I never set out to create a Forever Wardrobe, it just sort of slowly evolved. Little by little I noticed that whenever I purged, the things that made the cut were things I could picture myself in when I was older. And now that I am older, I'm glad I did. So the idea just grew from that. For instance when Dani gave me this dress, I knew it'd be in the Forever section of my closet. So while I'd say it took a good amount of time to get to this point I do love it. Some of the common traits that each piece has is that it has to fit perfectly and yet have some room for growth around the middle, which they say is inevitable. So I guess the word forgiving comes to mind. Also, great fabric that will last and be comfortable and for the most part can be laundered at home. Classic styles don't hurt either. While I love the ladies of Advanced Style I know I'll never be one of them. If I'm lucky I'll still be wearing my herringbone jacket at 90 with a pair of jeans. If you want to waste precious time you can look at all my Fashion Over 50 posts right here. Looking back over them I like some and cringe at others but I can definitely see myself in most of it when I'm in my 70's and beyond. So my advice to anyone that is younger reading here would be to hold onto things that you can see yourself growing into. And that's pretty much all there is to it. Plese tell me your wardrobe secrets!
Well my secret is to lose an unsustainable amount of weight, buy a ton of clothes, promptly gain back the weight and be unable to wear them, and then hate them by the time I lose the weight again. So I'll just take notes rather than offer any tips! Is Advanced Style good? It's always a contender in Netflix but I opt for other things.
ReplyDeleteHi Stephen! We've never met but your comment made me crack up. Last year I finally got rid of my very small sized jeans that I have been hanging on to for too many years- and if I ever get to that size again I don't believe that having that Jordache Jeans horse head logo on my butt will be perceived as "stylish" LOL.
DeleteAdvanced Style is great. I like that these people don't let their age hamper their art form-which for them is the art of dressing to the nines. If you are into fashion, it's worth the look IMHO.
Hahaha oh I am so with you. I felt a little seasick when I saw my True Religions with those awful HUGE pockets and the white stitching. Why?!! I looked like Bret Michaels' illegitimate gay brother!
DeleteI'll watch Advanced Style! Thanks
you both are cracking me up! i've not watched the doco, just have seen the website. the women are fierce for sure! i could never pull off their style.
DeleteBret Michaels gay brother isn't illegitimate. Therapy has helped with the huge pocket, white stitching taunts...but only a witness protection program under assumed name can help with a hair band stigma
DeleteStephen I have done exactly what you have said regarding the clothing! Only I got rid of the small things and am back into the large ones again, which I had to re-buy. Oh well, I will try to lose again but not as much this time. I need to be more realistic.
DeleteSA....you are always a bright spot in my day! I have the EXACT same problem!
DeleteI have no wardrobe secrets...I stumble along make mistakes, and learn.
ReplyDeleteI like black, grey and white and keep a modest sized wardrobe due to space and budget constraints.
think I will be wearing jeans forever! Aren't those gals on advanced style gutsy? I could never dress that way...I am far too conservative. I like the Parisian Chic look with minimalist adoration much better. ..simple clean and understated.
i hear you, they are so gutsy! love that about them. plus, you have beautiful style leslie.
DeleteNearly my entire wardrobe is LL Bean for leisure and Brooks Bros for everything else. Fashion wise nothing has changed since I stopped wearing knee pants nor will it change as long as LLB, BB, & GSL roam the earth. I never want to wear anything that immediately catches the eye such as a fun tie but would wear bow ties if they weren't so often worn for effect. If and when the coffers allow, I intend on my dress only noted upon reflection that the shoes are handmade by a world renowned cobbler, the subtle fabrics are of the finest cashmere, tweed, silk, or cotton and the Saville Row or American tailoring is exquisite.
ReplyDelete...should add that suits always single breasted with trousers unpleated and uncuffed to elongate my strapping 5 foot 6 frame...have to admit it pisses me off whenever I am taken for 5'-5"
Deleteoh it all sounds quite sophisticated and dashing g.
