I’ve been reading more and more that the older we get the less we need to worry about what other people think of us.
Remember when you were a kid and could play “dress-up” and choose to be whomever you wanted? Those days are back!
Greetje, Anja, me, Sylvia…having a blast when I visited The Netherlands last year.
Now don’t get me wrong, I didn’t go out wearing this hula skirt…but I did go out wearing this…
And yeah…you need to be in the mood to pull this off. Unless you are Melanie or Vix, in which case you came out of the womb wearing a feather boa and platforms. (Lucky bums!)
Badass Blogger’s outfit consists of two massive butterflies flying directly on the chesticles, a red velvet smoking jacket that was lifted from Hugh Hefner at the Playboy Mansion (Badass claims she was there strictly for research) and those blue crushed velvet booties used to be part of “Elvis World”.
The attitude required to carry this off is part Madonna circa 1980’s and part Sue Kreitzman who said,
“here’s the truth, I am not really an old lady, just cleverly disguised as one”
Badass Blogger (BB as she likes to be called) is very closely related to my other alter ego “Rock Star” that is Kid Rock’s sister. No joke. I really look like Kid Rock here.
Dressing like a BadAss blogger just means I’m allowing myself to play with my image. I’m not squeezed into the tight space of what’s fashionable, current, tasteful, elegant or “appropriate” for someone my age.
Lord how I despise the phrase, “age appropriate.”
Like this brilliant article put it…
“Perhaps this trend started with the best of intentions. But after having total strangers instruct me through the years to dress sexy, not slutty, in my 20s, to avoid mom-jeans in my 30s, to find a “signature look” in my 40s and to throw out my Uggs in my 50s — I am done!” – Carol Costello
When you’ve passed a certain age you’ve essentially passed Go so many times that it is up to you and you alone to decide what works for you. Hopefully it is something that allows your confidence and spirit to soar past the clouds of judgment and naysayers.
If you had one outfit to wear to best express your inner self…what would it be?
I can’t wait to read your responses to this.
Linking up with the lovely Patti for Visible Monday
I would wear the leopard print tee and the hula skirt (jk), although it would cross my mind. Mine would most likely be a flowy skirt and dress with a big floppy hat and really funky shoes, to me its all about the shoes. I think we have that in common, right? I would definetely put those Elvis booties in a heart beat but I don’t think I would do them near the justice that you’ve shown us.
It is totally an attitude – and you have it. Love that Carol Costello quote; we are all getting weary of being told how to dress for our age (although no one bothered me with that advice when I was 30, hmmmmm). Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, xox.
Awesome outfit! You look ready to take on the world.
I kind of feel like I can step over tall buildings in those boots ; P
Oh…love the outfit and the attitude! Kid Rock should be so lucky to have a sister like you. As to one outfit summing me up? Well…hmmm…nope, can’t think of just one.
You’re like me…too many personalities to get into one outfit.
Ahhh, I wish your title would have been “How to dress like a Badass Blogger,” I aspire to badassness.
*grins*
Hang on…that is my title…is it not?
Also have you seen my Badass Blogger tee? http://suzannecarillo.com/badass-blogger-t-shirt/
You can buy it.
Yes…I just plugged my own tee. Ah well…
Ahhh, I wish your title would have been “How to dress like a Badass Blogger,” I aspire to badassness.
*grins*
Agreed. Nothing irks me more than the term Age Appropriate. Whatever the heck that means.
If I had one outfit to wear to my inner self it would be a saloon girl costume.
This does not surprise me one bit!
If I had one outfit to wear to express my inner self it would be a saloon girl costume.
Okay- first I love that you have a Badass Blogger outfit (which is, as advertised, very Badass.) I don’t even like the feel of velvet but your jacket makes me want to go out and get a velvet blazer, you make it look so cool!
Secondly- what a hard question, which outfit is “most my inner self!” I think we all have such different sides to ourselves. However, if I had to say, I guess it would be my skinny jeans, white button up, black vest and grey blazer with ankle boots and a scarf my sister made for The Boy and that I stole (um, this outfit here: http://www.withoutastyle.com/2014/12/what-i-wore-gamine.html). It has a bit of all the things I like- a little tomboy, a bit dressed up and a bit dressed down/slightly mussed so there’s just enough to keep it feminine; VESTS, and something that reminds me of family. I dunno, I feel very myself but very sexy in this.Plus, my dad always loves a button up; says their classic, so… it reminds me of that too.
