american ingenuity

Clearly, I am not a fashion historian.

That being said, I was very surprised when I realized just how little I knew about the origins of American ready-to-wear. What prompted this realization-- the Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel show at the Peabody Essex Museum. Walking around the show I found myself drawn to the tailored pieces of the American ready -to- wear designer Norman Norell. Honestly, I didn't recognize the name (yes, I now realize that is very bad). To make up for this I have been doing some research. One thing led to another and before I knew it I was mesmerized by Norell and feeling rather patriotic.

Now I was familiar with one ready-to-wear designer of that era-- Claire McCardell. I found a 1955 Time article which discusses the American Look where McCardell is quoted "I've always designed things I needed myself. It just turns out that other people need them, too."

I am now in the midst of a very serious American sportswear moment and just need to know more. So I have decided that I must order Caroline Rennolds Milbank’s book, “New York Fashion ”. More to come on all of this but for now consider the Norell above.

laws of general economy

Shoes seem to be on everyone's mind these days. Perhaps it's a response to the end of the "it bag" era (a topic for another post-- as I think that rhetoric is silly and misses the mark completely) or perhaps it's just the many options available-- think shoe bootie. Erin is desperately seeking another pair of black booties to compliment the fabulous Elizabeth and James she purchased earlier this season and Michelle is still lusting over the swayed Weitzman pumps. I seem to be focused on another time--let's call it early 90's. The object of my obsession is the Ferragamo bow flats. I want them to have a baby round heel. Ebay would seem like a logical option but it scares the crap out of me. Imagine my pure joy when I discovered the very lovely and civilized laws of general economy. Now for $40 (including s/h) the black bow flats are mine! This will be my first vintage shoe purchase-- I have to admit I have doubts about how this will work out. But I love a bow and really am not feeling the Ferragamo bow flats for this season.

Now what I really want/need are the rag and bone newbury bootie in black which I saw at the tannery. Could they please take a mark?

of little consequence

Starting this blog makes me feel a bit like the green kitten heels I purchased from Off Saks- three years too late and lacking utility. I had a few "noble" ideas to give this some direction-- shop only local and independent stores for the next year-- then I remembered I am from NJ and giving up Nordstrom and Bloomingdales is just not an option. Particularly, not with the Bloomingdales private sale starting this Thursday through Sunday.

In the end I decided writing about what I love (fashion) in the place I love (Boston) might be enough for now.