It started with an Instagram post that I saw yesterday morning. A lovely ensemble showcasing my kind of sweater. The sweater read “jolie”. It’s beautiful. The “jolie” sweater is from the Maison Scotch & Soda website.
I want that sweater! It spoke to me. It told me that I’m “jolie” brunette!
So, I went on the Maison Scotch & Soda website and clicked on “women” in the menu bar. There were no women photographed. The correct verbiage should have been “young women” because throughout the entire site there was not one photo of an actual “woman”—you know, a lady over 30 or 40 or older. In fact, I never see any older women on hip clothing sites. We are still thought of as old farts.
This is a woman according to Scotch & Soda..
So’s this…
…and this. They are girls. Women are older. Stop advertising “women” when you don’t show older women!
I’m observing more and more these days that surveys are for fools! Another moronic survey showed that women should stop wearing jeans at the age of 53. 53!!! What idiot came up with the idea of that survey anyway? I’ll bet that it was someone very young who looks awful in jeans—one who has an older aunt or mother who rocks the jeans. Jealousy is not a good thing. Don’t hate on the older woman because she is more beautiful or because she wears the tighter denim better! I’m proof. I wrote about it here!
62 year old mommy rocks the jeans.
And no matter what kind of jeans you wear…Happy Mother’s Day!!!
This morning while I was getting ready, I had an “aha” moment. Why do they call it “putting on my face” and “doing my hair”?
In my case, it’s “doing my face” and “putting on my hair”. I much prefer my way!
Hi there! I just did my face. ….
…and I put on my hair! It’s so much easier to put my hair on rather than “do” it these days!
Why are the lines in our face called “wrinkles”? Clothing gets wrinkled. It gets wrinkled because of the way we move and sit and sweat and all sorts of things add to wrinkled clothing.
Excuse me? I don’t have wrinkles. My clothes have wrinkles and I iron them out. My face has lines of wisdom!
Our facial lines are “earned” over the years. They should be called “lines of wisdom”. Don’t you think that is much more “aging friendly” than wrinkles? “With age comes wisdom” as the saying goes—and so, with age comes wisdom lines!
Why do the French women get all the credit for fashion? I like to take a few fashion tips from French men! Many Frenchmen wear their suits just a hair short of being too small, and the fit is incredible. My tomgirl looks are inspired by both Frenchmen and French military looks!
Yeah. That’s right! I like to take my fashion tips from Frenchmen instead of French women. Gaspard Ulliel can rock the scarf in that suit. The middle guy–I dunno who he is but the sweater with the suit….and Romain Duris in that tweed is making me want winter back. Notice how none of them are wearing ties!
I saw this military ensemble at Invalides in Paris. I’m inspired by Military Fashion. This is an actual uniform that the other Bonaparte wore. I wanted to steal it out of the display case. My Bonaparte walked away from me when I tried! I would wear this and I would wear the hat too!
How come every fashion blogger is obsessed with looking down at their pigeon-toed feet. I’ve observed this horrific trend too many times. Note to bloggers. You look ridiculous with the pigeon-toed pose. Turn your damned feet out and stand like a normal person for chrissakes! No female over the age of two should pose like that. Not now. Not ever. Never!
Oh! Look At Me! I’m so bashfull-0f-myself and demure–that’s why I take photos of me in dopey poses like this and display them all over the blogosphere! Let me get a better look at my feet turned in as though there is something wrong with them. Damn. I think I just killed a ladybug with those turned in toes!
I’ve also observed that I will refer to those little chin whiskers as “displaced eyelashes”. It sounds better. And perhaps I can save up enough of those little “displaced eyelashes” on my chin to make a strip or two of fake eyelashes. Then they won’t be “fake” eyelashes but real eyelashes that can be placed back onto my eyelids with glue!
These aren’t lashes. They are chin hairs that I had made into eyelashes. Just kidding!!! But I’m thinking that maybe I should collect those “displaced” lashes and do this!!
Yesterday I was at Michael’s Arts and Craft’s store. Two women were in front of me and were given “Senior” discounts. When it was my turn to pay, I asked if I could have the Senior discount. The guy didn’t believe me and I had to show proof of age. While I was a bit happy about it, I started to think about that discount. “Seniors” are students. They are usually in high school or college.
I’m not a senior. The name should be changed from “Senior” discount to “Life Earned” discount. We earned that discount from all the trials and tribulations we’ve been through during our lives. At a certain age, we shouldn’t be called “Senior” Citizens. We’re citizens like everyone else. Stop labeling.
