How does a girl keep up her style?

I have been reading fashion mags since I was about 14, and never before have I seen such high prices for new fashion items shown in magazines. Congratulations if you have the reserves to put into a pair of shoes that will last you a year, style-wise, and cost you a cool $300-$500. All power to you, but please pause to think.

If an item was created by expert and well-paid craftspeople, then the item is likely worth the cost. I encourage those who can to pay the full price for high quality clothing, made by well-paid workers creating beautiful fashions...yes! However, if you can, stand up to the high prices for ordinary clothing by searching for extraordinary vintage. Never before in the last 30 years has vintage represented a greater quality-for-the-price ratio. Walmart does not have real clothing, and Target has clothing nicely designed for hangers. Those low prices reflect items of no more value than Kleenex. Actually less, as these items will not serve their purpose for what has been considered a normal lifespan.

Clothing should not be as disposable as Kleenex!

Vintage Inspirations for spring 2007

Please have a look at the new feature I created for the Vintage Fashion Guild!

Many thanks for help choosing trends from Anna Newman of Anna Newman Vintage Clothing, and of course the trade members of the VFG who contributed photos of their sensational inventory!

An attempt at a personal philosophy

At last, I have an idea of who I am in words...but I didn't write them! These are by Alec Wilder (1907-1980) a composer whose music I've relished playing.

In spite of my need for the levity of laughter, I am hourly infuriated by stupidity, indifference and lack of style. My only ambition is to be a better person and a better creator. It is increasingly difficult, but I attempt to keep an open mind and a hungry heart--a constant need for wonderment and magic. I'm a fiend for order, self-discipline and morality. I do not equate the new or the original with the superior. I believe in interdependence, and therefore, tradition. My life has been divided between travel and music and my friends and solitude. Occasionally I just lock my door and stay alone, and that way I can refill my cup, and when I open the door and take off again I have something to pass along. I hate to see people I love unless I have enough to give them.

Currently listening : Nighthawks: The Complete Music for Horn & Piano by Alec Wilder By Alec Wilder Release date: 17 March, 1995