Dear Grey Jersey
Dear Grey Jersey,
I can't quite believe it's taken me this long to write this letter to you but then again I procrastinate about most important things like categorising my hats and putting them into labelled boxes, writing down my banana cake recipe and sending it to Nigella Lawsons hoping she might take a look at it and get inspired or getting those old fashioned scales and learning how to weight myself with them.... the real nitty gritty that is required in life.
But back to you dear jersey. You might recall when we first met. You might not. It was a long time ago and I suppose since then you've had more exciting encounters - namely with designers like Norma Kamali who has taken you on quite the pretty sportswear ride. Nonetheless, I'm not going to be petty. I don't mind recounting that first occurrence between you and I. You were squished up in the form of a rather ill fitting cropped cardigan in one of those shops in a shopping mall in Mong Kok, Hong Kong. I can't say you were in good company because everything in that shop cost about HKD10 and quite literally would fall apart after two wears and a good dose of Ariel. Your other jersey compatriots were lined up next to you in shades of plum, turquoise and the oddest shade of yellow I had seen in a long time. Your colouring of light tri-blend grey stood out as you looked like you might stand the test of time. Indeed, I wore you about 299 times until I lost you in a big-family-washing-rage (I come from a family of six...). You went over dresses and skirts turning them into skresses. I no longer feared the word 'cropped' which to me signalled dreaded training bras and midriff exposure.
I met you again in Barney's New York a few years later. I had never been before. I hurried up to the floor where I could just about afford something as the lower levels were making me feel a little queasy with their pricetags. Combing through the sales racks, I noticed an abundance of toga like grey jersey tops that did in truth resemble unidentifable sacks from afar which probably why such a hefty discount was being applied. This time, you came in a darker shade of grey. I didn't even try you on and with the reasonable sale tag, I clutched you and took you to the cash till and paid with my slightly bent 'first' cash debit card that made me feel a little grown up as all my own money was in that account. I'm wearing you today - thanks for keeping me cool and stopping me from getting irritated by some City worker on the tube who likes fiddling about with his Blackberry just a leeetle bit too much.
Since then, you and I have got on in a Babysitter's 'nothing bad ever goes on' Club kind of way. We've never had quibbles have we? Ok, there was that time when I saw you in some sort of really awful glitter appliqued grey tracksuit ensemble but that's ok. You were probably coerced.
If I pull something of you out of my wardrobe be it a t-shirt, a racerback, or use a bag made out of you (the newest one being a large quilted louche tote courtesy of Swan Diamond Rose), I know I'm not going to get any nasty surprises. Reliable, trusty and no, that never descends into the Volvo state of things. It never gets uninteresting because you have happily obliged to be paired with more colourful things lurking in the closet. You don't mind playing second fiddle to some sequins, some fringed tights, neon lace or sometimes all three...
Perhaps that's why it's taken me this long to write this to you. Second fiddle you are not dear jersey. If you went away completely, I'd be looking at those sequins and that lace quite blankly not knowing what to do with them. I don't really care who gets to be the x or the y in the x+y formula but both need to exist and I don't even like mathematics all that much.
Anyhow, you may or may not know all of this. Millions of others adore your qualities too even if they don't tell you so in such a formal manner. You get knocked about a bit and abused but at least you're still hanging in there. I can't say the same for fake leopard print fur alas.
That's something to be thankful for, that you're grey jersey and not the aforementioned.
Love Susie
P.S. I'd be grateful if you also came as a cushty sofa too because I'm fast realising the flats I'm looking at don't come furnished and MFI is not throwing up many good options.
P.S.S. Don't let the scary pervy American Apparel CEO take you for granted. Him and his BJ-giving employees would be nothing without you...
This post is adorable. I am a huge fan of it to, buying it up whenever I find it at the thrift store. It is the best basic for layering. :-)
Posted by: Hailey | 29 July 2008 at 20:16
That was so cute! I love how you rock the monochromatic look, your style makes it look fresh and interesting.
