Oooooooh! Love this topic. When I'm feeling really ME, I wear a mishmash of color, patterns, fun, funky, and *absolutely* comfortable! I don't give a damn about whether anything 'matches'. All I want from the clothes I wear is for them to delight me. Gotta run...more to come :-)
Lately, I have an a strong urge to let go of any rules about fashion. Now, I want to wear stripes, prints, polka dots, etc., together. It is a zany part of me. Woo hoo!
Leopard is a neutral. I can't remember who said that, but I embrace it whole-heartedly. Also Rouge Noir Chanel nail polish (ever since Uma Thurman's duet with John Travolta in Pulp Fiction) and orangey-red lipstick. And men's poplin shirts, worn very oversized. All of these bring me joy.
Beautiful post by beautiful you, Jen. Thank you. x
What a great article! Makes me think about being more courageous in how I dress. I enjoy my silver-white hair, but I could be braver in my clothing and jewelry selections.
I love this essay. I have always used dressing myself as one of my creative outlets. Even when I was a business consultant in the conservative 90s. At one networking event (we did that back then, in person, remember?), a woman came up to me and said admiringly, you always have at least one "artsy" thing on. I mean, I was wearing a business suit (probably black) but had a vintage brooch on. She liked that. It was my brand, before we were branding ourselves. And I have to say, the current trend of athleisure wear is so frustrating to me. I want to see all the colors, the styles, the accessories. Can we please start dressing up (whatever that means to you) again?
Have you seen Worn Stories on Netflix? You might like it!
thanks for the recommendation for Worn Stories. And yes to dressing up! I get so judgemental on airplanes... what you couldn't get out of your pj's? :)
I so agree about planes. I also get annoyed at the theater too-I have seen people in flip flops at a musical performance-ruins the fancy night out I was hoping for.
I've also run a couple of halves (once pushing a toddler in BabyJogger, no less) so that counts as a whole, right?! No matter, Jen, still inspired by your consistent running. Reading this week's note was an encouraging reminder that there's still time to run my first full.
Another brilliantly perceptive post! When I had to clear out my old wardrobe at my Mum's house when she sold it, I stubbornly refused to get rid of all the clothes no longer 'on trend' (unless they didn't fit or I didn't like them anymore). Needing a 'new' Winter coat this season, I dug out a trenchcoat I never got round to wearing at the time - not only do I feel like a spy on a secret mission when I wear it, coincidentally it's virtually 'Barbie pink'. So it came back into fashion again after all, like a gift from my past self to my present one! Early menopause has robbed me of my identity at times, but I still always want to dress like Marianne Faithfull in the '60s, with the attitude of Marianne Faithfull in the '70s!
I remember as a 5 or 6 year old going to my mum's wardrobe (late 1960's). Finding some fabulous items with different textures, a velvety blouse, silky scarf, a funny lemon hat with netting around it, I recall a long skirt (or it was on me) flowing. I put them all on and got on my bike and rode around the neighbourhood, not a care! Wish I had kept that freedom just to dress how you feel. Perhaps at 59 it's time to come back. Thank you for this article, took me down memory lane and back!
Why are you always on point?! I am finally finding a moment for myself and have decided to look a posts I may have missed. As I move towards a “better” me, I have decided that I need to figure out how I want to represent myself to the world in alignment with who I am becoming. I realized I am telling the universe that I don’t deserve better. Up until now, being a struggling single mother, I have dressed in clothing that I could afford. Thrift store clothing is a splurge. Hand me downs from my son. Things other people were getting rid off. Nothing that I have specifically chosen that feels like “me.” Whatever is comfortable is fine with me. Since I have made the decision to present my authentic self to the world, I have found it difficult to define what that means. I have to go through a series of questions before I purchase to figure out what my motive is. It’s nearly impossible for me to not first look at the price. Then I have to ask myself what is my motivation- the price, is it on sale, or do I really love it? Then my body and how it will look on me comes into play. It is a whole thing. I got rid of a bunch of stuff so I would be forced to replace it. Let me not write an essay.
