PAJAMA RANT & Summer Pretty Things Whether You’re 25 or 75

Summer pretty things you may like whether you’re 25 or 75 isn’t reinventing anything. I’m 58, and while thoughts of beauty, design, and personal growth can be engaging, I find overthinking anything (including fashion) exhausting. More often than not, I need to become more embodied and to go beyond all the fury and flurry of thoughts. On the other hand, TIMELESS loveliness in any era, or AGELESS beauty? Yeah, baby, I am here for that. Probably. I mean if I MUST get out of my pajamas. Hahahaha.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Summer Pieces You’ll Wear for Years

But first the pajama rant

Pajamas? Someone saw a video I recently posted where I’m singing a song written for my sister at the piano in my pjs. (I tried to post it here, but technical errors persisted.) It touched this person who struggles with Lupus that I was singing while too weak to dress, and the discussion turned to authenticity and the messy realness of life offline.

It’s not that I don’t want to set a tone for work, look presentable, connect with others or engage with life beyond these walls. It’s that so often, it isn’t realistic as I recover or manage symptoms from chronic illness. My life and pains are real, unlike so much broadcast on social media.

“Get up and get dressed” is a message I often see on my feeds and is certainly warranted. I follow an adorable someone on IG who is a genius at persuading us it’s worth the effort to make an effort.

But looking good from dressing the part when I feel like crap doesn’t help me get what I need or desire.

Like fashion, one size doesn’t always fit all. At a certain age, I think you begin to re-learn your loveliness and what feeds your spirit. When I was young and getting polished up to gain respect and admiration…when all of that eventually grew to irritate and exhaust me, it was time to shift into more self-honoring behavior.

What would people you love most say about you at your funeral? Mine would not mention shopping, wardrobe, or accessorizing.

I would rather praise pajamas (they’re comfy, move with me, aren’t complicated and are made from natural, breathable materials) and be honest about what I reach for than fake a lifestyle with a bunch of flattering outfits I don’t actually wear. If cardigans are your thing, DO CARDIGANS.

I hope this fills in some gaps in case you wondered what the fuss about sleepwear was about. I think you’ll notice the dresses and apparel to which I typically link are comfy and uncomplicated. Someday, we’ll do a closet tour, and except for the denim fitting like a glove, you will notice most pieces are ones in which you would feel comfortable falling asleep!

For Ladies Who Love to Lounge

I shared these the other day when we mused about Julia Berolzheimer style.

The accessories (hat, sandals, bag) in this mix below may qualify as investment pieces, but YAY…the dresses are reasonably priced.

More Blue Dresses, Please!

Me and little blue dresses…I have mentioned this often. When I was born, my parents were very busy students in college/seminary. My Godmother was all too happy to babysit and took the infant me shopping, dressing me in a new blue dress each week.

There are oodles of pictures of her holding me up in a photo booth, me in new blue dresses. What a blessing and privilege to be loved so well, so early!

Here’s something handmade and blue at a friendly price:

And here’s something under $30 you could pair with a white tee as a hot weather uniform:

In fact, spring for a quality linen white tee that costs about the same as a sundress. You’ll wear it constantly.

And did I just find the perfect coastal stripe shirt dress to wear at home, to the beach, and even out and about in a linen blend at an unbeatable price?

Yes, please. This creamy linen shift dress is under $40…making it easy to buy multiple colors:

Need a Pair of Birks to Go With Everything?

Great price and quality on these:

Let’s Try on Provence Style with a Handmade Garden Dress!

Every color is beautiful!

Chambray Shirt Dresses Never Fall From Favor!

Fashion Over 50: Perfect for Almost Any Occasion

How cute would this be with a white denim jacket?

Especially for Coastal Grandmothers

Fashion Over 50: Handmade Linen Dress!

Frugal Fashion Over 50: Timeless Dresses

For readers of a certain age only…Is this pose and expression CLASSIC TWIGGY or what?

I’m sorry, but she is selling it to me, and the bonus 60s vibes are giving me life.

I am loving the whole “daydress” or “housedress” movement happening. Anything blurring the lines between pajamas and streetwear when done well that isn’t boxy or clinging yoga leggings is calling my name.

Fashion Over 50: Barefoot Elegance

Again with this gorgeous elegant Twiggy model…and POCKETS!

BTW. I wear the comfy dresses that please ME. My sons have teased me over the years in their confusion about burlap and linen (i.e. “another burlap bag dress, eh, mama?”). I didn’t let the thumbs down deter me when they were teens, and remain unconcerned about how fashionable a linen shift with pockets and pintuck details may or may not be. (Typical feminist-evolved-intellectual response to them then and now: KISS MY GRITS, sweetie.)

Hahahahaha. You didn’t think I was surrounded exclusively by adoring fans behind the blog, did you?

Fashion Over 50 Dresses: Comfy as PJs

Fashion Over 50: Jumpsuit

Would you, could you? Looks so beachy.

But What About The Dresses That Are Sold Out? POSHMARK!

I am a huge fan of Poshmark and have had great experience finding timeless pieces no longer available in stores. It’s boho and not linen, but for example, this Marcelina midi dress sold out at Anthropologie can still be found on Poshmark.

Don’t yet have a free Poshmark account? Ooh lala, score! I’m about to point you to $10 instantly! On your phone or tablet, simply use my invite code: HELLOLOVELYINC when you sign up by downloading the app. We’ll both get a credit for 10 bucks…what a lovely way to support this blog!

Make sure you sign up on your phone or iPad–you cannot snag the credit signing up for an account via your desktop computer. Use the code HELLOLOVELYINC to sign up.

She Shed Inspiration

Over-50 Summer Pieces

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Delightful Makeup Artist

Lately I haven’t been wearing makeup every single day, but that doesn’t mean I don’t still love it. In fact, I think I am having even more fun with it as a creative, artful, outlet. Watching makeup and beauty tutorials is quite relaxing and my sport. 🙂 I have learned so much from Lisa Eldridge and cannot wait to try some of her products!

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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