Whilst visiting some seminarians in the Big Apple this past autumn, I had a wonderful afternoon helping a talented young theologian prepare her outfit for presenting at the AAR. As it turned out, the suit she had purchased on sale at J. Crew just didn’t fit her right. I advised that she return it and get her precious money back. A friend came into the dorm just about that time and offered some of her own suits for her friend to try on. The friend left and came back from her own apartment with several options, one of which turned out to be perfect for our scholar.
What a wonderful solution!
Thinking about the economy and recognizing that shopping is neither a viable nor fun prospect for many, let PeaceBang suggest that we break down the walls of pride and propriety a little bit and seriously consider sharing clothes or accessories with colleagues.
Why not? Are we not sisters and brothers in Christ? If your sister has a formal dinner to attend and you have a Little Black Dress in her size, should you not offer both your LBD AND the dressy cardigan that goes with it? Yea, and that cute faux croc clutch bag, too, saith the LORD?
Consider the practical aspect: most of us have our basic workaday wardrobe such as it is, but how many of us could make use of borrowing privileges for special events and conferences? If the Unitarian Universalists have their General Assembly from June 21-25 and the United Church of Christers have theirs in May, why shouldn’t UCC and UU clergy swap Presenter-Worthy outfits? Who would know? Who would care? If I have tons of dressy shoes and my sister minister wears my size but owns only Bierkenstocks, why not open my shoe collection to her for her candidating week with a prospective congregation? Why wouldn’t I save her both the time and the expense of buying a pair of heels if she can borrow mine?
Have a funeral to do? One of your first? Don’t own a wool overcoat or classic trench to wear to the graveside service? Call your colleague across town or in the district and borrow his. An overcoat is expensive; why stress about acquring a wardrobe staple you simply can’t afford when you’re trying to prepare to officiate at your first funeral service? Borrow it! And keep your eye on the sales, because you’ll eventually need one.
Boston area female seminarians with a size 6.5 foot and size 16, 18 or 20 bod, seriously — if you can make the drive to my closet, mi closet es su closet. I would SO much rather we shopped in my closet for an interview outfit for you before you shopped retail. Don’t be afraid to ask. Let’s do this for each other. Seamstresses and sewing men, you too. Bartering is great; you hem a friend’s pair of pants and they can cook you dinner or give you a massage or return the favor in some other way.
How about you? Where are you, what’s your size, and whattya got?
Hint: I’m not going to GA this year. Who needs to borrow a couple of lightweight blazers, a really cute white skirt, comfortable, pretty sandals or some really cute necklaces for Salt Lake City?
I liked what you said at the end about those who can make their own. I currently don’t own a sewing machine, but I knit like nobody’s business. Not granny stuff, either, but beautiful fitted cardigans in merino wool/cashmere blend. I’ve even pre-ordered a book that I hope will help me design my own stuff.
I like your style, PeaceBang!
Oh pooh, I won’t get to see you at GA. *sniffle*
Dear, dear Peacebang! I am so glad to see your tips on sharing wardrobes. A practice of old, one worthy for these trying times. Those of us who love clothes and don’t want to give up looking good for God and everybody could surely adopt a communitarian garment principle.
I have an interview in a week and I wear your sizes (the 18/20 sizes, that is and 6.5 shoe too!) However, I live down south. My wardrobe is frumpy heaven and I need help! Wish I could come try on clothes in your closet all day! Love your blog and I’m working on converting little by little to non-frumpiness!
[Oh boy!! Why don’t you call me!? I’ll send you a note right now…- PB]