Now this post is for all of my soul sisters who are about my age:
And you know who you are.
;-)
As we SHOULD do with our homes, we should also do with OURSELVES:
To thine own self be true.
OUR TIME IS NOW.
THIS IS IT. NO MORE DRESS REHEARSALS.
LIGHTS. CAMERA. ACTION.
In other words......
Wear what you want!
Gone are the decades of the expected and accepted.
Do you know what I mean? Do you remember how we were? Hopefully our younger sisters will NOT spend decades conforming as most of us did in our time. Hopefully THEY are wiser and more true to THEMSELVES. It is what I have TRIED to teach my daughter. (me thinks I might have taught too well...thus why we may be currently a brunette when we are really a natural blonde - and the we meaning HER)
But I digress.
Anywho....
Yes, so let's not worry about what others may think or say about us at this stage of our PRECIOUS lives - as we NEVER should have in the first place!
Right?
If you want to let your "inner hippy" out... then NOW is the time to do it. If you want to let your "inner diva" out... then NOW is the time to do it. If you want to let your "inner whatever" out then ...
NOW IS THE TIME TO DO IT.
And yes.. I am so excited over my $1 "hippy bag" that I scored while thrifting!
Peace, Love, & Happiness.
You are BEAUTIFUL so be YOURSELF. Bloom baby bloom.
And I love you.
Kim
Well said sweetie :) Love ya too! Have a great rest of the week.
Posted by: Laura | February 17, 2011 at 12:18 AM
I LOVE your hippy bag girl...and I have been doing my thing forever. One thing that did hold with me since the hippy days was that I cannot stand bras..only wear them when I have too LOL ;D
Posted by: Julie Harward | February 17, 2011 at 12:20 AM
I love you cute hippy bag ! Sweet !
Posted by: vicky morse | February 17, 2011 at 12:25 AM
Oh this is a sweet post, Kim. It is liberating being our age, isn't it. And I now have the feeling that I'm *younger* than I thought I'd be at age 49. The actual number is a little creepy and the physical body changes are a bit of an adjustment but there is comfort in knowing that every other woman who lives this long (including my 80-something mom) has experienced the same thing. Oh, your hippie purse is caaauuuuute! It suits you.
Posted by: Bonnie | February 17, 2011 at 01:13 AM
Gosh, what wonderful advice Kim. I wholeheartedly agree... if we all dressed in our own unique style what a fabulously and wonderfully dressed world we would live in!
Posted by: Michelle | February 17, 2011 at 03:53 AM
Well said Kim, I love your bag. When I think back to the plain ugly so called fashion over the years that I have worn (I think the 80's had to be the worst) gosh what was I thinking!!!! Now I like to be comfortable except for a few classic pieces that will never date fashion for me has gone out the window I'll wear what I like, and I like what I wear. Have a great day xox ;) Love Ya Too!!
Posted by: Trish Rowley | February 17, 2011 at 04:00 AM
I love this!
Sue
xo
Posted by: sue silva | February 17, 2011 at 05:20 AM
Amen sista!! You rock that hippie bag!
Posted by: Hoosier at Heart | February 17, 2011 at 05:30 AM
Very well said and such good advice! I've reached "that age" where what other people think about me is not important-----I'm being true to myself! Have a wonderful day in sunny Florida! Oh, and I love the hippy bag. I had a similar one in 1972. I'd love to have it now! :)
Posted by: Jana T | February 17, 2011 at 05:51 AM
Love the hippy bag and you know what? I have just discovered the very same thing you are posting about ~ my inner hippy is happy I've let her out of the hippy bag! Yay ~ ;-)
Posted by: Marianne | February 17, 2011 at 06:45 AM
Morning Kim.....I just LOVE your blog....your are inspiring in all you do...you always make my day, smiles, Linda
Posted by: Linda Evans | February 17, 2011 at 06:46 AM
So true Kim! I can't be boxed in by other peoples expectations based on my age. In a lot of ways I feel more "myself", more free, than I did when I was much younger. You look beautiful, I can see you at 16 in this photo! It's time to bloom, not fade:>)
Posted by: kathy | February 17, 2011 at 06:57 AM
Cute bag, you wear it well, and very well said, loves and hugs, Vivian
Posted by: vivian roberts | February 17, 2011 at 07:27 AM
I'm so glad that I taught it to my daughter too! She can pull off anything because she is wearing what SHE wants regardless if it's in or trendy or whatever. I'm still getting there, but really pursuing it!
