Hello again
Before anything else I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the wonderful comments you wrote in response to my last blog. I really appreciated you sharing your views on ageing (and FOGO) both the negatives and the positives. In fact, I felt so energised by these comments, and felt so much better about myself that at the end of the week I went out and crossed that blooming road by myself, and got on the bus on my own and was fine. I still had the stick but hey, that’s progress!
This blog post is all about a couple of decisions I’ve made – and the clothes I wear now the days are a bit cooler, but not on the day I wrote this as it’s really warm! It won’t last though. You get 4 seasons in one week here in the UK.
Yikes, first of all, last week I went to the gym for an introductory session, which was really nothing much at all. But I haven’t returned as yet as I had horrendous DOMS. Oooof, the aching muscles really, really kicked in, so much so that I did think at one point the gym was not for me, but hey, in fact talking to a couple of people, I think that means I need to go again. I will approach this, and the machines, very slowly, but reader, I want muscles, I need muscles and they need to be kickstarted into action. So will let you know how that goes.
When I returned from my cruise, and what with it being quite chilly weather, I looked at my wardrobe and went through it very thoroughly. At least half of my summer dresses had gone unworn throughout the entire summer months! So I decided which were the ones I really loved and which were the dresses that were tolerated as OK. This latter group went into storage to be sold next year. Then all the summer gear was put away and out came my winter gear.
I have decided that I really like the combination of black and white. So far more of my outfits will be based on the colour black. That colour goes well with my streak of white hair at the front. And I just love black skirts, so expect to see me wearing more of this colour.
I bought this new black skirt from M&S in the summer. It might look a tad conventional but I’ve worn it all through the summer and I shall wear it in the winter so I am getting my money’s worth.
Here it is with a summer tee.
Oh and grey, that is a colour I like too. I’ve had a great time looking for Autumn/Fall outer wear and here is a grey jacket I bought recently.
Take a look at the label – it’s Woolworths!
I can’t recall clothes being sold in Woolworths in the UK – can you? Anyway, I came upon this in my local charity shop (the Red Cross) and pounced as I knew it was not only a bargain at £12 but it felt so unworn. Here I am in our local independent cinema, the Depot.
The jacket has been worn nearly every single day since I bought it in late September, and I’ve teamed it here with my grey Zara skirt, which in the photo might appear to be culottes, but it’s not, it’s a balloon skirt and it sometimes looks this way. The Rieker boots were charity shopped last year and cost all of £8, and the black top is very old.
We saw Lee with Kate Winslet playing the muse and war photographer Lee Miller. The film has had mixed reviews, some good some bad, but I really liked the film. I must do a more regular film, tv and book blog.
As you can see I’ve still got the stick but it is so lightly used I feel I won’t need it quite soon. But it’s there if I need it and that’s really good. So if any of you are hesitating (as I was) at the very thought of using a stick. I’d say, go for it. It might help and that is such positive step to take.
That’s all for now, more Autumn/Fall clothes will be featured very soon!
With love, Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
Hello Penny
I am a long time follower, I love your attitude to life and clothing.
That Woolworths label is South African, our version of M and S, not related to your Woolworths.
Ah yes, I had heard that Woolworths continues to thrive in South Africa and is very like M&S. Amazing that the jacket turned up in the little town of Lewes!
Thanks Stephanie and so glad you are a long-term follower. It is good to meet you 😊
Dear Penny
I think your jacket may originate from South Africa.
Woolworths, or affectionately known as Woolies, is a store very, very similar to M&S. It sells food, clothes, home furniture and furnishings
Would be interesting to hear if anyone has made this connection
Regards
Lorna
Yes, that’s so interesting. You are one of 3 people so far who say they think the jacket must come from South Africa where Woolies continues to thrive. Now how on earth did it land up in a charity shop in Lewes, England!
Thanks Lorna 😊
Woolies is rather like M&S in NZ and Aus. I think SA also. Maybe your jacket is a world traveller?
Indeed, I now realise the jacket must have come from South Africa – so how didn’t it end up in a charity shop in Lewes! That’s a good long journey!
Thanks Sarah 😊
So glad you are feeling fitter, Penny. Only today I packed away my summer clothes & brought out my winter wardrobe, it’s getting to be really chilly here in Glasgow. I’m also a big fan of black but prefer it with beige. I like a long skirt with boots & I feel the long circular pleated skirts I’ve bought in the last couple of years will be worn lots this winter.
I agree with you about the film ‘Lee’ I thought it was excellent, as was Kate Winslett.
Yes, black with beige is quite the thing. I bet it looks nice on you. It’ll be chilly tomorrow and then…. who knows 🤣
Thanks so much Anne 😊
I’ve always liked grey and there was a time I had quite a lot of it in my closet. I still have some nowadays, several sweaters and tops as I find it pairs with a lot!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Hi Mireille and yes, grey is a very useful colour.
