Monday Musings: Value Of Fashion
Every now and then, I run across a person who belittles the value of fashion for women, which makes me sort of wild. While I believe it’s important to be critical of the negative aspects of the fashion industry, such as its environmental impact and questionable labor practices…blanket criticism of fashion’s importance is shortsighted and doesn’t recognize its positive role in society.
The connection between what we wear and how we feel is well documented. Fashion can be a source of joy and empowerment, and a wonderful way to express who we are. Fashion’s impact on self-esteem and confidence varies from person to person but it’s a powerful tool in a woman’s arsenal.
The moment we stop caring about what we wear or how we look, we have lost an important part of ourselves. What we wear has value because of how it makes us feel and what it tells the world about us.
I prefer to purchase from sustaniable brands and believe in buying classics for the long haul. As my style changes and I need to weed out my wardrobe, I donate what I no longer use to my local battered women’s shelter. That doesn’t mean I won’t buy a frivolous piece that delights my senses and sparks joy. There will be pieces in my wardrobe that don’t stay for 10 or 20 years and that’s ok because if we’re not having fun with our fashion, we’re missing out on one of its significant benefits.
In other random news, we’re looking into going on an adventure cruise out of Norway to see Polar Bears! Considering how insanely happy, a hummingbird nest in my olive tree makes me, I expect this cruise would be mind blowing. It’s pretty far outside my comfort zone and we’re just in the planning stages…but I am getting excited. Have you ever been on a cruise like that?
SAVE OR SPLURGE
For this week’s save or splurge, I thought we would look at an outfit featuring a pretty floral dress that would be perfect for a spring party, wedding shower, baby shower, or Easter.
Pearls, whether real or faux, add a delicate glow and elegant look to any outfit. We added a neutral bag and cardigan along with a sling-back pump with a low heel to these looks.
The save outfit comes in at around $196, and the splurge costs close to $1,970. Is the difference evident to you? Was there one item that tipped you off?
Do you have any upcoming showers or weddings to attend?
Hi Jennifer, I have been following your style inspiration for about six months, I live in the UK, a widow and 76 years. My greatest critic of my clothing style was my husband, he hated for me to wear jeans and insisted they were meant for 16 year olds with fantastic figures. Well I wear jeans a lot, they are so comfortable and my figure is not bad, although I, like everyone else would like to lose a few pounds. I always wear what I like, but your email every day has given me lots of ideas, I was very flattered on Sunday in church when a young man told me, ‘I looked well put together’, so thank you for all your ideas.
How wonderful of that young man to say so. That’s lovely
Drawings done in pre-historic caves show people with necklaces and other jewelry. Therefore I think fashion is part of human nature. Of course every one is not equally interested but for many of us it adds fun and beauty to everyday life. And yes go for value – last year at a gathering a young woman complemented me on a purple cardigan she was amazed when I told her it was over 20 years old. ( LOL very little of my wardrobe lasts that long.) I learned from the generation before me both my mother and my father’s sisters – all women who experienced much hardship in their lives – took an interest in fashion right up to the end. This includes my aunt who died two months before her 100th birthday. And speaking of traveling if you are in the Baltimore area up to November of 2024 the Maryland Center for History has a wonderful exhibit on Claire McCardell the American clothing designer. thanks for your blog
Thank you Aileen. That would be a fun exhibit to see.
I would love some advice about finding good online resale sites. How can I find quality basics, rather than fancy designer clothing that, while chic, doesn’t fit my lifestyle? Accessories are another story – I would love to be able to find quality designer bags on the resale market!
Start with Thredup.com – it can be overwhelming at first up you can personalize it to your size. Etsy has many vintage handbags for sale.
I prefer the save this time because I would wear it all and it would suit me. It’s a little bit of spring joy.
Love these comparison posts. The quality of the dress gave away the splurge
I adore all things polar bear. We have been lucky enough to do the Norway cruise to Svalbard and a cruise to the west coast of Greenland/Baffin Island Canada. The Greenland trip was far more successful for polar bear viewing and also more interesting from both a cultural aspect and scenic nature wonder touring (glaciers! Massive icebergs! Iced in fjords!)
The best polar bear viewing was in Churchill Manitoba. You were so close to them you could use an iPhone to take decent pictures.
Feel free to contact me if you would like more info.
That’s amazing!!
For me it was the Tuckernut dress today that was the give-away however for its pricing why could they not have used an invisible zipper ‘closure’ rather than a single button being ‘a detail’ I admittingly look for. As to the other pieces I actually prefer the design of the purse and the shoes in the ‘save’ grouping. Do agree with your opinion that Fashion can be a powerful tool and your upcoming adventure/exploration cruise sounds amazing. -Brenda-
P.S.: Re my email; had no problem today with over script and page freezing when posting.
Thank you for letting me know Brenda so I was able to get it fixed. You’re the best!