WHICH WOMAN IS MY FEATURE TODAY?

THESE LADIES ALL LOOK LIKE SISTERS!

Hi Elizabeth, thanks so much for asking me! I’m really honored and excited (and still surprised) you are including me with all the interesting, creative and beautifully dressed women who have been featured here. I’ve given your questions a lot of thought, and hope I’ve done my best to answer them and shed some light on my personal style.

I’m the oldest of three sisters. After spending my early years in Germany I grew up in California halfway between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo at Vandenberg Air force base, near Lompoc. At that time, Lompoc was the flower seed capital of the world! The fields would come alive with color every spring. It was gorgeous and left a strong impression on my imagination!

My dad was in the service for 30 years. We didn’t have a lot of money, but somehow we had a pretty exuberant lifestyle. My folks really loved life and lived it to the fullest, and they shared that zest for life with us! So, we were surrounded with books and art, theater and music. We travelled throughout Europe, and went to a lot of museums and public gardens. They were always “adopting” interesting people who became part of our lives for awhile. They knew many people from different walks of life: artists, musicians, writers. I think my parents’ joy for life, the creative people they introduced into my early life, my mom’s enthusiasm for color and pattern, and my dad’s artistic ability is why I eventually became an INTERIOR DESIGNER and an ARTIST myself. Those early influences show up in my colorful acrylic paintings, and my love for all flowers is evident in my watercolors. Living surrounded by flower fields imprinted my memories  so much that now I paint almost exclusively florals and botanicals.

 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

Such a good question, and not an easy one to answer because it’s not something I consciously think about a lot. I’m not really into fashion the way some people are, and have always preferred interior design magazines to fashion. I guess my style has always been sort of “casual classic, with a twist”. I don’t like anything too fussy, or too structured, or uncomfortable. But, I don’t like too look plain, either. I don’t want my clothes to be flashy, but I like things that have some little detail that makes wearing them feel special. I enjoy combining things in a way that is interesting. 

 

 WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE?

I guess I should say lifestyle, comfort and functionality. I’ve lived in California in a casual, coastal, college town for over 30 years. Earlier I went to work in a large corporation and was in charge of creating and installing interior design and space planning projects, I dressed in my version of an 80’s power suit, with shoulder pads and stockings, but I’d wear a knit skirt to my ankles with a belted jacket. For the past 30+ years I feel fortunate that I have been able to devote my energies to my family and home, during which time I was pretty busy doing all sorts of things: housework, daily errands, volunteering as room mom at my daughters’ schools,  and planning and installing interior design projects for my part time business. I wanted my clothing to reflect my personality and my work. Surrounded by many people dressed in tee shirts, sweat pants and flip flops or athletic shoes, I always wanted to look a bit more pulled together, with a little bit of flair!  Now, in addition to my homemaking job, I attend and teach art classes, lead art workshops, and I have been working part-time at a lovely lifestyle boutique in town with a bunch of women younger than 35. I want to dress to express my personality and my creativity, be comfortable, and look good!

 

 WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ACCESSORY?

Scarves! I wear a scarf almost daily.

I recently reorganized them and counted over 50!

It’s getting a bit out of control, but it’s a harmless addiction!

I like to wrap a long scarf several times around my neck or as a shawl on my shoulders for extra warmth.

I drape one over my jacket for extra color or pattern.

I tie smaller square scarves around my neck or in my hair.

 

Also, I love my Cartier tank watch and Cartier Trinity ring, and wear them frequently. I rarely leave the house without one of my watches worn with several bracelets, and my earrings! As long as they aren’t too heavy on my neck I love to wear necklaces long or short that add something to my outfit. I have a big collection of pins and brooches that I used to wear in groups together on my sweaters or jackets depending on my mood, but I don’t do that as much any more. Most of them are displayed in a shadow box frame in my closet, so I can see and enjoy them everyday.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE COLOR COMBINATIONS?

When I look in my closet I see mostly black and grey, navy and various blues, and white. I have some pieces that are rose/berry/fuchsia,  and now I’ve been adding a sort of mustardy yellow that I like. Those colors, combined with jeans or trousers in blue, black, white or grey, and my favorite leopard print items, are my favorite colors to combine.

 

 

DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE PIECE THAT DEFINES YOUR STYLE?

 

GOOD QUESTION!

Giving this some thought I realize I have several!

Definitely my favorite leopard anything!

I have leopard coats, sweaters, purses, shoes and booties.

Other than leopard, my favorite go-to pattern is stripes.

