This is the time of year my late pal Jackie makes her annual visit.
I feel her alongside me as I prepare for spring. Out come my sweaters cleaned, then put away; my coats checked for spots and loose buttons. Boots are repaired and polished, shoe trees in place to keep their shape.
She taught me all this when I was a mere girl, a clueless chica living in Levi’s and her favorite Ramones T-shirt, Keds on her size 9 feet.
Jackie had what Ralph Lauren calls ‘Timeless Style’ raised in Paris where women learn at a young age, how to dress.
She was there when I bought my first suit at Saks with two nice blouses you could switch out, depending where you were going.
You’re better off with one good outfit, then lots of bargains that fall apart after a few cleanings. Invest in a good pair of pumps and black flats, a nice belt and a good purse, and that’s all you’ll need. And those Ramones of yours, at the very least, should always be cleaned and pressed….Jackie Wisdom
She was the one who said…toss in black slacks and a little black dress folded like a silk hankie, and you’re packed and set to go….anywhere.
I loved her so much, hence 40 years later because of her, still dress the same…
Quality over Quantity.
Audrey, with a little Patti Smith tossed in.
What’s that Jackie?
“Wear who you are Susannah, a lean, simple sprite of a girl, and don’t forget, less is more, and simplicity is the keynote for true elegance.“
Jackie, quoting Coco Chanel. 
Copy that! 🙂
SB
Susannah, that advice is so true about almost everything; jewelry, furniture, friends, etc.
I have three cashmere pullover sweaters that I wear with skirts, slacks, or jeans. They are worn more often than all my other tops put together. As for shoes, your feet will tell you in no uncertain terms when they aren’t happy with your selection. Although I have to admit to owning more than a few pair of shoes that are not meant for walking (but they look so good).
Quality clothing will last until you can’t squeeze into it anymore. I still have a wool cape from over 50 years ago that you might think was made yesterday. Luckily I don’t have to squeeze into a cape.
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Everything I own is classic I either mend or restore till I’m forced to replace it. I finally needed new tights that were so baggy at the knee from so many washings so my puck look had to be updated. Fads have never interested me plus it’s pricey to dress dictated by what’s in. I’m grateful I learned to dress to the beat of my own drum, as it were. Wanted to just remember my friend who I so miss. sigh
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That Jackie knew how to do it, didn’t she? I have always chosen a classic style that will never go out of style. Never could get into the look of the moment. Just isn’t moi!
Have a lovely Sunday. Off to work for me!
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Yeah, Jackie was a classic alright. You can actually buy replicas of her sunglasses and jewelry via The Smithsonian. Campy but cool at the same time. Thanks.
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Chica,
Madame Onassis wrote the book on style, and she raised a generation of young women in the art of fashion. You learned your lessons and you graduated with honors, as you possess an astute eye for the perfect look.
To borrow from Rod Stewart, you wear it well. 🙂
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I borrowed Chica from you. It”s in my favorite word file. My friend Jackie was a little like Jackie more Kennedy than O, and actually lived a block from one another. This was just to honor my friend who I truly miss. Her birthday is May 4th so, we’re celebrating early. Thanks.
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I love that you borrowed that for your tool set, that’s very cool.
And yes, it was beautiful. And beauty is ALWAYS in fashion. 🙂
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I never heard it before you used it. It just rolls off your tongue, like a Butterscotch Lifesaver. 🙂
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Well then, AND you chose the best flavor! In my humble opinion.
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Mr. Imma is such a chronic wooer. sigh
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There are worse things . . .
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I’ll say.
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It just dawned on me you and Dale thought I was writing about Jackie Onassis. I was referring to my dear friend Jackie who passed away from lung cancer in 2008. It’s my fault for penning so cryptically. This Chica needs to write more clearly for her esteemed guests such as yourself, Mr. Imma, sir. 😉
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I thought so the first time, when I commented. I do the same thing. Something that really stirs me, I tend to write it as if I am talking . .
All that matters is how MUCH she mattered to you, and still does.
To your friend. 🙂
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You can’t replicates the Jackies of your life. Yes, you can make new friends but they’re never quite the same. I had no one when we met, being the orphan that I am, so she decided I’d have her, and for over 3 decades never let me down. She was an oasis for me…a lifeboat in Chanel.
🙂
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This is true. And that is classic you right there. “She was an oasis for me…a lifeboat in Chanel”. Lovely. Just lovely.
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She inspires verse…sigh
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And you supply. Wonderfully so.
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I’m no Keats or even a Dr. Suess, however, I’m certain you too have souls who still exist through you. A hunch.
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A solid hunch at that . . . 🙂
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My beautiful mother taught me about buying ‘good things’…I learned well and it pays dividends. I have favorites that I weat until they’re threadbare and if the bare spots don’t show too obviously…still they’re worn with adoration. I believe your Jackie must’ve been a joy…I had a lovely petite Jackie that looked chic to the nines…no matter what she put together. I love chic…woohoo! It pays to buy good…indeed. You are one beautifully attired woman…24/7..love it.
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It’s great to have friends like that. I miss my friends I had in Korea that I would do so much with. Friends sometimes leave, but at least we still have the memories of them.
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Tomorrow is Jackie’s birthday. I’ll go to her building that faces the Park, and stand across the street and look up to the 4th floor and dream about the days when we’d sit in her cozy kitchen, drink wine or tea, munching cucumber sandwiches, laughing, talking about life as if it would go on forever. 🙂
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