Did you see the show, Grace and Frankie? It's pretty adorable. As I watched the series, I noticed that I wanted to shift my style closer to Frankie's. I'm still working on that but it's fits this version of me in this current timeline and I can imagine it will in future ones too. By the way, I love your newest hairstyle. I had a super short pixie at the beginning of the Covid thing. I decided to grow it out because I wanted long hair for my 50th - probably another Frankie influence. At almost 53, it's still long and I'm keeping it. Until such time as I get a wild hair (hahaha) and do something else. Always a pleasure to read The Gusset!!
Her style was so her! Indicative of her free spirit and I think that's what I love about it... I can take that free spirit + inspiration from her fabulous wardrobe and make it my own. Anyone can. So it's not a copy so much as just pure inspiration. That's a wonderful thing! And tell your friend I loved so much of the jewelry I saw Frankie wear! I can't tell you how many times I would stop the show, rewind a little bit and pause it again just so I could take a picture of the jewelry I saw on the screen.
I love Grace and Frankie! And what a great style icon. She always looks comfortable -- both in her clothes and in herself. Couldn't agree more bout all of it -- long grey hair included, even though mine is so very very short!
Ironically, I only own two (actual) coats (and a plethora of jacket-like things, cardigans, etc.) The winter coat I have was bought for me by my folks in 1999 when I was pregnant. I think my Dad said something like, "Well, you won't buy one for yourself once the baby comes." No idea. I wasn't in the habit of buying coats that often as it was, though I picked up a GREEN barn jacket a few years later. I actually have more clothes than that coat that are old enough to vote. I'm glad I'm in such good sartorial company! Please tell Beryl I loved last week's writing. Maybe s/he (suddenly, I'm questioning...) should have a standing spot in the calendar on a regular basis...
No rules of course June! It can be kinda fun to think about an iconic comic self in terms of one's sense of self --or even how we'd like to see ourselves, even as at the same time it's so unhelpful lock ourselves down into being (or seeing ourselves as being) only one particular way . A confusing thing to be sure. One of the fun things about drawing so many comics is that I get to put myself in ALL the clothes!
I had to laugh. That comment by your mother about you “always [wearing] green coats” is priceless and sounds exactly like something my mother would have said, totally oblivious that she started the trend. “We always go to lunch at iHop” (on days I would take her to the doctor), like it was my idea. Ha! On another subject, sounds like your green coats that should be moved along need to be cut into strips and become part of a rug where they would be indestructible!
I love green too. I am always with a necklace and ear rings on, and mostly they all match. Lately with clothes, its leggings, Keen boots and a skirt. Tops and jackets vary. But the necklace and ear rings will match!!
I love knowing that about you Eileen -- the matching earrings and necklace. Your hair (and now mine) are pretty perfect for earrings, and suddenly I kinda want to go try to see if my ears remember that they used to be pierced -- despite the 15 years of so without earrings.
Well, if you need help with getting your ears to LOVE earrings, try Wearearringsagain.com, or try niobium metal for the hooks or studs along with doing it with a saline wash with cotton balls twice or three times a day to get the holes to used to the metal. My mother pierced mine at age twelve with an ice cube, a heated needle and a cork. Contact me if that site doesn't work. It was a life saver for me. 😊
Oh, and the HAIR!! I had a little like 'dorthy hammer' hair cut in the back and a few bangs in the front, until my good friend said 'cut it off or grow it out' and I decided to cut it off. Never regretted it!! Even in Covid I had my son shave it off - no blade - Paul said "ya.....no". I liked it, but I had to live with this husband of mine. So, as short as you want, GO" FOT IT, or not...... What ever suites your fancy girl!! 😊
Ah, mothers. My mother, a knitter, decided that I needed things in powder blue to match my blue eyes. While my brothers got earthy, rugged sweaters in natural colors that I lusted for, I got dainty cream colored sweaters with huge blue flowers, with 3/4 sleeves no less. What good is a sweater with 3/4 sleeves? I never got the “this matches your eyes” thing anyway. People don’t dress their brown eyed children in brown!
It wasn’t until my husband and I went to New Mexico from New York nine years ago, that I visited my birthplace in Colorado, and it kinda took my breath away. All around me were the colors that have always been MY colors…rusty orange, yellow ochre, sage green. I was only less than two when we moved, but the landscape imprinted on me.
And yeah, the coats that will never decompose, I give them away at annual coat drives. My life is now too short to wear anything that doesn’t make me feel like a force of nature.
