Visible Monday #66: September Lace

Welcome to Visible Monday #66! If you want to participate, it's so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the simple how-to.  

Well, Monday is October 1st, but these pics are from September, hence the slightly-dated date! Naturally, it's still summer-hot here in Florida but I am trying to at least dress in more Autumnal shades. Like this very cool bronze and cream full skirt by Nygaard, thrifted at the Goodwill. It has great swoosh and it falls to the perfect length for me.

The Democracy lace blouse has enjoyed many wearings, and I love its feminine shape. I don't mind the full-over-full silhouette today, because neither piece is very voluminous. I am still wearing open-toed sandals by White Mountain, and envying the heck out of you boot-wearers!

I love a full swooshy skirt.

A touch of color from my thrifted bangle.

Skinny G: ""You bore me. I shall show you my tail."

  
Now, let's see what you're wearing, Visible Women!!

The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple!

1. Whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
2. Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post.
3. Go to the bottom of this post and click on this cute little link:

In the "Next Step", you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you're done!

Celeb Aging Twin: Judy Davis

I am borrowing an idea from the gorgeous Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb. She's following famous women in her age cohort as "aging yardsticks".

While I can't keep up with all the beautifications available to wealthy actors, I do like to peek in at celebrities born in my year, 1955. This week I am looking at the wondrous Judy Davis, born in April of that year.

She's a gifted and versatile Australian actress, who first gained attention in the 1979 film My Brilliant Career. She's been a favorite of directors Woody Allen and Joel Coen, and hasn't seemed to pursue "big" movies. She did an amazing portrayal of Judy Garland in 2001, and is still working on stage, television, and in films.

I love her quirky looks, and if this is 57, it ain't bad! You go, Judy Davis, stay fabulous.

My Brilliant Career, 1979

Same film, I had to add pic of my movie husband, Sam Neill.

As Judy Garland, mesmerizing. 2001.

Wonderful mature face. Love the red lips and wavy hair. And the
"I know what I'm doing" look.

Have a joyful Saturday, and don't forget, Monday, October 1st (yes, October!) is Visible Monday. Everyone is welcome to participate!

Do I Like? Cowboy Loafers

I think I will really, really like these booties with jeans. The jury is out for the shoes paired with a skirt. Maybe tights will provide needed texture and contrast. For now I am giving a "B" to my new (thrifted in St. Petersburg) booties. I can't find a brand name on them, just "Genuine Leather, Made in Brazil." I do like the western vibe.

The belt is very cool. It's got the seashells you see on one side, and a pretty blue/green print fabric on the other. And it ties, so it's easy to wear. Score!

Must show cami strap! And not find out until after I've changed into
my loafing clothes!

Tee: ASOS; Skirt: XCVI; Belt and bangle: Thrifted.

I'm open to any styling advice on the Western booties - you know I trust your input as if this were my private Project Runway  : >  Have a splendid Thursday!

What Blogging Has Taught Me

Painting, Crone of Crowns, by Kime Einhorn. Love this. Source.

A year and a half into my blogging experience I find myself reflecting on the lessons I've learned. Some have been bonks on the head, others have seeped into my consciousness, like a lovely scent. Today I want to jot down some of the lessons, before they slip away. They do that more and more, you know.

Blogging has taught me:

• Innumerable computing skills, including how to use Twitter, Pinterest, photo-editing, Blogger quirks and video edits. I'm young again!
• Better composition skills. I have always been an adequate writer, and often got drafted for writing projects at work. But this kind of personal writing called on another part of me - how to disclose, entertain (one hopes), and make contact with a larger audience through electronics alone.
• Not to take criticism too personally. OK, I knew this before; you can't get to age 57 without being criticized a few thousand times! But from strangers, it stung/stings. Still working on this. Every reader is entitled to his/her view, and as one of my wise patients once told me, "Not everyone is going to kiss your ass in this life." Smart lady.
• To be unafraid of change, risk, and adventure in style. It's not surgery, it's supposed to be fun. Don't work too hard at it, throw something on and check it out. Take a freaking chance. (Thanks to George Carlin, who used a saltier word.)
• That we are all in this together. Best lesson of all. I was fearful of putting myself out there for the world to see, at age 56. Fashion and style are for the young beautiful bloggers who resemble the models of Vogue and Elle, I thought. So wrong: I found hundreds of "just like me" women, some my age cohort and many much younger, who are not models but beautiful all the same. We have got something to share and we're Not Dead Yet.

