Before I start talking about the fashion vibes around here I want to let you know that I'm not giving up on this blog. It's been a long, hot summer and I've been incredibly busy but I really really want to keep this thing going. I actually feel guilty when I post on INSTAGRAM instead of here because the blog was first and now it seems secondary. I don't like that. IG is fun, fast and easy and this is more work so I'm thinking it has just been the summer heat that made cheat on you. I promise to be better.
See that beautiful woman in the above photo? I spotted her while shopping the other day and she mesmerized me. We almost ran into each other while I was exiting a store and she was entering. She looked to be in her 70's. I loved her hair right off the bat and then I noticed how lithe and stylish she was. To get this photo I was literally running to keep up with her, she was so fast. She darted in and out of all the right stores, Neimans, Ferragamo, etc. She didn't buy anything (either did I) and let me tell you it was hot that day, like 105. She was bare legged in loafers (love that!) but had a long sleeve tee on and yet was so chill. Anyway, wanted to share that because you don't see women like that every day.
My hair is getting long again and I'm going to try and not cut it. I love being able to put it back and up and it's easier than styling it in a bob every single day. My hair is really thick and a pain to style. I've joined Larry's gym this summer to swim and this is just easier. So wish me luck.
Here I am looking rather stiff and unhappy but I wanted to show you this outfit I've been wearing. The tee is from Alex and B's store that they opened here in Redlands. They make the Tee's and sweaters themselves and lots of other things too. I got the vintage linen cropped trousers there also. I've been wearing this everywhere because it's so comfortable and surprisingly stylish.
I was minding the store for them in a vintage dress and loafers. There is also a coffee shop in the store and will soon have a barber too. It's a cool little store that was once a dairy in the middle of an orange grove. It's chock full of amazing vintage finds and is quite reasonable. Come visit me there!
Hope you summer has been far more exciting than mine. xoxo
Janet- such a fun, interesting post. That woman in the photo- OMG- I hope to be as stylish in my 70s! You look gorgeous in your outfits- the epitome of calm, cool, and collected. Alex & B's store sounds fabulous. Does it sell things online, as I am always on the lookout for vintage items. Janet- you inspire me. I am a single mom with two daughters living happily on a small budget and I ALWAYS learn so much from you through your wonderful blog.
ReplyDeletei hope to be also danielle. they do sell on line. their instagram account is redlands country mart. the fact that you are a single mom living on a small income so inspires me. thank you for your kind words and i hope to not let you down. :) xoxo
DeleteSo frustrated - trying to find clothes like the lady you spotted (and YOU) is/are wearing. I've about worn out my mid-calf-length black skirt and gray one and need to restock. With my white Tees, I'm set forEVER! Just can't find them. Must be shopping the wrong shops. The ones I've worn for years came from a thrift store....
ReplyDeleteI like your hair style, and totally agree about the woman in the first photo. Come to think of it, I'm nearing 70 myself (68 in December).
i feel your frustration rebecca. i love this perfect tee that they make. they are only $14 too! everything that i love in my closet came from a thrift store or 2nd hand somehow. or i bought it decades ago! yay for turning 68! that's some inspiration for me. xo
DeleteI'm also on the way to 68 and admire anyone who can look as simple and put together as the lady above. And I think the key is "less is more." I can honestly see you, Janet, as the lady above in the future. Cool, chic and always put together.
DeleteLove the store and would love to see the shop. I don't do much with Instagram, but will check you out. Do you have pictures of the shop there?
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ReplyDelete(sorry, too many typos in the 1st comment ...)
DeleteHi Janet!
I will always follow your blog.
Yes, instagram is so fast and easy, like twitter. I had abandoned my blog due to twitter. Now I've returned to blogspot, because a blog serves as an excellent archive for photos. The "lables" a big help. Whenever I look for a photo of a certain event or mood, I'll find it embedded in one of the past blog postings. The effort might be worth the time each posting consumes.
May I ask if you changed anything with your hairstyle, besides the lenght? It seems less grey? Or is it just the light in the picture? Anyway, you look fresh and very attractive. I like the new hairstyle.
