Friday 15 December 2017

Dressed To Impress (Yourself)


Catching up with my blog reading after an afternoon spent in the pub, I was blown away by a post Hollie published yesterday which mentioned several of my favourite bloggers / ex-bloggers - as well as me!



Aging is what you make it. There are no laws stating that you can't wear certain things after 30 or 40... just fashion magazines that like to tell you how to dress. 
Their words aren't law and neither are the opinions of others.

I'm not afraid to be myself anymore.
I feel as free and as carefree as the teenaged me who used to wear my grandmother's dresses with glitter painted sneakers and feather boas to school.
 But I also think that naturally, the older I get, the less I care about what other people think of me in general. They're not paying my bills, raising my kids or cooking my dinner so poo poo on what they think.

You ladies blog to help inspire other women your age, but never forget that this little girl has been looking up to you cool big kids for years now. I'm inspired and encouraged to embrace aging by staying true to myself. 


You can read the rest of Hollie's post HERE.



As well as being immensely flattered, Hollie hit the nail right on the head. We blog to inspire other women - we don't tell you what to wear, we simply share how us ordinary women, choose to dress on a daily basis. We don't expect anyone to copy, we just want to show that there's an alternative to slavishly following fashion, to conforming to what is expected of us, that you can dress however the f*ck you want and have an absolute blast doing so. 


 Here's just three of the outfits I've worn in the last couple of weeks. Women often approach me and say that they'd love to dress like me but can't as they're not brave enough. Bravery doesn't come into it. Stand up and be different, don't strive to blend in, be true to yourself and not what the style experts dictate how you should be. Like Hollie says, when you do you'll probably be surprised by how many people greet you with praise and compliments and maybe you'll even start to take offence when they don't stare.

WEARING: Vintage Krist of San Francisco patchwork maxi dress (birthday present from Krista back in 2013); 1960s Go-Go boots (car boot sale); Handmade fake fur jacket with bell sleeves (present from Liz);  Indian tribal necklace (present from G&T)
This is what I wore to tazz around the chazzas of the Black Country this morning, a few people commented on how colourful I looked and a very drunk man asked where I bought my jacket from but that was it, nobody laughed or beat me up although the manager of one of the shops did comment that she knew Retro Lady (that's me) would be the only person that would buy the two foot high plastic statue of the Virgin Mary that had been hanging around the shop for a month. I'm predictable in my tastes if nothing else!

Have a fabulous weekend and let's hope that last night's sprinkling was the last of the snow. My suede platforms are starting to gather dust.


58 comments:

  1. yep, wear what you want and to hell with others opinions. Hollie is awesome!

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  2. Wise words from Hollie for all. My Dad called me a non-conformist as a teen because I would wear ankle boots or combat boots with dresses instead of the normal flats.

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    1. A non-conformist is way better than a sheep! Nice one, dad!

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  3. What a lovely compliment! I'm heading over to Hollie's post to read it in full. Indeed, inspiring other women and being inspired by other bloggers, is what is blogging all about for me. I'd be a rich girl if I had a € for every time someone tells me I wish I'd be brave enough to wear that! I don't give a hoot what other people think, but I often get compliments - and make a point of paying compliments myself whenever I see someone whose style I like - and if anyone laughs, then so be it. That patchwork maxi is fantastic, by the way. xxx

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    1. I do that as well - complimenting complete strangers in the street on their outfits. It's all about women supporting and encouraging other women, no rivalry or jealousy, just being part of a lovely community. x

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  4. Well, hello, Retro Lady!

    Fabulous outfits all but I do love the patchwork maxi in particular.

    Well said, Holly, and I do agree that we bloggers try to inspire other women to get out of their comfort zone and express their individuality and creativity and sod anybody else! I actually avoid blogs that TELL you how to style clothes. I think that is just a bit too presumptuous.

    I do hope the snow keeps away; I'm sick of it already!!