DeleteWhen I was in my 20s I spotted a Stan Herman chenille bed jacket that I couldn't pass up. I knew it would be perfect for an old lady and now I am one. After being unused for 40 years I grab it each morning to keep cozy while reading my email in bed! How's that for planning for when you're older? :-)
ReplyDeleteoh that sounds lovely. i did that with a dana buchman silk top too. i kept it all these years and now it's one of my favorite pieces!
DeleteJanet,
ReplyDeleteI just found your instagram. Oh my. I love the little movies when you are walking across your floor and out the screen door and making your bed. Don't know why, but I do.
Your yogo pics are inspiring me. You look even younger and better in the instagram photos. I am inspired to become healthier.
Thanks.
Ann
haha, thanks ann. i prefer the blog to ig only b/c i cannot enlarge everyone's pics and so i can't see all the details!
DeleteMinimalism has been calling my name for a while now-but I never really applied it to my clothing until last year.
ReplyDeleteI did Project 333 and that was fun-and then recently I read this article:
The Science of Simplicity-
http://elitedaily.com/money/science-simplicity-successful-people-wear-thing-every-day/849141/
I LOVE the idea of a uniform-ish everyday type outfit...I do that when I am teaching, but I'd like to visit that approach to the everyday as well-and pare down to my absolute fave of the faves. I know what I like, what looks best ( clear colors, no prints, no green/yellow, modern cuts, no ruffles, no excess jewelry, etc.)
Next year I'll be 60 (!) and I'd like my wardrobe to be more zen like and culled to nothing but things that make me feel great.
I like to sew, but haven't made clothing for a long time. Might be time to revisit that!
We're all a work in progress, aren't we?
yes indeed we are. isn't that great? i'll get on that article right away.
DeleteOk..I take the essence of the people I admire and incorporated that into my own style..think Audrey Hepburn, Yasmeena Rossi and the really cool lady I used to work with. :)
ReplyDeleteI wear black, white, a little hot pink, denim, a little charcoal grey and navy blue. I have touches of silver and brown/camel in my accessories and I go with classics- ballet flats, wrap dress, white shirt with a pencil skirt, jean, simple t shirt and converse on days off - it works for me. I can see myself this way for the rest of my life.I tend to wear more simple clothing- not a lot of pattern to them now and more mono in color. I have my favorite brands of shoes and stores I like to shop at and that's it. I am anything but trendy and I don't want to think about getting dressed. I own a pair of diamond studs, my wedding ring, my anniversary ring, a necklace from my son and a watch. I gave away everything else.
I can tell you what I don't wear- hi heels- I have arthritis and my body just can't handle them anymore. I don't wear sweaters- I just don't like them. I gave away most of my suits after leaving my career of 19 years to pursue something else.
oooo your style sounds so lovely. sometimes i wish i could meet you guys in person and see for myself your style! i only wear kitten heels b/c to me they are the most flattering on my bony legs. lol
DeleteI think we need a meet up. That would be so much fun!!! :)
DeleteI was just thinking that awhile back! Janet has a lot of Southern Cal readers...I myself would definitely make the drive. :)
Deletewe really should. it'd be fun!
DeleteMy style keeps evolving - I get ever more casual and ever more adventurous. Even iconoclastic. So I can't do forever, I just try to do really right for right now.
ReplyDeleteyou do it very well Lisa!
Deletehttp://amidprivilege.com/2013/02/middleaged-ladies-wear-biker-jackets/
i like your style lisa!
DeleteI am so happy for you Janet. The last purge was a beaut for me - what is left is good, though I never say never! I now find myself reaching for simpler styles that are comfortable, but I make room for whimsy in all aspects of my life - from my writing to my house to everything, I can't do the over the top looks either any more (this spoken by someone with gold pants in her wardrobe!). I love the adventure of aging and look forward to more chapters!
ReplyDeletewendy i love those gold pants of yours! and to me they are not kooky but really beautiful and sophisticated. i love this aging thing too - except for the aches and pains - but everything else is pretty awesome.
