Photo: Calvin Lom
This month I decided to focus on red. Not because of Valentine’s Day or the usual sentimental attachment to the color, but more because I want to reflect on passion, adventure and maybe even a little danger. A crimson red that is the color of blood and fire, the edgy and a little bit dangerous side of red. I want to engage with the desire you feel in your belly when you are really turned on; by an idea, a person, a dream, an opportunity or a garment. Red is the color of extremes and that is what I feel like being. Red is assertive, daring and determined. Red gets your attention quickly and gets you to make a fast decision (think flashing red lights and fire trucks). Red stimulates us to take an action and gives us energy. Red is the color of revolution. Prabal Gurung calls red, “femininity with a bite”.
As January ends and we move into February my new beginnings are starting a month late. This month especially I will need every ounce of energy and vigor that one allegedly gets from exposure to red. As always there is NYFW, but I feel I have made some good choices about where to focus my time. Moving forward, I will be working with new representation who will be helping me build my business and expand my project. I have some interesting new collaborations. BTW thanks everyone for all the wonderful skincare suggestions! My work as a professor and as a cultural influencer are moving closer together, but new programs and distance education will be adding some new dimensions to the university side of things.
The most exciting passion project is the one I am doing with the New York School of Design’s Fashion Design Program. I will be taking classes in fashion design and construction and will be blogging and talking about it as I am doing it. A completely skills based approach, I will learn everything about designing and constructing a finished garment. Since my Re;Code story I have been obsessed with upcycling and have many ideas and designs in mind. This course and one that will be launched in the summer will give me all the tools I need to work on and produce my own designs. So hold on to your hats as this month promises to paint a big stroke of crimson across this ever evolving life!
How will you chase your desire during this month of red?
Living in Alaska proves a challenge to dress up as most clothing options are based on staying warm. With that in mind I grab every ounce of color I can to feel that I am participating. Nail color is essential to brighten my day, colorful gloves, hats, scarfs all part of the picture.
Pops of color like that can be even more powerful than an entire red garment.
I will have to steal moments from my work and family responsibilities to devote to my own creative projects as best as part can the next few weeks. But I will indeed do this! If not, I will wither on the vine!
Good for you, withering is not an option!
I’m pursuing my second passion for most of February- travelling to Malaysia ,Penang,and Singapore. Of course that means I have made a travel wardrobe of bright clothes ( which I will post on IG @sarahjw70), and will be absorbing the culture to stimulate future projects. ( Some fabric shopping will no doubt be included!)
I will follow your journey. Can’t wait to see the new creations!
I love it! Red in this way is just simply visible bot not screaming n the outfit.
That’s my “fine line” approach.
I’m a 45 year old woman and I feel that I dress pretty fashionably, seeing you today for the first time has inspired me I have dreaded getting old. I really thought I would have to change the way I looked and then my clothing I realize that I don’t have to !!! You are such an inspiration to me and I’m going to wear red this month in honor of you!!
thank you so much !
MJ Bates intuitive guide
Everything is about how you think, and that you can have control over!
I am going to wear red, because its Chinese New Year around the corner!
A very auspicious color indeed.
I just found you, quite by accident. I turned 60 a few months ago. I got dumped last Feb. right before V-day. I took myself on a 12 day cruise on Thanksgiving as a gift to myself. Before I discovered you, I had decided to cut my hair short and stop coloring it to see what my real color is. Seeing your photos and reading some of your thoughts, has inspired me even more. I look forward to the rest of my journey, and if I’m not wearing red physically, I can wear it in other ways. Through my ideas, my passions, and even in my sadness. After the 10th of this month, I will have survived the dreaded "last year at this time" phase. Now, well, we’ll just have to see. Thank you for being here for me to find this.
Great approach: to a setback and how to emotionally “wear” red.
