I say this because I recently heard a few 50+ women disparage non-conformist style, which I can usually laugh off - and a little friendly back-and-forth can be a catalyst for growth - but this time they also threw in some armchair psychologizing, saying women who dress in "advanced style" are: desperate, trying too hard, insecure, loud, hurting inside, not serious, and (my personal favourite) not intelligent or smart.
 |
| Girls running in the wind with skirts hoisted, ready to fly. Acrylic on canvas paper. I painted it a couple of years ago. |
 |
| Imagine if everything looked like this, except sometimes the lines are squiggy instead of straight. |
Sacramento! Hurrah!
Marching band. Ticker-tape parade.
She's the doyenne of Free Styling,
life-embracing, joy-jumping,
sproingy wonder.
Thank you, Sacramento, for joining this ride!
After the style lambasting incident, which took me by surprise, I was feeling very down about blogging in general and, to my shame, about the Freakish Yellow Skirt, no joke - I thought my faux fur gave me thicker skin than that - but as I was updating the Freakish Gallery of
27 WOMEN!!!
from all over the world
that bitter taste in my mouth turned minty fresh, the air suddenly smelled like spring flowers with a whiff of pine trees, bluebirds started nesting in my hair, a fuzzy dice pendant appeared around my neck, and a baby deer tried to sit on my lap. It was magical, wonderful pastoral mayhem.
 |
| OOM means, "This crab hand position sucks!" |
So let me pass on this wisdom: when someone interprets your joyful style as a seething mass of desperation and unhappiness, it's time to start handing out those rose-tinted glasses from the dollar store. Emergency!! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and there's some really weird stuff going on out there.
It's called the Travelling Yellow Skirt Freak Show because joy wins over freak labels every time - I hope. As the original skirt post from 2012 says, the skirt represents "positivity and solidarity" among everyone who dresses with happiness, whatever your definition. We celebrate style in all its forms. Right? RIGHT?!
Let's be clear: no walls.
The skirt will soon be winging its way to Beate in Germany. Her awesome blog is HERE. She's a fierce art woman.
And more news...
I was on a photo shoot today, a real one with a photographer and a stylist, a prelude to a professional gig coming up next month. Bwahaha! I don't like all the baggage that comes with the word model so I shall say I was a clothing host for some garments designed and made by uber-talented Claire Cormeau, who saw my blog and asked if I would showcase her designs. You can find her HERE.
The turtleneck has merino wool and the asymmetrical tailored jacket felt like an expensive dream. Claire even designed the bracelet, which her partner manufactured with 3D printing. Amazing. The pants/shoes belong to the clothing host. The shoot was only for the waist up; these are fun out-takes.
I should have slathered on some hand cream last night. Auch - hopefully, everyone is looking at the bracelet.
That's all. I hope you have a great week everyone. I'm linking up to:
Patti: Visible Monday, Not Dead Yet Style, and;
Catherine: #iwillwearwhatilike, Not Dressed as Lamb.
Thank you, Patti and Catherine, for these style refuges just when I need them most.
I should have slathered on some hand cream last night. Auch - hopefully, everyone is looking at the bracelet.
That's all. I hope you have a great week everyone. I'm linking up to:
Patti: Visible Monday, Not Dead Yet Style, and;
Catherine: #iwillwearwhatilike, Not Dressed as Lamb.
Thank you, Patti and Catherine, for these style refuges just when I need them most.
And I'll link up to Anne at SpyGirl for 52 Pick-me-up: Sky Blue/Expansion/Connection. Just my earrings are sky blue. That counts, right?
the skirt is here since a couple of hours :-)
ReplyDeleteexcitement!
and it really has magical power - not only did it save you from depression - it made the snow coming back after springlike weeks with no white stuff even on the highest hill! you remember - i want to make snowy pics wearing that skirt - because i just love snow!
thank you for that link!
i´m so glad you are out of the rabbit hole digged by other woman - who are clearly envious about your freedom!!!
and hey - you ARE a SUPERMODEL!!!!
now i´m off to sacramento´s!!!
xxxxx
Oh my goodness - I'm so happy the Yellow Skirt brought you the snow!!! Hahaha. I know how much you wanted snow photos. And you got the skirt so quickly. Excellent. I hope you have fun.
