Hunkering Down For The Holidays
The last couple of weeks have kept me running! I’ve been busier than I’d like, and am really looking forward to Hitting Pause for a few days. We have family in from out of town, so have some fun get-togethers planned. Posting will be light for the next few days.
I’ve been wearing these sneakers almost daily; they’re comfortable for running errands, and you know I love what a little leopard print does for a simple outfit! Yes, they’re funky, but I get LOADS of compliments on these, from men as well as women. They run true-to-size, have substantial arch support, and are weatherproof. They’re marked way down at the moment, and are still available in several sizes.
You may have surmised from my bare ankles that the weather’s been mild; it has, at least during the daytime. 😉 If it’s colder where you are, I’ve included some boot options below. (Many of these are listed as “weatherproof” as well.)
Let Me Say This About That…
I haven’t had a chance to respond to all of the wonderful comments on Thursday’s post, but thank you all very much! One person shared that they thought the lighter colors I’m wearing make me look larger, and therefore were unflattering. While it’s true that darker colors tend to recede and look smaller (or in the case of clothing, make the wearer look smaller), I’m learning to question the notion that “looking smaller” has more value than other properties. Frankly, I love what that cream color does for my skin tone. If that means not looking as small as I might, so be it.
I was taught and absorbed the message that my body was “too large.” So for most of my life, my primary goal was for my clothing to make me look thinner. Beyond the limiting effect on one’s style, I’d ask that we take a step back and ask why “thinner” often has such a stranglehold on what we consider optimal when it comes to appearance. (Please table the “health” discussions…that’s not what I’m talking about here.) Why do we so often feel that we have to shrink, to make ourselves smaller, to take up less space in the world? Yes, I do think there’s a deeper meaning beyond just aesthetic preferences. A culture’s aesthetic preferences don’t happen in a vacuum.
We all can certainly wear whatever we want and whatever makes us feel confident and our best. But I think it’s worth remembering that looking thinner isn’t the only measure of what makes an outfit flattering. That isn’t going to be everyone’s priority, so let’s not assume that it is.
Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones! 🕎🎄
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
You should wear what you want!
“Why do we so often feel that we have to shrink, to make ourselves smaller, to take up less space in the world?” Amen to that! Early in my career (in the early 80’s) I had a boss tell me I was intimidating my male colleagues and to be successful I would need to learn to be quieter and less forceful. We’ve been fed these harmful messages for so long. Too long. Thank you for reminding us of our value as smart, caring, strong, beautiful women who need not shrink away.
Brava, Sue! This has been such a consistent message for far too long, this notion that Thin is better (and I agree with you on separating the health discussion from this; linking them simplistically is misleading, and can be dangerous). So much healthier to try loving ourselves, loving the bodies we live in instead of trying to camouflage their “faults.”
You have a great shape and look brighter and lighter and happier in the new color palate. Keep it up!
You look terrific in your new colors. End of discussion!
I love your new look! It has inspired me to change from black and grey to more earth tones.
You always look wonderful.
GOOD for YOU, Susan! Very well said, and a concept to be pondered: why do we feel such a need or pressure to be tiny in this world? I grew up with Twiggy as one of my role models, and luckily I was the twiggy body type–but only because that was my DNA, so I got to skip that particular female angst! (I get to struggle with in now, in my 60’s). I hope women are on the path of emulating ‘strong and healthy’, rather than ‘twiggy.’ You look great in the cream outfit and are blossoming before our eyes in your new color palate. You’re an inspiration. Happy Hunkering-Down Holidays!!
I have never seen you look better!! This wardrobe shift of yours has been so very flattering!! You see it all ties together, you are radiant.
The old notion of “columnar” dressing, all one color, dark everything is really old and boring. Right, people are obsessed with this image of tall and slim but in reality they are just making themselves old and haggard looking.
My grandfather’s photos of himself as a young man were amazing. Born a poor sharecropper in south Alabama, he always looked like a million dollars. His grooming was impeccable, no hair out of place, shoes were always shining,(he only had one pair for Sunday). and any poor suit he had would just look great on him. It was all in his radiance, his joie de vivre (spelling??). his bright eyes and overall confidence that made a gunny sack look like chanel.
