Mature Fashion: New Website

Well, after almost 17 thousand views to this site, I will no longer be posting to RockMyAges.blogspot.com.  I have finally got all of the "RockMy.." blogs incorporated into one operating website "RockMyAges.Info".  Note that it is now Info, not Com.  Choose the button for Rock My Blog and you will see the blog with a slightly different look, but I really needed to make the change.

All the RockMy..sites will remain open to view but there is no anticipated new posts planned.

Happy Holidays, and remember-

RockMyAges.Info

Mature Fashion: Hats off to Hats!!

This post is dedicated to Judith Boyd, aka the Style Crone (I just SO love that name)!!

I also love her weekly (almost) posts to her website ( Stylecrone.com ) and would not willingly miss reading them. (she is a personal icon of mine, a woman who "Rocks her Age".

I happen to know that Judith is the same age as am I.  She also, ( as did I, )let her hair go to the silver tones instead of covering the grey sometime during this past year. Judith, (also in common with me,) adores hats; she has designed hats, models hats, and knows a great deal about them; her posts almost always show her in some relationship with a hat!!  Not in common with me, she appears to be able to wear any hat style of any kind (and does in her weekly posts).  I think that she believes that any woman can wear a hat; she just has to find the ones that are suitable for her!!

Anyone following my blogs (or the new website RockMyAges.Info -soon to replace this blog) has seen me in a variety of hats; they are my secret weapon for instantly allowing me to change from an "around the house" working uniform to a smartly styled woman who is comfortable anywhere she chooses to go.  Hats are also a year round method of protection from sun damage (I break out with almost any form of sun block, aloe vera dries my skin dreadfully and also can give me a pimple or two).  Hats also allow me instant control over my fine, fly-a-way hair that simple takes much too long to style for a quick trip to the hardware store, printer, etc.


I could not function the way that I do without my collection of hats; I have sixty-four of them which I use constantly. I wear hats in every season of the year and almost any time of the day, usually for some protection from the elements of heat, cold, or wind.

In the upper right hand corner you can see one of my little niches for hanging my fedoras (one of my favorite styles) and I try to have one of them for every type of occasion and ensemble.

My greatest challenge is finding ones that fit my "pin" head.  I almost wear a child's size, making many hats too big for me.  With 64 of them, you can tell that I have managed to find enough of them!!

Mature Fashion: NEW WEBSITE !!

Dear Fashionistas and Stylinistas!!  I am SO thrilled to be able to announce (after one whole year!) that RockMyAges will have one website, (and ONE blog)..not the five blogs that I have now!!  

By now I am sure you are aware that I have not been happy with WordPress, the host for the RockMyAges.com website.  I chose not to purchase a series of "add-ons", etc. and got zilch in technical support for what should have been minor installation issues, etc. My contract with them expired November 9th, and I wanted to move the site to eHost since I was so happy with their product when creating another site (LordPerryPatterns.com); I was able to keep the "RockMyAges" but WordPress would not release the .com. My new site is "RockMyAges.info" which I have already began building; a feat that could not be accomplished with WordPress during the entire past year!! (at least, not without expensive assistance).  I have almost got the new site completed but I still have a few kinks to work out.  I am already further ahead (3 days) with its structure than I was able to accomplish in a whole year with WordPress.  Please check out the site and let me know what you think....

For anyone who is looking to build a website, I heartily recommend  eHost.  (unpaid advertising from me, but I really am impressed...)

Mature Fashion: Elections, etc.

As I mentioned in my last post, I have been keeping myself very busy these days. In addition to spending a lot of time re-vitalizing my part time mail order business that I have had since 1994, LordPerryPatterns. (hibernating for several years for various priorities), All of these activities really demonstrate that  senior women can (and do) have rewarding lives well into their golden years, providing they feel good about themselves.  In this first picture we had a breakfast at the clubhouse to view changing of the new flag posted in front of the clubhouse and honor Veterans Day.

 

















Our nominating committee for our local HOA was also responsible for ballot counting, verification, etc. was also held the night of the national elections, Nov 8th. Here we are verifying the ballots just before the tally.

We also held the community boutique whose proceeds were jointly distributed between the scrapbook classes, jewelry class, and Hacienda Helping Hands, an outreach program for our senior citizens and at-risk one parent families.  You can just see my Lord Perry Pattern station in the background.  Vicki has a beautiful jewelry display in the center front.

