Thank you for writing this piece. For those of us ( everyone here?) that cares deeply about the language and sensory psychology of dress, it always matters what we wear and the way what we wear makes us feel in all elements of experience.
Your dad would be so proud of you for finding the time to give wise advice to others even at the height of your stress! I know how hard this is on an only child, the special bond you have with your parents. I’m so glad your dad is ok 😘
It's so difficult when our parents get older. The fear creeps in and turns into a heavy lump in your stomach... it's nothing but awful. I'm so glad your dad is feeling better now. Sending you hugs and lots of love. <3
Ohhh dear friend! Having one type of control, in such out of control circumstances is such a blessing. So, thankful your dad is doing better. And, the next time you encounter objections from your iPhone et al take a look at https://youtu.be/CqnvxP0H3lM?si=RW_WKMYWWodJdOlQ
The thought that our parents won’t live forever is terrifying. I feel this. Whatever it takes. Old spice deodorant scent is my comfort. Maybe you could smear that on the guy next to you on the plane. xx
I deeply relate to this topic...thank you for bringing it up, Rachel. My mom is in a nursing facility in the last stages of life. It's hard. The clothes I wear whilst attending to her and just sitting with her have to be nurturing and super comfortable. That means simple, easy, non-clingy and functional in a body-friendly way. Mostly natural fabrics. Clothes I can take a nap in. That narrows down a great deal of my wardrobe. It's so interesting to dress with that criteria in mind and yet even during this challenging time, maintaining my style (however compromised) boosts my tottering well-being. Clothes can be healing, I find. PS. Happy to know your Dad is ok...hug him every chance you get!
I am sure you know how moved I am to read this, but I want to tell you anyway. I am so sorry about your mom. This is so beautiful, this note, and we are not alone, we have each other. With love, Rachel
Thank you, Rachel. I do sense your beautiful heart was moved. Even though it feels like a lonely path at times, it's important to remember we have each other. I appreciate the reminder. Much Love....
So glad your dad is ok and hopefully recovering well. This article was wonderful. I have been feeling like "is fashion worthy enough, or is it not important"? Just seeing you, even through the struggle and shedding tears, it brought you comfort to just get dressed and try to pull together an outfit. This article makes me feel like, yes, fashion and style are important, even in the hardest of times. Praying for you and your family.
Thank you so much. He's doing so well, getting bored of my calling multiple times a day, I think :-). Funny, I was writing a piece called: "What if clothes are just clothes?" And when this happened, I answered my own question.
I can't wait to read that one! I had a sudden feeling of sadness if I decided to view my "clothes as just clothes". LOL. What a tragedy really. I love and look forward to choosing outfits everyday, and also feel frivolous for "playing" with my clothes and making outfits everyday. It is such pleasure for me, and I know it is for you too!
Thank you for sharing the silliness, fun and wit that is your dad with us. When I think of him, all that fills my mind is his cheeky smile and laughter. I hope in these scary and hard times that you can keep hold of your favorite thoughts of him through whatever comes next. May that warm the deepest parts of you even in cold hospital rooms.
I hope your dad is ok, and you too. Your writing is beautiful ❤️. I admire your relationship with your parents. It’s such a genuine love of each other that seems to be based on more than familial bonds but entirely on them too.
Hi Rachel, I’ve been meaning to sign up for your Substack for months. This did it. I just love your Dad (following you on instagram). Hope he (& you all) are doing well!
I’m so glad to hear this. Once you get to a certain age unless you are incredibly fortunate you have faced something like this. It gets better. I promise.
It can be hard to watch parents age and feel like we can’t do much to help. That sounds incredibly stressful and I’m glad your father is better! Take care of yourself and stay stylish! ❤️
I’m so glad your dad is ok.
Thank you for writing this piece. For those of us ( everyone here?) that cares deeply about the language and sensory psychology of dress, it always matters what we wear and the way what we wear makes us feel in all elements of experience.
YES that is so very true.
I will take every tip. Couldn't have done it without you.
