Thursday Musings
Happy Thursday, ladies. The busy holiday season is upon us. I’m a few days past my regular Monday musings so let’s dive in to what’s happening in my neck of the woods.
The pressure to be ready for the holidays is in high gear for me because I have, again, put my own shopping off until the very…last…moment. Perhaps I shop better when I’m under pressure? It’s more likely that I’m simply a procrastinator.
You’ll notice today’s pictures are pre (I wish I hadn’t had) my recent haircut. I’m particular (neurotic?) about my hair on a good day, but when I’m sporting an unflattering haircut, my obsession hits overdrive. I can’t make my new ‘do look like anything but a flat pageboy and it’s driving me crazy. I picked up a can of this yesterday and may take scissors to my top layers if it doesn’t help.
The lettering on this mirror says, “your best self is your real self” and I could not agree more. Authenticity gets more important for me as I age. I’m not one of those, “everything is perfect” bloggers because I feel inferior when I read those blogs so don’t want to pretend.
You’ve already seen me wear this turtleneck sweater here and will likely see me wear it often because I love it! It’s really comfy and the color is especially perfect on me, so I’m embracing everything I can find in this soft white shade. I’ve been reaching for a lot of ivory these days.
I have a small obsession with color and have covered personal color analyses extensively. I don’t think I’ve shared yet, that I had a recent color analysis by John Kitchner. He is a legend in this industry so I couldn’t resist getting his take on my best colors and styles.
Some analyses only consider your physical coloring and some consider your personal energy or esssence. I’m not on the fence about that part, because I believe our personal energy is critical to include in any comprehensive personal color analysis. It’s a little too complex to share in a Musings post, but I might be able to boil it down at a later date if you’re interested.
Anywho… those bright, crisp white shirts that I love, may not be the most flattering for me. Does that mean I will never wear them? Nope. I refuse to feel limited by a prescribed palette, but I am coachable. I’ll be looking for softer alternatives in both shape, fabrication, and color.
These pants and top grabbed my attention because taupe has always been my favortie color. Perhaps it’s because my hair was taupe before I decided to stop coloring it. It’s also one of the reasons that I wear these little taupe booties so often.
It could also be because I love neutrals and taupe is more unexpected than white or black. Taupe comes in warm and cool shades so you can find one to flatter every comlexion.
This green shade has been in the palette of every color anaysis I’ve had (which numbers in the double digits) because my eyes contain this color. BTW- Wearing your eye color makes you appear trustworthy and is always flattering. The same goes with wearing your hair color.
This is a low contrast outfit which I love. I wrote about why your personal color contrast matters here. I gravitate to them as often as I reach for neutrals. I have low personal contrast coloring so they look much better on me than black and white which has a high contrast.
My daughter asked me what I want for Christmas this year. Like every year, the answer is that I want to spend time with my family. My daughter is in town and we have lots of fun times ahead with our family, including my new grandson. If I really, really had to pick one item, what would it be? Probably a new purse, if I could find one I really liked. Just like Goldilocks, it needs to be right the size, not too big, not too small… no big logos, must the be the right color)… haven’t found it yet. And I’m just feeling grateful for the time ahead.
If you had to choose, what would be the one item at the top of your own holiday gift list?
Yes, more about Kitchner!
Happy Holidays!
Happy holidays my friend!
Merry Christmas Jennifer!
I too would like to hear about your latest color analysis. I find the subject fascinating. I was professionally analyzed in 1984 and told I was a Spring. I then trained to do four season analysis. I had an eye for it, but never liked the idea that we could pigeon-hole everyone into one of only four categories. I thought that having only four seasons was without nuance. I did not continue analyzing others past 1985.
I did not change the colors I was wearing after my analysis nearly 40 years ago. Instead, I stuck with what I knew (and still know) look good on me. My colors are clear chroma, warm, and medium in intensity. I knew that there were colors in the Spring palette that were absolutely wrong for me. Many were too light. There were also many clear chroma colors, for example, bright rust and clear warm olive, in the Autumn palette that looked great. So, in the old 4 season method, some of my colors would be in the Spring category and some in Autumn. I ignored the advice to fastidiously stick to the Spring palette.
The current system that makes the most sense to me is Jen Vax’s Your Color Style. (I know you were analyzed by Jen.) In her system I am bright, warm, medium.
I know what looks good on me and maybe more importantly, what does not. I think the real key is developing one’s own eye. I have never felt the need to carry around fabric swatches or color cards. I can see what works and what does not. That may be because I am so obviously warm. I remember being told by the woman who analyzed me many years ago that I was very easy. She didn’t actually need to drape me in order to figure out my season. I agree that with me it is quite clear.
