Breakfast conversation

Me: So what should I wear to the party tonight do you think? This aqua jumpsuit with orange platforms or this 50s dress with red shoes or perhaps this long yellow skirt? Or perhaps this striped pink and white wrap-dress?

Anders: Hmmm. I think you should just let your hair down and it doesn't matter.

Me: Men!!!!

Anders: Yup. We're really that simple.

ps. going with aqua and orange platforms.
ps 2. why would I already wear this at breakfast? because I'm a mom! today's logistics involves packing lunch, biking to the pool with kids, perhaps going for a run while there and anders is back from his run, then biking home while anders takes the kids to his mom's then going to the party. this leaves no time in afternoon for trying out clothes. everything needs to be set by 10.30.

Dear people who wear clothes

(Because I'm a prude, this is all I will share of my undergarments with the internet. Also in pic: showing how well I've matched my passport. Going to NYC on Sunday!)

There are clothes you buy because you love them and others because you think you should. I tend to wear the passion pieces most so have become more forgiving about seemingly random purchases. On the other hand I return 80% of all purchases within the open return policy period. The way I see it, it's just a different kind of exercise, running around returning stuff. I also feel virtuous and economic when returning stuff. It probably has protestant roots - buying stuff I might not need is indulgence but so is returning as we up here in the dark north have been told clothes should be warm, not expensive. We're not sexy Italians. We wear wellies and knits and Acne jeans you can throw in the machine.

I had a passion moment last week, buying two (yes 2! One black and one white) slips at Bric-a-brac. I've gone an entire life without slips. I've tried to buy a slip before, but failed miserably. It had a control function that worked but kept riding up, collecting around my waist so whatever the fabric held in of my midriff was hid behind folds of undergarment. My friend Lotta was upset, telling me "That's so not OK! You should be able to really trust, to RELY on your slip. Your slip should never fail you!".

Since I've never owned a working slip, I thought perhaps I really didn't need one so I was ready to return my beautiful slips and feel good and penny pinching. But then I tried them on and I tell you: If you're a woman, get yourself one. I've been wearing my slips every day!

But remember:Your slip should never fail you! Make sure the skirt part is not tight!

Dear J Crew

I recently purchased 3 sweaters from J Crew. 2 of them were cashmere. I liked their colors and have some kind of degenerated reflex that make me think "buy" whenever I see the word "cable knit" and "cashmere" next to each other.

However, this is what your sweaters look like after a few times wearing them. I haven't even washed it yet. How can you sell these? I have other cashmere items (not from you), they look nothing like this. Why would you want to make yourself the poster company for pilling?

I finally understand why you don't shop to Europe. You wouldn't be able to cope with our Eurostyle wrath!

- a very disappointed end consumer.

Dear Esther Williams

Dear Esther Williams, my swimsuit arrived today. Because I read your autobiography, I know you're no stranger to profanities so let me tell you, I FUCKING LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!
As you can see, I love it so much, I wear it in the workplace. So far, no one has objected.
Perhaps because my colleagues also bought and love your pieces.

How often does one order something over the web and when you get it, it's even better then you expected?

I love you Esther, will now shop a bikini too.
THANK YOU. Buying bathing suits is the worst thing in the world. Unless you buy Esther's.

-the end consumer, now ready for Portugese trip