I was born short, chunky and nothing near tall and slim. But I love what I wear and it makes me happy……….
Susan, I wasn’t paying attention when I saw you in the creams if it made you look larger. I noticed that I liked you in the neutrals. Could be, that I favor neutrals especially on blondes.
I love how radiant you look in your new color palette. It suits you & you can feel the happiness vibe emanating from you. I believe happiness is an important beauty asset & you look happy!
I think you look absolutely gorgeous in Thursday’s outfit and love your message in this post. I enjoy your blog so much!
I have been following you for a few years and must say I admire your sense of style and
confidence and willingness to put yourself “out there.” These new colors are flattering
on you–I feel like I’ve been going on this “color journey” with you. Please know that
you are appreciated and admired.
Susan, love you in the winter white and do not think it made you look “larger”…you look elegant and sophisticated. I love winter white and wear it a lot…good for my skin tone as it is for you. Have a wonderful and relaxed Christmas and New Year!! Keep up the great work!
Are you talking about the cream colors you were wearing recently? You looked gorgeous! I loved those colors! Second, I’m fairly new to fashion blogs in general. Is it normal for people to comment so specifically about weight or whether they think a look is flattering or not? Frankly, I just think that’s weird. I read your blog for ideas and inspiration. But your blog is about me, not you. In other words, I’m looking for ideas for myself. So if I think something you are wearing or promoting would work for me, then great. Otherwise I simply pass. But to comment like some do (and that I’ve read on other blogs) as though they know you and that they think you are inviting that sort of specific scrutiny is…forward…bold…off-putting. And as far as weight is concerned, my cousin recently came back from a mission trip to Africa and saw actual starving people. It makes me so mad when we lament over weight when instead we should be unbelievably thankful for the blessing of food and quit our obsession with body size. In a world with actual hunger, we look narcissistic. On that cheery note, I do hope you have a lovely holiday season and know the blessing of family, friends, food, joy, peace and love.
Thank you for your comments about “looking smaller”. And what happened to the old adage “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”. Don’t let the ignorant behavior of others influence your choices !!
Well said – and thank you Susan. We need to love and accept who we are,
Well said!
AMEN! Well said. Thank you for your wise words. I wish we could send this message to all the young girls who strive to look like the photo shopped images they see everywhere. Love yourself as God made you.
You go Girl !
The colors and style are great on you! As far as the “looking larger” comment, I just don’t see that at all because the colors are so complementary to your skin tone and the style is such a great, flattering look. You (and all of us) should wear the colors and styles that we feel good in and that make us happy.
I have always thought that creamy ivory looked special on you. You are are right; the color looks wonderful with your skin. I still remember you wearing a beautiful full ivory EF outfit for a big photography session in France. You looked stunning. I remember thinking I wonder why she doesn’t wear lighter colors more, they are so flattering. The older we get, I think thinner can sometimes look drawn and tired. You look bright and happy in the ivory.
… I love your new look, selfishly, because it’s my palette too.
I think one question needs to be – are we dressing for the camera or for our lives?
And I think the answer ought to be easy.
I adore your blog! Keep up the good work!
Bravo and well said! I have always thought that you look just AMAZING in anything you style. What a horrific comment for someone to make. Off with their heads! Merry merry everything to you!
Susan,
I when I saw you in that cream color, my first thought was how nice you looked! I wondered why I hadn’t seen you wear that color before.
Ignore the negativity! You are lovely!
I liked that light colored outfit. It was fresh and flattering.
I have had mixed results with Taryn Rose footwear. One extremely cute pair of sandals I had fell apart long before I thought they should have given their price. Another pair of nude wedges, which did get less wear, are still holding their place in my closet.
I would say the price of yours is about what one should pay for them.
When I saw your post on Thursday my first thought was WOW – Susan looks fabulous in that winter white outfit! You just glowed!! I wanted to comment on it, but was running out the door and didn’t have time to share that thought with you. Obviously, everyone else thought the same thing. It is sad that the one negative comment is the one that stayed with you, but it also made you reflect. Your response today was well written and needed to be heard. Bravo, Susan! Enjoy the holidays with your friends and loved ones.
You look great in your new colors!
