Making up our week’s supply of muesli this morning, getting ready for my online (live, Zoom) yoga class, I thought briefly about the comment an Anonymous reader left on Monday’s post (deleted 30 seconds after I read it). Someone claims to be embarrassed for me because I think I’m stylish when I’m actually over-dressed — and also because I wore “little pink socks.” The latter detail amused me the most because Wow! you’d have to look closely to see those socks — someone’s spending far too much time and energy being embarrassed on my behalf, when really, I’m pretty insignificant. . . and entirely capable of feeling embarassed for my own self!
But not about what I’m wearing. Not anymore. Not for a very long time. 13 or 14 maybe?
Whatever. . . as the kids say (do they still? mine did during their adolescence, through the 90s, but I’m not sure that expression still works the same way. I used to deplore its claim of not caring . . . Not as much as I deplore being embarrassed for what someone else is wearing when there is so much else in the world for us to care about.
In response — and since I have so little to get dressed for these days — I decided that I’d embarrass all of us for the next while with some posts of What I Wore for my afternoon walks. These have become a regular feature of my day lately, as I work through the Covid-imposed changes to my fitness regime and the resultant issues with knees and hips. I walk about seven kilometres, circling around the neighbourhood, listening to French podcasts (balados) — so that I get some exercise, remember how much beauty there is to find around me, work on my French aural comprehension, snap some photos for the blog . . . and, lately, add to my knowledge of Black Lives and why they Matter.
So that this morning (you know, while making the muesli), I realizedI could put together a little series of posts that would meet my goal of working (in my small way) to centre black and indigenous lives, and at the same time continue to aim my wistful traveller’s lens at my own city and share one Senior Woman’s (that’s me ;-)) Slow Fashion Style, such as it is.
I know that only a few of you will be able to follow the podcasts I’ve been listening to, but for those who might want to, a new favourite is La Poudre, a series of interviews by French journalist Lauren Bastide with a remarkable catalogue of interesting, strong women. The day I walked in my new indigo Tee-shirt (same make as the new pink one I showed you recently) and the navy linen skirt I bought in Bordeaux last year, for example, I listened to an interview with Fania Noel.
Born in Haiti, raised in Paris, recently pursuing doctoral studies in New York, Fania Noel is an Afrofeminist activist and organizer, and she makes a cogent case for linking racism and climate change to capitalism.
If you’re interested in knowing more about her work and her writing, I found this interview in English: Afrofeminism in France and Abroad: A Q and A with Fania Noel. [The interview appears on a blog founded by a Black American writer and social media strategist living in Paris. If you love Paris enough to broaden your view of it, Après Josephine is for you; the focus is on the Black experience of/in Paris “after Josephine” Baker.]
And now, as this message etched in a neighbourhood concrete sidewalk instructs, it’s Time to Conclude. . .
A last few photos as I get back to my walk. . . .in an outfit I would wear for a day of walking in Paris, by the way. With no embarassment of all. . .
Gratuitous photos of a Rosa Glauca, because I was thrilled to spot a sweet specimen a few blocks from our condo the other day, and I’ll probably go back to visit it later. I had one growing against a rustic cedar fence in our old seaside garden — a friend and neighbour introduced me to their distinctive leaves and rose hips. The flowers, as you can see, are negligible in terms of size, but I love their simple, frank openness and that splash of bright pink across the glaucous (dull grey-ish green or blue) leaves.
(I should note that I have a fondness for the word “glaucous” ever since I read an “unpacking” of it by literary critic Catherine Belsey decades ago — and also realized that my eyes might be so described).
Edited to add: Turns out that 13 years ago I wrote about my Rosa Glauca and also discussed my partiality to the word “glaucous.” Hmmmm, at least I’m consistent. . .
Those hips don’t look like so much right now, especially not in that photo, but come winter. . . .
Hope you found something that engaged you here today. . . I’d love to hear from you. On what you wear for walking, for example, or whether you’ve become, or were already, a Podcast Fan (feel free to recommend favourites, although I’ll probably stick with French ones for now). . . On how you feel about all things glaucous (okay, probably not too many strong opinions on that one and I’m being a bit facetious or flip). . . . And weekend plans (we’re going to be hosting two Favourite Littles, a Five and a Seven — I have “exhaustion” penciled in the calendar for right after their departure Monday afternoon 😉 but until then it’s going to be Fun Fun Fun!
xo,
f
Re: Glaucous – I rather like the glaucous leaves of Rose Campion (otherwise known to me as "Sailor Buttons" which is what my mother and her friends on the New England coast call them). Also, I enjoy seeing your #ootd or #whatiwore posts very much so keep them coming! Pay no mind to haters – don't know what is ailing them, so just keep on being your fabulous self.
slf
I wouldn't be embarrassed for someone else. Besides, I admired your skirt so much that I bought the same one. I listen to Harriet Gilbert, Shelagh Rogers and Eleanor Wachtel for book podcasts but I really should listen to some French podcasts. I'll try your links as I devote some time to French each day. You have such an interesting neighbourhood for walking. You also inspired me to go out in the drizzle to take hydrangea pictures. Right now, husband is depressed and dog has a rash so flowers in the rain are a beautiful thing.
