Photo by Paula Multicolored fabric beret - Brigitte, blue scarf with green trim - NYC street vendor years ago, long black sweater - estate sale, leggings and boots (winter staples worn frequently on SC). It was a cold and snowy winter evening as The SC and friends traveled to a live performance by Toots and the Maytals HERE at Swallow Hill Music HERE, a Denver institution which features roots music.  Toots is widely credited for coining the term reggae and will be turning 70 in December, which makes him about three months older than The SC.  I attended a Toots concert in

Instagram photo by Ari Seth Cohen of Advanced Style HERE. This is the final post related to my New York adventure.  The memories will remain in my heart forever, as I grieve in empathy from afar the losses that so many have experienced since hurricane Sandy's brutal strike.  And now another storm has hit the East Coast at the most vulnerable of times. Fortunately my friends are safe, but I know how stressful and traumatic it is to be part of any disaster. My heart goes out to everyone in the affected area. The SC was thrilled to spend a

As New York and the East Coast were pummeled by a huge and devastating storm and now its aftermath, my thoughts have been with the many wonderfully spirited and generous people that I spent time with just a few short weeks ago.  I'm hoping that all are safe and that the days ahead provide the help that is needed for everyone to thrive and recover from this overwhelming crisis. Somehow all of these connections feel more dear in the face of adversity. The Luncheon Hosted by Carol Markel The SC caught the bus with Debra Rapoport, enveloped in her wrap

This photo was taken on the street after meeting the Idiosyncratic Fashionistas for cocktails and a bite to eat at Kittchai, a Thai Restaurant in the hotel 60 Thompson Street, on the day after the Fab Over Fifty Fashion Show. I was drawn to its lack of focus which evolved into the photo below, depicting the three of us appearing in a swirl which reflected our outfits. Tequila Minsky HERE stopped us on the street and took photos with our cameras in this graffiti covered doorway.  For a focused photo and commentary on our evening escapade, check out the Idiosyncratic Fashionistas

The SC chose the pink headpiece with bow, created by friend and Denver milliner Erin Saboe of Go Go Chapeaux HERE, to accompany her downtown and uptown on a Friday in Manhattan. Thank you to my friend Jackie for the generous offer of a place to stay on the Upper West Side during the first part of my NY adventure.  Stunning, with a great sense of style and humor, and a warm heart, Jackie expressed that her apartment has become my intermittent East Coast closet. I met my dear friend Carl at the Gandhi Statue in Union Square.  We've known each

Photo by Ari Seth Cohen and posted on Advanced Style HERE From the left, Valerie and Jean of the Idiosyncratic Fashionistas HERE; The SC; Debra Rapoport, artist who works with the visual and healing arts and Shelley of the Forest City Fashionista HERE. Check out the links to the Idiosyncratic Fashionistas and the Forest City Fashionista, who write brilliantly about the Manhattan Vintage Show, including the lunch before the show, which was filled with laughter and 'blogger talk.'  An incredible and unforgettable day spent with talented and generous people who all believe in living life to its fullest at any age.

The SC has returned home to Denver after an unforgettable adventure in NYC.  I was thrilled and honored to be on Ari Seth Cohen's revolutionary blog Advanced Style HERE and to give the 'Crone Cone Crown' an outing in Manhattan.   I am in the process of integrating many new experiences and savoring the memories that will be with me always. Photos by Ari Seth Cohen I will be sharing the high points which occurred on a daily basis in the city of wonders as I immerse myself in my sanctuary here in Denver.  I look forward to catching up and

Photo by Ari Seth Cohen of Advanced Style HERE. The SC with Debra Rapoport. Lipstick and hats! Ari Seth Cohen and Debra Rapoport having fun on the Upper West Side. Sunnies and hats! Ari's shoe is a piece of art! Visiting NYC from Vancouver, the beautiful Mary Wallace Poole (on the left), reader of Advanced Style HERE and SC, ran into us as we were playing at Lynn Dell's Off Broadway Boutique HERE, and generously sent her photos. I'm loving my gypsy life!

The SC in Marla Wynne's brown reversible jacket and black tunic top which can be worn upside down, as shown in this photo. Participating in the Marla Wynne Fashion Show at blogger Geri Brin's Fab Over Fifty Bash HERE at The Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC was thrilling and fun and for The SC the event created extraordinary memories.  The models wore pieces designed by Marla Wynn HERE and personalized her elegant creations with their own accessories and background elements. I will be blogging primarily with photos during this trip in 'gypsy mode' as I savor each moment, focus on the

The SC purchased six panels of vintage pale pink silk satin drapery with crystal trim at an estate sale over 15 years ago for next to nothing and they were recently rediscovered during my organizing efforts. My brilliant designer friend Barbara HERE made a dream become reality, creating graceful folds of silk satin and crystal and with the inclusion of sheers, my bedroom wall with its window and door to the veranda continues to have me catching my breath as I enter the room that is my sanctuary. In celebration of the new look of my bedroom, The SC threw on

