As a lifelong reader (and grad school drop out), it’s impossible to avoid thinking about authors and their lives and whether or not those lives impact their work. Can I love a book written by someone who led a life I find questionable? Or, in Girthful Girl terms, is it possible that a woman who kicks kittens can write a poem that moves me? 

I’ve never thought that way about the clothes I wear—it just never dawned on me to think that way since just finding clothes I want to wear has been such a struggle. Beggars can’t be choosers, and while the options are so much better now than they were even 3 years ago, the clothes I love the best are the clothes that cost the most or need to be shipped from the UK (thereby racking up shipping fees—yes Evans and Asos—I’m talking about you). But this past week I had a chance to meet some designers, hear them talk about their work and interact with their fans. And, well, suddenly I’m digging my Pure Energy dress from Target a whole lot more because Angelina, the designer, was lovely and so interested in hearing from her customers. And Yuliya from IGIGI? I haven’t saved my ducats for one of her dresses, but after hearing her talk about her line and her passion, I want to skip next month’s rent payment and buy 8 dresses instead (my landlord will understand, no doubt, because I’ll look ADORABLE). 

This happened last year during the Re/Dress trunk sale. I met Bertha Pearl and Rachel from Cupcake and Cuddlebunny and Sossity from Diesel Femme. I might not be able to financially support all the kick-ass designers I’ve met, but I’ll talk about them non-stop, and I’ll keep adding their clothes to my wishlist (Why have I not yet ordered a ruffle skirt from Bertha?)

Now it’s easy enough to have a CONNECTION to people we admire. I can become a fan of the lines and designers I like. They will tell me when they’re holding sales (yay!) and sometimes their PR team will tweet something more “personal” (i.e. It’s really hot out there! Wear one of our tank tops!). But opportunities for authentic conversation? I want to make sure I take full advantage of those. And that is not just in the realm of fashion, it’s in the realm of everywhere.