Love your bag Kim and love the way you can be yourself!
Posted by: Jeanine Q. | February 17, 2011 at 07:32 AM
I haven't visited in ages....but what a lovely message to come back to! This is certainly advice I must take to heart.
Posted by: Dawn | February 17, 2011 at 07:34 AM
What a great message to us, and to our daughters and granddaughters as well! I'm at 'that age' and beyond, but never really did dress with the trends.
Love the hippie bag! You're so sweet in that photo!!!
Posted by: Alice | February 17, 2011 at 08:02 AM
Kim,
You are so, so, so RIGHT!
I am glad to be in my 40's and comfortable in my own skin. I envy and enjoy my 16 year old daughter who embraces herself as is and wears what she wants, without worrying or caring what others think. She is amazing!
And we are so fortunate to have precious daughters...
Love your $1 hippy bag.
Have a marvelous day,
Donna ;D
Posted by: [email protected] | February 17, 2011 at 08:23 AM
Yea!!! This is just what I needed... a gentle reminder!!
Posted by: Janel | February 17, 2011 at 08:34 AM
Hello Kim,
Right on! What an awesome post you wrote! Love your photo!
What is age anyway? Isn't it just the passing of time?
It's our spirit what really counts...
Rock on!
~ Gabriela ~
Posted by: Gabriela | February 17, 2011 at 08:43 AM
Love your hippy bag - what a find!
I am being myself these days. I tried the gray hair bit and I didn't like it. I went back to "me" had my hair tinted back to red (which I have had since I was 18). I dress to please myself and still doing so as I turn 70. LOL
Love your blog - you have always been an inspiriation to me. I still have my red/yellow curtains in my kitchen - thanks to you.
Hugs,
Connie
Posted by: [email protected] | February 17, 2011 at 08:54 AM
Amen, sister!
I have a brown version of your hippie bag that I've had since 1970! I'm still anticipating the time when peace will rule all the planets and love will fill the stars.
Peace, y'all!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | February 17, 2011 at 08:57 AM
Love the purse and the picture of you, so darling!
You are great and so look forward to reading seeing your new post every day. I have a blonde daughter and so glad she is. Your girl looks beautiful with either, but I know how you feel.
God bless you, your family and animals!!!
Posted by: Missy | February 17, 2011 at 09:12 AM
you go girlfriend! ~ linda
Posted by: linda moczan | February 17, 2011 at 09:15 AM
I am digging the fringe, Kim :D You are rockin' that fringe ;P
I hope you have a hippilicious day!!!
xoxoxo,
Ricki Jill
Posted by: Ricki Jill Treleaven | February 17, 2011 at 09:19 AM
Kim, I remember walking to high school with a similar bag swinging off my shoulder!!! The good old days, but at 56, I am still looking forward to much more! Wish I could rock the Christian Louboutins, but know what? Doesn't really matter in the big scheme of things! xoxoxo
Posted by: Barbara F. | February 17, 2011 at 09:29 AM
wonderful message kim. when i wear my magnolia pearl here in florida i get lots of looks and i'm never sure if they are admiration or shock.
and i don't care.
when i was younger i wouldn't have had the nerve to do it. one of the blessings of getting older for sure. love the bag my friend.
hugs,
shelley
Posted by: sweet pea | February 17, 2011 at 09:50 AM
Thats it I am going to pull out the dress and leggings today and wear them with my tall boots, such a chicken to fashion I am. I'll take your nudge to heart today. Thanks for the encouragement. Normally it would have been a jeans and blah black top day. I need to get back to the second hand stores and pick out what I love. Have a grand and fashionable day!
