“The understanding that there is so much more to life than looking good, but also understanding that looking good is a worthwhile pursuit.” -Karen
The title of this post is from a comment that resonated with me — Karen articulated perfectly a sentiment that I hold dear. The theme of Bay Garnett’s new book, Style and Substance: Why What We Wear Matters, dovetails nicely with Karen’s words and the two warranted a post. In WWD ‘s review, writer Samantha Conti noted “… Garnett says she was “amazed by how deep people were when they talked about fashion. That was a revelation to me. They opened up their wardrobes, and their thoughts, and their hearts around the way that clothes make them feel. It reinforced my own love of clothes, and it kind of made me care more about what I wear as well.” After Ms. Garnett had interviewed a number of style-setters for this book, she told WWD that she was surprised by “… how “un-superficial” fashion is.”
Thank you, Karen, for your thoughtful comment — I am in total agreement that there is more to life than looking good, yet, making an effort and considering what we wear are important, too.
:
I call it “dressing with intention” and it makes a significant difference in how I feel about myself as I go about the day. It elevates daily life.
Loved Bay Garnett when she was at British Vogue; she made these wonderful Inside the Wardrobe videos you can find on you tube & you can also listen to her pod-cast “This Old Thing?”
She is a great champion of buying quality for the long haul & the sustainability of shopping vintage!
Imagine my surprise at opening your blog this morning and seeing my words as your opening. Thank you, I’m touched that they had meaning to you.
The book and podcast are now on my must checkout list!
Many times how we dress reflects who we are. Always feels good to look in the mirror and feel well dressed to meet the day. No sloppiness…takes just as much energy to look unattractive as it does to look attractive and well mannered. Maybe old fashioned thoughts but has gotten me through my 80 years. Your Mom was a good reflection of this thought.
This also resonates with me! I will share a quote that I repeated with my four daughters when they were growing up.
“All right I will give you just a few examples now. First, you have no ease of manner. Why? Because you are never sure about your personal appearance. When a girl feels she is perfectly groomed and dressed she can forget that part of her. That’s charm. The more parts of yourself you can afford to forget the more charm you have.”
-F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Bernice Bobs Her Hair
I love the idea of getting ready so you can forget your self and get to the business of helping others.
Happy New Year to you Preston and to this lovely community you have created.
I have no wise words to add, but wish to express my appreciation for these thoughts. Happy New Year.
Have also said many times to my own girls (women now!) : make an effort, think about your outfit and feel good so you can leave the house and not worry about it again. Feeling good because you look good builds trust in yourself and that builds confidence.
Thank you Preston for building confidence.
I remember the post itself, and Karen’s comment summed it up absolutely perfectly!