Fashion Book: Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters

I’m revisiting J.D. Salinger this week, reading Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction. It’s probably the least well-known of Salinger’s ouvre, but focuses on the familiar Glass family (whom we’ve seen before  in Franny and Zooey and Nine Stories).  The book is two short stories, each of which first appeared in The New Yorker in the late 1950s. Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters tells the story of Buddy Glass at his older brother Seymour’s ill-fated wedding in 1942. Though we don’t see much of the bride, Muriel, and Seymour doesn’t appear at all, I chose to imagine what Muriel may have worn on her wedding day.

First, a beautiful gown that’s simple, but struck me as something elegant and vintage-inspired:

Vivienne Westwood Opuntia corseted gown

Next, a lovely, simple engagement ring:

Conroy & Wilcox .35 Carat Round Rose Cut Diamond Ring {via Black, White, Denim, Grey}

And then, the accessories:

Bella Bridal Veils blusher birdcage veil with beading

Lanvin Pouchette Oulala Mariage satin clutch

And finally, the shoes:

Christian Louboutin Bigorno 100 satin pumps

Perhaps the “real” Muriel would never have been able to afford these extravagantly elegant wedding items (especially in wartime New York), but I like to dream big and think beautiful.