Article #1: Always reserve the right to change your mind. It doesn’t matter if you’ve sung the same song for years, if you suddenly hear another tune, sing it. You have the right to change your mind or your tune.
A few years ago when I started thinking about turning 60, I began to envision myself with grey/white hair. It would be long and rippling, kind of like Yasmina Rossi’s, blowing in the wind as I walked down the beach. I would be in the best shape of my life because of course I’d be working out diligently. I’d wear cool, soft colors like pearl grey and amethyst to compliment the glorious, authentic me. I think I must have bored everyone close to me for months (and months!!) talking about it.
There was only one problem. My birthday was now a few weeks away and this vision never materialized. Maybe it was the occasional gloss I’d get to blend things together, or maybe it was just the fact that my natural hair is really a greyish/brownish color. I could even go so far as to say mousy. So, after wrestling with deep feelings regarding culture, aging and ageism, authenticity, and aesthetics, I decided to dye. I was really scared, too. I was terrified I’d hate it, have monstrous regrets, and feel totally disappointed in myself.
Well, I’m happy to report I don’t feel any of those things. In fact, I found myself excited about reaching in my closet for my beloved earth tones. Suddenly I have a new-old palette to play with, one I’d tended to put away as I embraced grey. Now don’t get me wrong, I’ll NEVER give up my silver jewelry and grey clothes etc. Today, though, I pulled out my “gold” jewelry to have fun with this warm wind that’s blowing. Of course, the wind can also be fickle, so I still reserve my rights. That’s one thing that won’t change.
Outfit details: Dress with attached scarf- Gaultier, purchased 10+ years ago (and under $70) at outlet store, red boots- thrifted in Portland OR, sweater- thrifted and ucycled, hat- local boutique, jewelry- thrifted and collected over the years. (My mom wore the necklace in the 1950′s.)
Come get your shine on at Patti’s Visible Monday and Monday Mingle. I’m heading over there right now.
Cheers for the right to change our minds! Your hair is completely gorgeous and suits you perfectly. I’m just a couple of years from 60 and would love to romp down the beach looking anything close to Yasmina Rossi : > Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday.
I knew the party had arrived when I saw your gorgeous mug. Love this post! Love you!
Girl, you look Ahhh-mazing! It’s a woman’s perogative to change her mind…or her hair color…or both!
Your style continues to inspire me with every post. One of the joys of being this age is that we have a lifetime of collected treasures, both ours and also from loved ones, that tell a story about who we are and where we came from.
I hope that your husband is enjoying the newest version of you! By the way…does your husband ever play in the Atlanta area? My husband and I are always looking for fun evenings out, and we would love to hear him play!
Indescribably chic! I’m in awe of how effortlessly beautiful your outfit, and you, are.
Spashionista (Alicia)
I can not overstate how much I LOVE those red boots. LOVE!
And colour looks great.
You hair looks gorgeous! And I know what you mean about wearing earth tones – when I quit dying my hair and decided to let the gray have its way, I pretty much quit wearing brown and beige. I like those earth tones, but not with gray hair and pale skin. It’s amazing how much hair color changes your whole look, and attitude, so it’s worth getting it right to suit you.
And, oooo, love the pretty red boots!
You look absolutely radiant my dear Jean!
You are most definitely a woman of inspiration, so classy and stylish. Great post with a fabulous message. I’m going to use this daily (although come to think of it, I probably have been using it most of my adult life). I agree with the others, love your choice of hair color, it looks so natural on you.
Hello Jean! You look glorious in these colors and drapey fabrics. I can also see you looking amazing in soft grey and amethyst with grey hair too. I can see you as gorgeous at 95 to be honest. And if you are still running around at that age those boots will be carrying you in style.
I sometimes think I need to narrow down my eclectic wardrobe or colors as I get older, especially after 50. But that only lasts for a short time.
I’ve been thinking of you in all your beautiful browns!! Whatever it is you’re doing, don’t stop. Why narrow down unless it’s a space issue.
Your hair colour looks fabulous! As do the earthy tones of your outfit. My mother dyes her hair and I fully expect I’ll be doing the same when I get to her age too. Love your red boots!
Your hair looks fantastic. I still love having dark hair and being able to wear glorious colour after years and years of black as it felt it suited blonde me better. So liberating.
The boots are ace but it’s the hat that has me in a spin, it’s stunning! x
You look fantastic in this ethno inspired style and your hair is fabulous!!
Yasmina Rossi looks great and when I read your thoughts on walking down the beach I was thinking of Diane Keaton in “Something’s Gotta Give” – my favourite movie!
Annette
Lady of Style
Jean, your hair looks so beautiful – and it’s your hair, you can do whatever you like with it! I am really pleased that YOU are happy with it, because that’s what matters. And Tamera is right, you do look particularly radiant.
I can’t tell you how much I live your dress, amazing colours and print (if you have any full length shots, will you post them, so I can admire and envy in equal measure?!) and the red boots are giving me jealousy pangs too…
Gorgeous outfit, gorgeous you! xxx
I guess I didn’t realize I didn’t post any pics standing up. I took some but apparently didn’t care for any of them. I’ll go back and reconsider.
