A new face on my casual style over 60

59 Comments

1. Abilene is a gem — at least it was 25 years ago. Small-town atmosphere, but a self-contained small town, so you’ll find everything there as in a big city, but on a smaller scale. The zoo is fantastic — hopefully they still have symphony nights there. There are some fantastic restaurants, and when you’re yearning for the big city, Fort Worth is just two hours away. Don’t get rid of too many nice clothes — as you become more settled, you should find plenty of opportunities to wear them.

2. Good morning. It will be so much fun to tweak your adjectives while staying true to your style! I like the fact that you exchanged your original purchase knowing that it would be used less often in Abilene than in San Antonio. You don’t need an outfit in your new closet crying ‘wear me’ when you know it is less appropriate for your new environment. If would become buyers remorse, and you already have dressy outfits to cull from. I now live in beach town of 8,000 people (it swells to over 100,000 in the summer for 2 months), and learned quickly what the ratio should be for different types of clothing in my closet. You made smart choices in your returns! I love them. I am happy that you will find traffic and heat relief! Does it ever snow?

3. My daughter’s family has loved Abilene for all of these reasons. Thank you! You can trust that I am not getting rid of all of my nice things. I want to get there and then assess. But for now my purchases (if any) may be on the casual side. It was such a blessing to have the birthday gift cards. I will also begin to show you some of my sale purchases soon…I have cooler weather on my mind.

4. This is so exciting for you and for us, your readers. Looking forward to seeing more style choices and more information about Abilene. I was there way back in the late 50s when my dad was working in the oil fields. One thing I do remember were the sand storms When we lived in Crane.
   Love the lapel pin! So cute.

5. Thanks Deborah! It does snow and the new Farmer’s Almanac predicts snow for this year!

6. I went to high school in Midland and traveled with a competitive speech team..we often ran into dust storms! One time I thought a cloud of dust was blowing in and it was grasshoppers…millions of grasshoppers. Yet, there is much to love about West Texas. I am familiar with Crane. My dad was a land man with Texaco. Glad to have you here, Rhoda!

7. My retirement town is 2500 people in a lake community. That was a huge change for me. I try to be casual and not sloppy like some I see. You will nail the Abilene look!

8. Thanks, Cheryll! I plan to have fun with it!

9. How fun! I wondered when I read your post yesterday if maybe you were moving here to Abilene. I knew you had some ties to ACU (as per a grandchild’s t-shirt once). I’ve lived here almost all my life and I’d be glad to answer any questions you might have or go to coffee or lunch once you get settled. And I’ll be sure to swing by and say hello if I ever see you out and about! Welcome….you’re going to love it here!! The commutes are fabulous…the shopping not so much!

10. Hi Merri Lynn…I am so excited!! I have a new friend! Yes..,I want to get together…we will be there by the end of next month. Please email me at over50feeling40@gmail.com and give me the best way to contact you! Looking forward to meeting you face to face.

11. I had to laugh at myself this morning when I read that you are moving to the small town of Abilene with a population of 127,000. Yesterday I tried to write to you about some advantages of a small town, but my small town is 10,000. However, I realize Abilene is much smaller than San Antonio so it will be a big change. Just making such a move at your age is a big change, but will be worth it so far as your daughter’s family is concerned. Reading about Abilene, I see there are several colleges and an Air Force base in the area which both make a difference in the population, bringing the level of educated people higher. I’m sure as you find your footing, begin to make new friends, become more engaged in your daughter’s family, you will find new adventures and opportunities to excite you and Mr. B. My Mr. B and I have spoken often of moving somewhere else but at 75 and 77, we are just too engrained in our lives with both sons and grandchildren near by.

12. I have so happy for you! I would love a smaller city, but I am in a huge city for the duration to help with my grandson.
    I look forward to your upcoming posts. The styles you posted today fit well for my current lifestyle.

13. Can not believe you returned your power suit. It’s not like Green Acres, you are moving to a cosmopolitan area, not rural outpost. Doesn’t speak kindly about stylish women living in Abilene. This ought to be interesting.

14. It is hard to leave grandchildren to go to grandchildren and that is why we had to assess the greater needs. I do not know if we would do this at older ages…it had to be now for many reasons. Thanks Celia.

15. Thanks so much, Kathy!

16. Oh I disagree, Ann! It is not a slam to stylish women in Abilene at all. It is a very different community to San Antonio and different types of style. There would be more events in San Antonio to wear such an outfit so it would have a lower cost per wear. I might wear it a few times in Abilene, but it made more sense to get pieces I will wear often. I love the power suit and recommend it as a stunning statement piece for the right occasions. Please do not insinuate that I am slamming anyone in Abilene…that is not the case at all. Of course it is not Green Acres, but it is NOT San Antonio and sometimes that makes a difference. Looking forward to meeting All the Fabulous women of Abilene…whether they wear jeans or a power suit!

