I am grateful for this wonderfully gutsy, unforgettable story. I think most women can identify; I certainly can. I love that you show us the images that inspired your choices. We get it! But how lucky that the jacket didn't arrive in time. It would have been a terrible loss not to have shown your beautiful tattoo, which is such a significant component of who you are.
Jun 24, 2022·edited Jun 24, 2022Liked by Sari Botton
Ha! Yes it gapes on me too. I’ve had to take it in under the arms but it still gapes in the back. I might have to take it apart! Wish I could afford the whole outfit! I got the vest to dress up an older outfit for a performance, myself!
In other words, Banaba Republic probably needs a better fit model or pattern maker or maybe a unionized factory, though I hope for their prices they’re paying workers well? 😂
You look fantastic! Thanks for sharing this story. Is the 40 over 40 photography project still going on? I think I might like to do it! I haven't had a professional photo in more than 10 years.
I love this, Sari, and am so glad you shared your photos, but more importantly, your story. They are beautiful. Given all that is happening in the world, we still need to feel good about choices we make -- big ones and small ones and seemingly self-indulgent ones. How else do we get through the shit life presents to us?
I love that you had the chutzpah to do this. I saw the call that was put out, and oddly, although cameras freak me out when they're at events or the hands of friends, I'm comfortable in front of a photographer with a "project." It becomes not about me. The shots you got out of it are terrific. Kudos to walking through the fear
I’m so glad you did this and wrote about it! I have so many of the same feelings. What a great photo you got out of it. I teared up when it occurred to me I should send this is to my mother and sister… now I want a photo of the three of us all together - my mom, 88; me, 65; and my sister at 58. Wouldn’t that be fun?!
What a fantastic photo of you! And the outfit is perfect. I have recently started art modeling, something I haven't done since I was in college. Once a month I drive to a neighboring town, go down into the basement of a huge, former church where weekly life drawing happens, take all my clothes off, and then move around in different poses for two and a half hours. It felt like an odd thing to do at 50. Not because I've ever had any modesty, particularly, but because it felt presumptuous to assume that my naked body could be of interest to people studying the human form. Surely they would want only young women with no cellulite and breasts that haven't breastfed.
It's harder work than I remembered. I have to remember to choose poses for longer sits carefully so nothing falls asleep, and I can't hold standing poses for the longer sits. But it's also a great experience. Everyone there is appreciative of my time. A young woman this week came up to me at the end and said, "You're so beautiful. It was a pleasure to get to draw you." That about knocked me over.
We need older women to claim aesthetic space for themselves, or at least, I do. I still want to feel beautiful and other women stepping forward in their beauty who are my age and older gives me confidence that I can feel that way.
I am grateful for this wonderfully gutsy, unforgettable story. I think most women can identify; I certainly can. I love that you show us the images that inspired your choices. We get it! But how lucky that the jacket didn't arrive in time. It would have been a terrible loss not to have shown your beautiful tattoo, which is such a significant component of who you are.
Ha! Yes it gapes on me too. I’ve had to take it in under the arms but it still gapes in the back. I might have to take it apart! Wish I could afford the whole outfit! I got the vest to dress up an older outfit for a performance, myself!
In other words, Banaba Republic probably needs a better fit model or pattern maker or maybe a unionized factory, though I hope for their prices they’re paying workers well? 😂
You look fantastic! Thanks for sharing this story. Is the 40 over 40 photography project still going on? I think I might like to do it! I haven't had a professional photo in more than 10 years.
I love this, Sari, and am so glad you shared your photos, but more importantly, your story. They are beautiful. Given all that is happening in the world, we still need to feel good about choices we make -- big ones and small ones and seemingly self-indulgent ones. How else do we get through the shit life presents to us?
I love that you had the chutzpah to do this. I saw the call that was put out, and oddly, although cameras freak me out when they're at events or the hands of friends, I'm comfortable in front of a photographer with a "project." It becomes not about me. The shots you got out of it are terrific. Kudos to walking through the fear
I’m so glad you did this and wrote about it! I have so many of the same feelings. What a great photo you got out of it. I teared up when it occurred to me I should send this is to my mother and sister… now I want a photo of the three of us all together - my mom, 88; me, 65; and my sister at 58. Wouldn’t that be fun?!
Loved this! And the author photo is amazing. I'm so glad you did this.
No! I missed that! But if they do it again and there’s anything left on my size I might try to get another piece to go with it.
What a fantastic photo of you! And the outfit is perfect. I have recently started art modeling, something I haven't done since I was in college. Once a month I drive to a neighboring town, go down into the basement of a huge, former church where weekly life drawing happens, take all my clothes off, and then move around in different poses for two and a half hours. It felt like an odd thing to do at 50. Not because I've ever had any modesty, particularly, but because it felt presumptuous to assume that my naked body could be of interest to people studying the human form. Surely they would want only young women with no cellulite and breasts that haven't breastfed.
It's harder work than I remembered. I have to remember to choose poses for longer sits carefully so nothing falls asleep, and I can't hold standing poses for the longer sits. But it's also a great experience. Everyone there is appreciative of my time. A young woman this week came up to me at the end and said, "You're so beautiful. It was a pleasure to get to draw you." That about knocked me over.
We need older women to claim aesthetic space for themselves, or at least, I do. I still want to feel beautiful and other women stepping forward in their beauty who are my age and older gives me confidence that I can feel that way.
Good going! Fantastic photo and wonderful project.
You look great! Also, I bought that same vest! :) it looks much better on you! 😘
Your photos are so beautiful, Sari!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this. LOVE. Did I say LOVE? I'm sorry I won't be around on the 29th (it's my 59th birthday), but you otherwise have my support!!
Although I don't actually know you, I am so proud of you for doing this! From afar, I feel affirmed!