> CD #63: The job you want
Although popular culture has become increasingly incomprehensible to me as I age, I still enjoy watching award ceremonies for the fashion and pageantry. And while the Oscars are generally considered the biggest night of the year (even when there is no controversy), I’m partial to the Grammys because the vibe—and the fashion—seems so much cooler. To be honest, I’ve never wanted to dress like a Hollywood star, but to look like a musician… well, that is the dream.
I am, of course, ridiculously far from this aspiration. In fact, I could literally be carrying a musical instrument and still not be mistaken for a musician. For reals.
A couple weeks ago, when I was flying from LAX to Austin, the nice young man in the seat next to mine helped me place my ukulele in the overhead bin, and then we got to talking about why we were both headed to SXSW. I asked if he was a musician, mostly because he had “Rebel Scum” embroidered across the back of his jacket and messy hair. Turns out I was right: he makes electronic dance music, and he had all the music for his performance on a USB stick in his pocket.
When I told him I was speaking at the conference, he asked politely, “What will you be talking about? Crypto?” 🤦🏻♀️
I was appalled. It made me question everything about my outward appearance. What was I wearing to give off a crypto vibe? Was it my sneakers?? I later realized it was maybe less a judgment of my look than of the SXSW conference itself, which was indeed inundated with talk of NFTs, but the moment still sort of haunts me. Do I give off a corporate vibe? I mean, I have worked in marketing for 15+ years now. Deep down, am I more copywriter than creative writer? And even when I’m not working at a digital agency, do I look like a person who works at a digital agency? The answer might not be a resounding “yes,” but I also suspect it’s not “no.” A sobering thought.
I should note here that there is absolutely nothing wrong with dressing like you’re in marketing, but it’s just not how I want people to see me anymore because it’s not who I am inside.
But who am I, fundamentally? Well, I’d love to say a musician, but that, again, is a reach. So after some soul-searching—and a little internet-searching—I now think bookcore might just be the most accurate outward manifestation of my essence, as well as something truly attainable for me:
If you attend [bookstore] events regularly, you’ll know what I mean. The crowds are diverse, but there are some reoccurring characters. A few men are always in oversized tweed sport coats, baggy cords, stretched-out Shetland sweaters, and clunky shoes. Some are in Westernwear, but never the full cowboy outfit. Instead, they look like a discerning anthropologist in their bolo tie and Western shirt, or just the cheap jeans with scuffed cowboy boots. Many will be wearing clothes as though they were thrown onto them with a pitchfork: an oversized, raglan-sleeved overcoat paired with fuzzy sweaters, plaid pants, leather fanny packs, padded shoes, and a sprinkling of cat hair. An older man is inexplicably wearing a fishing vest. There’s an immaculately dressed older woman with the most dignified, finely woven shawl draped across her shoulders. And someone who’s unironically wearing a beret.
[…]
Bookcore is not a singular aesthetic, but a collection of aesthetics that can remind you of whatever independent bookstore is near you. For me, the style is rumpled, elegant, comfortable, eclectic, and somewhat granola crunchy. Many of the outfits remind me of Avery Trufleman’s recent tweet: “having style is being unafraid to look totally deranged.”
Now, “independent bookstore patron” may not be widely recognized as a career like musician, actor, or even cartoonist, but to me, it is definitely a lifestyle and possibly also my vocation. And now it can be my look, too!
:) Teresa
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Long live Bookcore.