Rediscovering your Past in your Yesterday’s Fashions

What is in those boxes in the crawl space?

The other day I embarked on the intimidating task of cleaning out the crawl space in our home. In that four foot high, rectangular space lived the whole life of a person I once knew. She was a skinny, self-conscious young woman about to embrace her first professional job.

In those boxes could be found, the beautiful green Mr. Jax suit that she bought with her first pay cheque with its wide lapels and mid-calf flowing skirt at a store she could hardly afford to shop in. The beautiful cut of the jacket and the quality of the material still evident twenty-five years later. Other discoveries were the long, soft sweaters with the big shoulder pads that would make her look like a middle-linebacker if she wore them today; the accidental satin jacket worn once and then relegated to the unfortunate mistake pile at the bottom of her closet along with the granny-boots and poufy lace headbands; the periwinkle blue prom dress that made her and many of her friends look like Lady Diana wannabees; and, the dress that she wore on her honeymoon that she loved and perhaps could fit her daughter — if she’d wear it. Finally, in the back, was the box with the herringbone maternity pants with their comfort fit waist and the red Thai silk dress that made her feel beautiful even when seven months pregnant.

It was with mixed emotions that I packed up that past in bags for the thrift stores and charity donation boxes. Perhaps, somewhere, someone with a bit of imagination, gift for sewing, or vintage penchant is living new memories in the same clothes. It is a comforting thought.