A buoyant elation about being alive...

I've been thinking that it's about time I try to rewrite the post that I lost that was inspired by these words by Anne Fogarty, one of those American fashion designers, like Claire Mccardell, who was very influential in her day (the 50s-60s), but who now does not enjoy household recognition.

In the 50s, Anne Fogarty was known for designing those full-skirted dresses that most people associate with fashions of that decade - the kind that's cut with yards and yards of fabric, where the waistband sits at the smallest part of the waist and that require petticoats and crinolines to make them stick out (which she also supplied). But today she's best known for her book, Wife Dressing,  a fashion guide for new brides which was originally published in 1959 and came back in print in 2008.  I bought Wife Dressing soon after it was reissued as a period piece, for I love mid-20th-century paraphernalia (and I'm

clearly not alone, with the current Mad Men craze).  However, I discovered that in the midst of some over-the-top proclamations that would make Betty Friedan turn in her grave, it does offer some sensible advice for any adult woman: wear things that suit you, not your next door neighbor or the department store mannequin; dress for the occasion (no spike-heeled shoes for an outdoor picnic), etc. etc.  And Anne Fogarty is actually quite an impressive woman herself, who raised two adopted children while maintaining a full-time career at a time when that was much less common than it is now.  She has a strong voice and a seemingly fearless approach to life.  So, without further ado, here is the quote that inspired my long-lost blog post:

"Like... life itself, wife-dressing is pretty basic.  It requires frank understanding of yourself, a healthy attitude toward your ... responsibilities, a willingness to learn from experience, and a buoyant elation about being alive."

Setting aside the part about getting dressed, I was so impressed by such a concise declaration of a very positive approach to living.  And: a buoyant elation about being alive!  I know exactly what she means - the joy of consciousness, of being able to see and experience the world - this does seem worthy of elation!  And yet maintaining that feeling... especially on winter days of cold and snow and cold and snow... well, it's something to think about, to keep working on...

And THAT is what I wanted to say about Anne Fogarty!