This past week The SC was honored and thrilled to be included in a feature in Look.UK, the best-selling fashion magazine in the United Kingdom.  Click The Pensionistas to view the article.  Jean and Valerie, The Idiosyncratic Fashionistas who were also in the piece, wrote about the feature HERE with their usual brilliant and witty commentary.

I decided that the only thing to do in celebration would be to lounge in leopard while savoring this fun and unexpected surprise.  To be in the company of the magical and phenomenal Jean and Valerie, Tziporah Salamon, Lynn Dell, and Linda Rodin has me over the moon and wearing animal print from head to toe.

I have been an ardent fan of leopard print going back to the 70′s  I see it as a positive addiction, like yoga, frequenting estate sales or collecting hats.  I never have a hangover, side effects or withdrawal after I overdose with this heavenly neutral.  Although I do have to admit that sometimes it does have me wanting to acquire more because I can’t get enough!

I’ve wanted to dress in total leopard for some time now, and today I took the leap with this 70′s polyester robe, vintage dangle earrings, bracelets, scarves as head wrap, and 40′s wedge peep toes all purchased over the years at estate sales.  Even the leopard print rug, leopard pillow in the shape of a heart and jewelry box (which of course holds my leopard jewelry collection) threw themselves into the act.

Lounging in leopard in the guest room.

Photos by Diana

The SC landed in another area of her home embellished with leopard in the form of pillows on the purple couch in the living room.  Whether as accent or full body adornment, leopard love adds playful pleasure to a time of celebration or just an extraordinarily ordinary day.

The SC is flying over to Patti’s Visible Monday HERE for another magical gathering at Not Dead Yet Style.

]]> http://stylecrone.com/2013/05/19/lounging-in-leopard-and-the-pensionistas-of-look-uk/feed/ 11 http://stylecrone.com/2013/05/12/hats-off-to-mothers-and-others/ http://stylecrone.com/2013/05/12/hats-off-to-mothers-and-others/#comments Sun, 12 May 2013 14:15:41 +0000 Judith Boyd http://stylecrone.com/?p=14812

A tip of the hat to mothers and all who nurture others along life’s journey.

In recognition of this day, The SC wears a 60′s beaded straw hat with tall crown, purchased at a flea market last week. It called to me from the rack of vintage beauties as I entered the urban venue and it didn’t let go.  A hat that is destined for my hat room somehow magically finds its way into my heart.

This black wooden cane was used in the hat shop to capture headwear perched high above our reach. It continues to be used in my hat room for the same purpose, and today became an accessory that I couldn’t resist.

This 40′s jacket was purchased in the 70′s and not worn since the 80′s, but is ready for another life, accompanied by a vintage pearl and rhinestone pin.

Vintage lace is always ready and waiting in my closet to embellish and adorn.

Photos by Camille.

Vintage black suede heeled booties trimmed with leather and purchased years ago at a consignment shop complete the ensemble that is ready to walk out the door.  I think I’ll leave the cane at home.

Thank you to the warm, dynamic, beautiful and generous Sylvia of 40 + Style HERE for the feature.  I have been honored by her kind words and appreciate all that she brings to this growing and creative community, as she blogs about “Fashion, beauty and style inspiration for women over 40.”  Sylvia’s stated mission “Is to show that you can look gorgeous and experiment with styles and fashion at any age.  It’s all about having fun with style and fashion!”  She impresses me with each and every post.

I’m dropping by Patti’s Visible Monday HERE to join the growing number of bloggers who gather weekly at Not Dead Yet Style.  Stop on by for a visual treat!

In celebration of her 60th birthday, my dear friend Kelly held a croning ceremony and invited friends to her home in the mountains outside of Connifer, Colorado, which she shares with Susan, her partner of over 30 years.

For this event, The SC wore a vintage teal feather Eurona hat from Fabulous Fanny’s NYC, a large reversible shawl with floral embroidery and skirt with drape, both sale items from Mieko Mintz, and estate sale vintage green gloves, all on black background.