I have quite lot of striped items, my girls say I never saw a stripe I didn’t love!

Not true, but I do love a good long sleeved striped tee or sweater. 

I like to wear pants and jeans that have some interest to them, whether a different fabric like suede or leather, a hem detail, camouflage pattern, or buttons or whatever. I love my studded jeans, and I have a very favorite slightly distressed pair embroidered with flowers on the leg and hip, and a pair with a row of pearls down the side of each leg . They are pretty loose on me now, but I haven’t been able to find a replacement for them so I just belt them up! I get a lot of compliments when I wear those! 

The weather here means I can pretty much wear a jacket year round.

In warmer weather I pull on a casual blazer, or one of 5 or 6  denim jackets in different colors and fabrics.

My four moto-style leather jackets make me feel pretty cool and are in constant rotation!

WHAT ARE YOUR STYLE STRENGTHS?

I guess I just know what I like. I don’t follow trends unless they suit me, and I trust my instinct. I stick to a simple silhouette and can mix and match most of the pieces in my wardrobe pretty well. I’m an excellent packer! I can pack a 30 day capsule wardrobe that allows for variety, into a carry-on bag!  

Generally I don’t wear anything too fussy or something that doesn’t suit my body type. I’m 5’5” and fairly busty. Ruffles, ribbons, big draped sleeves, lots of adornments on my tops, shiny or slinky fabrics just aren’t me! No crop tops, or anything too oversized, because that swallows me up and makes me look like a bean bag. I’m more comfortable in clothing with a little bit of structure but not severe, in natural fabrics like cotton, linen, cashmere, and wool blends.

DO YOU HAVE A STYLE MUSE?

Not really. Obviously I was influenced by my Mom who dressed beautifully and taught me to always try to look my best. 

 

My mom was  4’11 1/2”, but she claimed 5’1”! She loved clothes! She was always the fashionably dressed woman at the grocery store or school conferences, or anywhere for that matter. I remember her getting complimented a lot whenever we went out together. Her secret was knowing how to shop for a bargain and she never paid full price for anything. Throughout her life she collected and kept so many wonderful things, and only reluctantly and rarely cleared anything out of her closet. When she died, she left us over 100 pairs of beautiful size 5 shoes that none of us could wear! While clearing out my parent’s home we went through closets in every room of the house full of her beautiful, tiny clothing. I think I counted over 60 white blouses! I know my mom would be so happy to know that now my daughters frequently wear quite a few treasured pieces from her wardrobe. 

I grew up admiring my mom’s style and wanting to be glamorous like her. She  had been an actress in Germany and loved being the center of attention. She enjoyed wearing bright, colorful, extravagant clothing and jewelry, hats and big sunglasses, and she could pull those things off.  I’m sure many of her choices influenced me, but my wardrobe is definitely more subtle and I prefer a more streamlined look, with just a little zing! I do share her love of a bargain, and leopard print. I  have a lot of that in my wardrobe now! 

I am often inspired by some of the women I’ve seen on the internet. Every now and then I check out style boards on Pinterest. I like to show a little bit of individuality when I dress, even if it’s subtle. I like to see how other women put together their clothing, and I really enjoy seeing women wearing items that express their creativity. 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BEAUTY PRODUCTS,AND WHY CAN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT THEM?

Nothing fancy here! I use mostly drugstore products like L’Oreal, CoverGirl, and Neutragena. Here’s the rundown of what I’m currently using:

I try to take good care of my skin, but have never been faithful to a particular brand or products. I apply a rich Nivea moisturizer to my whole body every morning, and use a sugar scrub once or twice a month.  A local company called Sage Essentials makes a really nice CBD infused lotion that’s great for when I have tight muscles.

I always do a really good job cleaning my face before I go to bed, Neutragena cleanser, or Clinique Dramaticaly Different cleanser clean gently and take off all the makeup, so that’s one less step I have to think about. 

Lately twice a day I’ve also been applying a serum to my face from pure d’or that has 20% vitamin C, vitamin E, Retinol, Ferulic acid, Hyaluronic acid and other ingredients. It’s supposed to be really pure, and good for age spots, fine lines and basic skin renewal. I like it!  In the morning before yoga I use pure d’or 100% Argon Oil, to get some deep moisture on my face first thing.

I always buy products containing sunscreen, right now I’m using Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream and  L’oreal Revitalift moisturizer,  Olay Age Rewind light foundation, or  Physicians Formula CC cream, most with SPF 30 or more, and I try to stay out of the sun. 