Thanks so much 😊
Hello, gorgeous Penny! I’m so glad to hear you were cheered enough by your fellow senior sisters that you ventured out, AND went to the gym! Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day, friend, and it’s CONSISTENCY that is the most important. 2 (working up to 3) lighter workouts a week are much more beneficial than 1 killer one. I had to Google “DOMS” – haha! Yes, soreness if REAL, but a super-hot bath with epsom salts does wonders. You WILL get those muscles back, you WILL be steady and mobile, and you WILL regain your confidence!
The grey blazer is a real find. I love wool blazers for showing off brooches on the lapels!
Oh yes, I agree, 2-3 workouts are better than one and I do 2 a week without fail. That’s my PT and our 1-2-1 which I very rarely ever miss, and then two days later I regularly do a Gentle Pilates which is far from gentle! So the gym is going to be a once-a-week visit. Will go this week on Friday. I haven’t got a bath anymore but had plenty of hot showers!!!
The grey blazer is great and yes, oversized but that’s really on trend at the moment. I wear it every day!!
Thanks Mary K 😊
Hi Penny, Happy that you’re feeling better and getting out more!
I really like the black and white combo — very flattering. But, while the grey jacket is beautiful, you’re so tiny, I think it overwhelms you. The seam where the jacket joins the sleeve is a couple inches beyond the edge of your shoulder, there’s a pleat of extra fabric down the front, and it appears to be too long. Maybe one of your lovely coats from last winter would set off the super skirt and top to a better effect.
Oh wow, fancy me being thought of as tiny as I’m 5’8″ and a UK size 14 with quite a big bust, a G or H cup, and quite a large waist, 32″. But yes I do have a narrow back and thin arms and legs, and small thin feet.
Anyway, the oversized look is quite on trend and if you think the jacket is big I have just bought an enormously oversized winter coat 🤣 I do still have my two very long winter coats. Although the weather is a bit cooler these days, it’s still not quite cold enough for a winter coat. Actually love wearing coats so can’t wait for those days!
Thanks Katji 😊
Love all of the blacks and also grey on you. Very, very smashing. They complement your hair color and complexion. A neutral palette really supports your style and fashion vibes! Your black dresses are always fabulous and I love the new blazer. They are all the rage now, and have always been a wardrobe staple. Keep that black! You can always add some small amount of color occasionally if you so desire.
Hope you will be losing the cane/stick very shortly. It seems like you are going at it with purpose. Very admirable. Just don’t overdo! I, too, have joined one of our senior gyms and am hopeful it will keep me going at 83 yo! I try to do some sort of exercise and/or activity every day but keep it slow. My doctor frowns on any device, and prefers targeted exercise and possibly injections if necessary. He has given me good advice for 30 years, so. I try to listen to him! I so enjoy your blog. Thanks for your efforts.
Thanks so much for the compliments on wearing blacks and greys. Definitely want to keep to that palette and yes I have many coloured accessories to spice up the colour.
And yes, the gym visit was quite a shock to my system and funnily enough I definitely didn’t overdo it on that first visit but it certainly had an effect! I’m going to email the person who did the introductory session to ask her advice. Meanwhile I have my PT and a 1-2-1 with her every week plus gentle Pilates class which definitely isn’t gentle. It’s just these machines used muscles I hadn’t been aware of!!!!! But will go very very slowly with them. Will go back Friday.
Thanks Claire 😊 and amazing to hear of your efforts too – well done you. You are quite the role model for me.
Actually an afterthought – you are very lucky to have a doctor for over 30 years. My GP doesn’t really know me and I think on my first visit to him earlier this year when I first talked to him about being wobbly – he just put me down as an older person and oh well, it was just my age. He was better this time.
So glad you are doing better Penny. I was intending to reply to your last blog post but it didn’t happen but so much of what you said resonated with me, even though you’ve got a few years on me (I’m 65). I’ve been feeling a bit adrift recently and a recent outing to Duxford made me realise how unfit I have (despite walking the dog and doing Pilates). At the moment, I am in a reflective phase, working out what will be best for me to bring a bit more zing to life. Meanwhile, I look forward to reading your next post (I always enjoy them so much).
Hi Sylvia and I think it is very positive to be in a reflective phase about one’s situation. It can only be good – here’s to more zing in your life. I’m sure you’ll work it out.
