On Sunday, I was at the museum. For those of you who are new, I’m a docent at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields…whew! That’s a mouthful. Anyway, I was doing two hours of Gallery Conversations. I really enjoy these because you just wander from gallery to gallery and talk with guests. You do have to read the room because some people really don’t want to be bothered. On the other hand, I have met so many people who have asked me to take them to pieces I know and like. I think I like Gallery Conversations even more than giving tours because you just never know who you’re going to meet.
Usually…
Most days, when I’m wandering the galleries, I have lots of time to stop and study the art, always thinking of the next tour I could write up. This day, the museum was really busy. Part of that is because they are running a promotion for The Lume. If an adult purchases a ticket, they get two free children’s tickets. So, the museum has been really busy. Unfortunately, that means they don’t want to take the tour I’m giving. I had five and sometimes six people for the tour I gave on Saturday. I usually have only one or two people so I was thrilled to have that many. But, back to wandering the galleries…
Anyway…
I was in the Rococo exhibit, Resplendent Dreams. This exhibit is a temporary one and ends in March, I believe. It has paintings from the Baroque/Rococo period as well as pieces of art created by three other artists, Anthony Sonnenberg, Robert Horvath, and Diego Montoya. I noticed two women looking at a piece (Golden Camouflage) by Sonnenberg so I moseyed on over to talk with them. I noticed one of the women was a little older than me while the other was possibly her granddaughter. But, what really caught my eye was the way they were dressed.
Future me…
The older lady had on a sequined skirt as well as the cutest beaded earrings. The earrings were very stylishly dressed women and reached to her shoulders. She was wearing an amazing bomber jacket with a lace scarf thrown around her shoulders. Her granddaughter had on sequined boots. Both women were so excited to see all of the amazing art in this exhibit. We talked a bit about the different pieces when the older woman said something about the way I was dressed (it wasn’t this outfit). I complimented her on her look, and she said she’d not always had the confidence to dress that way. I told her the same held true for me. In fact, the only difference between the two of us was she was still coloring her hair brown while I have no idea what color my natural hair color used to be! It was truly like gazing into the future to see what future me might be wearing.
The outfit…
It’s ironic I used to shy away from these bright colors. Now, I not only embrace them, I grab onto them with the strength of 1000 Superwomen! This is the Yura Dress from Gudrun Sjödén. It’s frequently cold in the museum, so I grabbed a Gudrun Sjödén turtleneck in Pomegranate. I’m not 100% sure what color my slip is, but it’s very close to the Pomegranate color. I really wanted the Yura dress in the black colorway, but I talked myself into the aubergine. I’m so glad I did because it’s just gorgeous! And, it went with my hair quite nicely!
The Lewk!
You probably have noticed the scuff on the toe of my boots. I need to get some shoe polish and fix them before they get worse. These are my brandy Leighton boots from Miz Mooz. This leather just gets softer and softer. The museum gift store was running a 20% off sale for Black Friday. I bought another necklace and earrings by Michael Michaud. I didn’t see either on his website, though. There is so much color in my outfit, I wanted to go a little understated in my jewelry. I don’t know…maybe, I should have gone a little more overstated. This is a beautiful, delicate set.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
It took me a bit to realize I might possibly be talking to my future self. I mean, not really, but this woman was so confident in her style. It showed in the way she carried herself as well as her sparkling personality. Just like her, it took me a bit to discover this side of myself. But, boy howdy, am I glad I did! I honestly feel so much more confident walking into new situations when I wear bold clothing. Sheila, from Ephemera, calls it her armor, and I think she’s right. When I’m giving a tour and am not 100% sure of myself, I really amp up the clothing and accessories. I know what y’all are thinking…how in the world do you amp something up! So, can we talk? Have you ever met your future self? What was he or she like, and how did you recognize yourself? Do you, sometimes, consider your clothing your armor? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
Thank you!
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That’s a beautiful outfit and I love the rich colors.
Thanks, Cat! I was surprised at how much I liked the outfit when I saw the photos. The colors are amazing, aren’t they?
Marsha, I have been following your blog with great interest for a long time now, but this is the first time I’ve actually responded. This is the best look I’ve ever seen you wear. The colours are amazing, the dress hangs so beautifully, and wearing it with the slip and turtleneck is a stroke of genius. No wonder you felt confident! I live in Wales and retired early, at 58, since when I have completed two MA degrees (part-time) in Celtic Studies and Mediaeval Studies, with great enjoyment. I’m now 82, and now give occasional history talks to groups like U3A, Townswomen’s Guild, etc, and I definitely find that what I wear gives me confidence. I’m so glad that you enjoy being a docent, and long may you continue.
