Hachette
Yes, I was drawn to this book by the cover! It jolted my memory to a dress that I can remember my mother wearing when I was very young. It was a special dress - made for dancing - and it almost had its own persona. This is at the heart of The Secret Lives of Dresses.
During the course of the story, our heroine undergoes a transformation from a devotee of the cargo-pants and t-shirt wearing brigade to a vintage dresser. The turn of events leading to this involve a story of loss, obligation and love. The clothes are the magic thread binding the story which deftly contrasts the notion of just pulling on any old thing to the power of dressing. However, the novel has nothing to do with 'power dressing'
It made me reflect on the absolute joy of pulling on something that actually fits and actually suits, and how rarely this happens 'off-the-rack'. My mother made all her own clothes and knew how inspirational fabric can be. I found the ideas behind the story inspiring and it made me nostalgic for the style of the vintage era - though maybe not for corsets!
Books in Print staff review by Sue
visit Erin McKean's vintage fashion website