As you can see, we had many wonderful items for sale. (You can see my Lord Perry sign in the background of the upper left hand corner).







Heidi makes the most wonderful cards (one of the activities taught in the scrapbook classes-one I want to learn how to do when my schedule permits.)  Naturally, I bought a few Thanksgiving and Christmas cards. BTW, doesn't her scarf look wonderful with her ombre hair?















Sandra is making sure that her booth is kept as tidy as possible.  The wonderful needlework included embroidered towels, knitted scarves, and lots of home designed quilts.  Sorry, I was unable to get a better picture of the auctioned quilt for that booths  fundraiser,but you can see it in the background of the picture below.

My good friend Sally was literally up almost all night baking, but it was really worth it; she is renowned in the neighborhood for her baking skills. This fundraiser is now an annual event.  This year was the third consecutive year and each year it is growing.  We now have to limit the number of tables available for crafts because we are almost out of room!

I would have liked to make more pictures but I did have to tend to my own booth.......

Mature Fashion: Busy, Busy, Busy..

Well, it has certainly been a hectic week!

I have been reprising my doll pattern mail order business over the last two weeks. I will be presenting my first show of this encore phase by presenting my patterns, some custom made doll jewelry (hand crafted by yours truly!), and have just mailed my first pattern order.

In this picture I am selecting two dolls for the next pattern I am releasing, the third in a series of the wives of King Henry VIII of England.  I have truly been working some very long hours trying to get the patterns ready (I have over 50 different patterns now).

As you can see, I have lost possession of my dining table, etc., while I am getting things done.  I envy my 'craft' room that I lost when moving to my 'retirement' home. (I also have straggling table,etc).

Of course, you can see that I am not alone while trying to get everything ready.  My treasured  "Jacque de leon" is helping me in his inimitable style.

Chores and activities seem to cluster at this time of year; it is also time for our annual home owners association nominations and elections.  I am one of the members of the nominating committee and am in attendance of this casual meeting (naturally, we have our snacks,etc.  This picture shows the chairwoman reading off the procedure we will be following in distributing, and processing of the ballots and  announcing the new board of directors.

Although L. was caught unawares, and it is not the most flattering pose, aren't the green and wine colors of her outfit  wonderful?

This picture was taken a bit later during the week when the membership met with the candidates who presented their personal credentials and

desires for his or her candidacy. (I caught this picture during the break-you can see in the picture that we take our election seriously)  No, although invited, I did not choose to run for the Board at this time.  I am simply too busy "Rocking My Age!"

Mature Fashion: Getting Ready for Winter

Well, Fall does seem to have officially "fell"; after two more days of blistering Indian Summer, we had two days of mild but breezy weather, and finally today is overcast and gloomy.

I am so glad that I was able to finish washing down the cushions and getting the shrubbery clipped before the rains (desperately needed).  I had a yard full of them and it took two days to wash them down properly and dry them before I could put them in storage for the winter.

We then started trimming all the dead wood from the row of shrubs along the house; so much of it had died with the harsh heat and the limited water allowance for outside landscaping.  Hopefully, we will get a lot of rain this fall, winter, and spring.

For storing the dried cushions and putting out the clippings for tomorrows re-cycling pickup, I am wearing a pair of my favorite Cherokee floral printed jeans (Tar-Jay, I believe), and a Faded Glory long sleeved tee (Wal-Mart).  My floral print sneakers are City Sneaks, and the floral scarf is hand made by me using a wonderful silk print I found at Britex in San Francisco, all  just perfect for this outside work( I tucked the edges in while working.

You can see how much dead wood had to be cut away to re-generate growth.  The handyman did the actual pruning as I am vertically challenged (and the pruning a little too difficult for my rotator cuff challenges), however, I added working gloves to my outfit and did the pick-up of dead wood, and of course, the sweeping.

Mature Fashion: :"No Fear Of Fashion"; A seriously great blog..

Well, today "RockMyAges" is writing about a fashion and lifestyle  blog "NoFearOfFashion.com," written by Greetje Kamminga, a Dutch website that fully demonstrates the principles of women of a certain age rocking that age with style and a great sense of fun.

"NoFearOfFashion.com" is a website I discovered and have been following for several weeks that I believe all mature fashion followers will want to follow, (if you don't already).  I am so enthusiastic about the site because Greetje (the only author) projects so very well the view that I have of a woman who "rocks age."  She exudes classic style with a fresh approach and a light and relaxed sense of current fashion in the outfits she wears.  I have been so impressed with the suitability of her fashion sense for my particular target audience; that of mature women who live somewhat average lives  and realize that life is not over when you reach the "golden years".

