Right now I am sitting in a hotel room in Tokyo. Coming to Japan has been a long deferred dream. I think the calm and order of this culture is exactly what I need at this very frenetic moment.
My “re” word for the moment is to re(flect). 2018 has started with a flood of requests and this week a posted video that has resulted in a mass of new followers (welcome!) and a flood of emails and comments. In fact I had to put down the phone and take a break to stop and breathe but also to try and understand more about the cultural moment we are living in and what I might do with this platform that has drawn a crowd, so to speak.
i had my reset and feel clear about my priorities so that is not a concern but rather how do I remain engaged with my followers personally, not by using a bot or staff, as the numbers keep growing? Just as it is with my students, it is with and through my relationships that I grow and evolve and that in fact has been the case with my blog and my other social media.
That being said I will try and respond to all the emails and comments but it may take me awhile at least not until next week. In the meantime any ideas about efficient ways to engage are appreciated. I look forward to sharing my adventures in Tokyo and will have a really fun announcement about something that will be happening in February.
Thank you again for being wonderful.
Thank you for being an inspiration.?
I’d love to see pictures from Tokyo. I recently witnessed a new flood of your pictures on Pinterest and thought maybe you’re going through a new surge. What an interesting place to be in life. I can’t even really imagine it fully. But it sure is enjoyable to watch! You help a lot of people not fear age, myself included. We don’t have to meld into a vat of "sameness" and can keep discovering depths of ourselves with every year. Thank you for your work!
Re-surgence!!
For what it’s worth, a personal assistant is a wonderful asset to help get you through life. I totally understand wanting to keep interactions as sincere as possible. Maybe an assistant can help with the thousand other tasks so you have time to engage with people?
You are fabulous, thank you for sharing your ideas.
I am new to your blog. & I think it is wonderful that people are embracing their age with a sense of newness.
My question to you is
I can see that you dress youreself very well & with style. But what does a person do if they don’t have money to spend on expensive
Clothing ? Any feed back would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much. I found you through the video from HuffPost.
You are great, I love to be inspired in fashion and you are a damn good inspiration.
Thank you again.
I too saw you from the Huff post video. I am 27 years old and find your style and way of thinking very invigorating. I love what you stand for and what your representing! I look forward to see your next posts for February!
Love your Blog. 70 Years young, embracing Gray hair and art again. Thank you for being so inspirational <3
Hello! As other new followers to your blog, I came across the HuffPost feature about you. I feel a kinship to your aesthetic and style. During this new year, I’ve been rethinking about how much (clothes) I need or want in my life and if it will reflect who I am. (Maybe it was the Kondo article, I read.) Anyways, do you have a capsule wardrobe? If so what are those pieces that you find are essential?
I’m a new follower, Thanks for the welcome! You are so inspiring and I needed that right at this very moment. Thanks so much!
In a moment when women are refusing to be invisible, I appreciate your thoughtful and articulate connection to clothing, fashion, and style–an area where women have historically been consumers but also seen as fashion dolls. Remaining visible, engaged and even flamboyant beyond the age of 30, 50, 65 is necessary. Thank you for offering a delightful example of same.
I found you from the video too, and while I’m scared of aging, it’s because I turn 51 next week and my dad, mom, and 2 brothers died of health issues in their 50s. I’m pretty healthy and have a lifelong tendency to do the opposite of the rest of the family, but yeah. I need inspiration that the 50s aren’t scary!
I’m a new follower after seeing a video of you on FB. I’m 51 years young and when I grow up I want to be just like you!! You Rock!
Great to discover the woman behind the haircut photo i took to my hairdresser 6 months ago. Having an awesome bob ‘n’ undercut is empowering and finding you, a fab style icon older than me (i’m 50) is wonderful. Thanks for being public about yourself.
Saw you on FB. Read your About. OMG didn’t know I had a Twin!!
Love,
Woman living an interesting but ordinary life in Salzburg
Hello, I just saw your video in FB.
