I’ve been putting a lot of thought into getting older lately…
THE STORY
…although I’m not sure exactly why. Maybe it’s due in part to the post I wrote last week on style over 50 or perhaps I’m just feeling hormonally introspective. Ya, I made that up. The ladies in the crowd know what I’m talking about though. Those occasional bursts of deep profound thoughts when you’re convinced that you just may be the second coming of Aristotle; that would be hormonal introspection. Makes sense, right?
Anyway, when I still touched by the bloom of youth, I was convinced that happiness was a goal; something one chased after. Once it was caught you would be happy. Every day. All of the time. Um, that’s not how it works. Besides, being happy every day, all of the time would be exhausting. And quite honestly, sometimes it takes a little misery to make you appreciate the happiness when it comes. It’s more along the lines of this quote “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you will look back and realize they were the big things.” That right there pretty much nails it on the head.
Yesterday at work my friends and I were talking about what has become one of my favorite parts of the work week. At first glance it’s a seemingly inconsequential period of about 10 minutes twice a week, but it’s so much more than that. Our school is participating in a sports program for special needs kids run by a local college. Three of my students are participating and two of the three are siblings. The two of them don’t have access to transportation to participate, so on Tuesdays and Thursdays my friend Tracey and I drive them home after practice. That my friends, is when the magic happens. We have so much fun just being silly on that short drive to their house. The giggling that comes from that backseat just makes my heart happy. The four of us riff off of each other like a finely tuned comedy team. I know that I will remember those moments for the rest of my life and I’d like to think the kids will too.
The point of all of this is, it really, truly is the moments that matter. Happiness isn’t the destination, it’s the ride. In this case, literally and figuratively.
THE OUTFIT
The 90’s isn’t one of the most memorable decades in regard to style, at least in my opinion. One thing I did really dig back in the day was the floral dress/combat boot combo and I like to recreate it from time to time. The addition of the long almost gossamer knit sweater gives it a subtle Stevie Nicks vibe. So there ya have it; a flashback to the 90’s with a small side trip to the 70’s all in one outfit. The longer straighter line of the dress gives it a more modern spin though as opposed to the more babydoll/skater dress from the 90’s. And the sweater? Ah, but this is no ordinary sweater. It’s another one of those magical marvels from Grace and Lace. It’s called the “Two Fit Knit Cardigan” for a reason. It’s a lightweight slouchy pullover and then…flip the front over your head and…tada! It’s a cardigan. I swear, they are like the Criss Angel of clothing.
THE TIP
When revisiting style from another decade try not to be too literal in order to avoid looking “costumey”. Give a look from the past a modern twist either through a different cut (like the longer narrow skirt as opposed to a skater skirt) or through the creative use of accessories and add-on pieces.
Need a little help styling outfits of your own? Check out the Stuff N Style app. It helps you get your closet organized plus you can get styling advice from other users for pieces already in your closet. How cool is that? And take a minute to stop by the Stuff N Style blog for an interview with me by app designer Hanh Nguyen.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Dress: JCPenney (Similar); Sweater: Grace and Lace; Boots: JCPenney (Similar)
