Wierd mid-life indulgences

[shootingstar]

Ok, cycling wasn't exactly my mid-life happy "crises" change. I returned to it @32 yrs. A shade younger than mid-life. But I'm happy cycling passion bit me.

Today I indulged what surely must have been a bizarre sudden mid-life crises :D: suddenly I HAD to get a wide black leather belt to wear with my jeans. So I did.
And this is the first time in my life @54 yrs., that I want and am wearing wide belt with jeans.
I suddenly realized I should take advantage of my small frame at an-age-people-retire-early and wear black belt.

Nothing makes sense except to me. :D Delayed mid-life crisis. Or living in prairies ranchland area makes people belt-swagger happy.

[Pax]

I've been having a craving lately for some stylish boots and a long flowing black coat... so I understand. :D

[Crankin]

I figure that since I have the athletic body to wear stylish things, I don't find it weird to want them. I try not to be "over the top," with my fashion choices, but I like the fact that I can wear Gap skinny leggings at my age. Of course, part of liking them is that I can get them over my calves :).

[smittykitty]

Oh yes, Boots!!!!

[Pax]

Oh yes, Boots!!!!

Was just up in Chicago for a few days, boots boots everywhere!! Made me want.

[OakLeaf]

I just decided to hire a running coach. That weird enough for you?

[Catrin]

I've been having a craving lately for some stylish boots and a long flowing black coat... so I understand. :D

THIS, yes :) AND I have them both - some kicking riding boots and a long London Fog black wool coat :) If I didn't have such fine hair I would consider a really cool warm hat - and depending on how cold this winter is I might break down and do that as well.

Oakleaf - that is great that you are hiring a running coach! If I ever progress far enough where that makes sense for me I might have to go there myself - but I can't afford two coaches at the same time.

[shootingstar]

Hope your running improves in spades, Oak. I probably would end up hiring an art teacher for private lessons if I could afford it.

Freaks me out just seeing prices for some of the leather boots. But gorgeous. I bought and wear a black slim spring coat with slight shine in the fabric... over 10 years ago. I get compliments from both women and men. Timelessly chic. It has been an excellent fashion investment.. :)

FYI- after being pissed off that if I bought a leather belt, I would have to go to the shoe repair shop to pay to punch a hole. So I abandoned a $40.00 belt in the store. I didn't realize how difficult it was to find an ordinary black wide belt that fitted me.

And went direct to the shoe repair for hole punching prices. Instead I bought a cheap belt for $10.00 (leather not great but who cares) and had to have 2 extra holes (free) punches in so I could cinch in the belt around my waist properly. Size 30 inch belt is abit too big.

One of the reasons why I never a thick belt in jeans before, I thought it would just make me look shorter and stumpier by dividing my body in nearly half. I have short legs and am 5'1".
Now I don't care. :)

[marni]

my mid life indulgence was my recent purchase of a project one custom trek madone 6.5 for my 65th birthday. I saved for it myself, made all the paint and build decisions myself and ordered it myself becuase just for one in my life I wanted something for myself that I had made all the decisions and compromises on out of my own choice. It is paying off.

If you can do it go for it.

[PamNY]

I can't resist questioning what age has to do with the purchase of ordinary things like a belt, or boots -- or a custom Trek Madone, for that matter. Not that a Trek Madone is "ordinary" -- but what does the purchase of one have to do with age?

[shootingstar]

Hey Pam, I just realized that I denied myself of a materialistic, ordinary thing for over 50 yrs.....a belt. :rolleyes: No deeper than that.

I haven't moved the next stage up like marni and many others here in the forum,yet. A real road bike. I have hybrids and a folding bike.

[Kathi]

I find this topic very interesting. To make a long story short I had problems with an EBAY UK seller on a BUY IT NOW order so to make it up to me she sent me a "gift" of 2 pair of underwear that I thought were totally inappropriate for a 65 yr. old. One pair was beautiful, sexy boy shorts, made in Poland, hand embroidered, limited edition, cost about $35 US. The other pair was thongs that matched the bra I ordered. Initially I felt they added "insult to injury" as I wear basic Patagonia underwear and threw them in the back of my drawer. I'm warming up to the boy shorts but the idea of thongs?? I still can't wrap my head around them. I'm in good shape for my age but I feel these are out of my league, or are they?

