Simple isn't easy
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| Found on Amazon |
Someone's blog had a comment about a book called "Simple Isn't Easy" by Olivia Goldsmith and Amy Fine Collins. Several people cited its wisdom, so I tracked down a cheap used copy and flipped through it in an evening.
Goldsmith wrote "The First Wives Club" and other novels; she died in 2004 during cosmetic surgery, as a result of complications from anaesthesia. (The book contains one unsettling line about the possibility of finding a cosmetic surgeon– "a good one".)
Fine Collins, fashion and design writer, is very much with us, and adheres to her manifesto, maintaining a slightly-retro pixie-cut image over several decades. (I'd say she inspired Kate Spade.)
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| Amy Fine Collins today |
The writing is flat, the advice direct as an Eastern European bra-fitter. To recap:
1. Find out what works on you.
(Try on everything in front of the mirror with a critical eye or better yet, with a stylist or image consultant.)
2. Develop a uniform
(Not one outfit, but "your look".)
3. Get rid of everything else
(You closet will be drastically pared. She quotes a French architect: “American closets shock me. So much, too much. No one can dress well with so many clothes.”)
4. Shop only for what you need, with a list
(Never shop for entertainment, therapy or as a reward.)
5. Be fastidious about fit and grooming.
That's it.
Over and over, I'm hearing 50+ women say they don't want so many possessions, including clothes. Goldsmith and Collins were a few decades early with their book.
The authors advise that you patronize one designer: "Find who makes the clothes that look best on you–and stick with him." They cite Diana Vreeland, who wore only Mainbocher's suits; Goldsmith, who bonded to an (unnamed) boutique, and Fine Collins, then a YSL devotée.
This is my dream, too but where is my main-street Mainbocher?
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| A strict nirvana |
Ça va de soie are a contender. They make quiet, intelligent clothes in fabrics like Egyptian cotton crepe and Italian cashmere in nonstandard neutrals I crave. Problem is, they make mostly tops. (And a few dresses, too small and short for me, a "major minimalist".)
A now-defunct Belgian company, Anvers, was another, as is Dries van Noten, if I could ante up. Maybe I'll find The One in Montreal, home to Ça va de soie.
Here's a shot of the first purchase made in my new city, the Alain Weiz jean pencil skirt with studs, and if you don't think it takes guts to post your derriere, you try it! Weiz is a plus line (in France, that can begin at US 10.) Tant pis, it fits perfectly, length just at bottom of knee. Finding a designer who cuts for your body is as important as finding an aesthetic.
Have you found the maker or designer whose clothes are 'you'? Please tell us who they are, even if it's a local source.
Here's a shot of the first purchase made in my new city, the Alain Weiz jean pencil skirt with studs, and if you don't think it takes guts to post your derriere, you try it! Weiz is a plus line (in France, that can begin at US 10.) Tant pis, it fits perfectly, length just at bottom of knee. Finding a designer who cuts for your body is as important as finding an aesthetic.
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| Dark denim and pyramid studs |
Comments
Your derriere looks great.
http://worthny.com/
Click on "trunk show" for both spring and summer to see their latest.
I think the advice from the book is good. I DO have way too many clothes and part of that is indicative of the fact that I am still searching for the right look for me.
In my opinion, that little mass-market paperback is worth its weight in gold. (Actually, I think one of the Amazon reviewers described it just that way.) I read my copy at least once every couple of years, whenever I feel like my wardrobe is getting disorganized. (And yes, I remember reading that line about plastic surgeons in the book, shortly after Ms. Goldsmith passed away, and it was a bit unsettling.)
My copy of the book is starting to fall apart and I'm seriously considering getting it spiral-bound to preserve it.
As the book suggested, I have become very brand-loyal whenever I've found something that works for me. I've never been able to narrow my main wardrobe down to a single brand or designer, though.
After reading your post, I carefully considered your words. Though I absolutely agree with you, searching for a perfect wardrobe is a life long endeavour. And even then, having a uniform look, that one recognizable style that doesn't require tons of clothes in your closet, is pointless unless you can can somehow 'fill' the clothes with your personality. Otherwise it's just form without substance. I am fascinated by women who manage to stand out, even in a simple outfit. That rare elusive quality has nothing to do with the brand of the clothes or how great their figure is, it's always about character and attitude.
I still haven't found "my" label yet, though both Eileen Fisher and Babette have some pieces that work with my body and my aesthetic.
Ms. Goldsmith's untimely demise, and then the sudden death of a friend of ours (in her 30's) immediately after cosmetic surgery, reinforced my vow to never go under the knife except for medically necessary reasons.
I think it's great advice, particularly for women over 50.
I pretty much wear very casual clothes, as I'm a painter, and I live in LA. J Brand jeans, Gap tee v-neck tee shirts in white, Armani or Piazza Siempone blazers fit me the best.