Your experience with Red Leopard has inspired me to switch my perspective from “looking thinner thus wearing darks” to wearing colors that make me feel good.
I’ve been so enjoying stepping out in winter white and pink and royal blue…and getting more compliments! Thank you and Red Leopard for the nudge.
Thank you for an articulate, considered view that helps me think through a new freedom I’m also experiencing.
Hear hear. Coulnd’t agree more.
Greetje
When I read that statement I wasn’t sure I read it correctly so I went back and read it again. Never once with your new colors did it cross my mind that you looked heavier. I think the colors give you such a glow. You look beautiful.
You should wear what you want and who cares what anyone else says.
You’ve inspired me to buy a pair of leopard print sneakers. I love the ones in the photo. So cute!
Happy Holidays and have fun with your family!
I love the leopard and ordered the shoes you’re wearing. For me, they were too wide as most Taryn Rose shoes have been for me (though very supportive and comfortable). Thank you for presenting other options for those of us in the frozen tundra who need more foot cover! I appreciate your blog and your message.
The new colors and styles seem to have brought lightness to you; you look happier and freer. When I see some of your former postings , with more black in the outfits, the images look harsher. You’ve inspired me to wear more colors! Keep up the good work, and enjoy what you where.
Didn’t see the comment you have so eloquently addressed here. It does make me think about the content and wonder if the author would say it to you directly. Most likely not. Therefore, I would place that comment in the file for “written by someone with e-mail overconfidence, “to describe it delicately”. Susan, I applaud you for addressing the comment with your usual honest, but tactful , manner! Btw, love the winter white look!
Susan, your confidence shines through in your writing more than any of the outfits you don. Though we’ve never met in person, I enjoy hearing what you have to say, not only about fashion, but many of your thoughts and values that you are kind enough to share with us. I also admire your willingness to put yourself out there in what can be a very vulnerable position.
I come from a heritage where I didn’t get the long willowy ectomorph type of a body who could wear a gunny-sack and still look good. My whole life has been spent trying to dress so that I look “thinner”. I truly admire and often wish I had the fashion sense of many of the full-figured types who embrace their shape and size and dress with a flare.
The idea that “thin is in” is nothing more than a fad. Had we been born during Ruben’s time, voluptuousness was a desired and sought after quality in women. So, I tell myself that I was simply born in the wrong century 🙂
Life is WAY too short to feel like we aren’t enough or we have to dress to please others. Your happiness and how you treat others will trump any outfit missteps you feel you make.
All the best of the season to you and yours…
I saw that on Instagram stories you put together some ”Looks” on the Nordstrom site. I can’t figure out how to access them on the Nordie’s website. Can you help? BTW, loved your winter white look. I don’t usual comment but that outfit and you in it are a knockout! I just discovered your blog this year and have learned so much from you and your readers. Have a wonderful Holiday break!
Hi Diane, thanks, and here’s the link to the Looks I created for Nordstrom: https://shopstyle.it/l/bbZLm
I too loved the winter white look, that long cardigan seemed so you. And that’s something else I would like to add, as someone who knows you in person, I feel like your clothes now are far more representative of the Sue I’ve met. The fun, the energy, all of it. And anyone who thinks you look “large” is smoking crack. What’s great about being 60 is the time and emotional stability to center oneself, to be oneself in one’s true body. It’s a true privilege and a joy.
The negative comment about body image says more about the commenter than it does about you. Women have been fed this line for their whole lives, small and petite is better than ‘ large’. I wish we could stop this as a society.
Susan, I love your blog and the way you present actual wearable clothes. Your new colors inspired me to move away from so much black and to step outside of my box. My “box” rhetoric tells me my thighs are too large, my breasts way too small and my feet too long. All talk I heard when I was young that has stuck in my head all these years. As women we need to support and encourage one another. I often pass by garments that may bring too much attention. As I’m now pushing 70 I tell myself to stop the negativity and focus on the positive (in all things & not just fashion!) My granddaughters will never, ever hear a body comment from me!!