DeletePish Posh!!! I went swimming at the beach in my togs, in full view of any member of the public who may have come along, on Sunday. That's what 50+ can do for a woman - freedom to do whatever the fuck we want and not care what others think.
ReplyDeleteYou are amazeballs. I LOVE how you dress. Always. Because it always works, because you own it, whatever that means. But it's true xoxoxo
Thanks, Maryanne. YOU are amazeballs! Wish I could have gone swimming with you.
DeleteI so agree with Maryanne and let me tell you after 60 you care less and less what others think. I get so pissed off with this stupid idea that we must dress and behave in a certain way after a certain age and even more so when other women trash those that dare to be different to them. I have now climbed off my soapbox, you keep being you and dress in what makes you happy as will I.
ReplyDeleteYes, but you look so good up there on your soapbox! Hahaha. I see the joy in your clothes every time and I cheer you. Thank you for your comment, Jill.
DeleteYou're so right. About everything. The Travelling Yellow Skirt sums it all up really. (LOVE IT) I think after age 40 it should be illegal for someone to put you in any fashion or style box. Hey, I still like kitten print fabric and dresses with teapots! That's not ever going to change and if I don't have a problem with that I don't get why anyone else would. Keep being glorious YOU.
ReplyDeleteKitten print with teapots? Where do I get some?! Hahaha. Thanks so much for the comment. There are attempts to to nail the box lid down but I bought all the hammers.
DeleteOther women can just be be total and utter bitches (I'm fed up with looking for something to excuse them and wasting my time trying to find a more politically-correct expression). Feck that. How you dress is NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS and no-one needs to hear their spiteful, passive-aggressive crap ad nauseum.
ReplyDeleteI have a particular loathing for folks who throw around their sound-bites on mental health issues - as some kind of pejorative - thus adding ignorance and insensitivity to their ill-mannered crassness.
Whether 50+ or whatever (and youth is no barrier to enduring feckwittage) ... just please yourself and be happy.
Hurrah for the yellow skirt!
Elaine Monkeypaints
I shouldn't have listened to them in the first place but I had no prior indications that they felt so strongly this way after hearing all that joy/no rules/blah blah from them before, which I absolutely agree with. The mental health thing...stop!
DeleteThanks for the comment!
Screw those women. In my humble opinion they are just scared and angry that they cannot let go of their societal restraints. (and perhaps they're doing a little projecting ....)
ReplyDeleteYou would think that at their/our age, they would feel secure enough of themselves that they would be able to 'allow' others to be themselves.
Yep, you are awesome! xo
Yeah, I don't get that about being bothered by other people being themselves. All the people we most admire are different from us, some a waaay more different, which is often the big attraction. Thanks, Carol, for commenting.
DeleteWhile my own style preferences lean toward simple and neutrals (probably because I still need the adult equivalent of Garanimals) I LOVE seeing creative, colorful, eclectic expressions of style. There's room for it all, and what a dull world it would be if we all wore the same things. Thank you for being part of the colorful cohort!! And I love your outfits today. a 3-D printed bracelet...brave new world!
ReplyDeleteGranimals?! Hahaha! I had to look that up. Hilarious. YES, there IS room for it all. Sadly, I think there is also a growing audience for this kind of exclusionary talk, which is upsetting. I know, the bracelet, incredible!
DeleteThanks for your comment. It means a lot.
I bet they were dressed in Northern Getaway outfits, weren't they? WEREN'T THEY??!!?? Stupid cows. You keep lettin' your freak flag fly, Melanie. That's why I'm still here. <3
ReplyDeleteI had to look up Northern Getaway. Hahaha! Actually, these women dress stylishly, they try new things in their comfort zones, and they are strong women who encourage others to be strong. That's why I was so surprised too by their put-downs. Don't they get it? I'm also a minority here, I'm no threat.
