Fashion Over 50: First Day of Spring, In the Pink and a New Way of Thinking

Spring Flowers on Over 50 Feeling 40

Happy First Full Day of Spring, everyone!  I know some of you may not be looking at sunny, warm, flowers blooming days, but try to bring spring to your state-of-mind and put all of the anxiety and fear behind you!  It is time to think with blossoms of hope. I mentioned Wednesday that I purchased a pink cardigan.  I did not have a pink cardigan and this one is perfect for our weather because it is lightweight.  Even in the summer, I like something like this to wear in the air conditioning.  

I was met at JJill with this mannequin at the door.  But really liked it when I tried it on with outfit I wore Wednesday with the red top……

Pamela Lutrell shows JJill light purple cardigan

So, I narrowed it down to this lovely purple and the pink, but decided pink was a color I had targeted for my spring wardrobe.  I will style it many ways with white, light grey, and black.  Today, I am wearing it with black because I also purchased a JJill tank with pink polka dots.  I like this better than the black and white polka dots I traditionally see in stores.  JJill temporarily has closed their locations to protect the health of their employees and customers, but they are still online.

 

A SPRING STATE OF MIND

Over 50 Feeling 40 on Spring 2020

I saw this quote online and thought it could not be more appropriate than for Spring 2020.  The world has changed rapidly in a short time and we will be experiencing changes for who knows how long.  While sitting here in my home office, a baby cardinal keeps coming up to the window to peck on the glass.  It is as if she (brown cardinal, not red) is saying, “It’s nuts out here, let me in!” 

My day and night job both require reading a lot of social media. I have seen and heard mass quantities of fear and whining, but it is time for a renewal of thinking.  We will have to do some things in new ways, we will have to think differently, and we must get over feeling like it will be tragic or devastating. I do understand though if you are a loved one are dealing with this awful disease how hard it would be to keep spirits up. Many of you were already navigating cancer and sickness and now this has doubled the fear. I do understand and know your journey is harder. 

For those who are healthy, we must be the leaders and examples to find new ways to reach out and help others…small businesses will be in trouble.  Some of us may just possess the creativity to look at business a new way…or look at nonprofits a new way…or help our families a new way.  Many families are already in childcare crisis as so many schools are closing for a long period of time.  The working moms need help… will some women who are retired step up to serve?  it is not a time for weeping, or whining or lamenting…it is a time for renewal of thinking…thinking in new ways and making life work.  I have to smile and think of Tim Gunn on the old Project Runway when he would look over the most devastating design and say, “Make it Work!”    I hope you will join. me on this first full day of Spring 2020 to commit to a new way of thinking in a new world so that we are part of solutions and not problems.

Also, I am pondering doing some posting a bit differently, but I promise to be here…there may be fewer fashion posts and more lifestyle posts to assist us as lifestyle changes. 

If you have ideas of how women in the second half of life can be the leaders, encouragers, and helpers during this time, please share here.  Enjoy the springtime slideshow with some inspiration included.(two books I read from every day)……………keep hoping and

KEEP SMILING!!

By Pamela Lutrell

 

21 Comments

  1. Thank you for continuing to be there for us. Your positive attitude is what we need now.

  2. The type of sweater that you picked is my favorite for my everyday wardrobe and has been for several years. A sweater is more comfortable than a jacket. I am always on the look out for cute tops to wear underneath. The pink is colorful for spring. I am glad to see it! Thanks.

  3. I love your positive post! We can all use a little encouragement at this very difficult time. I have been home from work now for almost a week and trying to keep busy and active. I’ve been spending time giving my poor house the attention it has been lacking when I work. I’m trying to look at this as a true luxury of time in my otherwise busy schedule. My heart goes out to all those suffering physically, emotionally or financially. The stores in my area (New Jersey) are mostly shut down so I’ve been seeing how I can support some businesses online.
    On a shallow note, I don’t usually wear lounging or exercise clothes. The sweat pants I own are very, very old! I’ve been trying to walk the neighborhood each day and would love to order some leggings or yoga pants. Any suggestions for brands that won’t let my 67 year old lumps show through??
    Everyone be safe and be smart!!!
    Linda

