Did you go boldly into middle age without skipping a beat? Not I!
Most of these photos were taken yesterday as I carried out my usual Friday responsibilities. I had no meetings or appointments, so I could throw on a pair of jeans and a tank with a black linen biker jacket and a pair of sandals.
Personal style is the interpretation of a suggestion.
And then there is this.
The photo above was taken in 2010, shortly before I turned fifty-four. I weighed about forty-five pounds more than I do now. I was very sick and suffering from deep depression. I was still traumatized that I had turned fifty a few years before and couldn't figure out how to dress for this new phase of life. I thought I had to follow a new set of rules and wear different clothes as I aged. That depressed me even more! I wanted to dress age-appropriate, but I knew no guidebook for that.
I also wrongly believed that gaining weight was part of the aging journey. The aches, pains, health problems, and a weak immune system that came along with the weight gain were also attributed to the process of aging.
I gave away all my jeans and high heels in my late forties because I thought I needed to dress for this new stage of life in a different way or risk looking foolish.
I remember standing in a shoe store looking at a fierce pair of strappy high-heeled sandals and wanting with all my heart just to wear those shoes one more time. An evil little, wretched voice in my head whispered, "You are too old for those."
I realize today that depression and weight gain were part of a grieving process. I was mourning the loss of the person I wanted to continue being.
I will turn sixty in a few months, but I am not depressed about that milestone. The difference is my attitude mixed with a bit of wisdom. I know now that I can keep my lifelong personal style with a few tweaks.
I am wearing an old black linen biker-style jacket from Express. The Erin London silver-gray tank top is from the Marble Lion boutique located in the Inn at Biltmore Estate. The jeggings are from Chico's last year.
The bag is by Zac Posen via Saks Off 5th. The shoes are by Sam Edelman via Nordstrom a couple of years ago.
I went to see my friend and stylist this week. She gave me a fresh chrome mixed with pearl glaze and a trim. I am good to go for another five weeks.
Rock on, sisters! We've got this!
Your post this morning is the perfect antidote for the weather here in norther NJ!
ReplyDeleteNancy
I love this post. I unfortunately had let myself go way back in my 30s and wasted 20 years being overweight and frumpy. Then I had a health scare at 51 which had me make some major changes. It's been slow but I was nearly 100 lbs overweight (goodness I've never admitted that out loud before) I'm down 60 lbs from my highest weight and have about 35 more to go. I started working out with a personal trainer last summer and LOVE it! First time really doing something for me. I am feeling so much better, strong and more confident. I am slowly developing a personal style. Your blog has been a great inspiration...Although I wish I could rock those heels but I have arthritis in my knees. Keep posting as I look forward to reading each day!
ReplyDeleteYou look great Susan You give me inspiration.
ReplyDeleteYou -- and all the other wonderful blogs for femmes d'un certain age -- are right. There is a huge need for blogs just like yours to show how older women can look fresh, au courant and beautiful -- just maybe not like a 16-year-old. Thank you for sharing your highs and lows. You come across like a friend sharing wonderful secrets! Have a lovely weekend. Looking forward to Monday's blog with your weekend ramblings with Mr. M!
ReplyDeleteSusan....I have been following you for some time, but never left a comment! I have to, today! I LOVE this picture of your color and cut in today's post!! I have been considering letting my hair go "natural," but my stylist talked me into continuing to cover the roots with blonde! I am a decade older than you !! and would like to, at least, try the natural look! I'm so curious about this "chrome and pearl glaze" that you mention!? Your stylist has got the perfect "do" or you!! She "rocks" too! Thank you for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I discovered your blog. After I retired from my teaching job my "bold" look consisted of ill fitting jeans and over sized t-shirts. I had gained weight and gotten flabby. That, combined with a lowered income convinced me that I didn't care what I looked like as long as I was comfortable so why invest in new clothes. Recently I lost 10 pounds and was going to see my sisters for Christmas so wanted to spruce up a bit. I discovered jeggings and tunics which were perfect for my long skinny legs and short, flabby waistline. I've been feeling foolish for wearing a style I thought was inappropriate for my age. Then a few days ago I discovered you! I've gone through almost every old post and have learned so much. Thank you, thank you for sharing your journey.
ReplyDeleteI responded to your blue/white post, but don't see it posted anywhere. I've never done this before so don't know what I'm doing. I'll keep trying.