And grey jersey = life. Period.
Posted by: whimsy | 29 July 2008 at 20:22
What a great dress! Oh the wonders of grey jersey, I recently bought a fabulous Peter Jensen grey jersey, ruffled hoodie in the sales. Masses of ruffles and grey jersey oh the dream!
Posted by: floraposte | 29 July 2008 at 20:37
i enjoyed this letter/post.
Posted by: estelluxx | 29 July 2008 at 20:55
Susie: Such a love letter! Great post.
Posted by: K-Line | 29 July 2008 at 21:25
Dear Susie,
There are so many fashion blogs out there but no one has written about me in the way that you have.
I can't help but feel flattered and note too that you have captured my emerging status as a fashion classic quite accurately.
Love,
Grey Jersey ;)
Posted by: Princessimp. | 29 July 2008 at 22:00
i simply love you for writing this post...recently i've been wearing tons of grey jersey clothes and they always make me feel good, fashionable and easy.the only bad thing i don't like about jersey is that it's hard to sew it by yourself if you buy a big piece of it from a fabric store.
Posted by: fashion blah blah | 29 July 2008 at 22:06
There's so many things right about grey jersey...
Posted by: Rowena | 29 July 2008 at 22:08
I've been practically living in my grey jersey tee these past few weeks of summer. I feel a bit guilty for not giving it the appreciation it truly deserves! so, I apologize dear grey jersey! I shall no longer take you for granted. :)
and that bit about AA... hahaha so true.
Posted by: marissa | 29 July 2008 at 22:28
There's a special place in my heart for grey jersey too and you just reminded me that I don't buy enough of them!
Posted by: cordelia | 29 July 2008 at 22:30
Now that i think about i could not live without grey jersey!
Posted by: | 29 July 2008 at 22:40
Haha! What a brillaint post!
I love the one-colour one-frabtic outfit
Posted by: Penny | 29 July 2008 at 22:54
cute
Posted by: mer | 29 July 2008 at 22:55
A genial post! ;)
Posted by: giancinephile | 29 July 2008 at 23:20
i think this is my favourite post ever!
Posted by: Amy On | 29 July 2008 at 23:28
such an original way to post! i share the same affection for all things in grey jersey. actually, i have some bedsheets in blue jersey - so comfy!
Posted by: eliza | 29 July 2008 at 23:46
i loved reading this, so super sweet! a well deserved ode
Posted by: selina | 30 July 2008 at 00:47
HAHAH I LOVE THIS POST! I think its my favorite. It was funny, heartfelt...wow. I have come out of lurking to say I really love your blog.
And now I really feel like wearing a grey jersey! :-D
Posted by: Showa59 | 30 July 2008 at 01:11
haha, it's so true, grey jersey is awesome :) I love the dress! I like everyone else, really enjoyed this post - it made me laugh.
Posted by: mica | 30 July 2008 at 01:49
love it too! kisses from argentina susie!!!
Posted by: jime | 30 July 2008 at 02:46
And here I thought I was obsessed with gray jersey. Susie Bubble, you take the (gray jersey) cake!
Posted by: catherine | 30 July 2008 at 03:30
Now THAT is a love letter for the ages.
Posted by: enc | 30 July 2008 at 03:48
so cute.
an ode to grey jersey. it is a wonderful material.
Posted by: Prêt-à-Porter P | 30 July 2008 at 03:52
Praise Jersey!
May you forever be the ruler of my closet and have a soft spot in my heart.
Amen
Posted by: Nice and Shiny | 30 July 2008 at 06:37
this is the most amazing post! what a great idea, loved loved loved it! if i ever come to the conclusion that a clothing item of mine deserves such a letter to be written to, may i please borrow your idea? oh, and awesome pics! xo
Posted by: | 30 July 2008 at 07:15
this is the most amazing post! what a great idea, loved loved loved it! if i ever come to the conclusion that a clothing item of mine deserves such a letter to be written to, may i please borrow your idea? oh, and awesome pics! xo
Posted by: Daiane | 30 July 2008 at 07:16
omg what beautiful pictures. just soft grey rainbows. i love it. and thanks for the mention :) enjoy your tote it looks so lovely with all your other things.
