Fashion Book–A Moveable Feast

A Moveable Feast tells of Ernest Hemingway’s early years in Paris–of the writers he knew (James Joyce, Ezra Pound, Gertrude Stein, Scott Fitzgerald), the writing he did, and the trips he took. It’s a portrait of a bygone era, an era that spawned the image of a starving writer as a beautifully romantic notion. It’s also the story of a young couple in love, idealistic and “very poor and very happy.” Hemingway’s first wife, Hadley, is a peripheral but strong presence throughout the essays. Though her personality wasn’t as strong as  Zelda Fitzgerald’s,  it’s clear Hemingway loved her dearly and respected her (well, up until the end…but I don’t want to give anything away).

It’s an interesting and quick read, though you can’t necessarily trust Hemingway as a narrator (much of the book reads like a 1920s literary edition of In Touch with nasty character sketches of Stein, Fitzgerald, Ford Madox Ford, and others). It makes you yearn to spend a year in Paris, writing and living on bread and wine, hobknobbing with other starving writers until you all make it as legends. Maybe that’s just me. This outfit was inspired by Hadley, who was clearly a fashionista in her time (check out the belted cardigan and gaucho pants!). It’s a classic look with a modern edge, and an outfit she could have worn during a cold Austrian winter, skiing with Papa Hemingway and caring for their son, Mr. Bumby (yes, that was what they called him…they also left him alone as a toddler with a cat as a “babysitter” but again, I’m giving too much away).

Burberry Prorsum Double-Breasted Military Wool Coat

Delia’s Caitlyn chambray shirt

NW3 by Hobbs silk skirt @ John Lewis

Burberry cardigan

FRYE Melissa riding boots

American Apparel over the knee socks

Mulberry Lily leather shoulder bag