Robin Laub, a Life Stylist

Clothing Memories

As a wardrobe stylist, I encourage my clients to purge items they don’t wear anymore. But, I also recommend holding on to special items that spark a story or memory. I have many memories connected to some fun and fashionable pieces that I’ve picked up during my journeys around the world. They remind me of a certain time and place, which simply fills my spirit. I’d like to share some of my clothing memories and maybe it will imbue a spirit within you to share some of yours.

  • Paris (of course this is first on my list!) — I have an extraordinary short black leather jacket by Tara Jarmon that I purchased almost 20 years ago. I still wear it to this day and it will be hard for me to part with it as it’s a part of myself which still feels edgy and free.
  • Cannes (yes, France again!) — I bought a tan cashmere track suit (track suits are back!) with a matching camisole type tank that I still wear when I travel. The designer is Bisou Bisou and it does make me want to kiss, kiss!
  • Florence — Just two years ago, I bought an orangey-red gown (I’m wearing it in my Facebook profile photo!) that will always remind me of my trip with my two daughters and what an extraordinary point in my life it was. The designer is Sonia Fortuna and I am fortunate to have stumbled upon her boutique.
  • Kenya — I recall visiting a town where the villagers were sitting in a circle selling their goods. I came across many things, but one item in particular was a skinny brown leather belt with tiny blue, orange, yellow, red and white beads sewn into the leather. There isn't a belt buckle, but a leather string which you lace through a hole to tie it closed. It’s absolutely perfect with my jeans. My memory connected with this belt was of a little boy’s biggest grin when I said, “I’ll take it!”
  • Crete — I bought a bright teal-colored linen dress that I layer over pants. It’s a wrap dress, which I can wear separately and even wear open draped over pants with a tank top underneath. This dress seamlessly blends well together to make several different outfits. The color reminds me of the Mediterranean Sea and a memory of an amazing 9 mile downhill hike we did which led us to the Libyan Sea.
  • Buenos Aires — I wore a pair of orange lace up wedges. Delightful and free are the words that come to mind whenever I wear them. They’re an exquisite color combined with a rubbery wedge with cutouts that frame the foot and laces that tie right at the ankle. These shoes remind me of being different and powerful.

There are no limits to what we can wear, so take a brief moment to remember the many memories which connect us to clothing.

What are some of your clothing memories?