DeleteJanet, lovely to read about your Dani ballet dress again. While I don't comment often, remember it because I thought, "hmm, leopard and white, brilliant." And pulling out my JC leopard cardi (oldie goodie) to wear with skinny white jeans. I love those true closet gifts, how items like that become talismans of life moments and good memories, as well as part of signature style. My look hasn't changed that much with the decades. Still wearing the stripey tees and trainers/ plimsolls (translation: sneakers, keds, bensimons) of my childhood. The button-ups and cardis of my school uniform days (ditched the kilt.) By now I like to think I have become more adventurous in how I wear my staples (colour, print, mixes. Yet also more selective in knowing what suits me. I've also softened up a little -- more scarves, knits etc As the French say, seeking "bien dans sa peau." "Will it age well with me," definitely another great criteria for curating the closet. Appreciation and happy first Monday of the new year to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteHardly a style secret. but I like to look back at photos of things I loved when I was younger and then find the now version as a seasonal staple. (Think summer camp fave madras shorts translated to a Brooks Brothers boys' summer jacket I got for a sale song and threw over simple dresses and cropped pants all summer long.) Also think it's worth having one thing you are remembered for (hair, scent, clothing item, vintage piece...) Like Diana Vreeland's penchant for red, only personal.
Deleteoh such good ideas and love your style! i esp love the one thing to be remembered for!
DeleteI have nothing to offer except that I buy too many clothes with sequins and I often buy for the lifestyle I want rather than the one I have. I get rid of anything that doesn't fit. Don't need to be reminded about thinner times!
ReplyDeletei just washed the HK sequined top and it came out well. you have a stunning figure!
DeleteFF is inspirational to all maximalist lovers of colour and glam! I love it that she never saw a sequin she didn't like.
DeleteHad never thought of myself as a sequin person but because of FF Have dipped toes into the sequin river. Love accessories - hundreds of scarves, costume jewellery - huge chunky rings, CC logo brooches and Hermes enamel bangles. Also love handbags. Otherwise my clothes very simple. If looking in mirror before going out, instead of taking one thing off, am more likely to put two more things on! Great fan of "Advanced Style" and have never believed in dressing "rules". In our free time we all need to wear whatever makes us happy and confident.
Best wishes, Pammie xxx
My style is straight leg jeans, Eddie Bauer men V neck sweater, ( they have great cotton/cashmere blends and they fit better as I am tall) and Steve Madden black boots. I throw a blazer or big sweater on sometimes. Everything is black, navy blue, gray, white and any color needs to be muted. My sister is always trying to get me to wear bright colors--just not me. I like my simple, minimalist wardrobe. This year for Christmas I bought a black pencil skirt and gray tweed pants. Works for me, I just hope it still works at 70 and 80. I'm 58 and have been wearing jeans my whole life, can we still pull it off at 70?
ReplyDeletei sure hope we can. i would love to see a lady at 80 dressed as you describe your style. wouldn't that make your day?!
DeleteJanet I am so happy that the white linen dress is in your Forever Closet. Honestly you can't know how that pleases me, it's just beautiful on you. Thank you for mentioning me Dollface. I was just looking at my closet this morning and I ripped out about 12 things, I haven't been shopping at all but I keep editing because my life has become a bit simpler. I do still crave party dresses for parties I don't go to. Hoping that will be a lifelong affliction! ;) xo
ReplyDeletei can't imagine how beautiful those 12 things were! i hope there are lots of parties on your horizon! and once again, thank you for the dress!!!
DeleteHow much of cozy-at-home clothes do you keep around? You know those comfy sweats or hoodies for lounging around the house but not quiet time for pj's? Also, how much clothes do you stash away for when it's time to do deep cleaning/yard work around the house? Surely, you don't do it dressed in your classic clothes now do you?