Favorite clothes…big wool sweaters, cargo pants or harem pants. High top sneakers, hiking boots or Birk’s. Any top or skirt with an uneven hemline. Scarves, and I love hats! Oh, and my beekeeping suit.
What a marvelous thing -- that recognition of place and color and connection with you. A knowing that sounds just so darned good. Also, as you said andCynthia reiterated -- life IS too short to wear anything that doesn't make me feel like a force of nature. THANKS for that
OH Excellent! Astonishing to read this and watch my brain go : "how about weaving a pair of special laces for your hiking boots, Sarah???" Excellent vision. Thanks.
How I love seeing The Gusset land in my Tuesday in-box - what fresh delights will this week bring? Today's comics and sartorial reflections remind me of stages of my life. The cut offs, the minis, the long skirts, Levis and patched, mended treasures have all had their days. I'm still wearing and recycling clothes from half a lifetime ago, but I do miss my red Converse hightops. Now I'm almost 80 and my bib coveralls are still my favorites, and how I've drawn myself more than once. These cooler days, often as not, I pull on my Magic Medium sweater and think about knitting another.
oooh -- bib overalls. I've been thinking about them recently. Just the thing, as you say, for pulling on over a hand knit sweater (magic medium!!!!). Seasonal and practical and no horrible waist impingement. All the bits of sartorial bliss. Also I love imagining al the phases you mention, from the minis and cutoffs to long skirts and patched Levis.... Oh yes.
This is my comic self -- drawn by a friend more than a decade ago, still pretty accurate in color and overall vibe, although now my bottom half is more likely wrapped in faded jeans (oddly like my maiden self -- perhaps cronehood is a bit of a second childhood?), and my hair is more silver these days than brown. But yes, this is me -- I feel comfortable with this image. 🥰
Well, it seems I can’t insert my comic self on this platform, so I’ll just describe her: she’s dressed in a long green skirt with a different colored green shirt and a pink wrap, sort of short and comfortably round, messy hair in a messy twist, stabby knitting needles in hand. And smiling.
OH gosh Lori -- I can SEE you even though you couldn't post your wondrous sounding comics. The green/green with pink and knitting needles. Messy hair in a messy twist (so fun to draw). Comfortably round -- Exactly as a person should be. Thank you so much for this happifying description.
Hah! My hair is now a grey dandelion whereas in my youth it was a curly chestnut mop. I used to wear scarlet and black a lot, now my wardrobe (one new garment in, an old one leaves for the jumble bag) relies on green, blue and yellow. I bought a long duvet coat 2 winters ago because Marks & Spencers finally made them in non-stick insect sizes: utter joy. I wear what makes me feel happy and that's usually brightly colourful, and not too thick. I like layers, and really like my one viscose shirt because it looks like a garden and slides about agreeably. But most of my clothes have to cope with walking up hills quickly. It's breathability as well as the colours that make me decide to buy them.
Grey Dandelion! Bliss. And yes indeed to choosing clothings that are prepared to cope with walking up hills quickly. My life exactly. Layers that play well together. All the things. No wonder I love your writing so much!
Until last year, an old blue baseball cap for walking the dog and me. It kept the rain off the glasses, sun out of my eyes, unruly hair under control. It's in the rare photos of me (I'm the photographer, usually) for the last 20 years, getting lighter in colour as the years pass. It's climbed umpteen hills and walked miles over the length and breadth of Scotland. I replaced it last year with a dark red one I can screw up in my pocket. The old favourite now lives in my campervan and enjoys a beer with me when we arrive at our destinations. Retired, but not forgotten.
Gosh -- I too have an old blue baseball cap for keeping the rain off my glasses. The whole top is in shreds (even the mends are shredded) but the bill still works, so on it goes...Now wondering if perhaps it is time to open my eyes in case a new, pocket-worthy one shows up. Thanks for that. Also -- camper van? I have a mythical one that hovers just out of sight and love to hear about people who actually take the plunge and take the trips -- esp with a favorite old hat.
And sock knitting always accompanies the van/hat/beer combo! Small and portable, I always have a pair of socks on the go just for my van trips. When I wear my finished socks , I can remember where I knitted them. Usually a sea view. Sometimes deep in the mountains.
Hi Sarah, I have a tradition of feeding my pets first..especially since I'm an avian veterinarian..some times the barn animals and hospitalized animals come 1st..it also beats having my dog SCORCH breath down my neck yelling at me he's going to faint! You might try it.fir beryl. Ps green is a good natural color..keep warm..all the best
An avian veterinarian! What a marvelous vocation. Long ago I had a moment of almost going to Vet school, and was most tempted because there was a marvelous avian veterinarian/ raptor specialist nearby. Alas (or maybe hurrah), I was seduced away by yarn.