Posted by: Michelle | February 17, 2011 at 09:53 AM
I love this post Kim! I think the best thing about being this age is being comfortable in who we are. :) There's nothing prettier than a woman who wears her unique style with confidence!
Hugs,
Dena
Posted by: Dena | February 17, 2011 at 09:57 AM
I agree with all of you.I think that we should always try to look our best and not save that special outfit for the right day.Today is the day!If you like it wear it.I am forever changed as of now.Thanks,Kim and the rest of you readers.
Posted by: Charlene | February 17, 2011 at 10:04 AM
This post makes feel so much better about myself! I am 48, closer to 49, and so sick of hearing how I should dress and wear my hair! You are so beautiful and inspiring! Thanks so much for making me smile today. Angie
Posted by: Angie Izard | February 17, 2011 at 10:13 AM
What's age anyway...I wish I had read this before yesterday when I cut all my long hair off...just because my mother told me that I was too old to have long hair anymore! :(
You look fabulous!
Posted by: Sarah at meandmyyellowhouse | February 17, 2011 at 10:13 AM
Wonderful and wise words, my friend.
"If God had wanted me otherwise, He would have created me otherwise." ~Johann von Goethe
Hope you are having a wonderful day.
Deborah
Posted by: FairfieldHouse | February 17, 2011 at 10:17 AM
This one was for ME! My attention to fashion has been sparse and nonchalant for almost all of my life, and I've dressed as I pleased for most of it.
And now. The now of invisibility, of reaching that age when I'm a passing zephyr in my cotton T's and shorts, my nice loose pants, my soft, floating shirts in almost any weather, unnoticed and of no consequence in my one-of-every color blabbed to the phone lady at Lane Bryant, as calling out the card number takes longer than choosing the clothes.
My comfortable, sweepy clothes, my nine-color clogs-to-match would dismay my blogging friends, but they suit ME, and I know they'd understand. Passing years attain a status of their own, and the living of them gives us license in our SELVES.
I'm delighted to see your endorsement of this freedom and this ease for women of any age---it's TIME.
Posted by: racheld | February 17, 2011 at 10:26 AM
Couldn't of said it any better Ms. Kim!!
Thank you from all of us "inner hippies"...We "know" what you mean :)-
Fifty is fabulous!
And Fifty "plus" is only the beginning :)-
Love ya,
Suzy
Posted by: Suzy Miller | February 17, 2011 at 10:30 AM
Kim,
You are absolutely adorable! Thank you for this post. I really needed it today. Rough day and your sunshine was what my soul needed.
Bloom baby bloom -- love this and love you!
Posted by: Talia | February 17, 2011 at 10:43 AM
I needed this today as well...I'm 48 and have been thinking lately of how the yrs have flown by and I don't know how I'll handle 50, but our yrs are a blessing and it means we have a reason to be here and we might as well look cute while we are here, right?
A lady at church recently thanked me for wearing leggings, because she had been wanting to get some, but felt as if people would think she was too old. She went out and bought herself some leggings and said she wears them all the time and loves them.Isn't it sad that we let people dictate how we should present ourselves?
Kim, you look absolutely adorable and would look cute if you had a laundry basket tied around your neck, but thanks for this message this morning!
Go out there and Bloom, baby, bloom ;)
Posted by: Melesa Garrison | February 17, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Well, you said it today sister... and so did the post by Melessa above me!! Thanks. And I think even though there are a few wrinkles to deal with I would rather be this age than 25-- I know that sounds always sounds like a lie when people say it, but I've truly grown comfortable in the last few years in this skin of mine... crow's feet and all!!
(((Hugs))) Kelly
Posted by: Kelly | February 17, 2011 at 12:40 PM
This was part of my New Year's resolutions. So happy to read you agree with me, Kim! Affirmation is a good thing.
Posted by: Ann | February 17, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Groovy!!
Posted by: Lisa Sall | February 17, 2011 at 01:04 PM
Well said!