Once I admitted to myself that I really didn’t know what “glaucous” meant, I embarked on an hour long journey to find out. It led me to a fascinating article on an equally fascinating website, The Awl, sadly disbanded in 2018. In 2017 someone wrote a very interesting article on the history of the word, touching on the whole history of the language of colour. So much to learn!
I should try podcasts, especially in French, but I can’t seem to keep those little earbuds in my ears!
Frances in Sidney
Always an anonymous comment, the nasty little digs. I would prefer they gave a name, rather than hide behind digital net curtains. Still, meh. As my kids said in their adolescence. I have no idea if it is current, either. The weekend will be like this: wet. It has rained (and has just put its back into it once more) solidly for over a week and we have two more days of it to look forward to. Making Welsh cakes, using the rowing machine, having a small tidy up in the garage…not going to the pub. I will leave that to others, thanks. Enjoy the comfortable strolling.
I love that all navy look, Frances. And that skirt… with pockets!
I envy your ability to walk through a neighbourhood. I drive somewhere else to walk, usually, since our short street is very short leading to a busy main road with no sidewalk. Although during the slowest days of lockdown, it was wonderfully NOT busy and I walked from home regularly. Still, I'm not complaining… because… river. Ha.
I missed that last post due to being out in the almost wilderness on our camping trip. Bliss. No bugs at all! Maybe the anonymous reader does not understand the concept of individual style, or blue-stocking chic, or anything chic, for that matter. xo
Our children are around the same age, so "whatever" reigned in our house. Used with great effect by the DD–especially with her father, not me. Sent him ballistic. I just laughed.
Temps in the mid-30s (90s) with dew points in the 70s. No walking except inside the house. No point in melting. I don't do heat. Spending some time listening/watching chamber orchestra concerts from around the world trying to decide on my desert island discs grouping. Impossible to narrow down at the moment, but enjoying the journey.
Thank you for the post. We have learned so much during this period of different living. Your post and comments push me to get out and walk. You mention hips and knees. I have new knee issues, but if you can soldier on, so can I. Thank you. I feel like a dullard – Do you listen to podcasts on your phone as you walk?
I keep looking at your lovely skirts and thinking, hmmmm…. They are so appealing! I haven't worn skirts in ages but as everything feels unprecedented these days, may give them another try.
I banned one commenter earlier this year who seemed to want nothing more than to pick apart everything I posted. Just. Don't. Have. Time. For. It.
Thanks for the link to Fanina Noel (in English…my French is far too rusty at this point to be able to glean much).
Those poppies are beautiful. I'm wondering if you have any tips and tricks you've learned for dealing with the "hips and knees". I don't have issues with the knees as much as the hips – on and off. I don't like it. Lots of stretching seems to make a difference and yet, not always. I learned a new word – glaucous. I believe that word describes my eye color as well!
SLF: That's my favourite part about Rose Campion, the glaucous leaves. . . And I like imagine those flowers as Sailor's Buttons, thanks!
Mme La-bas: I think you'd enjoy those podcasts, and you'll surely do better with them than I do.
Frances: I'll have to look for that article. . . since I wrote the post, I remembered that I'd written a post in 2007 about the Rosa Glauca and made a very similar comment (went back into this post and added the link, if you're interested).
I get frustrated with the earbuds as well — my next pair of hearing aids will have Bluetooth!
Annie G: I read your post about going to the dump (as opposed to being in the dumps) and it sounds as if you did a good job of mustering a decent attitude. Not always easy these days, so Brava!
Sue Burpee: Yes . . . because River! You have such a lovely spot, from what I can see. Always trade-offs, right?
Mary: Oh, I don't do heat either. . . that's too much for me, your temps. As much as choosing the music for a desert island, I'd be wanting to make sure there was a good breeze. . . Stay by the fan, plenty of liquids, plenty of immobility. . . . 😉
AnnCarol: I'm getting myself into a routine where I look forward to the walk — and yes, I listen to the podcast along the way. Then I'm home just as my husband's pouring a glass of wine and starting to make dinner, so I feel rewarded and a bit virtuous. 😉
Susan B: I know some find skirts too fussy, but I've always found them more comfortable, tbh. And dresses in warm weather. . .