This illustration is such a pathetic insult to all men and women over the age of 60. We all aren’t gray hairs with ill-fitting clothing. This literally makes me ill. Ageism at it’s worst! And the older women that I DO know with gray hair have it styled very chic and current!
Why is organ meat called “offal” when it’s really delicious and quite good? It isn’t offal—it’s delicious!
Yum. Yum. I make kidneys in a Cognac Cream Mustard sauce and they are delicious. Why is it called offal when it’s offally good?
I’ve also observed a lack of kindness and compassion toward each other lately. I’m not going to get political here but you know what I’m talking about. Let’s start by signaling when you are moving from lane to lane in your car.
That is so true. Be considerate of others. Be a kind driver and USE YA BLINKAH!!!
Or saying, “excuse me” if you need to pass someone by who may be standing in front of a store display and pondering whether to buy something. It’s the trivial things that count.
Ellen is correct–but lately, I have not observed this and miss it!
Let’s try to observe more kindness!
What have you observed lately? Tell me, please!
Another thing I’ve observed is that the May weather hasn’t been that great so far. I was back to heavier clothing this week. Have an observation on what I wore during the week!
Monday I wore my Frenchman tomgirl look. Unfortunately within three seconds of getting dressed I stained my white shirt. Do Frenchmen stain their shirts?
Tuesday was cold but sunny–I don’t know why I took a photo of my sunroom but it was back to wearing cold-weather pants.
On Wednesday, I “springed” this look by getting rid of the black tights I wore during the winter. I love this look with bare legs. My two girls, Dorothy and Ruby are always with me!
Thursday was lady-dress day. A dress that didn’t fit for a long time is now fitting nicely..
Jeans Friday had me honoring all college graduates by wearing a UT Longhorn tee. My oldest son, Jake, is a UT graduate. Let me tell you, this tee is Oona’s from when she was in middle school and this shirt was way too small for me. I wore a blazer over it! Like my makeup case???
Observing and looking. Here’s a great song from the very underrated Robert Palmer who left us too young. And I must say, he may not be a Frenchman, but he looked mighty fine in a suit!
On suits; I´ve noticed every time I´ve been to the US that American men, especially business guys, wear ENORMOUS suits that looks like they are trying to look like little boys in their fathers suits. Why is that American suit-thing???? They boys at my office here in Stockholm go the other way, they have so tight trousers they are not hiding ANYthing…Well, I´m old enough to be their mom (most of them), so I´m allowed to say. And ofc we are mostly more casual at the office than Americans and English, I guess. I have to say I enjoy that French style, with a suit and a stubble, was just drawling, sorry I meant googling, Vincent Cassel…
Hi Angelin! Yes. In the USA, everything is bigger–especially the men’s suits! It’s atrocious! Thank God in Heaven my sons dress with a more European way when they are in suits. I don’t understand the huge fit at all. It isn’t attractive–it is sloppy! Vincent Cassel is quite the looker! I’m very fond of GaspardUlliel and ….Jean Dujardin and Omar Sy and ……XOXOxOxO!!!
You are so much fun! I have to ask I live in Wisconsin – beer – cheese and cheeseheads! Alot of us are under the impression that the French do not like Americans. Esp when we go to France, is this true or false? I mean I would not think so, but alot of my friends are under this impression! Thanks !!!!
Hi Debe! Cheeseheads rule!!!! And no. The French do not dislike Americans at all. What the French do not like is rudeness and loudness. I’ve been in shops where many Americans displayed both entitlement and arrogance. The French don’t like that. All they want is for people to be polite. That’s it. When entering an establishment say “Bonjour” and when leaving say “Au Revoir”. Very simple. We don’t seem to do that here in the States and it’s sad. The French also love when you make an attempt to speak their language. I’ve made many friends and have had tremendous luck in my attempts to speak the language.They appreciate the effort and when they see you try, then they speak English to you–makes life much easier!
It’s a sad stereotype that the French have with not liking Americans. The first time I visited France I was a bit nervous that they would not treat me too kindly. The thought was laid to rest within the first couple of hours. XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!