You inspire me.
I see myself in 20 years as you are today.
Thank you
I ran across your video on fb. I’ve always wanted to die young for fear of aging. Seeing you is changing that. But I have no fashion sense. How did you learn to do it? Help!
I love that you use fashion to display your confidence. I love confidence in any form when it is combined with generosity. Your generosity reminds me to keep sharing the strong parts of who I am. Thanks
I am new to your blog! It was your eyeglass frames that got me. I am just shy of 66 and refuse to be invisible as I age. Looking forward to your future style and creative fashion statements.
I learned of you through the video you referred to, and felt more encouraged than I have since I turned 50 in August of last year. I have never had an issues with birthdays until I hit 50. Suddenly I felt so invisible and irrelevant, and said so to some people close to me. I was pretty sad about it. I’ve been trying to look at 50 for all the positives it brings – wisdom, children who are mostly independent, memories. I have also been reading more and thinking more about how this could be an opportunity to express my skills and gifts in different ways. I immediately started following you on Instagram. While I would love for you to be my stylist, as I have no sense of fashion and tend to dress as if I’m trying to be invisible, what I am most attracted to is your attitude and outlook. Thank you so much for putting it out there. I look forward to learning about life (and fashion and hair) from you!
Your video is everything I’m feeling at 53. I have more wisdom and depth and gifts to share with the world and I’ve been asking for a sign for how I can make the most of this time in my life. Thank you for being you. I’m inspired to find my inner icon. You’re a beautiful soul! So happy I found your blog! 🙂
I’m glad to hear that you are visiting my hometown. I’m from Yoyogi, near Harajuku where you’ll love for sure. Be sure to enjoy all the new and old aspects of what the city offers. There is a vintage kimono shop called "Akari-ya" where you can find rare antique and vintage kimonos, my friend, Hamu-san would be happy to assist you there. Nihon-e-Yokoso! Tanoshinnde-kitekudasai! -Yuki Aida
Yup! I am one of the new followers and I can’t wait to discover more of me through your blogs.
I don’t know how you suddenly came across my screen Lynn. For the first time ever I have a strict routine. My first url in the morning is yours. Thinking…let’s see what crossed her mind.
I don’t think you could any way better engage with your followers than by wrting down what inspired you.
That’s enough.
thx
You are vivacious sassy and I love your free spirit……
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, reflections and revelations. I’m embrasing my 50’s and let go of my fabulous 40’s. You bring a sense of community, vivaciousness and individuality to my day. No fear just joy in living. You speak from the heart and create a visual delight that changes the perception of us women with silver in our hair and gold in our hearts.
Much love,
Pam
You will be my weekly homework !
Hi. I have been a follower for a year or so. I’m an older gal and love the opportunity to follow all age groups. I was lucky to be in Japan for 6 weeks with my husband and to also paint. It is a beautiful and surprising country. Have a wonderful respite. Love your postings! Thanks for being here.
Yeah, I miss Japan. Always. Toured there as a backup singer quite a few times in the ’90’s and early 2000’s. Don’t know if I could afford a trip on my own anymore, but what a delightful place on many levels. One time we had gigs in Japan for two weeks, then took a flight directly to Brazil for two weeks. The culture shock was amazing and melt downs occurred in spite of ourselves. The music director said, "No worries. We all are allowed one meltdown in Brazil." Haha Love your work!
Try to visit hot baths deep in the snowy mountains (towards the south of Japan). The south of Japan is very beautiful and a breaze from the hustle of Tokyo.
Enjoy!
I just turned 70 and am one of the youngest in my group of friends. We range from 70 -79 and we will not be ignored in this world. We travel, go to dinner and theatre, and even go dancing every Saturday unless something special is in the works. When we are out together, it is unbelievable how many younger women say they hope they are having as much fun in life as we are when they reach our ages. Life gets better and better if you let it.
