Pink Apple Style

“When in doubt, wear red” said legendary designer Bill Blass. To that I say, “Okay!”

Red Is My Favorite Color To Wear! . . . and this dress is one of my favorites in my closet. It’s a peplum Ponte knit from Talbots with three-quarter sleeves making it a nearly year round wear. It’s versatile for work or play depending how you complement it. On this February day, I rocked toned color mid-heel pumps and gold toned earrings and bracelets. I wore it in celebration for ‘Pink Goes Red’ Day in honor of Heart Health Month.

I also decorate with red at home. My formal living room – do people still have these today? – anyway, my formal living room walls are even painted red and, yes, one day, I will be that old lady driving a red 2-seater convertible sports car.

Red is a strong, take charge color. I love saturated colors, so you won’t see me in many pastels. According to color analysists, people who choose red as their favorite color are extroverts, passionate, optimistic and confident.

So, why Pink Apple Style?

For those who have wondered what Pink Apple Style means to me, here goes:

Pink: A centuries old idiom ‘In the Pink’, meaning being ‘In Good Health’ is the inspiration for Pink. Good health is everything. For some, having a complete appreciation comes later in life.

Apple: Another symbol of health, but, also, I’ve had to come to terms with my apple shape that evidently was suppressed for 50 years. Actually, getting to know the 50 something me, while still seeing the younger me in the mirror, is a cruel blessing of mid-life.

Style: Physically speaking, I would describe my style as classic, chic without the trendy, sophisticated and timeless. My style icons are Dorothy Dandridge, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Michelle Obama, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.  Personality wise, I am obsessed with looking on both sides, thoughtfully weighing it out, and, then coming to a balanced conclusion. I need peace and harmony or I am completely out of sync.

Pink Apple Style brings all these together, health, change and style. My mantra: Embrace. Enlighten. Enjoy.

Even when I wear Pink!

What’s your fave color?

Photo Credit: Personal Collection

Wednesdays bring me joy!. . . and so does this outfit. This fun number by Hutch is called the Wandering Vine Rebecca Dress. It has a solid white bodice with a breezy blue and white multi-print high-low skirt. I rented it from Rent the Runway. I picked up one of the dark peach shades in the print and paired the dress with a three-quarter sleeve summer shrug from Talbots. The blue 3 tier fascinator from Amazon (SK HAT SHOP) was the perfect touch for the summer bridal shower garden party I attended that day.

For the last 8 years, a feisty group of 6 mid-lifers meet bi-weekly on Wednesdays in a cozy oversized office space to share, support, and sustain one another through a counseling group monitored by a wonderful Clinical Psychologist. It’s a safe haven where we can discuss our ongoing physical challenges and their psychological effects. We focus on listening, no one judges and, all feedback is welcomed. We focus on trusting, no idea or comment is stupid and, we are free to fully express ourselves.

I cannot picture my life without this support system. I’ve learned that my feelings are valid; I’ve done a better job with setting boundaries; and, I’ve embraced the art of expressing to my loved ones what’s important to me. The ladies in the group didn’t know one another before, and while we all consider ourselves friends, we don’t intermingle our personal lives with our life as a member. I am blessed with having an outlet. They are in my Self-Love Corner.

I’m learning to embrace, and not deprive, all that brings me joy. I believe my relationships with those who really matter to me are improved and I’ve learned to limit my energy with those who suck the life out of me.

Here’s a list of some others in my self-love corner:

• Spiritual Advisor
• Clinical Psychologist
• Hair Stylist and Make-up Artist
• Esthetician
• Massage Therapist
• Travel Advisor
• Herbalist

And, I’m seeking:

• Personal Trainer

I’m not beating myself up for finally embracing self-love in my fifties. I accept my path. How about you . . . Who’s in your self-love corner?

Photo Credit: Tony Trott Photography

Welcome to the Pink Apple Style experience! A celebration of life now, at this moment, present time.

I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. Every achievement, milestone, challenge, set-back, everything happens for a reason. Lessons can be learned, testimonies should be shared, and yes, mistakes will be repeated. Everyone has something. It took me 50 years and a daily reminder of my life-threatening hurdle to fully appreciate the blessing in every experience. Finally, I began to see the benefits of paying attention to my long-neglected needs.

You’ll find inspiration, encouragement, understanding, support and wellness on Pink Apple Style. That’s how I define self-love. Oh, and by the way, it’s guilt-free here. When you look good, you feel good and you’re opened to receive positivity in your life. That’s why I’ll always share style and fashion while dealing with any of mid-life’s musings.

Welcome to Pink Apple Style.

“Life is short, live it. Love is rare, grab it. anger is bad, dump it. Fear is awful, face it. Memories are sweet, cherish them.” Author Unknown