I'm discovering a curious side-effect of my Window Shopping Project. Although it was designed to cut down on some of my thrifting, as almost every basic was already in my closet, it has led to some wilder and wilder choices at the thrifts. And I blame Desiree at PullYourSocksUp. This week I thrifted a metallic purple leotard! (only $1.49 and DH was visibly excited by it). I even took photos of myself in the thing...
I've been reading Desiree's blog since before I began Rags, but something about Citizen Rosebud's interview with her has haunted me. She said, "There is a crossroads where you either decide to toe the line or live life your own way." Jarringly, I realized just how "safe" I've become in my so many aspects of my career and my life. It was a surprising realization, as I've always imagined I was a bit of a rebel.
You'll see that my hair was a bit wild from the blustery wind that day!
This post is a two-fer. I'm linking up with Visible Monday, sponsored by Patti at NotDeadYet Style and also, with Tammy's Trending through the Decades post. Both events are open to anyone and I encourage you all to participate.
I'm curious. Do any of you feel like rebels? And what form does it take for you?
Love the yellow pants and the flower on the jacket. So fresh!
ReplyDeleteNarda--thank you. I loved the jacket when I found it because it was so unlike anything else in my closet.
DeleteI definitely go through more or less rebellious stages with dress/ hair color. I enjoy playing around, but also go through phases where I just like my "staples," and am being more creative in other areas of my life instead. Go on with the purple leotard though!
ReplyDeleteMeri--getting creative (& rebellious) in other areas of my life may be the answer to this feeling.
DeleteI often feel like a rebel when I do something that I think of as "outside the norm."
ReplyDeleteI love the yellow jeans, and that jacket with the flower is amazing, Terri!
Sheila--well, posing in a metallic purple leotard is definitely outside the norm. I'm trying to decide whether to publish the photo.
DeleteYeah! You're heading toward the wild side!
ReplyDeleteI *live* on the wild side and welcome you. We have more fun here!
Shybiker--yes, I know, you live on the "wild side" and I greatly admire that about you.
DeleteGreat ourfits. Love the white jacket embelished with the flower.
ReplyDeleteOksana--thank you. This jacket is very different from any other I own.
DeleteI love that windblown hair look! You look so alive with these spring looks. The first one and the yellow jeans with the jacket are singing on you.
ReplyDeleteMelanie--I like the wind too, but hadn't quite planned on the wild hair.
DeleteI love your yellow jeans! They look amazing.
ReplyDeleteI think Desiree is an amazing role model. From a young womans perspective, it's actually really incredible to see an older woman wearing exactly what she wants & doing exactly what she wants, since society kind of dictates that as you grow older you will just fade into the background. When I grow up, I want to be like Desiree!
Desiree is amazing. I look at her and wish I could be more like her, but I worry because I'm employed outside the home and as far as I can tell, she's not.
DeleteI like the soft hues of your outfits, I think they look really flattering for your skin tone. I like the floral skirt, it has a nice print. The yellow pants is fabulous too, the color is so summery and cheery. Looks perfect with your cute jacket worn as a top. The peter pan collar is just so adorable!
ReplyDeletemongs
mythriftycloset.blogspot.com
Mongs--thank you. I agree about the collar on the jacket.
DeleteI love that first yellow outfit and the yellow jeans!!! I have a lot to say about feeling like a rebel...but it is a topic for a cup of coffee and a discussion. Actually, I think in two different worlds I would be considered a rebel!! I'm OK with that!
ReplyDeleteOh, Pam, I need to have that cup of coffee with you and have a good heart to heart. It occurs to me that being a rebel so publicly on my blog could have professional consequences.
DeleteLove all your outfit options, Terri.
ReplyDeleteI love the second from the bottom the best.
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Sacramento--thank you. That jacket and jeans combo seems to be everyone's favorite.
DeleteTerri, I love both these outfits. They are so easy and somehow joyful. Welcome to spring!
