The past three years have been difficult. Between Covid, my compromised immune system, and chemo for leukemia, I've been pretty isolated.  Although I'm not depressed,  I have had many "down'' days. Just about everyone I know is back in action and living normally, but I still can't attend events, go to restaurants, or even meet friends inside without masks. It's a crazy way to live and I can't wait for better days ahead. 

I've styled for many photoshoots in the past, and I've even modeled for boutiques and clothing lines, but this one was different. It was meaningful and came from a place of empowerment.  It wasn't just about showing off clothes, it was about ME as a woman.

I have to admit, that my initial reaction was to say "no, thank you".  I haven't taken my mask off around people in three years and I felt anxious and a bit nauseous to think of any potential exposure..even a common cold could be dangerous for me right now.  But the team reassured me that everyone would wear a high-quality mask and test for Covid the morning of the shoot, so I was persuaded.  I needed this uplifting experience for my own mental health!

Meet my dream team:

Humankind Casting, Kristie Raymond

S Studio Portraits, Shruthi is an amazing photographer and the founder of the project.

Brook Kanal, a sister wardrobe stylist who gave me objective opinions and ideas on what to wear.

Leather and Lace Artistry, Bre Welch, who brilliantly did my hair and make-up.

Flyte.70, Carolyn and Elena, who provided the make-up and a lovely gift package of goodies.

These women rock!

During the week before the photoshoot, Brook (wardrobe/far right) and I discussed my clothing selections. I sent her photos and texts, we chatted on the phone, shared lots of laughs, and then decided that there was a special friendship developing. What a bonus!  There would be four looks:  casual and fun, all black, a headshot outfit, and colorful. 

Of course I panicked about my hair since it I was way overdue for a color and my very talented and kind stylist Helen of Salon Metta sees me privately for safety reason.  I called her right away begging for an appointment, so she squeezed me in.  Thank you Helen! By the way, if you ever want to try Salon Metta, code FASHIONISTA will get you $25 off the first service (for first-time clients only). And then there were the nails...mine were embarrassingly unkept. I called Nails by Hana (the best!) to see if she had any last minute appointments.  She got me in too. I love both of these amazing women.

My husband Richard came with me as I hate driving in Boston.  He patiently helped me carry my clothes and bags of shoes (in the rain!) and waited for hours during the photoshoot. He's a keeper.

And before I knew it, I was maskless (gulp), but surrounded by caring women who drove to Boston on a weekend just to make me feel like a million buck. No turning back now. I was a bit nervous, but excited at the same time.  

First up was make-up and hair. Bre is a very well-known make-up artist has worked with many celebrities including Katie Couric, Faye Dunaway, and more. She has also done work for MTV, ABC, and The Discovery Channel! Using mainly Flyte.70 make-up, she made me look glamorous.

Here are some of the products she used:

Glowback Prep, a primer that has a beautiful radiance.

ColorBack Blush in linger (my favorite!)

L & L LipLacquer in Relax and Fast Car

Chiseled Lip Pencil in Sabotage 

Eye Define in Blue Monday (LOVE!) 

Hazy View Dense Eyeshadow in Planet Earth and Landslide (these are amazing!)

ColorBack Burnished Bronze in Vacation for a little color on my sun-deprived skin

I can't say enough good things about Flyte.70's products.  Code FASHIONISTA15 for 15% off.

While I was getting my hair and make-up done, the photographer Shruthi interviewed me, asking questions about my favorite quote, my inspiration, and self-love at 61. Watch the interview on my Youtube channel here. 

When it was showtime, Shruthi made me feel so at ease and comfortable. Although I'm used to modeling, I haven't done it professionally in a while (besides selfies or having my husband take photos for social media). I was a bit awkward at first, but loosened up in no time!   Two hours went by in a flash, and honestly, I didn't want it to end.

I received my photos from Shruthi a few weeks later and WOW, she is so talented!  I now have updated headshots, as well as fun pics.  When I look at the photos, I see a strong woman who just might be, yes, beautiful (something I haven't felt for a while). 