Dear Debe
As I do not know Americans, I would not say either that I know all the French. So take this with a pinch of salt. Why would you ever think that french would not love americans, I don’t see any reasons why or are there ???!!! There are french that do not love americans and others that do love them. The opposite is also true, like in everywhere else. But actually what french do not like is people bragging, show off (money, house, whatever) speaking too loud with too perfect hair (joking here) and no sense of humour or no culture. And what Catherine says about language, I think it is true everywhere: try to at least speak a little words in the native language, is shows that you … tried at least. But you are welcome to come visit and enjoy any trip you may have in the future in France (which means the whole France, not only part of Paris). French are no better nor worse than any other people. Just ‘in God we do not trust”. Catherine if that last sentence is too offensive, feel free to delete it but, for me, it really summarize the main difference between our cultures.
Hi Eve. That last sentence is NOT offensive. I’m a practicing Catholic. My faith is very important to me. My faith has NOTHING to do with politics. My belief is give God a break. He has no right to be in politics. To put God in politics is rude, arrogant and offensive to those who are not Christian and who do not believe. I think religious beliefs are very private. And in America, the Republican party USES God. My God wants healthcare for all. The Republicans do not. My God is a loving God. The one in the white house is a hater. I’ll leave it at that because I get too worked up. But no–your sentence is NOT offensive in any way!! XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!
Hi Debe, like the others who’ve replied to you, I can tell you that the French will just adore you if you attempt to speak their language – they really appreciate that. And I’ve been in a shop in France where an English woman was speaking loudly and very slowly IN ENGLISH asking for a stamp. Oh my! I translated and then when the woman had gone the shop-keeper and myself, we rolled our eyes and shrugged our shoulders!!! The French are lovely people.
Penny. I was in a similar situation where a very loud and spoiled American child caused quite an embarrassment in a small shop and was screaming very loudly to get help and when she didn’t get it (due to her behavior) she stormed out into the street yelling that she hated the French. I was mortified and relayed to the owner in my very best/worst French that I was sorry but not all Americans were like that. He was so sweet and immediately started speaking in English!!! Unreal how some people behave. But I can tell you if that had been my child, I would have gotten into some very public discipline!!!
Catherine,
Yes the fashion industry prefers 20 years to model our over 50 fashion. I thought it’s hilarious how these youngins’ grace the “Mother of the Bride” section.
Great looks by the way!
Robin. You have no idea how that bothers me. I’ve gone through “mother of the bride” fashions–just in case my daughter gets engaged. And it drives me crazy to see young women dressed in bride mom ensembles–What is this? Mom Was a Pre-Teen Bride? Or Mom Was a Tramp When She Had Me? advertising???? Geez!! The industry needs to get with it!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
THANK YOU for the pigeon-toed stance shoutout – why do people do that??? It looks so ridiculous and it’s as annoying it can be. No one stands like that normally, do they???
Hi Bridget. OMG. That pose is something that grates on my last nerve. It’s offensive to intelligent and chic women everywhere. It’s vulgar and just plain dopey looking. What self-respecting woman poses like that?? I stand my ground on that one. It’s foolish looking and not cute. Not attractive. Not anything except ridiculous and unattractive! XXOXOXOXOXOXO!!!
I love the picture of you posing à la blogger 😂😂😂 Why do they all do that? I don’t get it. And why am I always coming across the phrase ‘anti-aging’? We all age, it’s part of life; get over it. Sorry, Catherine – bit of a Rant!!
Hi June. I can’t figure that ridiculous pose out either. I’ve actually unfollowed bloggers who pose like that. It’s insulting. If someone thinks that pose is cute they need to take a look at what real fashion is. It is an infantile pose and should be banned!! XOXOXOXOX!!!
Happy Mother’s Day! You look great – especially rocking those jeans!
Thank you Elizabeth!!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Common courtesy – does it really take that much of an effort? Just today I was approaching a cashier as was a MUCH younger female. I had one item, she had a cart. In my imaginary perfect world she would have said to me, “Please go ahead.” In my real world not only didn’t she offer but husband/boyfriend showed up to add more to the cart AND THEN they “needed” cigarettes! I was silently seething.
Hi Denise. Bad parenting. Entitlement. What kind of people do that? I’m sure they spend more money on cigs than on getting their teeth fixed!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
OMG you read my mind! And before anyone judges, former smoker speaking.
Ok, since it’s my dime, my experiences in France has been if one is polite and makes any attempt at civility it is reciprocated 10 times over. End of rant.
