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.