A recent article in the New York Times spotlighted Dawnn Karen. Dawnn Karen is a fashion psychologist and therapist. She teaches at The Fashion Institute of New York.
Karen says the way you dress impacts the way you feel. The way you present yourself through the lens of style has an affect on your social relationships, your professional success, and most importantly, your psyche.
Years ago I sought advice from a psychoanalyst. We discussed the success and failure rate of people in analysis. The doctor said “sometimes I just want tell a patient who is lonely to look fabulous” instead of talk therapy.
Miz Karen is on to something.
Morning! And yes there’s a lot to be said about how personal style impacts the psyche of the self….inspired to write an essay now…AND…many many moons ago Cynthia Heimel wrote an article in the Village Voice about this…she encouraged the lovely ladies to follow their hearts and posited that we might have an outfit ventricle.
Xo
Dear Jennifer, this morning I was thinking about what I wore yesterday — white jeans with an indiglo jacket and decided I loved it so much I’m going to wear it again. Today.
Why did I love it? It made me feel chic, cool, and edgy. I’m sure my attitude reflected that warm feeling of self-admiration. Always great to hear from you! Pal of yours, E
Hi Fabulous Ellen,
Of course you feel fab when you look fab! Isn’t that just ‘Dressing 101’? We (you, me, the gang) have all known that for years. It just takes an extra 2 mins in the morning to look in the mirror and take off anything which doesn’t make your heart sing.
I am finding that the older I get the more fabulous I feel…. simply because I have learnt your ‘chic, cool, edgy’ lesson.
Judith
It’s funny you should say that Judith. About being older but still fabulous. I came across a blog discussing “how to know when you’re old.” And I thought “gee. How come I don’t feel old?” I think that person feels old because she looks old. She doesn’t put that extra effort into her presentation. Her attitude is old. I don’t suggest looking ridiculously juvenile but I do think you have to invest in yourself perhaps a twee bit more than you did when you were in your 20s. I’m so glad like minds love to dress with panache. Here’s to you, Judith, devoted reader. Love, E.