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?
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!
Unless I’m sorely mistaken, I have that same black camp shirt from Quince! I am a huge proponent of buying quality, and sustainable if possible. I also have that shirt in white and its my “go to” during our hot, steamy summers in Florida. For colder weather, Quince has a very cozy and affordable sweater/blazer.
As far as traveling outside one’s comfort zone, Ed and I sailed around the world last year, and this year are doing a month long trip to Alaska…grizzly bear territory is on our excursion list! We loved our Norway stops last year. No polar bears, but a fun visit to a Viking village where high school students were immersed in hands-on experiences of that era.
That’s amazing! Your trips sound out of this world.
I have wondered how the rapidly changing fashion trends were ever going to be compatible with sustainability and reducing landfills. How do you know when you purchase a quality item that it is not so “in style” that it won’t go out of style quickly? Did I understand you to have said, today, that you buy quality that will last 10-20 years but then donate if you decide you don’t want to wear it any more?
I try to buy garments with a quality that will last. And if I find I’ve outgrown something or no longer wear it, I’ll donate it to allow another woman to wear it.
I never shop fast fashion stores for many reasons.
The splurge dress is so pretty. The save dress is not (IMO). I shop consignment often, and it’s another way to go sustainable.
I have a friend who’s been a birder for years. When he and his wife travel, they always contact a local birding group to arrange a day of birding. Plus, they get to spend the day with a local and find out about all sorts of interesting things and places. Even though his wife isn’t that into bird watching, she enjoys it just as much. They’re with a tour group in Greece as we speak. The tour operator arranged their birding day for the day before they joined the tour. Also, I’m sure there’s a very active group of birders in your area.
There are some groups in my area
M mom always told me to look your best self. That’s a big difference, like Sharon said, than “runway fashion.” I think it shows self-confidence. I don’t like things fussy and uncomfortable. You always help me find the things that are true to my style at good prices, great quality and eco-friendly. Your recent hummingbird post tickled me because I’m waiting for their return to my area, but worrying about getting my feeders out in time before I leave our area for an upcoming surgery. And polar bears: what a treat! Enjoy, and I look forward to hearing about your cruise. I’m always on the lookout for wildlife…the four footed or feathered type! I love all your posts, and I would think the far majority of us do. Keep up the great service you are to us
Sending best wishes for your upcoming surgery!
Thank you!
I love following fashion. More street fashion than high fashion. My quiet rural mountain town life is more about function and comfort than style. I live in jeans half the year and shorts and tees when the heat gears up in May through October. I can’t remember the last time I wore a dress. But I love looking at dresses! I actually like the $39 dress better as long dresses dwarf my 5’2” height. However, I liked the V neck sweater better. So yes the dress gave it away. And yes, I enjoy your take on fashion and enjoy your blog very much.
Happy Monday Sydney.
Jennifer I have the Quince camp shirt I bought because of you and now have 5 colors. With my short waist it is perfection. I wear the collar up and it looks like it was made to be worn that way! Also a couple years ago you wore a BR turtle neck (cropped and boxy) and I own at least 5 of those. Both of these tops are my go to wardrobe essentials. Timeless and not an “investment” thanks to you.
Yay! I love hearing that. Quince is a fabulous brand.
Great article. I love fashion, and being well dressed, especially chic casual, a style I try to achieve , gives me confidence, helps me engage with people because I’m not worrying about my clothes, I know they are on point. I guess I have a ‘uniform’, jeans, classic tops, and a great jacket. Your style Jennifer has inspired me to refine mine. The cruise for the polar bears sounds amazing…have fun….right now I’m watching my hummers drinking away…rain on the way this afternoon….
I could watch hummers all day! They’re so cute.
A friend went on a photo trip to see polar bears and northern lights in Chircill Manitoba, and counts it as one of her best trips ever. And that means something, because she’s been around the world. Don’t over think it. Go for it!