The white tee and the cropped trousers are such a nice everyday"uniform", a wardrobe you just pick in the morning, no need to think it over, because it's always a fresh, clean look and in style. Bravo!
thank you paula. i've never been on twitter. i can barely keep up with this and ig. i've not colored my hair at all. i thought in the one photo that i look unhappy you can really see the gray in my bangs and temples. thank you for continuing to read the blog! xoxo
DeleteSome day in the further future, you'll be that 70-year-old stylish woman, Janet! You've kept yourself in the same good shape with attention to your looks and health as that chic lady (looks like she's wearing the Target skirt; remember when you profiled those fashions from WhoWhatWear?). It takes commitment to be lithe and limber in these latter years but the payoff is so terrific, with good flexibility and balance. I love how you described her ease with movement; that's what I'm looking for! I want a stronger core. I seem to be running into articles lately where the celebs/models now admit that nothing much comes natural and they actually spend a LOT of time working out, keeping in shape; that it's hard work and you can't be a slacker or else it's all in vain; need to keep at it, at it, at it. And sometimes they mention they hate exercise, but they do it anyway. Of course their jobs depend on appearance so much of the time, but the bigger picture (duh) is that your LIFE depends on good maintenance of the body and mind. I've abused both but I've learned the hard way to be respectful and be better to myself; the body particularly is forgiving and can take a lot, but not forever. It yearns to be treated well. You joined Larry's gym; I joined a swim program and I do NOT like wearing a bathing suit because, unlike you, I don't wear it well but, you know, gotta do what you gotta do; I am by nature a couch potato. Exercise is not my comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I think you look great with longer hair. I remember when, some years back now, you had a much-shorter bob, and it's all cute on you, but I think it's even more flattering longer. Nice to hear how young Alex & B are progressing so well in their lives, clearly doing what they love to do and for which they have talent. Thanks for the post and have a cooler day today; our sun here north of you was already out full at 6:45am (ugh/sigh). Like you, I am TIRED OF BEING HOT, looking forward to some COLD days, if ever...
I forget to go over to your i/g. I just poured through it; pulled off some recipes and tips. Your granddaughters are gorgeous. I want that baby!
Deletethank you vicki. they are both such cuties and so sweet. i'm so blessed that they are healthy and in my life. i'm not thrilled about putting on a bathing suit everyday now either but i am loving the pool. it's so relaxing! i don't know what i'll do when the weather turns cold. some people swim year round there. just don't know if i can do that. i'm sooooooo over this heat too. i'm dreaming of fall. xoxo
DeleteLookinh FAB! My guess is you've spent all summer toiling away at the gym!
ReplyDeletethank you gs. not all toil at the gym. i work too you know! lol
DeleteYou look absolutely gorgeous, Juanita! Please don't cut your hair, it really does look lovely and, like you say, it's so easy to pin up or wear back if you can't be bothered with it.
ReplyDeletexxx
awww thank you vix. i am using you and other gorgeous ladies as my goal. i am committed to not cutting it. larry is thrilled btw. xoxo
DeleteInteresting to find that my husband absolutely does NOT want me to go back to coloring my hair now, Janet. In fact, he's fairly adamant about it. I've had times when I've changed style/cut/color and he'd never even noticed, at least at first! So, I find this weird. I've really been considering going back to color (and off gray entirely) because I feel graying ages me. And with color, it seems thicker; bleach particularly always used to plump it up. Maybe a good compromise, for my own satisfaction, is to get some professional makeup lessons to go with the gray hair; I can't keep making up my face the way I did when I was younger, when the skin was a different tone (and hair any number of colors from blonde to red to brunette). Anyway, just surprised the heck out of me that, for my guy, gray is OK. I've got white streaks in the gray now and I actually have had two women (like when out and about in stores or waiting in line somewhere) recently ask me who does my hair with the artful weaving/streaking (and I of course had to laugh aloud). Life's funny, huh!
DeleteThis post spoke to me, as I'm growing my hair too...but it's about half gray so I'll see if it stays in good enough condition to be long enough to twist up. Tends to be drier these days. And, the picture of your shopping lady immediately had me thinking of keeping mine shorter! I'm well on my way to 70, and definitely not lithe, but working on my health hard. Always a work in progress! BTW, I though the cropped pants were a skirt at first...maybe I should look for something like that. Very pretty.
