"Style Comes From Being Playful, Experimental & Intuitive"
Style Questionnaire with Marjory Sweet
Where did I first meet Marjory Sweet? In preschool! Marjory was in the car when I got my first speeding ticket and she remains one of my favorite people to talk to about anything, but always clothes. As you’ll see, she’s been influencing my style for many, many years.
Marjory, 38, now lives in Rockland, Maine where she is a baker and kitchen manager. I mentioned her new project Romantic Chicken on Monday, but if you missed it, it’s somewhere between a collection of poetry and a cookbook, while still being practical to use. I love Marjory and I know you will, too!
What are you wearing right now?
A pair of sweatpants that say LUCE SPIRITS in white ink/gothic script down the leg, a delightfully worn-in long-sleeved t-shirt that says TERREMOTO along each arm, and a pair of indigo tie dyed socks that say GRAZIE GRAZIE. I promise this isn’t a sly plug for the small businesses in my life, this is honestly what I wear for lazing around the house. Oh, and a Kye Intimates bra that’s too flimsy and delicate to wear out in the world.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
I am 100000% a sucker for the myth of The Perfect T-shirt. Flore Flore got me under its spell, most recently.
Please describe an article of clothing that you were wearing when we were doing something together.
In 2016, the summer we farmed together (one of the great highlights of my LIFE, may I add) I had an old Priority Records t-shirt that was boxy and too big for me—a hand me down from my brother. But I loved wearing it and I think it might actually be somewhat valuable now, IF I knew where the hell it was!!!!
Also, in high school we had the exact same chocolate brown leather cowboy boots, which annoyed me. At some point you wrote me a note, thoughtfully and clearly explaining that it was hurtful and ridiculous for me to be annoyed by this. And in that moment I understood something about both friendship, and the eternal meaningfulness/meaninglessness of clothing.
If you had to wear a uniform (same thing every day) what would it be?
High-waisted canvas pants (let’s call them Messy Clam pants…), a plain t-shirt (long-sleeved or sleeveless, depending on the season), Vans, and a government-issued pair of silk/cashmere socks with my last name SWEET stitched into the top.
Where did you get clothes as a kid? Describe a favorite childhood outfit.
Where? No idea. I am told that I refused to wear anything but dresses for a long time and then abruptly moved into a leggings only era. I can’t recall a single dress or legging, but I do vividly remember the first time I tried on jeans. I was appalled. It was beyond my 7-year-old comprehension why anyone would clad their tender limbs in such thick, rigid fabric (with METAL HARDWARE, a horror to young me) when you could just so effortlessly PULL ON a pair of super soft, stretchy pants.
Tell me about an item of clothing that you wear only to do a specific activity.
Well, the usual mundane adult life stuff: this and that for exercise or rainy days or long hikes. But the one garment I reserve for a very particular state of mind/being/activity is my Wonder Valley robe. I wear it exclusively after a long bath or thorough shower, at the end of the day, when I am feeling freshly cleaned, gently scented, properly moisturized, and generally unburdened by the woes of the world. Whether I’m reading, or sipping a cocktail, or just laying in bed, the robe really lends a little ceremony to that post bath relaxation feeling. It’s the “olive wreath” patterned one (OS) and I cherish it!
What did you wear to the last party or event you attended?
A cropped, sheer Sayaka Davis blouse (XS-L) that I love (I own it in two colors!) and an old pair of Rachel Comey trousers (similar, 0-12). Also earrings. I got my ears pierced LAST YEAR, shocking I know, in my old age, so earrings have become the biggest thrill of any party/event dressing opportunity for me.
How does the food you make inspire what you wear (or vice versa?)
Lately, I’ve been especially into making creamy foods. Garlicky aioli, silky buttercream, perfectly seasoned whipped cream, delicate panna cottas, caesar dressing, soft beans. Still thinking about how this influences what I wear.
Tell me about an experience that changed your relationship to clothing or getting dressed.
One of my first jobs was working for Maryam Nassir Zadeh right when she opened her eponymous shop on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in 2009. Besides being a magnetic, generous, open-minded person, Maryam is a true VISIONARY and working with her so intimately, when I was so young, was profoundly influential on me. I think it was the first time I understood personal style as a meaningful expression of self. And, that genuine style comes from being playful and experimental and intuitive and confident—not from trying to emulate someone else or following a trend. I wore everything you can imagine during my Maryam era. Cut-off Levi's and threadbare thrifted t-shirts with chunky jewelry and metallic Dieppa Restrepo (RIP!) loafers; little Marni cardigans and vintage corduroys and hi-top sneakers. I remember there was this giant, multicolored sequined cape for sale that I loved wearing while I was working. And a green silk blazer from the VERY FIRST Apiece Apart collection that I wore while filming a “Taxi TV” ad for the shop.
On the other end of the life/influence spectrum, I worked on small-scale vegetable farms in the desert for over a decade. An experience in which I re-discovered clothes as pure utility.
I guess now my style falls somewhere in the middle: Austere desert utility meets big city indulgence.
Tell me about an accessory or piece of clothing that you lost or ruined but still think about.
A silk, short, iridescent green dress that had a little knot in the center and a simple zip in the back. Vena Cava (RIP). Perfect little evening piece. Come back to me!
What are you gifting and/or hoping to receive as a gift this holiday season?
I’m feeling most excited about packaging this year. Like, I want to give someone dental floss, but with very exquisite and elaborate wrapping paper and ribbons.
Who do you think has good style?
Maryam! Mirabelle & Melia Marden. Kassandra Maria Lao. Bo Carney. Katie Bowes!! My friends Stevie (an herbalist and poet) and Allison (a painter & teacher). Both absolute queens of the layer game (very important in Maine), COLOR, accessories, and cool attitude.
Thanks so much, Marjory! You can follow Marjory on Instagram and get a copy of Romantic Chicken here.
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The abrupt switch out of dresses reminds me of me as a kid. Until the age of six or seven I only wanted to wear dresses or skirts and then I refused to wear them. I don't remember why exactly; it was probably realising society's disdain for 'girliness'! I wear a mixture now and concur that leggings are superior to jeans!
Wow. That cape is gorgeous!