I also discovered "brocante", a new word to me; a "flea market", to most of us here in the USA. I have always wanted to go to the French flea markets but the timing has never been right for me.  Greetje's site is filled with delightful photographs (taken, I believe by her significant other) of these secondhand treasures (many of them appear to be costly vintage).  In every photograph of her and her seemingly extensive circle of friends, she effortlessly exhibits great personal style while demonstrating a woman can be both stylish while being comfortable. (Although, Danish in origin, not Dutch, Dansko, and American made SAS, Munro, Cole Haan, Brighton, etc.  have been worn for years by stylish equestrian, medical personnel, etc., and other career professionals who are on their feet a lot.)

I have saved several of Greetje's fashions to a board in my Pinterest account (NoFearFashion) because I have wanted to use her as a model for styling principles when discussing her body type and how she uses design to make the most of hers. I am petite at 5'2" inches and weight 130 at this time (I'm still working on that last 5 lbs; the good news is I have lost 4 pounds since the first of the year!) She, like me, tends to use herself in most of the photographs..(although, hint, hint, her friends are not too shy to be used in photos).

I also want to re-emphasize her use of comfort as well as style; any woman can still send the message that she cares about her public appearance yet be comfortable. Public appearance is all about respect, both self respect and respect to the environment in which they  are in; appropriateness is still a foundation principle of good manners. (DO many of our population really remember anything about manners....if they were ever taught any?)

I might point out that Greetje made an observation on her last trip to Paris as to how so many Europeans could spot most American tourists easily. Unfortunate, but true, these observations are based on lack of respect by the tourists for their host environment. Europeans do not treat their restaurants, museums, churches, etc. as locales appropriate for tennis shoes and t-shirts, or even observe such gestures as removing a cap in church; something every male should have learned as a boy.  Having traveled on several tours, etc. in Europe, I do know this is unfortunately true.

Obviously, this is not true of every American woman, but it is all too often true.  I have personally seen too many overweight women wearing shorts, tennis shoes, a baggy sweater tied around the waist, and a sloppy hat or cap.  Usually, these are the same people who complain about the "rudeness" of the (fill in the blanks...., etc.)  Also, the same who complain because there is not a coffee pot in their room (who SAYS coffee pots are supposed to be in ANY bedroom because Motel "6" offers it!!)  I have never been treated with anything but respect and consideration by the locals on any trip I have taken...but then I respect that I am a guest in another country and am not entitled to any special consideration other than that of a visitor. 

Anyway, this Dutch lady seems to really have it together on effortless but stylish dressing;  I already have a fair idea of how successfully she rocks her age.  I believe she is about nine years younger than I am, that she is self disciplined but not compulsive, has multiple interests, and is enjoying her life immensely.  I don't know her background, but I do know she understands design principles such as balance, proportion, color, textures, etc.  I also observe she knows how to use it to flatter her face, figure, and lifestyle; a really great role model.  She also publishes a delightful cyber site.  She has generously shared with me some advice to make the "RockMy.." sites better (I am a strong believer in continuous improvement!!)
I will be posting more about this on RockMyStyling.blogspot.com .

As always, I stress that the way a woman chooses to dress sends a message to everyone she meets; that message is non-verbal, as is +90% of all communication.  I believe in choosing my messages wisely.

To change the subject, yesterday was an errand day (car maintenance, some shopping,etc).  The weather was both chilly and hot, depending upon the time of day. I chose to wear my subdued shiny gold leather pants with the monochromatic Munro crossed vamp flats, a beige crocheted lace edged tank top, a St. John Santana  beige knit sweater jacket militarily trimmed in mid-nite blue.  Because so much beige close to my face would make me too sallow, I chose a heavy multi-colored agate necklace to wear between my face and jacket.  I further accessorized (a bit of my titled "steampunk circus"  look ) with a Don and Ed Hardy fantasy trimmed belt ...sorry, too far away in the picture for much detail....... I chose the Fossil bucket bag to compliment the colors of the necklaces.  

Mature Fashion: Styling Serendipity

Sandals in October?..you bet!!, 92 degrees when taken

A light bulb flashed over my head while I have been researching the fashion doll market for reviving Lord Perry Patterns...I have enjoyed this year of working with the style blogs although I plan on limiting them as I posted in my last blog.  I am a bit excited about working with the fashion dolls again as possibly a supplement to my retirement income, etc. as well as designing the new patterns, etc.  I am not sure yet if that will work out because the doll market is not what it used to be  (If that does not work out, it will at least be a hobby I enjoy!!).

