Hi everyone
Whimsy is the theme of our monthly international collaboration and I put a question mark by the title as tbh, I really wasn’t sure what whimsy meant. It’s not a word I use all that much. So off I went to the ‘net (not having a dictionary to hand as of old) and looked ‘whimsy’ up.
Apparently, it is about playful, quaint or fanciful behaviour. Or a sudden thought and whim, that flicks into the mind. That segues into how someone might be perceived if one is whimsical – it could be seen as a way of behaving that is not serious and in a way that is either funny, quirky or even annoying.
Hmm, not sure the Brits use the word whimsy all that often – but quirky, yes we do use that word. So, if whimsy is the same as quirky (and not sure about this at all) where shall I go from here? This does make you think! Which is the whole point of our collaboration – well done Gail of Is This Mutton who started us off on this mission!
I don’t think I am a whimsical person as I don’t have sudden whims. For instance, over the last few months I’ve been stuck at home and all I was doing was surviving, although a couple of weeks back I was seized by the idea of booking a cruise for 2024. I do think one should seize the day, especially, as one gets older and go for it.
Did you know there’s a Museum of Whimsy in Astoria Oregon, and it appears that it is full to bursting with over-the-top artefacts. So, let’s think, could whimsy be used for a quirky whimsical style of living? This is definitely not about minimalistic style of living, which brings me to an aside. Minimalistic is how I like to live, with white walls, and white or bright colourful modern furniture – no brown and/or antique furniture for me, it’s too bulky and dark for a modern flat.
It was down-sizing to a 2-bedroomed apartment that made us get rid of so much of our furniture and other artefacts. Many people (both friends and relatives) told us we were mad to move to an older-person’s apartment (they’re for the over-55s) and often this riposte is because they cannot imagine getting rid of their beloved furniture and other meaningful articles and items. I would agree with one thing that I kind of regret getting rid of so many books – but books are creeping back, so it won’t be long before I have a large collection of books again.
And hey, a move and a down-size is about being open to change and being realistic about approaching older age. In fact, there is a lot of ageism in the rejection of this kind of housing and, would you believe it, there is some ageism in the way this kind of housing is promoted by the very people who run it! There are images of older people in their literature that horrify me as I have no intention of ever looking like those images. Why? Because I won’t ever dress in a boring way, I won’t do my hair in a boring way, I will wear amazing glasses, I won’t get over-weight, and I’ll wear over-the-top makeup, especially eye make-up, until I push up the daisies. Yes, there sure is an image problem amongst graphic designers and younger professionals when they think of older people.
In fact, I suppose I do have a quirky dress sense. But it isn’t whimsical and capricious (another word for whimsy) as I have thought a lot about my aspiration to dress in a quirky manner. This is possibly where I can look at my whimsical (?) quirky idea of how an aging old lady should look like!
I put that outfit on for my 74th birthday. The sequinned dress I wore for my 50th and have kept ever since waiting for an occasion to wear it. I’d say that was the occasion and that was a quirky outfit!
I do like a quirky hat and below here’s proof that I have worn it out and about 🙂
I remember there was some debate about the pink tote and whether I should have chosen a more neutral colour. I still like that pop of colour!
Here’s another quirky hat – but I’ve never worn it out. Where can I go to wear this one, I wonder?
I’m not sure about this skirt and and am on the verge of selling it, but I do love the tweed jacket and striped top – they work and will be kept.
Here’s another wool jacket but I think the skirt is better with a leather jacket.
I’m so glad to be back helping with Newhaven’s community cinema as I can wear this type of clothing every time we show a film. This beautiful skirt was worn a couple of months ago, and it will be worn many times.
And here I am in the cafe at the Hillcrest (where we show the films) wearing the skirt topped by an enormous black hoodie – it was winter!
That’s all I have for you re: whimsy! Tbh I was kind of flummoxed by the word and know that I’ve rather gone off piste with my ideas on whimsy or, as I see it, quirky!
But now it is time to introduce you to the other collaborators telling us their view on the subject.
First of all we have Debby from Deb’s World Debbie likes the mindset of a life of whimsy as it encourages us to step outside of the mundane and explore the possibilities of the impossible, to see the beauty in the unusual and the humour in the everyday. And isn’t that a great way to live?
Gail from Is This Mutton presents one of her favourite films as an excellent representation of Whimsy.
