Fashion & Freedom

ByPamela Lutrell Hours Categories Fashion
Comments 21 Comments



The rule I am about to throw out
the window is the old one which said
don’t wear silver with gold or mix
your metals!  Now, any mix goes



I had a whole different strategy for today’s post until I read what Serene had to say at http://elegantbohemian.blogspot.com/


I would like to encourage you to check out her 80s post and then come back here, because she got me to thinking about “freedom” and fashion.


I was wondering the other day why it is that at 58 I enjoy fashion so much more than any other time of my life. I am larger than I used to be…..still way short of funds for the nicer clothes….I am definitely grayer and with more wrinkles…so why exactly is it more fun now.

There go those rules!!


After reading Serene today, it hit me. I have freedom. Now mind you, the freedom was always there….I just didn’t buy into it. In my 20s & 30s, I dressed to impress employers and men! After I was married, I dressed to please a man. After I had children, I dressed to gain the acceptance of the other moms parenting my children’s friends. Those days were particularly stressful because those moms (coming from private schools) were predominantly wealthy and I had no business attempting to play that game.


But, now, I dress for me…..and I am having a great time! I set the rules for me….I do what pleases me…I learn to follow what best suites me. While that may sound a little self- focused, I think what is important here is that I am not worrying about pleasing other people (even Bloggers) and there is great joy inside that concept. Fashion is finally fun! There are many things I will not do…but I know those things are not right for me; and, I no longer do what I think others want me to do just to gain acceptance.


Wow, it is freedom….and so much fun!

Mixed metal hoops: Stein Mart

I found this necklace last year at a boutique in San Antonio.  I am wearing it
with a Coldwater Creek tweed jacket of gray & green; black Lane Bryant sweater; Lane
Bryant pin striped pants; and boots from Ross!

“Jewelry takes people’s minds off your wrinkles.”


 Sonja Henie quotes ( ice skater and Actress, 1912-1969)

……….now that’s a great quote!!

21 Comments

  2. LOve this and never thought of it that way before!
    Great post. You should send this to IFB as a link a la mode! Too great !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    xXXx
    Reva

  3. I love the quote! And like you Pam, I have wondered about my late blossoming interest in fashion and style. It is so true that we dress for a different audience at each point in our lives–somehow in my 20s I emphasized my sexuality. In my 30s, my so-called "modesty". In my 40's for my career (and new husband). DH doesn't really care what I wear…

  4. You go girl. You don't need to be worrying about what other people think, I learned that along time ago. I think you look very nice, but that doesn't matter…as long as you are happy.

  6. Thanks for your blog today and thanks for the reference to the other blog which I read all of. Freedom is an interesting concept and there are so many ways we are controlled by the perceived thoughts of others. I have found myself being controlled by voices that come from me. And now I know about them. Again, thanks.

  8. Freedom IS more fun! No need to worry what others think – it's more exciting to wear what you love! I've always done that for better or for worse – and a lot of times growing up it was for worse but I never cared!! lol

  9. You are fabulous, and I am sooooooooo glad that you have found the freedom and fun of dressing.
    Looking forward to see what you will do next…
    hehehhehe
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

  11. great quote, may paint it on a plaque and put it in my bathroom!!

    I have always loved fashion, but don't feel so much peer pressure now as when I was younger.

  13. Pam, I'm so glad my post struck a chord. I'm enjoying clothes now more than ever before! It's like a really fabulous neighbor that's always been there, I just never took the time to really get to know her….and lo and behold…I'M THE NEIGHBOR! LOL I can see you just blossoming on your blog and it's wonderful!!! You smile is contagious and thanks so much for mentioning me. I've been offline (by choice) for about 48 hours. Just wanted to give all my lovies my undivided attention. HUGS! ~Serene

  18. I wrote a post about the 'Fearlessness of Fashion' which talks about the same thing more or less. People used to think I was a 'weirdo' and 'strange' growing up as I always was free with fashion, now pushing 40 I'm seen as 'stylish' and make a business of dressing people. The irony is my taste in clothes etc hasn't really changed…

    Anyway, I really enjoyed this reading this.
    Thanks CamilleA

  19. I turned 40 last year and what you're describing here is happening to me now. I'm so much more excited about fashion than I was in my 30's, though I can't wear what I could wear in my 20's, I know I am trying out more interesting things than I have in ages. Fun, isn't it?

    Love,
    Heather
    http://heathersdesignblog.com/

  20. Your post struck some chords with me. I, too, tried to dress to impress the ladies around me. But I couldn't keep up and felt badly. How silly! I am enjoying clothing so much more at age 64 than ever before. It's not because I can afford more, I can probably afford less. But after reading blogs on the subject and learning how to style a smaller, but better wardrobe, I love getting dressed each day. It is a form of freedom and enjoyment.

  21. I have practiced this way of dressing for several years..didn't actually call it freedom but I dressed for the most important person in my life…me…I finally can wear what I select which is within the boundaries of my own style and personality..classic, a bit boho, some rate…I really don't ask does this look ok?…I just know when it does and when it fits me…
    Yup, definitely freedom in finally accepting yourself…Thx for the post and all of your excellent efforts…

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