What were your 30's and 40's like?
Those were the saddest two decades of my life. I cried a river and spent most of that time working two jobs and was usually alone. Shortly before I turned fifty, my life changed dramatically. That's when I met Mr. Mickey at a neighborhood Christmas party. He is my best friend, strongest supporter, and the greatest adventure partner ever. I stopped coloring my hair and lost more than forty-five pounds after a lifetime of yo-yo dieting. (I've kept it off!)
Some may say that at almost 58, I should be wearing elastic waist pants and comfy shoes. I think not! This is the best time of my life, so I am going to dress for the occasion. While I love the current trends and street style looks the younger crowd wears, I will be making that look my own in a more polished and sophisticated way.
Our little pocket digital camera doesn't take the best pictures, but it is always handy when we need it. The not so great quality pictures have prompted some of you to ask if I use Photoshop. I don't, and these pictures prove it!
Since hair and makeup are also a part of the look, I thought I would let the camera come in close for a change.
I like a clean blended natural look for makeup and hair. I don't want anything to look as if I tried too hard. The eye shadow colors are always the same, just a little more dramatic for the evening. The lip color will be redder if I am wearing a red top. Otherwise, the lip color will be very close to my natural lip color.
Makeup is all about enhancing your best features. Obviously, I have not had any work done. Not that there is anything wrong with that, it just isn't for me.
When I wear a dramatic necklace, I wear small earrings. If I wear bold earrings, I skip the necklace. I wear sunglasses almost all the time when I am outside. (Blue eyes are sensitive to bright light.)
If you are going through a tough time right now, please believe me when I say there will be a better day. Keep your head up and move on to the next chapter. The best years of your life may be coming up.
29 comments:
Ahhh.....sweet post! I spent my 20's and 30's mostly the same way. I met my Mr. Picky Eater when I was 42 and now at almost 52, I know that it was totally worth the wait and the tears and the years! :) I always tell people to not worry if they haven't found someone special who treats them well - my mother has found love 3 times in her lifetime and out lived each one of her husbands, two of which were my dads (biological and adoptive) and the last gentleman she loved, she met at age 72! There's always hope!
You are an inspiration. When I look in my closet, I often think, what would Susan wear? You are keeping it real and has taught me to embrace my age and not fight it.
Thanks Susan! You look beautiful and I'm so glad that you've found happiness in this stage of life.....afterall, happiness and a smile are the best beauty enhancers of all!
I love your blog, and your honesty. You are truly an inspiration (as another commenter said) - thank you for making my fifties better!
This is a great post. Thanks for being so open with us.
Thank you Susan for being an inspiration. You always look great. You make me want to try.
What a fantastic post!! I am almost 47 and admit being anxious about turning 50. Our 30s and 40s are tough...it's true. I am now looking forward to 50 with excitement! You are such an inspiration.
Just as a side note, I did not realize I took your blog off my blog roll. I remember messing around with it because your blog won't update on my roll and I was trying to fix it. I thought I had put it back but I guess I didn't. So sorry!
Thank you for this wonderful post, Susan!
Susan,
Your post couldn't be more timely. It is as if you were talking directly to me. Thank you so much for the encouraging words. I just may be able to get through the rest of the day intact.
You are such an inspiration, Susan! I love how you and Mr Mickey enjoy your life in a natural way, looking at the small things and pleasures in life!
Annette | Lady of Style
Susan,
Your are a real sweetheart! I wish you always the best!
-K
I've had some hard times in the past but am very happy and have a great life now. Every decade has challenges. As I approach the 70's (yikes, how did that happen) I still like to dress stylish and will not be wearing elastic waist pants. We just have to pick pieces that fit well, are flattering and make us feel good. I've learned so much for your blog and appreciate all your tips.
Thanks. I needed those words today.
My "difficult times " are upon me, dealing with the love of my life suffering with AD. (Alzheimer's)You are an inspiration not just to me but to so many. My 30,s, 40's and 50's were wonderful years and though we can never retrieve years past, we can look forward. Because of you I am on an adventure to lose the 40 or so pounds of stress. Thanks for your motivational & positive outlook.So glad to have found you.
FR
Thank you, Susan, for your post today. It is especially meaningful. Your positive spirit and philosophy comes through in all your messages and is always a welcome sight in my inbox!
Why so much emphasis in this post about looks, makeup and fashion? I was looking forward t reading about your inner journey and instead you talk about lipstick color? Disappointing. Yes improving your appearance is great and a mood booster but I was hoping that for once you would go a little deeper.
Sorry anonymous I don't have all the answers for you. Each person has to work through their own life trials. I won't bore you with all the details.
This was a lovely post. You are always so positive. Reading the comments, life is about ups and downs and it's how we get through it that makes us who we are.
Now the lip colour you have on is gorgeous. Would you mind sharing the brand and colour? Thank you, Nuts4dogs
The lip color I am wearing is the color Americana, Age Defying+ Lipcolor from Merle Norman.
Hang in there Susan. You are the first thing I read in the am before my 7mile walk. Some people will never get it. You are inspiring to so many of us.Great post today.
You are a wonderful inspiration! I'm so glad I found your blog!
I just turned 58 and I think I need to start my change! I look at pictures of myself and just do not like what I see! I was tiny for so long (until I was 40) then something happened!(Middle Age perhaps) I am still short but not so tiny! I hope my journey is as successful as yours!
It's funny how a lot of people have commented about looking for your posts first thing in the mornings! So do I!
Thank You!
I loved this post and enjoy your blog so much. I don't feel you need to "go deeper" as another poster said. I'm your age and at a good spot in life. I need some help finding things that are age appropriate and your blog helps with that. One of girls is getting married next year and I don't want to be a fifty-frumpy mother of the bride!
You are an inspiration! Thank You!
Thank-you for sharing. Love your style and inspiration. We all have a journey and am happy to hear of happy endings!
Thanks Susan for all of your encouragement. I can tell you are beautiful from the inside out.
This is indeed an inspiring post. I have a sign that hangs in our bedroom that says "It's never too late to live happily ever after". You are living proof of that adage. I'm so glad you have Mr Mickey along for your journey.
For those of you who want to know more about the sadness of my past http://fiftynotfrumpy.blogspot.com/2011/01/what-villa.html
I am about to be 40 and I love this blog! I hope to be as stylish as you when I am your age, or heck, even now! :) Thanks for sharing your story. I met my husband at age 35 and got married (for the first and last time) at age 37! My late 30's have been such a great time in my life and I am certain that, as you show on your blog, things will only get better!
Thank you for that boost of encouragement. I am coming out of sad times now and am encouraged by the thought that my 60s may be my best years yet. Say a prayer for me, will you? Continued blessings to you
This post touched my soul...I was in tears. Thanks for the hope, Susan. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
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