And yes to feeding animals first. Definitely the way of it -- especially back in the days when I had horses and dogs. Always the feed the stock first. AT least when ti is time. If I fed Beryl earlier than the time we aim for (when she started asking), I'd soon be getting up at 3 AM and giving her supper at noon. so sometimes I have to be slightly firm.
Hi Sarah, didvyou get the name of the again vet? Was it Scott Mcdonald? He's an old friend and mentor..a great inspiration to all interested in the unusual..see attached pictures..I got busy a frog in birthing process..and inprogress pictures today..blessings and enjoy
Swearah, I think it’s possible that the same magnetism that draws you to dress like your dogs also draws you to your dogs, and vice-versa. You and Beryl found each other for love of the same things, including muted colors and the delicious scent of wool. You’re not dressing like your dogs; you and your dogs love the same thing. Too subtle to be worth distinction? (And I can’t explain the green coats, but I love them! Thus are we made who we are by our parents…and our dogs!)
Oh Sarah we’ve become such good friends in just a couple of months - of course you have no idea who I am, but your writing, your drawing, and your weaving resonate with me greatly! Cartoon-me wears jeans and a button up big shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and my blond bob has gained some silver sparkles. Thanks for all the connection-things.
Silver sparkles in the blond bob. What a delicious thing to imagine. And the button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up. My brain can't decide if it is plaid, flannel, chambray, or something else, but I can feel the comfort and clarity. Thanks!
Reading g your posts always brighten my day!💜
Did you see the show, Grace and Frankie? It's pretty adorable. As I watched the series, I noticed that I wanted to shift my style closer to Frankie's. I'm still working on that but it's fits this version of me in this current timeline and I can imagine it will in future ones too. By the way, I love your newest hairstyle. I had a super short pixie at the beginning of the Covid thing. I decided to grow it out because I wanted long hair for my 50th - probably another Frankie influence. At almost 53, it's still long and I'm keeping it. Until such time as I get a wild hair (hahaha) and do something else. Always a pleasure to read The Gusset!!
I love that you love Frankie’s style, and that I am a friend with another jeweler who designed so many of her unique necklaces and earrings!
Her style was so her! Indicative of her free spirit and I think that's what I love about it... I can take that free spirit + inspiration from her fabulous wardrobe and make it my own. Anyone can. So it's not a copy so much as just pure inspiration. That's a wonderful thing! And tell your friend I loved so much of the jewelry I saw Frankie wear! I can't tell you how many times I would stop the show, rewind a little bit and pause it again just so I could take a picture of the jewelry I saw on the screen.
That is the coolest thing. And what a delightful coincidence. Kudos to your marvelous friend.
I love Grace and Frankie! And what a great style icon. She always looks comfortable -- both in her clothes and in herself. Couldn't agree more bout all of it -- long grey hair included, even though mine is so very very short!
Ironically, I only own two (actual) coats (and a plethora of jacket-like things, cardigans, etc.) The winter coat I have was bought for me by my folks in 1999 when I was pregnant. I think my Dad said something like, "Well, you won't buy one for yourself once the baby comes." No idea. I wasn't in the habit of buying coats that often as it was, though I picked up a GREEN barn jacket a few years later. I actually have more clothes than that coat that are old enough to vote. I'm glad I'm in such good sartorial company! Please tell Beryl I loved last week's writing. Maybe s/he (suddenly, I'm questioning...) should have a standing spot in the calendar on a regular basis...
Clothes that are old enough to vote -- what a perfect phrase. And true of SO much of my wardrobe! Thank you for that bit of deliciousness.
Also thoughts of the green barn jacket-- an item of clothing that feels ever useful, esp with piles of hand knit sweaters underneath...
I dont think I have an iconic comic self. Must fix this problem.
No rules of course June! It can be kinda fun to think about an iconic comic self in terms of one's sense of self --or even how we'd like to see ourselves, even as at the same time it's so unhelpful lock ourselves down into being (or seeing ourselves as being) only one particular way . A confusing thing to be sure. One of the fun things about drawing so many comics is that I get to put myself in ALL the clothes!
Or none as I recall!! Which is fabulous.
I had to laugh. That comment by your mother about you “always [wearing] green coats” is priceless and sounds exactly like something my mother would have said, totally oblivious that she started the trend. “We always go to lunch at iHop” (on days I would take her to the doctor), like it was my idea. Ha! On another subject, sounds like your green coats that should be moved along need to be cut into strips and become part of a rug where they would be indestructible!
