Saturday, January 01, 2011

Archival Clothing Resolutions 2011


Yesterday, I revisited our Archival Resolutions from last year. In 2011, I'm going to begin by focusing on resolution #9. I will tweak my signature uniform: Danish nautical on the top, cone denim and loafers on the bottom. I'm also taking a cue from #4 and plan to shop more often from myself. My first purchase will be a nautical striped Armor-Lux wool beanie that for some reason I haven't worn in two years.

For review, I'm republishing our original resolutions:

1. Decide that quality matters and pay for it. In the end, it will save you time and money.

2. Before you buy, be selective. Scrutinize items for build quality, fit, finish, functionality and lasting style. If an item is not perfect, catch and release it.

3. Do more with less. Add a few key pieces to your wardrobe and wear them until they dissolve.

4. Shop from yourself and from thrift shops. Repurpose strategic items from the past.

5. Support apparel companies that manufacture their products in the US. Buy products still
proudly made in their traditional country of origin.


6. Contact manufacturers and let them know what they should offer. If you're a woman and you love classic heritage styles, ask them to offer their products in your size.

7. Find out what products are manufactured in your region. Visit factories and publish reports.

8. Wear wool and linen year round. Experiment with summer weight woolens, and heavier linens.

9. Come up with a signature uniform. Wear it once a week.

10. Read historical newspapers and magazines. Learn about lost brands, fashions, and manufacturing traditions.

Kodak No. 1 Circular Snapshots via the National Media Museum flickr photostream.

8 comments:

Chris Adamiak (Damn Yak Dry Good Co.) said...

Happy New Year Everyone. These are some well thought and meaningful resolutions that we can all follow with a smile! Thanks for the Past year of great posts and pics! All the best in the year ahead!

gmb said...

I sending this list onto my friends and family. I've been suggesting many of these ideas for a while, but seeing it all spelled out makes a much better impact. Thank you and I wish you a very happy New Year.

james at 10engines said...

these sorts of ideas are shocking to some... told my much younger brother that i preferred my sweaters from scotland, boots from Maine (or Minn.) and jeans from USA.

it was a complete midquake for him... he said "yeah, good luck."
i said "pal, done and done. just take the time..."

best to you all in 2011. J

Anonymous said...

Great resolutions. I had already been thinking of a few of them, especially considering the temptations of all the post-Christmas sales, but it's great to see them written out so eloquently.

Jeremy said...

Really really fantastic list. Such a wonderful way to consider clothes and in such a truly meaningful way.

Amy K. said...

We should all adopt these resolutions. I'll do my best to at least apply some to my everyday life in 2011

Zack Luby said...

which danish knit are you going to be wearing? i have the SNS fisherman (turtleneck) and stark (chunky thick cardigan). I don't think that I could wear either every week. The cardigan much more likely than the turtleneck!

Anonymous said...

I like "Shop from yourself." Some of my best "purchases" have involved looking through my closet and finding some forgotten piece.

patrick