ReplyDeletei wear my black yoga pants when i'm lounging with a white t shirt and in the winter add my big cardigan. and my gardening clothes are jeans and a white button down shirt to protect me from the sun. i never really thought about it but they are kind of classic. lol
DeleteJanet I do love your style. I am personally addicted to blazers--typically classically tailored. They work for me and never fail with jeans/trousers/skinnies/wide legs, etc. and heels/flats/sneakers/boots, etc. I never wear them with skirts. I've got solids, tweeds and of course black. If I'm feeling saucy, I wear them with men's gingham shirts or camouflage or something off. White shirts are always appropriate. I know this will take me to my dotage since this is exactly the style my Katherine Hepburn-esque grandma used to wear. Thanks for addressing this excellent question!
ReplyDeletedannie that sounds so good. and i love that your grandma dressed like katherine. so much class and style!
DeleteHhhhmmmm....not sold on this idea. (I absolutely understand the classic pieces. I have those pieces as well and love them.) BUT - see the first post and all YOUR OWN comments. LOL! You all are already saying ICK to stuff that is only a few years old and making fun of yourself over it. I don't want to wear in five years what I wear now, and I certainly don't want to wear now a whole wardrobe I would wear in 20 years. Blech! A little spice people! A little diversity. And, like someone said - what about the mowing on a 100 degree day clothes? the Sunday afternoon football yoga slummers? (Im a bit worried that there is a bit of possibly unhealthy competitiveness here - I feel like we are starting to talk about restricting EVERYthing - house, decorating, eating, entertainment, clothes, style changes? Striving to be the most restrictive with every aspect of my life is not my idea of a great life IMHO. PLEASE don't throw things! LOL Just an observation and a different point of view.)
ReplyDeletedifferent points of view are always good lor. to each their own!
DeleteI have my pile of garbage clothes- for chores, painting, mowing, gardening and I have a bin of workout clothing. I also have 3 football jerseys, because I am huge sports fan. :) I like the feeling of being edited and surrounded by just what I love- clothing, food, home, people, life. :)
Deleteoh heather i have one nfl jersey too. #9 tony romo. lol
DeleteI knew we were compatible..I have Jason Witten. :)
Deleteoh Lord! lol
Delete:) Thanks for mentioning this, Lor. I am a little crazy when it comes to style. I love pink, red, blues, greens, purples and I could go on...so I don't really have a 'signature style' and my taste changes from year to year. I feel better knowing I'm not the only one who doesn't settle on one style and constantly edit. Love the comments though and the idea of a classic, edited wardrobe. I just don't have the discipline LOL.
DeleteShopping secret #1 if you can't read the price or the size, it's too young for you.
ReplyDeleteThat's it. You know what I wear, jeans, workout clothes, leggings, boots, trainers, ballet slippers, Toms.
IPad froze up on me...2nd tip: if you have ginger cats don't wear black.
DeleteXo J
haha, duly noted jane!
Deleteis it already day 5??
ReplyDeleteI am no good with this topic, I have absolutely zero style....to love me is to love my black leggings. I usually wear them everyday, or my faded jeans from years ago that are now capris. and a flowing loose dress in the summer. I'm predictably style-less but I'm always comfortable.
i beg to differ as i see you as a woman with great inherent style. you know what you like and stick to it. i adore your summer dresses!
DeleteAfter reading your last post, I realised that I have also been building a 'forever wardrobe' - I just never thought of it that way. But doing so has clarified my thinking about what I truly it want it to be, so thanks for that :)
ReplyDeleteI've been progressively paring back my wardrobe for some time but recently had a very big cull and am now left with about 20 items that I truly love. There are definite gaps but they will be filled with careful consideration and purpose. And I'm looking forward to it. I did keep some items of good quality fabric that could be repurposed (I plan to sew most of my clothes).
Spud.
i think the same thing happened to me when i did project 333. it really opened my eyes to what i wore each day and allowed me to build on that and stop making mistakes. i've still made a few but they are far less now. i wish i could sew! lucky.
