I recently saw this quote from Kate Spade, and I have to say, that I could not agree more. I remember being a little girl, so fascinated by my mom's wardrobe: her shoes, her lipstick, her (now) vintage jewelry and her great outfits. I spent hours in front of the mirror traipsing around in her high heels, bright lipstick smeared all over my mouth and the train of her wedding dress dragging behind me. For a little girl, the act of playing dress up allows for creativity to flow and inspiration to build. As an adult, it's not so much about playing dress up anymore, as it is about the art of dressing up. There is something so fulfilling about finally putting together the perfect outfit. Immaculately accessorizing. Taking a look around your bedroom, clothes scattered everywhere, but knowing you're leaving the apartment looking chic and amazingly pulled together. To me, a great outfit makes for an even greater night, and the confidence you feel is something that can't be bought in any department store.
My parents always encouraged my creativity, and let me dress myself however I wanted. Even in those times when I truly looked ridiculous. I thank them for that now, because although looking back I'm embarrassed at the train wreck that was my fashion sense, I know that by doing that I was able to develop my own personal style at an early age, which has given me the sureness to take risks and push limits today.
I still like playing dress-up. There are few things I look forward to more than walking through the vintage stores in Kensington Market, trying on hats and gloves, and cocktail dresses from days gone by. Not with the intention of purchasing, but with the hope of clinging to that same joy I got from dressing up in my mom's wedding dress when I was a little girl. To me, fashion is one of the most sincere forms of nostalgia, and it never ceases to make me smile.
