While doing research for a post I’ve been working on, I happened upon a list entitled “50 Things No Woman Over 40 Should Own”…
THE STORY
…And you know that there was no way in hell I could just leave that alone. Why these sorts of lists still exist I really don’t know, but they do provide amusement if nothing else. You’ll be happy to know that I proudly (and not surprisingly) own 24 of the items on said list…let’s take a look, shall we?
Disclaimer: I find these sorts of lists to be ridiculous. We make our own rules, especially when we’re (well) past 40, 50 or whatever arbitrary number one chooses. No one will ever convince me that ripped jeans aren’t a fashion staple in my closet! I simply enjoy pointing out the absurdity of such lists, hence my own below…
- Sparkly eye makeup…Literally wore a dash of sparkle today. And pretty much every day. Seriously, what’s the fun in not having sparkle in your life?
- Uggs…Okay, I don’t own Uggs per se, but that’s on principle. I own Bearpaws and plenty of ’em. Bearpaws are the smart girl’s Uggs, they’re a hundred times better made, less expensive and way more comfortable. And I could care less if my feet look gargantuan. They’re cute, cozy and freakin’ comfortable. I’ve even been known to wear them dresses…oh the horror.
- Nylon Duffle Bag…I don’t travel enough to warrant an investment in leather, perhaps if I did I’d feel differently. Since it’s rare that I need to throw a bunch of stuff in a bag larger than my purse I’m good with my nylon thank you very much.
- A Bulletin Board…Um, what?
- Harem Pants…Wore a harem pants jumpsuit to work just today. Don’t believe me? Check my Instagram.
- Headbands…I have several and they look really cute with a messy bun. I just don’t wear them often because they bug me much like hats do.
- Claw Hair Clips…C’mon now, claw clips are one of the best inventions ever. Claw clips are hands down the easiest way to get your hair pulled up quick and easy.
- Cubic Zirconia…Yes, I own good jewelry, but what could possibly be wrong with the not real stuff? The more bling the better I say.
- Printed Leggings…While it’s true my leggings are predominantly black or gray I do own a few fun prints. They look super cute layered under my ripped jeans.
- Graphic Tees…Seriously, just shut up right now.
- Ripped Jeans…I cannot even dignify this with a response. Besides, what would I do with my printed leggings if I didn’t have my ripped jeans to wear over them? I only wear fully intact jeans when I’m going to work because well, they make me…
- Elaborate Key Chains…I have all kinds of pretty sparklies attached to my keys…and my rear view mirror…and my purse. So sue me.
- Charm Bracelets…I still wear my mom’s charm bracelet. Why so much bling negativity on this list?
- Kitschy Phone Cases…I may have a clear phone case (to show off my pretty coral phone that I probably shouldn’t have either), but my Pop Socket has a skull and roses graphic that matches my phone, and there’s no one who will ever convince me it isn’t super cool.
- Wristlet Purses…Much like the bulletin board, um, what? I own a gazillion and carry one daily in my bigger bag. I use it like a wallet and that’s what I carry when I’m shopping so I don’t have to schlep around the big bag.
- Low-Rise Jeans…Every pair of jeans that I own is low rise. Every. Single. Pair.
- Peasant Blouses…Seriously, is this a totally random list or what?? How is there even an argument against peasant blouses?
- Choker Necklaces…Wore one today with my harem pants. Should I be worried?
- Stuffed Animals…There’s a stuffed poison dart frog perched on my desk at work. He’s been there for years. And there he shall remain.
- Colored Pens…Good lord…I collect colored pens like CNN just announced the permanent closure of all colored pen factories in the world. Few things make me happier then pretty technicolor cursive handwriting.
- Cheap Jewelry…Refer back to my thoughts on cubic zirconia.
- Worn Out Shoes…What the hell else am I supposed to wear to clean up dog poop in my backyard?
- Sequined Anything…Whhhaaattt???? That’s just outright blasphemy right there.
- Bomber Jackets…I’m just sitting here scratching my head…
THE OUTFIT
I had been looking for a nice pair of black boyfriend jeans with no distressing for awhile now, but to no avail. So when Mott & Bow asked if I would like to try some of their pieces, I was super excited to discover they happened to carry exactly what I was looking for in the Allen Slim Boyfriend Jean. The fit is exceptional; soft with just the right amount of slouchiness. My only issue is they don’t offer their denim in petite or short lengths so they are way too long on me. I cuffed them and they were fine, however I plan on cutting a few inches off so that the cuff isn’t so bulky.
The second piece that I chose was the Willow Cashmere Oversized V-Neck Sweater. It’s soft, beautiful and everything that you’d expect from a good quality cashmere sweater. It’s available in a range of colors, but I went with basic black since I was sure that a cashmere v-neck would become a staple piece for me and therefore I wanted versatility. I haven’t had cashmere for awhile, and now that I’ve worn it again I feel like a variety of colors might be in order.
One of my favorite color combo’s is black and camel so since the outfit was head to toe black, I knew that I wanted to top it off with my new to me long wool camel coat. I can’t begin to tell you how excited I was about this coat when I discovered it at my local Goodwill Store. I needed a new one, because for me, a long camel coat is a winter staple and my previous coat had finally come to the end of its life last year. Anyhow, back to my excitement…when I slid this beauty on, it fit like it was made for me. The sleeves were even the right length and that literally never happens with my short elfin-sized arms. The best part? It was under $6…I seriously kid you not…UNDER $6!! It may well be my best find of the year!
THE TIP
A long wool coat in a neutral color makes the perfect foundation for your winter coat wardrobe. It’s kind of like the trench coat of winter. It will work with casual, work and going out looks as well. Whenever possible, scour secondhand shops for the perfect coat at a substantially lower than retail price, and it’s a bonus that in all likelihood it won’t look like everyone else’s coat. A shorter one is nice, but a long wool coat makes a definitive and dramatic fashion statement.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Jeans: c/o Mott & Bow; Sweater: c/o Mott & Bow; Boots: Similar; Coat: Thrifted (Similar)
