Birthday Fun

Our dearest couple-friends treated us to dinner a few days before our two birthdays this week. Our male friend’s is four days before mine. Since we rarely go out to dinner these days, it was a reason to get dressed up.

True to form, I wore things I’ve had for a while and have styled in many ways, from casual to dressy. The top is perfect to wear under a faded denim jacket for an unexpected texture or with a pair of wool slacks and a blazer. Crew necklines are not my most flattering, but if they fall below the collarbones, I can tolerate them. The sheer bodice and sleeves also create enough interest to keep this top in my collection for years.

If you look closely, this is just another jeans and T-shirt moment for me. However, the fabric, textures, and silhouette elevate the combo. The trouser jeans are from J.Crew last year, but these are similar. The bag adds more texture, and repeating silver with the large earrings and silver details on the belt gives the look more dimension. Silver shoes would have cut the leg’s length and pulled all the attention down to my feet.

The top is from Gap about three years ago. I found a similar top here. The strapless bra is here. The bag is here. My shoes are no longer available, but these are similar. The belt is here.

Mr. Mickey dressed to impress (as usual). His music themed socks were a hit.

This fun week of pampering also included a haircut and on another day, a pedicure by Whitney at Rumors Salon.

After the last post, many of you asked about my decision to let my hair grow longer. This length is much less maintenance than short hair since I need not go to the salon every three to four weeks for a trim. The shape of my face and my not-so-sharp jawline require longer hair to soften the effects of age. I have never been happy with any of my short hairstyles, but this one feels authentic.

My most excellent stylist, April, gave me a deep conditioning treatment and a trim this week. April is at Van Kye Salon, 516 W Oakland Ave #103, Johnson City, TN 37604 (423) 360-0747. I was happy to learn that the salon will soon add an esthetician. I’ll be making an appointment for a facial as soon as possible.

My annual mammogram was today, and I was thrilled to get a clean report. Please consider this a gentle reminder to get checked.

Thanks for all your kind comments and good wishes! I will turn 68 on Friday, so more celebratory posts may follow.

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160 Comments
  1. Your shorter haircut is lovely and looks like it’s in great condition. It is a beautiful color. The longer hair didn’t seem as healthy.

    1. My hair has natural curl/wave/frizz so it never looks smooth without a lot of heat and a large round brush. It’s just too much work and wear and tear on my hair to do all that every day.

  2. Thank you for sharing your life with us! I greatly appreciate your posts and style tips. You look great! I hope you have a fabulous birthday week with your loved ones. Cheers!

  3. Mr. Mickey & you look happy & content with your lives – well done. You make a glamorous couple.

    I too find crew necks not always flattering to my face. It is difficult to find v-neck cotton cardigans/lady jackets. Most retailers sell crew necks.

    Happy Birthday!

  4. Best wishes for a Happy Birthday and continued good health! I agree with a little longer hair style as it’s easier to manage and fewer trips to the hair salon. You look lovely.

  5. Negative comments about a person’s hair seem so rude to me! I don’t recall you asking us our opinion.

    Since you passed another milestone, will there be a Susan After Seventy?

  6. Many happy returns Susan! As we were born just three months apart, you have been such an inspiration to me in learning to be your best self as you age. You’re still looking fabulous!

  7. What a nice basic outfit! I like your comment about another jeans and tee shirt moment. Even a casual outfit can be dressed up.
    Love your hair! The haircut does look great. Your hair does look healthier. Longer hair does look nice on you rather than shorter hair.
    Good news about your mammogram, I have one scheduled for next week. I also had breast cancer so these mammograms always make me nervous but they are necessary!

  8. Happy birthday, Susan! I too am growing out my hair a bit, and for the same reasons. It is wildly curly unless I blow dry it with a round brush and flatiron it a little. But it makes me feel better about myself to do this, so most of the time I do. Your outfits are always an inspiration.

  9. Happy Birthday this Friday. Mine’s the 27th and I’m one year older than you. I love your hair. Thank you for your inspiration. Enjoy your day. Wilma

  10. Happy Birthday Susan! Your hair looks lovely.
    I have a very similar cut and it’s my favorite. It can grow out well and is simpler and easier to manage.
    You and Mr Mickey look great.

  11. Happy and healthy birthdays to you both. You both look amazing whatever age you are! Great to hear a clean mammogram. Make some special wishes when you blow out the candles,
    Love to both of you!

  12. Happy Birthday It’s good to celebrate with friends and Mr. Mickey. You look fabulous as usual and so chic. I too had a shorter cut to my hair but decided I liked it better shoulder length. Thank you for all the great inspiration!!

  13. Happy Birthday to you Susan!
    I am about a month younger than you, Oct 16 and will also be 68!
    Our oldest son’s birthday is on Friday this week too, he will be 40!
    You and Mr Mickey look lovely together, best wishes to you both!
    And also congratulations on your mammogram! I will be celebrating 17 years since my breast cancer in December! I love your blog, thank you!
    Take care,
    Linda S.