17. I love a good sweater-jacket, and that camel one should be super versatile going forward. It will be fun learning all about Abilene, and how wonderful that you’re going to get more diverse weather there. Happy Tuesday! 💕

18. I predict that sweater jacket in camel and black will go fast. It is a wonderful garment for cooler weather. Thanks for being here, Connie !

19. Pamela, I certainly hope you will continue your blog. Hearing about your relocation and settling in should be very interesting. Also, many of the clothes you model are so good for us.

20. Yes! I plan to take all of you on this journey with me. The blog will go on!

21. Congratulations on your upcoming move! I retired 6 years ago and moved to be closer to my grandchildren. It was the best decision I ever made. Covid granted me the opportunity to help my daughter’s family on an everyday basis. I must say that changing my wardrobe from working to childcare to retirement while trying to remain true to myself has been quite challenging! I look forward to your journey and am sure I will learn a lot from you as you make this transition. Best of luck and looking forward to your posts.

22. So glad you are here, Lila!

23. Two thoughts, Pamela, about living and dressing in a less populated and more casual area, as I do. One is that fewer events might lead you to thinking you need fewer outfits. But, if you are seeing the same people at each event, you might find yourself feeling like you are wearing the same thing over and over. It’s a dilemma. The other thought is not likely, given your background, but being surrounded by people who are dressed much more casually than you can draw you in that direction, until you realize you are downright sloppy. I doubt you will scumb to that, however as your job here won’t let you. Enjoy the excitment of a move……I used to when I was younger but, sadly, have not in fifty years.

24. I am looking forward to seeing your casual style. I live in a small town and casual is the style.

    When we visit family in Texas we drive through Abilene going from Dallas to ElPaso. We haven’t stopped though. We just might have to. It looks like a nice town.

    Interesting that Mr B. Went to college where my granddaughter is going. She’s very excited.

25. Hi Pam,
    Abilene sounds like it’s going to be a good change for you. You will have so much stress dealing with traffic and road construction. When you are faced with that day in and day out it wears on you. Not to mention all the time you waste sitting in traffic during on going construction. I so look forward to you sharing more about Abilene as you settle in. Your family is so fortunate to have you and Mr. B. You are just the best. I like how you are embracing this exciting change.
    You were so wise to return your clothing, I think you looked pretty however the cost per wear did not make sense. Smart practical you. Love what you bought instead. That is how I dress most of the time because of my stomach issues. The casual look is so comfortable.
    Take a pic of your treasured tree, you may want to blow it up someday and hang it in the wall. Things like this helps with separation from the things that have sentimental value.

26. I’m sure Abilene seems like a small town compared to San Antonio. To me it seems like a good size city. I live outside the town limits of a small town (population 4700) near Asheville NC which is smaller than Abilene. Of course its all proportional to what we are used to. Asheville is very casual compared to other cities I’ve visited. It has a mountain vibe. Jeans a boots are acceptable for most things. I find I’m sometimes a bit overdressed by local standards and I’m OK with it. While I loved the way you looked in the power suit I’m impressed that you reconsidered the cost per wear. That’s something I’m trying hard to do. I find I’m attracted to items that fit my former life in Michigan where we attended a lot of event. I do like the casual outfit you chose in its place. The color and style look great on you & I predict you will reach for it often. The only advice I have is don’t get rid of anything you love yet. Even if you don’t think you’ll wear it in Abilene hang on to it for a while to be sure. One thing I asked myself when I was unsure of an item is “would I reach for this rather then something else in my closet? Most of all, enjoy the adventure.

27. What an exciting new adventure for you and your husband! Will you downsize homes? This is a good age to make a move while you’ve got the energy. Your readers can’t wait to share in your adventure and tips. I especially like the outfits you choose that are a bit nipped in the waist. It shows of your curves better🤣 than a boxy cut. The Chico green outfits look great on you. Enjoy this new adventure!

28. I am looking forward to reading about your move and your wardrobe choices going forward. My husband just turned 80 and has some mobility issues, so I anticipate we will need to downsize to a townhouse or senior living community when he can no longer manage the two steps into our house. I hope you will share how you determine what goes with you and what is sold/donated.
    I live in a smaller city and don’t have many opportunities to dress up. Lunches and dinners out are almost always to casual places as my husband doesn’t like to charge out of his shorts and tee shirts to go out. Brunch after church is the exception. I still find myself drawn to clothes that I wore prior to retirement, though—my fantasy life vs my real life! I like to look polished even when heading to the grocery store, so the blazer with jeans look you showed today is perfect for my casual lifestyle.