[marni]

I just liked the symmetry of having a 6.5 bike for my 65th birthday and it was an assertive step towards doing my own thing instead of waiting for the approval of others. Normally I am very much a make do with what you have and be grateful sort of person. Maybe its al;l about finally allowing yourself to become the person you would lkie to be instead of being the one others see you as.

Just my 2 bits.

[Pax]

I find this topic very interesting. To make a long story short I had problems with an EBAY UK seller on a BUY IT NOW order so to make it up to me she sent me a "gift" of 2 pair of underwear that I thought were totally inappropriate for a 65 yr. old. One pair was beautiful, sexy boy shorts, made in Poland, hand embroidered, limited edition, cost about $35 US. The other pair was thongs that matched the bra I ordered. Initially I felt they added "insult to injury" as I wear basic Patagonia underwear and threw them in the back of my drawer. I'm warming up to the boy shorts but the idea of thongs?? I still can't wrap my head around them. I'm in good shape for my age but I feel these are out of my league, or are they?

I've spent most of my life trying to keep my underwear out of my crack, the idea of intentionally wedging it in there seems bizarre to me.

[OakLeaf]

See, that's the point though. If I walk around much with panties on, they're going into my crack. So one way of dealing with it is, the less of them there is, the better.

[Crankin]

Exactly.
I don't get why women think thongs are "inappropriate." I can't stand the feel of underwear and thongs are a happy solution for me. Besides, who sees them, except you and maybe a significant other? Nice underwear is a secret indulgence many people have and no one has to know!
I'm probably the wrong person to comment on this topic, because my philosophy is, if you can afford it, buy it. Life is too short.

[Pax]

See, that's the point though. If I walk around much with panties on, they're going into my crack. So one way of dealing with it is, the less of them there is, the better.

I solved this issue by going commando years ago. I used to get awful yeast infections when I was lifeguarding from wearing a wet nylon suit all day and then switching to nylon panties (it was the 70's), my doc wanted me to go commando to see if that would clear things up, I got used to it and only switched back when I was wearing uniforms.

[Jolt]

Exactly.
I don't get why women think thongs are "inappropriate." I can't stand the feel of underwear and thongs are a happy solution for me. Besides, who sees them, except you and maybe a significant other? Nice underwear is a secret indulgence many people have and no one has to know!
I'm probably the wrong person to comment on this topic, because my philosophy is, if you can afford it, buy it. Life is too short.

The only way thongs are "inappropriate" is if they are worn in such a way that others can see them when you're out in public! Then again, it's not so cool if the public can see your underwear no matter what kind it is.

[TrekDianna]

I'm probably the wrong person to comment on this topic, because my philosophy is, if you can afford it, buy it. Life is too short.

Me too. If I want it and I can afford it, I buy it.

[shootingstar]

Maybe we should start lusting after a Cervelo bike..after winning the lottery.

For instance, I've never had/worn a cape in my life. I've had my share of chic/cool coats...with the chicest ones from my mother...Some styles made in the 1950's are wonderful. And by today's standards, very high quality in tailoring.

[Kathi]

The only way thongs are "inappropriate" is if they are worn in such a way that others can see them when you're out in public! Then again, it's not so cool if the public can see your underwear no matter what kind it is.

I don't have problems with my underwear showing. I can't find pants tight enough to stay up without a belt, let alone show seams through. I can understand not wanting seams to show throughworkout wear but I don't go to the gym anymore. I'm sure I'm just being resistant to change and still miffed over the EBAY incident.

[Crankin]

Ah, I don't wear underwear under any workout wear... not just bike shorts. Never have, even way before I was a cyclist. Ouch, can't imagine wearing panties under running shorts or yoga pants any more than under cycling shorts.
I agree with Jolt, in that I don't think the underwear showing look is really cool, but I usually only see that on teens.
Shooting Star, I would *die* for some of the clothing my mom had in the fifties and early sixties. I have her "going away" suit from her wedding. Dark navy heavy wool suit. The skirt is plain A line, but the jacket is lined with some kind of navy fake fur, it's on the cuffs and collar, too. It fits me pretty well, but the skirt is a little tight. My mom weighed about 85 when she got married :eek:.

[skhill]

I'm lucky to have a coat from one of my grandmothers, circa 1965. Grey wool with a detachable fur collar and it fits like it was made for me.

The midlife indulgence I might well give in to one of these days is shaving my head. Or maybe getting a really short buzz cut.