ReplyDeleteI'm also a huge fan of Desiree's. Her posts simply make me happy.
Lynne--they make me happy too and often, I'm astounded by her cheekiness.
DeleteIsn't it wonderful when you read something by a fellow blogger and it just resonates with you? I love it when that happens and Desiree has such an infectious sense of fun, that it's hard NOT to get inspired by her! I really really like those yellow jeans with the sweater! It just works! Hugs my friend! ~Serene
ReplyDeleteSerene--Yes, she inspires me, but I worry that college professors can't pull it off so successfully.
DeleteI echo what Serene said above - Desiree's quote resonates with me too. Certainly with clothing, there's little downside to taking some chances! I really like all your spring-y looks, esp that gorgeous jacket. Thanks so much for linking it all up to Visible Monday.
ReplyDeletePatti--I'm thinking of REALLY risky chances...and mostly thinking that until I retire, I can't really get away with it. That's what I mean about "safe."
DeleteYour yellow jeans challenge me to try something new! Desiree is always an inspiration! In the course of the universe, it seems that the only person to really please is one's self.
ReplyDeleteJudith--colored jeans felt risky to me at first, but by now they are standard operating procedure. Bella's post had me reflecting on how well I really please myself.
DeleteLove the pale yellow jeans!!! You look gorgeous in pastels! I was am not a rebel, but I agree one should sometimes be 'unexpected' to avoid the boredom of the same look! Hope you are having a wonderful day!
ReplyDelete-Jyoti
Style-Delights Blog
Jyoti--thank you. I'm thinking that the jeans are more of a true yellow and not really a pastel. In some ways, I wish I was more like you and had never thought of myself as a rebel.
DeleteBoth the yellow trouser looks are excellent! Especially with the curls at the bottom of your hair. YOu look so breezy!
ReplyDeleteI have always felt like a rebel.
Claire--you ARE a rebel, but the question is how we live that out.
Deletehis week I thrifted a metallic purple leotard! (only $1.49 and DH was visibly excited by it). I even took photos of myself in the thing...
ReplyDeleteYeah, yeah, talk is cheap. Post the picture! ;-)
April--you understand me so well...a challenge! Yikes!
DeleteI love the yellow jeans and the floral jacket and your hair down! I know it's a faff but you so suit flowing locks.
ReplyDeleteI've always been a rebel, I've never wanted marriage, kids or any of the conventional trappings of womanhood. The thought of fitting in by wearing chain store clothes or cutting my hair fills me with dread. xxx
Vix--You are another I admire for ALWAYS going your own way. Soon the hair will be long enough to try that twin bun look of yours I like.
DeleteLove that first outfit, Terri. I love your own brand of individuality, and I love Desiree's, too! I think "rebel" is in some ways a misleading term. It suggests that extroverted and/or flamboyant behavior is the only way to march to one's own drummer. I strongly feel that quietly but firmly following your own path requires great strength and individuality, too. Many rebels may not appear to be so, to the casual observer. Great post!
ReplyDeleteAnne--I found your comment reassuring. Perhaps I do NOT have to outwardly extroverted to practice my rebelliousness! You may have kept me from doing something embarassing.
DeleteBut don't get me wrong: if you WANT to try flamboyant, I think you should! I am sure you can pull off whatever you'd like, without embarrassment. The fun of blogging is, you can try anything, here!
DeleteI am so on board with pastels this spring, and those yellow jeans are so perfect. I don't think I've ever been able to thrift a pair of pants!
ReplyDeleteChic on the Cheap
Lyddie--I know that I have good luck thrifting jeans because I am a fairly common size and can work both juniors and misses jeans.
DeleteI like the tops on you, as you are slender enough to wear them and both colors fit your colors.
ReplyDeleteWith the white jacket you look huggable.