DeleteA wise and honest post, and you talked yourself right back to where you know you shine! Not surprising those words stung momentarily -- just knowing that Rudeness is out there on the streets, ugh! -- but you can't dress for the narrow of imagination and rules.... (well, you can't, anyway, in all your fabulousness, but apparently they can). Honestly, Advanced Style, if that's what we have to call it, is not for my personality or circumstances, but you keep the margins of possibility open for all of us, even if, sometimes, the automatic doors want to squeeze you shut between them. . . and kudos on the garment-hosting gig -- Hey, you're a M......!! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI wrote four posts on this, all more harsh, until I got to this one, which I almost didn't post because I didn't want to be negative. I think this incident affected me more because I have been exhausted from work. And twee or not, that Yellow Skirt did pull me back to my comfort zone of pastoral mayhem. You are right about it being a momentary sting, but it feels good to know I can share these thoughts here. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteOh God, I feel like breaking every "rule" today! Fishnets, micro mini, Sex Pistols band tee, stilettos and pigtails. You look soooo rich and gorgeous in your photoshoot, a super-schtar. xox
ReplyDelete-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thanks, Patti. And thanks for your Visible Monday linkups. You always, always embrace the diversity that we all bring to the table. But I do want to see you in that outfit. Hahaha! Kicking down walls, yeeeeah!
DeleteGreat post! Brilliant! I was reading all the articles today about British Oscar winner, Jenny Beavan, who won last night for best costume designer and was greeted with a lack of applause from some of the less generous guests - maybe because she wasn't confirming to that awful red carpet-stick thin-designer clad dress code, but rather being herself. She makes brilliant costumes and good for her for wearing an M&S bikers jacket!
ReplyDeleteI am so on board with what you wrote! I had to look that up, but wow, Ms. Beavan is a powerhouse of talent! I adore her authentic style. My heart rate didn't change at all seeing everyone else styled to the n-th level of monotonous perfection. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteAh yes, don't you know we should all conform to societal expectations? I'll go all country/western every once in awhile, just BECAUSE it isn't cool ...
ReplyDeleteHahaha!! That's the great thing about you, Tami. Thanks for your comment!
DeleteWhy women feel the need to be critical towards other women? Why people are afraid of different so much? You are such a JOY for both my eyes and soul, every time I see your colorful, quirky, truly artistic outfits! I understand that not everyone wants to dress differently from "the norm" whatever it is, but we sure can all appreciate the art, the talent when we see it!
ReplyDeleteI am so eager to see what Beate does with the yellow skirt. Sacramento's was fantastic. I'd like to participate in the yellow skirt show too, if I can (I remember that it retired at some point, I'm glad it's back).
Congratulations to your new gig!!! You are an AMAZING MODEL!
Thank you so much, Natalia. I guess difference is subversive. A herd is easier to control than a runaway sheep. We need both, but I think we are runaway sheep! You always inspire.
DeleteEmail me your mailing address and I'll put you down for the skirt. Thanks for your lovely comment.
And I always love seeing your art! The ready-to-fly girls are wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I remember what it was like but there aren't many chances to doing that again, not downtown at least. Hahaha.
DeleteOne would hope that if those Mean Girls are 50+, they would have MATURED out of their teenage habits. Guess not.
ReplyDeleteYou KNOW that you are my muse, yes?
Thanks for bringing your Sky Blue earrings to my link-up. xxox
Thanks for your link-ups, Anne! You know what I'm talking about. Did you see Romy and Michele's high School Reunion? This feels kind of like that. Gross.
DeleteAnd you muse me right back!
People are always so quick to put their own interpretations on something they don't understand. "Oh, poor thing, she must be starved for attention to be dressing that way". No, it's just because we know what we like, we wear what we like, and we don't give a rat's ass what you think.
ReplyDeleteI WANT THAT BRACELET. Only in silver, please....
Poor little rats loses their little asses all over the place! Actually, we are preserving rat's asses. I can't STAND that sanctimonious pity crap, "Oh, poor little thing..."
DeleteThis bracelet is in fact the prototype. The real metal one, I think in silver, will be ready next month. She also designed a necklace and ring. AMAZING!
Thanks for your comment.
I will admit that I prefer the look of your "modeled" outfit, but I swoon for blazers and beatnik style - which you embody perfectly! People who disparage the colorful and creatively-minded probably have a few issues themselves, like being control freaks and being intimidated by variation. You shine brighter than any of them, and I'm so glad you're getting attention and requests to do things like modeling or organizing fashion shows. Maybe next will be an art book with a bunch of your illustrations and paintings - I'll be first in line for an autographed copy!
ReplyDeleteNow, so many links to follow from your "sneeze page" - links that disperse and spread just like, well, I think you get the idea. Keep shining in technicolor, Mel!!!
You can bet I could let a riff or two fly back, falling into that game, but it's hard when I think their style is fine. It's the people leeching out of it that gives me pause from time to time. Thanks for your generous compliments! It's probably not a sneeze - more like little coughs. An art book makes me giddy but I'm a bit self-defeatist in that line.
