Clothes Minded.
"Fashion and literature give women two types of power: the power to dream and the power to reinvent themselves" — Charlotte Casiraghi
There are seemingly thousands of fashion substacks* — is that a stretch Christina Loff? — and you likely subscribe to half. Same. It has become part of the zeitgeist to not only read what former fashion editors (Laurel Pantin is a fun follow), stylists (among them ALI PEW) and designers (Amy smilovic, who I loved profiling for The Quality Edit) wear, but how you can wear it, when to break “rules,” and where to shop (and less often where not to invest dollars). We stay glued to notifications as they “connect the dots between a trend, the force behind it, the dialogue around it, and the person wearing it.”
The rare find here is how the stylish writers arrived; what led to their favorite fashion — and in so many cases, uniforms — that make them come alive and feel their most confident. What fashion risks — and failures — were experienced through the decades, as they came into their own is relatively unknown.
I credit fashion for shaping who we are — and who we strive to be — at any age, but it is our formative years of finding our authentic selves that is the most touching. Entertaining. Reflective. And, for anyone in mid-life experiencing the same identity shift they did in puberty, this look back can guide them forward. We are too wise to make the same mistakes twice (I’m talking to you capri pants). And I, for one, don’t think January Jones has the answers.
While I am a fan of “And Just Like That” — as much for the fashion as the nostalgia of the breakthrough HBO show that mirrored so much of my dating days in NYC (yes, even the post-it note) — the original “Sex & The City” still makes me swoon; thank goodness for syndication. And led me to finally dive into crafting my fashion essay collection. “Clothes Minded: Fashionable Essays About Finding Yourself” is replete with humor essays about coming into my authentic self — while surviving dating, family and a fashion job — all told through what I wore. Style-centric readers will love behind the seams stories that bring them entertainment and contemplation about what they wore while becoming who they are today.
The fact is our love affair with fashion is deeper than the rabbit hole of links to get influencer codes. The recent J.Crew coffee table book is a prime example of the introspect we are seeking. As Libby Wadle, CEO of J. Crew once told Fortune Magazine, “Everyone has a crew love story, but more and more people, I think, have had a J.Crew breakup story. They want to find that love connection again."
I believe the connection sought out is often with our former selves. It’s our time for rediscovery; Studies show 94% of mothers say “their identity beyond motherhood has been minimized” while others tout, “women in their forties and fifties are suffering with a unique brand of midlife crisis that’s left them burned out and self-doubting.” While I have written about burnout and the need to feel seen, this fashion essay collection takes a unique approach by exploring what we wore and being thoughtful about the past.
While I am seeking a book agent (and then a publisher), I have been honored to have enthusiasm for the concept and writing thus far. Zibby Owens published an abbreviated chapter last Fall, and fellow writers and stylists have weighed in on the sections they have read:
Sarah Clary says, “The essays are a beautiful, relatable slice of self-discovery. Christine’s journey through relationships, career and life in the city beautifully weave through fashion and the trends of that time; pairing with her life experience was not only interesting but I kept saying ‘That is me! and “I’ve been there.’”
Anna David, NYT Best Selling Author and founder of Legacy Launch Pad Publishing, is eager to see this book hit shelves. “You may never look at fashion the same way again,” she says.
Writer/Founder of “Pretty Ripe” Monica Corcoran Harel concurs: “Finally, a fashion essay collection that’s written to be as accessible as your favorite pair of well-worn Levi’s. Christine Morrison craftily uses the poignant pursuit of her personal style as a trajectory for her own rich life story in Clothes Minded. Her book manages to traffic in fashion nostalgia -- hello Doc Martens! -- and yet still feel forward thinking.”
As with everything in fashion — and life, as you age — there is only so much you can predict and control. If I don’t secure a book agent, I will take this into my own hands as I am confident this is a read that has both style and substance. Much like all of us.
Cannot wait for the book!
From a new reader in the over 45 category: Yes please on that next newsletter!!