I knew when I was in elementary school that I looked bad in young girls’ favorite colors – lavenders and cool pinks – but couldn’t understand why. At the time I had light golden brown / dark blonde hair (my hair has darkened with age.) I had very fair golden skin and hazel green eyes. I saw other light skinned girls with light brown hair looking wonderful in the lavenders and pinks. What I did not realize at the time was that their skin had cool undertones and mine had warm. All I knew was that I did not look good in those pretty colors. I looked good in tomato reds, golden yellows, and warm Kelly greens. In fact, my favorite outfit in high school was a plaid shorts suit that had all of those colors. I think I had my colors pretty well figured out by the time I started high school. I know that it is more difficult for many women. I think that one has to find a very experienced analyst with a very good eye who does in-person analysis. I think it is very difficult to get an accurate reading with a photo.
Merry Christmas Kathy! I agree 4 seasons is way too limiting. I know we are used to seasonal analysis but I find tonal analysis more descriptive.
Have you ever looked at Glam Girl Gabi on youtube? Sheās a stylist who has super thin hair (even documented her hair transplant). She is against all these layers we are all being told we need for volume in our thin hair. Her blunt cut is beautiful. Iām now talking to my stylist, because all these layers on top just make my bottom look thin.
Iāll check her out!!
Add my voice to the chorus interested in color analysis. Iāve had mine done twice and I still donāt understand how to apply the principles with my actual wardrobe. I appreciate your perspective on things, Jennifer, and look forward to see how you switch things up in 2024! Enjoy your family – make happy memories!
Happy holidays!
If I were to want one item, which I didn’t have to pay for (LOL), I’d choose something unpractical, maybe a dressy dress or something.
Love your musings and the clothing you showed today. I would love to hear more about the color analysis / recommendations. Always interesting. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Maeve
My hair volume and texture looks exactly like yours. I know the struggles. One day my hair looks OK and the next day I do exactly the same thing and it looks terrible. I’ve tried the Living Proof Volumizing Spray but did not like it as much as the Dry Shampoo. If you are ever looking for a new stylist, I suggest finding one that has hair like you do. It has worked for me. The girls with the gorgeous hair cannot relate to my hair problems.
You’re right! Stylists with thin hair really understand my challenges best.
I like to wear ivory and taupe too. I just love neutrals. My eyes are green so I wear that color and I like teal. I have no idea if they look good or not but I just like them. I’m always looking for the perfect handbag butara I don’t trust anyone to find it so I never ask for that but my daughter would probably come close. This year almost all our family will be at our house so I’m kind of freaking out! Merry Christmas š²
You’ll have a wonderful time! Merry Christmas
Firstly, wishing you and your loved ones A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS plus success in your last minute shopping! As to your haircut Jennifer know for myself sometimes it might just require a bit of tweaking like repositioning its part or sweeping the bangs differently, flipping one side behind the ear, wearing it sleek with little volume etc. In other words (mine is about the same length) it often depends on how it blow dries out as well as what stage of growth its at and I only use a flat curling iron on it for touch up and do not overwork it. (Never use rollers as have been there and done that particularly when I was younger having hair that was ‘fine and as straight as a poker’. Also use a de-tangle child’s brush after shampooing then a natural bristle one for styling/brushing.) Now regarding a handbag, you might wish to have a look a Staud bags as they are IMO reasonably priced. i.e.: Search MATCHES as they do have a nice selection, one in particular called Valerie currently with 60% off that you might be interested in. Last but not least; the top item on my personal holiday gift list is actually a wish, that as a family may we continue to be blessed with good health as this past year due to illness have experienced the loss of loved ones within our extended family unit as well as a few friends that were very expected. -Brenda-
I’m so sorry to hear about your family member, Brenda. That is so sad. Sending you best wishes for a very Merry Christmas abd continued good health.
Thank you Jennifer. As to my comment; my computer had a bit of hiccup when trying to correct my post which I thought I had, as it should have read ‘were very UNexpected’. Wishing you a great evening. -Brenda-
Sending warm thoughts your way!! Have a safe and blessed holiday.
I have fine hair in a bob. I started using Mr Smith Volume Spray. I was using Oribe but it was like hairspray on my hair. The Mr Smith really gives volume. I also started using velcro clips (Amazon) at the crown. They donāt damage my hair but you could put a Kleenex between your hair and the velcro. I look like a Yorkie but they work. Great post as always. Merry Christmas!
I just looked up the Mr Smith line. How fascinating! Merry Christmas
Your hair always looks very nice. Let the hairstylist cut it if you need to adjust the shape. I understand about color of clothes now that I am white/ silver, with warm skin tone. White, black look good on me , but now cream does not? I had dark blond hair when I colored it. I used to wear a lot of neutrals, but this white hair looks good now with more color. It is a whole new ball game with white , fine , slightly wavy, hair for sure.