DeleteThanks for your comment, Val!
Oh for the love of God! People like that who cast judgements on others style are just scared that some of us are nonconformists and have our own style standards. Feck 'em, I say.
ReplyDeleteIf they were referring to you then they're simply jealous. You always look amazing and although you wear things I wouldn't wear - if I was taller and slimmer, I would! They probably felt the same but were just bitching.
Keep the colourful, stylish, witty and wonderful flag flying, Mel.
PS. I'd love to have a go at the freakish yellow skirt too, someday!
Have a grand week
xxx
Veronica
vronni60s.blogspot.com
Yeah, I like to think because this was a live-type event they got carried away - so EASY to do! But there's also an audience for put-downs. Oh well. I'm not part of it now. Poor Marc Jacobs would be institutionalized if they ran the world.
DeleteThanks for your comment, Veronica!
Oh, your artwork is making my heart sing Melanie! Thank you for sharing...and speaking of thanks and sharing, thank you for sharing your uplifting and joyful style sensibility! You inspire daily!
ReplyDeleteAnd Claire is particularly gorgeous and creative! She makes me want to be a designer too!
That painting is one of my favourites for its content. I feel the same about your style - uplifting and joyful, plus you MAKE it!!
DeleteBut you ARE a designer, what are you talking about?
Thanks, Sue.
Thank you soooooooooooooooooo much dear Melanie for the chance to wear the yellow magic skirt.
ReplyDeleteTons of loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Thank YOU, Sacramento. This was a very healing skirt session. You helped me so much. xoxox
DeleteWhat a wonderful collective of positive comments for you Melanie. There's a great cirle of admirers around you, covering your back during this momentary lapse in confidence. Dressing as you puts you in the minority and we all know how easy it is to see the minority as an easy target. You being you, however, is your strength, hence your huge fanbase and loving supporters. My husband feels very protective towards me running my blog within such a tiny community. He worries about what our village ladies think about me and my dressing (which is pretty tame by my reckoning). I don't allow myself to consider them when I get dressed, but if I received some nasty comments I'm pretty sure I'd have a few doubts and feel upset. We're all human after all. The Four Agreements tell us to never take things personally. These comments are a reflection on those who made them, not you. You've very clearly got your shit together, or else you won't be able to dress like you do. THEY clearly feel threatened, jealous, insecure, envious or just plain ol' boring compared to you. Rock on lady! Be you, only more so after this.
ReplyDeleteAnna
Anna's Island Style.
Yes, I think it was a momentary lapse, but that gasp of surprise when I hear that stuff, it's so bewildering but it really gets to me. Your comments help me get back on track.
DeleteI'm glad your husband has got your back and you feel free to be your wonderful creative self. But if you were ever in trouble, there is this amazing community as well.
Thank you for your comment. It touches my heart.
Thankyou for being honest and writing about how you feel.
ReplyDeleteI think we all experience this from time to time.
Stepping out of the box or more like, living out of the box can be treacherous and invite snipers...but oh the freedom of the wind!
Lifting my skirts today...my new metaphor ;-) Thanks.
Xo Jazzy Jack
I hope you don't mind if I usurp your cool phrase: lifting my skirts. Hahaha!! It's perfect. I wish I had a field right now. I don't think downtown Vancouver would have the same effect.
DeleteThanks for this comment, Jazzy Jack. xo
I guess the old adage about keeping your mouth shut unless you've got something decent to say has passed some folk by... I don't always like what every blogger I follow is wearing, but I can usually find something positive to say about at least part of it (or their photos, writing, colours, humour, etc etc). Besides which - who cares what I think? If you (anyone) is happy with their look, who am I to judge? There's enough criticism and negativity out there, it's good that blogging is (usually) a supportive environment.
ReplyDeleteLove that painting - those girls are going to soar!
And I love that you are a MODEL - you can say it, Mel, cos it's true! xxx
Yes, about the nothing nice to say, but I also have a twinge of posting remorse: sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me. I should have just let it go and gone running in the field with my skirt over my head or nude swimming with Maryanne instead.
DeleteThanks so much for your comment, Curtise. You're such a strong positive voice in this community. Outside of blogging, the air over here is thick with politics.
Well...where to start? : )
ReplyDeleteFirst off I LOVE that painting. I so adore your art. Why are you not super rich yet woman?
