Into The Wind

Our temperatures have been very pleasant lately but oh, that wind.

When I saw this little frayed edge white denim jacket at Chico's, I just had to have it.

It will be a summer basic since it can be worn over almost anything when we are in over-air-conditioned spaces such as restaurants.

Some of you have asked for more pictures showing my hairstyle. This is the back after using Wen hair care products for only a couple of days.

This video shows you how my hair is cut.

From The Heart

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.

New Hair Style

My hairstyle gets changed about every six months so yesterday I asked Allison to give me a shorter tousled style that does not need to be blown out straight.

I look a bit rumpled because these photos were taken at the end of a busy day.

I am still getting accustomed to styling my hair differently, but this is much easier!

I wore this Chico's blue tunic and white jeans to have lunch with my sister today. The shoes and sunglasses are from T.J.Max.

Wear It Wednesday ... Hair

After many not so great hairstyle choices, I now have a keeper.

This cut is softly layered around my face with long bangs. I normally tuck most of the sides behind my ears.

I stopped coloring my hair when I turned fifty. I have never missed all those coloring appointments at more than $100 a pop, and I really hated the look of visible roots after such a short period of time. The softness of the natural silver-gray complements my own softer coloring much more than ever applied to my hair.

I use the Jhirmak Silver Plus shampoo at least once a week to keep it from turning dull and yellowish. On a couple of days, I skip the shampoo and just use conditioner. (These photos were taken on one of those days.) My hair and skin are much drier than when I was younger. I have tried a "zillion" shampoos and conditioners at all price points, but Suave is the only one I have found that my scalp doesn't react negatively to.

My hair is wavy by nature, but I blow dry it using a round brush to smooth it into the style you see above. The silver brush is used when not drying my hair, but I rarely think about it for the rest of the day. I don't even carry a brush in my bag.

The red arrow is pointing to the mystery button on many hair dryers. I didn't know until a few years ago what it was for. Turn down the heat to warm and hold the button down to blow cool air to close the cuticles of your hair. It also removes all the heat held in your hair so that you aren't perspiring while putting on your makeup.

Here's the rest of the look for Wear It Wednesday!

The cascading vest is from Covered Perfectly. The white tee and black Capris are from Chico's last year. The black platform sandals are from Kohl's a few years ago.

The Haircut

I visited Hilton Head Island, South Carolina for a few days last week. (It was eighty-two degrees!) While there, I had time to do something I have been needing to do for a couple of weeks. 

Before

Before

As you can see from the before pictures above, I was way past due for a haircut. I have been so busy lately, that I could not take the time to visit my regular stylist at home. 

Erica Warren is a stylist at The Hair Designers in the Village at Wexford on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. She was so kind to work me into her busy schedule on Saturday. She did a great job! My hair has never looked so healthy.

After

After

Erica is a magician with her styling brush and blow dryer!