Dressing

  Have you started to think about all the academic literature that will be generated in future years discussing the sociology and psychology of the pandemic?   I have. I picture it like an old-fashioned card catalog. “Pandemic, societal changes. Pandemic, societal impact. Pandemic, societal regression.”

  I feel compelled to disclose at the outset that this is a surprisingly long post filled with old clothes.   Better you hear it from me now than discover it for yourself after three minutes of scrolling.   Quickly, here are the old clothes.   There are, however, small lessons to be imparted.   … Read moreIt’s The Little Things Again

  Many years ago, I had a pair of comfortable black pants — from Ann Taylor, I think — that I discovered were indestructible. Made of entirely synthetic fibers, the pants could not be stained, shrunken, faded, or stretched out. A colleague and I dubbed them “the plastic pants” and delighted in all the ways … Read moreA Most Unnatural Pair of Pants

  Perhaps if we try to think about dressing for work at home in a more positive mindset, we’ll feel better about it.   Pan-dressing: The Power and the Glory!   I feel better already. You can see in these photos that the back of the jacket is a little longer than the front. I … Read moreThe Best Jacket

  I told you that I have been wearing real pants with a set waistband . . . and that’s true. That’s what I’m going to show you. But I haven’t been wearing worky pants — i.e., wool trousers. Is that ok? Here is what I wore for work on December 23rd, my last day … Read moreYou’re Never Fully Dressed Without An Ascot

  Has there ever been a time in my life when I didn’t have a polka dot dress in my closet?   I don’t think so. Maybe college.   Dress: Sir the Label; Belt: Pinko Uniqueness from YOOX; Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff   * I had an image in my head of Princess Diana in an … Read morePerennial Polka Dots

  After five months without leaving Northwest Washington, D.C. — and scarcely leaving our apartment — The Photographer and I decided we needed to get away.+ The arboretum staff are fighting a constant battle to maintain native grasses, plants, and wildlife. Part of those efforts involving controlled burning (which we could not do) and brush … Read moreThe Getaway

  I told you that I bought two dresses to bring a little cheer into my WFH habitat. The one I showed you last week was the understated dress. Look at these sleeves! Have you ever seen anything as wonderful and ridiculous? On me?   Dress: Ulla Johnson Juniper Dress; Shoes: The Sandals of the … Read moreFirst Place Summer Fun Dress

  This post shows two core lessons of The Directrice in practice. No fears! A little Oxyclean removed all of the evidence.   Moving the cat was the right call. But I don’t have limitless space, so I only deal in crushable hats. This one is partially satisfying my fixation.   Dress: Love Binetti; Hat: … Read moreThe Woman in White Is Not Done

  ‘Round about May, when it became apparent that I might not be going anywhere for the remainder of 2020, I bought myself two dresses to wear around the house. I wouldn’t call them house-dresses exactly, but they aren’t work-wear. Let’s call them pan-dresses: dresses to get you through a pandemic. O.K. Never mind the … Read morePan-Dressing