Has blogging changed you in some way you'd like to talk about?

Visible Monday #65: Black and Brown All Over

Welcome to Visible Monday #65! If you want to participate, it's so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the simple how-to.

I'm mixing neutrals today, and using shape and texture to add interest. The coffee colored blouse has an 80's vibe. I thrifted it on our trip to St. Petersburg last month.

The black Isaac Mizrahi for Target ballerina skirt is a new favorite, purchased on eBay. I love the full shape and layers of tulle. It could be too young for me, but I think the length and color keep it in line.

The accessories all fall in with the color theme today: animal print flats by DKNY and thrifted bangles. Bright red lipstick is the only dash of color. Still, I feel Visible!

While pencil skirts are always in style, I adore a full skirt too. And this one
has swoosh-factor.

A tooled-leather belt, because there's a little cowgirl in all of us.

Now, let's see what you're wearing, Visible Women!!

The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple!

1. Whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
2. Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post.
3. Go to the bottom of this post and click on this cute little link:

In the "Next Step", you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you're done!

Do Like: Prada for Spring

I only study the designer's new shows for the occasional inspiration - not to place my Spring/Summer orders! And often the runway shows are too outre for my humble tastes. But every now and them something new and pretty catches my eye.

I really like what Miuccia Prada showed this season, a  collection of Japanese-inspired, architectural pieces. They look so clean, minimalistic and fresh, but with the white flower to remind us that these are pretty clothes for women.

A casual snapshot of the models. I do like the simple black coat with the
white flowers. I'd add some pants to look #2. Source.

Love the clean lines juxtaposed with the vibrant floral. Source.

The folds in the skirt add so much interest. And I'm loving ivory. Source.

Have a super-duper Saturday, and don't forget, Monday, September 24th is Visible Monday! Everyone is welcome to participate!

What I Wore: A DIY That Meant Well

I have never claimed to be a skilled wardrobe re-fashioner. I find tucking-in vs. leaving-out a creative effort. I've never re-made a tee into anything other than a cleaning cloth. But I still love and read the refashion blogs, hoping that some talent will migrate and stick. (Maybe I should read the cooking blogs with the same wild hopes?)

I saw that you can make a cool infinity scarf by simply tying the fringed ends of a long scarf together. Doh! What could be easier? So I did just that with my long blue-green scarf.

Results below: slightly lumpy but well-intentioned. As I was dashing off to work here, I didn't take new pics, but trust me: I rearranged the scarf to a more pleasing flow.

I am crazy about the idea of my self-made infinity scarf.
The execution needs polishing.

Skinny G finds more entertainment elsewhere. "I can catch a million squirrels."

I shall not retreat, though. Next up: a bracelet from duct tape??? (it's cute!).  Where are you on the spectrum of DIY fashion skills?

Miracle Makeovers

I have enjoyed every style book written by Brenda Kinsel. She is witty, warm, and usually spot-on in her style advice.

A quick, fun read.

Her little book Brenda's Bible is a collection of advice, encouragement, affirmation and humor. Today I wanted a "Miracle Makeover", particularly a "Ten Minute" version. (She calls it the "Ten Minute Makeover to Look Ten Pounds Thinner," but many of us are fine looking however many pounds we are  : > )

Brenda's ten-minute tips:

• Fill in your eyebrows. I love this one, although I often forget to do it.
• Lift your bra straps and loosen your belt.
• Wear a size bigger to look a size smaller. I like the looser feel of sizing up, so I do this a lot.
• Add a pretty lipstick color. Of course!