We are a team. XOXO
Your dad would be so proud of you for finding the time to give wise advice to others even at the height of your stress! I know how hard this is on an only child, the special bond you have with your parents. I’m so glad your dad is ok 😘
Thanks so much. Sometimes I worry that I am way too close to them, but I prefer to think of it as so special too. XOOOO
It's so difficult when our parents get older. The fear creeps in and turns into a heavy lump in your stomach... it's nothing but awful. I'm so glad your dad is feeling better now. Sending you hugs and lots of love. <3
Thanks so much Tiia. That means a lot that you understand 😘
Ohhh dear friend! Having one type of control, in such out of control circumstances is such a blessing. So, thankful your dad is doing better. And, the next time you encounter objections from your iPhone et al take a look at https://youtu.be/CqnvxP0H3lM?si=RW_WKMYWWodJdOlQ
Hugs all round! ❤️
That is SO TRUE. And omg thank you; I have said all i need to say about ducks in one lifetime. XOXO
The thought that our parents won’t live forever is terrifying. I feel this. Whatever it takes. Old spice deodorant scent is my comfort. Maybe you could smear that on the guy next to you on the plane. xx
Yes truly. 😘
I deeply relate to this topic...thank you for bringing it up, Rachel. My mom is in a nursing facility in the last stages of life. It's hard. The clothes I wear whilst attending to her and just sitting with her have to be nurturing and super comfortable. That means simple, easy, non-clingy and functional in a body-friendly way. Mostly natural fabrics. Clothes I can take a nap in. That narrows down a great deal of my wardrobe. It's so interesting to dress with that criteria in mind and yet even during this challenging time, maintaining my style (however compromised) boosts my tottering well-being. Clothes can be healing, I find. PS. Happy to know your Dad is ok...hug him every chance you get!
I am sure you know how moved I am to read this, but I want to tell you anyway. I am so sorry about your mom. This is so beautiful, this note, and we are not alone, we have each other. With love, Rachel
Thank you, Rachel. I do sense your beautiful heart was moved. Even though it feels like a lonely path at times, it's important to remember we have each other. I appreciate the reminder. Much Love....
❤️
Thanks Rachel - blessings to your dad - and glad he is ok.
So glad your dad is ok and hopefully recovering well. This article was wonderful. I have been feeling like "is fashion worthy enough, or is it not important"? Just seeing you, even through the struggle and shedding tears, it brought you comfort to just get dressed and try to pull together an outfit. This article makes me feel like, yes, fashion and style are important, even in the hardest of times. Praying for you and your family.
Thank you so much. He's doing so well, getting bored of my calling multiple times a day, I think :-). Funny, I was writing a piece called: "What if clothes are just clothes?" And when this happened, I answered my own question.
I can't wait to read that one! I had a sudden feeling of sadness if I decided to view my "clothes as just clothes". LOL. What a tragedy really. I love and look forward to choosing outfits everyday, and also feel frivolous for "playing" with my clothes and making outfits everyday. It is such pleasure for me, and I know it is for you too!
It truly is. There is so much there, so many feelings. XO
“He will live forever through me.”
So true. 💕
Thank goodness.
Thank you for sharing the silliness, fun and wit that is your dad with us. When I think of him, all that fills my mind is his cheeky smile and laughter. I hope in these scary and hard times that you can keep hold of your favorite thoughts of him through whatever comes next. May that warm the deepest parts of you even in cold hospital rooms.
I love this message so, so much. Thank you. XO.
I hope your dad is ok, and you too. Your writing is beautiful ❤️. I admire your relationship with your parents. It’s such a genuine love of each other that seems to be based on more than familial bonds but entirely on them too.
Thank you so much! I am lucky -- I would choose them in a heartbeat. XO
Hi Rachel, I’ve been meaning to sign up for your Substack for months. This did it. I just love your Dad (following you on instagram). Hope he (& you all) are doing well!
Thank you so much for such a kind message. I talked to him on the phone tonight and we had the giggles!
i was just thinking about you, your family and especially your dad. I hope all is well.
Thank you so much. ❤️
I’m so glad to hear this. Once you get to a certain age unless you are incredibly fortunate you have faced something like this. It gets better. I promise.
I want to remind myself of this.
It can be hard to watch parents age and feel like we can’t do much to help. That sounds incredibly stressful and I’m glad your father is better! Take care of yourself and stay stylish! ❤️
Lin, thank you so much for this. XOXO