The ceremony was held on the anniversary of Nelson’s death, which allowed The SC to focus on the continuation of life on a day that held memories of loss. However, I was delinquent with my camera, and will tell the story without photos of the event.  Sometimes it’s important to accept that ‘what is’ is good enough and that total engagement in an experience doesn’t always include photography.

This was my first croning ceremony, but according to Barbara Hannah Grufferman HERE, who writes about The The Croning of America on the Huffington Post, there is a growing number of women, mostly over 50, who are participating in similar celebrations of aging and empowerment.

Kelly’s ceremony, creatively prepared by Susan, was a beautiful recognition of a milestone and a celebration of wisdom and personal power. We were each asked to bring a token to attach to Kelly’s walking stick, which she brought back from a trip to Australia this past year.  I gathered a collection of trinkets and pieces from my jewelry collection and hung each meaningful symbol from a leather cord. One by one, we presented our gifts to Kelly, expressing what it meant to us, and how it honored her.

The group consisted of women from diverse backgrounds, life experiences and belief systems.  What we shared was a respect for the aging process and the intention to engage and support one another in viewing the crone as a woman of dignity, worth and compassion for herself and others.

Following the ceremony, we gathered for dinner and wine, laughing, telling stories and enjoying relationships that had developed over numerous years.  Many of us had worked in mental health, and had been caregivers across the decades.  We talked about plans for the future, how we wanted to spend our time going forward, and spoke of women who surely would have been at the gathering but were no longer physically present.

Photos by Diana

Instead of turning our backs on our inner crone and denying that this time can be filled with life enhancing experiences to be faced fearlessly with enthusiasm, we were marking and embracing the transition.  With support and community, this phase of life can be enjoyed as thoroughly and joyfully as any other.  We have wisdom and experience to share with a world in need of healing, and hopefully this concept will encourage a more accepting cultural norm for aging for generations to come.  Everybody gets old.

The croning ceremony invitation, with Kelly where she loves to be, in the midst of nature.

The walking stick adorned with momentos from friends.

It’s the beginning of the week, which means that it’s time for Patti’s festive and supportive gathering at Visible Monday HERE at Not Dead Yet Style.

My scarf installation gives me much pleasure, and was completed just in time for the party.  I had a vision of how I wanted my scarves displayed and it took many months of talking with friends, artists and builders for this project to come to fruition.  After the structure was built and painted, Rachel and Brittni, the students from the Art Institute of Colorado who have been creating magic in my home, arranged the scarves with perfection.  My vision has become reality!

I have been collecting scarves since the 70′s (almost 40 years), mostly from estate sales, flea markets, thrift shops, consignment stores and the occasional gift; the price for each piece ranged from a quarter to five dollars.  This display makes it easy to choose a scarf for an outfit and provides a piece of art to enjoy every day.  It covers a wall in the guest room and provides a soft and colorful surface with texture and detail to explore endlessly with the senses of sight and touch.  Sometimes I can almost hear them speak!

One of my yoga teachers stated this week, “Rigidity and strength are not the same thing.  Soften into the pose.”  Also true off the mat for blogging and life in general, as I learn to become more flexible, I found this quote helpful as I once again began to move forward into the light, and in this case, leaning into my beloved scarves with their new life and beauty on display.

Just as I was deciding to soften into the practice of austerity, I found this vintage blue 70′s St. John knit dress at an estate sale.  It fit perfectly and the price was next to nothing, so I put my cash on the table and quickly walked out the door before another tempting item drew me astray from my resolution. With this in mind, what was I doing at an estate sale anyway?

Accessorizing the dress are the St. John booties I found many years ago at a yard sale, along with the vintage purple hat with feathers that I purchased from a friend who was downsizing her vintage collection, and estate sale vintage purple gloves and vintage jewels.

Photos by Camille.

Close-up of booties with gloved hand.