I just happened to find you and I am delighted due to your courage to express yourself fashionable regardless of your age. I turned 54 last December.; I had always felt forever young and as I used to say "I was aging gracefully" . However, since my mother’s death on June 2016, I’ve been having a hard time looking at myself in the mirror . For the first time in my life, I have been feeling old. Looking through your pictures though makes me feel like taking a breath of fresh air. I am feeling like I want to wear a mini-dress today and I hope the 38 years old hunk I have my eyes set on get a glimpse of my gorgeous legs!
In addition, I must mention to you that my mom had an inborn talent. She was a natural seamstress like no other, she was gifted with creative intelligence. She would sew clothing for her dolls as a little girl. Therefore, I grew up with a mother who used to sew my clothing. Nonetheless, I never learned how to sew, but I grew up designing my own clothing since I was a little girl. Once I designed the piece of clothing I wanted my mom would take me shopping for the fabric and she would always buy the one I chose. Then , she would bring to live my creation and she was very happy doing so.
You might be thinking why I am bringing this up and I would tell you the reason why. A few nights ago, as I was reminiscing about my mom, I pulled out the sketch book and pencil and I designed three dresses and its respective fabric. And I was wondering what it would have been like if I would had gone into fashion design and what if I get into fashion design at this point in my life. You are saying, you are getting into fashion design and that sounds to me like a message from Heaven…. thank you for being yourself !
Sincerely,
LRP212
After a loss it is quite natural to feel depleted and not have energy, not to be confused with feeling old because then one gives in to stereotypes. What a wonderful way to honor your mom by taking a class in fashion or sewing and make your own designs come to life like she did. In this way loss makes way for life.
Love your vibe! And this latest lips coat – fogettaboutit ❣️
I’m dubbing you an honorary L.I.P.S. lady – http://www.texaslips.com
Perfect timing to find your inspirational blog! Thank you for being your fearless self and sharing with the world.
I’ve developed a strength these last 8 months since celebrating 51 years to say "Yes" to myself, and one major aspect of that is fashion. I love expressing myself through dressing. I’ve struggled with other’s opinions of my choices, working in a corporate setting is challenging in that respect. You have given me hope, and I’m finding I’m not as afraid of getting out there and being who I am. It no longer makes sense to me to not live my life while I’m alive!
Love the red! It’s my go-to color to break up my standard black, white, and grey wardrobe.
A good pop of red can capture attention in a understated but powerful way. Since I am still working as a professor and must often interact in a non-fashion world of conferences and meetings I have a standard: I dress to please myself in such a way that I do not look like anyone else in the room but as much as others may want to, they can never say I look “inappropriate”. I find it fun to find that line!
So glad I found you, I’m now a big fan!
I bought some red lipstick today…just because of you : ) I’m a big fan as well! I’m 47 and I’ve always tried to remain true to my style, even after having moved from NYC to the suburbs of California. However, my father died just 2 months ago and since then, I’ve just been feeling like maybe it was time to feel older and just stop trying when it comes to clothes, hair, makeup. I started wearing sneakers every day…all day…so unlike me! But then I came across your story and I found it (and you) so inspirational. I’m going to keep keeping on and hope you do as well. Thank you! I’m off to find my red pumps!
Sometimes even the smallest gesture, like a red lipstick, can pull our body back into living life. Grief is at times a very exhausting process. Taking care of oneself has to be part of it too.
Sorry for your loss Maria, mourning is healthy. However, having suffered loss as well in my life, I feel compelled to say channeling the good energy of the one you lost helps you pick yourself back up. When my sister passed, I thought of her vibrant energy and how she treated herself well, she was vibrant and lived life loud. I used that energy that we all lost and tried to do the same. It made me feel gifted and blessed for having her in my life. Best of luck. Hugs to you and yours.
Nice to meet you beautiful, I’ll start look for myself with better eyes. ?
All very exciting! Look forward to sharing the course through your blogs.
I am very excited, always heady to follow a dream!