Within my research I discovered that Mattel's Barbie has not only added dolls with a more realistic waistline, etc., they have actually added different body types!!..as a stylist and designer for the doll clothing, this will allow me to combine both hobbies.

I bought one of Mattel's "Curvy" Fashionista Barbies this morning;  I have had a great deal of fun choosing some fabrics and designing a modern pattern that will show this figure to advantage.  I may extend this hobby to designing the perfect "closet collection" for this doll.

It is always fun designing for the fashion dolls with the perfect figure (same as professional designers and their models with the figures who can wear absolutely anything and look great), however, having some fashion dolls with figure challenges is not only more realistic, it is certainly more challenging..  I think I am going to like this new "role".

Mature Fashion:Remembering the Goal

Although Oct, is it 88 degrees!!

Well, I certainly am BUSY!!  I am not quite sure yet whether all that I am doing is "Rocking My Ages" but I certainly do not have time to be bored nor to feel that I am losing my grip!! 

You every have one of those weeks where almost everything seems to go wrong?  I have actually had three in a row!   Hopefully, it won't continue through the month!!
First, a plumbing leak with a fix that costs over $100.00(plus parts), then a vacuum  injury that cannot seem to be fixed for less than $179.00 (??!! I can buy a new one for less than that!!), my cat scratched a hole in my screen door, (cost as yet unknown); then an apparent brake job that I have to have on my car, also cost unknown!! All this on a fixed retirement income. ARGHHHH...wish me luck.

I mentioned I am re-entering the fashion doll pattern business that I have owned since 1994 but has been in hibernation for the last several years;  I have created a web site (LordPerryPatterns.com) and will sell the patterns by mail order for those who are interested.  Although I have done doll shows in the past, I doubt I will do more than one or two a year.  It is simply too much physical effort to do that kind of traveling, set up, and dismantle.

I also maintain the five blogs regarding mature fashion, fitness, and styling.  Each of these will slowly become inactive as I have reached my own goal of setting a rhythm to my personal styling efforts;  I have, however, failed to reach the interaction I originally planned when I began the blogs.  I haven't figured it all out yet, but I will. I will be posting less frequently to all of the blogs, and probably will end up with just this one; after all, it is all about "Rocking Age".

I am also actively involved now in the local homeowners association and some of the activities offered in the club house (jewelry making, exercise class, etc.).  I really am beginning to spread myself a bit too thin and, as I titled this post, I must remember what I am trying to achieve.  Fortunately, I do understand priorities better these days, and am going to back off a bit. 

Mature Fashion: Rocking the Role

I have been asked a few times why I title my posts "mature fashion".  Although it is true that a certain age does not convey "maturity", and it is clear that this blog primarily addresses the concerns of people who are past the first blush of youth, it is meant for the "mature" woman, no matter what her age.  This blog is all about using the very important tools of image and fashion to send a positive message of pleasant maturity.  It is all about encouraging an older woman to feel wonderful about herself and secure in the fact that she is sending that message to the world; it is all about "Rocking age", no matter what the date of her birth.

As you know from previous posts, I have been adjusting to the different roles in this latest phase of my life.  It is uncertain that I will ever re-enter the 8 to 5 (or whatever scheduled hours) of the conventional work world.  One thing is for certain, I am not ready to "retire" to an existence of sweat pants, keeping track of who has the cleanest house on the block, coffee and cake gossip meets, the current aches and pains of the ladies circle, or the latest escapades (and competition) of grandchildren. Although any and all of those concerns may (or may not) be significant, it does not allow me to keep an expanded horizon; to use a phrase from one of my favorite bloggers I am "Not Dead Yet"!! Hopefully, my endeavors to once again "re-invent" myself for new roles that will serve me well in this latest phase of my life.

To begin this re-invention, I have joined the nominating committee of our local Homeowner Association; hopefully, I will get to know more of the people in the park, what the concerns are, and be able to contribute a bit to the community.  I am also in the process of re-vitalizing my mail order fashion doll business (Lord Perry Patterns -specializing in historical and special occasion patterns for 11 1/2 and for 16" inch fashion dolls such as the ever popular Barbie and Robert Tonner dolls such as Tyler Wentworth, etc.) that I began in 1994. I actually planned on that business becoming my retirement job back when I was a young 53 years old. 