Loved so much about this post, Catherine. True that the website clothing stores have stick think models and hence does not translate clothing fit for a woman’s body (mine especially since I’m curvy). You look amazing in all of your outfits. I love the T with pearls. I often do that as well and seeing it on you confirms that it is a fun look that works. The MOM jeans—LOL. That was one of my fave SNL skits. They were quite the lady comedienne team. Cheers and thanks for a fun post 🙂
Catherine, you are a gem. You always make me laugh! I loved your observations! I’ve observed the same things about the ads showing only young women, unless you are looking at Chicos or Christopher and Banks, but why can’t they show some of those other stores with a few older models? You look amazing in all of your outfits! Thanks for sharing! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Happy Mother’s Day, Cathe…You are a very young “elder” and I always appreciate your taking a stand against ageism. We are Elders, not Elderly!!!
Thank you Liz!! I love being a young “elder” I’m an elderberry!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
I love the new term you’ve coined…”Elderberries”…perfect!
The middle guy is Guillaume Canet, hubby of the very beautiful Marion Cotillard. 🙂
And yes, the suits American men wear are just……ugh, and don’t get me started on the ties! So flashy and so, politely put, not elegant. At all!!
Love your term “wisdom lines”. Very apt.
One last thought on ageism. I think Brigitte Macron rocks at 64. She is so elegant and classy. I just wish the press and social media would leave her alone.
Hi B. OMG. That’s right! I thought he looked a bit familiar. My Fandar was not working! I’m a fan of the no tie look myself.
PLEASE!!! I’m trying to gather research in info on Brigitte Macron, I LOVE HER!! A First Lady I can admire!!!!! I’m hoping the French press is not too hard on her. Did you see how great she looked yesterday? OMG. She has killer legs!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Just look at any Vogue magazine – some of the ads show not young girls but very, very young girls – totally wrong!
Btw, the clothes you wore over the week just rock!
Hi Penny. Oh..some of those models are 13 years old. It’s vulgar and inappropriate! But then again, it’s Vogue–the National Inquirer of the rag trade thanks to Wintour’s obsession with z-list celebrities!! And thank you–I’m glad you enjoyed the clothing!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Yay Catherine ! cheering along with you over my morning coffee ( 8 a.m in the north of Scotland) ‘specially that pigeon toed s***, what IS that all about ? ‘ I’m a cute 2 year old ‘ , or ‘ my friend persuaded me to do this because I’m so cute, but I’m shy ???
French not liking Americans? Try being a Brit in Paris, Sacre blue with bells on ! I feel that I’m carrying the flag from Agincourt !
One quibble ( love that word) The guys in the pics are all young, slim and good looking , and seems like if you are not slim both sexes are alienated by style; ‘ a suit a whisker away from being too tight ‘ on a guy who is overweight ? Yeuch !
Being in the UK and therefore a hop and skip from Your favorite country I’m pretty au fait avec it, but still seems that skinny rules in the style dept. ( not moi )
J xx
Hi Jilly! Please–I remember being a young girl and if I ever slouched over my mother would have a fit. She was always yelling that I would become “round shouldered”. You can just imagine what her reaction would be if we stood pigeon toed!! You know, I like the word quibble too. I may just start using it!!
Hey, I won’t even buy trousers in France or anywhere in Europe because I’m still considered a bigger woman–and I lost a lot of weight! I hear you on that!!!! XOXOXO!!!
Had to laugh over your pigeon toed pose….what is that all about and why do they all do it ?
Stop wearing jeans at 53!! Hahah I don’t think anyone’s listening. I hate this so called advice, people should wear what the hell they like, ok so perhaps they may not look chic or ‘on trend’ (I bloody loathe that term) but are they actually hurting anyone one? No! So bog off and mind your own business people, we’re gonna wear what we like. Love those tartan trews!
Hi Fiona I can’t even explain what the fascination is with that pigeon toed pose. It seems to be a favored blogger pose and drives me batshit. That one from the show “Girls”, Lena Dunham poses that way all the time, I couldn’t even watch that show. Ugh!
Yeah–I’m definitely on the don’t-ever-tell-me-what-to-wear train!!!
