Saturday, September 12, 2015

In The Moment

Normally when I do an outfit-post, it's at the end of a long workday. I'm tired and have limited time. I rush though my makeup, pull out an idea for an ensemble, wiggle into clothes and hope something awful doesn't happen -- like part of my outfit hanging wrong. Being your own model is hard 'cause you don't see what the camera sees until afterward -- when it's too late to fix.

Today was different. Instead of hurrying to meet a goal, I decided to ENJOY myself. Savor the experience of dressing up. I had a whole day to myself so I didn't rush. Instead of worrying what others might think of my outfit, I chose something *I* wanted to wear. For the first time, I relaxed as I applied makeup and got pleasure from what is usually a chore. I shaved my legs and tried new poses. I slowed down my usual frantic pace and focused on each step of the process. I was "in the moment." It was glorious!

This all started last week during a chance visit to my local thrift-shop. While browsing, I uncovered a cute dress and matching wedge-sandals, both in purple (my favorite color) and both with animal-prints. They appeal to me on a gut-level, although I realize they are not "mature." Many might believe these items are inappropriate for an old person like myself but, in my heart, I'm 24 years old. The Fashion Police didn't have a warrant to bust into my home and stop me, so I wore these pieces unimpeded. I added a motorcycle necklace given to me by a friend.

Do you ever wear something just for the fun of it?


 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

32 comments:

  1. So glad you had fun with this outfit, it's gorgeous.
    And I LOVE that necklace :)

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  2. You have SUCH nice legs!! I wish my skin was that smooth! mine are like chicken drum sticks! The dress is really pretty and the shoes are uber cool!!!
    I find it hard doing new poses but I ended up posing with my phone last night as I wanted to photograph my outfit but was on the phone to my sister so I decided to use it as a pose (phone hidden under hair) and it worked quite well!x

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    1. Thank you, Sweetie. You always say such nice things.

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  3. I really love the dress! We dress for ourselves in the end anyhow.

    I need to take some hints from you. I too am often rushed when I take my photos. Today I went out and scouted some possible locations to shoot...that aren't in my backyard. They are in a neighbourhood close to mine. That means I need to find the guts to go out there on my own with my tripod to take some photos.

    BTW...that necklace is perfect!

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. Those of us who blog a lot (like you and me) often tend to look at it as a job. A task to be completed. That attitude saps joy out of the experience. If we slow down a bit, we enjoy it more. At least that's what I'm finding. I keep reminding myself that there's no boss I need to placate.

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  4. Your kneeling pose is awesome - I might have to steal that! I really like this dress on you - the neckline is wonderful, and the soft blouse-y shape gives you fabulous curves up top. The flutter sleeves work well on balancing a wide shoulder too. For me, it's a little short (I would probably add a pencil skirt under it for length), but you have those killer legs so show 'em!

    Taking time to do the beauty "chores" is the best - I always spend more time for special events and try to really be in the moment. Such a good reminder to take pleasure in the small things.

    I hope you won't take this the wrong way (and this is totally my own opinion, so please feel free to tell me to fuck right off!), but your darker shade of eyeshadow is coming up too high above your crease. When you do your lid/crease shadow, run your brush along the top of your eyeball (over your lid, feel it?) and don't take a dark colour much higher than that. A bright pearlized cream under the brow will visually "open" your eye. When the darker colour comes up that high, it can look, erm...paint-y and a bit garish vs. more subtle and natural. You can still play with brights like this purple (?) you have in the crease, but they should be more of a surprise when you blink, as opposed to "LOOK AT MY EYESHADOW". Buy an InStyle or Glamour and find made-up eyes in ads that you really like and practice copying them (this is what I did in my teens).

    Again, I don't want to offend you or hurt you, Ally (that would kill me) - you are beautiful as you are, but you can be even lovelier. I know you are learning! :)

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    1. You're right, Sheila, and I thank you for the feedback. I suspected the same thing but wanted to give it a try anyway just to see how it looked. I find photos provide more accurate records than the bathroom mirror. I'll be the first to admit my makeup skill needs work which is why I appreciate your candid response. It helps me improve!

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  5. Wow, that's a really flattering dress on you. Also, I think I can sense from your poses and expression that you were relaxed!

    I have a similar pair of wedges--they're black and they have a black daisy print on the side, where the animal print is on yours. I love them.

