Compost Studios

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.

May 31, 2006