Salt Pork, Hardtack, and Repetitive Sea Shanties: A Tale of the Style Doldrums
The Doldrums: high-waisted pants (Jones New York, thrifted, $2), black scoopneck (H&M, $5), belt (stolen), clogs (Via Spiga on mega-clearance, $25, Nordstrom Rack, scarf (also stolen), jewels (various artists), bag (thrifted, $1).
You know what sucks? The doldrums. I learned that word when I was 7 or 8 and my dad read me a book about the life of 18th century sailors in the British Royal Navy (yes, I come from a family of nerds). The doldrums are those pockets of the sea where the winds stall and the sails of ships that wander into them go flat. Sailors are forced to wait patiently, going mad, until their ship drifts out of the doldrums and the winds pick up, filling their sails again and sending them on their way.
I always thought the doldrums seemed like the worst thing in the world. To be stuck with no choice but to wait, eating salt pork and hardtack and singing the same sea shanties over and over again…agh! So, when I recently drifted into my own version of the doldrums- the style kind- I experienced a wee bit of horror. My clothes bored me, my closet offered no consolation, and my busy life left little time to contemplate alternatives. When I realized the state I was in, though, I knew waiting just wasn’t going to cut it.
Four eyes again.
Hoping for Super Man...or at least some snow.
I decided to take a bit of a risk and try out a (relatively) new outfit. I dug around in my closet and came out with these high waisted, pleated, tapered pants. I snagged them at a thrift store a while back and hadn’t worn them yet. Being both tall and curvy, I generally shy away from this cut of pant, but I figured, “Hey, what’s the worst that can happen? Anything is better than being stuck on this boat!” Pair the pants with some sky-scraper shoes, a simple black top, and a plush black ring scarf and you have the sartorial version of a tradewind. I feel re-inspired and excited to play in my clothes again.
Not sure what I was doing here, other than freezing. Perhap I was trying to hide my crotch w this clutch? It's a crotch clutch! But, you know, not the Michael Jackson kind.
My clutch is so cute! And my body is so deformed!
Moral of the story? I’d have made a terrible sailor. A vegetarian chick with no tattoos, an aversion to stale carbohydrates, and a fear of scurvy who won’t wait out the doldrums? The only ship I’d have been sailing is the HMS No Thanks. :) Do you get bored with your clothes? How do you deal with the style doldrums?
Okay, first off: BEST OUTFIT EVER. You look utterly amazing and intimidatingly beautiful!
Secondly, I love your crotch clutch!
To eliminate the doldrums, I have one day where I wear just sweats and a t-shirt. It’s depressing, so the next day I dress it up again!
Louise, thank you for loving my crotch clutch.
Woman! This outfit is amazeballs! So glad you took the risk with this outfit cause you’re killing it. Seriously! Want to sled over to my place tomorrow if the Chi-normous blizzard hits? We can sled down the “hills”.
Oh gosh, I love the mix of marigold pants and clogs. This is instantly one of my favorite outfits of yours.
I liked your reference to sailors’ doldrums. I actually didn’t know about it in nautical terms — I always thought of it like the The Doldrums in the Phantom Tollbooth, the place where no one can laugh or do really anything fun. To get out of the style doldrums, I usually pull out a dress or an accessory I haven’t worn in awhile, or try a silhouette I’m not used to doing. It usually helps …
I would never have eve considered picking up those pants, but this entire look is amazingly cute. Thanks for the little word nerd lesson. I’ll definitely teach it to a few of my students soon.
This is a fantastic outfit on you! You make me want to try high-waisted pants (I too am a bit scared of them).
I like your idea better of going through the closet and coming up with a little bit of a risk taker.
And crotch clutch! Hilarious, but really hard to say out loud. Try it!
Unfortunately when I’m in the style doldrums I go shopping. There. I admit it. I’m so ashamed…
This is why I adore you. Amazing outfit? Check! Great knowledge of nautical history? Check! Slightly inappropriate Michael Jackson reference? Check!
Good luck in the upcoming snow. It’s going to be in the negative numbers where I live, so fingers crossed for a “Cold Day” off!
I adore you too, girlie. Your post on Clare’s blog was the jiznunk.
WHEN will you come to Chicago?!
well, these pants are anything but boring. i love the color, and they fit you perfectly.
speaking of the word “doldrums” – i was first exposed it when reading “the phantom tollbooth”; it’s a place where there’s no color or unique characteristics or fun. whenever i feel like i’m bored with my clothing, i set aside an hour or so to pull out random things that i haven’t worn in awhile (or ever) and try to put together outfits. i don’t feel rushed because i’m not doing it first thing in the morning and the light is good. works for me!
tick tock vintage
Thanks, Veronika! Glad I didn’t bore you with m’pants.
I’ve never read The Phantom Tollboth, but lots of people have mentioned it since I wrote this post. maybe I should check it out!
I agree with Louise. BEST OUTFIT EVER. I mean. Top to bottom, and this post taught me new words, history and style. Not bad for 5 minutes. A++
You look gorgeous in this outfit! Hope you get doldrums more often if they find a creative outlet like this
. Cute story!
