WELCOME TO AGELESS STYLE with JULIET from MAKE MINE A SPRITZER.Here she is at my FRONT DOOR!
Once a month CINDY and I HOST a POST about AGELESS STYLE.We each pick a woman who is over 50 and seems to exude her own STYLE.We hope the questions are beneficial to YOU the READER in some way.Perhaps, you never gave yourself much time to dress or accessorize.Maybe One of these LADIES will inspire YOU.
I know Juliet and if you Read my last POST you know she came for lunch here a few weeks ago.I have always thought of Juliet as way younger than me………but she is only two yeasr younger!In fact on the 19th of NOVEMBER she will be welcoming ANOTHER BIRTHDAY!Please wish Juliet a fun and healthily fun year ahead………
I must tell you Dear READERS how we met.I was COLLECTING BIRTHDAY CARDS for another blogger overseas who was an AMERICAN.Many of you will recall ELLIE who we all LOVED and CHERISHED as she wrote about decor and her battle with ALS………………Juliet emailed me to say SHE KNEW WHERE I LIVED as she had grown up in the area and could she drop off her card for ELLIE.She promised me she was not a STALKER!
I allowed THAT to HAPPEN and we have been FRIENDS ever since!
I supposedly had something to do with their move to WASHINGTON STATE!
Something I had said!!
SO, you can IMAGINE my HAPPINESS about the fact they moved back and into my TOWN.IN fact I went to look at a HOUSE for SALE close to mine with both her and her husband.
ENOUGH OF MY TALE……………OFF YOU GO TO READ ABOUT HER AND THEN YOU KNOW THE ROUTINE CLICK OVER TO READ ABOUT ANOTHER FABULOUS WOMAN ON MY BUDDY CINDYS BLOG!
Juliet, can you describe your style to our readers? Also, have a friend or family member describe it!
I’d say my style is classic, very casual with a nod toward preppy. I never met a stripe or blazer I didn’t love and I’m the queen of jeans and a white tee. Back in the day I rocked a mean pair of khakis. I favor a blue and white color palette … most of my everyday clothes fall into that category. I adore brands like J.Crew, Madewell, Tuckernuck and, J.McLaughlin.
I cheated on the second part of the question. After procrastinating, I begged asked my husband, Jim, for a quote. Here’s what he said. ‘When we met (in a business meeting) you dressed very professionally. I don’t know what happened.’ Then, he winked… so I think he’s being fictitious.
Did you have a muse growing up? What about today is there someone you try to emulate?
I don’t recall having a specific fashion role model growing up. I had a very stylish aunt and was fascinated by her wardrobe. Seventeen magazine was a big influence.I suppose I was influenced by the TV stars of the day. Valerie Bertinelli in One Day at a Time comes to mind.
I was in awe of Bianca Jagger, in her Studio 54 days. Halston gowns. Who can forget her white wedding suit? What an iconic look. Princess Diana and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy were also huge influences, in the 80’s and 90’s respectively.
Today, I appreciate Jennifer Aniston’s style. Laid back, but polished. She knows how to pair a blazer with jeans like nobody’s business. And her red-carpet looks are spot on. Never fussy… she doesn’t get bogged down in a ton of accessories. Sharon Stone is another celebrity who has a very laid back, but chic look.
That said, it’s interesting how style inspiration has changed over the past few years. I’m much more likely to be influenced by … well, influencers. Bloggers and Instagrammers. I’m currently taken with Suzanne Smith of the Crazy Blonde Life Blog (click here to visit) and Tanya Foster of Tanya Foster Blog a sneaky peek here. Isn’t it wonderful to have so many style muses of our own age and we can communicate with them?!
I think you have a birthday this month. How are you feeling about that?
Yes! I’ll be 58 this month. And, I feel just fine about it. My next BIG birthday will be 60 and it’s a little strange to think about that, but I don’t really mind. Don’t get me wrong. Would I rather be 30 again? Of course. But, 30 with the wisdom and knowledge I have today. And, that’s not going to happen is it?
Do accessories play a role in your wardrobe? How many pair of shoes do you own?!
I’m not adventurous when it comes to accessories, but they do play a role in my wardrobe … a low-key role. I’m not very tall … barely 5’5” and so I feel overwhelmed by big accessories or fussy clothing.
In terms of jewelry, everyday staples are my wedding rings, including my grandmother’s wedding band. A pair of diamond stud earrings. My prized Cartier rose quartz watch, stacked with a Tiffany charm bracelet. If I’m leaving the house (not a guarantee in the days of Covid) I’ll add one of two diamond solitaires pendants; either a gold or platinum setting. All of these pieces were given to me by Jim over the last 20 years. Isn’t he the best?!