For cosmetics I use mostly  L’Oréal, Maybelline and Covergirl. Not fancy but they work for me. Occasionally I’ll splurge and buy something from Estée Lauder, Chanel, or Clinique, but I always go back to my affordable drugstore items.  I rarely leave the house without my eyebrows filled in (what happened to them? During the last few years they seem to have just disappeared!) I love the Maybelline Tattoo Studio Brow Tint Pen. I’ve tried five or six different brow products, I think this one looks really natural, it’s not messy and is so easy to use.  Maybelline Instant Age Rewind under-eye concealer is a must, as well as L’Oreal Voluminous mascara, and some lip color. I have so many lipsticks, balms and lip crayons, from Chanel to Chapstick. It’s ridiculous – they are all basically the same color! When I feel like I need a lift I head straight to the lipstick counter! 

When I’m doing a whole face makeup I apply Estée Lauder powder blush, and a nude eyeshadow from one of my Smashbox or Urban Decay palettes. For a more dramatic evening look I line my eyes with a brown or plum pencil and use a soft grey or deeper brown shadow. I like the NYX eye pencils. 

I try to remember to use Crest White Strips every month. 

I’ve been letting my hair grow pretty long (it’s almost to the middle of my back now) and it’s fun to have all this length, so I try to take good care of it by using decent hair products from Biolage, It’s a Ten, Nexxus, and Paul Mitchell. Deep conditioning 1x a week and not washing and drying it every day helps, too.

I always apply perfume, Chanel No.5, Cartier Baiser Vole, or Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream.

Wow, that”s a long list of products, and I thought I was pretty low maintenance!

Anyway, those items work for me, make me feel like I’m taking care of myself.

MAIA 24 ~ MOTHER HEIDI 62 ~ Chloe 30

WHAT ADVISE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN OVER 50?

Oh my gosh, I still can’t believe I’m in this age group!

The calendar and the age I think I am don’t match.

But according to my birth certificate I’ll be 62 on April 17, and that’s well past the 50 mark!

 

This is what I think:

 Enjoy the things that make you happy and just try to be the best version of yourself.

It took us 50 or more years to get here, and we’ve learned a lot along the way!

Honor and respect yourself, and take care of yourself!

Make your self-care a priority!

That’s what I’m trying to do!

Just because we’re past 50 doesn’t mean we need to dress dowdy, or wear unattractive, old lady shoes!

Rules don’t really apply anymore, we can wear and do and be anything we want now, if we want it badly enough.

I think it’s more about attitude than anything else.

My life is far from perfect and there are some big things that I’m still trying to figure out.

Stress is a killer.

Right now I’m trying very hard to stay focused on the positive things in my lfe, surrounding myself with people I enjoy and activities that I love, having friends in many age groups,  keeping healthy habits, releasing the stress, and just living each day with purpose. 

Most of my days are pretty full.

I try to spend part of each day in my studio painting or drawing.

After dinner I usually take some time to read.

I take care of my home, spend time with my family, I work outside my home, and teach one or two days a week.

I attend a weekly art class.

During all of this I try to stay in the moment and enjoy the process every day, and not rush around saying how busy I am!

I know women who complain about their lives all the time, “I’m so busy,I’m so busy”. 

Good grief, I think I’m so lucky!

I get to do all these fun things, meet interesting new people, teach classes, paint, create, be productive!

I have fun with my two lovely daughters (24 and 30), and I can (mostly!) keep up with them when we hike or do yoga.

It’s a good life.

So, I’m really proud of myself!

I think I know myself pretty well now, too, which a result of having lived this long! I’m trying to trust my instincts more.

DO YOU HAVE ANY STYLE RULES THAT YOU LIVE BY,OR DO YOU CHOOSE TO BREAK THE RULES?

Oh my, so many, I hadn’t realized! The following rules are for me:

1. I don’t follow every latest trend.
2. Absolutely no elastic waistbands on my jeans or trousers!
3. I don’t wear jeans with ripped knees (hate them).
4. I  wear shoes comfortable enough to walk in, but they must be attractive and cute! I love pretty shoes!
5. I only wear athletic clothing to work out, not to the grocery store or the movies or to meet a friend, or for any other reason that does not involve exercise. 
6. I don’t wear bulky, clunky athletic shoes (because see #4) 
7. I don’t wear Items that constantly need to be readjusted, or that slip around. (Form follows function!)
8. Generally, I like to keep things simple. I don’t wear sequins or sparkles (except for an evening out) or lace, or things with lots of embellishments (except my very cool jeans that I love.) 
9. I don’t wear logos.  
10. I wear what I like! 