Also...SUPERMODEL!!! The colours she chose for you are stunning. What a cool project to be part of.
I have to echo Anna's remarks about the other women feeling threatened. I truly think they are intimidated. Saying the other women are unhappy is ridiculous. They are unbelievably arrogant to think that they are the Gods of Fashion.
The world would be so very boring if we all dressed as clones. So many of the "big bloggers" already do that. I can't distinguish one from another. Give me a world filled with diversity, variety and colour and less judgement please.
You know I've got your back lady!
bisous
Suzanne
Suzanne, if I was a bank robber, I would hope we are in the same gang. Hahaha! You have the perfect hats for it. Me on the other hand, I have a great shoeclava. I suppose that would be how I get rich. Except for the fact that I can't rob banks. Oh well.
DeleteSee? I couldn't shake it and I had to post in the end. Oh well. Done is done. Moving on. I'd say upwards but it's probably more side to side, a crabby walk. Bwahaha. Doh.
Melanie, I think what we need is a sisterhood of the travelling something. And that something has to be loud and proud and worthy of a gasp or three. Something to raise eyebrows and set tongues a-wagging. How fun would that be??? Don't you dare conform or change, how utterly dull!! Dressing-up has to be fun, for when the fun dies, there is no style, no personality. Just an army of clones and poseurs, all fitting together to make that one same commercialised puzzle. Where's the passion in that? You stay you.
ReplyDeleteWell, the Freakish Yellow Skirt has been on the road since 2012 and I think she's kind of what you have in mind. It's a very LOUD garment, just my style. Hahaha!! I'm so on board with what you're saying though. There has to be fun. If you want to join the skirt, send me your mailing address by email. I love how you have fun with clothing too! Thanks so much for your comment, Sheela.
DeleteOMG yes!! Absolutely yes. Most emphatically YES!!!
Deletewhat rude things to say to somebody based on how you dress. Not smart? Like you can tell that by a pair of shoes or a shirt.
ReplyDeleteI know, right? Hahaha. Thanks for your comment!
DeleteI sure hope I'm included in the Melanie and Suzanne gang. That woman or women have absolutely no idea what they're missing out on. It's called LIFE! And a joyous, happy, fun filled, creative and unique one at that. Next time just give one of us a call or email, we're in this together, you know.
ReplyDeleteI want that painting hanging in my home, it's speaks volumes of joyful energy. Talk about talent! And I need to share my little story with you about the Red Crayon, I always read it every year to myself when I taught school to remind me that every student was unique and creative and it was my job to let that uniqueness and creativity shine. Remind me to email it to you. Loved the latest with Mis Papelicos and the traveling yellow skirt, she's a delight. Well, come to think of it, she's just another woman who knows how to live life.
Hahaha, we're a small posse now. I'm glad you are IN. But I hope we can just live-and-let-live. I'll look up that story; those kids were lucky to have you as a teacher. And speaking of living life, you shine right up there and I'm so happy to know you, Trina. Thanks so much for your comment.
DeleteImagine that every ,,older,, women wearing comfortabele clothing! OMG! I am so glad that there are women like you , who are showing that you only live once and you got to live it like you want to! And that means also to express yourself in what you wear. Just dress as you want too!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comment.
DeleteMelanie, this is an extraordinary post. Were these women strangers talking among themselves, but within earshot? or were they speaking directly to you!!! The latter would be the ruder; but whichever the case, THEY are the fearful downtrodden who actually need compassion. I second every kind, supportive, positive comment which has already poured forth here, from all we fortunate women who have the honour to "know" you and therefore "know better" too!
ReplyDeleteThe FYS is looking like a perky sunbeam on Sacramento; and now she's in Germany, so I'm daring tohope she'll be heading down to Italy very soon! You see? YOU created that sunbeam, and you're sharing the chance of light and warmth with everyone. You are the force for good.
I know it's hard to remain impervious to negativity - (especially in the fecking winter) - but it's so obvious from these pictures of your wonderful self that, yet again, you're the victor.
Love Sallyxx
sarsaparillasal.blogspot.com
They couched their comments in a cheerful and lofty atmosphere to make it easy to overlook what was coming out of their mouths. I thought I knew these women so it was a shock. I'm strong about rudeness on the street from strangers but very, very rarely see it, if at all. I really need to toughen up!! Hahaha!!