One way to engage is to occasionally have a question/comment grab bag. Pick a couple of responses or emails and address them on a blog post(s). Overtime, as the responses grow, the blog post can then be turned into a FAQ page. Many times people ask the same or similar questions over again; before asking they will check your posts. For me, this is a valuable addition to a blog. Some bloggers eventually turn those posts into books and other products.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for this! A creative approach that is also practical and doable.
You are such an inspiration to me. You are sassy, beautiful and your heart is just as beautiful. Thank you for sharing
Someone in my Weight Watchers class in Fayetteville Arkansas told me to look you up so I have. I love that you are embracing life and inspiring us all. I love your title the accidental icon. I am 60 soon to be 61 on St. Patrick’s day and I really feel like I am 40. I take care of myself daily by trying to eat right and exercise and use high quality supplements that work!! I am excited to follow you. I have not been to Japan but every culture and country has culture to add to our world. ?❤️
I fell in love with Japanese aesthetics some years ago when I read a little book by Junichiro Tanizaki :"In praise of shadows" it’s a lovely book. We have on Television an english speaking japanese news channel where they also have cultural programmes: fashion, architecture etc .One programme is called :"the mark of beauty" it’s a delightful programme. It would be great to visit Japan one day. Enjoy your time there!
It’s great to meet you Lyn
Look forward to reading your content and following your exploits.
Lorrie Whittington
-x-
No se si podre visitar algún dia Japón, pero por favor tu haz lo posible por traer todo en tu mente y mostraslo poco a poco. Gracias.
I love that you are getting the attention to have a have voice for women in our age range. I admire your style, tenacity and fearlessness. You pull off the high fashion look beautifully. It’s not an easy task and not everyone our age has the confidence nor the style savvy that you have. I have been in the beauty business for over 40 years as a hairdresser and a small retail business owner. Through the years I have seen many changes, and unfortunately the beauty industry is still dominated by much younger people. Women our age have a voice to be heard, and women like yourself, hopefully will help all embrace getting older instead of fearing it. There is value in our years of experience of life that is something that can be looked forward to. I am happy to see you have found a way, although accidentally to help get a message out.
Thank you!
I appreciate your kind comments. I would like to say that I do not see myself as a voice for older women but rather a voice for all women regardless of their positionality. It is about resisting all categories and boxes that society may put you in that do not reflect your authentic self. Beauty and fashion should be for and enjoyed by all women and be a reflection of the person not the latest trend.
Found your Instagram posts which changed me in ways that I would not have thought possible but changes I was yearning for. It was the right time because I was on a journey of rebirth and transformation and your message resonates within my soul. Thank you.
Always amazing, Professor. I think running across you when I had was very timely in my own reflection and will look forward to how you move forward, as well as myself! Thanks for you!
I love your style and outlook on life so much and shall do my best to imitate you in every way possible! Keep up the good work x
From Marie
Your perspective on things always centers me. Thank you! Joanna
I just discovered you and I am on the verge of tears….you are a fierce being …your mentality resonates with me…you have given me something…. I can’t wait for the upcoming journey..thank you
You are such an inspiration. Love your style!
You just changed my life and my entire future perspective. You can’t imagine how grateful I’m to you. Thank you, Lyn.
~ Elisa
I saw your video today and I love you so much! I have recently embraced being Unique and know that everyone was made to be their unique self. I’m 61 and love where I am in life. I just plan to keep getting better and better. Mindset is so powerful!
Thank you, for letting me tag along. I don’t need an individual response. I just want to tag along on your journey and see the world, all aspects of it, through your eyes.
You are inspiring. After this weeks “milestone birthday”I needed to see that age is not limiting and that it does not define beauty, fashion and creativity expression. Your blog is fabulous! Thank you!