DeleteI wished I could sew too ... so I decided to learn (actually, like any new skill, it's an ongoing process). You can too if it interests you. And there's a whole world of amazing vintage fabric in thrift stores - and probably estate sales too!
DeleteSpud.
I'm still trying to develop my secrets. The key to a forever wardrobe is to not fluctuate in weight TOO much and this is my major problem, as I've yo-yo'd, but I've finally let go of the smaller sizes (I was Size 4 or 6) which I know I will never fit into again, so out they went, just like the 1980s! It was hard for me to get rid of them in this past year because I always took good care of my clothes; they were still in such good shape. If you try to buy good quality, which I did back then, the fabrics do last. I did move on my mom's blush cashmere-wool swing coat from the 1940s; the silk lining began to fray as the coat had been worn so much by her and then me. I figured somebody who could sew (I can't), looking for a great vintage find, narrow in the shoulders, would know what to do with it. Mom wore it in the 50s when she was pregnant, yet it was so Audrey even when Mom was not 'expecting.' I wish I didn't mourn these things so much, but it just killed me to say goodbye to that coat. It needed too much altering to fit me at this stage. Gotta make the hard decisions...can't keep everything...
ReplyDeleteoh you mom's coat sounds so lovely vicki. just last night i was watching the old movie Charade with audrey and cary and her clothes! almost all her dresses had matching coats and hats. so chic!
Delete...of course there are whole books devoted to her style...but, one time, I googled her and just said, 'color images' or 'color photos' or something like that and, omg, just frame after frame of THE most gorgeous clothes both from her personal style as well as that of characters she played in the movies of her heyday. I don't know much about "Paris When It Sizzles' but apparently there are incredible outfits worn by her in that film, so plan to watch for it in future...
Deletewill check netflix!
DeleteClothes and Audrey...both so lovely in 1962, even on my Barbie doll. I enjoy looking back on old Vogue covers or even sewing patterns from that time period. If I could sew, I'd try to recreate them (sewing is a talent I can't seem to hone). Personally (and they're my fave), I feel 1962-1964 were great years for fine fabrics, workmanship and style. Audrey made this 'Paris' movie in 1962 just before Charade, within months For both films, she's wearing Givenchy (think LBD in Breakfast at Tiffany's). It's not only the fashion house, of course, but how beautifully she wore everything.
DeleteJanet, continuing the forever wardrobe discussion, when you go to these swank estate sales, do you indeed see haute couture such as Givenchy, Balenciaga, Chanel? Do they exist here & there in the random sales? I'm ignorant of this. You seem to have quite a few designer labels in your vintage closet! Have you ever been to Cameron Silver's Decades on Melrose or Doris Raymond's The Way We Wore on La Brea? I understand they're both the most incredible places for a wide range of vintage (except the specialty is for the really expensive stuff under lock & key for the wealthy celebs/stars). I guess there were some reality TV shows about these two shops but I had heard of them long before (would be so fun to just go for the 'museum' experience of it...something for the bucket list!).
i agree, no one wore clothes like audrey!
Deletei've only been to a couple that had really high end clothing. the last one in PS did have balenciaga and givenchy. no chanel though. i don't have anything that nice in my closet but what i do have i value for its workmanship and fabric. i was just discussing this yesterday with a couple of friends. i told them to hold onto anything of quality in their closets (even if they were tired of it) b/c the quality these days is really slipping. i'm sure not on high end but just average sportswear.
i have heard of both stores but have never been. right now i've been checking out a small shop in LA called Collection. she is next door to alex's shop and she has some really beautiful things, most all high end. and her prices are good. for christmas a&b got me a beautiful silk top from miu miu from her shop. but yeah i'd like to walk through those "museums" too.
Hi Vikki you have a stuck a chord with me. It is so hard to throw out/donate clothes that you have taken good care of over the years. I'm getting better at parting with clothes but it has taken a lot of maturity to do it.