DeleteThanks for your comments and strength, Sally. I'll check the skirt list.
Dear Melanie,
ReplyDeleteI don't know who said all that, about whom, why, but it is utter nonsense, of course. I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
And the last person that should let it get to her is you; seriously. I never felt any of those things or thought any of that regarding you. I have said it before and I will say it again: you are one of the most original, authentic, creative persons that I know. It reflects in your style, your blogging, your sense of humor, your art, your mind.
I'm surprised, amazed and in awe by you again and again.
By chance, three days ago, I received an email from a (male) friend of mine. He is Dutch, but lives with his family in the UK. We are friends since 35 years now. Any how, he catches up on my blog from time to time and had done so recently. Somehow he stumbled via my blog on Suzanne's and yours and on the Yellow Skirt show.
He wrote me, that he was amazed by the originality of the concept. He spoke about 'so many woman from all over the world'... 'doing such original and creative stuff with that skirt'. How cool is that?!
You are far, far away from mainstream, Mel. This may limit your fan-base. Having said that, it is evident that there are many, many fans and followers. People in blogger land and on the streets that 'get you', that are in awe and that acknowledge your talent and quality.
Nothing of this is said 'out of friendship only'; I mean it!
Haha, I love that your friend likes the skirt project, Anja. Thanks for letting me know.
DeleteWearing what I wear is normal for me, usually, and I sometimes forget that for others it isn't. So it's surprising those moments when I realize how much of a visual divide there is. And that's okay.
I am so thankful to have this supportive community of mostly women around me who always inspire and share their lives back and who also encourage personal expression.
Thank you from my heart for your comment, Anja.
Oh Melanie, what nasty ladies you've had to put up with. But I'm so glad you did post about it so we could all relate and respond and get us all back in right orbit again. It's not like we don't all get knocked out of it now and then. And to see that you do too, the star of stars, is both humbling and promising for me. Like if Melanie can re-group, re-balance, re-center, re-charge, then surely lil ole moi can do it. Melanie, you're always saving my life.
ReplyDeleteHa, Pao, you guys are always saving me back! And those nasty ladies, they are compelling, strong women, except for this ugliness. It's a tricky question - do you embrace those good parts and just tune out the crap? I think the best thing is to walk away. But that pisses me off! Why can't they just throw away that yucky part? Because that's WHO THEY ARE. I'm pissed off. You have to throw out the whole food when the mold is just on one little part!
DeleteThanks for your comment, Pao.
How'd I miss this post? I must have had my skirt over my head. Duh. Oh Oh Oh I LOVE your painting! I love all of your art as a matter of fact. I really do. You are a genius. A model genius. Yes indeedy. I remember clearly from junior high that the girls who were mean were the ones who felt threatened. It amazes me that this still goes on. Those big old mean girls are threatened by your genius and your freedom. And there you go proving to them how amazing you are by taking the high road and not going all negative. How dare anyone say mean things to my Melanie!!!! Let me at 'em!!!!
ReplyDeleteConnie, I bought you your squirt gun already. Haha. Life is so much better with our skirts over our head, out in the pasture...Hm... Yeah, those mean girls. We'll show 'em. Hahaha. I'm glad you like my art!
DeleteThanks for bringing your lovely self over here. Can't wait to go to the range to practice. Maybe we can fill them with lemonade and vodka. That'd be fun. Like shooters. Hahaha!!
Can I say I TOLD YOU SO?!!! About the yellow skirt and the weird mystical powers of healing that it has? It is a totem for those who are in a whole 'nother realm. It connects and affirms those who are ready for it's Universal Vibration of Love and Creativity. You started the tsunami wave, and it won't stop. I feel badly for the ones who titter about the colorful/eclectic ensembles of those Elders on another vibration. Make sure you check in with the Mother Ship before you begin to feel bad. They're looking through a lens of fear, not expansion and liberation. I can only hope that some day they are free to express themselves in any way they damn well please, monochromatic or not. xxxooo
ReplyDelete.
Jean, you are abso-frickin'-lutely right!! Did you read that the day Beate got the skirt, it snowed, and she had been waiting all season for it. And of course it lifted me out of my pout. Yeah, she's a really powerful thing. You never doubted. I am a believer now. Heh.
DeleteThanks for your ongoing wisdom and support and colour and vibrance, Jean. You're one in a million. Hugs!!
