Patti's Grace Notes

Mature Couture - Ala Palm Springs (part one)

To say, "What a difference a year makes" is an overwhelming understatement. Slightly over a year ago I went to Palm Springs for the first time in my life (review). The daughter of old (well not THAT old - sorry Aino) and dear friends of ours was getting married and my very ill husband was unable to travel. With his encouragement I attended with our oldest daughter, but left him in capable hands. It was bittersweet - the father-of-the-bride was a childhood friend of Apu's (all the way from a small town in Slovakia) and he mentioned my husband in his dinner speech. We all missed his presence....and now we miss him even more.

I've managed to make it back to Palm Springs twice more since then and the climate agrees with me. Don't get me wrong, I love my PNW but a little sun now and then does calm the savage beast. The first jaunt was to celebrate my oldest's birthday. We returned to a favorite spot for brunch one morning - The Parker (click). It's our dream to actually stay there one day. It's old Hollywood glam. Each corner has some quirky new view - I love it!

We met a couple of elegant ladies on the outdoor-dining patio. It was March so the attire was still a bit on the cool weather side (70's). The one seated was well into her 80s - classy!

Just loved their poise and confidence - oh-h-h and the glasses!

 This raincoat was actually spotted when I returned to Seattle - fitting I thought....it still hasn't stopped raining ...sigh (not complaining - at least no flooding, not yet anyway). I thought it was unique and the fun part was that this older woman was brave enough to try and pull the look off - that or she had no clue where she was or what she was wearing - what? It happens everyday!

Stayed tuned for Palm Springs part deux. There's less clothing and more skin....in a good way....

Coming home to the good ol' pacific northwest is always wonderful (I love my corner of the woods) but I do enjoy a good get-a-way, especially for a ray of sun. I'd miss the rain - I really would....honest....

 
 

 

Mature Couture - Spring?

 

I realize that this category of my blog is not my strong suite, but that has never stopped me in anything before. I enjoy it and maybe I'll learn something and get better. I certainly could improve with a decent camera, but I don't always have it with me and I do ALWAYS have my phone (it doesn't have the flash, darn-it). The point of this is to FORCE me to get out there and embrace this wonderful life that I have - even if I don't always feel like it. So thanks for checking in anyway.

One thing I've noticed is that when I stop people with my little spiel, "Hi, I write a fashion blog and I like your look. Do you mind if I take your photo?", works every time. I think most individuals, especially "of an age" like that you've noticed that they've taken the trouble to look nice. So I have fun - people feel good; it's a win/win. If anyone looks at this post...well then, that's a bonus!

Here's a little free fashion advice from an online style column I came across (sorry the author had no last name) but she shares my philosophy.

"The truth is in order to {not} look {dated} you do need to keep your wardrobe current. Fabrics, colors, patterns and shapes change from year to year and all serve to date the wardrobe and wearer alike. But keeping your wardrobe current doesn't mean you should go for the trendy or hip looks. Instead, you should look for classic styles and shapes that flatter your figure in the colors and fabrics that are up to date. As a woman (man) ages, s/he must pay attention to these details. Remember, vintage clothing and retro styles are only for those young enough to have never worn them when they were new fashion." - Online Stylist, Stacy

Having printed that I then found this little ditty: "Remember that always dressing in understated good taste is the same as playing dead."  ~Susan Catherine

I must say that I am terrible about getting rid of my old things. I tend to choose more classic styles and they do last several seasons, but I take it a bit too far. I still have a dress (that I loved and was the most expensive I'd purchased prior to the one I got for my daughter's wedding) and I got it in 1987. I'm not kidding. I haven't worn it in awhile, I'll admit, but it will go along with much of my wardrobe in my "Project 1000" purge (click).

This will be my last "winter-look" now that spring is here(?). The photos begin with a casual lunch date with yours truly, moves to a working woman's lunch-break, and then moves right on to actual work-in-progress. Each woman obviously made an effort to look both stylish and age appropriate (imho).

 

My dear friend, Vera, grew up with my husband in what is now known as Slovakia. To me, she always has had a special chic, European flar - almost never without a scarf (I learned that from her) and of course the mystery of dark glasses even in our northwest gloom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was a little shy to stop this woman. First of all she moved in a purposeful confident manner; she was efficiently on a mission. Turns out she was very approachable and flattered to be asked. All of a sudden she had all the time in the world - she must be the boss?

 

My friend and colleague, Kathy, is a unit secretary/LPN for a local hospital and even though she has to be bright and fresh at the most ungodly hour, she always looks put together. She seems to inpire trust and competency and still look stylin'.

Spring? Almost. I still find myself dipping into my warmer pants, long-sleeved shirts and sweaters, but I have hope. My next post will be sunnier wear - ready or not!

Mature Couture - The Gospel According To

When you can't do something truly useful, you tend to vent the pent up energy in something useless but available, like snappy dressing.  ~Lois McMaster Bujold

I have to try and cheer myself up tonight, so even though my pics are horrible I'm here with my 2nd Mature Couture post.

I can explain this, honest. A week ago I was at mass and sat next to this older couple. She immediately caught my eye because even though she was very causually dressed (for my church-going taste) I couldn't take my eye off of her gold parka. I say 'my eye' because I was trying to act engrossed in the gospel reading while my right eyeball was checking her out.

