This is the first post in my Thrifty Style Series. I’m starting with a little background behind the series; if you want to go straight to the tips, just scroll down a little.)
In 2010, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a bilateral mastectomy.
In 2012, I turned fifty.
In 2013, I became a grandma for the first time.
have all conspired to communicate to me one simple truth: my youthful years are indubitably behind me.
As the milestones continued to accumulate, I started to take some surreptitious peeks (and some occasional long looks) into the mirror.
As I gazed into the mirror at the new versions of my ever-aging, ever-changing self, I wasn’t always thrilled with what I saw– extra wrinkles and folds, a decidedly non-youthful shape, and the unmistakable aura of a post-menopausal woman who had more years in her past than in her future.
I started to think of things I could do that would help me walk into middle age (and beyond) with grace and with joy. I didn’t want to ever feel like my best years were behind me. I wanted to look forward to what was coming with anticipation and make out of myself a person who would welcome the coming decades with poise and panache.
was to start growing my hair out and learning to style it a little differently. I have seen short hairstyles on older women that are absolutely stunning but I decided I would like to see how I liked mine a little longer.
was to watch some videos on applying makeup to “mature” skin. (Although I still feel like I have no clue what I am doing.)
was to start wearing bigger earrings, more dramatic jewelry, and brighter colors. (Keep in mind that for some people, bigger and brighter may be just the opposite of your happy place. It all depends on what makes you feel the most like you.)
was to lose fifteen pounds. Although making my clothes fit better was a big motivator for the weight I lost, the other equally important reason was my COPD and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Carrying extra weight around does not do my health-challenged body any favors.
When I ran across this picture from about five years ago, I was surprised to see how much extra weight both Steve and I were carting around back then.
We have both jettisoned some pounds.
was to start paying close attention to a couple of blogs for women of a certain age–blogs that offer good, solid advice on how to make the most of the later decades of life and how to dress in a way that is flattering,stylish, and age appropriate.
Although I can think of a hundred reasons why I am reluctant to blog on this subject–mainly, that I don’t want to put myself into any sort of style spotlight since I usually feel insecure about my appearance–the reasons for blogging on the subject are greater than the reasons against it.
is because I often notice women who don’t feel good about themselves, their bodies, or their clothes. They have low self-esteem and so often lack the ability to move comfortably in their world. I love the idea of getting to help those women change their images of themselves. I am proof positive that you can dress nicely on a thrift store budget, and with a little studying of helpful blogs and articles, find a look that is your own, a look you can afford, and a look you feel confident in.
So even though I have absolutely no desire to become a style maven, I figured I could at least post occasionally on things I’ve learned in the hopes that it may encourage other women to discover their best versions of themselves.
When you get up in the morning, you have to put on clothes.
That’s just one of life’s accepted things. How much longer does it take you to reach in your closet for something lovely, as opposed to getting something you feel horrible in?
There is no more time involved in getting the prettier item from the closet and no more time involved in putting it on.
And if you bought your items at a thrift or consignment store, the choice between an attractive and unattractive garment does not have to be dictated by price.
Since you have to buy clothes and you have to get dressed every day anyway, why not buy and wear clothes that make your eyes bright and your smile brighter? Why not make it a point to uncover fit, and fashion, and colors that perfectly suit the wonderful person you are? It doesn’t take any more money and it doesn’t take any more time.
So . . . having said all that, let me take a deep breath and launch into this little project that I’ve been pondering for over a year. Wish me luck!
(By the way, I do want to mention that in these photos that my hair looks a bit frazzly and my face looks like I had stewed persimmons for lunch. But hey, it’s just us reading this, so it’ll be okay.) 🙂
Let’s get started, shall we?
Here’s a jean skirt I got at a thrift store which hit just below the knee.
And while I’m on the subject, dark wash denim items–skirts, pants, capris–are huge wardrobe wins. I promise you I could wear this denim skirt to work five days in a row and no one would never even notice because its style and color are classic, and classic equals versatility. I could wear different types of shirts, sweaters and cardigans with the skirt and add scarves, jewelry, different sorts of shoes, boots, etc.and no one would guess I was wearing the same thing over and over. Same thing goes for a dark wash, great-fitting pair of jeans.