I am quite conservative, in choosing clothes as well. Feeling not rebellious (;
Mette--The white jacket is of a thick nubby fabric, which is likely why it looks "huggable." I've become fairly conservative with clothing...but it is not the best stance for blogging, I realize.
DeleteRefreshing ideas i find here.
ReplyDeleteClara--thank you. Wish that I read Spanish better or I would be a regular at your blog.
DeleteNow, this is an awesome pair of yellow jeans... they match my nail polish today :)
ReplyDeleteI really like how you paired it with that white jacket, you look like a catalogue model.
Lorena--what a kind comment! And yellow nails--that's daring in my book.
DeleteI love, love the yellow jeans! I would totally wear them if I could find them in my size. Those are the coolest ones I have seen so far. I love it with the jacket, tots adorbs as Stacy would say on WNTW.
ReplyDeleteI think I have a bit of rebel in me too. If someone tells me not to do it or not to wear, it certainly makes me want to do it.
Debbie--this pair is actually a western cut by "Authentic Rockies." I like western cuts because they are high waisted and allow a woman to have hips. Well, no one has told me NOT to wear the wild leotard, but a cautious voice within suggests I should think twice.
DeleteI think that skirt was a great find--I love those pretty pastel colors! I need to add some pastels to my wardrobe I think. I joke sometimes that I'm a rebel, but the reality is I'm not really much of one. I break fashion rules sometimes, but I think I'm far from rebel-status!
ReplyDeleteShea--I wonder if it is something about being teachers than gradually takes the rebel out of us. I don't know about you, but I frequently have to deal with it in the classroom!
DeleteLovely spring colours! I tend to think pastels wash me out, but now I'm tempted to try again.
ReplyDeleteThat rose jacket is just fantastic. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it. Aside from the lovely rose, it's just got a great shape. I especially love the collar.
Ana--I think the first photo IS washed out. It may be too early in the season--my skin needs more color.
DeleteI agree that the jacket was a great thrift find.
Your spring looks are great! Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDeleteWind blown hair...........out of a romantic novel!!
Tammy--Well, romantic, is a nice way to think about this blustery wind.
DeleteTerri, I'm loving the colors on you! I love love the second outfit...that jacket is so me!! :)
ReplyDeleteI feel like a rebel with my blog...never imagined I'd put myself out there as I have with this blog.
I'm so grateful tho, for so many friends I've made. Being rebellious can be a good thing?!
Have a super week!
Jeannie
Jeannie--Initially, I thought of myself as a rebel with the blog, but there are many bloggers who have out-rebelled me. I know it's not a competition, but I love Desiree's spirit.
Deletei want to see the purple leotard, lol! i was highly rebellious in my younger days...my hair was super short and colored from red, to blue, to purple, and i never conformed to dress codes, partied, snuck out, the whole bit....i've become safer with my hair color now, but still rebel against dress codes. and i don't sneak out as much, lol!
ReplyDelete[oomph.]
oomph--I never snuck out, but my daughter's did routinely through a skylight on our roof!
DeleteWow, I'm crazy about your little jacket with the yellow flower! So cute!! It's looks a little like sixties Jackie-O.
ReplyDeleteSunjo--thank you! I hadn't thought about the jackieO comparison.
DeleteThat skirt is so flattering. Such a nice Summer outfit!
ReplyDeleteBeryl--thank you. The sheer skirt defied my idea of Talbot's clothing.
DeleteTerri, i LOVE that you are rebelling against conformity and wearing whatever you want! I think I am at the cusp of that rebellion myself... if somebody tells me they would never wear blah blah, or a particular colour combination just "doesn't work" I am immediately thinking about how I could make it work...
ReplyDeleteSorry, I meant to add; the first two pictures I presume these are the two sides of the reversible top? What a fabulous find, two in one! I particularly like the green side; but they both look wonderful with that skirt!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn--it remains to be seen just how rebellious I might get, but I actually think this could be an advantage of age. And yes, the top is reversible. The green side was my favorite too.