Amen to that! I have been a sturdy girl my whole life. I also come with beautiful skin and amazing eyes. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. I think you look amazing, Susan. I thought you did before Red Leopard but now there is a glow, a sparkle that is wonderful to see. I wish you and yours a happy holiday season. Looking forward to more great posts from you in 2020. And my Red Leopard visit in April. I can’t wait. xoxo
Bravo, the message needs to be put out there. We are not all shaped the same, and it seems unfortunate that manufacturers, or society decided to dictate any one shape as more desirable than another shape. The books I read about dressing in a French way, did say that the French admire uniqueness, I like this idea, something I think we could all use. I love your new colors on you, you do “ glow”! Red Leopard did a great job, and gave you valuable information, and it’s working, you look radiant. I had my colors done recently, and am starting my own journey, thanks to you, have a great holiday season.
Yes, the great filmmaker Agnès Varda looked absolutely nothing like that stereotype. I agree that those colours look great on you, on your skin, but also your climate and how you live. I find that ivory looks good on either blondes or women with very dark skin; I’m a more sallow whitish, though I do have a healthy complexion. Not to mention climate and lifestyle. It is mercifully mild here in Montréal right now, and a lot of happy people are walking and even cycling outside (we have dedicated cycle paths on either side of my street). Light clothing gets filthy from the road and sidewalk dirt; not a good look. And I’m shaped more like Anna Magnani than Audrey.
By the way, I love those leopard sneakers and they look so comfy. I’m always a bit afraid of wearing “feline” patterns as I’m a certified Mad Catlady and involved in stray cat rescue. I just fear people would think that my flat is full of cute cat tchotches… While my Livia looks so elegant in basic black.
Please note: It’s only women who are perpetually rated on their body shape/size. NEVER do you see or read someone judging men on this topic. NEVER. So, the only logical thing to do is smash the patriarchy!
Merry Christmas everyone!
Who would say something like that? That’s just rude. I think your style is darling and I love the lighter “spring” colors on you!
People who need to post negative remarks, bully others, rant at the universe, …. they’re a sad, unhappy lot.
On another note, I love the leopard boots, but they are not described as weatherproof (an important feature in Seattle). Will you verify that they are? Thanks!
Hi Katie, the packaging/box indicated “weatherproof.” I’ve had to hose them off due to walking through mud, and they remained dry on the inside, even when the haircalf tops got wet.
Perfect! I’ll think of you when I wear them. 🙂 Happy Holidays.
I think you look great. If you are happy with what you are wearing and you feel good, go for it!!
Dear Susan, When I first viewed your last post I thought “Wow, I think this is prettiest she has ever looked!” It is worth noting that you always look fabulous yet the cream colors were over the top complimentary for your coloring! You are stirring those of us whom follow you to reach beyond our comfort zones and create our own ‘look’ predicated on what we feel beautiful in, not fashion rules that were drilled into our heads as young women as to what we should or should not wear.
You have a great perspective and look lovely in your clothes as they reflect the true you. We should all be allowed to show up and have presence. It’s OK to be seen (and heard) for who you are!
Susan, you are vibrant and approachable. Your smile and tone are what I especially enjoy. Your joie de vivre is palpable. Thank you for your dedication to we, the common woman! We want so badly to fit in – not necessarily to be fashion model ready, but to not disappear and be ignored…or criticized. One would think we’d have it all figured out by our 60s, but alas.
Your Thursday outfit was superb!
Enjoy your upcoming family time. It becomes more precious each year! Joyeux Noel!
wow, so interesting about the “looking large” comments you received! After opening your email I found myself immediately going to the chico’s website and looking for my size! Lol!!
I believe comments such as those reflect on the commentor, and the struggle they have with THEIR OWN body. A couple decades ago that could’ve been me (THINKING those thoughts about women, although I’d never actually tell them!) What a cool revelation for me that I’m completely comfortable, emotionally & physically, with the size of my body as a 60 yr old woman. Such freedom! Merry Christmas beautiful Susan B!
I love the new colors….black is WAY over used by too many women. Very few women can actually wear black vs black wearing them. Looking larger or smaller be damned. It’s about the face and the glow and about YOU!
Isn’t that also judgemental? I don’t dress all in black, but I do wear a lot of it, which is simply normal in Montréal. I love colours, but more deep, rich ones than pastels.
I remember the first time I gave myself permission to wear light colored pants—it coincided with a revelation that it’s okay to be myself rather than fit some stereotype version of me that has been marketed to me for decades! Keep showing up in all your Spring glory!