Anyway, in the photo below, I rolled up the waist band a tad to shorten the length, just to see what it would do. Look at the difference it made! (Note: Your perfect skirt length may be completely different from mine. Just experiment till you find the look you love.)
Total cost of outfit: $12
The first pair come up high on the top of my foot which visually shortens the length of the leg. In the second photo, the lower shoe style makes the leg look longer.
I actually took the above photos about a year ago; if I were to take a picture of that same outfit now I would probably have worn nude shoes instead. There is no color better for making legs look longer and slimmer because the eye traverses the whole length of the body and isn’t forced to come to a screeching halt at shoes in a heavy color.
The reference I just made to nude shoes is illustrated with this outfit. If I had put on black shoes, it would have visually chopped my legs right off at the ankles. And leg chopping (visual or otherwise) is just not a cheery thought.
The other thing I want to point out is the black band around my hips. Where does your eye go when you see this photo? Right to the black band.
And why is that a problem? It’s because the band is drawing the eye to the most humongous part of my own personal body, which happens to be my hips. And just WHY would I want the eye to be drawn to my resident humongousness? I don’t!
Happily there is a simple solution.
Look at the difference it makes to hem the shirt and get rid of the band. The eye doesn’t get hung up anywhere and the whole line is cleaner and more slenderizing.
Total cost of outfit: $14
And so that’s the end of today’s little foray into fashion.
Before I close, let me reiterate that I am not now, nor will I ever be, an expert in any of this
I have just enjoyed learning some things about this subject and whenever I learn something, I love to pass it on, especially if it might spark one of you sweet Smithellaneous friends to find your own inspiration. I want YOU to like what you wear and I especially want you to like the person inside those clothes. If anything I post takes you even one baby step closer to those goals, I will be happy.
If you have any great tips to pass on of your own, we’d all love to read them.
Find all the posts in this series: Small Changes Favorite Style Bloggers Stars and Understudies Proportions and Alterations. Mom Jeans In the Middle Patterned Pieces Two is Best
Please continue! A fashionista I am NOT, so any advice helps. 🙂
Gayle,
Well, we can be non-fashionistas together and we’ll both just learn as we go along. Glad you enjoyed the post.
That was really interesting and informative. Small changes make a big ‘ol difference! I definitely need to do some homework as you have and figure out what works best for me. Keep up these posts–great job!
love, deb
Deb,
Glad you enjoyed what small insights I have gleaned over the past couple of years. 🙂 Will definitely be doing more posts like that.
Absolutely keep going with these posts. Love this one because it was simply put and east to retain. I want to ask you for some of the sites you visit. I need all the help I can get. I’m looking forward to seeing your next anti-aging post. If you have suggestions on sites you can email me at bevwalks at aol dot com.
ncbev,
So glad the post was helpful. I will definitely continue to keep those posts simple because that’s basically how I think! 🙂
Great idea about sharing the addresses of some of the blogs I’ve been following. If you’ll check back here next week, I’ll be doing another style post and will add some of those blog addresses. Thanks for the great suggestion!
Thanks, Becky. I’ll be looking forward to it!
Love this post! Great tips. I need nude shoes!!! And I want a jean skirt. Thanks for the inspiration
Paige (who is approaching 50! Well in 2 1/2 years, but still, it’s close and I cannot believe it).
Paige,
I am so happy that you got some inspiration from my post; that’s my whole reason behind doing those kinds of posts.
Once you get some nude shoes and jean skirts you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. 🙂
Thanks again for such an encouraging comment!
I loved this post Becky. I too will be turning 50 this year and I love the tips you have given out so please continue.
Mel,
Welcome to the 50’s–it’s such a great decade. I’m glad you liked the post; with all the encouragement I’ve received, I will definitely be doing more of them!
Becky, I really liked this post. I can relate being in my mid 50’s and having had gastric bypass surgery resulting in a 200 lb weight loss I REALLY don’t know what looks good anymore. Pre-surgery all I had to do was find something that fit (not always easy) but now there are choices I have to make. Your tips are terrific and the pictures showing the differences really capped it off. Thanks.
