With Fashion, "Enjoy. Have Fun."
Head into the weekend with a little joy courtesy of your wardrobe.
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A few days ago, Vogue posted a video of Sarah Jessica Parker looking through her old outfits for their "Life in Looks" series. At one point, she stops at an Oscar de la Renta dress she once wore to an awards show. People critiqued the dress and said they didn't like it, which she mentioned as she described the look. "I've seen all the criticism," she says before she pauses. "Enjoy. Have fun," she says before moving on.
It struck me so much that I watched it back a few times.
Her style, whether you like it or not, is entirely hers. She steps out wearing two different shoes on purpose. She wears capri pants under a dress or a pair of slouchy boots with sweatpants. Sometimes the pairings make no sense, but she wears them with confidence. That's why people love her and Carrie Bradshaw. Her absolutely bonkers clothing combinations somehow come together in aspirational fashion heaven when the wearer does so with their whole chest. And, the other side of that, as I learned in that little video, is not only ignoring those who tell you to dress differently but caring so little you let them have fun at your expense.
As someone who loves fashion deeply but can often revert back to my most comfortable looks, I wonder how this philosophy can be applied in real life. Am I wearing my overalls all the time because I'm afraid of criticism? Maybe. I think there is an ego-centric root to some of my choices. I feel self-conscious about wearing something loud because I don't want people to see me, even on the days when the bright red silk top is a closer match to how I'm feeling. Perhaps I'd be better off having a little conversation with those non-existent haters that I made up in my head. I'll put the outfit on and think through that worst-case scenario of ridicule and tell them, "Enjoy. Have fun."
So, my lovely subscribers, this is a weekend send-off for you to wear that thing that scares you. And when you do, tell me about it! I'd love for everyone to hear how you are evolving your personal style and why. I'm also dropping some of my own weekend ideas just for you. Enjoy. Have fun.
Listening to:
I always loved Regina Spektor, and this week she dropped one song off her new album, Home, before and after. The song "Becoming All Alone" is a classic Regina Spektor song both lyrically and musically, and it made my whole week. I'll be playing it on repeat, crying, laughing.
Eating:
My husband and I are obsessed with Italian food. I think we'll be seeking out an Italian restaurant that has some vegan offerings. Maybe John's of 12th Street.
Drinking:
I just bought a bottle of red wine, a blend from the winemaker Bichi wines. It's delicious, and you can find it in most natural wine shops if you have one near you.
Wearing:
It is still so cold in New York City, which is truly breaking my spirit. This weekend it's all about vintage jeans and sweatshirts (maybe a turtleneck too). I'm thinking my Levi's 501s, with a turtleneck from Reformation and a sweater from American Apparel that I bought when I worked there 15 years ago!