DeleteI've been continually purging for the past few years and it feels amazing. I actually just had to throw out 2 pairs of jeans that I have worn so much and became so distressed that there are now holes in them. While distressing and holes in denim can be very fabulous, when the holes end up where your lady bits are then it's time to retire them. ;)
ReplyDeleteIt was bittersweet - bitter because they were two of my favorites and sweet because I haven't "worn out" a piece of clothing since I was a kid. :)
the only thing i really ever wear out it shoes and i'm a little hard on handbags too. you must have loved those jeans!
DeleteGreat advice Janet! Love Advanced Style too, those ladies (and gentlemen) have so much character and personality and lots of stories to share I'm sure x
ReplyDeleteoh i would love to hear all their stories!
DeleteI'm 76 and today bought a pair of red Keds sneakers to wear with my mostly black, gray, white and navy casual clothes. Much of my wardrobe is from LL Bean in classic styles. Red makes me happy and sparks up all those neutrals. Forever clothes are turtlenecks, twin sets, tailored shirts and Tees in solids and stripes and straight-cut pants/jeans and skirts. Necklines with stand-up collars camouflage a slightly rounded upper back. Love handmade jewelry in silver and silk scarves in stunning prints. I always wear a bright or soft red lipstick (think K. Hepburn) and Jane Iredale's Amazing Base mineral powder and powder blush for a natural look. And always smile warmly when people look at you - a grumpy face is an old face! Enjoying life - Jan-Leanne
ReplyDeleteYou sound delightful!!! And I love Katharine Hepburn. She is a favorite. :)
Deleteomgosh i love this jan-leanne. i think heather and i need to take you to lunch!
Delete
ReplyDeleteEn arribar a aquest dia, no puc deixar de pensar en la infantesa, aquells moments plens de màgia, que tots hem viscut en la nostra infància
Feliç Nit de Reis ♕ ♕ ♕
✿•*¨`*•. (¯`v´¯) (¯`v´¯) .•*¨`*•✿
. . . ✿•*¨`*•.¸(¯`v´¯)¸.•´*¨`*•✿ . . .
……...…♥ •.¸.•´♥……………
Elracodeldetall.blogspot.com (^‿^)✿ petons
I think I have unconsciously built a forever wardrobe - back in 1997 when I had my first job, I bought a red 'riding jacket' blazer from Victoria's Secret (remember when they had beautiful, classic pieces of clothing?) and it still looks good. The other day I was asked where I had purchased it and I had to confess it was ancient! My core wardrobe colors are black, gray, red, white and pale pink. For work my outfits consists of classic trousers and pencil skirts with sweaters (a cold office!) and my casual wardrobe is made up of slim pants and sweaters. Flat soled boots and ballet flats make up the footwear. No matter what miracle fabric it is supposed to be, I can never last longer than 20 minutes in a button down shirt without looking hopelessly wrinkled. Can any stylish person help me out with that, please?
ReplyDeletelove the color story of your life. are you tucking in or out re the button down? i can't say i have that problem but maybe someone else here can help?
DeleteWendy
DeleteI had that same jacket. I wore it for years, absolutely loved it and always got complements. finally had to get rid of it when the fabric began to wear but even then it was with regret.
Darby
Now I want a red jacket. Wendy, a few tricks on crisp shirts including a couple I learned from a long-ago West Point boyfriend.
Delete- If tucking, stay neat by starting with unzipped skirt or pants, pinch the side seams of the shirt and fold them back against the back of your torso. Like you are making darts. You can also figure out how big your fold is and then do this with two tiny safety pins below the waist before you put the blouse on. If this seems a bit much, do make sure you pull down all the way around, especially at the sides, when tucking in.
- Another technique to try is letting your shirt hang flat in front of your trousers, then fold the bottom half of your shirt underneath (doubling bottom hem) and tuck it in.
- Use 2-3 small pieces of fashion tape in the waistband of your skirt.
- Use the waistband of your tights or shapewear to fold in a bit of the fabric - trapper keeper.