29. Pam, the things you took back to Chicos were “old” looking to me…your new choices….perfect…much more youthful and fun looking on you! Have you picked a new home yet? This is such a wonderful journey for you…my husband and I did the same thing. Wishing you the best! Karen L.

30. Most of our closets contain wannabe items for our fantasy lives…resort wear for the tropical vacation that got cancelled…cozy Thanksgiving sweater when weather was 85 degrees…winter-white wool pants and knee-length topper for concert one magical snowy eve. Even with best sales and loyalty rewards, cost per wear is shocking. Thanks, everyone, for reminders to keep it real. Sticking to style adjectives enhances not only personal confidence but a lightbulb moment for someone, somewhere. Grateful for Leigh Ann, too. We all need our cheerleaders! Beautiful adventure awaits you and family, Pam, in more ways than you can imagine. I’m moving same time as you, tho only 10 miles and into Active 55+ resort-style apartment community. For every box I pack, you’ll probably pack three. Ha! Let’s give ourselves grace and be open to each day’s lesson.

31. Such a good point about seeing the same people often. That is one reason I will be mixing up separates and accessories. I am going to be purposeful not to succumb to that. I did it once in my forties and will not return again. Thanks Mary Frances.

32. Let me know if you stop and perhaps we can meet up for tea! Thanks Paula.

33. I have taken that pic already, Katherine. It holds a special place in my heart. Thanks so much.

34. I am hanging on to quite a few things and will assess as I get into this. The power suit is just too memorable and I probably would not have worn it very often. I do not mind being overdressed, but I do not want to be too overdressed! Thanks Kathie.

35. Thank you Carol…more about the housing later…a few details are not confirmed.

36. Hi Kate…the big question I am asking as I look at things is DO I WANT TO PAY TO MOVE THIS? We are paying a moving company and if I do not want to pay to move it…then it is donated!

37. Thank you, Karen…I will discuss housing soon. I still like the clothing I originally bought, but I also agree with you that the new options are better for my new life…more current and youthful.

38. I like that, Char…grace for each day’s lessons. I hope your new community is super fun, friendly and joyful.

39. Pamela – Best wishes for your next adventure. I recently downsized to a smaller home in the same town. Of course, downsizing means getting rid of things. (I didn’t get rid of enough.) One way I found to help let go of favorite things that no longer fit is to take photos. That helps keep the memory but lets the object go to give someone else pleasure. Have you said? Do you have a house, yet?

40. If you don’t already own boots, I recommend the Ariat Darlin bootie. I don’t live in Texas any more but had a chance to wear my booties to my grandson’s wedding in Canton this summer. They are very comfortable and look good with jeans, pants or a dress.

41. Thank you for the recommendation, Marcia. I believe the majority of us who are born and bred in Texas have our boots and Mr. B has a great hat. I can see us wearing them…even him in the hat…in our new location.

42. I’m in a 15,000 pop. Town. I guess for you it would be like moving from Denver to Pueblo, CO. Size wise but also with the southwestern vibe. Your new look will suit my small town life style. I’m looking forward to following your journey. We moved to a much smaller home and had to donate so much nine years ago. We needed a one story villa style home for my health issues. I just couldn’t do those stairs anymore.

43. Well, alrighty then! Now I will have to come visit Abilene rather than San Antonio. I love the seasons and after nearly 50 years living in southern California still miss the changes (though not the terrible winter storms of the northeast–those are fun for about 5 minutes). You raise a very good point about what exactly we need clothes for throughout the year. It makes me think maybe I need to inventory with events in mind for a year. How many concerts do I attend? More fancy dinners? school plays, lunches with friends? Church and church events, weddings and funerals. This would be a good window into what to buy or keep. I don’t know whether you will have space for another oak, but maybe you could take a cutting or acorn again. Or have you daughter plant the grandbaby acorn at her house.

44. I have a friend who recently downsized to get rid of stairs for her husband. I know that is an issue for many. Thanks Sydney…hope you are better today.

45. If this tree decides to have more acorns, I will do my best to get my hands on one. They have been very slow to appear. Thanks Mary…would love to have you visit.

46. It will be interesting to read how your towns compare. I think your life change raises topics your audience would be interested in discussing. Have you retired? How did you decide when? Did you move in retirement? Why?

