Fashion Refocus, May 9th

I was raised by an incredible shopper, became one myself and then went on to raise and nurture a superstar shopper of my own. He now outshops us all. (I’m so proud.) I guess it might be because the spending habits of our family tree date back to the original Bonwit Teller on Fifth Avenue (remember that store?!) and the once magnificent Spiegel Catalog– the subscription-based phonebook-sized glossary of fashions that would hit the kitchen table with a thud. People actually paid to receive that catalog back in the day! Earlier than that I’d have to do research on the high streets of Poland and Romania to investigate my ancestors’ earlier preferences, but I suspect they were quite shoportunistic folk.

Recently I found myself in serious need of a wardrobe refresher. I have so many upcoming events that my closet just can’t support. A sincere shop was in order. My BF Michael wanted to tag along but I had to politely explain that this was to be a thoughtful excursion, not a fanciful look-and-see frolic. I was on a mission. I couldn’t afford to entertain an audience, a second opinion or anyone slowing me down. I planned to plow through racks on a deliberate quest and was sure it was to be a perilous hunt.

After six straight hours of looking, touching, trying on, sweating, cursing, schlepping, two bathroom breaks, a paper cut from a sharp hangtag, and one full bottle of water, I walked away from the totality of merchandise in eleven stores with only 3 (THREE) new things– two jackety items that can be worn as outerwear or look blazerishly suity with the right skirt or joggers, and one athleisure top that works for business casual. Not exactly the major haul I had planned. I was happy for the three, but disappointed with the mission.

So many of the clothes I saw were cropped (not in my lifetime), tight (no thanks), clingy (see above), flashy, patterned, flimsy, strappy, backless, cutout, unforgiving, or obscenely expensive. For whom are designers making these clothes? Maybe the devil does indeed wear Prada? And skinnier ones do what… Zara?

I’m no longer a supermodel looking for weekend wear (Ok, you’re right. I was never one.) or a B-list celeb walking a red carpet. I need an outfit for a corporate cocktail party. Something that looks good while seated on a panel discussion. Shirts that travel well in economy class and don’t ride up when I shove my overstuffed rolling carryon in the overhead compartment. (Am I reaching for the stars here??)

I used to be a browser. I was always perusing the selections and would often add to the closet based on “oooh that’s cute” rather than “I’m sure going to need a sensible jacket.” The benefit of the rolling shop was that when I actually needed the jacket or skirt or glitzy top, ta-da!– I had lots of options from which to choose. Now I’m like, “Hey black blazer, how you feelin’ today, champ? Care for another dinner party?” It’s very depressing.

The season is about to change so maybe the next round of offerings in the stores will have looks I find more in my realm of wearability. If not I might have to call in the big guns and fly up the Mothership for another training class or drag my son with me for his eagle eye ability to scope out the best looks. I need a clear path forward and have no time to fall into the (fashion) gap!

The good news for today at least is that I’m working from home. And I’m quite sure my closet can rally some support for a day outfit designed perfectly for my living room workstation!