For social occasions … I’ll kick things up a notch by adding a statement necklace or snazzier earrings. But, never both. I have a phobia about dangly earrings. I have a David Yurman pendant necklace that I love, the gemstone is a deep blue (surprise!) … and it goes with just about everything in my wardrobe. And, I adore a cocktail ring.
Bags and scarves are a different story … I love bags and scarves. Particularly straw bags. Although I tend to wear the same bag day to day throughout a season and change it up only if going to some kind of to do. I tend to wear scarves everywhere during cooler months. I own two Hermes scarves that were gifts from Jim … him again … that I love to wear tucked inside the collar of a coat or tied to a bag.
How many pair of shoes do I own?! Let me count … the grand total is 75!. More than Marie Kondo (one assumes), less than Imelda Marcos.
Jim is looking over my shoulder and says the better question is how many pair of jeans do I own? Mind your own business, Jim.
How long did it take for you to find your look? How old were you when you hit your stride and felt comfortable in your clothing choices?
I came into my own in my 40’s. When I look back at photos of myself from the 80’s and 90’s I see much to regret. Floral jumpsuits, Alex Carrington shoulder pads … and let’s not talk about the permed hair. It took much longer than it should have to grasp that red does not work for me.
I think I know what works for me and I’m consistent about it. It took a while to get here, but better late than never.
What do you think are your style strengths? What is your favorite way to shop? Online, in store, flea market, boutique.
Less is more is my motto for my wardrobe, my home … everything. This requires editing. If I don’t love it, if I don’t wear it regularly, or if it doesn’t have sentimental value … it goes. I’m ruthless.
Lessons I learned early on …
Fit. Is. Everything. Pay no mind to size tags. They’re inconsistent. One brand’s size 4 is another brand’s size 10. Buy what fits. Cut out the size tag if the number bothers you.
And, find a good tailor. Rarely do I buy a piece of clothing that doesn’t require tailoring. I’ve even purchased a $23 Amazon dress and spent $20 having it tailored to fit me. Tailoring is essential and a $23 dress can look amazing when it fits beautifully.
As an introvert and homebody, I like to shop online. Another benefit, no harsh dressing room lights.
That said, I enjoy shopping in-store as well. Seeing what’s out on the floor, how it’s displayed and being able to touch, feel and assess quality is hard to beat. Added bonus … when you go out there’s the opportunity to meet a friend for lunch.
Nordstrom is my favorite department store. They have everything and they’re nice. If I’m going to a special event or on a trip, I often schedule an appointment with a personal shopper.
It’s important to me to support small businesses too. For your readers in Northern California, a few of my favorite local boutiques are Flaunt Boutique in Danville, Jinny in Walnut Creek and Luck in Lafayette. We also have wonderful resale shops and I pop into Labels in Walnut Creek and Rechic in Orinda quite often.
Will you share your beauty routine please? Do you double cleanse? Do you use eye cream? If you use a serum what works for your skin type and what is that type? Dry, sensitive, oily?
As a teen I had very oily skin. It made those years quite traumatic. It’s also sensitive. I’ve battled breakouts throughout my life … not so much anymore but I still think of my skin as oily. My dermatologist told me to be thankful for it because later in life I’d have no lines or wrinkles. That was a big lie.
I don’t double cleanse. I wash once with Neutrogena liquid cleanser, fragrance free. Morning and evening. If I’ve worn makeup (not often these days) I follow up with Clinique Clarifying Lotion #2 on a cotton ball. Oh, and I remove eye makeup with Vaseline. I use it as a nighttime lip balm as well. I love my Clarisonic and use it three times a week for exfoliation.
In the morning, after cleansing, I apply SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum followed by Neutrogena’s oil-free moisturizer with sunscreen. If I do put on makeup its either a tinted moisturizer or a light foundation that also contains sunscreen. I love Burt’s Bees tinted lip balm.
In the evening, after cleansing I apply AmorePacific Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra-Gel and AmorePacific eye gel. Every few nights I use a retinol product after cleaning and before moisture.
The skin on my chest has become very delicate and frequently irritated. When it flares up, I use CeraVe lotion for super sensitive skin. Last year I had Mohs surgery remove a carcinoma. It was a tiny spot but left an inch-long scar. Aging is not for sissies.
Sunscreen is everything. I deeply regret my years of sunbathing, slathered in baby oil. I think young woman are much smarter about this now.
You are a beautiful blogger. How did that come about? How long have you been blogging?
I have been a blogger for all of … wait for it … five months! You were a major influence on getting my blog off the ground. Your encouragement and follow up and gave me the final push I needed to hit publish. And, then you announced my arrival on your blog!
I first contemplated a blog when we began building a home on Fidalgo Island in Washington. I thought it would be fun to document the process. The reality of building a home two states away was all consuming and the blog didn’t happen. I then planned to start the blog once we moved in … and that didn’t happen either. After two years, in Washington we came running back to California … tails between our legs. We couldn’t adjust to the weather.