Thanks Sylvia 😊
Hello Penny
I so wanted to join the conversation last time when you needed a bit of propping up, but felt that I had so little to offer. Blessed with good health at 84 (and a half), I had no experiences to share or pearls of wisdom to pass on. As for the ageism industry you mentioned and how skewed the advice can be, I just ignore it! And I can honestly say, hand in heart, that in 40 years of volunteer work alongside mostly professional people – all younger, naturally! – I have never once been patronised. I feel valued and respected, which is lovely, but not something I take for granted and I never play the age card myself. What intrigued me was Kate’s vehement dislike of the phrase, “Bless you!” I use “Aw, bless you!” often. It’s my way of showing that I care or am sympathetic or even being humorous and implies no ageism at all. And neither do I infer anything ageist when it’s said to me. I’m sorry it drives her nuts as I think it’s a rather useful phrase.
Penny, it’s good to know that you’re in a better place now and I wish you well and those ladies who shared their own health issues a speedy recovery; I so admire the way you and they deal with issues head-on. My issue, if I have one, is that the day will come, as it will, when I need professional help and my answers to their questions will not be believed. “What meds are you on, dearie? (Now there’s ageism for you!) Me: “None.” Patronising Person: Hmm, I expect you are, dearie, you just don’t remember. Here, drink this, it’ll help you sleep…” Dear God! I swear I’ll smack ’em with my pension book! Seriously though, giving rational replies yet not being believed because of my age IS of concern to me. I’m thinking of wearing a medi-alert-type bracelet saying that I do have all my faculties, including a sharp tongue!
I do think keeping oneself occupied after retirement is key. Life doesn’t stop just because of a certain birthday. Me, I’m a keen reader, I write, I paint, I volunteer, I stay in close touch with family and friends, and I/we travel. And even at my late-age stage I’m still educating myself. I really envy Darby her upcoming lecture series. Next time I’m in New York I’m going to ask her to take me along!
Phew! All that and I haven’t mentioned your ‘new’ clothes yet! Now, black and white and grey: a greyt (sic) combination! Love the jacket, but not with that balloon skirt. And I think Katji’s right, it does overwhelm you a bit. I’ve just bought a jacket that’s too big for me but I’m 5’8″ and can get away with it. Right now, your jacket is wearing you rather than t’other way round. I know you just love it, so could you have it altered to fit? Then it, and you, would look a million dollars! Just saying…
Here’s me giving you advice when I’m thinking of taking yours and trying long(ish) skirts with tights and boots this winter. Of course, that would mean giving up my beloved jeans! But I’d get to keep my plaid shirts and plain sweatshirts! Whaddya think?
Zepherine x
PS Nearly forgot. Yes, I read I Bad About My Neck years ago. Good old Norah, eh? Bless her! (Sorry, Kate!)
You are such a role model for older women Zepherine and I so admire your get up and go spirit. More power to your elbow as the saying goes!
I totally agree that being engaged with life and doing some voluntary work is the key to a positive view of one’s own ageing. We are coming to the end of organising the Community Cinema and I definitely need another role – I am currently looking for something now.
The thing about the jacket is it is outer wear and I absolutely love it. I still have the nipped-in-waist jackets for wearing indoors. And in fact I have bought an enormously over-sized winter coat 🤣 and can’t wait to wear it!
I also feel slightly on edge when someone says, ‘Bless you’, we all have our likes and dislikes. But its definitely isn’t as bad as ‘ you are young for your age, or age is just another number’. Oof really can’t stand those phrases. There is a reality to ageing which we all have to face.
But thank you so much for contributing to this debate. It really has helped me and I hope it helps everyone else.
Thank you so much Zepherine and three cheers for getting out of your comfort zone and wearing a skirt – with leggings and/or tights of course 😀
I would love for you to be my guest Zepherine! Darby
Thank you, Darby, I’ll remember that!
Zepherine x
I am so very pleased you are feeling better and back to the confident Penny I met last November.
No surprise that I really like you in black and white. Personally I struggle with grey on me but it does suit you . I hope you don’t mind but I think the jacket seems a bit oversize for your frame.
I was also interested in how you got on at the gym . The muscle soreness is to be expected and I know from my experience will subside . Maybe the weight could be lower and slowly build up.
All the best Penny.
I shall take it easy when I return to the gym and will ask for advice. But I need to persevere – I promise to go slow!
The jacket is of course for outer wear and I still have my nipped-in-waist jackets for wearing inside. All I see around me are oversize jackets and coats and actually I have just bought an enormously over-sized coat 🤣 Can’t wait to wear it!
