Dress, Memory

A charming coming-of-age memoir in which every dress tells a story.

As we grow older, how do we know what to let go of and what to keep?

Lorelei started collecting dresses in her twenties and found that every time she wore one it became more significant to her. From falling in love for the first time to playing in a band, from starting a career to moving overseas, every dress soon had a memory stitched into it, and she became as attached to each one as if they were the events and people themselves.

But what happens when the wardrobe gets full? Should you let go of the dresses you've outgrown, or try to hold on to them forever?

Dress, Memory is about a decade in dresses. Perceptive and poignant, humorous and heartwarming, it's the story of growing up and growing into yourself. It's about trying things on until you find the perfect fit.

Read Caroline Baum's Review

This is a genuinely charming memoir from inside a wardrobe. Using favourite vintage dresses as her theme, the author tries on identities, love affairs, cities and career aspirations through her twenties. Part boho, part career girl, part punk, part romantic, she twirls in front of the mirror in a parade of little frocks, self-absorbed, insecure, dreamy and ambitious. Her writing style is likeably effervescent with a touch of the ingénue but without being annoyingly gushy as she wanders the world searching for herself.

About the Author

Lorelei Vashti is a Melbourne-based writer and editor. She is a contributor to the popular 'Women of Letters' series, has written for and been profiled in many magazines, and used to write a television column for the Fairfax press. Her blog is called 'Dress, Memory'.