Maybe not this much eyebrow. Or two lips colors at once.
But would you try it?

Here's a couple I thought of, not miraculous but helpful, and I'd love to know yours:

• Brush on some highlighter or rosy blush.
• Toss on a scarf that flirts with pattern-mixing. Yes, just throw it on, you can fuss with it later.
• Run some styling cream or mousse through your hair to freshen the style.
• Spritz on a scent. I just sampled Lady Gaga's Fame yesterday and loved it. It didn't smell slutty to me at all!

Really, just toss it on. Source.

What do you do if you feel the urge for a ten-minute makeover?

Visible Monday #64: Dotty

Welcome to Visible Monday #64! If you want to participate, it's so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the simple how-to.

I'm still in very summery styles, but I felt like adding a slightly Fall-ish touch today, to my lightweight dress. This floaty dress needs anchoring, with a belt or scarf-belt, usually. But I like it with a menswear vest too.

The Anne Klein wedge sandals have been well-worn this summer! I am liking a nude shoe more and more, and nude oxfords are on my list for Fall. A couple of bright bangles finish off the look. Visible and relaxed, for Florida end-of-season. Skinny G. is wearing her usual summer-weight hair suit.

Can you tell by my smile that the a/c is repaired?

Tongue out, tail up. I can pose if I want to.

Now, let's see what you're wearing, Visible Women!!

The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple!

1. Whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
2. Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post.
3. Go to the bottom of this post and click on this cute little link:

In the "Next Step", you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you're done!

It's The End of Shampoo As I Know It

For decades, I was a shampoo-every-day woman. I didn't feel "clean" unless I scrubbed my head every morning. As I have very fine, curly hair, it's no surprise I finished with a dry fuzzy look many days. My natural curls did not take any attractive shape. I often just pulled my hair back in a messy bun.

Undefined curls and lots of frizz (and no makeup - bravery!)

About five years ago I stumbled upon an article about the no-shampoo method for curly hair. Yuck! was my first response. It sounded as gross as forgoing soap or toothpaste. But I slowly eased myself into a less-sudsy routine, starting with a shampoo every other day. Then a switch to non-sulfate shampoo.

I fell in with the Naturally Curly crowd, who have a devoted following at their website, and I studied their bible, Curly Girl by Lorraine Massey. I experimented with plopping (I am not making this up), scrunching, and pineappling.

I am now down to two washes a week, one with conditioner only and one with a mix of conditioner and a non-sulfate shampoo. My curls are much healthier and some days they take on a very fetching shape (not every day - we do still have the scrape-into-a-bun days).

A couple of years later, much better-defined curls (and a bit of makeup, ahhhh)

You know I am not a prescriber of styles or routines, but if you're struggling with unruly curls I do recommend the Naturally Curly site and Massey's book. Do an little experiment, and see if your curls respond to less shampoo. I'm still learning new tricks, Not Dead Yet!


Have a spectacular Saturday, and don't forget, Monday, September 17th is Visible Monday! Everyone is welcome to participate!

Inside Out, and a Delightful Meet-up

I wore this wrap maxi skirt with the other side out here, and liked it - but I thought the contrast was sharp between the tee and the skirt. Here I'm wearing it opposite-side out, with a softer tee. I like both looks, no strong preference. I haven't yet tried the skirt-as-sundress that Terri mentioned, but it looks intriguing. Don't you love hard working clothes?

Necklace made by a friend, thrifted wooden bangle

I'll retire this skirt for the season soon as it has a very summery vibe.

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I had the pure pleasure of meeting Judith of the Style Crone last week while she visited Florida. She's elegant and gorgeous (you knew that), warm, funny, wise and kind. Our short time together flew by. I hope we'll get to meet again; I'm still flying high on the memories!

Linking up to Thrifter Thursday at Coffee and Cardigans, a fun spot!

Shopping List for Fall!

I've been reducing rather than expanding my wardrobe for the last six months. I've followed a one-in, one-out policy and just-plain-purged quite a bit. I am enjoying my smaller closet, even though I find myself repeating pieces a lot. I'm wearing more of what I truly love rather than something that's "novel" but just OK.