I love your save or splurge thing…I noticed the logo on the purse has been the give away for the expensive outfit on the last few and that tips you off to the more expensive outfit :). Happy polar bear tripping….sounds intriguing, keep us posted.
I will!
When I retired, I vowed never to wear embroidered sweatshirts and elastic-waist pants and so far have met that goal. I continue to love fashion just as much as when I was working. Your blog has enlarged my universe of retailers. But I do have an issue with fashion right now. Why do these tent dresses and muu muus keep being popular? They take a lot more fabric. I have broad shoulders, a large bust and big feet. I can hear my mother whisper that full skirts and empire waistlines are not good on me. Yes, they look comfortable, but they just aren’t for me, and I suspect I’m not alone.
I have broad shoulders and they’re not flattering on me at all! I vote to bring darts and shaping back.
I just wish what I know now about fashion and what works for me I had known in my 30’s! I agree what you wear makes such a difference in how you feel.
Love classics and I occasionally buy budget friendly trendy items.
Love your posts and especially the dressing room diaries.
Following fashion, and keeping up with what is going on keeps me young . I have always loved fashion and clothes. I feel good about myself.
I can’t wait to hear about your polar bear trip. Nice to try new things and go to new places.
Thanks for keeping us young and fresh here on your your blog.
There is certainly a difference, a big one, between “runway fashion” and “looking and feeling my best fashion.” For those of us who value the latter, you are a marvel of good sense and I for one am glad to read your sound advice and fun ideas.
Thanks Sharon
As a former seamstress, the bodice work was the initial tip. The accuracy, spacing and that it matched on the sides! I refuse to buy unmatched seams…. brings back summers of ripping out and resewing for the 4-H review.
Quality is always the tell for me.
Your 4-H comment brought up memories of my high school Home Economics classes and ripping out seams.:) I’ll have to ask my grandaughter if they still teach sewing. A life-long skill.
I like the camp shirt that you are wearing. Could you please provide details on that? Thank you.
It’s here by Quince.
Hummingbirds and polar bears? You should think about a safari! The animals are amazing! It is expensive but worth saving for. We’ve been 3 times on trips that included South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania and, at age 77, are trying to figure out how we can go back one more time perhaps to Kenya.
My daughter said the same thing! She had an amazing time. I’d love to go.
I love these save or splurge challenges. It seems it is always in the details but it is also about affordability. This time it was the cardigan that tipped me off. The “save” one looked like one that could be purchased anywhere. And polar bears, oh my, what an thrill that would be.
This one was very obvious- the inexpensive dress looked it. Sometimes it’s super hard to tell with jeans, white pants, but this one was a no brainer. However if you are on a budget- it’s a pretty spring dress for $39!
Agreed
Purchasing clothing has become a moral question for me. Do I need yet another pair of jeans to show that I’m up on a trend when I know the environmental costs in water and carbon and how the chemicals it uses to get “that certain shade” harms workers and common water sources? It’s a “no” from me.
The first thing I look at on a garment is the material label. If it’s synthetic, not a natural fiber or not organic cotton, it’s a pass no matter how much joy it might give me.
Fortunately, many brands are getting the message and producing more sustainable products and offer recycling or repurchase options. The ones that don’t aren’t in my closet. They must get the message that their cheap garment carries a high cost.
I do care about sustainability and quick fashion’s impact and that is why I buy from online consignment quite a bit. I find incredible designer items at low prices and don’t feel guilty in the least if I want to purhase a trendy piece that delights me. There will always be critics, won’t there? Especially if you’re out there doing anything of note., which you are! I am like you! Nothing picks me up like an outfit that I curated for my body type and style that makes me feel good! My Mother was a fashionista, and at 66, I’ve been one since my 20s, and there is no indication of slowing down! Thanks for this post!
Thanks for sharing Denise. I love your attitude. I’ve been checking out resale for some new accessories lately. There’s lots of options.