ReplyDeletethank you carolyn. my hair is much drier and coarser now too. age. check out your local thrift stores for cropped trousers. i'm sure these are from the 80s or 90s. xoxo
DeleteHi Janet! The woman you were following does look amazing for her age, she's got it all going on. She's in great shape, the clothes, haircut...and I am sure you will look just as chic too when you get to her age. :) I find that I always notice similar women when I'm out and about. So why do I dread the thought of going gray myself?
ReplyDeleteI love your longer hair too, the bob was cute but I prefer this length on you! So what are you doing at the gym? I know you have always been a yoga girl. I still can't go walking with my foot issue, although it's a lot better. Thank goodness we own a good stationary bike and some free weights, etc. I would go NUTS if I couldn't do anything. Exercising is such a part of my life.
You look fab in all your outfits. Some day I'll have to make the trek up to Redlands and visit Alex and B's store. So cute!
Hopefully the weather will cool off soon and we can make that lunch happen!
Linda
xo
Oops sorry I missed the part where you said you were swimming at Larry's gym...reading too fast I guess!
DeleteLinda
i'm really looking forward to our lunch at the winery in september. it will be so good to finally meet you. but i selfishly want you to come to redlands too. you gotta see the country mart, it's pretty cool...xoxo
DeleteHi Janet, I would love to follow you on IG, what is your tag line or IG name?
ReplyDeletejanice
hi janice. mrskorff
Deletethanks!
Heaven's to betsy, "minding the store for them"? No wonder you're busy! You just added another happy layer to your life.
ReplyDeletePLEASE don't ever give up this blog.
I have a quick story about us 70-ish gals, and getting a lot braver after your husband dies.
Today I had to stop for gas. I HATE pumping gas but the corporate world decided this is something we should do for them. A message came up "Unable to Auth". ???? So I went inside. The attendant re-set the pump and suggested I try again, which I did. Still didn't work. Further investigation and the attendant noted my card had expired. Puzzled, I asked him to cancel everything, that I would return later with cash. I was so rattled by this exchange that I drove off with the gas cap still on my trunk. I heard it roll off, thank goodness, when I rounded the corner. Picture this: a freeway runs right through the middle of town and my gas cap is now in one of the lanes of a four-way stoplight intersection. Miraculously, everyone was stopped as I marched out there and retrieved my gas cap. I doubt they said, "My, isn't she stylish?" More to the point, "Good lord, that lady's got moxie." Or, "That lady's insane." Well, you do what you have to do sometimes, don't you?
oh gail your story! omg, that would so happen to me. you really do have to just do what you gotta do some days. moxie is to be admired. i love that word btw. who knew getting gas could be so drama filled! lol, thanks for sharing. xoxo
DeleteYes, I want to follow you on IG also. Can't find you. What's your handle, please?
ReplyDeletemrskorff
Deletexoxo
I just want to tell you how much I appreciate your blog and all the work that goes into it. (I stress over writing a comment). I've been reading for years and you have inspired me to live more simply, kindly and I hope with more style as I approach ,gulp, 60. I refer to past posts for continued inspiration often and tonight made one of your recipes for my meat eating husband which he loved. Yeah! One more vegan night in the rotation. Whatever you decide to do with your blog, know you have made a difference in the life of this downsized, Jack White loving wife, mother, grandmother across the country
ReplyDeletethank you anon. you know i stress over writing comments on others blogs too. i love that you are able to use some vegan recipes and your husband is good with them. that makes me so happy. and btw, loooooove that you love jack too. you are awesome! xoxo
DeleteLove the black and white ensemble...your shoes too.
ReplyDeleteI admire older women who are energetic and have a bounce in their step...her outfit looks great, it ticks all the boxes for me...and a 70 year old that is fashion savvy is a breath of fresh air.
I know what you mean about IG being fast and easy and the blog does take more time and effort...when the temperature dips we will probably be more inclined to sit, compose and type.