Why is it that negative comments are louder in our heads than the positive ones? I could get 10 compliments and one negative and that darn negative just weighs more (no pun intended on weight)
I’d give your new colors partial credit for your glow. The other factors are your amazing skin care and the fact that you look so happy. We can’t underestimate how happiness (or unhappiness) can change the way we look.
Happy Chanukah Merry Christmas and a healthy happy new year.
I’ve always thought you look fabulous in winter white and whether you appeared heavier never even crossed my mind. Why doesn’t the old adage, if you have nothing nice to say don’t say it at all, not seem to apply on the internet? Sometimes kindness stops with anonymity.
Amen! I will take healthier looking over “small” (whatever that is) any day and YOU my tiny friend look wonderfully healthy and pretty and youthful in your color palette. Keep on keepin’ on! I’m ditching lots of those off palette dark colors that I used to hide and I’m letting the spring sun shine in. Thanks to you!
Happy Holiday of Choice!
Hi Susan, I am a regular follower but don’t often comment but I too thought you looked amazing in the Chico’s outfit and have it now on my to do list to pop into Chico’s after Christmas because of that post. And I loved the jewelry that you paired with the outfit.
Two years ago, I lost 30 pounds due to some digestive issues. I actually looked better and younger before I lost weight. I look much more haggard and wrinkled now. Pay no attention to that thin is better thinking. You look great!
Susan, What an inspiring and well written post! I particularly enjoyed your comment that trying to look thinner “can have a limiting effect on one’s style”. This is so true. If that’s always your priority you severely limit your options. The way I look at it you are either slim or you’re not. So be who you are and shine on. Do we really need to camouflage ourselves in black? Thank you for helping us all consider putting our best foot forward by enjoying all the beautiful colors and styles we have to choose from. I hope you enjoy your family and have a relaxing holiday.
Wow, I definitely didn’t think you looked larger, in fact you looked fabulous in the light colored outfit! I immediately went looking for the sweater as it looked so good on you. Thanks for your wonderful and thoughtful blog. You are an inspiration. Best to you and yours for the holidays.
You look great! Most of us aren’t thinner, will never be thinner again and don’t care. In fact I personally think as you get older you need a little more weight on you or you look haggard if you are too thin. If you feel good about yourself doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks,
Oh YAY EVERYBODY ! What a bunch of wise women 🙂
Enough with the thinness obsession.
You look radiant dahling.
Happy Holidays All !!!
I am here in this world because I am meant to be here. I will take my place, not take up space. I have a purpose on earth.
Thank you for the journey this year. We evolve, our style evolves, and that is as it should be. Be who you are meant to be, right here, right now.
No matter what you are wearing, we see your gorgeous smile first. But I do agree with others, your new color palette is very flattering to you. People who make unkind or unnecessary comments are just small minded individuals… who wants to be around that??? Nobody, so that’s why they go online and spread the rudeness!
Well said!
I love your warmer colors! I am a spring as well but use different colors. I tend to more greens/blues and corals..who knew?
I have never seen you look “large” in any photos here and I have subscribed for several years. Enjoy your colors and the journey to knowing yourself.
You keep me interested in my appearance and thank you for doing that.
Yes! After a lifetime in black, I’ve recently splurged on a cobalt wool coat and winter white jeans. They both make me smile.
I absolutely love these sneakers.
Wear whatever the F you want. You always rock.
I’m enjoying your joy in your new colors. I’m a winter so my colors are different, but I have the same fun in putting outfits together. Joyous holidays to you and yours!
It feels like there is a bit of “piling on” in these comments. Yesterday’s poster simply noted that all the winter white made Susan appear larger than she actually is (certainly not a criticism of Susan herself.) It prompted an interesting discussion about how we feel about size. But there should also be some credit given to differing points of view. We should not be afraid of posting our reactions in a thoughtful manner. The “negative” posts are often more interesting than the YesYesYes!! ones.
Perhaps I identified with the poster because I, too, was less than thrilled by yesterday’s outfit. My immediate reaction was dismay to see the return of Long over Lean – with heavy fringe, no less! And all that white looked way too neutral (bland) to me. I longed for a pop of color.