If it is the fabric that looks messy or you prefer not to tuck:
- Cold wash, extra rinse, HANG dry (no dryer), and if you can iron while still slightly damp. Sometimes detergent and fabric softener residue make fabric extra limp
- Once your blouse is ironed or steamed as needed, let it hang it on a hanger outside closet and "cure" until completely dry. A bathroom shower rod works well for this if room is dry not steamy. Also why I like to iron in advance, not morning of.
girl you need a blog! what great tips!!!
DeleteThank you kindly Janet. I am such a slacker compared to my mates One Can't Get Over Mop Philosopher Bourbon Bandinage et al. Until recently had to post/ edit a lot for work. Writing, as compared to popping in, didn't seem like a personal outlet. Now, no idea what I would share that ads value. Only thing I really know is travel and there are literally about a million excellent travel blogs already.
DeleteAdds!
Deletewell right off the bat, wardrobe and wardrobe maintenance?! styling the classics. what to pack for traveling. i got it wrong going to europe. hmmm, i could go on and on....
DeleteThanks you again Janet for the kind responses. Idea up my sleeve, will report.
DeleteThank you ladies, I'm going to try all these tips and maybe I won't look like someone plucked me out of a suitcase!
DeleteWendy
Wendy, great description, but I am sure no one but you is noticing a few blouses wrinkles. Do know it's annoying to feel crumpled though, so HTH!
DeleteI think wearing what makes one happy is key. I have saved some very good quality pieces that have stood the test of time and then added to my wardrobe which these days seems to be jeans, sweaters and boots.
ReplyDeletepve
you are a classic beauty patricia and your wardrobe matches you perfectly. x
Deletejust loving this discussion. several years ago I splurged and bought 5 cashmere sweaters! I was working then and justified the purchase as an investment. I am retired now and and my go to look is straight leg jeans, one of the sweaters and a pair of short black boots. sometimes i add a scarf for a bit of flair. I cant wear anything to overwhelming as I am quite petite. I would like to break my habit of wearing old sweatshirts and questionable Yoga pants around the house. I have been following Advanced Style for a few years now. certainly It has made me less fearful of aging, but cant see me pulling off some of the more original looks.
ReplyDeleteDarby
darby i don't know if you have heard of everlane or not. but they have really nicely cut sweatshirts that are great for lounging in. they are short sleeve so in the winter i layer a long sleeve t under them. but they are not bulky and quite stylish. i wear them with jeans and flats or even kitten heels. when i come home i just slip on some soft yoga pants and i don't feel dumpy. just a thought.
DeleteHi Janet,
ReplyDeleteI have a few staples in my closet that I have had for years and hopefully will for some time. I splurged recently and purchased a good quality navy blue blazer from Piperlime that is a classic piece and will have forever. It was on sale and I had some GAP rewards to to offset the cost a little!
Years ago when I was in my early 20's I worked for a dermatologist in La Jolla, so as you can imagine I saw many stylish women come through those doors during the time I worked there. One particular woman that stood out was in her 80's, her name was Pearl. So adorable...always dressed in denim, a blazer and a newsboy style cap. She had a friend who was in her 30's who usually drove her. Said she preferred to hang out with younger people. She left quite an impression on me and thought at the time I want to be like her if I get to that age!
Linda
xo
the blazer sounds perfect linda.
Deletei too have seen some stylish older ladies coming into the spa and they are truly an inspiration to me. i think they are even more beautiful than the young girls i work with! there is something about their self assurance that translates to beauty.
Janet after all the comments yesterday about "growing up" and into our wardrobes gracefully, this 96 year old lady, who I had heard of before, is great added inspiration. Sharing her for you in hopes you spot it; her memoir will be out soon.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.today.com/health/worlds-oldest-yoga-teacher-96-i-dont-believe-age-1D80381254
just watched the video. omg, she's so awesome. reminds of my friend maya! thanks so much for linking. x
DeleteI have had the honor of taking classes with her. she is truly amazing!
