It occurred to me recently that I have always loved sparkly things.
I remember lovingly stroking the sequins sewn into our Figure Skating costumes and smiling with delight when my role dictated a turquoise, purple or fuchsia ensemble.
mesmerizing to a wee skater like me; google.images.com
I remember smoothing back the fringes on my suede cowboy jacket and feeling the weight of them as they fell back into place.
wish I still had that jacket; this one can be found on etsy.com
I got my ears pierced at 12 and have enjoyed dangly earrings ever since.
There were years – many years – in my corporate existence when I had to abandon all that for the conservative; the pearl button earrings (dullsville!) and the matte fabrics dictated by headquarters robotics.
Remember those 80s power suits? google.images.com
Those days are behind me now. I work in the small satellite office of a national company and while I don’t break out the glitter, I do incorporate some fun elements into my day-to-day life: chunky turquoise necklaces paired with simple black sweaters, a sequined fuchsia scarf to top off a grey shirt and simple hoops paired with a doorknocker ring.
One of my favorite pieces; image from silpada.com
But what I’ve learned over time is this: My preferences make me happy. I still love hoops and I still love rings. I still prefer lip-gloss to lipstick and shiny, bouncy hair over something … controlled.
Own it and wear it frequently; image HSN.com
Fashion magazines tell us that – at middle age – we women ought to be making “safe” choices, steering towards the classics and playing it safe with our makeup and hair.
I say life’s too short to wear boring, uninspired clothes. It’s my intention to live out loud – to live authentically while enjoying all of the details and nuances that life throws my way. I’ve realized that I like being known for my fabulous jewelry, my unruly hair, my hearty laugh and my passionate disregard for fashion’s so-called rules.
Maybe I won't be quite this vibrant as I move forward but you get the idea; google.com
How about you? Are you comfortable expressing your personality via fashion? If not, why?
