Very seldom do I pay full price for clothing or anything related to fashion because quite frankly, I really don’t need anything. Even when I buy new, it usually is on sale or on clearance. My birthday falls during the first week of January and I’ve never minded that it comes so soon after Christmas because in January, there are tons of things deeply discounted.
Several years ago my husband and I began a new tradition when it comes to my birthday. Instead of him buying something and wrapping it, we now take a day and go shopping together. My husband is really great when it comes to buying gifts for me, knowing my tastes and having a good eye but I really like the “experience” of us shopping together. We make a day of it, with both of us choosing items that catch our eye, then I try everything on, giving my husband a bit of a fashion show and then he buys whatever I like. He usually surprises me with a little something he finds while I’m in the dressing room too. (I have an awesome and generous hubby, just saying.) We round out the day with a nice lunch and wine and go home happy with some fabulous gifts for me and having spent some fun time together.
For the past year I have been lusting after leather skinny jeans and over the knee boots. So on this year’s birthday shopping spree that’s what I hoped to find, as long as they were on sale. Like a really good sale.
There are three stores I typically shop at here in Colorado Springs when it comes to fashion. On the high-end, it’s White House Black Market. Medium to low prices for upscale, slightly used items takes me to Ashley’s Attic, and then of course there’s my go-to place when I don’t really need anything but have fun hunting for treasures at rock-bottom prices, Discover Goodwill. For this year’s shopping spree we hit The Shops at Briargate, which includes a WHBM store and plenty of delicious options for lunch.
Here’s what I bought…
Found these incredible Michael Kors over the knee suede boots at DSW. Originally priced at $295, they were marked down to $115 and there was one pair in my size. I tried them on and even before I saw what they looked like, I knew my husband loved them with his simple “wow” and the look in his eye. As I studied them in the mirror, I liked what I saw. And then out of nowhere, a nagging little voice in my head told me they weren’t an “appropriate” purchase as I was too old at 54 to pull these off. “You really like these?” I asked my husband for a third or fourth time. As he assured me they looked great, and I trust his opinion, I gave myself a mental shake shutting down that “rules & age” thought. I loved them, he loved them, and to me, that’s all that mattered. Sold!
One “rule” I do follow is one I made for myself. I have to be able to wear whatever I buy in multiple ways.
Casual and comfy. Last year I posted an article on “fashion rules” that some idiot came up with, deeming certain items inappropriate at various ages. According to an “expert” not only should I not be wearing these boots, I shouldn’t be wearing skinny jeans either. Oh well.
Breaking The Fashion “Rules” & I Don’t Care – 719woman.com
And another “don’t” I ignore…anything above the knee. With my petite frame, wearing something that hit below the knee while wearing these boots would overwhelm me and shorten my leg. A bit of skin showing gives my body proportion and a pair of full-bootie covering panties keep embarrassing oops from happening.
Breaking The Fashion “Rules” & I Don’t Care – 719woman.com
At White House Black Market, a favorite of mine because the clothes fit me so well, I found these awesome ponte-jacquard mixed skinny jeans with a hint of gold metallic. (Originally priced at $89 but on sale for $30.) Gold metallic AND skinny jeans at 54? And let me add a few more “don’ts” for a super casual look with a skull and rhinestone tee (Ashley’s Attic.) And some studded booties from another favorite store of mine, La Henna Boheme. Hey, why not go big if I’m breaking the rules.
Breaking The Fashion “Rules” & I Don’t Care – 719woman.com
https://www.facebook.com/ashleysatticcoloradosprings/?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/La-Henna-Boheme-113968538638516/?fref=ts
Add a sweater (a WHBM clearance item we bought on our shopping trek last year,) change out the shoes (Ashley’s Attic clearance boots from last year $10,) and I get another look. I also wore these with classic black pumps and a blouse for a more sleek look and again with these boots and sweater but with a hint of gold tank peeking out. (Love my cute cat necklace I’ve had for years from the fabulous Chavez Gallery and my bargain priced bracelet and earrings from Discover Goodwill.)
https://www.facebook.com/LieseChavez/?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverMyGoodwill/?fref=ts
Breaking The Fashion “Rules” & I Don’t Care – 719woman.com
A lovely day spending time with my hubby, who just happens to be the person I want to spend the most time with. A yummy lunch with a great bottle of wine. Two fashion purchases that we both thought looked good on me, that would have added up to $384 but on sale, only cost $145. Two items that some might judge to be too young for me but to be honest, I don’t care. Everything is comfortable, are items I can wear next year, and I can dress both purchases up or down, depending on what I pair them with. (I didn’t find the leather skinnies but the jeans we got from WHBM work even better since they won’t stretch out.)
We did buy a few other items but since they are totally “appropriate,” no need to talk about them…ha!
Is there something you wear that isn’t necessarily considered “appropriate” for your age? Do you follow “rules” or make your own? What do you think?
And here is the article I posted with a list of “rules” …
https://www.719woman.com/fashion/what-not-to-wear-when-youre-30-40-50-seriously-what-do-you-think/