The SC wore the vintage St. John outfit to the book signing by the dynamic and stunning Juana Bordas HERE, reading from her new book The Power of Latino Leadership, held at the Tattered Cover Bookstore HERE, one of the largest independent bookstores in the nation.  I’ve known Juana since the 70′s and it’s been exciting to follow her incredible accomplishments across the decades.

Juana, known for her spontaneity and passion, twirled her floral embroidered fringed scarf for the camera.

For some time now I’ve been wanting to launch a street style page, and photograph people wherever I go that inspire me with their outfits and their sense of style.  I met Veronica at the book signing, and I was fascinated by her beautiful wedge heels and her dynamic spirit.  Thus began Street Style Denver And Beyond HERE on Style Crone’s sidebar.  It gives me the opportunity to document and share the creativity around me and recognize those who bring visual delight to my life.

Thank you all for your supportive, kind and empathetic comments of last week, and thank you BuzzFeed Fashion HERE for the inclusion.  And my shoes are linking up with the marvelous Bella’s ‘Shoe Shine’ at The Citizen Rosebud HERE.

Patti is a woman who continually shares creativity and visual pleasure, and I’m linking up to her Visible Monday HERE at Not Dead Yet Style.  Thank you Patti, for creating this weekly gathering which brings connection and community to countless like- minded bloggers.

A week ago Sunday took me to the Wynkoop Brewing Company to an art exhibit by Lindy Lyman HERE.  Flourishing Forth, The Colorado Years 1974-2013 is a retrospective of her work in painting, mixed media and sculputre. I was informed of this colorful and uplifting exhibition by Carol Markel, the remarkable blogger, milliner and artist of Femme et Fleur HERE.  Lindy was a student of Carol’s husband Richard Cramer at Elmira College, graduating in the class of 1967.

However, as the week unfolded, I was overcome by an unexpected force that grabbed me with a now unfamiliar strength that was surprising and powerful.  Anniversary dates are known to be difficult, but somehow I felt that I had everything under control and that by keeping busy, I would avoid the painful memories of Aprils past.  After all, it’s been two years since Nelson’s death, and shouldn’t I be immune from intensity by now?  Immobilization is not my favorite place to be, but that’s where I found myself intermittently over the past week leading up to April 20th.  I felt as though I was sinking in quicksand and the only part of myself above the ground were my hands grasping to find something to hang unto. But really, what I needed to find was something internal to pull me up and out.  So I sat with the stillness, leaden.

A quiet desperation took over my days, which frightened me with its relentless weight.  So off to yoga I went, hoping to soothe myself or at least find reprieve from the grasp of unwanted emptiness and the feeling of being lost.  Lost without a path ahead.  Was this a fork in the road or was I taking a step back into the depths of the abyss?  Loss can only be digested in small servings.  Otherwise we would die from the shock of it.  I think about those in Boston, and other parts of the world, who are devastated and beginning their journey through the wilderness of grief, and I mourn for them.  I weep for them.

I felt wooden and unprotected.  A tree with no bark, exposed to the elements, the cold wind blowing in from the north that assaulted the fresh and newly formed blossoms ready to open to the world.  Were my roots deep enough to hold me in place during the storm that was not predicted; the weatherwoman within had been caught off guard.  Something more to let go of.

As often happens when I’m looking for an answer, through the miracle of google, I found Pat Betram’s blog HERE, and a blanket of comforting relief changed the tone of the week and offered me self acceptance.  Her words resonated with the confusion that I was attempting to deny, but I now knew would be more helpful to radically embrace.  The other amazing fact is that Pat is from Colorado, she is an excellent writer, and I have found a new blog to follow.

Now that the anniversary has passed, I reflect back on how my week began with art, meeting new and interesting people, and the rich beauty that entered my life on a Sunday afternoon.  I can go back to that place in my thoughts, after another passage through darkness. I can feel that those blossoms opening up to the world have not frozen.  I have been changed from loving and having been loved deeply, and that is what brings me back every time I descend into feelings of hopelessness and longing.

