My normal state of affairs is always to be a woman in motion. Sometimes though the speed becomes such that I really want to pause and take a reflective break. Right now I am blessed with an abundance of experiences and new opportunities ranging from speaking to a group of fashion studies students last night to attending a conference next week in a school of journalism on the West Coast to talk about social media. The week after that I am deliriously excited to go to China where I will attend and speak at Shanghai Fashion Week. It is interesting to me that in these types of engagements I am both/and: a professor who will give a talk and a fashion influencer who has an interesting style and will be asked to share the secrets of it. I am a model but not a model. In between the two events I am having a girls only adventure for two days with my daughter and grand. During flighty times such as these it is important to stay grounded and for me that is always manifested in what I choose to wear,
I have written before about the magical powers of Yohji Yamamoto and how his clothes can alter how I feel and move through the world. When I need to land for a little bit, I always return to basics. That means wearing mostly black with a touch of white. There is nothing like a good Yohji jacket to put some weight on my shoulders and bring me gently back down to earth. It feels like the garment is giving me a benevolent nudge and saying, “Stop and look around you.” A simple white t-shirt provides a bit of informality and comfort and my familiar and beloved plain black hoop earrings make me feel like myself. I remain ever amazed at the affectual power of clothes. They literally interact with my body in such a way that I can feel calm and contained from the contact as I am in this photo or they can make me feel like I am onstage dancing in the middle of a Broadway musical. But in this moment they are helping me to stop, take off the sunnies and have a moment of peace in a life that is ever in motion.
Do you have garments that make you feel grounded when you wear them?
I love this article about feeling grounded in your clothing! I always feel better when my clothes reflect my own style and have a certain edge to them. It is much more challenging to dress at this stage in life , to have an edge yet still be appropriate in the situation life has you.
I really appreciate your blog! Best, Lynn S.
You really put your finger on the challenge I set myself when I think about styling.
I love this article about feeling grounded in your clothing! I always feel better when my clothes reflect my own style and have a certain edge to them. It is much more challenging to dress at this stage in life , to have an edge yet still be appropriate in the situation life has you.
I really appreciate your blog! Best, Lynn S.
You really put your finger on the challenge I set myself when I think about styling.
Thank you for being as imaginative and illustrative as you are! You are describing a feeling I am longing for now whilst swimming in my consulting work, dual masters studies and events that life precipitates. Kampai, professor!
Oh dear I can really relate! Deep breath.
Thank you for being as imaginative and illustrative as you are! You are describing a feeling I am longing for now whilst swimming in my consulting work, dual masters studies and events that life precipitates. Kampai, professor!
Oh dear I can really relate! Deep breath.
Such an exciting time for you, Lyn, I hope you have a fantastic trip (x2).
It’s always good to stay grounded. I guess I feel it when I’m wearing jeans.
Such an exciting time for you, Lyn, I hope you have a fantastic trip (x2).
It’s always good to stay grounded. I guess I feel it when I’m wearing jeans.
It sounds so boring, but I would say that my favorite Imogene and Willie jeans are that grounding piece for me. Fitted in just the right ways to make me feel contained yet strong. Wearing them now on a flight to a conference in Ann Arbor….
Nothing at all boring about jeans! I used to discount then but recently I have bought a couple of new pairs because they can be dressed up or down and as you say they make you feel "comfortable and contained"
It sounds so boring, but I would say that my favorite Imogene and Willie jeans are that grounding piece for me. Fitted in just the right ways to make me feel contained yet strong. Wearing them now on a flight to a conference in Ann Arbor….
Nothing at all boring about jeans! I used to discount then but recently I have bought a couple of new pairs because they can be dressed up or down and as you say they make you feel "comfortable and contained"
black sweater, white t, jeans and my Fiorentino and Baker double buckle boots. Grounded, comfortable, ready for anything and very much myself.
thanks, Lyn!
black sweater, white t, jeans and my Fiorentino and Baker double buckle boots. Grounded, comfortable, ready for anything and very much myself.
thanks, Lyn!