47. The fact that I am here every day, Lily, answers these questions. I have not retired. I work for myself on the blog and it does generate income for me and Mr. B. He also has not retired. Both of us will be working in our new home location. He will continue for a while to work for the company he has been with for years and will work remotely. He also will work with my son-in-law in his business. My work is the blog…I hope to keep it going…I love it and I do love the fact that it has helped us with needs we have…particularly now with moving expenses. We both enjoy working and I am not sure when we will completely retire. The only thing I am retired from is working in professional office situations…I love working for me! The one benefit of the pandemic (and there are way more cons than pros) is that it opened up opportunity for remote working that did not exist before. Sadly, it was an awful way for that to happen.

48. I, also, don’t believe you will ever become uber casual. That would not be staying true to yourself. I’m sure you will take your time to adjust to your new surroundings by observing all the fabulous ladies you will be encountering. I am in a third style incarnation myself. I went from the corporate world to caregiving which required a very different type of clothing. Now, while I still spend a fair amount of time at home, I find myself going out much more. I am still in mostly casual situations, but I find I want a to step up my casual look a bit, so any pieces I purchase going forward will be working toward that goal.

49. Please let me apologize if my positive comments on the bold green floral outfit were misconstrued. It was so flattering and perfect for “San Antonion Pam,” but your instincts are on target. Abilene has a much more low-key vibe, but I hope you can still keep some of the dramatic element in your closet. I dated a guy out there for a few months and always enjoyed my visits. There was a tiny Mexican food place I loved- Armando’s, I think? So glad you have your daughter to help you find your way around town, and I’m excited that you’ll only be about two hours from Fort Worth. You’ll have to come for shopping trips, as we are probably the closest major retail area to you. I highly recommend University Village just off I-30 for JJill, Chico’s and Talbots. Let me know any time you’re headed this way so I can treat you to lunch. Also check out all the new retail on I-20 in Weatherford, which is an easy drive from Abilene. Their Belk store is the nicest in the north TX area and I drive out there several times a year, even though there are several closer to me. Your revised choices from Chico’s look perfect for this new chapter, and are still so flattering. I can just imagine you being the “fun Gigi” in the school pick up line, and you’ll be able to stop by the park with them on the way home without changing out of your “good clothes.” That sweater blazer looks perfect for daily life as well as travel, and I’m ordering one now!

50. Lorri! I am so glad you spoke up. You were not misconstrued. It was exactly what I needed. Thank you!!
    I love that sweater blazer and cannot wait for my camel one to get here! And I love the idea of shopping in Ft. Worth. Maybe you can be a part of the spring 2025 rollout! We will see. You did a good thing when you helped me rethink my purchase!

51. We will step up that casual together, Becky!

52. I tried to comment earlier, but it didn’t go through. I find our differing ideas of what a small town is interesting. Your small town has 127 000 people, Celia’s has 10 000, and my small town has less than 800! I’ve never thought about the size of the town affecting our fashion choices, but there are definitely fewer opportunities to dress up in a town like ours.

53. San Antonio has definitely affected my style, Elaine. It is a vibrant, colorful, multicultural city with many opportunities to dress very stylish and dramatic. I personally believe our communities do play a part in style choices.

54. No, you misunderstood my comment. I want to hear from your readers. How did they make the decision to move/retire? When did they do it? Was it a choice? An accident? Was it forced on them? Did they go smaller? Where did they move and why? Your readers are at the age of making these decisions and it would be an interesting discussion, I’m sure.

55. I agree, Lily…it would be an interesting discussion. I will mention it in a future post and see if I can get the discussion going for you!

56. Hi Pamela, I live in a rural town of about 2,000 people, near a small city of about 400,000, in the Upper Midwest. To say that things are more casual here than they seem to be in San Antonio is an understatement! After 18 years here, I still find it difficult to find and purchase clothing that is stylish and “me” while also being casual enough for my environment and everyday activities. One of my style adjectives is “pulled together” (something like your “polished?”), but even when I do “pulled together” in a way that I feel is appropriate for this area, people sometimes comment about it and make me feel overdressed! I also am often guilty of buying beautiful clothing and then having a hard time finding occasions on which to wear it. I am looking forward to hearing about your strategies for adjusting your style mindset and putting together your outfits in your new location. Best wishes on your move – I hope you love your new place!

57. Thank you, Amy. I will have your comment in mind going forward. I hope I can help!

58. How exciting and expressing my best wishes on your move that will give you the opportunity to be closer to your daughter and her family. To conclude; hopefully you will pace yourself when packing as it can be over whelming and you will not fret over your new lifestyle, as with your pleasant personality you will fit in beautifully no matter where you are or what you wear. -Brenda-

59. You are so kind, Brenda…thank you!

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