Tonight our WRJ Lilith Salon group discussed (among other things) a series of 4 short essays under the heading of "Fashioning Feminist Identity" from the Spring, 2011 edition of Lilith magazine: www.lilith.org.
The first essay "Getting Dressed" by Sonia Isard was written from the perspective of a woman in her 20's where fashion is a "completely delightful obsession" for her and her 20 something cohorts. They research fashions online, looking at fashions presented on the red carpets and runways of the world for ideas and trends. They absolutely love to make a statement and enjoy the process of hunting for the right item. When they feel put together, they feel braver and more adventurous.
This essay brought back memories from my 20's for me of the joy of going shopping during my lunch hour during the work week, looking at the latest shoes, purses, clothes, makeup and planning the outfits I was going to wear for the events on the weekend. And also finding those professional looking suits and outfits to help me look competent and mature and worthy of moving up the corporate ladder. When did I lose those feelings of enjoying the process of shopping, dressing up and loving it?
The third essay "My Coach Bag" by Yona Zeldis McDonough discussed the author's longing in her youth to purchase a particular handbag made by Coach, looking at it in Bloomingdale's window. Elegant and classy with brass hardware, it was a slouchy, bucket shape, leather bag costing more than she could then afford. But the money showed up unexpectedly and she purchased this special bag and used it every single day. It evolved over the years - changed colour and shape and glowed with its special patina. Eventually after many years it went to the goodwill and another Coach bag replaced it. But the first one was never forgotten. I have never bought a Coach bag, thinking they were too expensive, but this may have changed my mind.
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