I can see why that outfit is one of your favs. I also like all the layers.
Oooh, yeah, you are Badass Blogger, BB! Those are the perfect boots for The Strut.
Haha, thanks for the mention. Yeah, my mum will never forgive me for birth with platform shoes on. She should be thankful they weren’t stilettos. Moving right along…
Nobody has ever really told me directly what not to wear – I think they are scared.
As for an outfit that expresses the real me? It depends, although I do love that “Dressed to piss you off” T you made me!! It’s definitely a favourite.
You should make stickers of that sunglasses glint so we can all wear some of your awesome ‘tude.
I want that sunglass glint all the time. It detracts from my winkles and blinds people if they get too close! LOL
Kid Rock’s sister!! LOL, I love it!! You are one badass blogger indeed!! I think it’s all about the attitude and you’ve got the right attitude to pull off this awesome outfit.
My outfit would be a simple maxi dress and comfy flats – I always love feeling relaxed and laid back…not very exciting.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
I wish I was more like Vic really.. she looks like she came from the past, good past. I am very much boho at heart and always with a touch of masculinity. Reality is I am always in jeans,t.shirt or button-down, but I wish I could go around looking more like Nicole Richie or the Twins! Society and the circle that we live in somehow play a small role if not big in how we dress up. I was more daring when I was back home.. now living in another land in a different community, I toned down a lot. We should all refer to our sister Madonna for attitude. She’s 50+ and rocking it! After all like what she said “Bitch, I’m Madonna!”
I find it so interesting that you had to tone down your style because of where you live. Although I guess that is in part due to it being a Muslim country.
It is the culture and tolerance level I would say. Malaysia is partially a Muslim country but one is free to go around as he/she wishes without prejudice or getting arrested. I am always careful here. Someone might get annoyed and I can end up in jail. Yikes!
You rock Badass Blogger, not sure if it is well placed butterflies , velvet or killer boots or just that attitude. I detest those supposed rules, wear what suits your personality . I love the Sue Kreitzman quote.
You are one gorgeous bad-ass. Love the blazer and blouse. I always love your style and poses, Suzanne. =)
I love this post and love your use of “badass.” I bought a bunch of your cards with that fun design and sent them to my friends. My outfit would be a fit-and-flare dress, in pink of course, with a shorter hem than is socially appropriate. I want to make onlookers gasp in equal parts disdain and admiration. 🙂
Ha ha! Love that : )
You look fabulous Suzanne. Could wear that outfit myself. I try to dress for my most authentic self every day. Having fun, taking risks. It really is true that I care less as I get older what older people think. As you know I have added quite a few leather items to my wardrobe and I’m thinking of adding some sexy tighter fitting dresses too!
Oooh…am I influencing you at all somehow? Or is it a natural shift you’re making? Regardless…you know I’m gonna like it : )
Hi, dear Suzanne! I loved this post and your outfit! The blazer, the nice colorful shirt, white pants and yes, those blue boots are insane – insanely beautiful! You do look beautiful and if that is to be a BadAss outfit, wow, so good to be a BadAss then! I think I am too, cause I like colorful outfit, Indian outfits (Native as well, but I meant the country, India) and I mix fringes with perspex heels and etc. I don’t mind the opinions and I also think age appropriate is ridiculous. There is personality appropriate, in my opinion! Loved your post, as usual deep and sweet!
DenisesPlanet.com
Girl…you are rockin’ that bad ass look!!!! Love it! 🙂
Darlene
http://whosaprettygirl.com
Love the outfit, love the butterflies. I can’t do tucked in shirts so don’t wear button ups too often. I would be so torn if I had to choose one outfit to fit my style. Maybe my boyfriend jeans and Doctor Who/Led Zep mashup t-shirt with a striped blazer and a hat to suit the weather. Shoes would have to go with the weather/occasion too. Maybe my white converse or a great bootie/heel? I could also live in a maxi dress with a cropped jean jacket and flips.
I have smoking slippers almost the same shade as your boots. Love them.
