women

A stitch in time

1780s anyone? Lots and lots of layers, but so pretty. "Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery." Jane Austen If you're a fan of Downtown Abbey or anything Jane Austen, you'll probably like my recent newspaper piece about a young historian who is such a skilled seamstress she can whip up a dress from… Continue reading A stitch in time

family life, women

Respecting the dress

“Recognizing the need is the primary condition for design.” Charles Eames, industrial designer In its first life, the dress went to a summer dance on the shores of Lake Michigan in 1963. Not long after, it traveled with the teen girl who delighted in it to Appalachia -- to a small city hugged by low,… Continue reading Respecting the dress

family life

Secrets from my children

“Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.” Benjamin Franklin, "Poor Richard's Almanack" She almost caught me. Just when I was looking longingly at a newspaper circular for elastic-waisted pants -- the mom jeans to end all mom jeans -- my youngest daughter strolled through the kitchen. I flipped the paper over… Continue reading Secrets from my children

family life, women

Enough hoochie-mama

"What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language." Miuccia Prada, Italian fashion designer I have never thought about clothes more than since our daughters entered adolescence. It's a mine field out there. If designers aren't making something too short, too… Continue reading Enough hoochie-mama