I’m a fan of plaid. It’s my favorite color! I think it’s from years of school uniforms!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Where I live we have what is called a “Seniors Card”, which you can apply for once you turn 60 and no longer work full time, it makes you eligible for all sorts of discounts on things, public transport, medications that kind of thing. My father (70, looks about 45) find the whole thing hysterical, he applied for his the very first day he was eligible and is SHAMELESS about using it to ask for discounts everywhere, on his gym membership, in cafes, ski rentals, wineries, you name it, he has tried it, especially when it is somewhere that is shocked when they discover his actual age, he almost always gets his discount as well, even in places that don’t officially offer it. He says that he isn’t old, but if they give him the old person card he will use it!
http://www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au/
Q.D!! Hahahahaha! I love your dad’s way of thinking! When I found out that the “senior” discount at my local theatre started at 60 it was a good day. I never let them forget it when we go to the movies. Touche for your dad!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Same for Italian men….I noticed the men in the cities were fit, not overweight. And their suits fit oh so nicely. Also, I’m thrilled to report that when I couldn’t find my black jeans for a night out, my petite beauty of a 19 year old daughter offered me hers and they fit perfectly. And I’m 60! That felt like a win to me!
Ohhhh. Patricia!!! That your 19 year daughter offered you the jeans and they fit perfectly—is great!!!! Absolute greatness!!!! We need to rock on!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Love your look…always…old ladies…baloney…we are hot and talented and smart and stylish and well-versed in the ways of the world…yes, I just (had to) sign up for Medicare but AARP…hmmm…I threw the magazine in the trash and refuse to accept a subscription…but I do enjoy the movie Senior Discount…Family of 4 comprised of 2 senior tickets and 2 kids..perfect!
Jeanne. I’m telling you that senior movie discount is the greatest!! We love using it! I’m not a fan of the AARP magazine either. I think it’s boring and needs new life. I offered my services and was flat-out rejected–true story!! Can you believe it??? XOXOXOXO!!!
They are way too conservative for you…their loss…for sure. 🙂
Oh that pigeon-toed stance – arghhhhhhk! I can only imagine they have had a slight bladder-related moment, really they are too young to stand there bewildered over a puddle, if this is how they are at this age then by the time they are older, yikes…. Seriously, just no. The other look that used to really grate on me was the sticking the tongue out in photos, seriously – yuck.
As for travelling as a foreigner in Europe – say hello/bonjour/buongiorno whatever, smile, say thankyou/merci/grazie and smile. Don’t be loud, don’t be rude, don’t be too in your face, don’t be flashy – basically just like you’d want people to behave in your home town. Really there is no secret, no magic – you’ll be fine
Hi Juliet! Oh Dear God. The sticking out of the tongue.WTF is that anyway? When I think back to old-school glamorous model poses of the 1950’s and 60’s I’m flummoxed as to why the fashion industry dumbed down. I can’t even…
Yeah–my motto while traveling overseas has always been. Just be yourself. It’s gotten me quite far!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Love that Mom-jeans video, so funny! And Lines of Wisdom and Displaced Eyelashes? I totally agree. While we’re at it, how come men’s ear and nose hair, fat bellies pouring over tight belts and their pigeon toed feet are overlooked by society?? Ugh! I’ve noticed rudeness around too lately, and selfishness. Just a sign of the times I guess. Hope you had a nice Mother’s Day!
I heard about that jeans study when it came out. What a load of crap! I guess I’d better hurry and cram all my jean wearing into the next 5 months before my 54th birthday.
I’m with you on the pigeon-toed thing. Every time I see it, I think of this poor kid on my block growing up that had to wear leg braces to correct her severe pigeon toed problem. Wonder if tody she’s saying “darn it, there went my chance at a modelling career!” haha!
One of my observations – – almost every selfie I see is in a bathroom or a car. I get that the lighting may be good, but come on people – change it up a bit! 🙂
Hi Maid! OMG. Can you believe that survey? What next? We’ll have to wear paper bags over our heads. I can’t even. I had a cousin who had to weaXOXOXOXOXOXO!!!
I feel like I’ve just discovered gold. Atypical Gold! There were so many smiles and “AHA’s” in your blog for me. The pigeon-toed thing? AArgh! And the jeans?!? I did not see that survey, but you can be sure I’m not listening to that advice. My jeans are my go-to’s, and I especially like the ones with a bit of spandex to make them hug not droop. Here in Portland, Oregon, we plop some rain boots on with them and call it fashion. Or, well, I do anyway. Not going to change that just because I hit the 60+ marker. And now, leaving while laughing…
Hi Jude! Wow! I’m really glad that you discovered some Atypical Gold! All the friends who read are gems too!! You’ll have a great time here!!! Welcome aboard! Boots and jeans–yayah!! That’s fashion!! I’m delighted that you are not a fan of the pigeon-toed stance!!! XOXOXOXO!!!