Living in Sarah Liller
My approach to the modern, feminine, grown-up uniform.
As a tech professional, I want to be taken seriously. I want to stand in a room and command respect, to have my ideas heard and arguments debated. And, no matter what anyone says, what you wear plays a part.
For years I have longed for a uniform. Something as iconic as Steve Jobs’ black turtleneck or as simple as Mark Zuckerberg’s gray t-shirt. Something in the spirit of the vest Diane Keaton wore in “Annie Hall”, but with fewer layers. Something that doesn’t remind me of a school girl uniform. A solution that reduces mental load, is machine washable, and has pockets. (Why is it so hard for women to get clothing with pockets?)
The TL;DR
I’ve found it. I’ve worn it every day for almost a year, and I am done shopping around for other options. This apparel has gone with me to present to executive boards, stood on stage at conferences, sat down to 3-Star Michelin meals, and worked long hours at the office.
Ladies, I would like to introduce you to Sarah Liller SF.
The Gal Making the Makers Uniform
This heroin of hemlines happens to be a friend of mine. Her stalwart approach to making clothes that are unabashedly feminine and functional sets her apart, and brings me back to buy again and again.
This comes from a person who doesn’t like to shop for clothes. At all. Ever.
When Sarah asked me to try on a dress at her studio for the first time, I was a good friend and dutifully put it on. It was instantly my favorite thing. I took it home immediately, and contacted her shortly after for more of the same in other colors (and a few more in black). I was even brave enough to try on a jumpsuit (featured at the top) because I trusted implicitly that it would fit.
The Backdrop for What is Really Important: You
As a women in the workplace, I am often confronted by advertisements and encouragements to appear appealing, splurge on the latest looks, and to show up wearing something new every day.
I reject this premise. For now I am going to keep it simple, spend less time accumulating clothing, and to get more out of what I own.
These clothes are a canvas, and in them I plan to take over the world.
ps. I would be remiss if I did not give a shout out to a lovely women who has helped me over several decades, without whose advice I would never have given Sarah’s apparel a shot. The lovely Victoria Hitchcock has helped me understand that things do go out of style, that I should never wear yellow near my face, and to try new things. Thank you.
