I sometimes lament not living in a walkable city because it’s so much easier to wear allll your clothes when a quick walk to the corner bodega for Colombian roses and cinnamon sticks feels like an opportunity to get dressed, something that doesn’t happen as often in the deafening silence of the suburbs in the era of Instacart.
I was a latchkey kid in the ‘80’s, and wore my keys on a string around my neck for most of elementary school. My friends and I would go to a favorite store that sold silk cording (probably by the yard). We would pick our three favorite colors and braid them together so our key necklaces were a little fancy and represented us as individuals. I might have to revisit a key on a necklace look as well!
This is so spot on. You never feel foolish when you understand your rationale for doing something (the keys ) and you can explain it (to no one but yourself) and through that ease comes a way of wearing something that for some may be a trend (someone w keys but no car) and for others, it just “is”. Also that skirt - memories. That was the season I did my first big full skirt I loved it so much. I think that’s from around 2004
Thank you for this—it’s such a thoughtful way to put it. That ease really does come from understanding why something feels right for you, beyond trends or explanations. And yes, that skirt! 2004 feels like a lifetime ago and just yesterday all at once.
Love your style, love this quote which, yes, I have also felt: ”Not to go off on a tangent, but don’t you resent constantly feeling suspicious or defensive whenever you read fashion content, scanning for cues of paid promotion? I don’t mind being sold something; I just want to know when I’m being sold something.”
Thank you! And yes, it’s a feeling I can’t shake off. i was talking about it with a friend who also loves fashion and she thinks it’s all a simulation. We both want to remain hopeful but sometimes it is hard😫
Oh I love this! and really love the idea that something personal and functional and specific to YOU imbues that piece/look with something special that can’t be marketed!! I have a skeleton key to the living room of my grandmother’s home (was sold when she passed) and I was fascinated by the key when I was little, suddenly I want to throw it on my own keys just to be able to touch/hold when I am out and about. Thank you, running to grab it from my little memory box now 💗💗
Thank you so much for sharing this. It’s exactly why I write—bringing these kinds of memories and connections to the surface is what keeps me going. There’s something so powerful about how personal objects, like a key, can carry a story that’s deeply specific to you. It’s a reminder of why I love fashion—it’s not just about clothes or accessories but the layers of meaning we bring to them. I love that you’re reaching for your grandmother’s key now; it’s like carrying a little piece of her story with you. That’s everything.
Love talismans…your post made me remember all the special keys in my life…where are they?? made me wish I had kept them. I would like to wear my grandparents Pyrenees farmhouse key from the 19th century right now♥️
My high school saw all the cool girls tucking a very specific surf-shop key chain into the waistband of our uniform skorts, with keys hanging out. Everyone who was everyone kept their books in the trunk of their car and hung out in the parking lot between free periods. If you were cool enough to have this privilege, you obviously showed it off with your keys. This took me back!! Xx
Thank you for this, Jennifer. I can see it so clearly! It’s amazing how something like a keychain could say so much and hold such a specific memory. That’s what I love most: how small, personal details like this become markers of a time and place. So glad this took you back!
Ah! As a former NYC dweller who is now a toddler mom of two living in a rural area, I can relate to sometimes lamenting living in a walkable city. It gave my wardrobe more…purpose? Exposure? Air? A quick trip to the country store now feels like an occasion for dressing to me, and I’m only walking 20 feet from my SUV into the store and grabbing some bananas and bread. But that’s a story worth telling too. Nothing like little hands to hold and hair to braid to spotlight the importance of functionality.
I love these looks so much. As someone who can regularly leave the house with nothing but a key I loved seeing you style this but (perhaps even more) I love practical objects as accessories. I haven’t bought one of the fun phone chains but I understand and appreciate it.
Bravo! There are all these subconscious thoughts that bend our smallest to most weighty decisions. I think Miu Miu was whispering in my ear when I chose braided parachute cord key rings (with the spring-loaded fishing line) as the stocking stuffers this Christmas.
Love this post, full of personal experiences, it’s so clear and so simple when you need your hands free to hug your kids. Small details of the strong personal attitude. I think it’s a must read for all modern marketeers.
I love how you take something and riff on it. I started off thinking, yes, I need to attach my keys to my belt loops, and then had to think about the cultural and emotional significance of keys. Always grateful to you for digging deep.
I absolutely adored reading this. I did not want it to end. I'll probably be thinking of your connection of Chavarria and your mention of homes we never return to and doors we never get to open for days or months to come.
I was a latchkey kid in the ‘80’s, and wore my keys on a string around my neck for most of elementary school. My friends and I would go to a favorite store that sold silk cording (probably by the yard). We would pick our three favorite colors and braid them together so our key necklaces were a little fancy and represented us as individuals. I might have to revisit a key on a necklace look as well!