At 62, my life as a creative in advertising (where it’s a miracle if you can get a job after 45) came to a forced conclusion a few months ago. But: I’ve finally completed a script for a TV pilot, and am happier than I’ve been in years. I thought, ugh, the entertainment biz, I did that years ago as an actor, how on earth at THIS age could I do it from the writer’s room? But eff that! You’re right! "Aging" is finally having its moment. Your gorgeous video and blog and your infectious joie de vivre have inspired me to keep going. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
I just discovered you after seeing a video on Facebook. I will be 53 in July, and I have always wondered why we tell women to dress "age appropriate". What is age appropriate? I say screw that. Where what you feel comfortable in and what looks good on you! Glad to see someone else agrees with me. Fashion should not have rules.
Today was my first time of reading your blog and I absolutely love your style and spirit.
You inspire me.
I found you by accident. An that is a beautiful coincidence! Thank you!!
I love your style!
Good morning, I’m absolutely so thrilled to learn of you. A friend/Client sent your video to me. You are who I am and wish to grow to be. The video inspired me and I too hope to be where you are today… Thank you!! PS have you tried doing a podcast?
Leslie Slater
Greetings! I caught a glimpse of your style on the BuzzFeed News page–and I cannot express just how terrific the journey you are on is to someone like me. For so long I felt that the journey into the middle ages for women (particularly single professionals) seems one of entering increasing invisibility. Why? When did this happen? Is it me? Me, the perpetual graduate student, the career legal professional, the weekend art historian and foodie! Well–I find from your look and experiences that the choices I make need NOT include invisibility and relinquishing myself to the "shelf." You rock! Thank you for your inspirations!
Thank You! At 53, I find myself in the brink of re-invention. It is frightening, challenging, and wonderfully hopeful with endless possibility. Discovering your journey has given me this hope. Much Appreciation and Admiration!
Fondly,
Maggi
You are such an inspiration. As a 26 year old I don’t follow many blogs, don’t really see the point. But I love the concept of yours, you are really fearless and are showing the world how to break stereotypes.
My daughter brought your blog to my attention she said I would appreciate you. She was right your style is impeccable, edgy yet classic I love it! I appreciate the clothes you were, I’m a stylist not professional bet I definitely know it when I see it. You got that relationship with clothes.
I am so like you and you are so like me !!!
Just found you……my hero. Lyn you are who I want to be. Good lord I’m 80, better hurry up! Thank you for being such an inspiration.
My 64th birthday is in a few weeks. I am here. From now on! Look out Goodwill you are about to get a mountain of clothes!
Your message is pertinent to me at 72 — and I hope when I’m 80 as well. 🙂 I’m teaching a blogging workshop soon and will be adding your blog to my recommend list. Your blog and website are equally elegant and perfect for your target market.. Clever thinking!
Love your boldness! How do decide what to wear? At 55 I am wanting to enhance and strengthen my wardrobe. Thank you for the inspiration.
A very dear, long-time friend (who introduced my husband and me 20 years ago!) posted your blog on FB, saying you remind her of me…my curiosity won, of course…and she was right on the money! A kindred spirit, indeed. How refreshing. My age: 68. Another fan!
Yes, being courageous to try new things and has the confidence in yourself can lead to success, like what you’ve done. I’m 62 and never shy away to declare my age, always wearing bold prints, bright colors, though that not trendy. People make comments that I have a flair for putting things together with my fashion accessories (earrings, necklaces, bangles, pair shoes, and bags) I have been asked lots of times what is my secret. Nothing really! As long as I feel confident with what I put on, my confidence follows! I never throw things.Most of my clothes are old but since it’s hardly been worn, it still looks impeccable and new. Fashion just keep coming back, with a new twist! You certainly lifted the image of mature women that we can stand out, be a role model and empowered make us all proud and happy!
I hope everyone reads this because you express exactly how it is done and it most certainly is not about trends. When you start styling with the idea that you are like an artist and the clothes are your materials and you know who you are then you will look fabulous because dressing becomes a creative act. It is a method of expressing who you are. Added bonus is that you recycle your wardrobe and are being kind to the environment as well!