I went through my stash and found some beautiful red wool I’ve been meaning to use for a long time
Can’t wait to hear what it becomes?
Love it!!!!???bless her??♥️
Lyn, you truly are such an inspiration! I’m 62, I believe for years I have tried to dress to fit in with the "man’s" group that I was with at the time but always felt like I was trying to be someone else. My husband has decided to leave, so I am learning to live with rejection. Now, I’m afraid of trying to figure out who I am, I don’t know what that looks like or even where to begin.
Fear not, Lorraine! Now is your opportunity to focus on yourself instead of all those others who thought they were so important. Celebrate the little things you notice that you do well (a list on the fridge works fine!) and make sure you do one unexpected thing every day. Speaking as a sister who got to the other side of that river, I’m saying it takes time, but it’s possible to leave the land of rejection far behind.
I just put on some red lips. You are an inspiration!
I don’t have any red daywear but I’m gonna go out and buy at least 3 good pieces before the weekend! My new beginnings are also starting a month late and I’m also in the midst of determining whether or not to let a long-term committed relationship – end. Looking forward to coming more to terms with my "Queenness" in 2018!
Lyn, I am 67 years old and am so happy to have found you! I don’t consider age when I pick my wardrobe; like you, I believe this is the best, most visible time of my life. Your outfits are spectacular in their boldness, their structure, their elegance. In tribute to you, I’m going to pull out my red and black checked pants and matching shirt, throw on a zebra print belt, and let my style flag fly!
I am a professional woman and lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., where Crimson and Cream reigns supreme! I love it that you’re celebrating RED this month outside of the obvious Valentines Day shtick, but inclusive of Go Red for Women/American Heart Association February movement. You Rock!
I have just discovered you and I love you and I think we are sisters. I totally get it!
OMG! I just found you and now you are my inspiration… I will be 64 next month but I feel 34. I also love the color red and all that it represents. I am looking forward to following you and reading your blogs.
My oldest daughter introduced me to your blog. I’m 62 years young. I’ve tried to dress conservatively so as not to embarrass my daughters in the past. They have since let me know of their unconditional love and support. Let the party begin.
Oh Elaine!! Welcome to the REST OF YOUR LIFE!!!
So delighted to find you! Keep on rock!
Best,
Christina @beautybossguru
You are a Real Fashion Icon!!! I work at Coach and am inspired by your fashion sense. I will be using your name and telling as many of our customers about you and your blog. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION!!!
Silly me, should have scrolled down more to see “comments.” Your blog is a first ever for me. Thanks for being you. I’m 65 and do not look my age. I’ve always been a rebel, fashion or otherwise. Moving to Paris I was deemed crazy (1989), now I live in Indonesia.
I’m looking forward to following your journey while I make it through my own.
Thanks, sister.
I came across your video today on facebook and am so inspired by you!!!! I have been a social worker for 20 years and was recently laid off . I have taken time off to figure out what my next steps will be. I will be turning 50 this year. Like you I love fashion. I dreamed about becoming a fashion designer as a teenager but never pursued it as it didn’t seem practical at the time. I also went to an all girl parochial high school where I spent many afternoons in detention due to my uniform violations ( earrings past the chin, thigh high socks, skirt length etc…) During this time of introspection and self care coming across your video, instagram pics and blog have been a source of excitement about what else is to come. Thank You for living your best life as it shows me there is hope for me yet!!!!
I came across a video about you today on Facebook, just like some of the comments below. I’m a professor in Tokyo, a profession and place that dictate we should wear drab colors or even a very boring black suit and plain white shirt with jewelry that has no stones in it. I never do that; my favorite dress is knit and red, I love sparkly jewelry, and I have such a passion for shoes my closet overflows. My colleagues hate it. I’m 34 years old but look 20, which makes me even less popular. But your blog reminds me of what my grandmother told me many times (she was my fashion icon): fashion has no age, being flashy is not being gaudy, pops of color are necessary to brighten our days and evoke emotion and excitement, fashion is stimulating and engaging. It does not distract, but inspires. I’ll definitely be watching your blog for inspiration from now on!! Please keep posting and being your wonderfully fashionable rebel self.