But the change of seasons (Florida seasons, heh) brings memories of shopping trips for school, and many wonderful years of living in the Northeast. I have an urge to refresh my Fall/Winter wardrobe. For my climate, that means pieces that can be worn when it's merely cool out. So layers of silk, very light wools, jersey knits and closed-toe shoes are all on the menu.

Here's a collection I put together. I plan to shop from this list, and not dither around, adding "cute stuff" like I have in past years. (I won't be buying these exact items, unless dollars rain from heaven.) I'm not going to rake through the deep discount racks looking for deals that may or may not work in my wardrobe. I'll include the thrifts and consignment stores in my rounds, but with my list in hand. And recognizing that I may not find my style basics there, and that's OK (but I bet I'll find a couple of fabulous scarves!)

There's nothing very trendy here, but lots of pieces I can blend into my existing wardrobe of skirts, simple knit dresses and lightweight print tops. A soft ivory blouse will be a favorite for mixing with all my skirts and with jeans on the weekend, so I might buy two!

I am pining for those cool lace-ups to be my "personality" shoes for Fall. And note, I didn't add any boots. But don't write that down. I'm also crazy at the moment for some modern "readers"; I go through them quickly but I want to update to this fun oversized style.

Over to you, fellow wardrobers: are you updating a lot or a little for the new season? Adding classics or statement pieces? Shopping the closet or the retailers, or a mix?

Visible Monday #63: Re-Working Old Faves

Welcome to Visible Monday #63! If you want to participate, it's so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the simple how-to.

Well, my outfit today is a combination of a lot of re-runs, but I had to include the Cat Stalemate pic! I'm wearing my so-comfortable knit maxi skirt with an ASOS basic tee (they make some nice basic tees). A gray faux-pearl choker and teal bangles add the bling.

I am settling in very well to my shop-less routine, and I reach for my favorite pieces without regret. I plan to buy some new things for Fall/Winter; I've composed a collage I'll post later this week. For now I feel Visible and happy, and hope you feel the same, whether you're wearing new or familiar.

P.S. Full disclosure: These photos were taken earlier in the week. Our air conditioner broke on Friday, and "The Part" won't be in till Monday at best. It was 87 degrees in the house yesterday and it's a brisk 84 right now, so I didn't feel like dressing up -- or dressing. Ah, modern conveniences, how I love thee!

Why must the Silly Human always wear our colors?

Now, let's see what you're wearing, Visible Women!!

The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple!

1. Whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
2. Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post.
3. Go to the bottom of this post and click on this cute little link:

In the "Next Step", you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you're done!

Aging Beautifully: Daphne Selfe

Have you heard of this 80+ year old beauty? Daphne Selfe was born in the UK and got her Big Break in a newspaper modeling competition. In the 50's she was modeling bathing suits and furs, although she described herself as too short and "too sturdy" to be a model.

Modeling in her youth. A classic 50's beauty.

She's been working ever since, having signed a major contract in 1999 after appearing in Marie Claire (not a magazine geared to the over-60 set!). Daphne gets paid top dollar to pose for Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana, among others, and retains a cool elegance and confidence that transcends age.

She denies any surgical interventions, and says her long silver hair makes her stand out. “I’ve never had anything done to my face,” Selfe told the Daily Mail. “Not that poison, not a face-lift. I think it’s a waste of money. Anyway, I couldn’t afford it!” I rather doubt the can't-afford-it part, but bravo for the choice to age gracefully and naturally.

Age has also brought serenity, and increased self confidence. Daphne told a journalist for The Economist :  “You’ve got to take rejection. I go to lots of auditions, and you only get one out of several, that’s how it is. . . . That’s quite difficult for young girls to get used to. But I’m old and sensible—or insensible now—so I don’t worry about it, and on to the next one.”

And she has a simple philosophy about getting older: "It's going to happen, so why worry? My generation got on with it. I do find people are always complaining these days. I try to remain cheerful, not grumpy." Rock on, Daphne Selfe, vital and beautiful at 83!