I generally shy away from pants like this too but, I love the look on you! You look soooo retro chic although I’ll be honest I was shocked to see you in pants
Chica! you look awesome! no more stale wind for you! (ps. great writing)
I love the shoes, I’ll be excited when I can wear something other than boots again.
and that snow you were looking for… it’s here
the wide Sargasso Sea! Looks great, though I am most interested in the open acknowledgment of stealing. Does the person know their belt and scarf are missing?
She does. Said person is my roommate, Kelli, with whom I share basically anything in my closet (and she in hers). Stolen was a bit of an exaggeration. Borrowed is more accurate, but it lacks the same sass.
This is probably one of my most favorite outfits, evah! Seriously, you look about a million feet tall and it appears that your legs end somewhere around never. And I WANT THOSE SHOES! Not that I could actually walk in them, but my feet would look completely hot while I sat here at my desk.
Oh, shit balls. You look freakin’ awesome! LOVE those pants on you and so jealous of your height to pull them off. Beautiful!
I LOVE this outfit, what a great way to break the “doldrums!”
my GAAAAAAH EMILY! you are so fucking sultry and sexy! (confession – i accidentally typed slutty at first). honestly, this is the best ensemble ive seen you in yet! those pants do you MANY favors, and the color…!
you may have made a terrible sailor, but i declare these doldrums cured!
I know what you mean about avoiding certain styles for your body, but you look fantastic! Recently I’ve been trying to go more outside of my comfort zone, which does make me feel like I’m discovering more of my closet, but I’m not sure if I’m ready to brave pants. I haven’t worn anything other than yoga pants in…awhile? Not even sure that’s how long it’s been!
I come a family of nerds too. It is a blessing and curse, as they say.
Those pants are awesome. We don’t see you in pants very often, but they look great!
The Auspicious Life
You’s a hotty. Like, one foxy, sultry, fabulous hotty.
p.s. THUNDERSNOW!!!!!
GIRL. If this is where style doldrums get you, please, have them more often. To reiterate the many comments above – this beat is sick.
For serious, those pants are super flattering – I don’t know what kind of conventional ‘wisdom’ claims they wouldn’t work for your bod, but said ‘wisdom’ should absolutely be jettisoned. (Thrown overboard, perhaps?)
the other emily
You look outstanding in this outfit: chic, grownup, slim, and sexy! I wish I had something helpful for when I’m in the fashion doldrums, but mostly what I do is wear the same outfit I had on the day before and hope no one notices! LOL
If this is what happens when you are in fear of the doldrums, then you need to be fearful more often. My word what a beautiful person you are, and those pants, unbelievable.
That is one sassy, classy outfit.
Also wanted to echo: THIS OUTFIT ROCKS! And you obviously rocked those pants.
Thanks, lady! Rocking pants is pretty much my favorite past time. Okay, no it’s not, but it seemed like a fun thing to say.
Those are my dream pants! You look incredible and sexy and 40′s sophisticated and I’m super jealous.
WOW! WOW times 10! I’m with everyone else, this is the best outfit I think you’ve ever worn. I need those pants. And those shoes!
The doldrums, hah hah! I like that you tell all these little stories on your blog. It makes it fun to read and, obviously, fun to look at. I can’t believe how gorgeous those pants are and that you got them for so cheap at a thrift store! I’m going to have to start shopping at those kinds of places more often!
Aaaauuugggghh! This outfit drives me wild! Like I want to jump in bed with it RIGHT NOW! Seriously this is a flippin’ amazing outfit and you look flippin’ amazing in it. My jaw is still laying on the floor.
My outfit welcomes your presence in its bed.
You look amazingly sexy and sophisticated here, my dear! The cowl neck, tapered pants, and killer shoes really all suit and highlight fantastic things about your bod. One of my favorite outfits of yours for sure!
This outfit is AMAZING. Seriously, I saw this and dropped what I was doing immediately to read. Gorgeous!
I definitely experience sartorial boredom, in part because I have (on purpose) a relatively small closet. Like most gals, I go through my typical fluctuations in both physical body and body image, which affect both what I’m willing to wear and what I can wear, and can have drastic effects on my motivation to get dressed and get my you-know-what out the door every day. Pushing myself to try something new can be incredibly helpful, though, even if it’s an outfit that consists entirely of things I already own. I’m trying to force myself to try to create my way out of my doldrums by actually making new stuff, but that can be more of a challenge on my limited schedule.
O.M.G. You look fabulous, dahling! Head to toe, I want it all!
Wow! I just discovered your blog through Louises’, and I have to say, I love it! This outfit/look is amazing, and those pants look great on you. I definitely experience boredom with my closet from time to time. Even when all of my laundry is done and I have my full wardrobe at my dispossal, I will say sometimes, “ugh, I have nothing to wear”. I hate those days. I really like how you beat that feeling with this outfit.
xo,
Kirstin Marie
Amazing outfit emily. I think you could bring back the high-waist!
O.M.G. This is the best outfit I’ve ever seen. I mean, really. I want to marry it and procreate with it. Is that possible? Okay, I’m creepy, but I really do love this outfit. I wish I could be you in this outfit!!
I love love love this outfit!!!! I wish I could pull off the high waisted pants like you can!
If you have a chance check out my blog at
http://www.breckenridgeclare.com
and if you have any advice please let me know!