Thrift Shopping for Jordan Baker 🛍️

A fun exercise and, maybe, a lesson on characterization.

Like many genzennials, I consider thrift shopping a key part of my identity. Every once in a while, as I scroll through Depop or scour one of LA’s great secondhand stores, I spot something that reminds me of the wonderful, made-up people I spend so much time with: characters.

In this edition of Life Lives, I’m introducing a new series in which I will thrift shop for some of my favorite literary figures. Some would say this is a silly exercise, and to them, I would say, Listen:

Common Writing Advice says that you should know every last detail about your characters—even the details that will never appear in the text. How do they take their coffee? Which side of the bed do they prefer? Where do they most want to visit in this world?

For me, this minutiae has never felt particularly fun or revelatory. I’m much more motivated by an interactive exercise. What if I dress like the character? What if I spend a day walking in their shoes? What if I visit a place I think they would love?

For example, in a recent interview, author R.O. Kwon said she learned ballet, photography, and choreography to better understand the characters in her new novel, Exhibit.

“I took ballet classes, photo classes, and a choreography class. I already loved looking at photos and watching dance; I read at length about both, and interviewed dancers and visual artists.”

While there’s no replacement for research, I do think exercises like shopping for a character or learning to pirouette may help us write with embodiment—or a deep understanding of our characters' physicality.

But shopping for people who aren’t my imaginary people? Well, that’s just fun.

Since I always have Gatsby on the brain, this inaugural post is all about Jordan Baker—a selfish, hypnotic, stylish, confident, and complicated young woman.

Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald describes JB as a shrewd “boyish” person who carries herself with an air of superiority. So, on this little shopping spree, I wanted to give that (flaps hands) ~vibe~ a 2024 twist. Without further delay, let’s spend some imaginary money.

Jordan Baker

''She was a slender, small-breasted girl, with an erect carriage, which she accentuated by throwing her body backward at the shoulders like a young cadet.”

For the Tennis Court

Sometimes, I wish I played golf purely for the aesthetics. (Ah, those cheeky skirts!) For Jordan’s outfit, I headed straight to TheRealReal and looked up vintage Prada sportswear. I now present to you some very fun, very overpriced golf attire—although I do think this outfit would be great for Pickleball, too.

Won’t JB look chic while she’s cheating her way across the golf green?

For a Party at Gatsby’s

Oh, this was fun. I wanted to give Jordan an updated flapper look so I looked for something short with tassels—you know, to really pay homage to the time period. I then found these gaudy-gorgeous LV sneakers that will only set her back $400. These shoes are also a responsible podiatric choice. Since Jordan is an athlete, I want her to be comfortable while she’s dancing and drinking. No high heels.

For Lunch in the City With Nick

I like this trend of putting two adjectives together on a hat to express your full personality. I think mine would say “Introverted & Needy” or “Hungry & Sassy,” but for JB, “Sporty & Chic” feels apt. (Although, “Bad Driver” would be an incredible message for a baseball cap.)

I also decided that she would be an early adopter of the wearing-boxers-as-shorts trend. I’m hoping this movement will eventually result in the ideal scenario of all of us wearing pajamas all the time and calling it fashion.

Thank you for reading! Tell me, what would your two-adjective cap say?

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Reading: Find Me, Laura van den Berg

Watching: Better Call Saul

Eating: Pumpkin bread