Posted by: Laura | February 17, 2011 at 01:05 PM
Well said Kim!! Since turning 50 something has been unleashed in me - a new realization that it is OK to be me! That I can DO what I want WHEN I want and HOW I want. And it's ok. I too hope that my daughters don't wait until they are 50 to have this revelation.
And... you look FABULOUS!
Posted by: Debbie | February 17, 2011 at 01:20 PM
Love you and your precious post. Great reminder. 2nd time I heard today Be true to yourself. I am 58 and I am going to wear only what I like and decorate w what I like too. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Love fr ILLinois - Kathy C By the way you look tooooo cute.
Posted by: Kathy Charniak | February 17, 2011 at 01:40 PM
could not have said it better myself....! From one hippie to another....!
Posted by: ginny | February 17, 2011 at 01:53 PM
Amen sister!! I have been stuck in this plain classic style forever and I want to let my inner artist sytle out! I want to look funky....so I am going to start looking for funkified clothes when I shop from now on!
Hugs,
Penny
Posted by: Penny @ The Comforts of Home and Lavender Hill Studio | February 17, 2011 at 02:26 PM
Kim:
Ditto! My favorite saying "to than own self be true!"
I'm past 50, only barely of course! My kids are grown
and if I like something then I go for it! My hubby loves
me just the way I am . It's a wonderful life!
Have a great day and the weekend to come.
Blessings!
Posted by: Lynda Bee | February 17, 2011 at 02:46 PM
I have been thinking the same thing recently! I am 55 and trying to figure out how to dress is so hard. I am now going to wear what I want. What freedom! Love the pic by the way. Dolores
Posted by: Dolores Lynn | February 17, 2011 at 03:49 PM
Love the moccasin bag....think it was mine back in the 60's.
Have a blessed day.
Posted by: Gloria | February 17, 2011 at 03:55 PM
I love it! And I agree! Today I'm wearing my favorite shirt - a red, black and white tie dye number that is full and comfy! At fifty-five, I'm letting my hair grow longer again, embracing the gray, and learning not to care so much what others think. ;-)
Posted by: Teri Metts | February 17, 2011 at 04:32 PM
Kim, This 54 year old says "Amen" to your post!
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | February 17, 2011 at 05:07 PM
I think mine's the inner hippie...going to go for it!
Posted by: A homespun year | February 17, 2011 at 05:27 PM
You look fabulous in that outfit! More power to you! From one soul sister who is about to hit the big 5-0 in May, I needed to hear that.
Posted by: Terri Morse | February 17, 2011 at 06:03 PM
Yes, this 60 year old says, "Free" to be me. So funny, I made an appt. last week for today at "Due Sorella's salon to have nails put on, and polished with a bit daring color. Used to wear these years ago while working, now have been retired a few years and treated myself to them again. Love from Okla, Cindy
P.S. Love your purse, you are so pretty!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Cindy | February 17, 2011 at 06:04 PM
Hello Kim,
Wise words - great advice! I love being in my 40's and pretty true to myself. Since I work in a professional office I tend to lean toward classic apparel when at work. All other times, I wear what I like and do not follow trends/fads. For the most part, I do so without worrying about what others think. If I am comfortable and I think it looks good, that is all that matters.
I love your cute hippy bag! Great picture!
~ Tracy
Posted by: Tracy | February 17, 2011 at 06:06 PM
Hello dear Kim,
At 52, I'm still the old fashioned girl that I always was, only now I don't care if people like it or not.
Love ya! Cindy
Posted by: Cindy | February 17, 2011 at 06:11 PM
RIGHT ON, SISTER! I so agree!
xox Debbie
Posted by: Debbie Masters | February 17, 2011 at 06:35 PM
Love this post. I'll be celebrating my 56th birthday in March. For me it's always a time of reflection..... looking back on years past with a grateful heart and the years to come with joyful anticipation. I was reading a blog last week and found a quote that touched my soul. " You aren't just the age you are....you are all the ages you ever have been...."
Smiles :-)))
Kathleen J.