  14. Happy Birthday Susan! Recently I believe you posted a link to a wireless bra, but I’m unable to find it. Could you please send me the link?

  15. Susan, Happy Birthday! Most of all, I’m thrilled for your good news mammogram. Thank for your wonderful blog and good news each week. With all that is going on in the world today, it is a breath of fresh air to read your thoughts about fashion, health, beauty and travel. You are a treasure and an inspiration! Been following you since 50 and Fabulous…I’m 60 now and appreciate all your nuances and tips about aging gracefully.

  16. I hope you had a wonderful birthday and you looked beautiful as always. You are an inspiration and I have enjoyed your posts over the years so much.

    Patricia Unger

  17. Happy birthday, Susan! I hope that you have a wonderful birthday week. Thank you for sharing your special time with us!

    Leslie Koschmann

  18. Hi, awe you both look so smart thumbs up to MR Micky’s socks and yep what ever shoes he wears they are always so shiny .Susan I was so pleased about your Mammogram result thumbs up to you too. It must have been such a relief all is well. Mine is in December a year since I had the lumpectomy so fingers cross mine to will be OK too.
    At the moment I have shingles along side the area where I had the Operation and up my back , phew painful.My daughter being an experienced Phamacist said G.P ASAP. Because being immune compromised re Cancer I was given a course of Tablets which help to alleviate the symptoms.. To all readers who are wondering why I am saying all this is because I will never ever forget how very brave Susan was to share her cancer journey and I was diagnosed not so long after her, I genuinely took so much inspiration from this lovely lady in Tennessee and yes she gave me strength. Note that she tactfully says get Checked , I endorse that. I eat healthy , take care of myself but I am even more aware of my maintaining an even more healthy immune system.
    Love the Chic hairstyle and make-up always subtle and flattering and black for an evening out is always a winner .
    Best wishes Pamela UK

  19. You have had a good birthday celebration over several days. Birthdays should be celebrated more than one day! You and Mr. Mickey look fabulous! A clean mammogram report is the best gift of all. Looking forward to enjoying your continued birthday with you!

  20. Hi, awe you both look so smart in black for your evening with friends . Mr Mickeys shoes always so shiny, thumbs up to the socks. I was so very pleased your Mammogram was clear , mine is in December a year after the Lumpectomy .
    Dear readers Susan gives a gentle reminder to get checked. The reason I mention this is because I was diagnosed the same as Susan not so very long after her and I will never ever forget her bravery for sharing her Cancer journey.
    So this lovely Lady in Tennessee thousands of miles from me and across the huge Atlantic Ocean gave me strength and hope to face my journey. Thank you again Susan.
    Your hair looks very Chic and make – up always subtle and never overdone .
    Best wishes Pamela UK

  21. You look GORGEOUS and Mr. Mickey certainly looks dapper! Happy Birthday from one who celebrated hers yesterday! It’s a great week for a celebration, don’t you think?

    Cindy

  22. Wishing you a very happy birthday and great year ahead filled with beautiful sights and sounds, laughter and good health. Mary

  23. I have followed your blog for a few years, and I love your content. I am 72 as of last month. I must be honest though and say that although you look beautiful and youthful, I simply can no longer relate as you just keep getting smaller and smaller.

    One of the things that initially drew me to your blog is that you were so lovely and relatable as you looked like someone I could know right where I live in a small town in America.

    Now, I feel that you look more and more like a ‘ Hollywood’ celebrity! I know you feel better being a lower weight, and I certainly do not endorse anyone being obese, but I must say I miss the Susan who looked like someone that I could see in my community.

  24. I think wearing your hair the way you do is very flattering. I wear mine longer now too because I find it gives a softer look. Yours is stunning!

  25. Happy birthday! What a smart looking couple. I love your longer hair. It’s a very flattering length – not too long and not too short. Do you ever wear it up?

    Enjoy your special day!

  26. Hi Susan,
    Happy Birthday’s to both you and Mr Mickey, I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating, Susan you look more 58 than 68 so whatever your doing keep it up!!!

    Thankyou for all you styling tips over the years, you truly are an inspiration and I very much look forward to your emails popping up into my inbox, long may they continue.

    Kind regards

    Paula

  27. Happy birthday to you both and I am glad to hear the result your mammogram was clean! You and mr. Micky look very nice and relaxed and I love your hair this way. Thank you for the update! Sincerery, Jolanda

  28. May YOU EACH have a HAPPY HEALTHY BIRTHDAY!! I THINK MR. Mickey’s socks have the notes to song of HAPPY BIRTHDAY !! Many thanks to YOU for all your posts.

  29. First, congratulations on the good news with your mammogram!

    The picture of you and Mr. Mickey is one of the best ever, and that’s saying a lot. You look so healthy, on top of being beautiful, and this outfit is perfection.

