By Megan Murray
Courtesy of Newprophecy.net
I am sitting here in front of the computer having a crisis. It seems that I just realized that I am in my 30’s. Take that back, I just realized what it means to be in your 30’s. See, this time is when you turn a crucial corner. You either become Diane Keaton or Liza Minelli.
You ladies know what I am talking about. Either you say: “ OK I am going to Banana Republic and I am going to buy some classic white shirts and pearls. See, Chico’s isn’t that bad” or “ You know, this sweater could really use more glitter.” Even those of you who claim there is a middle road know it isn’t true. It’s either garden club or Atlantic City.
In my mind, I would like to think I am Annie Hall. I want to be the Jennifer Aniston type of chic casual. I want to wear a great pair of trouser jeans, a crisp white shirt, and some well-made sandals. Perhaps, I would add some kind of equestrian scarf and hoops.
But…we all know how that happens. Suddenly I am wearing a leopard print top, sandals that look like they were crafted by the Phantom of the Operas set designer, and earrings that are calling in intelligent life from Alpha Centauri.
This crisis of style plays out most for me at the cosmetics counter. Again, I chase after the perfect “no make-up look” and I end up wearing MAC Dazzleglass and fake eyelashes.
I hear the chorus of fashion writers telling me “ less is more!” That may be true, but by definitions isn’t more…more? If my soul feels like a star spangled good time, shouldn’t my outside reflect that feeling?
So Painted Ladies I ask you this : Is there a middle ground? What fashion crises are you facing after the high gloss of your twenties wears off?
Oh man. I’m nearing the 30 year mark, a few years away yet. I honestly feel like I’m going to be wearing the same type of clothes my entire life. I really have no sense of fashion whatsoever, even though I try. I just refuse to ever get to the point where I’m wearing those polyester elastic-waist pants and matching shirts. You know the type.
Megan,
You have a pretty young face, so I think you can still wear your sparkly makeup. It is a matter of striking a balance, I believe. Pick one or two sparkly things and keep it with a clean, streamlined wardrobe with solid colors. Don’t go overboard on jewelry or sparkly lotions either… I don’t think it is so much an age thing, unless of course, you like being done up like a club girl.
Liza vs. Diane! I know where you are coming from, and I offer you a solution: do both!
I’m 32, and have found that really growing into my womanhood has freed me from the need to feel as though I am always on display. I can wear things that are elegant and casual (but dear lord, keep the khaki and pearls – gag), with clean makeup that sits in the neutrals with a bit of shimmer. But when I wanna go Liza, I do it the Eff up (DRAMA which = fun). I adore falsh lashes, and I personally think that the variety of lengths and styles can suit Diane or Liza. There’s absolutely no reason for you to turn down your sex appeal just because you have hit a number. Morph from the club girl to a powerhouse of confidence and sex. I don’t eschew jewel colors in my eyeshadows, I just temper the application. I find I take more joy in constructing a look now, finding that awesome shade of red lippy before hitting the town. And if I want to dress in my chuck taylors and leggings, I’ll do that too. Our 30′s are not like our mom’s 30′s. Never limit yourself and have fun exploring!
There IS a middle road! My mom prances along it quite happily, and I often get to borrow her clothes. I think you don’t have to give up the young and chic look so long as you are doing it tastefully. I fully plan to continue wearing glitter liner and shimmery tops well into my 30s, just be modest about it– no bared midriffs, Daisy Dukes or hearts-and-skulls tees.
Despite this brave commentary…I turn 29 tomorrow, eeek!!
I definitely think here is a middle road–look at Helen Mirren. She blew past 30 several years ago and is simply amazing. Elegance never goes out of style. I don’t think elegance and understated is garden club. Think Jennifer Aniston, most of the Kennedy women. But elegance and glamour can have some edge to it! But not Jersey shore edge.