Piano legs?
A long time ago, I remember reading a book or an article where a woman’s legs were described as being piano legs. The connotation was not a positive one. And, try as I might, I could not find any pictures of a piano with beautifully curved legs. Most were rather utilitarian, kind of stumpy even.
So…
I have always struggled with my legs. As in, I haven’t liked the way they’ve looked. When I lost a bunch (and I do mean a bunch) of weight after retiring, one of the things I disliked the most was the now deflated skin of my thighs (it was in other places, too). My calves remained firm though much smaller. You may have noticed it is rare for me to wear shorter dresses or skirts on the blog. I’ve decided to stop that mindset. My legs are what they are! They are short, stumpy, and muscular. They always will be so I need to embrace them (now, that would be a stunt all in itself)! And, that is where today’s outfit comes in!
A tan?
I know many people, myself included, think legs look better (read thinner) when they are tanned. I liked that look so much I used to go to tanning beds and have a year round tan. But, I stopped that after a year or so. With the exception of my legs (which are as recalcitrant as my toes…see below), I tan fairly easily. And, I don’t ever completely lose my tan over the course of the winter. But, my legs just don’t tan. I am also too lazy to research, buy, and apply tanning lotions. So, white legs it is for me!
And…
I actually choose to wear longer dresses and skirts for one big reason: I’m short! If I order a midi dress or skirt, most times it will be a maxi. If I order a maxi dress or skirt, I know there will be hemming involved. Luckily, my mom taught me (and at least one of my sisters) how to hem! Most times, I opt for a tea length or midi dress just so I don’t have to use those hemming skills!
The outfit…
This is an older knit a-line skirt from J Jill. It comes complete with pockets so you know I love it! I’m wearing my trusty striped tank from Talbots as well as an older charming cardi. This particular cardigan is always on the cusp of being cut from my closet because it’s not a color I like that well. But, when it works, it really works! I was surprised at how well the greens went together as they were purchased many, many years apart! I prefer a-line skirts to pencil skirts because I am short waisted and well endowed in the derriere! A pencil skirt ends up under my bosoms…more a belt than a skirt! An a-line skirt is also much easier to sit in as well as walking!
The Lewk!
These are some of the most comfortable wedges I own. Unfortunately, due to my left foot issues, I have difficulty grasping with my middle toes (they’re just so recalcitrant). I used to wear these wedges all day long when I was teaching. That gives you a bit of a hint of how old they are! They are a bit higher than I usually wear now. There isn’t as much of a platform on these as there are on my Sarah Flint Mirjana Wedges. The necklace and earrings are called Kimberly and are by Stella & Dot. You can probably find them on Poshmark or eBay. I don’t like to link to those because I cannot verify they are truly Stella & Dot (or other retailers). The ring is an old one and was a gift from Nigel.
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Wrap it up, Marsha!
Over the years, my legs really bothered me. It all stemmed from a comment I overheard my aunt making. I try very hard to not comment on body parts around my grandkids as I don’t want an offhand remark to create years of unease. So, can we talk? Are you a believer in the power of a tan? Do you tan artificially? If so, what products do you use? Is there a category of clothing you’ve learned just doesn’t work for your body type? Leave me a comment or two, and we can talk! I promise to respond as soon as possible!
Thank you!
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Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, My Bijou LIfe, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, Being a Wordsmith, and Mummabstylish. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I’m a co-host on the Weekend Traffic Jam (here). I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I also co-host Final Friday Print Mixing with Michelle on the last Friday of the month. I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties! Boy, that’s a lot of co-hosting! Be sure to come by this Thursday for the Ageless Style link party!
I never tan! Other then sitting in the sun. But I never use a tanner. Couldn’t be bothered with all that trouble. That is a lovely skirt, beautiful colours. And btw, I still have big hair……haha, had it my hole life and loving it.
Oh, Nancy, I wish I had your big hair! My oldest granddaughter’s hair would probably be like yours if it were cut differently. I am just like you…tanning is just too much trouble. If my legs just tanned by being outside, I’d be ok with it. But, to have to do any work to achieve it…nope! I’m too lazy!
Definitely show your legs more often, Marsha! Lovely skirt and I do like the cardi, don’t get rid of it as the colour is so nice. I put on artificial tan just on my lower legs as they’re so white they’re almost blue, the tanning product I use is by Dove. Not sure if you have it in the States.
And I remember those big hair bands!
Thanks so much, Penny! I guess I just tend to wear longer skirts and dresses because that’s what I end up with as I’m so short. I think we do have that Dove product here. It seems like I’ve seen other bloggers mention it.
I loved those big hair bands! They really put on a show, didn’t they?
I love this outfit; those shades of green are perfect together and really make the green in the skirt stand out a bit more too. I don’t do any sort of tanning or use any tanning creams. In fact I try to hang out in the shade as much as I can since I tend to burn pretty easily.