It is a whole thing. I get it! It’s another way to claim our selves and be seen. I’m so happy you’re giving yourself this time to explore! And isn’t fast or easy. 🫶🏽
Jen - I love your bad-ass fierceness, reflected in those various clothing items. You have such a boldness, a beautiful spirit and it's reflected in these pics so well!!
For many women, their closets are not really blessing but more of a beast! They feel so much shame when they look at clothes that represent a thinner, younger version. My goal as a professional home organizer is to work though my client's emotions over that and help them to let go of what no longer serves them and instead, wear the heck out of items that reflect who they are right now! Here's a link to a blog post I wrote on the subject if you're interested: https://www.reneebrownorganizing.com/blog/womens-closets-overwhelming-home-organizing-minneapolis-st-paul-mn
What a gorgeous topic, and how timely since I´ve decided to finally do something about my wardrobe this year! I rember very well the shoes I bought in sixth grade. They had the same name on the side of the shoe as the guy I was in love with. Oh dear me. Still have the shoes in my wardrobe :-)
I even have my grandmother´s beautiful black suede shoes from 1920!! And she hade to flew a war. Have had them on several occasions, but now I just treasure them.
Love this topic -- it reminds me of a book on my all-time favorite books list: Love, Loss, and What I Wore. What a perfect book!!! I *love* to shop -- not to BUY but to shop. I love looking and touching and thinking about where I would wear that, WHO would wear them, etc. my newest favorite purchase is a pair of black super stretchy wide-legged jeans from MMLaFleur. I have been wearing them everywhere and they make me feel grounded and stylish and grown up! And I am reminded of a great dress YOU wore when you did that Creative Live gig so long ago (and where we met in person!) You have always had great style!
I’m always “overdressed” (or dressed like a 3 year old…) I love texture, pattern and lots of color with fabulous jewelry and fun shoes. And frankly, I don’t care. My favorite philosophy about clothing is to wear whatever the f*** I want that makes me feel good. That said, I’m the ultimate bargain shopper and hate to spend tons of money. Most of my really fabulous and favorite items are thrifted or purchased when I travel. I love the dreaming and the hunt. ❤️
I have so much to say about this. I love that you think about it too. How I am dressing is a great self-check for me to be conscious of how true I am being to my true self. I love color and funky patterns and playful shapes and big earrings and hats. If I start dressing too much like a high school teenager or an office worker from the late 90s Chicago (tailored, sweater sets, small discreet earrings) I know it's time to reassess and relocate my true nature. It means I am repressing something for something or someone. I had a long period in the early 00s that I was living in a very conservative part of the country and molded myself to fit in. I have never been more unhappy. It is a version of making myself small that I hate and must resist. Clothing is costume and play and personal manifestation. Yay!
Clothes that fit well. (I am quite short and it is not easy to find the perfect fit.) Choosing dressier jewelry on an “ordinary” day. Wearing red lipstick more! Pulling new and different outfits together by shopping my closet. Being more fashion adventurous!
Oooooooh! Love this topic. When I'm feeling really ME, I wear a mishmash of color, patterns, fun, funky, and *absolutely* comfortable! I don't give a damn about whether anything 'matches'. All I want from the clothes I wear is for them to delight me. Gotta run...more to come :-)
can't wait to hear more!!
Lately, I have an a strong urge to let go of any rules about fashion. Now, I want to wear stripes, prints, polka dots, etc., together. It is a zany part of me. Woo hoo!
i am on a total stripe kick too!! and yes all mixed together!
Personally, I consider polka dots a neutral-they go with everything!
Leopard is a neutral. I can't remember who said that, but I embrace it whole-heartedly. Also Rouge Noir Chanel nail polish (ever since Uma Thurman's duet with John Travolta in Pulp Fiction) and orangey-red lipstick. And men's poplin shirts, worn very oversized. All of these bring me joy.