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    1. I was very surprised at how comfy the wedges are to walk in. They feel stable and solid. Much nicer than regular heels.

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  6. You look really happy, and much more like yourself in this outfit. This is the sort of thing you should wear all the time. What makes you FEEL good. It's always best when we break past what people expect of us and do what we want.

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  7. I don't think there is any 'mature' problems in your outfit ... there is joy and that's what makes it even more beautiful. LOVE the wedges!!!

    So glad you had time to enjoy the moment and take your time ~ do more of what makes you happy!!!

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  8. Ooh I love the hat tip to your motorcycle love, paired with the vavavoom of the animal print mini and wedges! You hit it out of the park with this one :-) xo Jazzy Jack

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  9. I know what you mean - usually I rush around in the morning, but sometimes it's really an enjoyable task. Glad you had a fantastic day for yourself, and the outfit is fabulous!!

    -Kati

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  10. You look fab! I hope you get to wear that outfit a lot.
    I, too, am a 20-something in my head. Life is more fun that way.
    Purple loving fist bump!

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  11. i know what it's like to have to rush through photo shoots. it's nice that you were able to savor the moment. loving those shoes!

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  12. Having fun is the best reason to dress up!

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  13. Those wedges are way too cool ! Loved this outfit and you did well in savouring each moment of your makeup and dress up :-) the result is great and I am sure you're 24 in your heart...I think I will never ever fully grow up and I am proud of it. Kisses

    Fashion and Cookies - fashion blog

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  14. I'll take your word that you're 24 in your heart, Ally. Now take my word that your legs are not a day over 21. Those wedgies are terrific!

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  15. Sounds like great way to spend they day on yourself....I think we are always so rushed and never really take any me time. I think this dress looks stunning on you and really highlights those gorgeous legs!



    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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  16. I quite like this outfit and I think you're pulling it off quite well. Looks like doing you works out great!

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  17. Very fun outfit, Ally! That is really and truly the perfect charm necklace for you. What a sweet, fun piece of jewelry!

    Have a marvelous Monday!
    ♥ Jessica

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  18. Seriously with those legs, girl. Gorgeous! This outfit is so fun and I can tell you were enjoying yourself!

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  19. You do you, girl! With legs like yours, there is NOTHING inappropriate about that dress. Love the necklace, too :)

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  20. That is such a pretty dress Ally.
    I have to admit that when I have an upcoming event, I do enjoy all the getting dressed part.

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  21. it looks great on you Ally!
    very pretty!
    P.S. I don't belive short clothes is inappropriate depending on age. It's inappropriate if your legs are not sexy (like yours or ok I'll limit that if legs look fine, with no obvious faults). My mom bought herself a dress couple of days ago which is about the same length and she's about the same age with you. So I see nothing wrong with this about.

    Purple is great color on you - it matches you skin perfectly making it glow with joy)

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  22. So glad to hear you slowed down your process! I've noticed you tend to rush around, so it's nice to hear you took your time and enjoyed the experience and not just the result in the photo. :)

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  23. Wow, you must have felt really sexy in this outfit. Love both the shoes and the dress, Aly.

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  24. First off I must say, your legs look great! And who cares about "mature" you just wear it, and the fashion police be dammed.

    Allie of ALLIENYC
    allienyc.com

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  25. I don't think either of those items look age-inappropriate. I guess the length of the dress is short, but I think that's more because you're tall. The cut of that dress is really great on you; the color is also super flattering. This entire outfit is awesome for you! It's one of my favorites, I think. And aren't wedges so much more comfortable than heels?

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  26. I totally agree with Sheila about the dress. It is balanced, flowy and flattering. And indeed your legs are beautiful. So many would kill to have your legs. Great that you are feeling 24 and having fun.
    My legs are not too bad either but I do feel 61 and it hurts me that I cannot show them off as I used to. But... for me mini dresses would not reflect me anymore. That applies for outside the house and is differently for everybody. I know good looking women my age, still wearing skirts a lot shorter than I do and looking fabulous.
    A mention about the shoes: terrific. Love them.
    Greetje

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  27. You look great! The cut, the color, the shoes, your legs! I think you'll find that the older you get, the less you care about what others may say. I'm small-boned with a small face and absolutely love the boho look. I wear big earrings all the time simply because doing so makes me happy. Life is too short not to wear the clothes which make us happy!

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