Thank you so much, Rhian! I’m so glad you commented. I have to admit I absolutely love this look. My hair has faded a bit from when we took these photos, but I felt powerful and beautiful in this outfit. I got lots of comments at the museum, too! Congratulations on getting not one but two MA degrees. I always thought I’d go back to school and get further degrees, but that hasn’t happened yet. I am really intrigued by taking some courses on art history so that I can speak with more authority about pieces of art. We have docents with over 50 years of service, and while I don’t anticipate that being the case for me, I hope to do it for many, many years to come. Once again, thank you so much for commenting. I hope to hear from you again!
Marsha, I love this post and your dress! The aubergine color was a great choice as it looks phenomenal with your hair. Many years ago when my husband and I were first dating, we were watching Grumpier Old Men and he told me that Ann Margaret’s character was how he envisioned me in my later years. I have always viewed that comment as one of the best compliments I have ever received and now in my 50s, I feel like I have embraced the compliment and maybe even lived up to it a little bit!
Shelbee
Thank you, Shelbee! I can definitely see you as Ann Margaret’s character…smoldering yet sensible, sexy yet common sense! Your Jeff is a wise (and lucky) man!
Your outfit is fabulous! I can’t say I’ve ever run into anyone that I felt like was my future self but I do run into older people all the time and think that’s what I WANT to be like “when I grow up!”
Oh, I love that, Joanne! I still talk about “when I grow up!” And, I see women I want to be like when I get there, too. Thanks so much!
What a fabulous tale. I do like the aubergine colouring of your outfit.
Thanks so much, Rosie! I was really struck by her positive attitude and the way she reminded me of younger me. I hope I live up to her example.
What a fabulous colour Marsha. I love bright bold colours but don’t always wear them.
But if I do, I notice folk treat you differently- like stopping to let you cross the road.
I do have a pair of bright red short boots that I wear under jeans a lot and I do love to see them as I walk.
Wishing you a Happy New Year
Thank you, Linda! Isn’t it funny how what you’re wearing truly does affect the way people treat you? I don’t know that it’s as prevalent today, but I remember walking into a sort of upscale store and being positively ignored because I was wearing jeans. If I went into the same store and was dressed nicer, I was greeted and helped immediately. It always made me a little angry, to be honest. Isn’t it funny how that one little pop of color can make you happy?
Have a wonderful New Year, Linda!
This color is amazing! I love it on you!
I used to looove getting dressed up for work and cute outfits. Once I had Wyatt and became a SAHM I seemed to have lost that part of myself. But, I plan on getting that part of me back this year! I love that you view your clothes as armor; my bestie is the same way. 🙂
Thanks so much, Erin! I am so glad I bought it instead of the black I just always gravitate towards. You are so busy with homeschooling and everything else you do. The only advice I have is to pick one day and dress up. Choose something that makes you feel really good and wear it. I bet you’ll discover it gets easier and easier, and soon, you’ll be doing it more often. But, also, don’t dwell on it if it just isn’t in the cards right now.
Just like the psychology and clothing post that I shared in my email today, its incredible how what we wear can affect us.
And how refreshing to see older women dressing bold and having fun with their style.
Our future is bright!!
Xoxo
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! Our brains are powerful things and control so much more than we think. It was so much fun talking with this woman and the other woman (I assume it was her granddaughter, but I could be wrong). They both had such effervescent personalities and dressed exactly that way. It’s us in a few years!
I love your bright dress but I can’t bring myself out of my uniform of a dark top, jeans or a long skirt and a cardigan. Partly because I’ve gained weight, but I also just don’t like to be noticed! I bought a load of bright patterned, loose, Uniqlo dresses a few years ago. Tried them on, photographed them for my best friend – we all agreed I looked terrible! How lovely to have your role in the art gallery, great fun to chat to different people.
Oh, Liz! I hear you on all fronts. Believe it or not, I’m a wallflower. I am content to not be noticed unless I’ve armored up for it! I’m wondering if you just selected things, while colorful, just weren’t the right colors for you. Perhaps, the prints were also not you. How I wish we were neighbors. We would have fun figuring out how to get you out of your uniform and into something you might possibly enjoy wearing. One idea would be to look around your home. What colors and/or prints are predominant? Do you have lots of neutrals and landscapes? Or, do you have jewel tones and florals? I had a friend tell me about this once. And, when I looked around my house, I realized I gravitate toward florals which is a print I just love. Give me a big old cabbage rose any day! You might also consider having your colors done. I really think you didn’t make a mistake in buying those dresses so much as buying colors and/or prints that weren’t right for you. Please let me know if I can help you more. I know the feeling of gaining weight and wanting to disappear…believe me! I truly would like to help so please feel free to email me and we can go from there! But, you also need to know I’m not a trained stylist…I just love clothes!
