Monthly Archive for February, 2011

This is the title of Louisa Kamps‘ article in the March 2011 issue of Elle magazine (the one with Katy Perry on the cover in full jewel tones). This is probably the first fashion magazine I’ve bought in years, maybe even before I was pregnant 7 years ago.

I used to work on 7th Ave, and was completely surrounded by fashion.  I was in designers offices all day long, working with designers, always in fashion.  Then I had a baby and left.

I left.  I swore that as a new mother I would NEVER wear sweatpants and always comb my hair on put on lipstick everyday, and remember to moisturize.  I think I did that everyday.  Maybe. I don’t remember much of it, except that my post baby body didn’t fit into my pre-baby clothes. I completely succumbed to motherhood, and it has filled my soul and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Now that I’m back in the work force (fashions for the home this time around), and my 6 year old is gaining her independence (holy moly), I’m realizing I don’t want to wear my fancy t-shirts to the office or out to dinner any more.  What happened to my wardrobe?  I try to look back and think, what happened? I think I turned my back on my closet.

I’ve been out shopping, looking to update my wardrobe with clothes other than t-shirts.  I’ve been following the NYFW, watching the runway shows on-line and I bought a handful of fashion magazines.  I’m 3000 miles away from Fashion Avenue these days, thank goodness I have wifi.

Then I read Louisa Kamps’ article today.  Here was a woman who left the fashion world in NYC and moved to the country and had a baby. Just like me.  The closing line sums it all up: But for me, wearing clothes that speak a message of humor, strength, respect, or glamour is the act of love – of self and others – I never want to abandon again.

Good bye t-shirts.  Soon, I’ll only wear you at the gym, or in the garden.  As one friend said, “Overdress for every occasion” and Coco & Kelly said on her Facebook: “I’ve decided I no longer know how to dress for a ‘casual’ night out. Sorry Seattle, y’all are gonna have to step things up.”

Elle Decor photo: William Waldron