I use a volume shampoo and gel to give it body. I had tried every kind of mousse, spray, and none worked. My husband uses gel, so I tried his one day, and what at difference. Just need dab, and work in all over, then blow dry with big round brush.
Have a Merry Christmas!
Wow! Itās great to find something that works. Merry Christmas
I’m always interested in color analysis. Please share more! Was your analysis done online? I had an online color analysis done in 2020, diagnosed as an Autumn, then another done in person in 2023, as a Summer. My hair has much more silver in it now, and I’ve stopped highlighting it. I’ve gone from a golden blonde to my true color of light ash brown with lots of silver coming in. I bought a lot of Autumn color clothes in those three years, now slowly giving them away!
I will share. This was virtual. I debated doing it because the Red Leopard virtual analysis was completely off. I knew I couldnāt be any type of autumn, so didnāt buy many things. I think virtual has lots of draw backs but he seemed to over come them. He does not use seasons which so many of us are used to.
That green on you is stunning. You may not love your new haircut, but you look gorgeous. Thank you for your inspiring posts and refreshing honesty. Merry Christmas!
Thank you. Merry Christmas!
Love you in the soft white turtleneck and looking forward to hearing about your color consultation! Such a good neutral color for you. Merry Christmas šš
Merry Christmasšš
The ivory colors do look polished on you but I am surprised that you aren’t leaning to more warm tones in the jewel family. Maybe that is just my personality. But with my light skin, light hair, light eyes, I sometimes feel invisible.
Love the blog.
Warm tones arenāt that flattering on me. My undertone is very pink so Iām better in cool based colors.
Good morning and Merry Christmas…..I’m thinking that if there is something you really feel good in but the color may not be perfect; maybe the colors and how you accessorize with something, especially near face may help. You have some beautiful items to layer or accessorize with that I’m so envious of some of them.
Merry Christmas. I agree, accessories make a big difference.
I don’t want perfect. Life isn’t perfect. Perfection is the path to unhappiness. What’s left to strive for if you achieve it?
I never go into the shopping mosh pit at this time of year. But wait — the warm weather lulled me into complacency and there I was. There should be some good deals for your last-minute purchases.
I found my Goldilocks handbag in a consignment shop this week, so I bought it. It would be hard for anyone else to shop for me. It had to be the right size and color, not too heavy, in a classic style with few details, made of natural materials with quality craftsmanship. There she was, at the right price, too!
Happy holidays, everyone!
Lucky you!! Enjoy her. Happy Holidays.
You look great in the taupe and cream outfit, at least in my opinion š
Thanks. I love that combo
I can totally relate to the haircut regret! I recently went too short. While I like the cut itself, I realize that the proportions arenāt right for me ā I just need more hair. Believe it or not, Iām actually looking forward to the process of growing it out again ā such an adventure! But I urge you NOT to wield the scissors yourself. Go back to your stylist (or find another one) and take advantage of professional expertise. I too love your blog ā a great way to start the day! Enjoy your holidays.
Thatās very wise advice. Iām never very successful with scissors. I wore a pixie for a short time and it was not enough hair for me either. Iāll never make that mistake again. Good luck with the grow out.
It also occurs to me to suggest using a smaller brush when you blow-dry. Iāve been using a hot air brush thatās about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. The smaller size allows you to get closer to the roots for more lift.
Great idea! Now that itās shorter I need a smaller diameter. Iāll dig it out
As to your haircut — it is so hard to adjust to a haircut that is a bit different, but it looked good when you first got it. Would very much like to hear more about your recent color analysis. Though I don’t think it is something I can afford, it would be educational and fun to hear about yours as well as your thoughts about previous analyses. I have heard that wearing shoes/boots the color of your hair nicely bookends an outfit and I suspect that also figures in your choice of taupe booties as they echo your hair, just slightly darker. That taupe column of color with the long ivory cardigan is so lovely on you — dressy, sophisticated, but casual. And I have green eyes and like finding tops that are the right color green (with blue undertones, not yellow undertones). Never heard that it makes one appear trustworthy! Would love to hear more about colors and the impressions they make.
That would be a fun post!
Did you get the Strathberry handbag you were eyeing? I love mine…
I didnāt order one. I wish there was a store close by that carried one so I could see in person. Handbags are hard to shop for without testing with your stuff.
I love the Venice flare pant. Iām ordering it now!
Their clothes are so comfy. I love them.
Iām still pondering color analysis for me. BTW, I think your hair looks really perfect in your December 19 post, the one about Kohlās coats.