Soon thereafter we purchased Snowberry Cottage, our current home, and undertook a year-long renovation. Once again, a blog was intended … but nothing. We moved into Snowberry last March, just before quarantine. La Contessa continued to inquire … where’s the blog? By July I knew I must do it or abandon the idea. So, I did it and I’m having a lot of fun.
My blog is called MAKE MINE A SPRITZER and it’s all about our home renovation and the goings on at Snowberry. This includes my observations on life with my husband, two dogs and grown children (one son, four nieces, five grands). Oh, and a cocktail recipe or two. I’m excited to see how it evolves over time.
During COVID have you been exercising more than normal? What do you do to stay so fit?
No, I haven’t been exercising more. Sadly, it’s just the opposite. And, I’ve gained 10lbs … TEN POUNDS … since March. There’s no excuse. My sweatpants are no longer a choice, they’re a necessity. Over the summer I wore a lot of dresses. They’re forgiving.
Two weeks ago, I said enough is enough. We have a very special wedding coming up in January … in Cabo San Lucas. This was the incentive I needed to get back on the wagon, so to speak.
What does that mean? Getting back to my pre-Covid routine which involves walking at least 10,000 steps a day, doing some sort of weight bearing workout twice a week and yoga.
In addition, I practice intermittent fasting during the week. What that means for me is eating three meals a day all within an 8-hour period. I need to eat breakfast, so my 8-hour window is 8-4 or 9-5. I don’t eat anything beyond that point.
Will you share a couple of books you have red these past 7 months and or your favorite magazines.
Most recently, my book club read Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. It’s not a subject to make one feel more hopeful. That said, I came away full of admiration for Mr. Stevenson and saddened by how racial injustice continues to plague our nation.
I also did some lighter reading and these are a few my favorites.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Holdout by Graham Moore
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
I’m currently reading Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. Lady in Waiting by Anne Glenconner and The Only Plane in the Sky, an Oral History of 9/11 by Garrett M. Graff are in the queue (on my nightstand).
I still love magazines, but don’t keep up with as many as I used to … favorites are Vogue, Town and Country and Vanity Fair. Vanity Fair isn’t the same since the departure of Graydon Carter. Still, it’s a hard habit to break.
How are you coping with all that is going on in the world today? I believe you are a California native and with all the fires and smoke from the wine country your old stomping grounds has it taken a toll on you.
Jim and I lived in the wine country when we met … at work … in the wine industry. We lived in Sonoma for 17 years and have a large group of friends and co-workers throughout the Sonoma and Napa region. In 2017, our former home (we no longer lived there) and entire neighborhood, burned down in the Tubbs Fire. Several former neighbors were seriously injured, and one died. Many friends lost homes and were/are displaced. In the years since, the fire seasons continue to devastate, and repeated evacuations and destruction have wreaked havoc on people’s lives. It’s heartbreaking and I have to wonder if this is our new way of life in California.
The state of our world is worrisome and anxiety provoking. I’m not sure I’m coping any better or worse than anyone else. I write this on the eve of our election and so I’ve no idea the outcome and how it will positively or negatively affect us going forward.
If I may paraphrase the Queen, 2020 is not a year I shall look back on with undiluted pleasure.
Maybe share one of your lightweight low alcoholic drinks with us. Which brings me to your call name for your Instagram and blog Make Mine a Spritzer will you please share that story with us!
I would love to share my signature drink with La Contessa’s readers … the Classic White Wine Spritzer! It’s easy, it’s light, it’s fun and refreshing. And, it doesn’t take itself too seriously.
What you need … your favorite white wine, fizzy water (Club Soda or Sparkling water) and a lime wedge. Add equal parts wine and fizzy water to your favorite wine glass, garnish and enjoy. If it’s a terribly warm out, and you like, add ice.
Important note – do not allow yourself to be intimidated or shamed by wine purists (ahem … snobs) as I did for many years. Try ordering a wine spritzer in the presence of ‘wine industry professionals’ … good grief, you’d think a felony has been committed. They take themselves and their wine very seriously. Wine is wonderful, but really … why all the rules? Getting side eye from wine industry colleagues held me back for too long. With age comes confidence … and today I can look those wine pros in the eye and say, ‘make mine a spritzer.’
Where to fine me on social media –
Blog:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/makemineaspritzer/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/makemineaspritzer
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/jlrussell62/_created/
DEMOLITION DAYS are BEHIND YOU!
THANK YOU JULIET for this AMAZING READ and HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
NOVEMBER 19th being the BIG DAY!
NOW LETS GO SEE WHO CINDY HAS FEATURED FOR NOVEMBER a TAP AWAY HERE!!
I have a FEELING we are going to LOVE her style TOO!
XXX
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