THE CITIZEN INDEX

Sunday, November 30, 2014

OUTFIT POST: be yourself


THE STRIPED STUFF. Is it the fact that I am now inching my way to age 50, that I am getting to be ok with just being me, as me? No hyped up, perfectly-put-together or best foot forward, kind of me, just a growing quiet acceptance of who I am, flaws and all, and the keen appreciation of where I am.


I wore this outfit, knowing it's nothing remotely close to a "fashion statement," or cool, or inspirational or anything. In fact, I almost didn't bother to take pics, but something kicked in me that late afternoon, to step in front of the camera and shoot a few quick pics: I wanted to chronicle, what I look like and what I am wearing in the day to day, at this point in my life. 

Looking at the pictures I see somebody who:
  • likes stripes
  • looks like she gets cold easily
  • has a quirky sense of style
  • sorta, kinda, maybe, really likes herself
This outfit is not for the camera, or somebody else, but just what I wore as an online vintage seller, photographing items to list on eBay, wearing pretty much stuff that makes me happy. Like stripes. Or a hat to keep my head warm, hide my bad self-inflicted hair cut, and because I really like wearing hats. I also wore a bright blue, drug store mascara, worn as an homage to the Christian Dior electric blue mascara that I wore in high school (( hey, it was the eighties)). The long, thrifted denim skirt whispers "middle age librarian" but as a more comfortable version of jeans, has been a closet go-to lately. 




Not sure if you are going to find a lick of inspiration in how to style a sweater here, but I hope you come away with the urge to celebrate yourself, whether or not you happen feel particularly foxy that day. Hey, you don't need to be clever or cute to feel good about yourself. Just. Feel. Good. 

And....


To quote the immensely quotable Oscar Wilde: 
 "Be yourself. Everyone else is taken."

#SECONDHANDFIRST: 100% secondhand, 100% rosebud
Now Wearing:
  • black + cobalt acrylic striped ski hat, freebie bin
  • J.Crew blue lambswool mens cardigan, Goodwill
  • black striped oversized top, purchased years ago from Target
  • arm candy: various bangles, all thrifted
  • Thrifted denim maxi skirt, Goodwill
  • We Love Colors striped tights, available here
  • Nine West leather booties, thrifted
Linking to the fabulous Patti for a special edition of VISIBLE MONDAY.

13 comments:

Unknown said...

Strange that wisdome comes with age ...im also turning 50 and i just dont care ... You look so great and im sure that you are a great person !
xxx

Denise Reed making notes... said...

You look great, your ensemble is flattering and relaxed in styling. I'm a firm advocate of expressing individuality in dressing, and you look wonderful.

Patti said...

Lovely - relaxed, authentic and pretty. Thanks for linking up too! xox

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

Well, seriously you look in your 30s! I love that first picture of you...so joyful and seems to be so Bella! That green coat is beautiful!

Jazzy Jack said...

I so don't see middle-aged librarian. Poor librarians! I do see a woman who has an innate sense of style which does not slavishly follow others, but is cute .xo JJ

Vix said...

Gorgeous, wise and totally you!
I'm 48 this week and really couldn't care less, life just gets better with age. xxx

Deborah said...

I see a gorgeous, quirky and confident woman when I see you. You have inspired me to celebrate myself...thank you. I turn 50 next year and I am embracing all it has to offer and the wonderful freedom I believe it brings with it, both sartorially and within my deeper person.

Suzanne said...

You artistic quirky soul shines through in this outfit.

bisous
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com

Forest City Fashionista said...

Bella, this is a lovely reminder that we don't have to be wearing a spectacular outfit or having an amazing adventure in order to feel good about how we look and the life we're living. You look very comfortable in your own skin, and that's what most of us are striving for, don't you think?

ArgentGal said...

Perfectly you! And thank for the reminder. I'm off now to be perfectly me.

Tamera Beardsley said...

Oh how I love this post my dear! We all needed to be reminded … to love ourselves … just because!

i am 55 and have never been happier with myself … flaws and all! Maybe it's because at this age … I realize I won't be on the planet forever … so life's too short now to self deprecate … I just might be winning over my own critical voice … of at the very least … softening her speak.

Thanks again for this wonderful fresh post … You are always beautiful inside and out … no matter what you wear!

xoxo
Tamera

Unknown said...

So happy to see your beautiful face here,Gorgeous! If ever there was someone who should be comfortable in their own skin, you should be ... and you offer excellent advice. More than anything else, a WIW post can provide a visual journal about all that what we decide to present when we dress and publish.
Your posts never fail to intrigue.

Becky said...

You look GOOD!
You should see the shit I wear around the house working---it's horrid!