It’s that time of the year when parents all over Australia are busily naming their children’s clothes and other belongings, in preparation for back to school.
But that’s not the sort of naming of clothes that I’m talking about – because that’s not weird, that’s just common sense.
And while it’s common for designers and brands to give each piece in a collection a girl’s name – like the Kelly dress, the Daniella dress, and the Bianca cami* (below) from the Vivid International summer range – that’s not what I mean either.
I asked Vivid’s Design Assistant and Sales Representative Amy Robinson how they arrived at the all important-name for each new garment … it seems the clothes just whisper their names to Amy, as she looks at the designs 😉 .
I tend to name my clothes a bit more pragmatically, based on what they look like eg “leopard print dress” (below) or “sequin tank top” – just call me Captain Obvious.
Some outfit names reflect their provenance – I bought my Bali dress (below) at a market when we were staying in Nusa Dua, Bali.
Occasionally I get more creative. In the pic below I am wearing my Maltesers top, because whenever I see it hanging in my wardrobe, the print (which you can’t really see in the photo below) reminds me of the packaging of Maltesers (mmmmmm Maltesers) 😉 .
Meanwhile, I’ve called this new addition to my wardrobe my Marigold dress, it’s so bright and sunny.
I think of this one as my China Doll top*, because the delicate colours remind me of a china doll:
Vivid calls this one the Kelly dress*, but the colours remind me of the sea … so it is my mermaid dress.
And this is my beach dress* – because it’s great for the beach – though I wear it other places too:
Sometimes even the hubster gets in on the act of naming my clothes. This is my Harley Davidson top* – because he says it is in the Harley Davidson colours, something I would never have realised! (I’m just a #girlygirl)
How I Started Naming My Clothes
Naming my clothes became a habit back in the 80’s, when I would plan my wardrobe and outfit combinations in meticulous detail, and had just learned about having your colours done. Back in those days there were no iPhones for quick pics to help you organise outfits, so it really helped me write things down if I named my clothes – even if I was the only one that understood what the heck I was talking about!
A Special Offer for You …
Many of the photos in this post include pieces from my good friends at Vivid International (current and previous ranges) .
I have an exclusive offer for Middle Aged Mama readers – if you would like an excuse to check out their online store, click here to get 30% off! Or, simply enter the discount code MAM30 at the checkout. I’m wearing a size 16 or L in most styles.
What a great excuse to add an Ivy dress or jacket for special occasions, a boho style Elly top, or a relaxed Allie jumpsuit to your own wardrobe …
Do you name your clothes or am I the only one that’s weird like that?
* Items marked with an asterisk were gifted to me for editorial consideration in accordance with my disclosure policy.