Although I am going back to my basic black for this photo I am still committing to silk, flowing lines and a more sensual look than business as usual. Even in black I feel a kind of feminine sensibility that I want to keep indulging. I must confess it has been awhile since I felt this way. Never one to do more than slap some make-up on under poor lighting conditions, I have been doing some experimenting with beauty products in the pink family the results of which shall be revealed shortly. In short, paying more attention and care to the things that are “underneath” my clothes and on my face. This summer I have made the body that has been such a sturdy support in showcasing my clothing the star, rather than just the supporting cast.
I have been luxuriating in privileging this softer side. I wonder if it will follow me back to school or if I will revert back to the professor known for her “tough love”, hard edge and directness. I have been fantasizing about how much fun it would be if James Pecis styled my hair the way he did for the Oribe shoot and I walked in with my hair like that for the first day of class and the first faculty meeting of the year. I SO SO want to do that! Somehow I am feeling strongly that I am not returning as who I was when I left for the summer. Like a chameleon, I am not sure what color I will be until I enter the space. Not sure what social signals I will send. It will be an interesting evolution and makes thinking about going back and fall styling a more exciting proposition.
Has your environment ever made you become a style chameleon?
No matter my age, every time I returned to college (a class here, a class there) I slipped into a more casual way of dressing ~ less makeup, a simple hairdo, a ‘uniform’ of jeans, sweaters and boots! Turning 75 next month and currently in an acting class, wearing my uniform of course!!
Oh my I am actually blushing right now. Still see all this magic as accidental! But I am going to push it when I walk into that classroom.
Brava! Love to hear about your acting, I am actually thinking of taking an improv course as I am still feeling stiff when posing with anyone other than Calvin.
I used to be very much a corporate girl when I worked at the law firm and at the financial services firm which were both very corporate and I held a senior position so had to dress the part. When I then moved into a more casual environment, I seemed to be able to flirt with clothes and I dressed with the classic-yet-edgy style with a twist that was truly me. Now that I am self-employed I can totally express myself through my clothes with the same classic-but-edgy style and colour accents and offbeat and quirky little things that all add up to me – tattoos and purple streak in my very dark hair and all!
It will be interesting to see if you do, indeed, return to your no-nonsense all black for fall or whether some of the softness you have experimented with over the summer months remains with you. Regardless, your core personality and how you deal with your colleagues and students come fall will not change. However, the inner Lyn S. may be more accurately portrayed to the outside world and this is fitting and as it should be as we are all original and we are all entitled to promote and broadcast that originality through our outer dress. The world would be so visually boring and hum-drum if we were not allowed, or felt too constricted, to rock a personal style.
Enjoy your day Ms. Lyn! . . . and, by the way, my dear – I do not believe your status as an icon is accidental at all! Like the iconic Iris you were born an icon and we, your adoring admirers, are just now fortunate enough to enjoy it !
Oh my I am actually blushing right now. Still see all this magic as accidental! But I am going to push it when I walk into that classroom.
When I was in my fifties my grey hair was dyed very black and cut very short. Black moto jacket was my go to. I read a bit of David Deida (who otherwise annoys me) who stated that the essential feminine quality in all of us was radiance. I don’t know if that is true but I felt the call, let my silver come in and with it a new, grownup softness.
Thank you for being there as a brave and vulnerable voice who wonders and loves the questions.
Yes indeed, my students do confirm what you suggest and I have a collection of lovely cards, interesting gifts and emails from them that keeps me keeping on so to speak. However what I get from them is invaluable and that is the gift of remaining relevant and in the current cultural moment.
I remember it well perhaps the most liberating and transformative moment when one decides to let go and "go grey". Self-acceptance and freedom follow suit. Your story nourishes me.
When I was in my fifties my grey hair was dyed very black and cut very short. Black moto jacket was my go to. I read a bit of David Deida (who otherwise annoys me) who stated that the essential feminine quality in all of us was radiance. I don’t know if that is true but I felt the call, let my silver come in and with it a new, grownup softness.
Thank you for being there as a brave and vulnerable voice who wonders and loves the questions.
I remember it well perhaps the most liberating and transformative moment when one decides to let go and "go grey". Self-acceptance and freedom follow suit. Your story nourishes me.
Ahhhh, to have had you as one of my professors in college would have been a wonderful change from the norm! To be unique, adventuresome, edgy, and all your other unique fashion adjectives would have been extremely stimulating to my visual senses as well as my inquiring mind. Most likely, this, coupled with your "directness" and "tough love" would have brought out and encouraged my creativity. Indeed, this must be happening with your students! I encourage your chameleon side. Where will it lead to next and how will it compliment your black and white edgy persona? Can’t wait to keep reading and seeing!
Yes indeed, my students do confirm what you suggest and I have a collection of lovely cards, interesting gifts and emails from them that keeps me keeping on so to speak. However what I get from them is invaluable and that is the gift of remaining relevant and in the current cultural moment.
wow . this is how to look classy and stylish at same time 🙂
xoxo
Jillian – http://www.cupofcharisma.com
The versatility of silk!
wow . this is how to look classy and stylish at same time 🙂
xoxo
Jillian – http://www.cupofcharisma.com
The versatility of silk!
The thing is that you feel this at all. That is the exciting part for me. Go for the hair. I love this quote by Tilda Swinton I found on an IG account by __nitch (sorry it’s so long):
"Probably the only thing that interests me…is this question of identity and the question of transformation. I’m genuinely moved by the way in which all of us…play into this feeling that we have to pick one identity and stick with it, and any natural transformation within our spirit is to be resisted at all costs…and if there is some great shift in one’s life, one is to feel nothing but shame and failure… That moment of shift and doubt…that’s the thing I am constantly drawn back to."
Thank you so much for sending this. I feel "known" when I read this quote. What a muse!
The thing is that you feel this at all. That is the exciting part for me. Go for the hair. I love this quote by Tilda Swinton I found on an IG account by __nitch (sorry it’s so long):
"Probably the only thing that interests me…is this question of identity and the question of transformation. I’m genuinely moved by the way in which all of us…play into this feeling that we have to pick one identity and stick with it, and any natural transformation within our spirit is to be resisted at all costs…and if there is some great shift in one’s life, one is to feel nothing but shame and failure… That moment of shift and doubt…that’s the thing I am constantly drawn back to."
Thank you so much for sending this. I feel "known" when I read this quote. What a muse!
Ahh how lovely and refreshing are all of your posts my dear! You are forever a breath of fresh air … and always an inspiration!
I have just found you and I love you. I feel a bit of an affinity to you. I too am a "tough love" teacher (high school art) who is somewhat hard edged and definitely direct. Age, we are close (I’m older) years teaching 39. Uniforms and nuns all 16 years!! Franciscans, Benedictines and St. Josesph of the Carondelet. And…I love fashion.
So, I am enjoying your evolution and wish you much fun!!!
Oh such familiar names (when I was a child I wanted to be a nun).
I have just found you and I love you. I feel a bit of an affinity to you. I too am a "tough love" teacher (high school art) who is somewhat hard edged and definitely direct. Age, we are close (I’m older) years teaching 39. Uniforms and nuns all 16 years!! Franciscans, Benedictines and St. Josesph of the Carondelet. And…I love fashion.
So, I am enjoying your evolution and wish you much fun!!!
Oh such familiar names (when I was a child I wanted to be a nun).