Sunday, May 3, 2009

On Rompers

This romper phenomenon has taken awhile to catch hold of me. At first they just didn't seem to drape right. Then I started having flashbacks to my rowing days and memories of uncomfortable unisuits (because my torso is long and it took me too many years to discover that I could have an extra inch sewn in).

While perusing the Thursday Styles last week and analyzing an image of a Philip Lim jumpsuit, I suddenly realized the basis for my aversion - a photo at the end of my parents hallway. It is probably the summer in between fifth and sixth grades, so my sister is in second grade. A white cotton romper (that my mom thought was adorable) that was so uncomfortable because the torso was too short and I didn't know how to describe that uncomfortableness. Purple ribbon tied around the waist because the plain white belt was too boring. My chubby knees and thighs (because I am kneeling) stare out at me and still haunt me to this day. In reality I know that I don't have chubby knees, but this experience has somehow scarred my middle school self.

After I looked at this modern, grown-up version I suddenly understood. Rompers can be elegant, comfortable, effortless .. and still chic at the same time (and can also be found to accomodate my torso length).

Now that I will eternally regret having passed on the Mayle Josie romper, I am trying to decide between a few different versions. Any suggestions?