Beautiful post by beautiful you, Jen. Thank you. x
oh love all this! Leopard is a neutral!! I also love the oversized white shirt. and sweater vests.
I just wrote in a comment that polka dots are neutral. I like your style!
i love that!
What a great article! Makes me think about being more courageous in how I dress. I enjoy my silver-white hair, but I could be braver in my clothing and jewelry selections.
Thank you! Yes, what will make you feel amazing and unstoppable or whatever you want to feel?
I love this essay. I have always used dressing myself as one of my creative outlets. Even when I was a business consultant in the conservative 90s. At one networking event (we did that back then, in person, remember?), a woman came up to me and said admiringly, you always have at least one "artsy" thing on. I mean, I was wearing a business suit (probably black) but had a vintage brooch on. She liked that. It was my brand, before we were branding ourselves. And I have to say, the current trend of athleisure wear is so frustrating to me. I want to see all the colors, the styles, the accessories. Can we please start dressing up (whatever that means to you) again?
Have you seen Worn Stories on Netflix? You might like it!
thanks for the recommendation for Worn Stories. And yes to dressing up! I get so judgemental on airplanes... what you couldn't get out of your pj's? :)
I so agree about planes. I also get annoyed at the theater too-I have seen people in flip flops at a musical performance-ruins the fancy night out I was hoping for.
same at opera
First marathon at 54?! This genuinely inspires me. Thank you, Jen!
oh I did, good. I'm not a marathon person, half is my jam.
half! I should have written half!!
I've also run a couple of halves (once pushing a toddler in BabyJogger, no less) so that counts as a whole, right?! No matter, Jen, still inspired by your consistent running. Reading this week's note was an encouraging reminder that there's still time to run my first full.
it counts as 7 marathons!
Another brilliantly perceptive post! When I had to clear out my old wardrobe at my Mum's house when she sold it, I stubbornly refused to get rid of all the clothes no longer 'on trend' (unless they didn't fit or I didn't like them anymore). Needing a 'new' Winter coat this season, I dug out a trenchcoat I never got round to wearing at the time - not only do I feel like a spy on a secret mission when I wear it, coincidentally it's virtually 'Barbie pink'. So it came back into fashion again after all, like a gift from my past self to my present one! Early menopause has robbed me of my identity at times, but I still always want to dress like Marianne Faithfull in the '60s, with the attitude of Marianne Faithfull in the '70s!
so love that! I can see you in the coat!
Shhh don't tell anyone - I'm a spy, remember?! x
I have a big mouth and a terrible poker face, you are so busted. :)
Aw, I live in the UK so I think I'm safe...unless we've just created a diplomatic incident?! I bet Spy Barbie doesn't have hot flushes x 🥵🕵️♀️
But she should. You should be able to pour water in her head and have it come out all her pores.
I remember as a 5 or 6 year old going to my mum's wardrobe (late 1960's). Finding some fabulous items with different textures, a velvety blouse, silky scarf, a funny lemon hat with netting around it, I recall a long skirt (or it was on me) flowing. I put them all on and got on my bike and rode around the neighbourhood, not a care! Wish I had kept that freedom just to dress how you feel. Perhaps at 59 it's time to come back. Thank you for this article, took me down memory lane and back!
I love reading that memory. And the idea of dressing according to how you feel. What are we waiting for?
Why are you always on point?! I am finally finding a moment for myself and have decided to look a posts I may have missed. As I move towards a “better” me, I have decided that I need to figure out how I want to represent myself to the world in alignment with who I am becoming. I realized I am telling the universe that I don’t deserve better. Up until now, being a struggling single mother, I have dressed in clothing that I could afford. Thrift store clothing is a splurge. Hand me downs from my son. Things other people were getting rid off. Nothing that I have specifically chosen that feels like “me.” Whatever is comfortable is fine with me. Since I have made the decision to present my authentic self to the world, I have found it difficult to define what that means. I have to go through a series of questions before I purchase to figure out what my motive is. It’s nearly impossible for me to not first look at the price. Then I have to ask myself what is my motivation- the price, is it on sale, or do I really love it? Then my body and how it will look on me comes into play. It is a whole thing. I got rid of a bunch of stuff so I would be forced to replace it. Let me not write an essay.