RUG WEFT! what a brilliant idea. They would indeed be truly indestructible.
I love green too. I am always with a necklace and ear rings on, and mostly they all match. Lately with clothes, its leggings, Keen boots and a skirt. Tops and jackets vary. But the necklace and ear rings will match!!
I love knowing that about you Eileen -- the matching earrings and necklace. Your hair (and now mine) are pretty perfect for earrings, and suddenly I kinda want to go try to see if my ears remember that they used to be pierced -- despite the 15 years of so without earrings.
Well, if you need help with getting your ears to LOVE earrings, try Wearearringsagain.com, or try niobium metal for the hooks or studs along with doing it with a saline wash with cotton balls twice or three times a day to get the holes to used to the metal. My mother pierced mine at age twelve with an ice cube, a heated needle and a cork. Contact me if that site doesn't work. It was a life saver for me. 😊
Oh, and the HAIR!! I had a little like 'dorthy hammer' hair cut in the back and a few bangs in the front, until my good friend said 'cut it off or grow it out' and I decided to cut it off. Never regretted it!! Even in Covid I had my son shave it off - no blade - Paul said "ya.....no". I liked it, but I had to live with this husband of mine. So, as short as you want, GO" FOT IT, or not...... What ever suites your fancy girl!! 😊
Ah, mothers. My mother, a knitter, decided that I needed things in powder blue to match my blue eyes. While my brothers got earthy, rugged sweaters in natural colors that I lusted for, I got dainty cream colored sweaters with huge blue flowers, with 3/4 sleeves no less. What good is a sweater with 3/4 sleeves? I never got the “this matches your eyes” thing anyway. People don’t dress their brown eyed children in brown!
It wasn’t until my husband and I went to New Mexico from New York nine years ago, that I visited my birthplace in Colorado, and it kinda took my breath away. All around me were the colors that have always been MY colors…rusty orange, yellow ochre, sage green. I was only less than two when we moved, but the landscape imprinted on me.
And yeah, the coats that will never decompose, I give them away at annual coat drives. My life is now too short to wear anything that doesn’t make me feel like a force of nature.
Favorite clothes…big wool sweaters, cargo pants or harem pants. High top sneakers, hiking boots or Birk’s. Any top or skirt with an uneven hemline. Scarves, and I love hats! Oh, and my beekeeping suit.
“Life is too short to wear anything that doesn’t make me feel like a force of nature.!” Yes! and, likewise anything that is not comfortable. 😊
YES! Thanks for bringing this phrase out and sharing it again.
What a marvelous thing -- that recognition of place and color and connection with you. A knowing that sounds just so darned good. Also, as you said andCynthia reiterated -- life IS too short to wear anything that doesn't make me feel like a force of nature. THANKS for that
Leather hiking boots, red laces.
OH Excellent! Astonishing to read this and watch my brain go : "how about weaving a pair of special laces for your hiking boots, Sarah???" Excellent vision. Thanks.
How I love seeing The Gusset land in my Tuesday in-box - what fresh delights will this week bring? Today's comics and sartorial reflections remind me of stages of my life. The cut offs, the minis, the long skirts, Levis and patched, mended treasures have all had their days. I'm still wearing and recycling clothes from half a lifetime ago, but I do miss my red Converse hightops. Now I'm almost 80 and my bib coveralls are still my favorites, and how I've drawn myself more than once. These cooler days, often as not, I pull on my Magic Medium sweater and think about knitting another.
oooh -- bib overalls. I've been thinking about them recently. Just the thing, as you say, for pulling on over a hand knit sweater (magic medium!!!!). Seasonal and practical and no horrible waist impingement. All the bits of sartorial bliss. Also I love imagining al the phases you mention, from the minis and cutoffs to long skirts and patched Levis.... Oh yes.
First time reading you. Loved!! And you made me think. Thanks so much!
Gosh Susan, thanks for being here and writing. Welcome!
This is my comic self -- drawn by a friend more than a decade ago, still pretty accurate in color and overall vibe, although now my bottom half is more likely wrapped in faded jeans (oddly like my maiden self -- perhaps cronehood is a bit of a second childhood?), and my hair is more silver these days than brown. But yes, this is me -- I feel comfortable with this image. 🥰
Well, it seems I can’t insert my comic self on this platform, so I’ll just describe her: she’s dressed in a long green skirt with a different colored green shirt and a pink wrap, sort of short and comfortably round, messy hair in a messy twist, stabby knitting needles in hand. And smiling.