DeleteBoth of the ensembles are fantastic (or I guess I should say all three!). I love the pastels in these proportions because although pastel can quickly be too twee, I find it to be perfectly sophisticated and lovely in your examples!
ReplyDeleteJesspgh--thank you. I don't wear a lot of pastels because I think it washes me out.
Deleteyellow pants !wow! I don't think I were ever brave enough to wear those.That would be a great challenge for me. I like the look with the jacket.It's a memorable piece.
ReplyDeleteAngie--I thought that about colored jeans at first, but by now they seem a very routine part of my wardrobe.
DeleteI was so fortunate to find you through Lisa. I do like to break it out once in awhile; used to be completely classic. Now enjoy unique earrings, great scarves, etc. A jacket with an empire waist is my latest find.
ReplyDeletePlease come and join my new Fashion Giveaway from Fresh Produce!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Karena--Welcome to Rags! Like you, I have been "classic" for years...but I'm taking baby steps toward a more daring look.
DeleteSo little time for commenting, but couldn't pass by without saying that I see you as far, far from conservative -- your willingness to speak openly about what matters to you, to experiment with your clothing style, etc.
ReplyDeleteBut you also seem to be a great collaborator, someone who draws women together and supports their efforts. As valuable as our rebels are, I'm not sure that the energy rebellion demands works well with the impulse to build community. Obviously these impulses aren't necessarily oppositional, but in busy lives, one has to choose -- and I'm so glad you put so much effort into drawing your blogging friends together, introducing us, keeping us connected.
Not sure how coherent this comment will be to you, and have to rush off now, but know that you're an inspiration!
Mater--I understand what you are saying. In my 20s I was so rebellious that it took me two decades to repair the damage. The collaboration is real--truth be known, I want to go the opera with you and Melanie! But Desiree, the wild one, brings women together too.
DeleteThose summery colours look lovely on you. I do like the jacket and yellow jeans - and it's good to be a rebel, who wants to play it safe?
ReplyDeleteThat's Not My Age--well, I've gradually learned to become safe and that troubles me. It's a bit of a straitjacket and I ponder how to break out a bit more.
DeleteI love the jacket with the flower.
ReplyDeleteDanielle--thank you!
DeleteAmazing outfits and photos! I love it :)
ReplyDeleteDisturbedStyle--Welcome to Rags! and thank you.
Deletelove both looks! the thrifted skirt is so nice and i like how you have the wind blowing in the first pic! the yellow pants and that cute flower top is great too!!! i really love your window shopping idea. to be honest i probably have a lot of things already and just need to start wearing what's in my closet!
ReplyDeleteBTW, i bought 2 bright colored skinnies from Target (green and neon pink). but then i also bought a pair of white skinnies and some cute leopard ones too. yikes!
http://spinning-threads.blogspot.com
Claire--I've been semi-shopping for the white jeans and wondering if I need a pair this summer. I'm pretty hard on my clothes and I always wonder how long they'll last...
DeleteI like the green side best. It looks so Springy.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the purple leotard!
RoseAG--The green is my favorite side as well.
DeleteYou look so romantic and wonderful in that first picture, I love it! And yeah, mermaids, the ocean, what is going on? I remember that Chanel show was big on all that Venus on the half-shell and coral as a heel on shoes and pearls in everyone's hair. Hmmm, maybe I will take that into consideration for summer. I don't feel too rebellious these days. I think I'm too tired from child-raising to be rebellious. XO, Jill
ReplyDeletejill--Raising children is probably what beat the rebelliousness out of me! I wonder too why the mermaid stuff hasn't filtered into the blogosphere more...or perhaps it's early yet. I'm still studying these fashion cycles.
DeleteOhhh...I particularly love the yellow pants and sweater combo! The flower going across the front is so unique. And the colors look great on you!