Posted by: SwanDiamondRose | 30 July 2008 at 07:19
Excellent post, you expressed everything what we love about grey jersey. Def one of my fav post.
Posted by: Fruchtzwerg | 30 July 2008 at 07:55
Wow I love it too!!!
So Cute!!!
Kisses from Brazil!
Posted by: Fabio Lage | 30 July 2008 at 08:03
I love reading your post!! :)
Posted by: Siewkwan | 30 July 2008 at 08:25
isn't grey just THE BEST COLOUR EVER? and isn't jersey just THE BEST FABRIC EVER?! i think i wear a grey jersey something every second day. glad to find a fellow admirer.
Posted by: anne | 30 July 2008 at 08:44
Perfect, my first love and always to be replaced when worn was a grey satin shirt, a grey t and a grey pencil skirt. I'm on satin shirt #3, lost count of tees (due to wreakage) and grey pencil skirt #3 too.
I love grey and you're right it always plays the x or y role perfectly - no diva style hissy fits.
Posted by: Make Do & Mend | 30 July 2008 at 09:20
I couldn't help having a huge, silly grin on my face while reading this- it really is the sweetest mash note ever! I'm sure Grey Jersey is very appreciative..
Posted by: Blue Floppy Hat | 30 July 2008 at 09:25
And yes, it literally is a wardrobe lifesaver- no prima donna tendencies, and comfy to boot!
Posted by: Blue Floppy Hat | 30 July 2008 at 09:43
Yeah gray jersey is usual but very elegant
Posted by: GlamRussianGirl | 30 July 2008 at 09:50
Super cute post :) LOVE the outfit, the shades of grey are amazing and it looks so laid back but stylish!
Posted by: dapper kid | 30 July 2008 at 13:02
what a wonderful post! i to have a love of grey, it's such a wonderful shade, goes with everything and its warm and cozy. my favorite one that i own is strangely from "playboy brand" it's not at all what you would expect from playboy in fact it's a bit granny-ish
Posted by: Hannah-Zoe | 30 July 2008 at 14:13
How poignant. I love all the soft shades of grey and white you are wearing. I'm fairly certain the jersey loves you back. Good luck with the sofa idea though... ^_-
Posted by: The Clothes Horse | 30 July 2008 at 14:37
Well written and charming, Susie. ^__^
LA CARMINA † Gothic Lolita Fashion
http://www.lacarmina.com
Posted by: La Carmina | 30 July 2008 at 18:35
this post is simply brilliant.
really enjoyed reading it
x
Posted by: Emily | 30 July 2008 at 18:54
Best. Post. Ever.
/DCB.
Posted by: Cillian | 30 July 2008 at 19:17
What a stirring ode to grey jersey - it has to be my favorite and most dependable thing. It makes me want to find a bolt of tri-blend fabric and leap into it.
-an AA employee
Posted by: Lisa | 30 July 2008 at 19:56
dude, i love jersey anything...
Posted by: lady coveted | 30 July 2008 at 20:38
A truer thing was never written!
Posted by: AngieMontreal | 30 July 2008 at 22:45
I so love this post.
P.S. I giggle-snorted on my coffee when I got to the PS's.
Posted by: adahpotato | 31 July 2008 at 03:17
LOL! I loved the jab at AA.
That was really eloquent. Keep up the witty antics, Susie.
Posted by: Miranda | 31 July 2008 at 04:43
From one heather grey jersey lover to another, I salute you Susie Bubble.
Posted by: Aja | 31 July 2008 at 05:50
I like to pair mine with really bright brights or an even darker almost stone grey like these -
http://www.simplysoles.com/product/610
Luv
Poochie
Posted by: Princess Poochie | 07 August 2008 at 01:29