Clothes ... - Alexandra Shulman

I'm so thrilled to be on the Blog Tour for this book today.

Description

In Clothes... and other things that matter, Alexandra Shulman delves into her own life to look at the emotions, ambitions, expectations and meanings behind the way we dress.

From the bra to the bikini, the trench coat to trainers, the slip dress to the suit, she explores their meaning in women’s lives and how our wardrobes intersect with the larger world - the career ladder, motherhood, romance, sexual identity, ambition, failure, body image and celebrity.

By turns funny, refreshingly self-deprecating and often very moving, this startlingly honest memoir from the ex Editor of British Vogue will encourage women of all ages to consider what their own clothes mean to them, the life they live in them and the stories they tell.

Shulman explores the person our clothes allow us to be – and sometimes the person they turn us into.

‘The pieces I write about have been chosen because they have at some time or other meant something to me. A few are utterly idiosyncratic, others part of many women’s collections. Ultimately, though, this book is entirely personal. How much can be traced through the contents of our wardrobes – in my case, 549 pieces? These clothes are the story of my life and my preoccupations; like everyone’s, they are unique.’

Review

I loved this book so much. I could have read it in one sitting, but instead I rationed myself, as I knew I was going to miss it when it ended.

I was hoping this book would contain some social history around clothes and I wasn't disappointed on that score. What I wasn't expecting was that a former editor of Vogue would be so unassuming. Early in her Vogue career she notes not feeling worthy of a bespoke outfit by Catherine Walker (the stuff of dreams) but later on she overcame that, as bespoke Manolo shoes were regularly made for her!

I found myself nodding along and agreeing with her observations about fashion. life today and when I was younger. So much of the book resonated with me and two words I have not heard since my childhood, namely trews and midi (skirt length) and both got a mention.

To read these pages was like sitting down with an old friend and reminiscing. The book is not in a chronological order. It is led by the meandering through her wardrobe and the memories that pieces of clothing evoke. Whether that be from years ago or more recently. Her time at Vogue is referenced throughout, but this is not a diary of her time there.

I found this book to be deliciously absorbing. So many fascinating facts, some I already knew, but others I didn't and this had me researching further myself. The mention of the pins (brooches) and memories of wearing them had me breaking off reading to seek out (and buy) the referenced Madeliene Albright book, I get so excited when one book leads to another. There is also an excellent bibliography at the end of the book which I intend to check out.

I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars and will be re reading it very soon. My thanks to Random Things Tours for a copy of the book to review and for the invite to the tour.