First of all, Lynn you have inspired me and have awakened an old passion in me! I am 64 years old and I have Parkinson’s. I don’t want this disease to define me as a person. I just won a scholarship to the 2018 Michael J Fox forum in Washington DC on Capital Hill. I have had the DBS surgery which has greatly improved my health and I am asking your advice on what to wear? I was 12 years old when I designed and made my own dress but I could not wear it because I handmade it! I didn’t have a sewing machine at that time. I did end up professionally making custom window treatments but my dream was to be a fashion designer. Reading your article but a spark of hope back into my life. Thank you for giving me hope and still a dream.
I stumbled across your blog, accidentally, but this is exactly me, inside. It’s only inside because I’ve been ill and presently still am. You let me know unequivocally that fashion is my way out…Pose me please
Hello Lyn, I appreciate your freshness. I also love how do you enjoy fashion. You are spectacular and a great example for those who think it is too late to wear a funny hat, go out for a walk feeling great. Have a great day. Your friend, Verónica from Mexico.
Loved the video that BuzzFeed did on you. It is so great to find people closer to my age that are still out to be themselves instead of conforming to what society thinks someone should be like. Finally someone to look up to again.
I just came across video on Facebook about you today! I love your style your words and the story of how accidental icon came about. I am approaching 52 and you have given me a glimpse of what I would like to strive toward… Different of course unique in my own thank you thank you thank you you are inspiring
I. Came across your video today on fb. I’m 60 going on 61. Always loved fashion and have always dressed as I like no matter what is in trend or age. I wear what I like and feel good in it. Thank you for being an advocate for us seniors.
You video was forwarded to me on my 56 th Birthday …. affirming my belief that age is just a number and not necessarily relevant to the way we feel inwardly and outwardly. With a healthy self love that begets confidence…. our influence on this planet? Unstoppable! Thank you for being you and reminding us we are all capable of being iconically beautiful in our own way!
A friend shared your video on FB and I was immediately inspired. I am 54 and have let my hair go natural silver for the past 3 years. It was a big step for me, as social norms prevent women from expressing their true selves. I have since received many compliments on not only the color but the cut as well. I now happily sport an undercut with a pixie edge. Love it. I am so glad more women in their 50s are realizing their inner beauty and their rebelliousness. You are an inspiration to me to continue expressing my inner wild woman. Thank you!
I understand how hard it is to respond to everyone. That’s okay. It’s simply wonderful to follow you.
I had so many thoughts about this that they became a blog post. Short answer, You do you. https://rodneyssaga.com/2018/02/10/state-of-the-blog-in-which-i-consider-responsibility-to-the-reader/
Thank you, very thoughtful post about the nature of this new space we are playing in.
So it is you who is responding when I comment on your IG photos! How utterly delightful. I wasn’t sure as I saw the massive numbers of people following you and thought, she can never answer all those personally. It made me think that becoming well-known is like two sides of a medal. Like you I was wondering whether I would still like it if I am constantly lacking time and being on devices all the time up to the point where I really cannot manage it any longer. I have no solution for you. Perhaps pick out the few that really make you stop? Not making a choice is just letting fate make the choice for you as you cannot handle thousands of comments.
Good luck dear.
Greetje
Hi! I’m a new follower after accidentally finding you. I’m 55 and have never looked or acted my age. As I’ve gotten older, I sometimes feel that I should be looking or acting a certain way – an “older” way, which seems foreign to me, as my mind, heart, and soul do not feel old. Sometimes I feel out of place in this new age of mine. I’m ok with the age, but I want to break free in a fashion sense that truly reflects what I feel like inside but I have felt inhibited to do so in fear that I will be looked at as not “acting my age”. I had my one and only child, my beautifully daughter, Brenna, at age 42. At 13, I believe she is partly responsible for keeping me young. But, after coming across your photos and your blog, I have been given new hope and inspiration that life and women my age are still vibrant, vital, and beautiful and I want to thank you for that. Keep inspiring us! And we, your followers, don’t expect you to be able to respond to every single one of us. We are just grateful for you blazing the path for us. Thank you.