Thanks, Joanne! I don’t burn unless I’m out for hours (even though the damage occurs without the burn). But, I try to stay in the shade as much as possible now, too! Theoretically, I like the idea of self-tanners. Realistically, it would take something pretty amazing to get me to use one!
Love that you are showing off your legs! You look amazing and I adore this skirt. Short girls like us need to show our legs more. In college, I worked at a tanning salon. I stopped that a long time ago after learning the effects. The color of your cardigan is so pretty and looks great with your skirt.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I think this skirt is the reason why I always end up keeping the cardigan! I do remember seeing people coming out of the beds, and they would be so unnaturally dark. I never tanned to that extent. I do have to say those beds were quite nice on cold winter evenings!
I do tan pretty well (my parents used to tell me they got me from the gypsies in our village in France) but I try to be especially careful with my face nowadays. But I do get tanned with just being outdoors in the summer. Never tried to play a self tanner. I love this combo. That lime green is a lot of fun and I will say my legs are probably one of my favorite things even with my varicose veins.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
I tan easily just from being outside…except for my legs! It seems like the only part that does tan is that length just above my knees for about three or four inches! Did you believe your parents (about the gypsies)?
Thanks, Mireille!
Here’s a standing ovation for embracing your legs Marsha. It’s quite a struggle for all of us to embrace the parts we deem imperfect, yet as one of my friends was just talking about…when you prioritize your life, you realize how silly it all is (she came to that realization when diagnosed with cancer). Hopefully we don’t have to wait for a diagnosis like that to love our bodies!!!
Great print mixing skills too,
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Oh, that I could embrace my legs…hahaha!! I have a friend who is so flexible, but I never have been, even as a child. I could never bend and contort with any ease. My legs have always been thick and muscular so it’s not like I was ever going to have slender ones anyway! Your friend is very wise.
Thanks, Jodie!
My legs are pasty white and covered in scars, bruises (from Ulti) and varicose veins. And I show ’em – so if I can, you can, Marsha! I do admit to wearing nylons – I just like that bit of even colour that they give me, plus I hate having my thighs touching (ugh). I also lost a ton of weight (15+ years ago) and have that saggy flesh on my inner thighs, right down to my knees. Fug it, I don’t care!
Love your fun and pretty outfit – that cardigan colour is one of my favourites. Lovely jewelry – I pick up Stella & Dot pieces in the thrift stores often.
Thanks, Sheila! Oh, yeah…the thighs touching…I hate that! If I’m not in pants or shorts, I’m wearing some type of spanx-y like thing to keep the chub rub at bay! I don’t wear nylons in the summer though. I remember wearing them whilst teaching…I could have set the building on fire! I really do just prefer longer skirts in general as I don’t have to worry about sitting like a lady…hahaha!!!
I think you look great. The shade off green is so pretty and I love your honesty in this post.
https://www.bauchlefashion.com/2022/07/how-can-you-transform-your-day-outfit.html?m=1
Thanks so much, Heather!
You are a total babe here, Marsha! And good for you for embracing your legs- you look amazing! I have muscular legs that can feel on the “stumpy” side, too, so I totally know where you’re coming from. But so many of these insecurities (while valid!) are totally in our heads based on years of societal programming and crazy unattainable beauty standards. I’m trying to un-learn this programming in so many ways about my own body, too!
-Ashley
Oh, Ashley, you have made my week!! Only Nigel ever says things like that! You are far wiser than I was when I was your age. It has taken me years to begin to un-learn this programming as you call it. I think you have gorgeous legs and don’t think them stumpy at all! See, we both get stuck in our own heads! Thanks so much, my friend!
I love this outfit, Marsha! Another great print mix. I hear you about the height (and leg issues). I’m right there with you. I’m 5’2”. I, too, favor midis over maxis, because I hate to hem. As far as the sun, I burn. So tanning hasn’t been in my repertoire for a long time, and like yours, my legs don’t tan well either.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Thanks, Michelle! I had a feeling we were probably about the same height! As soon as my youngest granddaughter grows just a couple of inches, I will be the shortest person in our family…including the extended one! Oh, well, someone has to be, right? Burning must have been a big issue when you lived in Las Vegas. That sun is merciless!
Your legs look just fine, Marsha!!! In my experience, midi and maxi skirt actually make me look shorter — I guess it’s because the eye is pulled downward. You look great in this skirt, and I love that shade of green on you. Great outfit for you!
Carol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com
Thanks so much, Carol! I probably do look shorter in midi and maxi skirts. But, hemming them is torture because they also seem to be fuller skirts! And, getting that hem straight…ugh! But, thank you so much for the compliments! I do appreciate them!
I think we are our worst critics! I think your legs look great! Think of all of the places they have carried you. They deserve to be shown off!
You are sweet, Laura! And, you are right…these legs have taken me many amazing places! Thanks so much!