Fashion Mantra 23

A tattoo at 50 is okay but know which one, where, and why.



THE BIG QUESTION IS: how's it going to look on skin that may sag, bloat, spread, get brown spots, or wrinkle with age and weight fluctuations? Skip your arms, back, legs, thighs, tummy, and derriere. Slim, bony spots like your wrists, ankles, or tops of your feet are better choices. It's better to opt for a graceful and small tattoo, and make sure it's done by an authorized pro.

A Wonderful Surprise

I went to visit my brother a couple weeks ago to drop off some paperwork. I hardly ever see my sister-in-law because she works long hours. Fortunately for me, she was there. She hugged me and said "I have something for you". She walked out with a brand new Michael Kors handbag and gave it to me. When I saw the price tag on it I was speechless. The MSRP was $398.00 and she was giving this to me??? She explained how she ended up buying a couple of purses, and decided to pass one on to me. Of course, I happily accepted!

This is a wonderful early birthday present!

I've always said that I rely on the kindness of others...

Although they live literally 12 minutes away from me, I don't visit them often...perhaps I need to change that :-)

Fashion Mantra 22

Stop trying to erase the character out of your looks...

by correcting the very things that give you individuality! (especially if you are over 40)

I just wanted bananas!

Yesterday, after I spent the morning at Lovelady Thrift for their 50% off sale, I went to Walmart for some bananas and found this...

I forgot the bananas!

I Found a Goldmine!

Last night I had to find pieces to donate because earlier in the day I went to Lovelady Thrift store for their 50% off sale. I wanted to look - but not buy anything. Unfortunately/Fortunately - I found some great pieces.

For $58.16, I bought...

1 Pair of pants
1 Shirt
1 Denim Culotte
2 Jackets
2 Skirts
2 Tops
2 Pairs of jeans
4 Sweaters

Also included in that price was a phone/MP3 docking station alarm clock and 2 bike helmets (had a couple of close tornadoes recently and was advised to buy helmets to protect our heads from possible falling debris).

This is actually an outfit. These Gloria Vanderbilt jeans still had the tags. The sweater is Talbots.

The black denim jacket still had the tags on them. The cowl sweater looks much better on than in the picture.

The v-neck knit pull-over sweater (L) and the Forever 21 red skirt will be an outfit.

The culottes will look so cute with some wedge boots - very 70s!

The oatmeal colored sweater is from the Gap. I can see myself wearing it with the black jeans I bought.

The newest addition to my dress wardrobe

I bought this French terry dress from Avon.com on sale for $17.99. I can see myself wearing it with black tights and booties now, and bare-legged with a cute wedge mule or ballerina shoe in the Spring.

I love the zip pockets!

The Pajama Game

I always think that how a person present themselves visually can give insight into their lives. If you see someone who always dress in designer clothes and drive an expensive car - but you know they probably make a little over $30k per year, you sorta know that they are looking for attention and perhaps some awe from others. Meanwhile they are suffering from mounting debt - just to make a statement, or keep up with the Joneses.

Well, I don't drive an expensive car, but do have a passion for fashion - the thrift and clearance rack version. But I'm a single woman who do not have to look elegant for bedtime - or do I? I'm glad to say that I've evolved from wearing sweatpants, an oversized tee and thick socks to bed - but my nighttime fashion is still in need of an upgrade.

I own satin pajamas and one beautiful chemise gown - but it's not as breathable and comfortable as my over-washed, mildly shrunken "Hello Kitty" PJs, with my thick socks.  So am I properly representing myself at bedtime? I'm sure if I was married, I wouldn't wear what I do to bed. Perhaps I should dress confident and sexy at bedtime as I do during the daytime hours. Hmmm...

Fashion Mantra #21

Anything that makes you feel frumpy, fat or look unkempt does nothing for your sense of self...

So think about what you wear outside the house. How you feel about yourself speaks loudly to those you encounter.

Fashion Mantra #20

EVERY DAY IS A NEW OPPORTUNITY TO BE FABULOUS.

Ode to a pair of boots

Ode to a pair of boots

By AVM

The bottom of these boots, they tell you where I've been.
They long for places where I have no roots.
The inside is filled with things I'll never say again.

These boots can feel heavier with all the things I never do.
It's just easier to wear heavy boots when my sky isn't so clear blue.

Should they be thrown out?
No!

Is my closet ashamed of what it holds?
No, because survivors reside there.
Like I, they too have a past and are daring and bold.

So I rejoice in God's mercy and true self-acceptance.
It's that which allows me to enjoy the scenery when I'm on a detour.
And when the mood is right - dance.

So I keep walking in these boots...