Navy blues; the lady despairs

I found 2 or 3 'suits' over the past week that fit, coordinate, are good colours/quality and with a pre Christmas discount... Found on the way looking to shop for my kids (as you do!??!)... DO I need 'suits'? One is in NAVY which I have been seeking to evolve to as I attempt to de-black. It is on hold to get the discount this morning for me. While I have been looking to get navy and more so charcoal, it is very apparent that the navy story sits on one side of the floor and the rest of the shop display goes back to black. Am I going to get eternaly frustrated by some blacks and then some navy? There just are no charcoal/grey suits here but I have some pieces in greys which I wear a lot and generally go together.

The other part of the dilemma is that is perhaps linked to the looming birthday that ends in an '0' and reconfiguring of self. Gosh with a 5 involved as well you would think you could get past cheap shoes that blister, faded t's etc and look, well more like a grown up lady. Am I freaking out and heading to frumpstown with the suits? Here are some potential looks I am considering... I am re-reading the turning x0 posts Angie and others have written for more inspiration.

I am getting the blue wrap dress; love the black pantsuit on but something is holding me back (it really has ALL my feel good elements so why am I being shy?); silk wrap - is this too mother of the bride?; the silk jacket that forms part of a suit with skirt (yeah think I have found one!)... And some how I NEED to have a fur tippet (you know we get 3 cold days a year here...) Check out one of our local designers looking divine in black, fur and a modern necklace. Maybe it is BLUES taking me over... What do you think?

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13 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I'd wait a bit if I were you till you work out what it is you really need - sorry but I don't think it is the fur:) The other items seem like they may be too warm for the hot summer too, but obviously I can't tell the weight of the fabric. I read some of your previous posts about the Sacha Drake items & think #1 & #2 work with this look but I'm not sure about #3.

lyn*

(website)

The fur tippet is awesome - makes me think of Kate Middleton's reception dress, she had that furry thing over it; but I think hers was less poof and was a knit one ...

I like the navy blue dress in #1 (navy blue is my most recent obsession) and I think if the black suit has all the elements you are looking for, why not temporarily add it to your wardrobe (what is the return policy?) - I think if you can separate it, it can be even more versatile - I love the pants in that suit; even though I normally hate pants; they look like they can play well with a beautiful blouse.

I recently bought a silk wrap like yours in #3 for a holiday party to wear over a tulle skirt (which has sparkles!) - I don't know if it's MOTB, but hey, it's a fab MOTB!

Good luck with your birthday; my dad has been telling me he was 50 ever since he turned 42. Now that he's over 50, he's telling me he's at least 75 (he's more in his 60's).

jenanded

Need??? Caro, think you nailed it on the head and I am in some crazy imaginary life space perhaps... Maybe chanelling your dada lyn*... Now there is a reflection that I had not thought of - thank you YLF... I do have to say I have been travelling for work recently and usually a suit is my foundation to do a multitude of things and I have just 'pieces' which become more problematic... Perhaps I will 'think', get ONE suit as a base, and if I get it at the department store I can return it IF for some reason I come to my senses...

Gaylene

Just wanted to say that my fifth decade was one of my best. So I second Caro in suggesting that you might want to avoid buying too much until you think things over for a while. Maybe start with a great pair (or two) of shoes to liven up some of those suits and then look to having a bit more fun with your casual wardrobe, especially with your warm weather ahead. Maybe use Astrid's "happiness quotient" as your new shopping guide?

Thanks Gaylene... I am realising my post is less about the frocks but coming to terms with WHO I am in relation to the 5-0 number assigned from outside me... (great feelings of self absortion - not pretty!)... I guess I want to be more on quality and timeless-ness with the intent to transcend ages, phases and fads... Yes I will spend more time... it literally has been OMG that number will be around me soon - soooo totally don't feel it AT ALL... As one of my friends said, she can NEVER imagine herself as that age because she is just not that kind of person (she is 53) but then another of our friends has ALWAYS been 50 since we knew her at 20... I am just so lucky that have got to do and be with so many wonderful people and places - and there is loads more to come...

Suz

Pssst......

(from one who has already passed that milestone...)

it's just a number.

But I applaud any and all navy blue dresses you might choose to honour the occasion! Suits, too!

Beth Ann

Jen: I'm following close on your heels in June. Do you live in an area with good shopping? I'm finding that I need to try on a lot of different looks and garments to get a feel for who I'm looking to be in the near future. At this point, I feel that being really picky about fit, as well as style is key to looking and feeling confident. For example, I realize I've been buying the smallest size possible too often (can you imagine that), and that I need to look for a little more length in my trousers and jackets. Of course, the trend is going toward more ease, and I've, um, recently gained a little weight (that is, finally, going back from whence it came). Ease seems to be even more necessary!

I love the blue dress and the jacket in #4. Would you be willing to post 2 or 3 outfits that are your favorites right now? That would let us help you build out from there.

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