OH gosh Lori -- I can SEE you even though you couldn't post your wondrous sounding comics. The green/green with pink and knitting needles. Messy hair in a messy twist (so fun to draw). Comfortably round -- Exactly as a person should be. Thank you so much for this happifying description.
Hah! My hair is now a grey dandelion whereas in my youth it was a curly chestnut mop. I used to wear scarlet and black a lot, now my wardrobe (one new garment in, an old one leaves for the jumble bag) relies on green, blue and yellow. I bought a long duvet coat 2 winters ago because Marks & Spencers finally made them in non-stick insect sizes: utter joy. I wear what makes me feel happy and that's usually brightly colourful, and not too thick. I like layers, and really like my one viscose shirt because it looks like a garden and slides about agreeably. But most of my clothes have to cope with walking up hills quickly. It's breathability as well as the colours that make me decide to buy them.
Grey Dandelion! Bliss. And yes indeed to choosing clothings that are prepared to cope with walking up hills quickly. My life exactly. Layers that play well together. All the things. No wonder I love your writing so much!
Agreeable sliding about is the best description of the best feeling!
Until last year, an old blue baseball cap for walking the dog and me. It kept the rain off the glasses, sun out of my eyes, unruly hair under control. It's in the rare photos of me (I'm the photographer, usually) for the last 20 years, getting lighter in colour as the years pass. It's climbed umpteen hills and walked miles over the length and breadth of Scotland. I replaced it last year with a dark red one I can screw up in my pocket. The old favourite now lives in my campervan and enjoys a beer with me when we arrive at our destinations. Retired, but not forgotten.
Gosh -- I too have an old blue baseball cap for keeping the rain off my glasses. The whole top is in shreds (even the mends are shredded) but the bill still works, so on it goes...Now wondering if perhaps it is time to open my eyes in case a new, pocket-worthy one shows up. Thanks for that. Also -- camper van? I have a mythical one that hovers just out of sight and love to hear about people who actually take the plunge and take the trips -- esp with a favorite old hat.
And sock knitting always accompanies the van/hat/beer combo! Small and portable, I always have a pair of socks on the go just for my van trips. When I wear my finished socks , I can remember where I knitted them. Usually a sea view. Sometimes deep in the mountains.
Hi Sarah, I have a tradition of feeding my pets first..especially since I'm an avian veterinarian..some times the barn animals and hospitalized animals come 1st..it also beats having my dog SCORCH breath down my neck yelling at me he's going to faint! You might try it.fir beryl. Ps green is a good natural color..keep warm..all the best
An avian veterinarian! What a marvelous vocation. Long ago I had a moment of almost going to Vet school, and was most tempted because there was a marvelous avian veterinarian/ raptor specialist nearby. Alas (or maybe hurrah), I was seduced away by yarn.
And yes to feeding animals first. Definitely the way of it -- especially back in the days when I had horses and dogs. Always the feed the stock first. AT least when ti is time. If I fed Beryl earlier than the time we aim for (when she started asking), I'd soon be getting up at 3 AM and giving her supper at noon. so sometimes I have to be slightly firm.
Hi Sarah, didvyou get the name of the again vet? Was it Scott Mcdonald? He's an old friend and mentor..a great inspiration to all interested in the unusual..see attached pictures..I got busy a frog in birthing process..and inprogress pictures today..blessings and enjoy
His name was Eric Stauber: https://www.lmtribune.com/animal-health-wsu-veterinarian-mends-shattered-lives-erik-stauber-gets-a-special-feeling-of-satisfaction/article_cb4b6a7d-9597-534b-b022-08d8592810ce.html
Also -- frog birthing! OH MY do you live a wondrous life.
Swearah, I think it’s possible that the same magnetism that draws you to dress like your dogs also draws you to your dogs, and vice-versa. You and Beryl found each other for love of the same things, including muted colors and the delicious scent of wool. You’re not dressing like your dogs; you and your dogs love the same thing. Too subtle to be worth distinction? (And I can’t explain the green coats, but I love them! Thus are we made who we are by our parents…and our dogs!)
What a glorious point. All those subtle preferences slowly guiding us along without even knowing it. xoxoxo
Oh Sarah we’ve become such good friends in just a couple of months - of course you have no idea who I am, but your writing, your drawing, and your weaving resonate with me greatly! Cartoon-me wears jeans and a button up big shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and my blond bob has gained some silver sparkles. Thanks for all the connection-things.
Silver sparkles in the blond bob. What a delicious thing to imagine. And the button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up. My brain can't decide if it is plaid, flannel, chambray, or something else, but I can feel the comfort and clarity. Thanks!