This business was "put on hold" since 1997 because of family concerns that did not permit the necessary time for the business.  Because of that and return to my professional consulting job I did not have the time.   I attempted to return to the mail order business in 2011 but was unable to do so because of medical issues, (brain surgery, no less!)  moving, and other family issues as well as working part time in the retail furniture business that I enjoyed. 

Having interests that expand my life help me to "Rockmyage"; using fashion and style help me feel I am sending my message and help me achieve my goals in whatever endeavor I pursue.

Mature Fashion: More Little Things

layered collar and wide studded belt

The 2016 Fall/Winter fashion season is in full swing and it is important to remember that just a few little changes or additions to our favorite garments can give our wardrobe a fresh new look.  Ear cuffs, over/under and/or long dangle earrings, tassels,(anywhere,all kinds) chunky heels, menswear, layered collars, some transparency, wide belts, etc. Any of the above added creatively to an outfit can update a woman's personal clothing style and give a whole new flavor to her wardrobe.

One of the style benefits for the 40+ age group is just a touch or two of these trends gives a youthful appearance.  The younger stylinista usually will wear most of these trends (or fads) all at the same time and look great.  The woman of a more advanced age may look a little "off" if she wears too many "fashion forward" trends at once (it can also make one look like she is trying a little too hard)  Many stylists advise not wearing more than one or two "fashionable this season" accessories or garments at once, but one or two usually jazz up an outfit and make a woman feel fashionable and fashion forward.  A glance at "Rockmyrunwaay.blogspot.com" illustrates the trendy items I will be (am) wearing this fall and winter.  If my readers wish to review the "Rockmy.." posts to refresh your knowledge of the fall/winter trends, they are on that website.  Of course the fashion magazines are doing great editorials and a source of information if a stylinista is in the market for items to freshen the wardrobe.

I have been examining the runway shows on Vogue.com (thank you, thank you, Vogue!) for inspiration and knowledge of the spring/summer 2017 fads and trends.  I have already been inspired to create at least 30 outfits that I can create using the accessories and garments I already have in my closet, and I am not finished watching the shows of which I have interest!!  It will take a few weeks before I can post my own closet collections to the runway blog.  I am still in the process of curating my own closet based on what looks I want to adopt for next season. (I really love this part of styling..it is fun and it makes me feel that I am not defined by my age).

In general, I observe that black and white are punched up with a strong dash(es) of color, small gingham checks (two or more of them worn at one time) vertical stripes being worn with horizontal stripes in different colors, transparent and lingerie looks with a Victorian flavor (and very busy feathery volume).  The Bohemian (hippie) looks have a mid-Eastern flair along with the very long fringes and exotic jewelry -really more Gypsy than South-West...(hmm...come to think of it, Bohemian comes from the Gypsy culture, right?)...a lot of "dirt" colors in the roomy caftan comfortable looks. Many of the color combinations are more reminiscent of fall fabrics than spring/summer. Camo and snake patterns still going strong but are more subtle than these past seasons; an exception is Altuzarra look #3 (vogue.com) with the broad python pattern punched up with sprigs of  ripe cherries.

Comfort, worn stylishly, is very big for spring as shown on the runway; shoes are often comfortable clogs (patterned) or the slip-on "boater" canvas .  Atheleisure is very prominent and worn in many different ways; some good, some bad.

Satin fabric is EVERYWHERE, often worn with the transparency and laces.  Hot pants are very in (not that most of us will wear them-but a lot of the younger gals will wear them, -whether or not they look good in them!!)

One of the most noticeable features to me was the fanciful cosmetic and hair styling used on the runway this year.  Although always dramatic and forceful, I believe many of the "looks" are also futuristic as to where the styling is headed.  Although we have seen non traditional colors in nails, lips, eyes, etc., for several seasons (even great-grandmothers regularly paint their nails green, blue, and yellow, and striped), the use of color on ears, etc. and fantastic hairdos radiating the spectrum of the rainbow were much more in evidence.