  The SC discovered this black/red straw Patricia Underwood hat at an estate sale about a year ago.  As I walked into the closet of the bedroom in the home where the sale was taking place, I noticed a number of hat boxes that reminded me of the black and white striped boxes that we provided for every hat that walked out the door of our 1980's hat shop.  And then my eyes fell on the three hats sitting on the boxes.  They were indeed from our shop; I recognized each and every one as though becoming reacquainted with old

Lunch with Patti of Not Dead Yet Style HERE  (Patti's photo). As soon as I knew I was going to Florida, I checked in to see if Patti lived within striking distance of my location.  I was thrilled to hear that it was possible to meet for lunch.  One of the high points of my trip was meeting Patti, who was even more beautiful, witty and fun in person.  We discovered that we had much in common, including our careers in the mental health field and a love for digging deeply into issues.  Thank you Patti, for taking time out

Estate sale vintage black rayon crepe dress with snaps (before the zipper replaced buttons HERE) on the veranda with junk store metal screen as background. 'Shiny' estate sale earrings! Crone face with multicolored stretch sequined beret/cap. Crone feet with vintage silver heeled sandals. Photos by Diana. The SC has traveled to Florida in her quest to solve the issue of negative thought patterns which inhabit the brain.  Keeping the pedal to the metal in search of peace and a release of inner barriers to all of life's gifts and abundance.  Why leave a stone unturned! Linking up with Patti's Visible Monday

Now that I'm one year and 4 months removed from the day of Nelson's death, I'm aware that my perspective on life is and has been changing as time passes.  I'm clear that I no longer have the daily experience of bathing in the pool of acceptance that I appreciated during my years with him. I'm going to have to find my own body of water to float in.  As I move in this direction I notice that the waves can be turbulent or the water peaceful and as still as stone. The shore is in the distance, covered with

  The SC was inspired by this 60's off-white tower of straw which has been providing entertainment from its perch in the hat room for several years.  It was purchased at an estate sale and I've often wondered about the mysteries and adventures that had been absorbed in the past by this crown of glory.  How could I honor its splendor with an outfit that reflected its collection of neutrals, including the slivers of black in its wide ribbon trim?  So with my tongue in my cheek, I set out on the journey of creating an ensemble for the love

Vintage green beaded hat with satin trim - gifted and worn previously on SC HERE, vintage olive green lace dress over vintage navy blue silk satin slip and jewelry - estate sales, YSL olive green fabric chunky heeled slides - Buffalo Exchange. The SC was headed south on Broadway when she drove by the new Buffalo Exchange, which had recently moved.  I came to a screeching halt and ran in for a quick scan.  I came upon these olive green YSL's, and for some reason I remembered the olive green lace dress, which had been waiting for an outing for

  Sun spots collecting on red scarf with tiger print straw hat. Photos by Diana in the midst of the party. This past weekend The SC attended a retirement party for a dear friend who owns a home with her partner in the  mountains.  Susan was a professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Denver, and the gathering included many of us who had worked as therapists in the 70's at mental health centers in Denver and the surrounding areas.  The 'mental health sense of humor' that I have missed with all my heart was abundant

Photos by Diana Vintage multi-colored cotton dress as tunic HERE, vintage earrings and bangles - estate sales, vintage yellow straw toque HERE - Buffalo Exchange, black yoga pants/leggings, orange peep toe heels - summer retail sale several years ago, black obi. The current guest room was Camille's domain when she was growing up.  The chosen color for this room is a soft melon  which changes in intensity and tone depending on the lighting and the time of day.  The SC temporarily threw a white antique tablecloth on the antique iron bed and embellished the space with a mannequin. I continue to

The SC spotted this armoire while helping a friend move her booth out of an antique mall which was closing the end of May.  This Art Nouveau piece was in the space next to my friend's booth and I admired its beauty with the thought that it would make a great accessory closet.  It was discounted at $250 from the original $800.  I decided not to purchase it, but the next day the owner called me and made an offer of $20 if I would pick it up and take it off her hands.  I couldn't resist what I viewed

Photos by Diana Vintage straw sun hat with fruit trim - gifted,  cotton multicolored orange scarf - NYC street vendor, neutral cotton cropped pants and tank top - consignment shops, vintage fruit earrings and multiple bangles - estate sales, heeled sandals with fruit trim - summer retail sale years ago. The SC might as well consider orange a neutral, similar to leopard print.  I love to coordinate small and large amounts of this vibrant and powerful color.  In this instance a large cotton and verging on sheer scarf has the ability to function in multiple ways.  It can be transformed