Goldfinger

Bond Girl reference noted. Ok, so this outfit is my Rio Carnivale look. Why I feel I need such a look, being a sabbath observer from Bergen County, is another story entirely. But it definitely conjures up Charro shaking her maracas, shimmying around.  I bought this liquid gold ensemble when I was waist deep in my Norma Kamali phase. I happen to love the lame’ metallic look, and the stretch in the pants are flattering and forgiving. This teeny off the shoulder crop top felt like a risk, but if there’s anything that justifiably holds us back in life, it should not be clothing. People put waaaaayyyy too much thought into what they can’t/shouldn’t wear. “What will people think?”, “I cant pull that off”. Ya know, insecure thoughts like that. True, clothing reflects personality, and thank God we aren’t all the same. But there was something liberating about graduating from the “that’s not age/socially/religiously appropriate” mentality that I too used to have, to the F It attitude that serves us all better.

I’ve gotten a lot of use out of these pants as a separate. There are matching long gloves that I adore too. Gold is so flattering. It has a goddess like quality to it that’s bold but so feminine. It feels and looks regal. It definitely celebrates being a strong, shimmering woman. This striped blazer was a great purchase from Century 21 last year before Fall Fashion Week. It’s Sonia Rykiel, one of my favorite designers. Finding a gem at Century is so gratifying. That place doesn’t overwhelm me; rather I like the challenge of emerging victorious when I find the golden ticket. You’ve gotta focus at stores like that, and focus is good. It temporarily eliminates excess crap floating around in our minds. If shopping can do that for you, great. Even if you’re a conservative dresser, I really recommend including some well placed shine in your wardrobe. It adds so much. A purse, a shoe, a statement cuff, even a pocket square tucked into a tailored, navy blazer would look killer. Do something today, anything, that makes you want to give yourself a gold star ⭐️. There is no one who didn’t feel like a lottery winner when our teachers used to reward and acknowledge our achievements. Most of us are no longer in school, so it’s up to us to reward and acknowledge ourselves. Shine on, Peeps