  4. Love the pink with the polka dot top. Be well and thanks for continuing your messages . Love the positive vibe. God Bless. ❤️

  5. My neighborhood has offered a book exchange, delivered to your doorstep. I thought that was pretty creative. One young man has been leaving a daffodil on doorsteps for the elderly. There is a lot of kindness and goodness in people. I don’t think we are a nation divided when it really matters. At least I hope not…

  6. I was very pleased at the cute knit tops I found at JJILL the other day. Thanks Jan.

  7. Hi Linda, I will do a slideshow of workout wear at the end of the Saturday post…watch for it. Today is my first day at home and I actually feel overwhelmed between the work for day job, the blog, and all that needs to be done around the house. I must prioritize and make sure the day job is at the top. This is a short lunch break so I wanted to answer comments.

  8. Our way of life is changing for the foreseeable future and we must adapt. There aren’t too many folks left who went through the depression in the 30s, so their knowledge is lost to us. We need to come together, forget petty political differences and take care of each other – even if it means no physical contact. The suggestion of leaving things on front porches is fantastic, especially for those who may not be on the internet.

  9. In our city many of the stores are now offering special shopping hours just for Senior Citizens. to ensure their needs are being met, which I personally feel is a wonderful idea. As for what one can do personally; due to a shortage in face masks in my area I am in the midst of sewing some to give to neighbours and to those who during my outings that express a desire to have one. (They are made of cotton so are washable and have a pocket for a removable hepa filter plus a concealed wire for nasal contour. I’ll be enclosing them in small baggies and including a note as to cautionary use, care etc.)

    On a brighter note; HAPPY 1ST DAY OF SPRING to you and your readers and though not a pastel person, do love the shade of pink you are wearing. -Brenda-

    Footnote: If anyone wishes a link to the mask pattern I am using; go to YouTube and search: EASY TO SEW ‘How To Make Face Mask With Filter Pocket And Adjustable Wire’/ Tutorial March 1/2020. Also consider to read the comments from readers, as some are quite informative.

  10. You raise a good point Pamela. We women in our second stage of life do have wisdom and strength to offer our families, our colleagues and our world. We need to be intentional about using that. Kudos to MrsBen2 who is showing us how to sew masks. One of the things I’ve been doing is Facebook posting thank-yous to businesses who implement helpful practices, such as designating time for Seniors to shop. I just returned from a local bakery who has rearranged their store front in order to practice strong infection control actions, but still serve yummy soups and baked goods to their customers. So, we can “fan the flame” of those things we’d like to see more of, and to encourage those who are changing for the benefit of all of us.

  11. Thanks Deanna! I saw that one of our downtown restaurants has turned their dining area into a small market selling some of the items the larger groceries are running out of. I think the businesses that adjust best to the needs of the communities are the ones that will survive!

  12. I have been reading the store closures with interest to see which ones are paying their workers at least for a couple of weeks until they can figure something out. I know some small businesses can’t afford this, but I appreciate the larger retailers who are. When I need to buy something from a bigger retailer, I plan to patronize first those who are paying their workers., now and for future purchases. In Ohio, most everything has been closed since Sunday, and we are trying to do our part by staying home. School is closed, so I’m quickly learning how to teach via a virtual classroom. The learning curve … for the adults 🙂 … is steep. Our school district has gone to weekly free lunches and breakfasts, and on Tuesday will provide 35 -thousand – meals. Schools are a lifeline for hungry kids in these times.

  13. I’m finishing up my first week at home, we’re scheduled for another week but I wouldn’t be surprised if that wasn’t extended. It hasn’t been bad. I have a routine, and I enjoy interacting with my co-workers online.
    One of my teleworking resolutions is that I will take a walk at lunch, normally I work through lunch so I don’t have to stay as late in the afternoon. It’s been nice to see all the people out on the path in the park -walking or biking. Children playing in their yards. The weather has been warm. I feel bad for those who’re laid off or sick, but I think I am going to try to find joy in this unique experience. At least until I catch it.

  14. Love polka dots & you look great in pink! Still vote for you in shorter top layers though 🙂

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