I vary a bit with sweaters, and will be ordering a few Eric Bombard ones when the winter selection is available.
I only wear neutrals (with the exception of a few summer dresses) - I bought two as we have a lot of weddings this summer to attend.
I also like Prada cardigans. They're pricey, but I don't buy much, and prefer to have something special - quality over quantity.
I have my summer "uniform" figured out, but am stumped about winter. My "sources" include REI (I own the Sun Goddess shirt in all three colors and it like much more than hiking garb), J.Jill (Wearever tanks) and my sewing machine.
And I agree with Kathy--you look great in that skirt!
Sympli and Gilmour are two the Canadian firms that I regularly buy garments from.
I would not wear one label exclusively probably because I seek variety within my basic wardrobe of black white and grey.
What a horrific way to die...that poor woman.
Gosh there is another reason not to mess with what mother nature has given us.
I have a couple of tops from ca va de soie...yummy fabrics!
Happy Hunting in Montreal!
I do have a few lines that I gravitate toward, but I'm so often reining in my natural eclecticism. . .
I have at various times had brands that mostly worked for me, but at the moment I am still working on that
The cost of Worth garments helps me keep my wardrobe pared, as does my Worth sales consultant, who has an excellent eye and who tells me what works with what.
It's too early for me to identify a label but I do like Eileen Fisher and Babette.
Susan: Thank for the link, it's a wonderful thing to have a go-to designer.
C'estChic: I'm not willowy, I'm tall and big, with a definite tum and thighs.That's just a well-cut skirt.
Mrs. M.: The "buy less" message is worth a normal price but not $200. Like you, I find re-visiting books that resonated a worthwhile activity.
coffeeaddict: I agree you have to put yourself into the clothes. That being said, many North American women have bulging closets and still feel they have little to wear- or that they need a new outfit for any even minor occasion.
unefemme: I'd be liking the current EF if they fit my body better, but the patterns favour average or petite heights.
I too know somebody who died during a procedure (abdominoplasty) but am against it for other reasons, too: what's wrong with looking your age? Just another way to teach women to loathe themselves.
Kathy PecK: LOL, I could be her GM!
I too buy Bompard sweaters each winter, often at least one of a tried and true style. Don't care if it is recognized as "new" or not.
Jane W.: Could you shift your summer into winterweight fabrics? I wear colour in summer but in winter, black on bottom, sometimes on top, too and cashmere sweaters. After years of feeling uninventive I read this book and decided it's fine.
hostess: You clearly know what suits you, and I think that's more important than one brand. IMO surgery mishaps (short of death, just the mistakes and side effects) are under-reported; the media hypes surgery as no big deal.
materfamilias: Thanks, but remember we have seen one another half naked (in a dressing room, folks), and I'm not any thinner today.) The skirt is one of those figure-flattering garments.
Mardel: Sewing as you do, *you* can be your brand!
Chicatanyage: Armani is beautiful and definitely suits the long, narrow rib cage. Still so elegant and well-cut though I find the fabrics a little less luxe- but it may be me.
tsweeny: That's a fantastic way to stay minimal: buying very high quality and it forces most of us to really wear the garments we can afford.
Susan Tiner: I like Babette too (can't wear EF skirts or pants, too tall). Find Babettte blouses, mostly offered in poly, hot in summer and cold in winter. Like EF Babette doesn't cut pants for long inseams.
I like Worth, but it doesn't fulfill every need. I love the fact that they have many items that coordinate--season to season. They do have side zip pants that work for my body type. I also like Lafayette 148, but haven't tried their side zip pants yet. Front zips ALWAYS gape at the waist and need major tailoring.
I can't wear all of EF either. But I did mention a new dress (lantern skirt) that DOES work for me from EF. Hooray. I have your same issue of being tall --and not short waisted.
Really like Lafayette 148 too, which fits me well.
Your bod looks bangin'!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lafayette-148-new-york-belted-shirtdress/3169052
Also, they do leathers really well.
'Posh' evening clothes from Tadashi Shoji.
The general idea is quiet, restrained clothing- but occasionally I see somebody's obit in which they have asked friends to wear bright colours to their service. Have not attended one, though.
AN: Brooks Brothers is an idiom I understand well but do not wear as it does not suit me, but I've admired especially the seersucker shirtwaists on others in the summer.
JJP: Thank you, it's Grand Prix weekend and bands are rehearsing under my window.
Aunt Snow: OK, so now you will?
rb: At nearly 63 that is quite a compliment!
Susan: You could think of a funeral as a kind of book club meeting- we all know how the story ends, for everyone.
About the danger with car seats: not only you can ruin them with studs, seats sometimes do the same to your wardrobe.
To avoid that those awful Smart seats ruin my cashmere sweaters furthermore, I bought a cozy sheepskin. It's really comfortable, even during summtertime. And it's washable.
You can forget the seat.
"Kaliyana" designs from Canada.