Iām trying to figure out what I did differently that day because it wasnāt as flat as lately.
Happy holidays to one of my favorite bloggers! Your hair color looks beautiful!
Happy Holidays to you as well Marcie.
I use Living Proof volumizing spray on my flat hair days. It saves the day.
I would love to read about your color analysis. It’s really interesting to know what is considered and the conclusions.
I use the Living Proof dry shampoo maybe I should try that volumizing spray today instead.
I want to hear more about your color analysis! I agree taupe is an awesome neutral for us cool toned ladies. As a dark winter I donāt love it near my face but it plays well with my colors, esp in summer when my colors seem dark. Iād love you to delve into contrast more because this is my biggest change. As a very dark brunette with fair skin and pigmented lips I was super high contrast. Now that Iām salt and pepper/silverish I have much less contrast. Itās a huge change. Ironically Iām feeling best in dark colors, ie the darker end of my palette. I can tell this is right because I need less or no makeup in my best colors. My energy has always jibed with being a winter but I imagine a disconnect would be hard to deal with. Have a great holiday!
Thatās very interesting about your colors. I finds our instincts are pretty true with this.
The one item I would like is a great leisure outfit for staying home. Not sure what color.
Yes!!I hear you
You look fantastic in that pale ivory! It has a uncluttered wintery vibe that’s very attractive.
I’m sorry about your hair issues, I too have been struggling with my hair. My stylist had to take some time off in the summer and I found a good stylist who I really liked. Unfortunately she subsequently left the salon so I’m back with the original one, who is very nice but doesn’t seem to get what I’m asking for. I started making very specific requests like “Can we try fewer layers”, so hopefully that helps.
I will have my children & grandchildren for the holidays and all I really want is for my brother to recover from multiple medical procedures he has had in the past few months. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family!
Uncluttered is a great way to describe ivory. Sending best wishes for your brother to recover. Merry Christmas
To me, your hair looks great. But I totally understand how you feel. I’m OCD about my hair as well. I’ve had bangs for years, and I’m in the process of growing them out. But I’m on the fence about how I look without them. One friend said go back to bangs, but I think I’ll ask my family when they are here next week.
I love the green color on you. I have green eyes and have been told to wear green, because it really does bring out your eyes and flatter your face.
Good luck with your Christmas shopping. I’m sure it will all get done in time!
Bangs make such a big change in our hair. Mine look weird and square these days. I already snipped at them a bit yesterday š¤£
Wow Jennifer, a consultation with John Kitchener has been on my wish list for a few years! I have read and watched many articles by him and am slightly obsessed. I would love to hear about your experience, anything you care to share. I will make it there eventually.
Hair is such a personal thing, I feel your frustration, there were a few days last week that I felt like cutting it all off into a pixie… thankfully I met up with a friend who talked me down. Texture can change so much in the winter.
Love your musings, and good luck with the shopping.
Sadly, heās not doing them in person these days. However, I was very impressed with him.
Yes, please share your John Kitchner experience – you know I love to hear anything about colour analysis.
You look fabulous in the off white and green sweater outfits – definitely your colour and style.
On the subject of eye colour, recently I’ve noticed my eye colour has faded – they used to be dark brown with black rims and now they are a softer, warmish brown with charcoal grey rims!
I can’t believe Christmas is only a few days away – it seems to creep up quicker every year š
Merry Christmas to you, your family and to all in this wonderful community.
His analysis is quite extensive so Iām still absorbing much of it. Iāll put together more on it soon. Merry Christmas Yvonne xx
Your “Musing” posts are always my favorites. Thank you for letting us into your life and sharing your true self and feelings. It gives me a sense of connection and we can all use more of that in this impersonal cyber world we live in. I also love talking about color analysis. It really makes a difference in how we look and feel. Of all the clothes you showed us today I think that green sweater really makes your face come alive. You are right, the white shirts you sometimes wear are not the best color for you. But I know you need to wear different colors and styles to show everyone what’s “out there.” And I love your hair. I really like your gray color and know what it’s like to have very thin fine hair that’s getting thinner as we age. Maybe it doesn’t always look like a professional model’s hair, and the problem is that we all compare ourselves to professional models and actresses. You are a real woman over 60 who is living your best life and I appreciate it. These are my musings this morning.
Thanks for sharing your musings Jill. I agree with you about connecting. I totally agree.
Have you tried Morrocanoil Dry Texture Spray? Once I discovered it, Iāve never used anything else. Just a thought.
Thank you for all of your work. I read your posts every morning and my day wouldnāt be the same without them. ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø
I havenāt trued it yet. Thank you for reminding me.