Your longer hair looks lovely pulled back into a pony tail...you can always tie a scarf on it too!
leslie you know i'm not too big a fan of white tops with black pants bc it reminds me of my waiting tables days but these pants kinda demanded that white tee. i've also tied a white shirt and the waist with them. the lady in the photo was a breath of fresh air in a sea of sameness. xoxo
DeleteGlad you're back -- missed your posts! Love the lady in her stylish skirt. Gives me hope that even if I miraculously live to be in my 90s, I too can look nice. Stylish living for all!
ReplyDeletethank you cathy. i've missed being here! yes, stylish all the way is my motto! xoxo
DeleteHi , Janet, that lady looks great, doesn't she! I notice older women when I'm out too and draw inspiration from them to keep nice as the years go on. Because it does get harder and takes ALOT of time! :) I like your hair long or short. But longer is nice - simply because it is much easier to deal with on a daily basis. I always wind up growing mine back out any time i have cut it just for that reason. Love your blog, as always. It's a blessing and adds to my day! Kay
ReplyDeleteI love your blog. I agree on beautiful style of classic woman. Love your realness of life. Im not on Instagram but have followed yours and a few others great life pictures. The new store looks lovely and I feel as if I've already visited. You have bought simpleness to my life and for that I
ReplyDeleteThank you. Enjoy the next season to come. I love Fall! Ps Will be on the lookout for loafers at the thrift for Fall.
This woman is the bomb, and this could easily be you someday! Relaxed, non fussy, but still sharp and classy. I can totally see why you wanted to snap her picture! I also love the dress you are wearing in the last picture, and that tee has a super good cut! What a steal at $14.
ReplyDeleteI've missed you! Glad you will continue your blog, it's my favorite.
ReplyDeleteWhat is your instagram name? I can't fi nd you.
I've missed you! Glad you will continue your blog, it's my favorite.
ReplyDeleteWhat is your instagram name? I can't fi nd you.
YOU should have RAN AFTER HER and said lets get an ICED TEA!
ReplyDeleteI bet SHE READS YOU!WOULDN't that be a HOOT!
I had a really GOOD trip back East..............so much happened and I saw SO MUCH BEAUTY I do not even know how to start a BLOG POST!
I too like MY HAIR UP..........but sometimes we cut too much off!I recently bought hair scissors and trimmed my bangs MYSELF!I like what I DID!
XX
Hi Janet, you look absolutely gorgeous with your hair up and that mirror shot looks so sophisticated. All the shots are great and I always love your hairstyles, e.g. your Las Vegas look.
ReplyDeleteLove your lady's look too. Understand that lady-chasing thing.
Last week in France I spied a lady with short black curly hair, beautifully cut, wearing a red gingham loose shirt dress over loose white linen trousers. She looked just perfect but she'd disappeared by the time I got my camera out. She was walking fast too!
Imagine my joy later when I spotted her in the middle of the medieval town, standing on a box and singing like Edith Piaf. I took my photos and gratefully put money in the hat, for her singing but also because I was so thrilled I could photograph her style at last!
I'm glad you're not stopping the blog. Something so interesting to me about your blog is what a unique and individual readership you have, which speaks to what a unique and individual point of view you have. the market looks lovely!
ReplyDeleteJanet I was so happy to see you back. And I am always glad to see stylish women of my age group, it gives me hope that we older women can still remain attractive and vital. loving the contrast of black and white, it never get old. Wish Alex's and B's store were close, I would love to browse and check it out but its clear across the country.
ReplyDeleteDarby
I love your outfit (cropped trousers)so timeless!!
ReplyDeleteLooking beautiful as always! Do you have A/C in your little house, Janet?
ReplyDeleteDid I miss the name of Alex and B's store in Redlands? I'd love to visit it. I googled "Alex and B" but got nothing and can't find the name in your posts. Redlands does seem to have a LOT of thrift stores = fun! Please tell!
ReplyDeletethe name of the store is redlands country mart. the address is 1915 e citrus ave redlands 92374
Deletesee you there!
Love the loafers but I can't help but think the long sleeves are because she doesn't like her arms.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're not stopping the blog. Something so interesting to me about your blog is what a unique and individual readership you have, which speaks to what a unique and individual point of view you have. the market looks lovely!
ReplyDeletekhaadi 3 piece lawn sale