Ah yes, I had my colours done years ago and I’m an autumn, so I love sludgy colours with the odd burst of turquoise and orange! I like those for decor as well as myself. Fortunately, I don’t have a lifestyle where I need to look on top form – most of the time I’m volunteering in a muddy field or in the dark with runners, or heaving things around in the community centre!
That’s interesting, Liz. Were the dresses you’d bought in those colors? I do hope you took them back. Your volunteer time actually sounds like fun though I’m sure it’s also a little difficult at times.
I loved the message in this post. It feels like a gentle and encouraging way to think about what’s next.
Thanks, Laura! It didn’t occur to me for a bit that this woman was what I aspire to be when I’m older. It was a fun interaction all around!
Marsha you look wonderful in that dress , the colour really suits you. The lady you spoke to sounds like she is at peace with herself and has embraced her own style and cares not of others opinions.
I have always regarded dressing as a means of self expression and also an art form. In my mind you can never be overdressed .
Wishing you and your family all the best for 2026.
Thank you so much, Jill! I have always shied away from these colors, but now I love them! I think you are 100% right about the woman I spoke to. She was just so completely present and living her life. It has only been in the last couple of decades I’ve felt this confident about how I dress. I hope you have had a wonderful holiday season with your family, too!
Isn’t it inspiring to meet up woith women who’s outfit you admire. I would love a tour by you btw! And that outfit is gorgeous. I really like it a lot when you wear a dress like that with a slip underneath like that. It’s a style that screams you! Have a fabulous New Years Eve!
Thank you, Nancy! I have so many of these slips, and I keep telling myself I don’t need anymore. Then, they come out with new colors! I hope you had a lovely holiday. I was asleep before midnight for the first time in years on NYE! It was so cool to meet and talk with this woman. I really did feel like I was talking to future me! If you’re ever in Indianapolis, I will take you on the best tour ever!
Hi, Marsha – Your haircut and color bring out your most beautiful self! Interestingly, you’re monochrome head to toe. Even your footwear is toned in color. I think the subtle gold jewelry was the perfect choice. I like how you delved into the topic of how dressing bolder helps one to feel bolder. It’s an encouraging thought – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Thanks, Angie! I didn’t even realize I was monochromatic until you mentioned it! I definitely do feel bolder when I wear bolder colors. I feel as if my clothes are my first defense sometimes.
Happy New Year! I don’t think I’ve ever run into my future self, but I’ve met plenty of people who exude so much confidence in their style and themselves that I hope to have that one day! Love your dress! It’s such a pretty print!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks, Jill! I bet you do see many people with that confidence. I am sure you will definitely get there much sooner than you think!
I always try to compliment women, especially ones older than me on their outfits when they are cool: I love the smiles it brings and I love seeing people wear more than sweatpants and tee. It brightens their day but also ours.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille! I really do enjoy complimenting people because you never know if you’ve changed their days. I was just so struck by this woman’s confidence, and then when she said she’d not always dressed like that, it made me think of future me!
I’m so glad you found your fashion confidence, Marsha. The beautiful colors suit you. Happy New Year to you and yours!
Thanks, Christie! Happy New Year to you, too! I am so glad I discovered this side of myself. I know it’s because of blogging which is a bit sad. What if I’d never started?
Love this outfit, so harmonious and particularly with your hair. It’s great how we get bolder with color and style as we get older. (That rhymes!). Thanks for linking at #TuesdayTwirl
Thank you, Gail! I honestly didn’t realize how close it matched my hair at the time. The color has faded quite a bit now. It is funny how we embrace being bolder as we get older (I just had to). I think it’s because we don’t have to prove anything to anyone anymore…just ourselves.
I love the layering of this look and adore the gorgeous colors! So cool that you are seeing and meeting amazing people in your job.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you so much, Kathrine! I do meet such fascinating people and already have a few regulars I love to talk with!
I love that dress. The color is amazing. If I ever lose weight I would actually consider wearing something like that.
I always have a thing for the shoes too. I am a shoes person.
Thanks, Lisa! I am so glad I bought this color because I was seriously leaning toward the black print. I have been so happy since losing this weight. I feel lighter in every way.
I am definitely a shoes person…I have them sticking out everywhere in my closet because the dumb shoe rack I bought is pretty much useless.
I’m very late to the party – but here I am! I audibly exclaimed when I opened this blog. This dress is STUNNING and looks so good on you! This print is everything.
Oh!! That’s a big old compliment! I’m so glad you liked the look! Honestly, I had no idea until how well the dress matched my hair until I saw the photos. I love the print and all the different colors.
I love the this outfit Marsha! The colours are gorgeous and compliment your hair beautifully!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thank you so much, Emma! I didn’t realize how well the outfit and my hair went together until I saw the photos. Of course, my hair is now back to silver with just some barely there bits of pink!