Nevertheless, I LOVE your blog. As a fellow Francophile, I’ve been following you for years and look forward to your post every day.
(PS, I haven’t fully forgiven you for giving away that Missoni jacket! I remember the post when you got it — I was consumed with envy and waited eagerly for it to pop up again. Alas!)
While I don’t agree with the commenter’s controversial opinion that the white-on-white makes you look “larger than you are,” I am glad that you allowed the posting to stand. Just as often as women are held to unrealistic size ideals, their dissenting opinions are ignored or vilified. And weren’t we just admiring French women and the key elements of their style? Well, in my opinion many of them are too obsessed with smallness and thinness and the fact that they “don’t get fat.”
I tried my hole life to gain weight because I was thin, to thin. I didn’t like that. It’s all about how good you feel in your body!
I follow a pair of young women known on Instagram as “Beauty Redefined”. A favorite quote from them: My Body is an Instrument, Not an Ornament. I find this an excellent reminder.
Well said, Susan! You absolutely glow in your new colors, why would you want to wear just black to appear smaller anyway!? You’re in great shape, be proud and loud about it! You’re an inspiration for the rest of us to try new colors that flatter us instead diminishing ourselves in a sea of black!
You look radiant in your new colors (and in black, too)! Always love your blog!
I thought the Chico’s outfit looked fantastic on you. Did not register “larger” at all. It was very flattering. I think your new palette works well on you. Well said comments on size.
A blog I followed for many years was Already Pretty and whenever Sal talked about styles or answered questions, she would say “for your body flattery priorities” recognizing all the time that each of us does, can, will have our own priorities: we may want to accent X while another woman wants to accent Y. My eye color may drive my color decisions, someone else may have a different way to making such decisions. Funny, I went to her blog right now to check the name and while she does not post new material, she posts old posts and todays is right on this topic: “Sartorial Taste and Judgment” so this topic is always current!
Bravo! Well said. You’re absolutely right!!! We woman need more of your encouragement.
Cute shoes! While I loved the ivory sweater, I actually thought the pants were not very flattering simply because they seemed too large for you. I think it is important to have balance when selecting clothes. I don’t mean everything always has to be slim fitting or dark, but if something is off it is noticeable. I have been seeing longer sweaters with wider legs and think it is a very sophisticated look. I hope I do not sound overly critical. I have epic fails when it comes to my outfits, but I have a good eye for detail and you do too. Love the colors and your skin is beautiful!
I loved the cream outfit! I love your blog! I just ordered the shoes-they actually had them in my size(a 5).
Why do people feel compelled to make dumb comments about someone else’s appearance? I was going to post yesterday that I thought the winter white suited you. I guess I didn’t notice it made you appear huge! (not)
Hi Kay, I didn’t think the comment was “dumb,” only that it reflected a set of priorities I no longer share. And thank you!
I’m 71 – and five feet tall. A couple years ago an acquaintance on finding out my age breathed, “You don’t look it. You’re so lucky.” Well, why? What’s the actual benefit to anyone? So many fashion articles are about looking “better” and better seems to translate to younger, taller, thinner. Who decided this?
In college, a girl on our hall was quite tall and given to flailing her arms out, gesturing wildly as she spoke. I was mighty impressed with how she took up space, whereas in contrast most of us were instructed by articles aimed at young women to wear panty girdles lest we jiggle a bit. I dutifully did so even though I weighed less than a hundred pounds.
I agree with Taste of France, wear whatever you like. 🙂
A static image is just that – a moment in time. When I see myself in a reflection, I could look larger, taller, smaller. It rarely has to do with my outfit….it could be my mood viewing myself, the way I’m standing or the lighting or many many other things.
I am just thankful you are sharing these looks.
BTW, I think you always look great.
I don’t remember you doing this before but if you’re looking for a post idea, how about the outfits that were almost good but we’re rejected – or follow up with how you changed the “not a the best look” to “YEAH that’s more like it!”
Happy holidays
Suz from Vancouver
I agree with everything you said about limiting options in the name of minimizing size, and certainly the points about confidence and self worth. That said, there is not one thing about that outfit that made you look large and there are multiple camera angles to prove it!