    Have a lovely weekend.
    xxx

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    1. If I see a blog post entitled "How to wear" I scroll on past it. We don't need rules, we're old enough to know our own minds by now.
      Fashion magazines used to rule the roost and did nothing but make women feel insecure about themselves and the fact their clothes weren't up to date. I love that blogging has taken over, encouraging women from all over the world to get out there and experiment without bankrupting themselves with a wardrobe with a sell by date.
      I drew the curtains this morning and was delighted to see that the snow has all gone. Hopefully the next time there's a covering of white stuff under my feet will be the talcum powder sand of South Goa! xxx

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  5. That was a lovely post and I have to say a very refreshing view point. A lot of fashion blogs are very "me, me, me", written to drive home that feeling of not being one of the identikit cool kids that the glossies do so well ("Just click the affiliate link and buy the lipstick, perfume, over-priced tat and you can look like ME" so that we consume). It is bollocks. I love that there are a growing band of dissenters showing just how to be super stylish, unique and supportive. I find this blog, and a few others, really inspiring and creative. It is easy to lose your way style-wise, especially as you get older and are under pressure to conform. F£$k beige! Keep up the good work, Vix. Xx

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    1. Arghhh! Don't get me started on blogs with affiliate links and posts that start "Those lovely people at..." I'm more than happy for people to mention brands they buy because they genuinely like them - that's no different to how you'd talk to a friend but all that sponsored stuff leaves me cold.
      Thanks for your kind words, Kelly. F£$k beige - colour rocks. xxx

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  6. I often receive the comment " but you can get away with it". What?
    I don't even understand what that means. Is it so ugly but because I am some sort of quirky artist it suits me?
    Urgh!
    I had to laugh at the being insulted if someone doesn't stare comment!
    People can be soooo boring. Hopefully I'm raising my kids to respect and enjoy spectacular difference.
    And you are my role model too, dear Vix.
    Xo Jazzy Jack

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    1. Tell me about it. Getting away with it indeed. That's how you'd describe the actions of a bank robber rather than a woman who puts a dress on. What the f**k do they think's going to happen if they leave the jeans on the bedroom floor and wear something inventive instead? xxx

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  7. I also loved Hollie's post. I'm delighted you featured it here.

    As a person that was always fine with standing out from the crowd I've never understood what all the fuss was about. If it makes you happy, wear it. Who is anyone else to judge anyhow?

    I had a couple of women remark on some items as I was standing in line to pay at a thrift store here recently. They both confessed that they saw and loved the item I was buying but neither of them felt they could wear it. They both agreed, "Oh YOU can wear it!" But of course not them. You know what this piece was? A hoodie with massive tattoo like designs all over it and gold metallic embellishment by Christian Audigier. One of them asked me where on earth I planned on wearing this piece...I replied, "To walk my dog or just around the house." I'm wearing it now as I write. Good grief! It's a hoodie for heaven's sake!

    Love that bright maxi!

    Suzanne

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    1. I was thrilled to see you mentioned in Hollie's post, too!
      That conversation you had with those women in the thrift shop sounds exactly like what I encounter, too. I've been known to grab women by the arm, drag them over to a rail, hand them a garment and demand they try it on and show me. I now get women tapping me and asking my opinion on things they've found, suggestions of what they should wear it with and I love it. xxx

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  8. Much as I hate having my picture taken I have found as I've got older I do wear more and more colour and pattern.

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    1. I've always hated photos of me. I don't think there are many photos of me from my 20s and 30s in existence, I always avoided the camera.
      I don't think there's any women who doesn't look fabulous in bright colours and crazy prints. xxx

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  9. I loved Hollie's post and I love yours! I am happy to find such bright colorful women, even if they live far away from me, you all give me a sense of a wonderful community, vivacious, quirky, and supporting!

    Love all your outfits here, you always bring a smile with your posts! <3

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    1. I love this community we've got going here in Blogland. It's all about encouragement and sharing, no rivalry, bitchiness or competitiveness. I get a big kick out of seeing my virtual friends looking incredible in their clothes. xxx

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  10. Thank you so much for sharing my post and thank you again for being so super duper awesome.

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    1. My pleasure, Hollie. Thank you for being fabulous! x

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  11. I'll be heading over to read Hollie's post.

    I'd like to dress "Normal" but I tried it once and it gave me hives.
    I always enjoy seeing your outfits-better than a trip to an art gallery.

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    1. Normal's not for the likes of us, is it? Hooray for being different! xxx

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  12. deeply envious of the plastic madonna...

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  13. i just subscribe to the comments of jack and goody - exactly my feelings about dressing and the statements of others about mine.
    your ensemble is a total burner - all this colors make me very happy and i want hug you big time!
    off to hollie!
    xxxxx

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    1. Yes, Goody & Jack couldn't have said it better. The day you start dressing for you and not to attract, win friends, fit in or be appropriate is the day you take control of your life. xxx

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  14. This has to be your most colourful outfit to date, although it does have some stiff competition! You look amazing in all these outfits.

