Revelation: Loving my gray! Age appropriate clothes!

[missydebby]

This is coming form a girl who grew up in LA, was either on the heavy side or on the edge of anorexia many many times in my life. But here's my revelation:

I just let my gray hair grow out. I'm sporting a full on Walter Chroncrite as we speak. I'm exercising but not going crazy.

The other day, quite to my surprise, I found myself admiring my legs. And had the weird sorta feeling like "aren't I not supposed to like my legs? Where are they fat? What's not good enough?" But I really didn't feel that way... it was more like a residual hiccup.

Then today, I went to an ladies clothing store and bought some gorgeous casual dresses instead of trying to fit my matronly tuchas into skinny jeans. I thought the clothes in this store were gonna make me feel old. But instead, they fit beautifully and I look like a million years younger. (I guess stuffing yourself in teenager clothes isn't exactly flattering, duh)

Anyway, I feel great! And look pretty. And all it took me was 40 years to figure it out!

 

[Circe]

Heh - I know exactly what you mean. I spent my teens and twenties loathing my looks. Now, I weigh as much as I ever have in my life, and I'm older to boot, but I'm finally aware of how lovely I am (I chalk this up to a combination of age bringing wisdom, an incredibly reassuring friend who talked me out of my body dysmorphia and made me get refitted for a bra, and a husband who's remarkably attentive). It really does help immeasurably to accept your shape, and dress for it: now that I know that I have a great 1950s figure, by gum, I dress for it instead of endlessly coveting the 1920s styles which are so incredibly unflattering on me.

Being aware of just how much our culture banks on women's self-hatred and dissatisfaction is pretty crucial, too - good on you for the self-awareness, and for bringing it up for all the rest of us to consider!

P.S. - I would love to hear more about those dresses ... it always makes me so happy to see nice, timeless styles out there! Something has got to counter the American Apparel of it all.

P.P.S. - You prompted me to brave posting on PS 2.0. w00t!

 

[soocool]

While I am still not ready to go gray, I fully understand about age appropriate dressing. I found it hard to find great clothes to flatter my figure without looking like I shop in the junior's section. Dressing nicely for my age certainly does a lot for my self esteem. It is amazing how old my mom looked at the age I am now (53). Times have surely changed.

 

[gemgirl]

This is coming form a girl who grew up in LA, was either on the heavy side or on the edge of anorexia many many times in my life. But here's my revelation:

I just let my gray hair grow out. I'm sporting a full on Walter Chroncrite as we speak. I'm exercising but not going crazy.

The other day, quite to my surprise, I found myself admiring my legs. And had the weird sorta feeling like "aren't I not supposed to like my legs? Where are they fat? What's not good enough?" But I really didn't feel that way... it was more like a residual hiccup.

Then today, I went to an ladies clothing store and bought some gorgeous casual dresses instead of trying to fit my matronly tuchas into skinny jeans. I thought the clothes in this store were gonna make me feel old. But instead, they fit beautifully and I look like a million years younger. (I guess stuffing yourself in teenager clothes isn't exactly flattering, duh)

Anyway, I feel great! And look pretty. And all it took me was 40 years to figure it out!

Brava missydebby! I'd really like to give you a big hug right now. That's right baby. Love the skin you're in!

And I love your expression "matronly tuchas". I usually call it a posterior maximus .

Since it shows when we edit it something......"big hug" not bug hug. OIY.

 

[Lula]

Isn't it great to be happy "where you're at" in life?

 

[VRBeauty]

That's great! I intended to go gray naturally, but I gave in at some point (my gray was not coming in evenly) and started coloring it. I don't regret that decision, but... I am NOT going to go to my grave an unnatural brunette, and I am definitely not looking forward to the growing-out process!

I'm curious... do you think the fact that you're living in Europe now influenced your newfound comfort with missdebby's body in any way?

 

[missy]

That's wonderful MissyDebby! Good for you!!

I am finding the same increased comfort and satisfaction level with my appearance as I get older. That is one added benefit to aging gracefully! 4 years ago I developed rosacea which really can wreak havoc on one's appearance but because it can also cause intolerable burning to one's face my distress over my appearance quickly dissipated as the pain took front and center priority. These days I am much better controlled but it has allowed me to put things in perspective and I am much more content with myself these days. No matter if I am having a good rosacea day or bad one. I do not allow superficial things define me and I believe that comes more easily as we get older (and wiser!).

 

[oranges]

women always look most beautiful when they are comfortable in their own skin ... my mom-- who is letting her hair gray naturally and doesn't dress like me (a 20 year old) has always told me that.

 

[Arkteia]

I think it partially depends on what a person has accomplished. We are happy if we are raising/have raised children, or have a fulfilling job, or a nice circle of friends. My father always reminded me this saying, "If a man has planted a tree, built a house and raised a child, he has fulfilled his life's goal". "Man" does not imply "a man", just a human being. I believe that insecurity that young girls have is what drives them to starve themselves without noticing how beautiful they are. As we mature we achieve, and it makes us wholesome. Even helping a single person in life is achievement.

I believe that as we build a collection, we also experience sense of achievement.

 

[missydebby]

I love your replies!

For all the times I thought I'd never feel good in my skin... I just am so happy that I am. It's like being free from prison.

 

[ZestfullyBling]

missydebby...Bravo to you!

While I havn't got the gray just yet...I can relate. Will be 37 in 3 months and it took me that long to be confident and be comfortable with ME.

A most exhilarating experience! Bravo to you!

 

[HollyS]

While I draw the line at giving in to the Alfred Dunner separates in my local Macy's, I have found that not dressing decades younger, but revamping a few trends that suit me, is the best look for me.

Also, I buy lots of things one size larger - - because the tighter it is, the more imperfect your imperfections appear.