ReplyDeleteI've always considered myself rebellious, but these days, I don't want to feel ridiculous, wearing clothes that don't fit my lifestyle (40 yr-old write-at-home mom). Other women's stylish blogs are helping me discover what works and what doesn't for me, too. Thanks for the inspiration!
Ginny--Thank you. I think avoiding the riduculous was a goal of mine for many years too, but if I'm ever going to be ridiculous it occurs to me that the older I become, the more indulgent of it people may be.
DeleteDamn woman!!! Your hair!!! What are you doing to it? It's fabulous and I am in love with the yellow jeans with the 3/4 sleeve jacket. Ooooh I wonder if we'll ever see the purple leotard? I spent most of the summer wearing swimsuits as tops, so there might be something there for you:)) xoxox
ReplyDeleteDesiree--the pictures of the purple leotard are taken, but I keep thinking of ways to style it up. In the existing photos, it's nothing but the leotard--and daring as it is, it is pretty plain. I've been looking for the swim tops!
DeleteHi Terri!
ReplyDeleteI am glad the brooch made it, now lets see how you will style it!
I love your yellow jeans and that 3/4 jacket, so, so cute -
Mr.D says i am a rebel, yes i am on some things
Take care
Ariane xxxx
Arianne--I would definitely put you in the rebel category! And that is the question I'm pondering. Why can half of my blogger friends get away with it...and I don't even try?
DeleteThe yellow jeans are absolutely gorgeous. Yellow is my favorite color and with that sweater -- divine!
ReplyDeleteI feel like a rebel -- inwardly -- not sure I express that part of myself fashion-wise. Although I do wear mismatched socks all the time, and that seems to drive my husband nuts.
Joy--I think I've seen glimpses of your rebellious side. ComicCon and such.
DeleteFrom sewing my own jeans in 11th grade to dressing on the verge of bag lady at present, I am way "out there" sartorially.
ReplyDeleteWhen I dress "normal" my soul dies a little.
Anne--I like folks you dress as you do as you give me courage to try combos I wouldn't have before. Welcome to Rags!
DeleteYou look very lovely in all of the pastels but I ADORE the little jacket paired with the yellow jeans.
ReplyDeleteYour comment about how the green shirt "must have been made for Girl Scout Leaders or as an Army issue" made me laugh. I see what you mean.
As for being a rebel, I agree with one of the earlier commenters that there are many ways of being one, not just Desiree's kind of fearlessness. I love her but I don't want to be her if that makes any sense. I wish she lived next door though.
Susan--It's a surprise to hear from you as I thought it was "springtime in Paris" if you know what I mean. ;)
DeleteOh, it would be so much fun to have a neighborhood of bloggers all in SF!
I love pastels and love your choices here - especially the yellow trousers and jacket with the floral motif - so cute! You mention Desiree of Pull Your Socks Up - the Citizen Rosebud interview resonated with me for the same reason.
ReplyDeleteTerri, I'm worn out scrolling through your 100 comments. Geeze!
ReplyDeleteSo hit me with your brights! New trending link is up and running!
I love the yellow, but I'm not a fan of Peter Pan collars on anyone over 12. As to being a rebel, I certainly didn't conform to the expectations of the time in which I was born (1950s), but I don't know if my soap-opera life has been from rebellion or just failure. Looking back, I can tell that my Grandmother, my Mom and I were all rebels on one level or another, but I was struck by a quote from Liv Tyler (whose father Steve was in the band Aerosmith). She remarked that given her background, her form of rebellion was to have a 'normal' life. From the time I left my second marriage I have pretty much done what I wanted to do. Though work and marriage always require some form of compromise, I'm much more outspoken these days about my preferences and I'm much better about keeping my boundaries (ie not doing what I really don't want to do) than I ever was previously. I think of it as the entitlement of my age and my financial independence. I hope everyone gets to the place where they have that much freedom, but I don't really think of it as rebellion. I'll have to go over and read that post.
ReplyDelete