[OakLeaf]

The midlife indulgence I might well give in to one of these days is shaving my head. Or maybe getting a really short buzz cut.

I'm with you there. Except it would actually be MORE work than the length I have now. :cool: Still thinking about it. I wonder how long it would take me to grow it back out if I didn't like it.

[shootingstar]

I'm lucky to have a coat from one of my grandmothers, circa 1965. Grey wool with a detachable fur collar and it fits like it was made for me.

The midlife indulgence I might well give in to one of these days is shaving my head. Or maybe getting a really short buzz cut.

I'm trying to figure out those who half-jokingly want a buzz/head shave: Because you're tired of coping with your hair/greying/hair colour?
Some women look lovely ...if they have naturally well shaped heads.
(I compliment my dearie because I honestly think he has a lovely shaped head as he grows increasingly bald. He doesn't have a squat/thuggish/lumpy looking head.)

[Crankin]

I would look like a mean thug if I shaved my head. I'm done with the short spikes. It was easy, but not flattering. My hair is still very short, but I have hair on top and side bangs. It makes me feel a little "sexy," rather than tough. And it softens some of my not so wonderful features.
My DH hardly has any hair. It's cut really short, anyway, but I barely remember what he looked like with lots of hair. He was receding when I met him, at age 23, and both of my sons also have this problem, severely. I think the younger one is worse. He's already balding and he's 28!

[OakLeaf]

I'm pretty sure a buzz cut would emphasize the grey - it sure seems to on everyone I've seen with one, male and female. Can you color your hair effectively without also visibly coloring your scalp?

It's just another hairstyle that conveys a certain look, no different in that way from any other hairstyle. I have zero interest in styles that need a lot of maintenance, which is one reason a buzz cut appeals to me more than shaving - I would think I could go several days and maybe up to a week between cuts. I've had my hair the same style for over 20 years now and I'm playing with the idea of changing my look. No different from why someone else might grow her hair out, or get a perm or color.

[thekarens]

They use number 4 clippers on me when I get my hair cut. It's not a buzz cut, but it's very short and super easy to take care of. I generally go 6-8 weeks between cuts. My hair grows slow.

[GLC1968]

I'm pretty sure a buzz cut would emphasize the grey - it sure seems to on everyone I've seen with one, male and female. Can you color your hair effectively without also visibly coloring your scalp?

It's just another hairstyle that conveys a certain look, no different in that way from any other hairstyle. I have zero interest in styles that need a lot of maintenance, which is one reason a buzz cut appeals to me more than shaving - I would think I could go several days and maybe up to a week between cuts. I've had my hair the same style for over 20 years now and I'm playing with the idea of changing my look. No different from why someone else might grow her hair out, or get a perm or color.

For me, my hair is easier to care for and less maintenance when it's longer. The super short (not quite a buzz) cut was too much maintenance because my hair grows crazy fast (and there is so much of it that it was a pain to cut). My stylist NEVER got it to look the same every time, either. If I could have a cut that I could do myself, that would help.

That said, my grey/white shows MUCH more now that my hair is longer. When it was super short, the white parts were short too and therefore less noticeable. I would never have guessed that until I just went to look for the pic of me after my first 'cut off all the colored parts in one shot' haircut. It was so much darker looking than it is today (that was just over a year ago).

[thekarens]

My partner feels the same way. Hers is past her shoulders, one length with bangs in the front. She finds it easy and fast to fix. She also has a lot of hair and it grows fast.

Seriously, I can rub my head with a towel for 20 seconds and my hair it's dry. I love it. Haven't used a blow dryer in years.

[Irulan]

I've spent most of my life trying to keep my underwear out of my crack, the idea of intentionally wedging it in there seems bizarre to me.

Awesome lol moment. :D

[Irulan]

The only way thongs are "inappropriate" is if they are worn in such a way that others can see them when you're out in public! Then again, it's not so cool if the public can see your underwear no matter what kind it is.

Evidently a lot of people these days don't think it's inappropriate to have underwear showing.

but to stay on topic.... I finally started buying myself clothes I like that we can afford. I've always skimped here and I finally decided, why not? I want to look decent when we go out. I live in cargo pants and sweatshirts, get filthy dirty working some days. I found some great riding boots at a Macy's sale. 40% off plus coupons... what's not to love? I also dyed my hair and had the gal put some purple in it. Now THAT was a midlife indulgence. My point is, a mid life indulgence isn't "weird" if you can afford it Sometimes it feel different or uncomfortable to do something different or new.

