Comments on: Cute?!#@Sixty

By: Deborah/TheBookishDame

Deborah/TheBookishDame — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 10:34:37 +0000

Deborah, would you like it here where I live, down-sized to comfortable clothes from Ann Taylor Loft, and such? Great looking sandals, silver or custom-made jewelry? It’s hot and everything has to be pared down. I’ve given up fancy dresses and beautiful sweaters for light, candy-colored pashminas and silky slips of tops over capri pants. Manicures are the most important fashion statement we have here. Blonding of hair is our trademark…how many different shades and tones and highlights can your hair dresser create?
:] Being womanly is cool, looking teen aged is passe’. Celebration of womanhood–being over 50 is what we do! Women of an age are gorgeous, wise and wonderful. Simplicity and comfort, being who you are is the fashion. Come and retire in Naples!

By: Claire

Claire — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 08:21:55 +0000

Love the observations and the idea that these days or is just being beyond the current fashion, it is difficult to know whether the way a person dresses is intentional or not. Well even if she hadn’t meant to expose herself, ignorance remains bliss, the discomfort is ours.

I have never felt comfortable shopping for clothes and avoid it (neither do I read fashion magazines), though I do enjoy looking for my two children. My husband however loves it which amazes me, he also runs regularly and after every run asks me if I think he las lost weight (he’s not overweight) and I have noticed how positive an effect I can have on his mood for the day if I answer in the affirmative (even if I detect little or no change). I never ask him the same question and it intrigues me all this. If I ever get to the bottom of understanding it, perhaps I will write about it. Though provoking post indeed Deborah.

By: Rossandra

Rossandra — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 21:57:49 +0000

Great post. I can relate. It feels good when forty-year-olds use the word “our” generation when talking to me. Only I would never dream of a mini-skirt, too much trouble. By the way, I added your blog to my blogroll.

By: Jenne' Andrews

Jenne' Andrews — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:44:05 +0000

Wonderful post, Deborah… so vivid and evocative. My current couture consists, beginning with the shoes, black suede Merrills, two leg braces, a back brace, every day the same style of Danskin capris (I’m too short-waisted for that low-slung look), and a variation of your standard built-in bra Danskin tank top. Still after all these years, and especially with a bent right leg that swells from hardware abrading bone, not the best body image in the world. I was so startled when someone– a male someone– from another country and in another language, tried to chat me up on Facebook. He kept saying that I was “una donne di classe” and I kept saying “tu sei un uomo esposito” i.e. you’re a married man. He was forty six and I am 63. Long after I blocked him I looked at myself in the mirror with new eyes, noticing I focus on my perceived faults and not whatever he might have seen… Don’t tell anyone that although I summoned the will to curtail the everything problematic that would have happened had we continued our dalliance, I saved his picture– a bronze 46 year old Neptune rising out of the sea in the very area my muse pines for! Anyway, a long night’s journey into day for me regarding pulling my favorite things out of the closet and daring to wear them again… xxj

By: Léna Roy

Léna Roy — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 02:40:00 +0000

Love this post! And your beautiful writing. I WISH I could pull off short skirts! “The way we dress is but one of the many ways we tell stories about ourselves.” And the way we don’t dress! But who am I to talk – I have a Hello Kitty tee-shirt!

By: Becky Green Aaronson

Becky Green Aaronson — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 23:02:04 +0000

I dont’ know when it happened, but somewhere along the way I lost my love of shopping. I especially hate trying clothes on–I don’t have the patience. Unfortunately, my style (or lack there of) shows it. While I love sexy high heels (your description of the slingbacks made me jealous), I can’t remember the last time I ever wore them. Perhaps that has to do with marathon running and the pounding my feet take already. Having said all that, my young daughter is a fashion diva and continually encourages me to dress up and wear high heels. My guess is that it won’t be long before I’m enjoying shopping again–through her eyes. Thanks for the fun post.

And your opening B&N scene? So classic and so ubiquitous these days. Great writing, as always!

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:03:34 +0000

Deborah, you capture in words moments with my daughter that I wish to revisit in my mind. Your writing makes these connections.

By: jane gross

jane gross — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:37:40 +0000

fab!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! oh, to have a daughter!

By: leisha

leisha — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:25:57 +0000

I love the trajectory of this piece & where it takes me. Also how shoes continue to inspire you!

By: Helen

Helen — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:49:21 +0000

Enjoyed the read. Women with daughters get the best fashion advice!