Michelle from Following My Muse shares Whimsy, The Art of Yarn Bombing
And finally, Mary Katherine from MK’s Adventures in Style is a big believer in the value of “whimsy” in life, and not taking yourself too seriously.
Wow! I think these contributors have absolutely nailed Whimsy and really ‘got’ that word – well done all of you!
That’s all for now. With love, Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
What a fun post Penny, you sure look good here. Do add this post to my link up today 🙏 have a super week too! Jacqui Mummabstylish xx
Hi Jacqui – thanks it was fun but also a challenge to think about whimsy as I don’t think we use that word much in the UK! But it is lovely to see the others writing about it – they really nailed it!
I have joined your link and thanks so much for hosting it 🙂
I love your take on Whimsy Penny and your outfits really are a great example of your whimsical chic-ness. I think quirky and whimsy go well together and your fashion style and reason d’etre are proof positive! I really enjoyed where you took us in your post and love that this linkup always brings out the differences and uniqueness of us all. Thanks also for your lovely comment about our positive collaboration – it’s great fun being involved with you all!. Debbie from debs-world.com
I loved your take Debbie as you understood this magical word as a mindset. Also your description of playing with your lovely grandchildren was so sweet and yes, magical. Loved the listening pod and the wavy bench.
It is so good to communicate our thoughts and views across the continents – it is fun to be doing this!
Btw, WordPress has not answered my request to sort out why certain blogs will not accept my password. Apparently this happens to a lot of people who describe this problem on the forums!!! Grrrrrr!!!!!
But hey I can communicate with you here – thanks Debbie 🙂
I do agree with you about the advertising of flats for older people- they are more off-putting than encouraging! I got rid of almost all my family antique furniture when I moved to a new house and the furniture wouldn’t fit – either in size or looks. Although it was a wrench it was also a very good thing in that I realised one shouldn’t become so attached to things like furniture. Now it’s time to move again to an even smaller dwelling, and I, like you am more worried about my large book collection than the furniture!
Ah yes, you too feel that way. We moved to a flat for older people in 2017 and I looked at many pieces of literature on this and they were all along the lines of, “helping your mother to move to our housing….”. WHAT! There was nothing about autonomous individuals making a decision to move, no, it was all about people who couldn’t make up their minds. Well, if it’s anything like any of my friends who have been in that situation, I know what helping your mother means. It means they took their mother to numerous flats and every time it was, no, thanks! I never pointed this out to anyone in our housing association, but really I should have.
Books are so important aren’t they? I think you could get rid of some (and maybe that’s not a bad idea) but that means you can also bring in newer books and that’s great. Furniture I can leave any time as I have already been through the clearing out of parents’ furniture and thinking should I keep this? The answer invariably, as they were lovers of what I think of as heavy or antique furniture, is that you get rid of it eventually as it is so not your style.
Thanks Angela 🙂
It’s very telling that you and I struggled with this prompt whereas the others simply embraced the concept of whimsical behaviour. Maybe it’s a British thing! I wondered if it was similar to eccentric, which of course is close (occasionally) to quirky.
I *love* that sequinned dress and the way you styled it.
On the subject of the way older people are portrayed in stock images, the Centre for Ageing Better (Twitter: @Ageing_Better) has made a whole library of more positive images available. I noticed, sadly, there weren’t any fashion type shots, but then The Bias Cut announced a collab where they were looking for older models for exactly this purpose. So hopefully we will start seeing more realistic representation soon.
Yes, I think us Brits embrace the word ‘eccentric’ and even ‘quirky’ but there’s a particular States take on whimsy which we hadn’t grasped and was so interesting to see and read about – it was great to learn more about it.
Glad I kept that sequinned dress – haven’t worn it since I was 50 but somehow kept it!
Geez the stock images I see in the communal laundry (the only communal thing we have in our current abode). I think never…….!
Don’t get rid of that grey skirt! Remember what support there was for you to buy it.
Oh wow, Nicky, thanks for the reminder – will aim to wear it at the community cinema in the summer.
I love this Penny and find you a great inspiration. I’m 47 and though I suit quite classic, Gap style clothes have started throwing in some quirky twists recently (mostly from charity shops) as well as embracing my grey and starting to grow my hair out. My favourite bit recently was a black fake fur jacket for £2.50, straw hat for the summer for £3 and gold foam sandals for a £1. All basically unworn. 👒🧥👡 I love wearing seeing hand clothes and it’s a good way to play with fashion without the investment of large sums of money.
