I wear what I want to wear

I am learning to embrace myself, all of me.  As I get older and years have snuck up on me that I once viewed as "old", I realize that I embrace my years, my experiences, the lessons I've learned, the person that I am, and the person that I will become (because I always want to learn and grow more.)  No one is guaranteed to make it to 43 years old.  So, I appreciate where I am in life.

One thing about myself that I've always embraced is this...I wear what I want.  I don't say that to mean that I don't care whatsoever what people think.  I do.  A little.  But, for the most part, I wear what makes me happy and comfortable.  Not to the standards of what others think I should wear.  Especially those stupid lists that you see in many female magazines.

Which brings me to this link that I saw shared on facebook:  24 Things Women Over 30 Should Wear
Do yourself a favor; please, please click on that link.  I know it's only Tuesday, but it made my whole week.

Things I still wear because I want to, and I could care less if I'm "supposed" to (or not) since I'm "over 30":

Cons & Vans (yes, these have sequins on them):

Animal print (taken today!):

Cute & silly painted nails:

Docs (I have pink, black, and these):

Graphic tees:

Pink hair:

Big, fake flowers in my hair:

 Pigtails:

Double whammy...concert tees & purple glitter eyeliner:

What do you wear that breaks the rules?

List #22 - Sparkle and Shine at The Oscars

I sell jewelry/jewellery.  My guy is a jeweler/jeweller.  (I really get confused between my American/Australian spellings sometimes.)  When I watch awards shows, I'm often looking at the jewels.  It's no secret that most (pretty much all) of the jewels worn are lent to the stars as a marketing scheme, and I love looking at the stunning creations.  This year's Academy Awards may have been the best in my recollection for "wow" pieces of jewellery.  I kept notes while I watched the red carpet and awards show.  These are the 10 pieces of jewellery that made the biggest impact in a positive way (there were a couple of statement pieces that I wasn't digging, but I'm keeping this post positive).  In no particular order:

1.  Oprah Winfrey's earrings - The first time they showed Miss O in the audience, I gasped at those earrings, and I wanted to know more.  Is that white and rose gold?  Are those pink diamonds?  I'm not sure because I can't find jewellery credit anywhere (and I'm writing this late enough that there are definitely plenty of articles out there listing jewellery sources).  In my make believe world, I'm going to say since Oprah has more money that the rest of the folks on this list combined, that she might actually own those earrings.  But, that's just a wild guess. 

2.  America Ferrera's earrings by Irene Neuwirth - She was the first celebrity that Ryan Seacrest interviewed for E's red carpet special.  I couldn't stop looking at the one-of-a-kind earrings - the use of the opals surrounded by interestingly set diamonds - they are a gorgeous color set against America's dark locks.

3.  Common's brooch by Fred Leighton - I think he was the best dressed man of the night giving the best speech of the night wearing the best brooch of the night, a sapphire and diamond stunner. 

4.  Jessica Chastain's necklace by Piaget - After Jessica is finished with this diamond choker, Piaget can ship it to me to borrow anytime. I love the way the marquise cut diamonds lay in this necklace.

 

 5.  Laura Dern's ring by Bulgari - Laura Dern was nominated for her part in the movie "Wild" based on the story written by Cheryl Strayed.  This masterpiece of a ring was worn in honor of Strayed's mother who died of lung cancer (and who Dern portrayed in the movie).  It was created using the American Lung Association's symbolic color.  Read more about it here.

6.  Kerry Washington's earrings by Fred Leighton - When Kerry presented during the awards ceremony, I'm pretty sure I didn't listen to a word she said.  I was too distracted by the pink sapphire and diamond ear pendants.

7.  Nupita Nyong'o's pearl bodice by Calvin Klein Collection - Reportedly, this dress consisted of 6000 pearls.  It is a work of art and perfect for her skin.  How heavy was it?  How many fittings?  Was it comfortable to sit in?  I don't know, but she looks absolutely incredible, and these pearls only enhance her beauty.