Please do! And please show me! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story💚〰️
This is so spot on. You never feel foolish when you understand your rationale for doing something (the keys ) and you can explain it (to no one but yourself) and through that ease comes a way of wearing something that for some may be a trend (someone w keys but no car) and for others, it just “is”. Also that skirt - memories. That was the season I did my first big full skirt I loved it so much. I think that’s from around 2004
Thank you for this—it’s such a thoughtful way to put it. That ease really does come from understanding why something feels right for you, beyond trends or explanations. And yes, that skirt! 2004 feels like a lifetime ago and just yesterday all at once.
Love your style, love this quote which, yes, I have also felt: ”Not to go off on a tangent, but don’t you resent constantly feeling suspicious or defensive whenever you read fashion content, scanning for cues of paid promotion? I don’t mind being sold something; I just want to know when I’m being sold something.”
Thank you! And yes, it’s a feeling I can’t shake off. i was talking about it with a friend who also loves fashion and she thinks it’s all a simulation. We both want to remain hopeful but sometimes it is hard😫
Oh I love this! and really love the idea that something personal and functional and specific to YOU imbues that piece/look with something special that can’t be marketed!! I have a skeleton key to the living room of my grandmother’s home (was sold when she passed) and I was fascinated by the key when I was little, suddenly I want to throw it on my own keys just to be able to touch/hold when I am out and about. Thank you, running to grab it from my little memory box now 💗💗
Thank you so much for sharing this. It’s exactly why I write—bringing these kinds of memories and connections to the surface is what keeps me going. There’s something so powerful about how personal objects, like a key, can carry a story that’s deeply specific to you. It’s a reminder of why I love fashion—it’s not just about clothes or accessories but the layers of meaning we bring to them. I love that you’re reaching for your grandmother’s key now; it’s like carrying a little piece of her story with you. That’s everything.
Love talismans…your post made me remember all the special keys in my life…where are they?? made me wish I had kept them. I would like to wear my grandparents Pyrenees farmhouse key from the 19th century right now♥️
My high school saw all the cool girls tucking a very specific surf-shop key chain into the waistband of our uniform skorts, with keys hanging out. Everyone who was everyone kept their books in the trunk of their car and hung out in the parking lot between free periods. If you were cool enough to have this privilege, you obviously showed it off with your keys. This took me back!! Xx
Thank you for this, Jennifer. I can see it so clearly! It’s amazing how something like a keychain could say so much and hold such a specific memory. That’s what I love most: how small, personal details like this become markers of a time and place. So glad this took you back!
Ah! As a former NYC dweller who is now a toddler mom of two living in a rural area, I can relate to sometimes lamenting living in a walkable city. It gave my wardrobe more…purpose? Exposure? Air? A quick trip to the country store now feels like an occasion for dressing to me, and I’m only walking 20 feet from my SUV into the store and grabbing some bananas and bread. But that’s a story worth telling too. Nothing like little hands to hold and hair to braid to spotlight the importance of functionality.
Definitely a story worth telling too! Thank you for sharing yours. 💚
I love these looks so much. As someone who can regularly leave the house with nothing but a key I loved seeing you style this but (perhaps even more) I love practical objects as accessories. I haven’t bought one of the fun phone chains but I understand and appreciate it.
Maybe we should do a keychain edit!!!
As always with you, so rich with emotion and ideas to cherish 😘 I am inspired and moved
Thank you, dear Rachel💚〰️🐬
Sublime!!!!! Adore thèse looks 👏👏👏👏👏👏💯🔑🗝️
Thank you so much〰️🐬💚
Bravo! There are all these subconscious thoughts that bend our smallest to most weighty decisions. I think Miu Miu was whispering in my ear when I chose braided parachute cord key rings (with the spring-loaded fishing line) as the stocking stuffers this Christmas.
B r i l l i a n t ! Yours are the gift guides I’d like to read!
Love this post, full of personal experiences, it’s so clear and so simple when you need your hands free to hug your kids. Small details of the strong personal attitude. I think it’s a must read for all modern marketeers.
Thank you for always supporting me, dear Yuliya!
I love how you take something and riff on it. I started off thinking, yes, I need to attach my keys to my belt loops, and then had to think about the cultural and emotional significance of keys. Always grateful to you for digging deep.
Thank you, Louise🙏🏾💚🐬🔑
I carry a zillion keys for my job. Everyone knows I'm in the office because of my jingle jangle!
I feel naked when I wear pants that don't accommodate my carabiner!
I absolutely adored reading this. I did not want it to end. I'll probably be thinking of your connection of Chavarria and your mention of homes we never return to and doors we never get to open for days or months to come.
And of course as you only do, you made the keychain an object of affection beyond utility. Made me think as to why I use a lariat for my car key.
Absolutely