Fashion Hall of Fame

While most of the clothes I buy only stay in circulation for three to five years, a few stalwarts have earned a spot in the V-Grrrl Fashion Hall of Fame.

My Naturalizer pumps fall into this category. I bought them in 1992 to wear to a trade show—I needed something that would match all my suits and that I could stand in all day. These black leather pumps with a low tapering heel and moderately pointy toe still look fine and fit lo these many years (and pounds) later.

Ditto my charcoal gray wool rollneck sweater that I bought from J.Crew. I think I paid about $80 for it, a big splurge in the early 90s. It was more than worth the investment. Winter after winter, I’ve reached for this sweater and still absolutely love it. It’s really warm, it’s neither oversized nor tight, it hits at mid hip, and it always looks and feels perfect with a pair of jeans.

Sweaters seem to be my best investments. They’re also my weakness, so knowing that I wear them forever helps me justify the ones I continue to add to my collection. I have a pair of soft and wooly LL Bean mohair v-neck cardigans (one grey, one red) that I’ve worn since the early 1990s. LL Bean was also the place I bought a burgundy wool-lined parka that has lots of pockets and is perfect for layering over bulky sweaters (ahem, which I have a lot of). I think I’ve had it for at least 12 years.

Pants seem to have a relatively short shelf life, but I have one pair of side-zip stretch chinos that has been the exception. I think I’ve had these for about 8 years and somehow they manage to fit and flatter no matter what the scale says. They’re all-purpose miracle workers—go with everything and look fab with my loafers in winter as well as the occasional strappy sandal in summer

The only item of clothing I own that I saved for sentimental reasons is in the bottom of my cedar trunk. It’s a stretchy knit black miniskirt that I bought in 1988—cute, comfortable, and when paired with heels, sexy. I only wore it regularly for two years, but they were two GREAT years, a time when I was skinny, fit and taking charge of my life. That skirt represents the confidence that blossomed in me when I was finally finishing up college, coming into my own as writer, and planning my great escape from the Midwestl town where I'd been trapped while E launched his career.

So what fashion truths are hiding in your closet? What items are still on your play list and what do you keep to remember good times? Tell me about what’s in your Fashion Hall of Fame.

© 2006 Veronica McCabe Deschambault. All rights reserved.

May 31, 2006

Comments

[Ceece]

I don't know if I'd call them fashion items or not, but they are tried and true and I'd buy all I could if possible.

As far as shoes go, in the summer, you'll be hard pressed to find me without my birk sandals, especially now that I am pg. They are so easy and comfortable and they allow room for swellage.

I am a big fan of Gap jeans and khakis and since I can dress extremely casual for work, these are the main staple in my wardrobe, they actually fit my wonky body shape.

I don't do a lot of band shirts, but fitted t-shirts. and of course the cardigans, I love me some cardigans!

[Lynn]

Sentimental clothes - I saved a stretchy knit black and white polka dot dress that I LOVED back in the late 80's. I felt beautiful and dare I say sexy in this dress (wouldn't dream of trying it on again, it's not one that would fit no matter what the scales say!). I also have a black velvet dress I loved, had a V back, sleepless. It looked great with pearls or rhinestones. I don't particularly feel attractive in anything at the moment! I have only recently discovered Birks, but really like the ones I have.

[V-Grrrl]

I remember the polka-dot dress! At home I have a photo of you wearing it, with Lee all decked out to go somewhere (probably a dance--HA!). You look MAHVELOUS.

P.S. I think the black dress was strapless but I know YOU are frequently SLEEPLESS. ; )

[Lynn]

Ha! It was actually sleeveless - and I didn't understand the sleepless comment until I went back to my post to re-read it!!! I think I am sleepless!!! (actually I couldn't sleep last night - have to announce award winners for the math dept at the school honors assembly tonight and I'm a little freaked out about speaking to the entire auditorium full of parents and students) (and yes, I was en route to a dance in the polka dot dress - actually wore it to chaperone prom that year!)

[V-Grrrl]

Well, I hope you don't have to pronounce any really difficult names. You know, stupid ones like "Deschambault" : )

Of course, I don't think anyone named Deschambault has EVER won a math award, so you're safe.

[Debbie]

Gap jeans. A great pair of black slacks. Right now I am in love with my Liz Claiborne and actually bought them in black, navy and brown. I know, I am so boring.

I have a charcoal Evan Picone cardigan sweater that I love, love, love!

[Arabella]

I've got a pair of "skinny jeans," but sweaters are my passion, too. I really do find that high-quality sweaters are worth the investment. Your J. Crew one sounds beautiful.

[Katie Jo]

I've recently fallen in love with turtleneck sweaters. Nice fitted ones with cables that are both flattering and modest at the same time. Brilliant! As for the stuff hiding in the back of the closet...gracious. I have a pair of silver rubbery-spandex pants that used to see quite a bit of action at the bars and clubs. They weren't overly flashy, but just shiny enough that in the right light, my tiny little tush actually looked 3 dimensional. lol I've actually been saving a lot of my clothes in a time capsule of sorts. I'm waiting for the day when my own kids start sifting through my clothes with exclamations like "Oh my gosh! You actually WORE this?!?!" And then they'll beg to wear it to school because fashion always comes around again :)