If you're able to afford it, I highly recommend going for your own photoshoot. The experience is empowering, uplifting, and the perfect medicine for a midlife funk.  Even if you don't need headshots, do it for YOU. You'll see yourself through a different and positive lens (no pun intended) and it's a huge self-esteem booster. It's playtime, fun, and a way to be a  "diva" for a few hours. Who doesn't need that in their life? By the way, a photoshoot is a fabulous gift too. 

Some links in this post may generate a small commission, but rest assured that I only post what I love!

Does your blood pressure go up when you step out of your "style comfort zone"?  Well, you're not alone. In my many years of wardrobe styling I've found that women in midlife tend to develop fashion fears and insecurities that prevent them from trying new styles. 

Does this sound a bit familiar?

• What will people think of me if I wear _____?
• My body isn't in shape, so I can't wear _____.
• I don't want to draw attention to myself with color.
• I'll look like I'm trying too hard.
• I'm too old to wear _____.

Now I'm not telling you to wear clothes that you're uncomfortable in, but I encourage you to try new styles, colors, and even some trendy pieces (don't spend a lot on trends though).  It's amazing how empowering bold fashion choices can be! So let's break all those silly rules and stereotypes, and get adventurous with style! You can jump right in fearlessly, or take baby steps, but I can guarantee that it feels great to try something new and rock it!

Fear#1:  I'm afraid of color.  

Is your closet full of  black because color scares you? I admit it, I own quite a few black pieces.  After all, black is chic and never disappoints.  However, I find that color makes me feel happy and vibrant. The right colors can also do amazing things for your skin-tone! It can be hard to make the transition from dark to colorful clothes, so here's how to gently ease into it. 

If you're not ready to take the full leap, try adding a bright handbag, pair of shoes, jewelry belt, or scarf.  

Shop here

Shop here

Fashion Fear #2:  Trends will make me look like I'm trying too hard. 

Says who? There's a big difference between wearing trendy pieces head to toe, versus looking current and stylish.  As I mentioned above, don't spend a lot on trends that will quickly go out of style, but do choose a few fun pieces to jazz up your wardrobe.

Some of the spring trends I'm loving right now are fringe, "not so basic denim" (long denim skirts, denim on denim, denim dresses, etc). draped pieces (super flattering), and cargo pants.

Who cares and who is judging you? Many times it's our own negative internal messages doing the critiquing! Wear what you love and feel beautiful in. I don't dwell on what's "supposedly" right for my age. Instead, I focus on buying clothes that fit my body shape and flatter me. I'm a big fan of youthful styles like graphic tees, faux leather pants (love with fun sneakers!), sequins, and distressed jeans,  

Fashion Fear #3:  Prints will draw attention to me. 

And why shouldn't you shine?  Prints are a great way to "go bold" at any age! Go flirty and fun with florals, or modern and hip with a geometric print. And of course, there's always animal print, a classic in my book! If you're hesitant to wear an all-over bold print, take a baby step and add a bold scarf to your white shirt or sweater, or give a beautiful print skirt a whirl. DVF makes some of the most fabulous print dresses wrap dresses that range from demure to bold patterns. 

                                  

Fashion Fear #4:  I can't wear many styles because I've gained weight.

NOPE! I agree that body changes can make shopping a bit more challenging, but don't lose hope and give up! Instead, experiment with new cuts and styles, and even new places to shop.  And if you can't figure it out, enlist the help of a wardrobe stylist. An expert will help you find the right styles to flatter your shape and work with you to create a fabulous wardrobe that you love. Think of it as an investment in YOU. 

The last thing that I'll say, is to be careful of who you ask for an opinion. I remember asking my daughter what she thought about some of my outfits and her mouth dropped open.  "Mom, seriously?".  Guess what? Those pieces are some of my favorites :)

Life is too short. Wear what you love and what brings you joy!  Can I get an amen? 

xx Susan