What I wore? Yep. I know.

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Rachel Sutherland

Rachel Sutherland has been a professional journalist for 14 years, most recently as the Style Editor for the Charlotte Observer. Her writing and styling work has appeared in newspapers and magazines across the country. She is often a featured guest on syndicated radio programs The Matt & Ramona Show and The Satisfied Life. Find her at www.rachelsutherland.net or email her: rachel@rachelsutherland.net.

My personal fashion memory is as encyclopedic as my musical memory and just as powerful.

I can tell you exactly where I was the first time I heard Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (Driving my Eagle Summit down Maumee near Harvard in Grosse Pointe Park).

My recollection of what I wore when is nearly as voluminous. The wave of memories are incredibly jarring and comforting at the same time.

I can tell you what I wore on the first day as an intern at the Detroit News in 1996 (wideleg, high-waisted belted pants, white T-shirt, a thrifted fitted Banana Republic blazer and a cheetah print scarf tied like a choker necklace ).

Given today’s heightened style awareness at increasingly younger ages, I am beyond thankful that when I was in high school, the epitome of style was leggings and oversized oxford shirts or sweatshirts worn with bucks or birks.

That being said, I hope you’ll join me as I host a post-show talk back after the performance of “Love Loss and What I Wore” on Jan. 25 at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

The touring production of Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron’s intimate collection of vignettes and monologues is based on the best-selling book of the same name by Ilene Beckerman, uses clothing and accessories and the memories they trigger to tell stories to which all women can relate.

I could go on and on about what the clothes I wore then meant, given the framework of hindsight. I recall thinking my cotton-candy pink junior prom dress (with shoes dyed to match, natch) was the bees knees. Now I see pics and wonder a) what was I smoking and b) why did no one tell me that the pale dress plus my pale skin made me look essentially nude?

It’s not a surprise that for senior prom, I chose a black cocktail dress with a deep back V, an updo and (inexplicably) elbow-length white satin gloves. I was trying to be grown up. For real.

What clothing-related memories do you have? Any triggers? Join me for what we can expect to be a spirited performance and discussion on Jan. 25. Tickets start at $20.

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