WHAT ARE YOUR ONLINE AND OR BOUTIQUE SOURCES?

Oh my gosh I have so much clothing already, but I like to add a few new things seasonally just to refresh and stay current.

I definitely don’t have an investment wardrobe.

I SHOP AT MARSHALL’s!

 I’ve found so many nice quality, name-brand pieces there!

There aren’t many options for clothing where I live.

The local boutiques are too pricey for me and cater to a much trendier clientele.

I shop Macys and Nordstroms, on line mostly. 

Also Everlane, Gap or Anthropology. I rarely pay full price for clothing. 

I avoid purchasing from “fast” or “throwaway fashion” retailers. 

DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR DIET OR EXERCISE REGIME THAT YOU FOLLOW?

Yes! I went gluten-free just before Thanksgiving in 2018, and have never looked back. Right away I felt a difference in my body. The nagging aches and pains I’d been experiencing in my joints for years just went away! And, I lost over 20lbs and 2-3 sizes, which has been such a wonderful change! I’d been carrying around extra weight for years that I just could not get rid of. It was so frustrating. I guess gluten doesn’t agree with me!

Another big change for me was addressing through therapy some stress-related pain that was debilitating for years and holding me back. Once that was resolved I was able to fully engage in activities that were difficult for me before, and to ramp up my daily exercise. Now, I do yoga first thing every single morning and I love it. I’m so much stronger and more limber than before, I move easier, and I feel more confident. Yoga has been a big blessing to my life!  Also, every weekend one or more of my family, the dog, and I take long walks on the beach. I absolutely love that time. The fresh air, the sound of the waves, marching through the sand, looking for sea glass, time spent doing these things make me happy and keep me healthy. 

DO YOU HAVE ANY ANTI~AGING FOODS AND OR SUPPLEMENTS THAT ARE YOUR GO TO’S?

 I really don’t! I try to remember to take a multivitamin every day, and I eat pretty well, lots of fruits and vegetables. Generally I’m healthy. I hate taking pills and prefer to get my nutrients through the food I eat. I don’t eat gluten anymore, drink green tea or matcha, and avoid cow’s milk (I use oat or almond milk instead). I  go light on the dairy and don’t eat a lot of red meat either. My one struggle is my sweet tooth. I try to indulge less frequently because I know how bad sugar is for our bodies. When I bake I use gluten free flours and maple syrup instead of wheat flour and sugar when I can. 

YOUR CONTESSA AND HEIDI A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO!

 

YOU CAN FIND HEIDI AND HER ARTWORK on HER WEBSITE BELOW!

Her website is WORTH A CLICK as its a BOUNTIFUL BOUQUET OF FLOWERS!

Might LIFT YOUR SPIRITS TODAY!

HEIDI IS OFFERING YOU MY DEAR READERS

A 15% DISCOUNT OFF ANY PAINTINGS ON HER WEBSITE during THE MONTH OF MAY!

MENTION CONTESSA AT CHECK OUT FOR YOUR DISCOUNT!

Mother’s Day GIFT IDEA?

ALSO,SHE CAN PAINT a 10″ X 14″ PAINTING OF YOUR PET FOR $125.00!

I sent her THREE photos of GUESS WHO?

THIS IS THE RESULT!

SHE TRULY CAPTURED BANKSY the TEA CUP PIGGY!

 heidimichelleartstudio.com

or INSTAGRAM

INSTAGRAM LINK HERE!

 @heidimichelle.artstudio

IF YOU WANT TO EMAIL HEIDI FOR AN ARTWORK PROJECT or COLLABORATION DO SO HERE

Heidimichelle.artstudio@gmail.com

I REALLY ENJOYED HER ANSWERS AND I HOPE YOU DID TOO!

She also wrote a BEAUTIFUL BLOG which I finally read a few POSTS this week!

Seems a BIG TREE fell onto and into HER HOUSE a few years back missing her by a FEW FEET!

BASICALLY, they re-built starting from SCRATCH!

HEART AND HOME BLOG

HEIDI WILL ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE FOR HER IN THE COMMENT SECTION!

 

NOW HEAD OVER TO Cindy Hattersley  AS SHE WILL HAVE A WONDERFUL WOMAN TO READ ABOUT TOO!

CLICK BELOW!

CLICK HERE FOR ANOTHER AGELESS STYLE LADY!

 

BE WELL.

BE SAFE.

YOURS TRULY,

CONTESSA!

XX