I often think about how I launched my blog under the umbrella of style and and the composition of outfits, and how this has helped me live out loud with caregiving, death, grieving and transformation.  I am so grateful that have I found all of you, because I have felt so much support and caring from all who read and comment on SC.  Perhaps those who blog about style and aging, or are interested in this topic no matter their age or gender, embody the characteristics of compassion and empathy.  Style truly does heal, and I couldn’t have found a more perfect crowd to hang out with, no matter the circumstances of my life. You continue to be a lifeline and I thank you from the bottom of my Style Crone heart.

Black/red fabric hat – Britgitte NYC, black/white striped jacket – consignment store in Florida, vintage red fabric gloves- estate sale, all on black background.

I’m linking up late to the party at Patti’s Visible Monday HERE at Not Dead Yet Style, which has become a meeting place for all who want to proclaim visibility.

The SC enjoyed the April storm that arrived this week, giving momentary relief to the parched earth. Though the daffodils were covered with the softness of white snow, I welcomed any relief to the shortage of moisture, bringing water restrictions and encouraging the planting of drought resistant gardens.

The back garden finds itself in a state of confusion, as tufts of green peek forth between the flagstone pathway and snow covers the juniper in the background.  New life is emerging despite the dry soil, and dreams of the renewal of my garden float through my thoughts.

I remembered wearing most of the elements of this ensemble in the past and scanned the archives for the photos.  I found the post HERE, and realized that it was written one week before Nelson’s passing. I see that I chose gloves a little bit more pink this year and the trees are not flowering like they were at this time in 2011.

The sheers in the guest room remind me of the softness of softly falling white snow.  Estate sale vintage suitcases provide space for the storage of small silk scarves and delicate antique hankies. Collections have found their homes in places that can be easily accessed.

As I approach the second anniversary of Nelson’s death, I think about all that has transpired over the days, weeks and months.  The first floor of my home is similar to how it was when Nelson was alive, but the upstairs has been transformed into a personal sanctuary that nurtures and comforts.   The configuration of rooms is different.  My bedroom is in Nelson’s office.  The hat room is in our bedroom. My office and my shoe collection are in the hat room.  Only the guest room which contains my scarf collection, which was Camille’s room years ago, remains in place.  How quickly yet slowly things change.

Photos by Rachel

Vintage lavender fur felt Sally/Providence hat with pink feathers and olive drab/lavender trim - Frock NYC, lavender wool Marc Jacobs jacket with large buttons – Buffalo Exchange, vintage pink leather gloves, strands of vintage lavender beads, pink sweater with cowl, and vintage pink earrings – estate sales, navy background pieces – retail.

POST PARTY PONDER CONTINUED

Two hours after the Flamenco dancers, a drag performance by Felony Misdemeanor provided an entertaining show of dazzling and exuberant self expression.

Felony Misdemeanor’s second act included an outfit as colorful as her performance.  As you can see, my friend Ruthie is dancing in the background in a dress of similar colors.  The celebratory energy was palpable!

Drag artist extraordinaire, Felony Misdemeanor, in her third outfit of the evening, stayed after her performance and mingled with party guests.

Photos by Shelley of the Forest City Fashionista HERE.

From left, Starla, Camille, The SC, Felony Misdemeanor and Loretta ‘camping it up’ late into the night. The entertainment was over, but the dancing continued.  I’ve always wanted to be a DJ.  My friend Dan generously assisted with the technology of the soundtrack, along with musical suggestions, but the playlist was Totally Style Crone.  However, I’m not quitting my day job anytime soon, no matter what that day job consists of at any given moment.

I’m heading over to the weekly party at Patti’s Visible Monday HERE at Not Dead Yet Style.  I wouldn’t miss this celebratory gathering of self expression and visibility.

