"We are a Sisterhood and a Voice ... Confident and Empowered ... 50 and Fierce!"
Fierce 50 is the brainchild of the fabulous
A few weeks ago many of us met up for the first time in person
in Redondo Beach California
for a weekend of activities.
Jeff and I checked into the
with the closest harbor views I have seen at a hotel.
Literally the harbor was right outside our room!
Now you might wonder why my husband would be accompanying me on such a trip?
Well it ended up to be a perfect opportunity
to have a wonderful weekend away together
and
I needed my photographer.
I was not the least bit surprised how many other husbands
also made the weekend trip.
There were so many it almost felt like a full blown paparazzi at one point.
And in full disclosure
I was so glad to have Jeff with me
because even though I felt like I knew some of the women coming
I hadn't truly met anyone in person
which had me filled with butterflies!
For me
even though the weekend was all about
getting out of my comfort zone
I actually needed the support.
So many times during the weekend
I wanted to turn around out of nerves
but I am ever so grateful I pushed through.
We had a lovely suite with a patio and the perfect opportunity to take in the harbor life.
Our patio was the perfect place to settle in with a glass of wine
and
take in the scenery for a while.
I had gone and had my makeup professionally done before
our hour drive from Orange County to LA.
So this time getting ready was to be a snap!
Especially since my outfit had been carefully designed and prepared
weeks in advance.
It was complete with a new Crown
I designed for the opening rooftop event.
The event was an evening rooftop event
overlooking the ocean
I chose to wear my J Crew seersucker ball skirt
paired with an off the shoulder top
vintage woven bag and Seashell Crown.
I wanted and outfit with presence
while still having a casual SoCal vibe.
And most importantly one that was easy to wear!
This ensemble checked all my boxes.
The evening event was truly a ton of fun!
When I walked into the event
I couldn't believe how many people I 'knew' were there!
It felt surreal like stepping into a TV show or movie.
Like you knew people even though you had never really met them.
Especially
the founder of The Fierce 50 herslf
who is truly as beautiful inside as out
and
she has one of the biggest hearts ever.
I was so amazed at the level of organization
and
work that went into the evenings festivities!
How adorable are these glittered tote bags from
who were one of the large sponsors of the
Fierce 50 weekend!
The next morning we had a brunch at the
studio in LA.
And the best part of the brunch
was meeting Kande herself!!!
Kande pictured here on the right
(next to Shauna on the left, from Chic over 50).
As well as being a successful accessory designer
Kande has such a bright and bubbly personality
and
a generous soul!
Brunch with Kande provided one of the most meaningful times of the weekend for me.
After Kande explained how she began her now thriving business
at the age of 50
she asked each blogger to introduce themselves
and
say a bit about themselves.
In a room filled with women of such diverse backgrounds
a common theme began to emerge.
How we all found blogging in a search for something more
at a phase in our lives that also had many commonalities.
There was also the commonality
of how we all met the challenges of learning new technologies in order to do so.
I was also so moved to hear other women speak
about how sometimes it's difficult to put yourself
'out there' day after day.
Blogging as much as I truly love it
can come with some pitfalls
and
hazards.
One being for me
the need to keep my 'eyes on my own paper'
to not compare lives or numbers.
For me I have learned over the years to immerse myself in gratitude for my life
and
stay true to my story
and
my voice and soul.
( Caftan - Soft Surroundings - HERE )
It is always so easy to compare our own lives to others
'highlight reels'.
But when we truly have gratitude in our heart
we can not only appreciate our own stories
but we are so much more open to
appreciate the stories of others.
I was moved to tears to hear
I was not the only one who had struggles with various aspects of blogging some days.
Sometimes you can look at some blogs and think they have perfect lives
But I have never met anyone who truly did
bloggers or not.
The other muddy territory sometimes with blogging sometimes can be
how transparent to be.
On my blog I have a whole subtitle which is
Thoughts
where I have shared my real life struggles.
From thoughts on Parenting, An Empty Nest, Gratitude
to defining my next chapters
I have written about it.
From thoughts on Parenting, An Empty Nest, Gratitude
to defining my next chapters
I have written about it.
I have never, ever wanted to put out an image my life is perfect.
When I wrote for years about the estrangement of my son
I was overwhelmed with the not only the compassionate responses
but how many other people were that were walking the same hard path.
When the estrangement was eventually untangled
my readers were able to share in the joy.
As much as I love fashion and design
it the human soul to soul connection that is most meaningful to me.
When I wrote for years about the estrangement of my son
I was overwhelmed with the not only the compassionate responses
but how many other people were that were walking the same hard path.
When the estrangement was eventually untangled
my readers were able to share in the joy.
As much as I love fashion and design
it the human soul to soul connection that is most meaningful to me.
My favorite part of blogging is always the relationships that have developed.
Meeting wonderful women who can connect over lifestyle and aesthetics
but often grow into deeper friendships
as we realize life is hard on us all
at one time or another.
And life can be so much richer together.
Sometimes it's life's hard roads
that can make us realize to seize joy
as often as we can.
On a much lighter note
after brunch it was time for a group photo shoot.
As often as I have my picture taken for fashion shoots
nothing makes me cringe like group photos!
But this weekend for me was getting out of my own comfort zone
so with some urging of one gorgeous women
I decided to go for it.
Yep, this is how I felt about it.
But also with the firm urging of my husband
I took off my shoes, donned the new hat
and
down to the sand I went.
I am glad I went.
Yep, I sucked at the group picture
but boy did I learn a lot by watching some of the other women!
They were on their game and a photographers dream!!
These two beauties were absolute pros at getting each shot so right!!
On the right is Shauna of
(and boy is she!)
On the left is the fabulous Sheree
They both had me leaving the weekend wanting to up my photo game for sure!!
My photos from Palm Springs (HERE) last week would never have come out so well
without seeing these two
do their craft with poise, elegance, energy and fashion passion!!
do their craft with poise, elegance, energy and fashion passion!!
They celebrate this phase of life so beautifully!!
Another true highlight of the trip was getting to spend time with
the Fierce 50 Founder!
She is on a true mission to change perceptions on what it means to be 50!
And she is doing one hell of a job!
Women banding together can do so much to change aging perceptions
not only do they inspire others
but so many of these fabulous women
make aging truly aspirational!
It is going to take all of us to help change the perception of aging
not only for ourselves
but those following behind us.
To promote a new viewpoint
and
to realize aging is not something to fear
to realize aging is not something to fear
but can be with intentional gratitude and focus
be a truly wonderful stage in life!
As always my friends
I wish you love and joy
as you style your life
linking with
Not Dressed As Lamb
Not Dressed As Lamb