Love this! Those days are back – yes, that’s just the perfect attitude! You look gorgeous, my dear! Just head to toe absolutely beautiful, adventurous and as you say badass! 🙂 My inner self is naked, don’t tell anyone. xxx
Love this! Those days are back – yes, that’s just the perfect attitude! You look gorgeous, my dear! Just head to toe absolutely beautiful, adventurous and as you say badass! 🙂 My inner self is naked, don’t tell anyone. xxx
Badass, indeed! And gorgeous, to boot!
Yay! thank for the shout out!
Yep, you are BadAss in that outfit. A tonne of fabulous components, piled on and worn together. No letting one item do the talking, toning it down or playing safe.
When you wear whatever takes your fancy without giving a hoot for fashion, convention, trends or “is it a bit too much?” then you know you’ve reached BadAssery level.
You look like you’d give Madonna, Patti Smith, Grace Jones, Cher and Debbie Harry a run for their money in that tremendously cool outfit.
My inner self is unleashed in everything I wear. I own nothing that doesn’t make me feel feckin’ fantastic! xxxx
PS Do me a favour and go out in the hula skirt, leopard print body and trilby. You look gorgeous.
I don’t see any problem in wearing this. Just being jealous of those white trousers. I cannot find any like these. They are either like a legging or too wide at the hips.
This is a perfect outfit for you.
I don’t care enough about what people say. I take risks and sometimes I look ridiculous. But never dull. Which I think is far worse. My outfit of this week is really me.
Greetje
Ha, you beautiful badass you! It’s a great outfit, chic and stylish and Rock Chick, great colours, textures and fit, worn with personality and swagger. I love it!
There are many outfits that feel like the real me – I like all my clothes and don’t want to limit myself to one look or style. Doubtless I get it wrong sometimes, but that’s the point of variety and play. They’re only clothes, we should have fun with them! xxxx
I have serious velvet envy. Not just a velvet smoking jacket but velvet booties too, oh my! In the immortal words of Jim Carrey’s character in The Mask – ‘Ssssssmokin’!’
And THANK YOU for that great Sue Kreitzman quote. I’ve loved her ever since I saw Sue Bourne’s documentary ‘Fabulous Fashionistas’, that was on TV here in the UK, a couple of years ago. Do you know it? A wonderful celebration of 6 extraordinary women with an average age of 80.
As to my outfit – probably a mix of textures – maybe leather, denim, velvet, possibly, no probably, some leopard print, as I have 3 pairs of leopard print booties. More than that, I can’t think because I’m still swooning over your velvety gorgeousness!
yes, you are both articulate and Badass! Loving that outfit, you know I am crushin on those blue boots, and You have nailed the Madanna-tude!
Age is just a number, every says.. maybe it is true,
I am wearing flared jeans today, with a floral printed tee, and a terry cloth hoodie that used to be my daughter’s when she was 12…. Is that me?
I think the real me, would be in an elaborate gown, sparkling shoes, gobs of really good jewels.
I dont “do” that me often though,,
I am happy in all my
threads!
xx, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com
You nailed the Madonna-tude! Love the white jeans , fab sunnies, and those gorgeous gorgeous boots!
Ages is an increasingly nebulous concept…
I am comfortable in a whole load of different looks.
I think I am happy in what I am wearing today, flares- fringes and threads exposed, a floral tee, my daughter’s old terry hoodie,
but I would also LOVE to wear an evening gown with gobs of good jewels.
Loved this post!
xx, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com
Love your article, your attitude and your #OOTD!
I used to wear a lot of jackets and blazers, but no more. Somehow they tend to make me look way more formal than I am. Maybe because of my wide shoulders? And because of my figure. It just doesn’t flatter me. Especially not if they have lapels. I also don’t like the feeling on my neck and shoulders. Unless the fabric is elastic, than that is not problem.
My badass blogger outfit would be a tule-tutu-ish skirt, ankle-boots, a cool top with boat-neck. All in fun colors, of course. Add a lot of accessories in the mix. A blonde, boho hairdo. And there I am; badass Curly Traveller Blogger!
(Oh, and i would do a better job than when we went to the museum, remember. That was a case of a good idea, but an inferior execution;-))