My horseriding pants and boots, a white polo without sleeves, a scarf and a cap to protect from sun, dust and sand 🙂 And let’s go !
Remember DKNY black basics; menswear suits for women? I started my career in government relations in those black basics back in the 80s. I felt smart, put together and solid. Those suits made me feel like a million bucks and I could go on to conquer the big stuff knowing I looked strong and feminine at the same time. I’m ready to make it happen every time I put that armor on.
Would I love to see some of those outfits1
I absolutely do and I remember how sexy and cool I felt when I wore one piece with a pencil skirt.
Remember DKNY black basics; menswear suits for women? I started my career in government relations in those black basics back in the 80s. I felt smart, put together and solid. Those suits made me feel like a million bucks and I could go on to conquer the big stuff knowing I looked strong and feminine at the same time. I’m ready to make it happen every time I put that armor on.
I absolutely do and I remember how sexy and cool I felt when I wore one piece with a pencil skirt.
What a great question! I never thought of it quite this way, but I wear clothing I bought in local thrift shops years ago (and it was vintage then) because it grounds me – especially now. For work (I teach, so I have some latitude) I wear vintage Demeulemeester, Miyake and Yamamoto, Paraboots and vintage men’s socks when I wear jeans, matelot that belonged to my dad, and my mother’s indomitable black wool trapeze coat (Celine, 1950s) when the weather gets really cold. Also other vintage, as well as black tee-shirts, so I don’t have to think about what I’m going to wear (and usually end up looking like I looked the day before, and the day before that). My favorite accessory is a thin black leather Ann Demeulemeester belt, and my favorite piece of jewelry is a Gabriele Kiss ring. Thanks for asking such a relevant (and provocative) question. I’ve just discovered your site, and I’ll be back.
What a creative way to look at this question. It moves us beyond clothes and into the realm to taking time and care with oneself. It is so interesting that you mentioned nails because that is what I always let go when I am too busy. You have given me another way to think about why they should not be an after thought!
Would I love to see some of those outfits1
I have certain ways of dressing that feel like power to me in different situations.. but I always have a bit of a thing about having my nails painted. I don’t really adhere to any of the other old school "put together" standards for women – my hair can be kind of a mess, I might have roots, I never match bag and shoes or wear pantyhose. And I don’t get my nails done, or do elaborate nail art. I just paint them myself. And then I’m not careful with them. I just wreck them and paint them again. Its like it sends a message to myself – if I can keep my nails in paint that looks halfass decent, I must have my shit together. Kind of a mark of luxury in my life, but the luxury is taking the time to sit down and paint them, and always wanting them painted is a way of asking myself "did you create that luxury of time?"
What a creative way to look at this question. It moves us beyond clothes and into the realm to taking time and care with oneself. It is so interesting that you mentioned nails because that is what I always let go when I am too busy. You have given me another way to think about why they should not be an after thought!
No. And I miss this. I remember when I did have: 2002: jeans that fit well, simple white tee when a hint of Lycra with the cotton made all the difference, strong lean arms, dark eyes, a wide red smile. 1990: different jeans, my brother’s belt, a beautifully tailored red jacket that fit as though it was made for me. It was. Black cashmere polo neck. Black suede ankle boots. Red lips. 2012: Wrap dress, strong torso, high wedges.
Jeans in the perfect medium wash, white oversize cotton shirt, dark gray cashmere poncho, black ballerinas, makes me feel fourty, even though I am seventy-two. Am glad to see you over here in German magazines and the great MANGO ad, you are a true inspiration and I have followed you since day one, a true inspiration. Wish I could wear an undercut but my Friseur refuses, he is probably right.
Jeans in the perfect medium wash, white oversize cotton shirt, dark gray cashmere poncho, black ballerinas, makes me feel fourty, even though I am seventy-two. Am glad to see you over here in German magazines and the great MANGO ad, you are a true inspiration and I have followed you since day one, a true inspiration. Wish I could wear an undercut but my Friseur refuses, he is probably right.
thank you NBC for the segment featuring you!
thank you NBC for the segment featuring you!