I think it is because I grew up in New York after World War II. I think it is because my father worked in the fashion industry as a cutter for men’s clothing and always had fabulous woolen suits that he wore with aplomb. I think it is because New York became the clothing capital of the world after World War II (and still is according to many sources, including Wikipedia). I think it is because many New Yorkers live in small domiciles that leave them with a need to show their good taste through fashion. I think that is why I use my disposal cash (whatever that is) to buy clothes.
Clearly, as anyone who knows me knows I have way too many clothes. Five closets of clothes if you count the three free standing ones that are in my shed.
In my journey with hunting down the selections that made it into my collection, I frequented Alexander department store in the Bronx, the bargain center of New York. Then there were malls. Loehmann,s department store had the designer discounts and so on and on. As the years unfolded and traipsing through, around, between and over department stores, boutiques and specialty shops became exhausting the quest became limited to favorites. With Loehmann’s physically closed– it has an online presence– now– J Jill and Anthropologie became my favorites. And now it is catalogues and some online shopping.
So you can imagine how thrilling it was to have come upon Stitch Fix. Do you know about Stitch Fix? Stitch Fix is a personal shopping on line service. You simply go to www. StitchFix.com and fill out their questionnaire. Questions about sizing and style are presented. You also get to choose how often you want delivery of the five items selected by your shopper. My shopper’s name is Jillian and she sent me a lovely personal note along with my first shipment showing she really read my profile.
I was very honest about my size and my desires at 77 not to look like a teenager. She got it! In fact, except for the fact that I made myself larger than I actually am and had several XXXL items to return, she got it right. I actually have three black and white dresses similar to what she sent; one red sweater style that I have in blue, beige, black and brown; a blouse that is flowing and has pleats just like the one I love that has grey embroidery on the full sleeves. All three items had to be returned because I am not yet an XXXL, though I sometimes think I am.
The great news is that I kept two of the items. Olive green pants in a shiny fabric that Jillian says is right on trend this season and pairs just as well with a tee as it does the too-large cream blouse. (She doesn’t know I have just the cream blouse.) And she sent me an earth-tone canvas tote that has all kinds of large compartments and closures which can double as a carry-on or even a beach bag. There goes my Betsy Johnson tote. It is looking rather shabby anyway. And the best news is that the prices are doable.
I am so jazzed. As my knitting group, gathered around to see Jillian’s selections, they didn’t know that I was doubly pleased. First, that she had sent me clothing that has already found itself into closet number three. I was affirmed. I now know I am on the right track with clothing for my size, age, and current trends. Second, I added some new great items to my stash. I am currently in the market for another free standing closet.

Ellen Blaufarb is a Marriage Family Therapist.

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