I love, love this picture - so stunning and confident at 83.

Being prepped for a photo shoot. Photo via The Economist.

Have a brilliant Saturday, and don't forget, Monday, September 10th is Visible Monday! Everyone is welcome to participate!

Cheap Thrills

I just finished Nina Garcia's book, The Little Black Book of Style. I won't label it a must-read for style lovers; it's a lot of material you've read elsewhere.

Nina goes through the checklist for wardrobe must-haves, the rules for editing your closet, and suggestions for what to wear to specific life events. There are some super-short interviews with designers, but it's truly a "Little" book: lots of white space and (very charming) drawings by Isabel Toledo. I only paid a few dollars for a used copy on Amazon, so no regrets.

I enjoyed the section titled "Cheap Thrills".  Nina thinks "Fashion is expensive, style is not." I'm with her on this one. Sometimes the priciest outfits look too studied, too predictable and way too label-heavy. Creativity, a good eye, and a little energy can create fabulous looks. Many of my favorite bloggers have proven you don't need a lot of cash to be chic and of-the-moment.

From her book, here are some of Nina's Cheap Thrills, and I'd love to hear about your own:

• Hanes white tee shirts. She recommends the guys' version. I've never been able to get these to fit me quite right but I know many women do, and they cost less than cappuccino.
• L.L. Bean classic tote. I love these for their sturdy simplicity.
• White button-up shirt. On every list in every style book. They can be found inexpensively, although I think the higher priced ones generally look "worth it."
• Flea-Market finds. Hello, Nina, where have you been? We bloggers are all over this one, and thrifts, op-shops, estate sales, consignment stores . . . did I mention the Cub Scout fundraiser yard sale?
• Anything H&M, Target, Uniqlo. I am trying to move away from this version of "Cheap Thrills", for the impact on the environment, labor fairness, and for general quality. But I do like a handful of Target tees for summer.

The classic L.L. Bean canvas tote. Always in style, and cheap.

The classic Hanes tee. Looks very good on him.

Over to you: any cheap thrills to add to the list? And Happy Thursday, the weekend is almost here!

Bold Hair: Not Just For Kids!

I was delighted by the hair transformations of these midlife women, featured in the New York Times. No soccer-mom cuts for them! They went for edgy, modern looks usually worn by women 30 years their junior. (Click here for the whole slideshow.)

Dawn Bennett, 61, asked for "rude and rocking" hair. NYT photo

Fifty-something Sunny Bates said "I don't ever want to be plain." NYT photo

And Linda Holliday, in her fifties, went for blue streaks. NYT photo

None of these styles is exactly "me", and blue streaks won't pass muster in the corporate workplace, unless you're the CEO (yay for you!). But I love the daring, the breaking-the-rules, and the "Not Dead Yet" attitudes of these women.

How bold have you/would you go with your hairstyle? And how much is age a factor? Is there a hairstyle that you will not wear because you think it will "date" you?

Visible Monday #62: Casual In Lace

Welcome to Visible Monday #62! If you want to participate, it's so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the simple how-to.  

I've been reaching for lace tops this summer, haven't I? I know lace can skew matronly, so I am trying to keep the look casual and modern. This silhouette is one of my favorites, a slim feminine top over a full skirt. I started the day with the scarf around my neck but it's still summer-in-full here. It's too hot today for a neck-scarf, so it took on belt duty.

The Talbot's silk skirt was supposed to be donated this month, but I find I still enjoy it too much. My simple accessories for the heat are a couple of bangles and Anne Klein nude sandals. And some unruly hair. I think this calls for mousse!

The Picasso print might be a little crooked. But with Picasso, how does one
know for sure?  : >

I really like the vintage silk scarf, thrifted for just a few dollars.

Now, let's see what you're wearing, Visible Women!!

The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple!

1. Whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
2. Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post.
3. Go to the bottom of this post and click on this cute little link:

In the "Next Step", you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you're done!