I do like your current style! I am 61 and with your help and a few other boogs I feel I look stylish not foolishnor frumpy. Will you be make ng any personal speaking appearances in Virginia near Hampton Roads? My girlfriends would love to meet your u.
ReplyDeleteLorraine Watkins, I lived in Virgina Beach for twenty years! I would love to come home for a speaking engagement anytime. I just need an invitation!
ReplyDeleteSo love this. I started a strength training program about one month ago. At almost 59, I had my doubts I could accomplish this. Now I am able to do more than I ever thought posdible. Attitude is such a big part of any change. Thank you for your inspiration.
ReplyDeleteYour current look is really timeless. Someone 20+ years younger could wear it and feel & look great!
ReplyDeleteJust stunning. And, I swear, that other picture must be your mother, not you.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, it is downright blustery in Asheville today. Seems I brought New York weather south.
Congratulations on your upcoming milestone birthday. Straight forward, no fear. You are a bright light.
ReplyDeleteAs always I enjoy all your posts and love how you share your tips together with your very brave pics and comments of where you go wrong. I learn so much from not what went right but also what went wrong. Keep up the good work and being 60 will be a breeze.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite outfits and looks for you...and I can't believe you will be 60! You have such a youthful appearance and I love your classy outfits!
ReplyDeleteI'm 64, work out 5 days a week and garden like a fool. I also volunteer and keep my whole extended family together with family traditions. The worst thing you can do is give up and sit down! I'm not the most stylish person due to my outdoor avocation (not what you would call the genteel gardener!!) but when I do clean up I enjoy combining all my outfits in different ways and buying trendy accessories. I love your
ReplyDeleteshoes, Susan, but due to foot problems could not wear them for long. Oh well, there's always a wedge, I can do some of those...attitude is everything!
No matter how many times I see a "before" and "after" photo of you, I continue to be amazed!! You look fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI had a corporate job and always dressed well for that but my out of office clothes were frumpy to say the least! I had no idea, but since I've retired blogs like yours have really helped me in finding my style. I could lose a little weight, but feel and look,so mch better. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSusan, thank you for sharing your "ROCK ON!" view on life with all of us who are paddling in the same boat.!!!! You have been such a huge help for me with my wanting to stay fifty not frumpy , but now i am so past that and am rocking in my 60's!!
ReplyDeletethank you, thank you thank you!!!
I married in my late 50s and believed it was my time for dressing my age. I bought what I thought suited the Married Lady image. Of course, it didn't take long for me to realise the look wasn't me, the clothes I'd bought were for some other lady who'd always dressed that way. So now I've switched back to wearing just what is me, the style I've had all my life, with a few little tweaks to suit my more mature body, changing lifestyle and current styles. I'm back to being me and my hubby has got back the woman he fell for!
ReplyDeleteLoving your blog, as always, and loving Myra's work
Susan. I too have been followingredients you for some time. I love this hairstyle so much for you. I've been trying to post myself to instagram accounts but it too seems like an outlet for 20 somethings. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this blog! I have been lurking for a few years and will be turning 53 this year. While my husband and I are very active, I have gained 20+ pounds in the last 3-4 years. It is incredibly discouraging to weigh this much and not be able to feel comfortable in clothes any longer. I have made a promise to myself to change eating habits and increase exercise in the coming months. Even signed up for a Half Marathon with my high school besties! Something has got to change...you are my inspiration!
ReplyDeleteBeen loving your bog and the new Blobs. Tell me more about your "chrome"? Not sure what this is. I'm in the process of going gray. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Kim, My stylist creates the combination that is the right tone for my hair. She leaves it on for only a few minutes before the shampoo. A hair glaze, similar to a gloss, is temporary. They can be clear to just add shine or have some pigment to complement the tone of the hair color. Unlike a gloss, a glaze does not contain peroxide or ammonia. It simply coats or sits on top of the hair.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! Great haircut! I'm 51 today (woohoo!) and was diagnosed with breast cancer in August. I just finished radiation last week and my hair is slowly growing back after months of chemo. My interest in style and clothes are signs of LIFE!! I love reading your blog and enjoying this stage of life. Thanks for posting your fun and happy style. I have bought several pieces that you have suggested and feel great in them! I teach at a university and want to be stylish and up-to-date but have to dress professionally. Your blog helps! Thanks again for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI am so grateful for your posts. You bless me! When you put in your blog, "Rock on, sisters, we got this!" This just made me smile and gave me a little pep talk! Thank you thank you thank you! You are a treasure!
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