Colorful

This is a small part of a rough draft for my creative non-fiction class…

Before I turned fifty, my wardrobe was conservative with hues of brown, black and for contrast, grey. I wore outfits that a Catholic nun would approve. My hemlines were safe and my neckline never dipped more than two inches from my chin. Not all, but I do see many women my age wear either the long tunic over leggings or “mom” jeans with a baggy shirt or sweatshirt. I was surrounded by dull and drab. The feeling of being old just didn’t sit well with me. I don’t want to eat at four and be in bed by seven.

When I was a kid my style was my own. Fun fact, I was the kid you heard having an argument with her mother in Kmart. Remember Garanimals? You would match the animal tags accordingly to make the perfect outfit. While most kids went with tigers matched to tigers or zebras with zebras, I chose penguins with frogs or zebras with tigers.

Recently, changes have been made. My new attire contains bright, bold prints that pair with even bolder prints and colors on the opposite side of the color wheel. My daughter says I look British; such a lovely complement. Speaking of compliments, the blouse I refer to as “my Frida Kahlo” gets a lot of attention whenever I step out into public wearing it.

This change has seeped into other aspects of my life as well. My home décor has taken on a new sense of vitality. I made bold covers for the pillows on my grey couch. Artwork that hang on my walls have whimsical themes that make no sense. Dancing and singing in the isle of Woodman’s has become common.

While it is no big secret, older people make younger generations uncomfortable. Younger people think the older generations are fragile or slowing down. Perhaps they eat dinner at four and are in bed by seven. Not this old lady. My new boldness will make younger people uncomfortable with my brassy outfits. Cocktails will start at four followed by a late supper around seven. Bed time? Well, that will just depend of when the lights go out, if you know what I mean.