The final 3 - Well, the Aussie gals who couldn't be beat................

8.  Naomi Watts' earrings by Anna Hu - Gimme, gimme, gimme these sapphire and diamond showstoppers!  That's all I gotta say.

9.  Cate Blanchett's statement necklace by Tiffany & Co. - Seriously.  I can't imagine this necklace worn by anyone else for this event.  Turquoise, aquamarines, and diamonds.  All enhancing the color of her eyes.  

10.   Margot Robbie's necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels - Originally commissioned for the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson - well, doesn't that say it all?  It was created for royalty.  Diamonds, Gold, Sapphire tassel, with a zipper styling.  You could tell Margot felt like one lucky girl to be wearing this piece of art.

Photo sources:  getty images, zimbio, dailymail.co.uk, hollywoodreporter.com, fashionmagazine.com, fashionsizzle.com

List #20 - Grammys Fashion 2015

I haven't done a fashion list in a while. I'm overdue. So, why not combine some of my favorite things - clothes, accessories, music, and my opinion?  

All of this was written on my iPhone while laying on my back on my sofa. It's not meant to be fancy & professional. It's just a couch potato's opinion. 

Let's start with some fun...

Rhianna ... Uhm, no. I don't care who the designer is. I don't care how amazing she has looked in the past. I don't care if you're allowed to take risks at the Grammys. This is just a big, frilly, fluffy NO. 

The first thing I typed in my notes was "oversized bath robe". I guess others were feeling the same. 

Poor thing. Meghan Trainor skyrockets to the Grammys with a catchy little 'All About That Bass' tune. She could've had an amazing moment. Instead she chose this ugly dress. (Her hair and make-up were stunning, and her dad was adorable in the red carpet interview.)

I'm just feeling so-so about Taylor Swift tonight. I like the material, the purple shoes, the hair and make-up...but the short skirt/long train isn't working for me. 

First and foremost, no matter what she wears, Beyoncé is a beautiful goddess. I love the natural beauty feeling of the simple make-up and not-overly-styled hair. But...she's teased us, letting us know that there are probably some pretty fabulous earrings under there, but her hair covers them in practically every photo I've seen. 

Someone who did not hide her jewels was Lady Gaga. That emerald necklace is freakin' beautiful. Her hair & make-up are lovely, and the dress is fab, but all I could really look at are those diamonds and emeralds.  

Speaking of jewels, let's talk about this pinky ring. That is one stunning ring that LL Cool J is wearing. I love the blue & black combination with his signature Kangol, smile, and dimples.  Again, I'm all about that ring. 

With the focus on blue, Iggy Azalea supposedly asked for a blue dress, and this was custom made for her. It fits her shape perfectly. She looks fantastic except that bird's nest crown on her head. 

Speaking of blue, Dave Grohl and Ryan Adams both talented rock musicians and songwriters chose a black t-shirt and blue jean jacket. Some may criticize and think they should put forth more of a fashion effort, but I ain't mad at 'em. It works for them. 

The big winner of the night, Sam Smith, looked quite dapper all evening. My only complaint? That he didn't thank Tom Petty in at least one of his acceptance speeches. 

And my two queens of the ball:

Gwen Stefani - the epitome of rock star, fashion, beauty, and celebrity all rolled into one seemingly nice person. This pant suit is perfection, even without the signature red lip. 

Katy Perry has had a couple of knockout Sundays in a row. She looks beyond glamorous and sexy. This fits perfectly with all the right baubles and sparkles. It is sheer to the point of sexy, but not to the point of obscene. 

What do you think?  Do you agree? Did I forget to mention anyone worthwhile?  (besides Madonna...I'm just indifferent to her dominatrix matador get-up)

Photos from vanityfair.com, vogue.com, popsugar.com, hollywoodlife.com, people.com, usmagazine.com