Mary,
What an amazing accomplishment to lose that weight; kudos to you for taking charge of your life and your future.
Having choices when you shop can be exhilarating but also a little overwhelming. I hope that future posts I do on this subject will inspire and encourage you to find and celebrate your unique, beautiful style.
Thanks for the encouragement Becky.
Keep it up, Becky! I love the shots taken at the thrift shop. Perhaps one of the volunteers there could act as cameraperson next time. I suspect your unsmiling face is the result of trying to hold the camera and push the “shoot” button without moving the camera. If you could concentrate on just smiling, life would be easier!
So happy for the news of your Nathan’s-birthday-surprise-late-at-night. My son did that to me one time…doorbell rang and two broadly smiling, good looking young men stood there not saying a word. One of them looked familiar (his friend, not my son), but it wasn’t until he spoke that I recognized my son!
Jan,
Loved the story of your son and his friend surprising you at your door. It’s wonderful when life hands us happy surprises.
Enjoyed the post and different photos. Keep writing them. I am getting some long dresses shortened but still keeping them below the knee.
Ann,
Sounds like you’ve already discovered how wonderful it is to have a good alterations person in your life! Altering the length of a skirt is one of the best ways to freshen it up and give it a new look.
I am one who could do with taking a little more effort! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Sue,
I’m happy the post was an inspiration; hopefully you’ll begin to find out how much fun it is to do those little extra things to make an outfit enjoyable to wear.
Absolutely love this, Becky. Truly inspiring. Please continue.
Lori,
So very happy that you enjoyed the post!!
I want panache! Please keep this type of post coming. I HAVE to find a goodwill near me, or a thrift store, or something….
Lesley,
Living where you do now, I bet there are tons of thrift and consignment stores near you. If you can find a Goodwill or Salvation Army near a good neighborhood, you will be amazed at the quality of garments you can find for $3 or $4. And the best part is, once you look around a little over the course of a few months, you will be able to narrow the stores down to 2 or 3 favorites, which will simplify the process a little.
Enjoy the wonderful adventure of finding panache! 🙂
Yes, please continue on this same vein. I have mentioned this before, but I believe about 95% of my clothing comes from thrift stores, estate sales, and garage sales. I do have an Oleg Cassini top, one from Bob Mackie (Carol Burnett’s designer), and also bought Pennington jackets – well you get the point. You can dress beautifully with items from a thrift store – well, your pictures prove that. Thanks Becky.
Sharyn,
I think I’m at about 95% as well. Isn’t it fun to dress nicely on a budget? It sounds like you are really good at it.
I loved this blog. I agree with you about looking nice every day, it seems like there are a lot of women who reach a certain age & quit having their hair styled. What’s with that?
For me because I am short I have quit buying long sleeve tops. Everything is 3/4 length & looks a lot better.
The same is true for men. The ripped shirts & shorts aren’t very appealing either.
Margie,
That is a great point about about 3/4 length sleeves. I’ll be mentioning that in a future post.
Wonderful testimony, Becky! Steve is a blessed man.
Margaret,
The blessing goes both ways!
I love your post on this subject. Please continue!
Diane,
I will be happy to continue. Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed it!
I enjoyed your decision making for the best. Hope you continue with this type of posting.
Judy,
Thanks for the encouragement–I will definitely do more posts on this subject.
Love your style post because it is lovely on you and shows others like myself that we too can dress normal and stylish,even if the clothing is from a thrift store!! Great job, Becky!!
Donna,
Aren’t thrift stores the best? You’re right–you don’t need a lot of money to dress stylishly.
I love this and I would really love to have you KEEP posting on the subject. It is amazing how those few, small changes made such a difference in the way those outfits looked! Although your clothing style is different from my clothing style, I still would like to read more tips and pointers on making outfits, etc. Well done, Becky! 🙂
PS: You are definitely waltzing into those ‘next years’ looking fabulous! Congrats on the weight loss too!!
LeeAnne,
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! And you’re right–even though styles may differ from person to person, those small changes and adjustments to outfits work for anyone.
It’s a lot simpler being a guy. But thanks for all you do to look so lovely!
Steve,
You’re right–it IS easier, but not as much fun!
And you’re welcome. 🙂