Last week after a routine visit to my physician, I was sent to the lab for a series of tests.  Health is my number one priority and thankfully all of my test results were within normal limits. However, in the process of having my blood drawn, the phlebotomist noticed on my paperwork that I had recently turned 70. He commented on my age in a respectful and bantering manner, and I responded with, ‘Well, how old are you?’  He quipped, ’52.’  ’In reality, you’re young enough to be my son,’  I replied, throwing caution to the wind.  And he said, ‘In reality, you’re young enough to be my girlfriend.’

Surprised with his comment and the flirtatious smile on his face, I was out of the room at the drop of a hat.  I’m familiar with health care settings and all the paraphernalia that goes with it, but I wasn’t ready for a spontaneous and playful interaction of this nature.

So I will immediately change the subject and talk about the hat that I wore to an Easter gathering last Sunday afternoon, which was purchased at the Manhattan Vintage Show last September.  The yellow marabou feathers with brown veil deserved a close-up, perched upon The SC’s head, enjoying a small corner of the hat room newly painted in its metallic rose tones.

Attending the show with the Idiosyncratic Fashionistas HERE, this hat made Valerie smile, which seemed the perfect reason to acquire this chapeau, as though I needed a reason.

Photos by Rachel

Brown YSL suede pumps purchased at a consignment store years ago, with heel upon one lonely piece of fringe from the piano scarf covering the chair in the hat room, framed by hat boxes and vintage red fabric gloves.

A close-up of this estate sale vintage silk scarf reveals green pumps emerging from a multicolored circle skirt, embellished with patterned hose, yellow roses and ribbons.  This image was too delightful to hide draped around The SC’s neck, and at some point, when framed, would make a perfect piece of art in the room that holds my shoe collection or worn as a skirt, out to lunch with friends.  Some accessories lend themselves to a multitude of possibilities and functions.

This sketch by the talented artist and blogger Anne Bray of Spy Girl HERE greeted The SC by email this week.  One of the wonderful things about blogging is the unexpected and glorious surprises that appear in my life unannounced, accessorizing my days with abundant gifts beyond my imagination.

POST PARTY PONDERS, CONTINUED

Photo by Shelley of the Forest City Fashionista HERE.

In a post composed of multiple subject changes, party memories include hand massages which were provided in the guest room to party participants by gorgeous manicurists (left to right) Oz and Angel of Tootsies Nail Salon HERE.  Massage recipients Diana and Carolyn demonstrate their appreciation with full-blown laughter, reinforcing the concept that nurtured guests are happy guests!

Art cake gifted by dear friend Robyn, owner of the fabulous consignment store Wardrobe Works HERE.

Off to join the crew at Patti’s Visible Monday HERE at Not Dead Yet Style and ‘shoe shine’ with Bella Q at The Citizen Rosebud HERE.

]]> http://stylecrone.com/2013/04/07/the-flirtatious-phlebotomist/feed/ 39 http://stylecrone.com/2013/03/31/post-party-ponder/ http://stylecrone.com/2013/03/31/post-party-ponder/#comments Sun, 31 Mar 2013 18:15:08 +0000 Judith Boyd http://stylecrone.com/?p=14312

As I reflect on the party and the past year of renovation, I feel a touch of disorientation.  I was so focused on one point in time, and now I feel adrift or unsettled.  It’s not that I don’t have things to do. Although I had promised myself to sort through everything I owned, I wasn’t able to complete the magnitude of that task. Time ran out as other projects took priority.  And I have designated this summer to be the season of the garden, which needs its own renovation.  And the headwrap project is waiting for my attention.

But I no longer feel driven and can allow myself to relax into the beauty and comfort that my home provides.  I feel a huge sense of accomplishment and can take some time to enjoy the changes. Otherwise, why do it?

I realized that the woman who was on the dance floor, organizing the entertainment and party details, and loving the gathering of friends in my home was a part of the woman who Nelson fell in love with.  I managed to bring her back to life after a long hibernation, if only for an evening.  Now I know that she remains within and that she can make a visit when I call upon her. We all wear many hats in life, and party headwear is not to be denied in this new decade.

