True Style Is Self-Acceptance ~ StyleLikeU
I recently had a date on REAL BEAUTY TALK with Candace Magloire, a Style Coach; it was a fun and informative conversation. The one thing we have in common is we both grew up with seamstresses, her grandmother, and my mom. Fashion and styling are in our DNA. I sense we have a unique approach to our personal style.
You can be gorgeous at thirty, charming at forty, and irresistible for the rest of your life
Coco Chanel
After our conversation, I dive a little deeper into what fashion and style meant to me. One of the things I appreciate so much about my overall Spiritual journey is the sense that my every step seems guided. I am learning there is no separation or limitation when it concerns our interests; Spirit is involved in everything. Once there is curiosity on any subject, you will be guided to the information. Before the conversation, I made a few discoveries. I came across a vidBloggler whose mission is to highlight vogue, stylish women, and men 50 and over. I had to agree with him on some relevant factors that I had been observing for a while. It does seem ludicrous that the fashion and beauty industry and even society tend to discard humans over a certain age, especially females. Once we hit fifty, it seems like their intent is to put us in a box where we should chill until death is ready. I am over 50 but do not feel a day over 25 and possibly don’t even look a day over 40 (I do not want to toot my own horn). I have friends who are 60 and don’t look a day over 40. This generation is very unique; we are aging differently. Perhaps, it is because we are more aware and are more health and mindset-conscious. Ari Seth Cohen of Advance Style is a gem; I love love his series on YouTube. He captures the styles and stories of older gentlemen and ladies in a very unique way. I binge watch from time to time; all of the episodes are super inspiring. They give me life. I love how these very stylish women expressed themselves. It’s fun to dress up it’s a sign of creativity ~ Iris Aphel
Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.
Coco Chanel
I am soon to be 53, and I am very stylish, always have. My mother has been a seamstress all my life, and we had a blast creating my unique pieces. I was never a fan of wearing what everyone else was wearing. Vogue, Essence, Glamour, InStyle, and W magazines were a few of my go-to for style inspiration. My mom is super talented; she can make anything she sees without making a pattern. I totally enjoyed that season between my teen into my 20s.
When the fun goes out of getting dressed, you might as well be dead.
Iris Apfel
Over the years, as my body changed, most likely so did my sense and taste for style also evolved. I said most likely because it was never something I set out to think of or be intentional with; it just happened. I have heard many positive comments about my sense of style and had a few requests from persons seeking guidance. It was not until I came across another Vidblogger, StlyeLikeU, coupled with the recent conversation with Candace, that I decided to be intentional and give it some thought. StyleLikeU is another platform that highlights the style of some unique folks through thought-provoking conversations and unique insight from those who were brave enough to share their stories.
Fashion has this youth mania. But 70-year-old ladies don’t have 18-year-old bodies, and 18-year-olds don’t have 70-year-olds dollars.
Iris Apfel
I was particularly drawn to one of their series, What’s Underneath. The introductions caught my eye. It says: “Style is not the clothes your wear. It’s comfort in your skin. True style is self-acceptance. Style is not about money. It’s knowing who you are. It’s your spirit. It’s what’s underneath” There are so many great episodes these women and men are so radical and candid with their story. Style Is Personal Power On Display: Cathy Cooper. Watching these series helped me to put a lot into perspective that I never thought of before. I honestly believe information shows up in the right moment and time when it is most needed.
I dress according to my mood. I will wear anything from chic casual to super sexy depending on the occasion. I am not the jeans and t-shirt kinda gal the only time you are likely to see me in a t-shirt is if I am going to the gym.
The first question that popped up was, What is your definition of style? My sense of style is more about how I feel rather than what I am wearing at any given time. I swear I have an angel guide who is my personal stylist, I move to the rhythm of whatever I sense in the moment. I see it in my minds-eye, and then I am guided to where to get it. I love shoes; if I am rocking a nice pair of shoes and sexy undergarments, I can wear anything and feel fabulous. On casual days: I can rock my hair messy, no makeup (perhaps mascara only this wakes up my eyes), shorts with a shirt, accented with my favorite booty, and feel totally chic. And then there are other days I need to go the extra mile, it’s a vibes thing. When I have a special occasion my mood, and the vibe I want to emanate; have a strong influence on what I wear. For example, if the event is clubbing, then automatically, I turn myself into a vixen.
The secret to great style is to feel good in whatever you wear.
Ines de la Fressange
I don’t think I have a fixed definition of my personal style, like I mentioned earlier, it’s a vibe. I dress according to my mood. I will wear anything from chic casual to super sexy depending on the occasion. I am not the jeans and t-shirt kinda gal the only time you are likely to see me in a t-shirt is if I am going to the gym, and outside of the gym, it is unlikely to see me dressed in sneakers. I am attracted to Bohemian chic, clean classic, funky, feminine, carefully selective vintage, or anything else that is interesting and unusual. I am not into super loud or bright colors and prints. The few pieces I own that are bright and bold were gifts, and they were given to me in a season when I was open to exploring. So now and then, I surprise myself.
Style is not about the clothes you wear, it’s about the individual.
Alexander Mc Queen
What’s underneath that complements my style? What’s underneath is a deep question that required much reflection… A quietly confident, warm-hearted, kind, and compassionate person. I am passionate about life; therefore, I am a critical thinker. I am not afraid to go deep within, I love to explore. I generally feel comfortable in my skin. I feel most comfortable when I am creating. I was told that I seem to get lost in another world which is so true. The best way I can describe that feeling, it’s like I get lost inside of myself. Smiles. I feel most comfortable in anything that flatters my body shape. Undergarments are a principal part of my wardrobe. They are your support garment for whatever you will wear; the wrong choice can mess you up. I love sexy underwear, sleepwear, and body shapers; they make me feel snug and sexy. The best one to date is one that was gifted to me by a friend. It takes at least four inches off my waistline, lifts my butt, gives me an overall smooth finish, and most importantly, I feel like a freaking goddess. I consciously invest in a variety of bras that fit nicely. Different necklines look best when it’s complemented by the right bra. Choice of undies are just as important; I rarely wear bikinis under going out garments, not even to walk around the house, it’s very unflattering to my body shape. Being attired in complementary undergarments is just as important as what you wear on the outside.
Beauty Begins the moment you decide to be yourself.
Coco Chanel
My favorite parts of my body are my skin, my legs, and my boobs. Once it’s not a business event, I’m likely to dress in something that flaunts my best features. Unlike most who dress for others, I dress for myself. I don’t really care what other people are wearing. I am okay with being the only one in the room that is overdressed or underdressed. My general approach is everyone is entitled to their own unique expression. I admire people who push the envelope, it says they have a-fack-you type personality and freedom of expression. I love that.
You Can Be Naked And Have Style ~ StyleLikeU
To all the ladies who are on the journey of discovering your personal sense of style here are a few guidelines. I would suggest starting with your inner being. How comfortable are you with yourself? Do you like and appreciate your assets? Start by embracing all of you? What about the parts of you that you do not like? Life is very simple. Fix it! Accept the things you cannot change and have the courage to change the things you can.
Be more intentional with everything you indulge in. Eat for your health and your skin. Exercise. Meditate. Have fun. Explore and pay attention to what works for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Get out of your comfort zone from time to time. And don’t forget to have fun; you only learn what works for you by trial and error.
Refresh, Rejuvenate, Exhale, Reprogram 