I was a very formal dresser at your age and wore suits a lot. For the weekends it was always jeans, quite smart ones though! It’s only since I retired I’ve become quirky! So it’s interesting that you’ve started experimenting with your style far earlier than me, so Jen, who know how you will progress….! Wow, just think about it! Love the idea of that fake fur jacket. Thanks Jen 🙂
I love your style, Penny. And yes, I do think of it as a bit whimsical because you’re not interested in whether you dress like anyone else, whether your style is “age appropriate” (a term I really can’t use without gagging), or how your wardrobe is described. I mean your clothing could be as minimalist as your furnishings, but it’s definitely not. I love the sequined dress with the combat boots. Perfect! Quirky. Whimsical. 😄
Michelle
mybijoulife@pm.me
Whimsy isn’t a concept that we really use much here, but eccentric and quirky are almost day-to-day, so it was great to learn more about the States take on this word. Age appropriate, Oh NOOOO!
Will have to rethink my use of the sequinned dress as it’s been in the back of my closet for years! Maybe I should wear it at the community cinema!
Thanks so much Michelle 🙂
Whimsical and eclectic are 2 words I would think perfectly describe your sense of style. Your amazing sense of style. I love that you are wearing tulle and lace and combat boots in our shared season of life. I just ordered white ankle high cowboy (cowgirl?) boots to wear with dresses this summer. Hope I can pull them off half as well as you mix those fun textiles to create such fabulous outfits.
Oh wow, Leslie thank you for that and I love that you are going to wear white cowboy boots – they sound amazing – you take care 🙂
I loved your comments about Whimsy, and thought the hat you aren’t sure where to wear it, may I suggest that this hat is lovely but you need to add something to make it different, such as a lovely pin on the left side of the hat tucked into one of the folds. I add feathers and a pin to many of my hats, which I wear always when I go out. The weather in northern Oregon has been raining almost everyday, and I refuse to go out without a hat. I find that women should add a bit of jazz to their outfit to lift up your spirit. Love your comments and your selection of outfits.
Hi Barbara and it’s great to hear you always wear a hat! Also interesting to hear it rains a lot where you are as I get the impression that the States is mostly sunny and warm which is silly of me as of course the States is so big!! Thank you for the tip on that hat which I will wear with something added to it – yes, it’s an excellent idea, thanks again 🙂
I never embraced whimsical until I retired (or quirky…I definitely think that’s very similar). But now the term seems perfect for my moods and outfits. It’s very freeing not to be so serious and to enjoy life.
Booking the cruise is what I would consider whimsical…a vacation, yay!!
OOOXX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
My opinion? Don’t sell that ruffled tulle skirt. It’s so fabulous on you!!
I agree it’s very freeing to be quirky or whimsical. Three cheers for the cruise! Ah, the skirt – have decided to wear it in the summer at the community cinema. Thanks Jodie 🙂
An interesting post, Penny. I interpret “whimsical” to mean “fun”. And I think you nailed it in the outfits you selected for this post. I like that while you may have this fun aspect to fashion, you have a very serious take on politics. Lots of respect for you on that.
Here, in Southern California, I dress in a more minimalist manner…t-shirts, jeans, hoodies, neutral colors, etc. I do this to be taken more seriously. Does that even make sense? I want my appearance to make my statement for me. No, I’m not saying I want to look young. My grey hair gives that away. I want to say that I am current and aware.
Hmmm…this is good food for thought. This weekend, I’m trying to put together a whimsical item or two to wear to a fundraiser dinner for a local homeless shelter that our church supports. I would like a more light-hearted tone for the evening! Wish me luck in “shopping my closet”!
You write like you are regaining your energy and spirit! I’m glad for that!
Charlene H
Yes, I’m serious about politics and btw regularly read Heather Cox Richardson which is very enlightening and a big thank you for that.
I totally get what you’re saying about your style of dressing – it’s right for you. It’s nice though to be light-hearted occasionally. Enjoy your evening!