 

My dilemma was how to snap a shot of her with my phone from behind her husband who was standing without being too obvious. She was rather demure (almost fragile) in her classic bob and slim black pants and was therefore able to pull off the puffy, shiny jacket. I made a deal with God that if I could get one decent shot I'd pay attention for the rest of the hour - He wasn't having it. Can't say I blame Him...wasn't the time or the place. Guess I'll just have to get out more. Not sure if she wasn't feeling well (she remained seated) or if they were on to me - they left early!

 

I did a little better this weekend in downtown Seattle at the Allsaints store. I stopped a woman who looked like she was dressed in the deconstructed style of the brand and she was kind enough to stop and let me snap away. Afterwards she told me it was fun. 

 

My photo was a little better and she was a very willing model. I really liked the look with her coat open, but she was so happy to comply with modeling for me that she spent five minutes buttoning up and arranging, so I didn't have the heart to ask her to undo it. Of course it's hard to tell, but the irregular hang of the coat gives the feeling of several layers. It was pretty complicated and I asked her if she had to take instructions before she purchased it. Her leggings and black boots completed the bohemian, urban look. 

 

 

Her retreat was less hasty than the other one. Her bag was big enough to take a nap in and I was amazed that she could lug it around, but she seemed to manage and it did complete the ensemble. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Holy Johnny Cash

I was just leaving the City Centre Mall when I popped into a men's store to find a pair of gloves for my son. I almost heard my own voice before I knew it was me asking: "Hi, I write a little fashion blog and I like your look. Do you mind if I snap a photo?" Before he could even answer I was poised to shoot as his wife? looked on. I had one foot out the door as I snapped. This one's for you, Patrice. I will try to include men, but I have to get over my nerves or I'll never get a decent picture. He didn't seem to mind because before I could even turn to depart he'd removed this shirt and stood bare-chested to try on another. I was out the door. The shoes don't work, but the shirt had a great texture with a black on black print that the photo doesn't pick up. I'll improve....but I think I definitely have my line down!

This is fun already, but I think I better lay off the church photo shoots or spend more time in the confessional....

 

 

 

Mature Couture - Something New

“Fashion absolutely matters, but it doesn’t matter absolutely.” ― Claudia Shear

Okay, now don't get too excited..... I've decided that I need to lighten things up a little bit. Have some fun. I would never consider myself a fash·ion·is·ta [fash-un-nee-stuh] -noun; a very fashionable person, but I enjoy wearing, looking at, touching, okay AND buying nice clothes. I always have, but then most of us ladies do.

When I was about fifteen I noticed that the older sister of a classmate, who lived nearby, always looked put together. The fact that I even was aware of that was amusing to me and I began to pay closer attention to what I wore and how I put things together. As the oldest of six kids I had a very limited wardrobe but I was creative. I even built a clothes valet in my bedroom that looked something like this:

Mine, however, was a mop that stood in a bucket filled with rocks and had a hanger nailed to it with an "accessory" box glued on top. It worked very nicely and all through high school I arranged my outfit every night before bed. Since my husband died I use his. I've started arranging my clothes before bed again - not to pick out a stylish outfit but to remind myself to get dressed.

I've never lost my love of clothes mostly because of the way I feel when I've selected carefully and taken the time to put a 'look' together. I believe that we can choose happiness in life by the many small decisions we make (as well as the big ones). Clothes are certainly not the most important thing about a person (or even close); they don't need to be fine or expensive, but they have a certain magic in that they can influence how we feel about ourselves.

This black suede ankle boot belongs to me. It has a ruffle around the top and zips down the back. I wear them with skirts and dresses and feel just a little 'on the edge' when I have them on.

"I have heard with admiring submission the experience of the lady who declard that the sense of being perfectly well-dressed gives a feeling of inward tranquility which religion is powerless to bestow". -Ralph Waldo Emerson, Letters and Social Aims.

I've decided to focus this fun fashion blog on women of a little older appeal because......well......because I'm an appealing older woman - hence my title, "Mature Couture". I want to still feel stylish and pretty even as I age. Why not? I'm not saying that my taste is what everyone should aspire to and that is why I'm requesting photos to be emailed (see side bar) to me for posting to illustrate your ideas too. The only requirement is that it be for women (or men) of a 'certain age'. My young friend here is Bette and we've known each other since nursing school in another century - and I'm not kidding! I think she looks fun and hip mixing textures, colors, and a little animal print to boot! She willingly posed for me.

I'm not even going to appologize (except just now) for my bad pictures. A photographer I'm not. Since these shots will be largely spontaneous (with or without permission as in one of the photos below....I'll probably get sued) so I'll just shoot with whatever I have on hand and most likely on the run...... My daughter-in-love has promised to go on some outtings with me for the professional touch. We can go to jail together - have a little bonding time (get it?).

This dramatic woman was selling her wares at a gift and crafts show. If she looks a little foreign it's because she is. Her wrap is made from some exotic yarn from her native Peru (or someplace near there...I'll pay better attention in the future). I wasn't really listening because I was ready to make off with the wooden owl. She wasn't having it. Seems it wasn't even for sale....figures. She did have a certain flare, don't you think?


 I'm sure you can recognize this as the 'church' lady, but don't you think she looks jaunty in her red hoody with the black and white striped lining? I just wanted to hug her and I would have too, but it wasn't that part of the mass yet. Wonder if there is penance for photographing people behind their back in church. 

Won't this be fun?