I love this post and the concept that you so eloquently describe. The freedom to change one’s mind is invigorating. I admired your hair pre and post the decision that you made, and it looks gorgeous in the photos today. How fun it must be to pull out beloved pieces from the past that blend with you new choice. The dress is a piece of art, the boots are fabulous, and what a hat. Looks to me like approaching 60 suits you in every way.
The new hair colour is very flattering Jean! The gold jewellery and earth tones too. I love the pattern on the fabric, and the flowing lines. Your red boots are the best though – I’d try to steel them if I got anywhere near!
I do believe it’s always been a woman’s prerogative to change her mind back and forth as she pleases!
Loved your post. I’m in the over 60 group and I’ve often thought about letting the hair go natural (and for me that would be wildly curly as well as brown/grey). I’ve also thought that when that happens I’ll dress in flowy dresses and skirts — kind of an earth mother look. I’ve pushed the age of doing that to about 75 now and I wonder if I’ll rethink that when I get there. Nice to know that other women are having some of those same thoughts. You look fabulous in that dress and those boots are incredible! Here’s to keeping our brown hair for another decade or so!
Heather from Friendship, Life and Style
Your hair has got a wonderful color, you look fantastic!
The look of your hair brings out the beautiful colors of your dress even more. I love these colors and patterns. Good that you have changed your mind!
I remember when I was 30 I decided to be a lady and changed my wardrobe accordingly. Means I only wore dresses and skirt suits and ladylike high heels. I had the imagination that this was the right outfit for a lady of a certain age. I changed my mind after weeks and was happy I did it. And still I am.
Are you kidding me, I would never have guessed that you are 60 years old from your appearance! However, you reveal your age by being very wise and allow your self (and others) to change their minds! Love the accessory collection!
Jean you would look beautiful with any color of hair. You have that special je nes sais quoi that very few women have that makes you look spectacular in anything you wear.
While I am trying to get my hair to natural I too reserve the right to change it when and if I choose to do so. I fear mine is not near white enough throughout to make me happy. Your hair looks lovely.
Love the boots and her hair looks fantastic!
Love those red boots, too fab!
Its our natural born right to change our minds as often as possible if not life would be quite boring!
Great accessories and I love how you style your hair.
Absolutely love the boots! I think your hair looks amazing. And besides – you can always dye it grey if your dream decides to come back. Biology doesn’t always want to line up with our dreams, but hey you’re also free to change your dream! That’s the greatest part of life.
I think you should totally wear whatever makes you feel amazing.
(And no way I would have guessed your age!)
Wait…..you’re SIXTY????? Wow I’d have guessed you were in your forties!!!
Love the hair ! You would be gorgeous with any color hair!!!
As one who started greying at 15!!!! I’ve been every color there is! I’m now maybe a haircut away from going all natural ala Jamie Lee Curtis!
You go, Jean! Whatever makes you happy is good and you ALWAYS look lovely.
In my lifetime I’ve dyed everything from fibre to yarn to cloth to my underwear but for some reason, never my hair! It’s not fear because it’s just hair – it grows out exceptionally fast. I just never really felt inspired. (I think it kind of goes along with my never wearing makeup.) Of course now that it’s finally actually turning grey in my 60′s, I’m getting a different hair colour anyhow. Without the dye.
I think it’s important to embrace change and not feel tied to one particular look. It’s so much fun to experiment, and if it’s not a brilliant success, so what, lesson learned! I think you look lovely in the warm toned colours, but you can switch it up at any time. I still have a few hair colours I need to try before I let nature take its course (if I ever do…)
Loving all your fabulous arm candy!
Sorry I’m so late chiming in … your site came up as unavailable on my end day before yesterday.
Anyway … Among so many women that I know with excellent taste, you are very, very high on my list. So, your decisions, by definition, will always be amazing. I’m not nearly ready to stop coloring my hair, just because I love it this way. But the day may come, it may not. My mother, bless her, went gracefully platinum. That has not been my fate, so I stay red.
Did mention you look beautiful in hair and brighter ensemble. Your inate sense of the gorgeous serves you well, as always.
BTW, you look about 20 in these pics. How bad is that? NOT!
You are absolutely beautiful and in no way look like you could even be thinking about 60!! I love your hair!!
xoxo
Lynn
I am in TOTAL agreement with article #1. The right to change one’s mind about anything is absolutely essential…whether it be hair, clothes, job, whatever. You’ve obviously made the right choices. Your style is great and suits you just right.
Well, your hair looks fabulous and would ANY color!
Jean, you’re GORGEOUS!! How I love the bronze/brown/gold colours on you. I recently did my hair red, and I thought it looked ghastly. However, after a LOT of unsolicited compliments, I’ve come to accept that maybe it’s not so bad. Maybe I’ll even keep it for a while.
I think we’re getting better looking every year, don’t you?
Much love from England,
Rosemary from http://www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.blogspot.com