Personally, I believe that we ladies "of a certain age" can have a lot of fun with our cosmetics beginning this fall/winter season; little changes to our lipstick routines is a great way to update our look and remain very elegant.  One of the simplest variations to our lipstick routine is rather than matching our lipstick to our outfit is to use a different but compatible color or use tone-on-tone shades. Although the dark stains our grand-daughters may be using this fall may not be complimentary to aging and thinning lip lines, a simple update is the ombre look (dark bleeding into light, or vice-versa, whichever best suits our lips) Subtle use of these techniques can and will create a youthful appearance when applied in a manner to suit the individual.  I can see some great possibilities for drama without looking like one's grand-daughter. (...aww come on...it doesn't hurt to give it a try..I know I am going to...)

Mature Fashion: Styling and Self Image

Some of my favorite styling ensembles are just the remix of old but favorite garments that already exist in my closet.  You may have noticed that the pictures on these blogs are often different than the ones I have shown in my seasonal "closet collections".  Naturally, that occurs because I continuously receive new inspiration throughout the season.  Although I curate my closet every season to make sure all the garments are appropriate for lifestyle, not too worn, and still work as to fit, color, etc., I want to make sure I have desirable ensembles that give a fresh new look to my wardrobe and "rock my age", what ever it is at the time and season.

Case in point is the ensemble to the left; I literally have had the blouse, necklace, hat, scarf, skirt, and shoes for a number of years. In fact, the black silk self embroidered blouse is over twenty years old, as is the scarf.  The classic Mabe pearl strand is over thirty, the hat over ten, and the shoes over fifteen.  I don't remember how old the skirt, but somewhere around five. I wore a dated Dooney Bourke slim shoulder strap handbag that is at least 25 years old. (I did add a clip on black leather tassel to add a trendy touch).

I bought the textured open weave tights last year to update the look of the classic sweater dress I wore for a winter function. Those tights alone updated that look, and once again, came to the rescue; that worn with the tie up black leather "boyfriend" oxfords and the addition of the flat brimmed (sorta) black straw  hat gave a fresh new look to garments that worn conventionally would have just looked outdated and rather "blah".

Of course, the added and very practical advantage is there is neither any expense or shopping time involved when you do a remix.  The only thing I have to remember is to make sure of using appropriate styling in both the use of jewelry and hair and cosmetic enhancements.  This ensemble would not "work" for me if I added very much jewelry (especially matching bracelets, rings, or earrings!) or if I wore conventional pump flats or heels.  I have no fear about looking my age, but I do not like to look "dated" or boring.

By the way, one proof that I did "rock my age" when I wore this was the number of compliments I received that day.  I had several errands to run, a visit to the doctor, and lunch in town. Literally, every place I visited I received an admiring comment; at the doctor's office a young woman (with her husband, no less) took the time to cross the room and lavishly praise the look.  Obviously, I felt very good about the message I was presenting....I knew I looked good, and I felt GREAT!

Mature Fashion: Maintaining a social network

This particular post reflects on the social networking of middle aged and senior citizens that may decrease suddenly as we age; each decade reminds us more significantly of the potential changes within our social network.  Loss of family, loss of friends, changes in work environments that affect human interaction and sense of personal purpose can become more muddled, etc., etc.  Good friends and peer family members who have experienced physical or emotional decline that no longer allow them to participate fully in the simple acts of day to day "living".

As you know from reading my blogs, I have experienced directly (or interaction with) most of these changes during the last few years.  Of course, I want to forestall (or prevent) as much of this as possible and "rock my age(s)".

I am thrilled to say that my involvement with some of the classes at my club house, involvement with some of the social activities has allowed me to meet and enjoy some delightful new people and making some new friends.  I have also devised a more planned approach to maintaining former activities with long time friends who no longer can share activities due to health issues.  I have also renewed and/or refreshed some of the skills and interests I have had over the years.

I am considering starting a "styling salon" at my home for some of my new acquaintance who are also interested in maintaining an up-to-date fashion and styling program.

The long silk leopard scarf worn in the above picture was given to me as a birthday present almost forty years ago; one of the main reason I collect quality and classic accessories, whether or not I will wear them during a particular season.

I am wearing it with Kors snakeskin printed cotton pants, Hanes long sleeve t-shirt, and Sam Edelman (Circus) silver flats.  Both are perfect "no nonsense" accessories for the practical "at home" ensemble.  It is also a great example of the timeliness of animal prints and timely luxury fabrics. 

The "Indianna Jones" flop hat, a Target purchase, keeps the broiling sun off my face.  For those who love and need hats as basic accessories, visit Stylecrone.com for Judith Boyd's stylish "hat attacks" for inventive and current ways to wear hats successfully.  I do agree with her view that everyone can wear hats; they just need to find the right kind.