And yes to both black outfits and grey ones too! Thanks Jill 😊
I’m so glad you’re feeling better now, Penny! I think your feelings then and now are quite valid, and you expressed them so well. I love how your Zara skirt looks like one of Jill’s! You both have the same aesthetic, I think. I am glad to see I’m not the only one who really likes grey. I know many don’t and think it’s boring. I think it’s a blank canvas, much like white. I can’t wait to see your other purchases.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
I have another black skirt that is far more edgy – I’ll have to show everyone. Actually I’m going to be an IG 7-day skirt challenge starting soon, and as I have a large number of skirts I’ll just continue to show them. Looking forward to that.
And yes, I am feeling far more positive now – especially after reading the comments.
Thanks so much Marsha 😊
Dear Penny, So glad you are feeling better and more positive. I feel it’s all a matter of going with how you feel day to day. Some days I can walk vigorously round the shops or clean my flat top to toe and other days hardly get out of bed. I think that one of the huge benefits of being older is that we CAN please ourselves and just do what we feel like doing. Also I try to have a few nice things on the calendar to look forward to. Simple pleasures are the best , coffee with a friend ,a bunch of flowers or bar of chocolate . Looking forward to seeing your autumn outfits is one of them ! Best wishes from Judy in Brighton
Hi Judy and yes, we can choose to take it easy or not, it is very positive to be retired and able do pretty much what we want! I totally agree that one needs simple pleasures to look forward to. I particularly like the coffees with friends.
Thanks so much for your good wishes Judy – wishing you a good rest of the week 😊
I too like black and white and also grey Penny.
I like what you’re wearing. Glad you’re feeling better. Always lovely to hear your news xx
Yay and three cheers for black outfits – we can always add colourful accessories if we want to spice it up!
Thanks for the good wishes 😊
Hello Penny, I am so glad that you are feeling better. And thank you for your kind comments to me in your last blog. You can never go wrong with black. There is a notion that New Yorkers only wear black. I don’t actually live in Manhattan but in a surrounding suburb but I do wear a lot of black in fact, I just purchased a black ponte jacket from Eileen Fisher Renew. This is the second hand sector of this company. they have reputation of making sustainable woman’s clothing of good quality. they are not inexpensive but their pieces are an investment. I paid a lot less for the jacket than if I had bought it new. I did shorten the sleeves. I see it worn with my jeans to smarten them up without looking too severe. We continue to have such nice weather in my area, like an extended summer. Of curse the same cannot be said for the southern part of the country. I am sure you are aware of this. right now a second major storm is about to hit Florida. It is just unbelievable! My brother and his family live there and they were lucky that the first storm missed them but they may not be as fortunate this time.
My learning in retirement group has a film series as part of their program. This semester they are focusing on China and so the films will be from China or from Chinese directors. Hoping to go to the first one this Friday. As ever sending love from New York, Darby
Love the idea of the programme on Chinese film. As for the weather in the States. On re-reading this blog I actually felt rather foolish writing about our weather considering what Florida is going through. Us Brits, we never stop complaining about the weather – it’s a national trait. But our bad weather is not the same as elsewhere and especially your area of the world in the hurricane season. We are watching the news in horror as a second hurricane approaches and it sounds awful to have two hurricanes one after the other. But I also read about the Republican politicians who voted against funding FEMA – don’t understand that at all.
Oh interesting that New York women wear a lot of black. I aim to always have pop of colour though with the base of a black skirt.
Thanks so much Darby – take care and sending good wishes to your brother with the hope that he and many others stay safe 😊
Hi Penny, it’s good to read the words from other bloggers helped you bounce back. I love all your charity shops finds and have been perusing a few of them in the village here. I did buy a Harris Tweed cap for a few pounds and love it! When holidaying on the other side of the world it can be a good idea to check out these shops, especially when the weather turns cool and you’ve packed a few too many spring clothes! Take care and black and white really suit you x
I agree that looking at shops in other countries is fascinating. I even like looking at supermarkets for food types! I packed nothing but cool weather clothes for my cruise and never wore them and it was fascinating looking at Scandinavian clothing stores for some late summer gear – neutral colours were absolutely the key to wearing clothes there.
Thanks so much Debbie and so glad to hear you are loving visiting your granddaughter 😊
Black and white is a winner, always looks fresh and contemporary.
I’m with you on DOMS because I did a tough gym class this week and am suffering! But DOMS is good, our muscles remember and want more.
I remember Woolworth’s selling children’s clothes. I had a Ladybird dress from there.
Glad you were motivated by all the comments and went out on the bus.
I was motivated and am so much better now. Will be going back to the gym this afternoon – eek!
Apparently the consensus is that the jacket must have originated from South Africa where Woollies is an established store rather like M&S.
|Thanks Gail 😊
Firstly I love the outfit and secondly I didn’t know that it wasn’t our Woolworths as the first comment says! A great look and thanks for sharing on Chicandstylish Penny xx Jacqui
The skirt looks like trousers but I really like white and black