DeleteDarby
Darby that is the coolest - what a living inspiration she must be!
Deleteoh wow darby! lucky!
DeleteJanet, in that long thread above on cool vintage retail...break out the Miu Miu asap; want to see it! Lucky you! LUV Miu Miu (of course, what's not to love...it's PRADA!!!). Future post, let's have some more modeling. Your daughter-in-law has turned out to be vintage-perfect in all ways...and she SEWS. It's hard enough to find somebody good at tailoring/alterations, but you've got a built-in couturier now!
ReplyDeleteoh i'm sure you'll see it. you guys have seen everything! it's sleeveless so prob spring/summer. i know B is a great seamstress!
DeleteRight now I hate all my clothes.
ReplyDeleteThey are FAT clothes.
I've gained a lot of weight from stress eating
and the fact that I really hate to cook so I cop out and eat what's easy.
I'm changing my eating habits this year.
Not dieting but just changing how I eat.
To be aware of what I'm consuming.
Then when I finally get rid of all this blubber
I have my style all "Pinned" on Pinterest.
Yep, I want to finally be that person in my head.
ah cynthia, i'm so happy for you and can feel your excitement!
DeleteI have been following The Daily Connoisseur. She promotes a 10 piece core seasonal wardrobe with some optional additional pieces, similar to 333. She has the french chic essence with quality, classic pieces and livens it up with accessories. But you can also get clothes like she has in consignment shops, etc. If you are not familiar you should check her out, I think you would really like her. She is warm, friendly, and has lots of great down to earth advice.
ReplyDeleteI just finished her first book which I really enjoyed and now I'm hooked on her blog! Isn't she great? :)
DeleteCoincidentally, I watched Advanced Style before Thanksgiving on Netflix streaming (it's still up there, FYI). While we were sitting at the Thanksgiving table, I told my mother how pretty she was(she's 81). I also told her about the movie and that she could be in it because she has a lot of style. She has great taste and she gives me beautiful high quality clothing and shoes that she no longer wears, has outgrown or simply does not like. I am so grateful for my mother and her generosity. She is beautiful. She knows exactly how to wear a scarf, too.
ReplyDeleteEverything has to be just so for her to leave her house.
One thing is for sure, no matter what size you are or how old you are, you can still dress yourself up and look beautiful and stylish. It is true.
Sincerely,
Debra from SENC
i just watched it. loved it. thanks debra! your mom sounds fabulous too!
Deletelove the one lady that said it took 7 years before she completed her outfit. lesson there - be patient!
DeleteYou are welcome!
DeleteSincerely,
Debra from SENC
Janet, you and your commenters are brilliant. I learn so much! I am trying so hard to simplify my wardrobe. It is not easy. I am struggling with identifying my own style. I always dressed in a hippy kind of way but now I am in my 50s and, well, now that 'hippy' has returned as a popular style for the youngens, I am trying to choose clothes for a more age appropriate look. And until recently I was always on the thinner side so that's a whole new learning curve! Jeans are my best friends. Throw on a pair of my very well worn Dingo harness boots, and an old music festival t-shirt and I'm ready. At home it's yoga pants. Except I don't actually do yoga...
DeleteAbout 9 months ago I took everything out of my closet and I am working on my Project 333. I packed everything I didn't wear in bags and put them in my basement. I haven't gone into one bag yet! I added a few warm items...flannel shirt, 2 long sleeve shells, 3 leggings. These three items can stretch out a summer wardrobe extremely well. Leggings under a skirt with boots, a shell under my girl cut t-shirt or flannel and I'm off!
Please keep inspiring me!!
~diane in rhode island
hi diane. i like the sound of your hippie look. :)
Deleteupon reflection, i think the best thing 333 did for me was help me hone my style. i helped me get rid of the things that just sat there and helped me discover the things that really made me feel like 'me' when i wore them. now my wardrobe is a bigger than 33 items but i swear every single thing in my closet is something i love and can't wait to wear. that's a big difference! thanks for your comment. x