[marni]

I have 11 spots on my head where the hair grows in swirls and all sorts of direction (drawing a mind blank of the true name of this) so I have always worn my hair very short. I love my #4 buzz which avoids helmet hair, scraggles sticking out and dries of with a towel. Can't say it looks gorgeous on me but I am so far beyond trying to look gorgeous because I never was in the first place. There is a woman at the gym who hir comes down to her knees and its gorgeous to look at and she is used to it, but its not for me.

[OakLeaf]

Yeah, the bit about bra straps and waistbands showing reminded me that it wasn't so long ago that T-shirts and singlets were strictly underwear, and a person certainly wouldn't take off the shirt they wore over it, except at home among intimates.

[Crankin]

I really don't like the bra strap showing look. Perhaps it dates me as old, but there are bras to wear for all types of clothing. Plus, almost all of the regular bras I have come with a hook to convert to a racer back bra. So, maybe wear a camisole or a strapless bra, or buy a Coobie bra. But, that's just me. Fifteen years ago, I wore my bra top with nothing at the gym. Now, I would feel awkward, although I look OK. I went running in a bra top about 2 years ago, on a very hot day, and felt naked.

[Eden]

I've spent most of my life trying to keep my underwear out of my crack, the idea of intentionally wedging it in there seems bizarre to me.

ROFLMAO - I could never wear a thong. It would drive me bananas. I can't go commando in regular pants either though. I find *any* seam, even on light pants much less jeans to be highly, highly irritating.

[Pax]

I have 11 spots on my head where the hair grows in swirls and all sorts of direction (drawing a mind blank of the true name of this) so I have always worn my hair very short. I love my #4 buzz which avoids helmet hair, scraggles sticking out and dries of with a towel. Can't say it looks gorgeous on me but I am so far beyond trying to look gorgeous because I never was in the first place. There is a woman at the gym who hir comes down to her knees and its gorgeous to look at and she is used to it, but its not for me.

I would love to wear mine in a buzz cut, but being tall and heavy makes it socially uncomfortable. I get called "sir" all the time and using the women's restroom is just painful. So, I keep it short and a bit fluffy to keep people at bay.

[ny biker]

The drift in this thread is amazing.

[zoom-zoom]

I'm starting to eyeball crazy expensive face creams with retinol. I didn't think wrinkles would bother me when I was younger and didn't have any. But at 40 I do have them and they do bother me.

I'm also thinking of doing something nuts with my hair, but more in the form of a garish-colored streak. My hair is fairly long. I kind of like it long, even though it's starting to become increasingly gray. My grays are a really attractive platinum that ends up looking like super-blonde streaks in my very pale hair. I find it easier to deal with long hair than the more frequent maintenance that comes with keeping a shorter style looking good. I can go 2 months between trims without going bonkers. I can toss it in a ponytail when it's warm...and when it's cold it keeps my neck warm.

[Irulan]

Zoom-zoom : so funny about the hair. Mine was turning a quite lovely silvery salt and pepper. I decided that I just wasn't ready for ituet, and went for a deep auburn with violet high lights.

[shootingstar]

Since a wide leather belt with jeans is new to me, now I realize: I'm not going to wear a belt going through airport security. Stick it in my suitcase.

This may not be a mid-life indulgence, but just change in taste: I seem to lean more on wearing lighter/brighter/jewel colours near my face. The older I get, the less desire to wear sombre colours close to my face, unless it was a rich velvety black, rich deep brown, etc.

Haircuts in last 2 yrs. have become much shorter, more sculptural.

[zoom-zoom]

That sounds beautiful!!

[TrekDianna]

My partner feels the same way. Hers is past her shoulders, one length with bangs in the front. She finds it easy and fast to fix. She also has a lot of hair and it grows fast.

Seriously, I can rub my head with a towel for 20 seconds and my hair it's dry. I love it. Haven't used a blow dryer in years.

I don't own a blow dryer, curling iron -- any of that stuff. Never have. I just got back from a trip to the east coast and the overhead bins were full. They were making people check their carry on at the gate - one woman was frantically rummaging through her luggage and pulled out a straightener, a blow dryer and a curling iron and hand carried them on the plane rather than having them in her checked luggage. A bit too attached to them I think.