My shoes have been stored in clear plastic containers and organized on industrial shelving, and the gold silk damask curtains which cover the sides of the shelves facing the door to the room were created by Diana, a woman of many talents and skills.  The ‘shoe rug’ was discovered at an estate sale several years ago.

Photos by Rachel

Vintage silk floral patterned Hawaiian dress (an invitation to spring) – vintage store years ago, navy felt cloche – gifted, navy pants – consignment store, vintage navy gloves – estate sale, navy turtleneck and booties – retail.

Treasured birthday gift created by my dear friend Kathleen.

Though my party is now a memory, I will keep it alive with photos at the bottom of my current posts. Today I celebrate Camille, my daughter who has brought limitless meaning to life during the past two years.  Her empathy and dazzling smile have the ability to brighten even the darkest of days.

Camille with friends.

Camille with family.

Camille with the youngest dancer Malakai and his grandfather Donald.

The SC is off to join the gathering not to be missed at Patti’s Visible Monday HERE at Not Dead Yet Style.

Camille gave The SC the gift of photos by her friend Charli White HERE, a talented photographer who documented the first half of the event.  It’s difficult to choose the images that  I love the most, but I’ll give it a try, starting on the front porch as the party began.

Who is Diana?  Now you know, as she allows a reveal, radiating in all her glory on the staircase, dressed to the nines and ready for a party.  Diana makes blogging a less solitary endeavor; without her weekly visits and our photo sessions over the past year, that bring laughter and fun to a weekday afternoon, Style Crone may have been destined to wither on the vine.

My extraordinary friend of many years, Daniel N returned to Denver in the middle of his yearly month in Mexico to help master the music.  He flew back two days later and was on the beach again without missing a beat.  Now that’s truly a generous and loyal friend!

Bernadette Malone of Moveable Feast created The SC’s birthday cake in the shape of a hatbox.  A woman of multiple talents and a dear friend of many years, she also gives a heavenly facial!  A critical care nurse in the past, she is spreading her wings in a new and elegant direction.

Photo by Sally.

The cake close-up with Bernadette and the bow created by Barbara DeSalvo.

Photo by Sally.

The feast prepared by Bernadette with the help of Colleen Emory (above) and Sarah Ashford.

The fabulous Shelley Long of the Forest City Fashionista HERE flew from London, Ontario Canada to Denver for a 46 hour stay to attend the party.  Thank you Shelley for helping with last minute details, taking photos, for wearing the red hat from the studio with panache and for blogging about the event HERE and HERE.

The Flamenco Dancers in the living room.

Maria Vasquez of Maria Vasquez Flamenco Denver HERE.

Susan Richardson takes the floor!

The Flamenco Skirts.

We were all dazzled by the Flamenco Performance!

Vintage pale blue silk chiffon gown with blue lining, vintage silver heeled sandals and vintage jewels – estate sales, custom designed ostrich feather hat created by Erin Saboe of Go Go Chapeaux HERE.

Stay tuned for more entertainment, dancing, friends who helped make my home shine, and the vintage studio, as the party rocked on late into the night.

The SC is dancing over to Patti’s Visible Monday HERE for the weekly party at Not Dead Yet Style!

Photo by Sally

My party was all that I could have hoped for as I danced through the evening with feathers and 30′s silk chiffon, surrounded by friend old and new.  I have so much to integrate as I continue to visit with friends who came from out of town and gaze with wonder at completed projects in my home.  Having a goal was what I needed to catapult myself into a new decade.

I have no idea who took this photo, which I received from Camille the day after the party.  She has a ‘sparkle’ on her forehead, placed there by a friend who was sharing glitter as though it were love.  I have more to say and share, but for today I need stillness and reflection.  I feel light as a feather.

The SC is floating over to Patti’s Visible Monday HERE at Not Dead Yet Style, eager to join the weekly gathering of like minded and creative bloggers.  Thank you Patti, for providing the venue that brings us all together.