You look wonderful.
Wow! I just saw your video on FB and it stopped me cold. I’m a divorced mother of 3, as well as a 7th grade ELA teacher. I lived most of my life thinking very little of myself and my closet was sparse with blacks, grays, and beiges. I mixed and matched but never looked different. Since I divorced, I’ve discovered life again and pink attracted me. I was beginning to think I was being silly because i still felt so old and, quiet frankly, overweight. But you are so comfortable in your skin and having fun! Thank you. I guess it’s about being happy the way you are and simply expressing yourself. I love thrift shopping and I think it’s time to begin looking for clothes that make me feel better about myself! You are incredible! Once again, thank you.
Yes! Yes, to all of this. My life is certainly in sync with RED! I am going to incorporate the color into my passions and daily mundane-ness.
Thank you!
I’ve always had a couple of pairs of red shoes/boots and I find when I wear them that the energy starts to move through my body. And it pops so beautifully against white.
You are awesome!!! You inspire me!!
Getting red too! Super inspiration! Obrigada!
I came across your video on FB yesterday and you are so inspirational. I am a PhD student in Sweden and 67 years. Love black and white and some color added to it like strong pink or violet. Let February be a colorful month in all shades of red.
Wow I just lesion to your story . I am 64 I think and dress very much so out of my Box
I am learning about who I am because age is nothing but a# ### I Love it?
Hello Beautiful! I just found you. LOVE your passion! I think you woke me up! I am 42 amazing, passionate & boxed in… but working on that. FEBRUARY – I need to chase my RED by finally implementing ORGANIZED GRIT. I know BORING…. but I know in my core that this is what I need to prove to myself that I can achieve what I set my mind to! Thank you for making this the best Saturday Morning of 2018 thus far. ROCK ON. Janine Borgia-Perez
RED…YES red!! It is time for stirring the passions; I’m feeling it too. My passion is going into bringing out more of "me" through remodeling my home interior (on a tiny budget) to reflect more of my own style & personality. It’s been pushed aside & ignored, like an unloved step child, for far too long. From a FB post, I immediately recognized a kindred spirit so I leapt over to your blog and glad I did 😀
Happy to have you.
My home is filled with red tulips and I put on my red trousers , my home looks happy and I feel refreshed and inspired. Ruth London
You are the older sister I always wished I had! I am new to your blog and looking forward to discovering more about your fashion sense, your views on fashion and life, and your adventurous spirit!
Red…passionate, forbidding, exciting, vibrant … perfect against the gray days of Winter!
I’m also an English Language professor teaching ESP across departments (including Fashion Design) at an Arts Academy in Como. ITALY I would be delighted to have you lecturing our students or collaborating on a joint project….I am going to wear red this month, following your suggestions…if you "see red" after all, energy will come of it and I’ll sure find a way of channeling it into my work. You are an inspiring icon!
That sounds wonderful! Perhaps one day we can make it happen.
Please tell us who is the designer of this coat! If I am missing clothing credits, please tell me how to navigate site to find them! Thank you so much!
MSGM from several seasons ago. Most likely can only get it on eBay or on-line consignment.
OMG that jacket is incredible! And the way youve styled it is amazing as well.
Hayley xx
http://www.5ftlife.co.uk
All about having fun!
I am glad I’ve stumbled upon your blog. I’m 64 and you are a great inspiration. Thank you!
Even though you don’t make your own clothes where do you buy them? Or find them? Just curios . Thank you ?
How exciting, you learning how to create and make! Don’t be discouraged if you don’t succeed immediately when you start. Like all things, it needs a lot of practice to become perfect. But you just may be a natural.
Greetje