    I'm sometimes guilty of not wearing something because I think it might be too young, or too silly. I wish I didn't but I feel if I wore it I'd feel self conscious and wouldn't enjoy it, so I listen to my inner voice when it comes to what I wear. Recently I ordered a layered ballerina skirt in a grey blue, it was stunning and felt wonderful on, but I didn't have the guts to wear it so I sent it back. I think I'll regret it! But, I do have a lot of clothes that I wear no matter what people might think, so perhaps you can call me a work-in-progress :)
    xx

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    1. That voice will vanish as you get older, Hazel, I can guarantee that.
      I always lay my clothes out on the bed before I put them on - it takes me out of the equation so I can concentrate solely on the outfit. I ask myself what I'd think if I saw a stranger wearing this. If the answer is F**king fabulous, i know I'm on to a winner!

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    2. The voice definitely isn't as loud as it used to be in my 30s. Take my green skirt, I never would've worn that before now. I like the idea of laying it all out, I generally put it together in my head and then get dressed, but then I do have fewer clothes than you do ;)
      xx

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  15. Great post from Hollie. I do think blogs are great for inspiring so many women to finally dress as they please without worrying what others will think, especially more mature women. On a personal note, I wear a lot more colour than in my younger days....I just couldn't bear to be one of those women that 'become invisible at the age of 46'....vain or what?
    Btw I'd love to see Plastic Mary...you did buy her ....didn't you? Xxx

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    1. Blogging has brought us "older" women out of the shadows. There's loads of fabulous over 70s and under 50s on the style pages but until blogging came along we were largely ignored. Long may it continue! xxx
      PS Mary is mine!

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  16. That was a lovely compliment from Holly. You do always look wonderful.
    For some clothes are just not important, which is, I think, ok too. Thank goodness though for those who add some colour to life! I so look forward to a boost of pizazz from your blog :-) xxx

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    1. Thank you, Sally!
      Different strokes for different folks, I suppose although I can't get my head round not being bothered about how the world sees you - it's not so much wanting to impress people or gain approval, it's about self-love. xxx

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  17. I get the "you're so brave" comment about once a week, and the "I could never..." about once a month. I always challenge them: What? You're going to explode if you wear colour? What's stopping you is YOU!

    I try to praise when my coworkers (it's mostly my fellow women in IT, not a generally stylish group overall) when they wearing something outside their comfort zone, and point out why it's so good on them. It encourages them to wear it more! I also randomly comment strangers who've obviously made an effort. I get comments and stares all the time, and I enjoy it.

    Love that jacket (channeling the drunk fellow)!

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    1. Ha! I know, I know! These people need a damn good talking to. What's the worst that's going to happen if you add a bit of colour to your life? It's not like they're invisible, whatever drab outfit they're wearing is going to be seen by someone - it's just that the viewer will be thinking "What a dreary outfit" rather than "F**k me, that's bright". I know what I'd prefer! xxx

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  18. I think that you look stunning! Almost everything that I wear is 2nd hand, but usually gifted. In fact, I get given so many pre-loved clothes that I have to ask friends if they would like them, and if not, off to the hospice shop.

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    1. Thank you so much!
      Second hand is best, there's often a story behind old pieces therefore added integrity and interest.
      Aren't you lucky being given stuff- you must have some lovely friends. xxx

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  19. it's a joy to read your post and to see you wearing your fabulous outfits!, you're inspiring! I love your attitude and love to see that many ladies are sharing their own fabulous styles and feeling good vibes!. Everybody deserves to express herself!. I've also been complimented on my bravery, and I was shocked, as I don't feel particularly brave, I'm just wearing clothes I like.
    besos
    And I love your 'patchwork' skirt and that jacket. It's so fabulously Pink!

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    1. Thanks, Monica.
      The brave thing crops up a lot, it's so silly. I really don't understand what people are afraid of! xxx

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  20. I completely agree! As a person who's always worn what the hell I want, I find it a bit confusing when people say they're not brave enough. To me, my loud clothing is my armour. I'm not a loud person, so why not let my clothes do the talking for me? I've always seen clothing as an extension of my personality, and I couldn't give a hoot about the opinions of strangers on that! Why put their opinions above my own? And if people want to get bitchy about what I'm wearing, it says much more about them then it does me!
    I'll be heading over to read Hollie's post!

