that aren’t dowdy. Not so easy to find, but I’m starting my collection! I also admire Alexa Chung’s flat shoe styles. Congrats on your succcess!
Thanks for sharing this with me. I have read some of her work but will look up the Youtube clip for inspiration. Thanks for sharing that with me.
Thanks Adele! You are exactly the woman I am writing for and for whom I also felt there was a gap. There is such a wide range of examples of style for older women, but a gap in the more simple but risky end of the spectrum. So glad you appreciate it.
I’m enjoying your blog….just discovered it. I LOVE how you don’t let your age dictate how you dress. Well, maybe you consider your age, as I guess we all change over time. You dress agelessly, for sure. I must say, I don’t think I’ll be wearing 15 colors and toilet-paper tube necklaces or paper plate hats as I get older. I prefer the chic look I see on you and Linda Rodin. I think I’ve become better at putting things together now, at almost 50, than ever before. And I studied fashion in college and am a former buyer! I know myself better now and the look I’d like to present. After going through a divorce, and having a smaller budget, I also feel I am much better at putting myself together, as I "shop my closet" so much more. I’m enjoying your shoe choices, as I usually wear heels 5 days a week in my job, but am trying to do more flats that aren’t dowdy. Not so easy to find, but I’m starting my collection! I also admire Alexa Chung’s flat shoe styles. Congrats on your succcess!
Thanks Adele! You are exactly the woman I am writing for and for whom I also felt there was a gap. There is such a wide range of examples of style for older women, but a gap in the more simple but risky end of the spectrum. So glad you appreciate it.
I just discovered your blog and am so glad I did. I love your take on fashion and your clever texts. I’ll definitely be coming back to this place for inspiration. Congratulations on all the buzz lately!
Thank you. I am so happy you like the writing because to me that is just as important as the pictures of the clothes.
I just discovered your blog and am so glad I did. I love your take on fashion and your clever texts. I’ll definitely be coming back to this place for inspiration. Congratulations on all the buzz lately!
Thank you. I am so happy you like the writing because to me that is just as important as the pictures of the clothes.
Oh my gosh this look is so very rad–you look so amazing! I am in love with this blog and I just discovered it! You look so incredibly amazing and I love your young spirit! xx
<(‘) Hoda | http://joojooazad.com
Your blog asks thought provoking questions and highlights
designers that are interesting to read about.My vote for
the piece of clothing that clothing that reminds me "to smile
in the rain"is my bright red turtleneck sweater.
Thanks Allie, now I guess it is the longer haul and just plugging away day by day. Any advice?
Thanks for the feedback, my initial goal was to reach out to women who like to "think" about fashion and also engage others into that thinking. Glad you have a favorite piece that can bring a smile to you.
Your blog asks thought provoking questions and highlights
designers that are interesting to read about.My vote for
the piece of clothing that clothing that reminds me "to smile
in the rain"is my bright red turtleneck sweater.
Thanks for the feedback, my initial goal was to reach out to women who like to "think" about fashion and also engage others into that thinking. Glad you have a favorite piece that can bring a smile to you.
Hello Lyn, Deflation after a flurry of attention is only natural. This is another fantastic, thoughtful post and you inspire me (and I’m sure many others) to write better posts. For sure, so much more to come for the Accidental Icon.
Best, Alison
Thanks you so much for the gracious and lovely encouragement. It reminds me that the process is what is important not always the outcome.
Hello Lyn, Deflation after a flurry of attention is only natural. This is another fantastic, thoughtful post and you inspire me (and I’m sure many others) to write better posts. For sure, so much more to come for the Accidental Icon.
Best, Alison
Thanks you so much for the gracious and lovely encouragement. It reminds me that the process is what is important not always the outcome.
Lyn, your openness and honesty in this post is incredibly refreshing. I am very grateful for your blog. In a blogosphere saturated with fashion/style bloggers there are few that actually challenge me to think more deeply about this topic like you do. Your thoughts are as inspiring to me as your outfits (I want to come and play in your white shirt wardrobe) and are a great encouragement to me as a fellow blogger.
xxx Deborah
http://www.stylishmurmurs.blogspot.com.au
Wow thank you so much. I have started following your blog too. That is why I started this blog because I could not find a space where we could think and reflect on clothing and what it means to us. Thanks for the kind words.
You go girl!
Lyn, you have encouraged me to purge on this rainy cold day in West Texas..but first I go to dance in the rain!
You are so gracious, I thank you for your always thoughtful comments and compliments. As I have said before you are the trailblazer!
You go girl!