I was so focused on that gorgeous bracelet that I didn't even notice your hands!! So pleased to see the worlds favourite skirt is back on another world wide adventure. Oh PS: your painting is divine! Endless talent just oozes from you xxx.
ReplyDeleteI know - the bracelet. WHOA. I'm so happy that you are a Skirt alumnus, Sue, and that you like my little painting. Thanks so much for your comment.
DeleteWhat is happening here... You are replying to everyone? Is this new?
ReplyDeleteI can so feel with you being down. Been there. For similar reasons. People can be so hurtful and when they hit you when you have your guard down, it hurts. Because you would never do that to other people, so you don't expect it from others. It is called respect. Live and let live. Melanie you are an artist. That is what sets you apart from the rest. And that is why you are sometimes misunderstood. But you create wonderful things, drawing, painting, sewing and dressing. And you bring sunshine with everything you do. I know, I was there to witness it. Van Gogh was misunderstood as well. Now they understand him, they are just lightyears too late. Please don't cut of your ear...
As for this last event, the photo shoot: A) you look ever so cool, B) what a freaking honour to be asked for something like that.
Greetje
PS C) how do I get that bracelet???
Yes, this is new. Heh. I'm not getting around commenting on other people's great posts as frequently as I'd like to, so the very LEAST I can do is thank you for taking the time to drop by here. Plus, this was a weak time for me, saved by the Skirt of course.
DeleteDon't worry, my ears are safe! Hahaha!! My fingernails need a trim though.
Yes, I was truly honoured to be asked to asked to wear Claire's outfits. You should see what else she made for the shoot at the end of March. I'll ask about the bracelet.
Thanks, Greetje, for your amazing praise here. Heh. Huge hugs!! And thanks for always making me laugh!!
Your words of wisdom ring true, today and always. Your yellow skirt is traveling the planet, and creating joy wherever it lands. You're a true leader in the movement to change the perception of aging. I too have days when I feel isolated and discouraged, but your uplifting posts and your creative energy are electric and powerful. Never stop!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the professional gig! I love the concept of "clothing host." I have similar opportunities coming my way, and have been hesitant to write about it. You have given me a phrase that feels comfortable to use and it fits for my "shy" side. Many thanks!
I would have to say that most of us see YOU as a true leader in the change towards aging movement, but I thank you for your generous compliments. The skirt is a very cool thing and I've been surprised by all feelings I've had for her and the women who wear her on her journey.
DeleteI am looking forward to hearing about your clothing hosting opportunities!
i don't know who the style lambasters are but i hate them. your photos make me think of all the fantastic things i instinctively loved but couldn't figure out what to do with and so purged. if only i'd known: i simply was not mature enough to know how to wear them. i should have put them in a box labeled "open when you know how to be fabulous" and hidden them in the back of my closet. oh wait, i live in a new york studio i don't really have a closet. therein lies another part of my fabulousness problem... (this is Laylage from IG, btw)
ReplyDeleteOh, I feel for you not having closet space!! Gaaa! Can you build a little loft, affix your clothes to the ceiling? Affix yourself to the ceiling?!! Heh. I too have given away some clothes at a time in my life when I was not ready for them and I really regret it. I laughed at your suggested signage.
DeleteI'm so happy you found me here through IG. I always enjoy seeing you there!! And you ARE fabulous. Thank you for your comment!
Ah, but you are a top notch hostess of clothing. I do love your outfit, and that 3D pringed bracelet is mind blowing, as is the concept of 3-d printing a heart or a liver, or a work of art.
ReplyDeleteI agree, sign on completely, to your style enthusiasm, and only wish I had more thumbs to say thumbs up!
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/
You are so right; that 3D technology is absolutely mind-blowing, especially in the medical field. Printing cells?!! The person/people who came up with that idea are genius innovators bursting with creativity.
DeleteThank you so much for your generous comments! I love your blog.
Those people are everywhere, all ages, teen upwards. They flock together like iron filings, enjoying elevating their own sense of status and herd identity by putting others down, or creating an exclusion zone that they stand inside, peering out smugly. Funnily enough, this being world book day, I was writing for a one-day-only Teen Fest celebration online books party about finding my style and feeling the 'odd one out' when I was younger. Now I love standing out, or rather, I genuinely don't care what others may think. So, two fingers up to anyone, of whatever age, who thinks there's a 'right' way to dress. What bollocks. And yay Sacramento in the newest incarnation of the yellow skirt.
