I can’t remember if it was Tim Gunn or Lloyd Boston who, when detailing the top wardrobe essentials, insisted that every woman must have a signature item of their very own. Think Posh Spice Victoria Beckham and her sky high stilettos. Anna Wintour and her iconic bob. Mariah Carey and her butterflies. Remember when Janet Jackson wore the hoop earring with the key in it all the time? I know, I’m dating myself here, but still, it was her signature.
In another attempt at self-improvement, I’ve decided to become more purposeful in my the choices that I make when it comes to things that I enjoy. I’m creatively choosing things that make me feel good about myself, that subtly leave the impression that, “Hilary was here.”
A lot of books that I’ve read often describe the protagonist associating a particular fragrance with an important person in their life. My neighbor told me that her grandmother always wore Chanel No. 5 and whenever she smells it, she’s instantly transported back to being six years old, watching her grandma spray her pulse points and behind her ears. One of my favorite uncles wears Grey Flannel and I’ve been known to cruise through the men’s fragrance aisle for quick sniff to boost my mood. Over the years, I’ve tried a number of scents: Clinique: Happy, Liz Claiborne: Caylx, Anna Sui: Secret Wish, even one of Britney Spears less nausea inducing perfumes (yeah, I admit it). Recently, I’ve hit upon this:
It’s light, but it stays with me throughout the day. And who doesn’t need a little Chanel in their life?
When it comes to food, I’ve got a savory signature dish and a sweet signature dish, both of which I could probably make with my eyes closed. For something fool-proof and delicious, my dinner dish is chicken piccata with capers served with garlic vermicelli and roasted broccoli.
I love to whip this out when my parents come to visit or if we’re having guests over for the first time. It looks complicated, tastes great, and there is never any leftovers.
And of course, a great meal deserves a great dessert. As my Rockbridge neighbors and others in the circle of the trust know, it’s all about the cake ballz! Yes, with a “Z”, ’cause that’s how I roll.
Mine, sadly, have not a spherical as this, but I think their more lumpy, nugget like appearance is way more charming. I’m only looking at it long enough to say, “Ooohh, cake ballz,” and then it disappears, anyway.
When it comes to accessories, I usually like the way they look on other people. The ropes of pearls and beads, the sleeves of bangles, the carefully placed hair clips? I find them all very cute, but when I try them out – -not all at once — the effect is more reminiscent of me playing in my grandma’s overstuffed closets. This summer, as I rotated through my uniform of layered tanks and skirts, I kept thinking that my outfits were missing something. My other necklaces felt too clunky or just “not right”. A friend of mine came over wearing her own initial around her neck, and I had an “aha!” moment. I have one of those! Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so Karen Sue, consider yourself flattered.
Fastening the “H” necklace makes me feel finished, like what my English professor described as “the box clicking shut”when you come to the end of strong piece of writing.
So, how do you leave your mark in the world, be it the kitchen, the workplace, the bedroom (yes, Mocha Peach, I’m looking at you!)? However you it, I hope it’s with a flourish.