[Jolt]

I don't own a blow dryer, curling iron -- any of that stuff. Never have. I just got back from a trip to the east coast and the overhead bins were full. They were making people check their carry on at the gate - one woman was frantically rummaging through her luggage and pulled out a straightener, a blow dryer and a curling iron and hand carried them on the plane rather than having them in her checked luggage. A bit too attached to them I think.

I don't own any of that stuff either...no interest in any hair style that is high maintenance enough to require it. Agree on longer hair often being easier to deal with than shorter styles...no need to get it cut every 4-6 weeks and doesn't require as much styling. Really short hair can be nice as far as being easy to wash and go, but the frequent cuts are a pain. I had mine really short for years during junior high to college, but finally grew it out after getting tired of being mistaken for a teenage boy! Decided I'd rather grow the hair out than feel like I had to wear makeup or dress super girly all the time since a lot of that stuff is just not practical. Now thinking about getting it cut to shoulder length (it's about mid back now).

[shootingstar]

There is a reality that some of us a) just look / feel crappy without some minor hair appliance touch-ups on hair. b) some of us just are not suited to super short cuts/cannot afford very frequent short haircuts. c) some of us look lousy in long hair (for minimal care).


I did used to cycle-tour with...a curling iron. Now my hair is cut quite short..meaning my full ear lobes show that I no longer use one. I know I look nicer in slightly longer hair but just can't be bothered. So I have sacrificed looking "prettier" by forgoing make-up and hair appliances.

I do secretly hope a hotel or friend has a hair blower when I'm on the cycling trip road, when my short hair grows long enough that it flops straight down. I actually try to time it for a longer vacation trip somewhere, that my hair is short enough that I don't need any hair appliance.

Let's not talk about me using hair wax, gels to "lift" my hair. Did you know black gelled hair can attract..dust/pollen? (And I refuse to be a blonde Asian.)

[OakLeaf]

Heh. Yeah, that could've been me when my hair was chin length. If I didn't style it, it looked absolutely. freakin. HORRIBLE. It took me 25 minutes every single day, and if I was going to see another human being during that day, I really could not pass on it. If she was on vacation, well, yeah, that's kind of excessive, she could've bought new appliances at her destination if they got lost in transit - but if she was traveling on business, then I can totally see her being sure of her appliances rather than risk having to find a store (which might require renting a car she hadn't planned on) and shopping when she should be preparing for her presentation or whatever.

That's why I'm so disinclined to lose the wash-and-go style I've had since the early 90s. Because I have been in the other place, and it was an ENORMOUS PITA.

[Crankin]

Well, hair products and a flat iron have changed my life. My hair was ultra short (wash, wax, go) for 10 years, on and off. Any time I tried to grow it, even a little it was hell. And, I felt like it was really mannish looking. Now, the top is longer, and I no longer look like an alien because one swish of almond oil and an application of semi-wax smooths my hair. If I have time, I let it air dry and then run the flat iron through the longer part. That takes me 5 minutes. If I really need to get ready in a hurry, I towel dry it, put the products in, then use the hair blower, then the flat iron. Yes, that takes me about 10 minutes, but so worth it to me. I have never been to a hotel that didn't have a hair blower. I also bought a travel sized flat iron, that I took on my trip to Italy. It could fit in my purse.
So, my hair is no longer wash and wear, but it's manageable and looks great. Before I started using these products (the oil is bought at CVS, but the wax is expensive, but worth every penny), even a flat iron didn't help me. I can actually get up in the AM and not have to totally have to wet and redo my hair.

[Irulan]

I'm a wash-n- go girl myself, but I don't judge people on what they feel they need is important to look/feel OK. I can't always relate but not relating is different from judgements;

[AppleTree]

Crankin, can you share the name of the wax product you use? I am highly interested! :-)

[Crankin]

Bumble and Bumble Semi-Sumo. It is not a stiff hold, and it gives shine. I used to use the heavier Sumo wax when I had spikes and still have it around for a little use on my bangs once in awhile. The semi-Sumo is in a blue jar. I really think it's a combination of the wax and the almond oil. I just use a tiny amount of each. I bought wax at the beginning of August and just bought more, so it's not purchased every month, as it is expensive.

[AppleTree]

Thanks Crankin. I need to try that. I use argan oil, but my hair is fairly thick, and doesn't do well in humidity. Maybe this will help some.