The energy comes and goes – the Covid thing lingers somewhat which is a nuisance but it’s nothing in comparison to some with Long Covid. Thanks Charlene and you take care 🙂
I have been thinking about this post since I read it yesterday. I don’t think I dress in a whimsical or even quirky way. I recently asked my daughter what she thought my style was and she told me mostly classic. I do try to add interesting touches but I think she is right. It is probably because I am a small person, we are talking just under 5 feet and under 100 lbs. For years I was a psychotherapist and for a while I was an administrator for a psychiatric ward. I needed to present as someone in authority. Now that I am retired I am a lot more casual but there are still a lot of basics in my wardrobe. I admire your style Penny as you seem to get it right. No one could ever call you boring but you are never over the top. I enjoy the blog Advanced Style, have for years, but as much as I admire the spirit of the site I find that the fashions are sometimes just too much, costume like. Where I am drawn to whimsey is in artwork. things that a a bit magical. often involving animals. example, a print I purchased from the artist a while ago, a cow and a sheep, dressed in their finest. they stand together in a lush landscape filled with flowers, a complete fantasy but I was quite taken with it.
As I get older I do think more about housing for older adults. I think we have not done a good job in this country, but that is another whole discussion. I remember visiting the mother of a friend who lived in local senior housing. The building was ugly, and the interior walls of the lobby were unadorned cinder bloc. It was a new construction and nothing was done to make it in any way appealing. And that is just the aesthetics, not even talking about care.
How good it is that you are back with the community cinema group where you can wear your unique outfits. Enjoy!
Love from New York, Darby
I think classic is absolutely the best for you and your lovely tiny size 🙂 We are all different which is why I don’t give any advice apart from wear what you want! And I totally get what you’re saying about Advanced Style. I also follow Style Crone on Facebook and Instagram – she’s such a beautiful 80yr-old but wow her clothes (and the others on Advanced Style) they’re way above my pocket and are rather extraordinary to say the least!
Yes, here it’s not just state run housing and care for older people that is dire, private care and housing can be dire too. We have just had a lot of publicity about mould and bad conditions in housing association buildings and not just for the elderly but those poorer people who have to rent. So they’re paying exorbitant prices for their ghastly housing. It’s not right, but hard to put right I think as landlords have been allowed to get away with it through lack of regulations around private housing. Going a bit off piste here but good aesthetics is key when considering housing and somehow we’ve lost that sense, that actually the Victorian philanthropists had in buckets.
To take my mind off the iniquities of this and the inequalities that exist here I’m off to sort my outfit for tonight at the community cinema. Thanks Derby – you take care 🙂
You know what’s funny about your post, Penny? I immediately thought of you and your clothing! I think you are, indeed, whimsical in the way you approach getting dressed. I think you should wear that glorious black hat with the skirt you’re not sure of…go out and about just anywhere. I’m betting you’ll get comments galore…the positive ones will be from the younger side, but I’m guessing some of their elders may also love it. That hat was meant for you (and, it’s very whimsical). I love it!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Ah yes, the big hat that I have never worn out – maybe I just should!!! Thanks so much Marsha 🙂
Not sure about ‘whimsy’ – sounds a bit hippy dippy to me & not for me at all. I agree with you about moving somewhere manageable before you have to. We had hoped to move in ’21 – I felt ready for a fresh start – but the illness intervened. Luckily we are in a bungalow anyway which we bought 19 years ago mostly for its location. It could do with a facelift now but not sure I have the energy. Although I feel perfectly well enough to go on a cruise we can’t get insurance so that’s out for now. I will have to live on the happy memories of previous trips! Your style is much more edgy than mine and in fact I’ve been wondering if I need a ‘refresh’. I’ve been watching some YT videos, mostly for a laugh, but I’ve come across the idea of letting your style ‘evolve’ and the need to be ‘relevant’ and ‘current’ if you want to be taken notice of. Not sure that this is what I want/need but it got me thinking. An idea for a future post perhaps?
To be honest, both Gail and I struggled with the word, ‘whimsy’ as it’s not used much here in the UK.
My experience with older people (as in my work experience) is that if you aren’t going to move and down-size then future-proofing your abode is the best option. As you’ve already got a single storey bungalow you’re right on the mark.
I think everyone’s style evolves as even those who say they don’t follow fashion are absolutely not wearing clothes from another age. I mean big shoulder pads? We don’t so everyone’s taste evolves. Yes, thanks, a good idea for the blog – when I have the energy as having a dip right now! Thanks Lynda 🙂