Absolutely loving the Madrid content, Jane. More stylish (Botox free) old ladies please. They are the true style influencers and they are hard to find online. Excited to follow along as your tastes continue to change!
It is very strange to move somewhere else and realize how what you thought was your "personal style" has such strong regional roots! But this kind of displacement helps a lot in terms of finding your real personal style--things you will love no matter where you are.
European women in general are NOT hung up on ageism. They dress as they like not "age appropriate". They would ask... what? Age appropriate? With what do you eat THAT?!
I, too, am loving your Madrid content. The observations about older women were fascinating. And acclimating to local aesthetics while living abroad is so true!
Hmmm, as someone who loves to (and is prone to ) getting quickly immersed in whatever place I'm in. I've purchased many things wanting to suck up the feeling of a place. However, inevitably back at home, I'd think "what was I thinking?" Not so with things for my home, always love what I've bought.
I lived in Belgium in the late 90s for grad school, and what you're writing here resonates. What catches your eye does change when you're immersed in difference. Not to mention how the weather, what's available in shops, and your own personal life move you toward choices.
My very favorite Belgian shop back then was Rue Blanche. I passed their shop window daily and coveted things I could not afford. Before I returned to the US, I splurged on a bikini there. I came back home and wore it a couple times in CA but it wasn't quite "right."
(Rue Blanche is still around and their IG is an inspiration all these years later. They only recently began to ship to the US so I have not gone broke yet.)
Your journey is so interesting and your discoveries, as always, are catnip! So thank you!
What’s available in shops is such a big part of it. It’s almost too obvious to state, but it really does force habits (I’m also thinking of the Pharmacies here now). Thank you for your comment Kara!
Thank you, I'm enjoying your Madrid writing. It's fun and life-affirming!
I had a similar experience when I found myself in Rome in need of summer weight trousers. I wound up challenging myself with a pair in a colour I would not have considered back home- acid green! And some khaki cropped, extremely wide legged trousers - really quite arty -that I typically would have felt self conscious in as well. I've made a point to keep wearing these in my small Northern California town; enjoying the chic feeling of being just a bit more edgy than usual. As DV said, the eye has to to travel.
Absolutely loving the Madrid content, Jane. More stylish (Botox free) old ladies please. They are the true style influencers and they are hard to find online. Excited to follow along as your tastes continue to change!
Seconding this! Love the street shots
p.s. I ordered the Spalwart sneakers featured in your last post and have not taken them off since I got them last week. Love them!
Did you find them true to size? There are a bunch of second hand pairs on the web.
I sized up from my normal 39 to a 40 and they fit perfectly. Think they suggested that on their site somewhere.
Do you normally wear an 8 1/2? Because that's exactly what I wear. This is very helpful information
Yep, typically I’m an 8 1/2
To know that there are stylish, silver hair, anti-Botox, old-er women that look like me, made my day. Thanks Jane!
I'm and older lady too and I love this.
It is very strange to move somewhere else and realize how what you thought was your "personal style" has such strong regional roots! But this kind of displacement helps a lot in terms of finding your real personal style--things you will love no matter where you are.
Truly stylish women never have to shout. Love your Madrid posts!
These women on the street are truly incredible… As is your eye always
European women in general are NOT hung up on ageism. They dress as they like not "age appropriate". They would ask... what? Age appropriate? With what do you eat THAT?!
I am loving your Madrid Substacks!
Love this content. Refreshing to see women not striving to look like part of the pack.
I like that you are open to explore the "other side" with wonder and excitement vs your 🇺🇸 peepers😉
I, too, am loving your Madrid content. The observations about older women were fascinating. And acclimating to local aesthetics while living abroad is so true!
Hmmm, as someone who loves to (and is prone to ) getting quickly immersed in whatever place I'm in. I've purchased many things wanting to suck up the feeling of a place. However, inevitably back at home, I'd think "what was I thinking?" Not so with things for my home, always love what I've bought.
That’s my experience, too. I’ll have to see what happens to the clothes I buy on this extended stay when I get home.
This gave me the shoppies in the best way!!!!
My work here is done then.
I lived in Belgium in the late 90s for grad school, and what you're writing here resonates. What catches your eye does change when you're immersed in difference. Not to mention how the weather, what's available in shops, and your own personal life move you toward choices.
My very favorite Belgian shop back then was Rue Blanche. I passed their shop window daily and coveted things I could not afford. Before I returned to the US, I splurged on a bikini there. I came back home and wore it a couple times in CA but it wasn't quite "right."
(Rue Blanche is still around and their IG is an inspiration all these years later. They only recently began to ship to the US so I have not gone broke yet.)
Your journey is so interesting and your discoveries, as always, are catnip! So thank you!
What’s available in shops is such a big part of it. It’s almost too obvious to state, but it really does force habits (I’m also thinking of the Pharmacies here now). Thank you for your comment Kara!
Rachel Comey meets Cos
Love your new content. It’s like you’re talking us all along for the ride!
Thank you, I'm enjoying your Madrid writing. It's fun and life-affirming!
I had a similar experience when I found myself in Rome in need of summer weight trousers. I wound up challenging myself with a pair in a colour I would not have considered back home- acid green! And some khaki cropped, extremely wide legged trousers - really quite arty -that I typically would have felt self conscious in as well. I've made a point to keep wearing these in my small Northern California town; enjoying the chic feeling of being just a bit more edgy than usual. As DV said, the eye has to to travel.
I love Spanish accents! The candy sounds yummy.