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    1. I couldn't have put that better. That's me - I am shy underneath but my bright vintage clothes are my armour, they make me feel confident and, without fail, are a reason to make people talk to me. xxx

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  21. Thanks again, dear Vix, for inspiring us to share your POV that "Dressing to Impress Oneself", selecting which garments and accessories to purchase, how to assemble them and where and when to wear them, enriches one's daily life. As Hollie and others here point out, silly rules can block our sunshine. Winter's here in the Northern hemisphere and 99% of the population is wearing gray and black "because it's winter". Penguins! Who wants to be a penguin when one can CHOOSE to wear colorful feathers?!

    What are you planning for the plastic Mary, by the bye...?

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    1. Silly rules do block out our sunshine. You certainly do have a way with words.
      Look out for Mary, she's making an appearance very soon! xxx

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  22. Thanks for sharing that Vix. 51 and pink highlights just redone!
    Arilx

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  23. Ah yes Vix, you had that effect on me. I am a fairly conventional 58 year old bird but have this 'other side' that comes out occasionally and wears silk sari wrap skirts from Ebay and bright sequined kaftans over her jeans (thank you for pointing me over there by the way ((I now have 'won' quite a collecion for my next beach holiday but why wait until then to wear them!))), moth eaten fake fur scarves and coats and sparkly wellies - thanks for that.

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    1. That's so lovely to hear, Betty! Like Hollie says, it's never too late to dress how you want and have fun doing so.
      I'm glad you're taking full advantage of the out-of-season bargains available on Ebay during the silly season - it's rather addictive, isn't it? xxx

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  24. I love that you're known as 'retro lady', that's brilliant!
    Staying true to ourselves is so important, isn't it? I find your style very inspiring, as I'm sure countless others do. I fear becoming invisible as I age, I wonder if that's why my tastes are getting more extravagant with each passing year?!
    xx

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    1. It's an improvement on "The one who wears the clothes", isn't it?
      You won't become invisible, I promise. You've got bucket loads of individual style already, things will only get better! xxx

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  25. I loved Hollie's post (and will comment to tell her that). It's true that part of the reason I blog is to inspire other women to step out of their comfort zone when it comes to getting dressed, and to not be afraid of what other people will think if you wear a bold patterned dress, a leather mini, or whatever else strikes your fancy. You are literally glowing in your ravishing purple and pink.

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    1. Exactly! You're not saying "this is how you should dress", you're saying "This is how I dress".Even if people don't get our unique styles, hopefully they get inspired to break the mould, to raid the charity shops and to experiment.
      Having fun with clothes is a big part of loving ourselves. xxx

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  26. I so agree with your title - dress to impress-yourself, after all making yourself feel good especially as we age is for me at least the most important. I enjoyed reading Hollies post, so true that older women are more comfortable with themselves and expressing this through their style choices.The beauty of blogging is enjoying the style of others, we may not have the same taste and ideas but we appreciate others right to wear what the hell they want.
    Vix, you of course look as stunning as ever in your glorious colours.Jill x

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    1. Exactly, Jill! The joy of blogging is to see "real" women looking unique and confident. Even if the people who see us have no desire to dress like us hopefully they'll be inspired to try something new and get some joy from dressing their bodies. xxx

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  27. I agree!!! You are definitely a fab inspiration too!

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  28. I am intrigued to see what you do with that statue.

    When I was younger I wanted to fit in - I'm talking properly younger - but we had no money so that was that. My mum bought our clothes from jumble sales while I was at school. And then when I tried, I never got it right, and when I wear what I like, I get more compliments anyhow. I don't always have the courage of my tastes, though. Reading blogs by people like you, and Goody, and Ann, makes me remember that it's okay to wear what I like, no-one dies, and actually clothes can and should be FUN. (My tastes aren't actually that remarkable; I like to embrace the frump.)

    It's great that you're not all 'freebie this' and 'sponsored that'. I really can't be doing with that sort of blogger. Most of my favourites wear secondhand/vintage, so I couldn't copy their outfits if I wanted to - and who wants to be a copy of someone else anyhow when the original is always the best?

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    1. As children most of our clothes were secondhand, too - not so much that my parents couldn't afford them, rather than they considered buying new when we grew so quickly were a waste of money. I stood out like a sore thumb at grammar school on Mufti days, the other girls wore Chelsea Girl and there was me in a vintage kimono and go-go boots but better they noticed me for my clothes rather than my dental braces, terrible limp and eczema!
      xxx

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  29. Holly is the reason that I've decided to come back to blogging! I must go and follow her right now :)

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Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix