Wednesday, January 18, 2017

E Plaidibus Unum

E pluribus unum. You recognize the ubiquitous slogan printed on the money in your pocket. Translated from Latin, it means, "out of many, one."  
Blackwatch plaid, the particular pattern/color scheme in this dress, originated in Scotland in the 1800s, but its appeal is univeral.
An offical part of the Great Seal of the United States, the phrase is representative of the foundation on which this country was built. We are all in this together, regardless of our different beliefs, backgrounds and circumstances. And, at the end of the day, it is my sincere hope that our common humanity will always unite us.
The vintage1960s hatbox demonstrates the timelessness of classic plaid, still popular today. It never goes out of style.
As challenging as that may be to believe in our current, politically divisive environment, we must remember to focus on those things we have in common, however small. Not to trivailize the challenges ahead, let's take plaid as an example. Surely, we can all agree on plaid. 
Hat (Betmar, Nordstrom Rack); Jacket (Joseph Ribkoff, eBay); Leopard haircalf belt (Ralph Lauren); Pear and crystal statement necklace (Etsy); Dress (British Retro)
Perhaps no pattern has more universal appeal and longevity. Think about it. Hipsters wear plaid. Prepsters wear plaid. Farmers wear plaid. Catholic school kids wear plaid. Babies wear plaid. My Grandpa wears plaid.
Monogrammed shoe clips in blackwatch plaid are uniquely preppy accents (from Etsy) that spice up leopard haircalf Ralph Lauren shoes.
Plaid crosses generational, racial, educational, and economic boundaries. Plaid is timeless. In plaid we trust. All for plaid and plaid for all. E plaidibus unum. 
I've been wearing plaid my whole life, and this dress in particular, styled differently, for three years.
Though it originated in Scotland, plaid is as much an integral part of American culture today as pizza. Or French fries. Note that neither of these originated in the US, either, and yet they are quintessentially American. Because that's who we are. A nation of many, united as one. Wearing plaid.
Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!
You may also like these plaid posts:
 

1 comment:

  1. Those shoes are amazing! And another "safety pin purse"! I agree, classic plaid never dates. You look fabulous. xx

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