Photo Circa 1984

When I was about preschool age my mother was working for a Frenchwoman named Solange Cody, who owned Cody Couture, a sewing studio overlooking M Street in Georgetown. It was where the elite of Washington, D.C. went to have their beautiful clothes made and altered. I was there a lot more than I was in preschool and I loved it. All the rolls of fabric, bins of buttons, colorful spools of thread were everywhere in this small studio always enticing me. There, I learned how to thread a needle before I could say my ABCs.

The best part about being there was my relationship with Ms. Cody. She did not like children but she loved me. She is the reason why I love Georgetown and boutiques today. Whenever I was there she would take me up and down Wisconsin Avenue or M Street dipping in and out of shops, delivering clothes, picking up lunch, or buying me little snacks. I loved exploring the neighborhood with her. We skipped the whole way laughing and holding hands. We must have been a sight; me, a tiny brown button with little puff balls trying to keep up, and her, this amazon-esque pale blonde woman who looked way too regal to be skipping down any street. Anyway, I don’t have any pictures with the infamous Solange Cody but here’s one she took of my mother and me in the sewing studio that shaped my love for everything beautiful.

Comments

[andrea]

I loved Strawberry Shortcake. Forgive me.

[Derilyn]

Great story! Sounds similar to part of my childhood. My parents owned a bookstore and sold fine art. I was there everyday after school from about the age of 4. It's beautiful how these defining moments shape who we are.

[Naim]

I agree with Rahil.. but what's up with the doll baby? My girl looks real good in this pic.. You look cute also Andrea

[rahil]

i love this photo and the story!