Sep 19 2009
Caught in the Rain?
When Anne Fogarty, (one of my personal heroes) first published her book in 1957, I don’t think she realized the impact it would make on the generations to come.
Here I am, 50 years later, reading the advice from a former fashion designer who knew well the art of dressing with modesty and panache.
Our lesson from Fogarty (inspired by the soggy drizzle outside) is “Be Prepared”.
Secrets for Success:
The Prepared woman Thinks ahead
Will you be away all day? All evening? Is it going to rain? Get very warm? Will you be sitting on the grass or walking your feet off?
Think ahead, and plan accordingly.
The prepared woman Brings a Tote
“What you’re aiming for is a combination of self-containment and mobility. You want adaptability in what you’re wearing and freedom of movement. You can have all these advantages at your fingertips by carrying a tote-bag–which I sincerely believe is the best thing that’s happened to women since the vote”
Possible Tote items:
-Change of shoes. Going out after work? slip out your heels for a quick dress-up.
-Dressy accessory. Pin on that bit of bling and see where it takes you. And there’s always room for diamond studs or your favorite pearls.
-Sunglasses.
-collapsible slippers for travel
-travel reading
-make up. There are no limits to what could be toted, but handy makeup can instantly freshen your look for a night out.
-hat/headscarf. Nothing’s wrong with a mid-day change.
-gloves. These are back in vogue, but mainly the leather kind worn with trench or overcoats.
-clutch. For lunch & dinner appointments or simply because you don’t want to carry your tote into to Starbucks.
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Sources:
Wife Dressing: The Fine Art of Being a Well-Dressed Wife
Related posts:
- Darlin’- don’t go broke! “A modest woman dressed out...
What is the title of Anne Fogarty’s book? I wonder if our library carries it.
“Wife Dressing”
For me…being prepared would be carrying some pens in my purse LOL! I’ll have to work on this…
I get made fun of by friends and co-workers, but I carry a big bag for a reason. It’s helpful to have mints, gum, pens, a little notepad, my planner (or more recently, my Palm Centro) and even a little book or magazine to pass the time.
And, of course, no one laughs too hard when they need to write something down, or have a headache, or need something I’ve got tucked away in my bag. I call it my Girl Scout Bag – always prepared. I feel weird without it.
I really need a tote, all my purses are to small to hold all I need to bring with me.