Autobiography

I am currently reading Autobiography of a Wardrobe by Elizabeth Kendall. Proclaimed as "part memoir, part fashion and cultural history of the last five decades," by Barnes & Noble, I knew this story would strike a chord within me before I ever cracked the cover [a phrase that ironically has little meaning to me since I am enjoying this book on my Nook!]. 

It's a lovely story, narrated by the personified wardrobe of "B," a woman born in the 1950s in a quiet midwestern town. The wardrobe gives its own take on various elements [whether clothing or accessories] and how they accompanied B's ever-evolving sense of self. 


Maybe it's because I have a bit of a propensity for 60s-inspired clothing, or because I have a mental list of all my own "milestone" outfits, and maybe it's just because I always connect sentimental value to clothing that this book is effecting me on so many levels. 


Take the conversation between me and my mom when we were going through my closet to get rid of some items before I got married and moved out of my parents' house. She held up a black top I hadn't worn in years and said "You could get rid of this one, right?" 
Of course, I had a memory attached to it--I had been wearing it the night Derek and I had our first kiss. [I tried to justify my need to keep the shirt because of that sentimental value, however my desire for order won out after I was reminded that I have a picture of me & Derek from that night.] 


Anyway--the fact remains that these kind of details make up the framework for my memories: 
My brother Ryan's 6th birthday--7 July 1992--he had a cookie cake, got a bike, and I wore a white party dress with red, blue & green polka dots for our picnic in the back yard. 
My 10th birthday, 28 December 1997, white blouse with red plaid taffeta skirt and ruby slippers. 
My brother Kyle's 16th birthday--1 November 1999--we were in the middle of remodeling our kitchen so his party was in the basement at our house, he got a razor, and I was wearing my school uniform: plaid jumper, white turtleneck, white tights & black mary-janes. 
Christmas 2000 I had a beautiful blue shimmery top that I wore with a black velour skirt to play  "Lo How a Rose Ere Blooming" on my flute in church.
August 2002 for my first day of cross country practice at Happy Days trailhead I wore grey shorts & a light green racer-back tank top with my Asics. 
August 2006 for my first day of college classes I wore boot cut jeans, a white button-down with hot pink cami underneath and pink pearl necklace.
There are so many outfits that come to mind--family events, birthdays, major milestones, holidays...I can't help but think that as my identity formed, gaining momentum through confidence, my clothes remain the most helpful illustrators of my story. They word-lessly tell a bit of who I am with each outfit. 


If you get a chance, read this book! It's a wonderful reflection on the expression that clothes provide in every season of life.