It is a whole thing. I get it! It’s another way to claim our selves and be seen. I’m so happy you’re giving yourself this time to explore! And isn’t fast or easy. 🫶🏽
Jen - I love your bad-ass fierceness, reflected in those various clothing items. You have such a boldness, a beautiful spirit and it's reflected in these pics so well!!
For many women, their closets are not really blessing but more of a beast! They feel so much shame when they look at clothes that represent a thinner, younger version. My goal as a professional home organizer is to work though my client's emotions over that and help them to let go of what no longer serves them and instead, wear the heck out of items that reflect who they are right now! Here's a link to a blog post I wrote on the subject if you're interested: https://www.reneebrownorganizing.com/blog/womens-closets-overwhelming-home-organizing-minneapolis-st-paul-mn
What a gorgeous topic, and how timely since I´ve decided to finally do something about my wardrobe this year! I rember very well the shoes I bought in sixth grade. They had the same name on the side of the shoe as the guy I was in love with. Oh dear me. Still have the shoes in my wardrobe :-)
You still have those shoes! That’s so great. I wish I had my mom’s clothes from the 60’s and early 70’s.
I even have my grandmother´s beautiful black suede shoes from 1920!! And she hade to flew a war. Have had them on several occasions, but now I just treasure them.
Love this topic -- it reminds me of a book on my all-time favorite books list: Love, Loss, and What I Wore. What a perfect book!!! I *love* to shop -- not to BUY but to shop. I love looking and touching and thinking about where I would wear that, WHO would wear them, etc. my newest favorite purchase is a pair of black super stretchy wide-legged jeans from MMLaFleur. I have been wearing them everywhere and they make me feel grounded and stylish and grown up! And I am reminded of a great dress YOU wore when you did that Creative Live gig so long ago (and where we met in person!) You have always had great style!
oh going to check those jeans out! what name do they have? and I still have that dress -- is that the only time we met in person?? sad!!
I’m always “overdressed” (or dressed like a 3 year old…) I love texture, pattern and lots of color with fabulous jewelry and fun shoes. And frankly, I don’t care. My favorite philosophy about clothing is to wear whatever the f*** I want that makes me feel good. That said, I’m the ultimate bargain shopper and hate to spend tons of money. Most of my really fabulous and favorite items are thrifted or purchased when I travel. I love the dreaming and the hunt. ❤️
You have so much fun dressing and it always delights me!!
I have so much to say about this. I love that you think about it too. How I am dressing is a great self-check for me to be conscious of how true I am being to my true self. I love color and funky patterns and playful shapes and big earrings and hats. If I start dressing too much like a high school teenager or an office worker from the late 90s Chicago (tailored, sweater sets, small discreet earrings) I know it's time to reassess and relocate my true nature. It means I am repressing something for something or someone. I had a long period in the early 00s that I was living in a very conservative part of the country and molded myself to fit in. I have never been more unhappy. It is a version of making myself small that I hate and must resist. Clothing is costume and play and personal manifestation. Yay!
This is brilliant! Dressing as a check in with yourself 🫶🏽🌟👏🏻
Clothes that fit well. (I am quite short and it is not easy to find the perfect fit.) Choosing dressier jewelry on an “ordinary” day. Wearing red lipstick more! Pulling new and different outfits together by shopping my closet. Being more fashion adventurous!
Love all that! I wish I could find a red lipstick that didn’t feather.
Insightful and inspirational. 🔥
Thank you!!❤️