ReplyDeleteYour iron filings metaphor is right on. Smugness is exactly it! The shocking thing about these comments was they came out of left field; I was completely off my guard thinking I was in familiar territory.
DeleteYou are one-of-a-kind Rosalind, and I love that you are unafraid to stand out and blaze a trail for others who are finding their own way of being in the world.
Yes, I was so happy to have Sacramento join the skirt project.
Thanks for joining this conversation!
why didn't I see this!?!?! Bollocks to all that crap! Honestly, how dare people say such utter rubbish! They're just boring conformists scared to have a little imagination!x
ReplyDeleteYeah, Kezzie. You said it!! What's wrong with imagination if it doesn't hurt anyone, right? I'm surprised they don't arrest little children. Haha.
DeleteThanks for your comment.
That painting of yours is magical. It is very dreamy and surreal, but at the same time it feels real...is there a symbolism behind the number 3?
ReplyDeleteabout what you wrote...I hate it when people assume that we are seeking for attention just because we want to expresses our creativity ( or God forbit our joy at being women!) with clothes...I hate hate that...and there are many people who are like that. Shame on them.
you look gorgeous in all your style incarnations.
That painting is odd for me. Technically it's not a masterpiece but I am satisfied with the ambiance I feel. Thanks for your feedback.
DeleteYes, the comments themselves are not always hard to take for me; it's their smug, self-satisfied delivery that grates hard. Thankfully I very, very rarely hear this in my 3D life and I'm getting better at tuning it out online as well.
Thanks so much for your input, Ivana.
Hi Mel, I always read your blog on my reader and then always think I will comment later but I never get to it. I just wanted to say that you look amazing and who cares what anyone else says. I know it can be hurtful. I once told 2 of my 'friends' how inspired I was by the documentary Fabulous Fashionistas and the featured women and without even seeing it they were talking ill of women like that and what they did. I was so appalled by their judgement not only of them by of my enthusiasm that I could never truly see them as friends after that. Like Susan, even though I'm more minimal dresser, I am truly inspired by women like yourself who are just so creative! Miss you!
ReplyDeleteWell, your comment means a lot, Sylvia. So many women look to you for style guidance and I love how you keep an open mind. The inspiration definitely goes both ways. As for your friends, that kind of abrupt dismissal does feel like a betrayal of sorts, which is how I felt. Ouch.
DeleteMiss you too!! Would love to rendezvous in New York some day.
Thanks to bloggers like you I've learned that you don't have to stop dressing awesome just because you're getting older. When I started blogging at around 25, I was already under the impression that I was "too old" to continue dressing the way I dressed because everyone around me had already started to let office jobs, marriage and kids drain their style down to jeans, trendy tops and ballet flats. I was sure there was some law against women over 30 wearing vintage clothing and bright patterns and colors were a no no because I had never seen it before with my own eyes in real life. So I'll say thank you for setting an example for youngsters like me and showing us that getting older doesn't mean "getting boring".
ReplyDeleteYou are such a vibrant, creative person, Hollie, it's hard for me to imagine that you ever felt restricted in your style. Thank goodness for online communities that make it possible for us to connect with kindred spirits.
DeleteThanks so much for your comment here!
Hi Mel, I've gone off on a thinkfest about this because it's not just a case of mean girls, right? These are women you would otherwise respect and relate to - so very grey area. Or beige. Bleah ;-) I wonder whether what they are expressing is their own world view - like if they were to take to dressing in that way it would be for those reasons, ergo others do? Hmmm. I do also encourage you to take them up on it, ask why they would express those opinions to you in such a pointed way. You never know the answers you might get. Could be enlightening! :) I am trying SO hard these days not to diss people who diss me because it's just more of the same, and I have this idea that we can all relate to one another. Easier said than done mind you. We are having a referendum on changing the country's flag and I so detest the new one, and just cannot believe anyone I love and care about would vote for it but they are. Oh well!
ReplyDeleteI wrote several drafts of this post, every subsequent version milder. I considered asking them directly why the character insults on top of the aesthetic ones? At the time I didn't have the tech to call in and afterwards I was tired, as Burnadette Peters sang so well, so tiiiired.
DeleteThanks so much for your thoughtful comment, Maryanne.