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Embracing new things

Monday 16 June 2014
OOTD2
Outfit: Isabel Marant Etoile utility jacket, Alexander Wang t-shirt, 7FAM denim cutoffs (similar), Hermes Cape Code watch and ankle boots (similar).

Forgive my rather lackluster posts in the last few weeks. Work, family and personal projects have kept me so busy that I feel like my brain's completely fried.


Self Image...............

Continuing on the topic of self image......... it seems that the more photo shoots I do of women, the more I notice how insecure most women are about their looks. Who am I to say since I loathe being in front of the camera too? If it wasn't for this blog, you'll be hard pressed to find photos of me anywhere, even in my younger days. More than a decade ago, my wedding photographer shot me a venomous glare when I told her that 10 photos was enough............ If looks could kill, the husband would've been a widower on our wedding day.

It's this anxiety that starts to rise like a tsunami wave the minute the camera is pointed at you. Should I turn to my left or right? Actually, which IS my good side? Am I slouching? Is my double chin showing? Is she going to photograph my muffin top? I found this video recently on how to pose for a head shot which will ensure that you'll have a beautiful and well defined jaw line.


Embracing new things..............

I need another visit to my optometrist because I can only make out the words if my book or laptop is an arm's length away. Each time I part my hair, I notice more grey hair than ever. BUT......I've taken on a new challenge.... to NOT be limited by my age. I've started listening to K-pop and C-pop (Korean pop and Chinese pop) songs and was inspired by their creative and at times, very quirky approach to music. I've hung out with bloggers half my age and their curiosity and fearless approach to new technology motivated me to do the same.

I feel that there's a certain social code attached to moms. It's as if that one gets "mommified" from the minute you have a wee babe attached to your boobs and beyond. Now you have to be r.e.s.p.o.n.s.i.b.l.e. As my child gets older and I feel more comfortable in my skin, I feel the urge to embrace new things and not limit myself. To ask why not  and plough ahead when facing new challenges. It's good to feel that tad bit uncomfortable when doing a new task because that means that I'm growing.

So what if wearing a pair of cutoffs and ankle boots isn't supposedly age appropriate for a 40 year old? Ahem.....actually, I injured my foot and have been limping since Saturday. The only pair of shoes that I can wear are the boots. Go figure. I drew odd looks from a few individuals but my friends loved the new look. The encouragement may be just the vehicle for me to embrace my quirky fashion sense.

Photography: Lil L







21 comments:

  1. You look such a cool cat.
    No pics of me either historically, I can't bear seeing my image, not healthy I know, I just force it out for the blog but I really really struggle.

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    1. You too, Tabitha. I'd love to photograph you one day.

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  2. How funny. Because I opened this post and as soon as I saw your pic, my thought was 'wow, she looks goooood!!!' So maybe you should indulge that quirky fashion sense ... because not for a moment did I think your look was inappropriate for a 40 year old!

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  3. Marlene, you've got the legs for it and look fab. I don't think age is much of a barrier clothes/fashion wise anymore - you've just got to wear everything with confidence. And I hear all your messages but still have to fight the voices in my own head of what I deem good or bad. I will be making use of the video though - I know there's a good side somewhere though it was nowhere to be seen earlier today when I tried taking some photos of myself. Pfft.

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    Replies
    1. You're right. We limit ourselves for some unknown bizarre reason. Just wear whatever we like....

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  4. Marlene, you look about 23 years old!!! It's so much easier being a man, grey hair is distinguished, wrinkles are laughter lines and so on. Mind you they wouldn't get away with wearing cut offs and ankle boots. Fab, fab outfit x

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    Replies
    1. LOL! No way?! 23??! That's it. I need to treat you to a meal.

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  5. Looking good, Marlene! :D Loving this post! :) Let me embrace you as well, hehehehe!

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  6. You look amazing Marlene! Look at those legs! Why not show them off:) a sales assistant told me today I looked too cool to be a mom - I wasn't sure how to take it - surely being a mom doesn't have to lower your cool factor? Xx

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  7. You look great in this photo - your legs are awesome! And suck it up to anyone who thinks we should all be in frumpy skirts and sandals :) x

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    1. Can't wear frumpy skirts. I'm so clumsy that I'll trip will the hem flying about my ankles.

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  8. Love little Al's photo credit!!!
    S in HK

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    1. BTW, I followed her directions...... apparently I needed to have wind in my hair and I had to do a fairly model-esque pose! Kids!

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  9. ^meant little L!

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  10. You look great in the shorts - you have good legs, a slim figure and you are still young enough to wear them! Rock on....

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    Replies
    1. Awww......thank you! And Maria, you're not THAT old yourself.

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  11. You're so right, Kareema. I think it's great to think outside of the box and the kids will do the same.

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  12. How cool do u look Marlene?! Love this look! X

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