Posted by: Kathleen | February 17, 2011 at 06:42 PM
Wow - before I even started reading what you wrote I looked at the picture and thought "she looks no more than 16 years old, and I love that shoulder bag!" You could not be more right-on. Gotta do what makes you happy. Who says women of a certain age have to have short hair and be conservative. I'll wear jeans and sneakers when I am 90; and so will you too, I bet. Count me in as one of your soul sisters, Kim.
Posted by: LANA BROOKS | February 17, 2011 at 06:45 PM
Can't believe the timing of your post!! I just posted on my Facebook page about how I couldn't find anything to wear at the stores. They are all made for skinny, young girls. I do want to wear some of those things! :) Maybe I will now.....and be true to my "young" self.
Thanks for the inspiration, Kim.
Posted by: Debbie from Texas | February 17, 2011 at 06:45 PM
Good to hear!! Am turning 50 in less than a month..., and do catch myself thinking about this or that being age appropriate. Not often, just sometimes..., but I want to ditch it.
Posted by: Maya @ Completely Coastal | February 17, 2011 at 07:05 PM
kim, you are so right on - i just looked at a bag the other day and it was right about the same size as yours and it had peace, love on it -i thought for a second no, i'll get leather but, you know what i'm going for it - peace and love here i come ~cool~ i love your bag - kim you sure spark a whole lot in us - thanks
love ya, -maria - cottage feel-
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Posted by: maria | February 17, 2011 at 07:38 PM
I'm probably a tad older than you...56!!! woo woo..
You are adorable and I LOVE this post...(& the purse) I want to shout it from the rooftops..
Your daughter is soooo lucky to have you!
BIG HUGS!!
PS...Acker Bilk is touching my soul at this very minute....:)
Posted by: Carol Adams | February 17, 2011 at 08:31 PM
It must be in the air~ The other day I looked on itunes.
I was going to download Hair. I saw the Broadway production and loved it. And just wanted to hear the age of Aquarius and all of the songs again.
Posted by: Peg | February 17, 2011 at 09:10 PM
Go Girl that Hippy Bag is Tres Chic, I get so excited when I happen to find some hidden
gem, be it clothing or accessories, Kim you have excellent taste . =>)
Posted by: Lois Lightweight | February 17, 2011 at 09:12 PM
Awww Kim....Your such a DOLL!! LOL & yes I am in the age your talking about..& I love it:) I soooooo wanted to be a "hippie" back in the day...sadly..my parents said NO...& now...I think I can do what I want:) I must have a little hippie in me...my hair is spiked & red!!! LOL Love it!!
Hugs...
Deb:) xoxo
Posted by: DEBBIE BELL | February 17, 2011 at 09:21 PM
I so agree with you! Twenty years ago, they would have said you had to cut your hair at forty and start dressing your age. Thankfully, we have all seen the light of that! Peace be with you, sister! xx
Posted by: Josephine | February 17, 2011 at 09:32 PM
Peace and love...always. Kim, you look timeless!
Posted by: Deb | February 17, 2011 at 09:33 PM
Amen, Kim!
Posted by: Karen | February 17, 2011 at 10:48 PM
kim: you make me smile, then laugh out loud, then smile & feel really good. thanks for being so dern cool! i just love, love, love, the message here today, sistah. love my daily dose of kimmers....xxoo pam in texas
Posted by: Pam Mikel | February 17, 2011 at 11:27 PM
Funny thing! I had been just thinking about this over the last few weeks. Somehow turning 50 is freeing. BTW...I just love your new purse. Watch out that I don't snag it away from you ;)
Posted by: Gail | February 18, 2011 at 03:03 AM
Ooo I wish you were my friend. I find your blog inspiring and encouraging. I have conformed most of my life and been afraid to be myself. I am 53 and taking the first steps towards full bloom at last. Wish I had done it years ago!
Posted by: Sue | February 18, 2011 at 04:07 AM
Kim what a great post. Oh to be brave enough to actually do it
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | February 18, 2011 at 07:09 AM
I absolutely your adorable "Kim self!"
And you have kept yourself so nice and slender, everything looks so nice on you. Your prairie dresses and red cowboy boots is a fav of mine.