Jeannine: I'm trying to sort out what works with hips and knees right now — the switch from using our condo gym (off limits now during Covid) and probably some of the tension around the confinement caused them to flare up. In the past, it's been really helpful to work with a physio or a good trainer — mine developed a program for me–building strength helped correct the muscular weaknesses or imbalances that led to the problem. Stretching is so important right now with the additional sitting we all seem to be doing (tightening the hamstrings right up!). . . I've been doing Yoga (especially Yin classes). . . And I've just had a first massage session of planned weekly series with my daughter (a Registered Massage Therapist) — the deep tissue work she does is really making a difference.
I looked up your post from 2007 and it ties very nicely with the article I mentioned: “Glaucous, the greeny-blue of epic poetry and succulents,” Katy Kelleher, published in 2017, The Awl.
Frances in Sidney
I don't understand the reason for publishing an OOTD. Does it mean: I'm still existing and I do have a closet full of rather strange garments and the the whole world must take notice?
Or is the reason to show the whole world how stylish you are and everybody should follow your concept of individual style?
I'll take those questions, if you don't mind, Frances. Presuming that they are legit and that Penquin's Wife is not just being cranky.
The point, as far as I'm concerned, is that we are all multi-faceted and have lots of sides. We love books, and art, and intelligent conversation, and we love clothes and fashion too. I love to see what other women are wearing, and listen in on their thoughts about what they wear and why. Frances has an eclectic closet, with tons of great pieces that she combines to suit her own personality. She also practices slow fashion; something that we should all be doing. So we will see a top worn many ways if we follow her blog regularly, as many of us do. Publishing an OOTD is about saying: "This is what I chose to wear today; how about you?"
I know my words may be falling on deaf ears… and Penguin's Wife might just be taking the piss. So to speak. Too much stress in her life these days maybe?
Oh poop on the nasty little haters! I always enjoy seeing your outfits, pink socks and all.
I just enjoy seeing you, Frances. Your OOTD, your thoughts, the love in your family, articulate words, artwork, intelligence, etc. Thank you for sharing yourself with us…
Charlene H
I love your outfits. Maybe if anyone who scoffs at them knew you in person they might have a deeper appreciation. To me your clothes radiate thoughtfulness and intelligence, and a willingness to have your own ideas. Also they are pretty:). People are crabby. I'm crabbier than usual, I admit, but I still don't go around saying mean things on the Internet to people who aren't picking fights.
I love to see what you choose to wear and why. It astonishes me that anyone would be so unkind as to insult you in this way. It says everything about them, and nothing about you. I would delete and block if that is possible. Angry people of this kind always remind me of Mr. Potter in his wheelchair trying desperately not to feel whatever made Mr. Potter so unhappy and cruel, while George Bailey went on with his well-lived life. You and I are in the same predicament exercise-wise. My gym closed four days before I finished my commitment to 30 days of 45 minutes a day on the treadmill. My last four days have been out in my neighborhood, and it's interesting to note that I use a different set of muscles on a treadmill than on a sidewalk. Yesterday was my final day. I'm taking a couple of days to rest and then will do five days a week of walking for an hour. I don't have hip or knee problems except some on my car accident side that come and go. My whiplash PT said keeping strong was my best defense. I'm trying. I have an ootd question for you: I'm looking for new walking shoes, and admire those you have on in this photo. Are they New Balance? (A brand that works well on my narrow feet.) Can you tell me the brand and style number if you have it? Happy walking. xo.
Too hot for walking this week. Well I am not inclined at the moment either for other reasons. Temps in the upper 80s and 90s, with humidity. We had heat before, but the mornings were delightfully cool, true last week, when you wrote this, but not this week, when I am commenting. I love your skirt. Perhaps skirts should be one of the next things on my list. And the flowers…..
You look great! Better to be a first rate version of yourself than a second rate copy of someone else, to paraphrase Judy Garland!
Thanks for the supportive and kind words, Sue, Kristine, Charlene, Lisa, Katherine, Mardel, and BuffaloGal.
Katherine, Those trainers are indeed New Balance (good eye!) — They say they're Zante Pursuit, but no idea of specifics beyond that except that I bought them last summer, in a running store where I asked for a pair of shoes for city walking. Hope that helps.
That does help. Thank you, Frances.
As seen on billboards in France around 1980: la vie est trop courte pour s'habiller triste😉 Keep on, who wants to get bored from your own or others reflexion in the mirror👍😊
That’s a fun quotation—I’ll have to copy it into “mon carnet”