Vogue’s annual Age Issue (sorry,
age (less)…because Fashion’s not totally obsessed with youth or anything…) is the one in which our almighty editrixes ordain what one wears in their 20s, 30s, 40s…you get it. And each year, something happens on the 60s page called Full-Coverage Frump. The 70s page is either missing entirely or more of the same, implying that once women age past fifty-nine they deteriorate into shapeless blobs and as such, only care about jewelry and handbags.
Au contraire!
Case in point: My seventy-something G.M. (Upon the birth of her first grandchild (aka moi), G.M. informed my mom that the archaic ‘Grandmother’ simply would not do, and proposed the term’s initials as an alternative). In addition to neither looking nor acting her age, G.M. is quite the bargain huntress. She continually finds cute stuff at Wal-Mart – a feat beyond even my comprehension – and she recently acquired some serious thrifting skillz too.
When she came over for dinner last week, the following transpired:
G.M.:
Do you like this shirt?
Me:
LOVE IT. Where did you get it?
G.M.:
You’ll never guess.
Me:
Macy’s?
G.M.:
No.
Me:
Marshall’s?
G.M.:
No.
Me:
G.M….did you go to a thrift store?!
G.M.:
Yes. It was ten dollars! And it’s Ralph Lauren! Can you believe it?!
Turns out G.M. and a friend had driven from her Pennsylvania mountain town to upstate New York for an afternoon of thrifting at
Closet Treasures; “My friend found some nice things, but I found better stuff,” she smirked. Her haul included this suede-trimmed, LAUREN Ralph Lauren blazer pictured which, between the material, color and button detail, is so classy and cool that I kind of want one for myself.
I’m not just proud of my G.M. for stepping outside of her shopping comfort zone; I’m proud that the 70s female demographic of my family doesn’t buy the bullshit notion that the more one ages, the less one shops.
Caring about what you wear and getting all giddy over a 50% off tag or a thrift-tastic blazer aren’t experiences limited to the young: They’re what’s
truly age (less) about the whole shebang.
When she came over for dinner last week, the following transpired:
G.M.: Do you like this shirt?
Me: LOVE IT. Where did you get it?
G.M.: You’ll never guess.
Me: Macy’s?
G.M.: No.
Me: Marshall’s?
G.M.: No.
Me: G.M….did you go to a thrift store?!
G.M.: Yes. It was ten dollars! And it’s Ralph Lauren! Can you believe it?!
Turns out G.M. and a friend had driven from her Pennsylvania mountain town to upstate New York for an afternoon of thrifting at Closet Treasures; “My friend found some nice things, but I found better stuff,” she smirked. Her haul included this suede-trimmed, LAUREN Ralph Lauren blazer pictured which, between the material, color and button detail, is so classy and cool that I kind of want one for myself.
I’m not just proud of my G.M. for stepping outside of her shopping comfort zone; I’m proud that the 70s female demographic of my family doesn’t buy the bullshit notion that the more one ages, the less one shops.
Caring about what you wear and getting all giddy over a 50% off tag or a thrift-tastic blazer aren’t experiences limited to the young: They’re what’s truly age (less) about the whole shebang.
seriously, one of my favorite posts ever, that blazer is calling my name!
Your G.M. is beautiful! I think she should teach Vogue a thing or two.
Sounds like smart women run in your family…love that shirt!
Aaah, I love your G.M.! That’s amazing. Also, I love your blog!
I’m 68 and discovered thrift shops about 10 years ago. Most of the coolest stuff in my closet comes from both high and low end thrifts. My most extravagent item was a cashmere Armani blazer that I adore, and while it was almost $300, it was a major score. I also have a great Talbot’s blazer that was $8. I agree about the bullshit Vogue age issue. Women should dress to please themselves and not worry about what “they” are telling you. Really enjoy your blog. I just discovered it!