I toast your style, KM - you rock and inspire!
Posted by: Michele | February 18, 2011 at 08:29 AM
Kim I'm a little older then you :) but I embraced grey hair then decided to go the color route and was miserable the whole time just not feeling like myself-So I'm back to my grey pulling it back the way I feel most comfortable and I feel like me again. It is so liberating to not go with the flow and just be me. You are cute as a button as they say and inspire so many. Have a wonderful weekend and hugs to you. Marietta
Posted by: quilty chick | February 18, 2011 at 12:08 PM
Great blog gift to others. Would love to have had that advice at your age. 'It's none of my business what you think of me.' Love that saying. In just under 2 years I will be a 0 birthday. The following summer, I will go to England/Cornwall (possibly a one-way ticket) to see the other side of the world. That gives me time to divest of 'stuff' plan the trip and wallow in the wonder of it all. My hair is longer than ever and it's what I want. Blessings, Janet
Posted by: Jan | February 18, 2011 at 03:07 PM
Yep. If you pay attention to how you think you "should" be being, or dressing, or whatever, you aren't being yourself. Life's to short to be someone you're really not. Me, I'm a down-to-earth, creative cowgirl. :)
Posted by: Rhonda | February 18, 2011 at 03:11 PM
I'd like to think that at our age, we've developed our own style. Yes, we've acquiesed to certain maxims in previous years. But now we should be sure enough to know what we like and what we want to wear. So rock that hippy bag, girl!
Posted by: Arlene | February 18, 2011 at 04:03 PM
I love this!! HECK YEAH!!
I needed a pick me up today, thank you Kim :)
Posted by: Stephanie | February 18, 2011 at 05:42 PM
Can I get an AMEN?!
This post is a perfect example of why I love you and why I always feel happier after a visit.
Posted by: La | February 18, 2011 at 07:23 PM
Love this post! I'm pushing 40 and having those thoughts, wishing I didn't care so much!
Posted by: Linda | February 18, 2011 at 08:07 PM
Your are so cute, LOVE that Picture!!!
Posted by: Tausha Salat | February 19, 2011 at 10:10 AM
You say it all so perfectly!
Yes, you know I am with you on all of this.
We have to be true to ourselves!
L-O-V-E the hippy bag! Makes me want to
turn on some Grand Funk or CCR!
xxooxxoo
Becky
PS: You wook maw-vo-less!!!
Posted by: sweet cottage dreams | February 19, 2011 at 12:18 PM
Love it, Kim!! Thanks for encouraging us all!
Posted by: Patti VZ | February 19, 2011 at 05:58 PM
Yipee, Kim! Thanks for the inspiration. I hope many of us take your advice - including myself!
Posted by: D'Ann | February 20, 2011 at 12:01 PM
Groovy baby, I dig what you are saying! I may be a grandma, but I am a hip grandma that's for sure! It saddens me to meet someone and find out they are younger than me, but look 10 years older. I'm not saying at all that I am young looking, but age is so much more than how your skin looks. Its an attitude, style, being happy! Thank you for giving us the permission to express ourselves for who we are on the inside....I certainly don't feel 53!
Posted by: Marcia | February 21, 2011 at 12:20 PM
Oh, I so agree!! Why did I have to wait to the ripe old age of 55 to figure that out? :)
And the hippy bag . . .too cute! I once had a bunny fur bag that I loved. And now I think . . .poor bunny. Seriously.
Posted by: Carol T | February 21, 2011 at 02:24 PM
I agree...I have actually worn my rubber garden boots with my jeans and a sweater, of course with a nice pair of chandelier earrings..LOL! Aloha, Connie
Posted by: connie | February 23, 2011 at 04:46 AM
Kim, I just love this post! I've had to come back and read it a couple times just 'cause it's something I need to hear. You're an angel!
Posted by: Krystal | February 24, 2011 at 08:44 AM
Thank you for this post. It's good to know I'm not alone.
Posted by: Laura Locke | February 24, 2011 at 11:20 AM