    Happy 68th birthday to you! You’re an inspiration to me and so many others.

  30. You look fabulous Susan. I have followed you for a few years and always enjoy your blog…especially what you eat. I’m 75 and love skin care and makeup. Have a great week celebrating and your birthday with Mr. Mickey.

  31. As always you look lovely. I enjoy your postings and use your many tips. Happy Birthday and I wish you many more.
    Love the outfit especially the top. Thank you, Barb

  32. Happy Birthday Susan! Mine is also this week. So happy for your health news and enjoy your celebrations in all forms. Thank you for reminding us all of the importance of self-care physically, mentally, spiritually. You are such an inspiration to me and a gift to this community.

  33. Happy birthday to both of you! I totally agree with you about the hair length as we get grow up. I always refer to us as growing up because I don’t refer to us as aging. We are always continually growing. But I do agree with the hairlength because as much fun as a shorter haircut is it is so much more work. And I think that the longer haircut does flatter the face and just give it that beautiful softness that our face deserves. Mine’s about the length of yours now and I have decided I will continue to keep it this length.

  34. Great post!
    Can you go into more detail about flattering necklines for different bust / body types? I never really gave it any thought until you mentioned crew neck tops not being good on you, although, you always look perfectly polished in my opinion.
    Thank you
    Angela

    1. A crew neckline makes my bust look more expansive, my face looks rounder, and my neck shortens. A V-neck, round or even square neck showing the collarbones, and at least a little upper chest area allows us to look taller and more slender.

  35. Happy Birthday, Susan! I love your style and insights into healthy living! So, glad your mammogram was good.
    Enjoy all your celebrations and well-wishes!

  36. Happy Birthday, Susan! Thank you for many years of sound, evolving fashion advice, as well as constant encouragement to all of us.

  37. Happy birthday to my birthday buddy- same date and year! Thank you for your informative blog that guides us to live a beautiful and healthy life.
    Have a fabulous day tomorrow and a year of good health and fun with Mr.Mickey.

  38. Wishing you a very happy birthday and my best wishes to you and Mr. Mikey! I see you mention you have wavy and frizzy hair as do I and I have also been growing it into a longer style, what do you use to control the frizz? Thank you.

    1. Most of the time, I don’t do an excellent job taming my hair, but when I’m in the mood, I use a large round brush and a blow dryer on high heat and low volume to smooth it out.

  39. I really like the hair style with the 2 pictures next to one another. They look a little shorter than what we have been seeing on you.
    Sounds like you and your friends had coordinating birthdays with just days apart. Fun sharing a special occasion with friends.
    You and Mr. M both looked very nice for the evening dinner. But then you usually do, as all past pictures show.
    Looking forward to seeing more pictures of this event. Not everyone gets to turn 68 and look as lovely as you do.
    Clara from Iowa

  40. Happy Birthday, beautiful lady. Your posts and pictures uplift me. Thank you for dispelling the belief that we can’t enjoy life when we are older!

  41. Happy Birthday Susan! You are just a few months ahead of me. I enjoy your posts – we have different clothing styles but I’ve gleaned lots of good tips from your posts anyway as I continue to work on a wardrobe of reliable favorites! I mostly enjoy your solo travels as that is something I ought to do but have not yet done. I consider those my gentle nudge to see get out and visit places I’ve not been to.

    Wishing you a year of good health and adventure!

  42. Happy Birthday Susan1!

    You are the poster lady for living one’s best life. Best wishes for continued happiness and good health. Have a wonderful birthday.

    Janet Regan

  43. April did a great job with your trim. She reduced bulk and heavy-weight. The length is suitable with that extra flair of wisps all around. You both look quite dapper and I want to wish you the happiest of birthdays.

  44. Happy Birthday! Your outfit is another example of easy elegance – you do that so well! Thank you for sharing your life and style with us. As I age, I find it takes a lot more thought and planning to get that “just threw this on and still fabulous” look. Your tutelage has made the planning easier.

  45. Happy Birthday! I love your longer hair style. Also your fashion advice is spot on.

    Sadly many people do not realize that the goal of a lot of bloggers is to SELL things . You, on the other hand, give your readers advice on style , not fashion.

    Thank you!

  46. Ishing you a happy birthday tomorrow! Congratulations on your report from the mammogram and I wish you a blessed and healthy year ahead!

  47. Happy No. 68, Susan!

    You always look fabulous and make 68 look especially so!
    I hope you enjoy all the good wishes from friends, family and all of us who can’t wait to see your style updates and choices that make us feel fabulous too!

    Enjoy your birthday outings! It is fun to see how those of us who are a bit older can enjoy life and the company of friends and family as we utilize your wonderful ideas!

  48. Happy 68th Birthday to You!
    LOVE all that you share! Thanks so much for your fashion advice!
    Regards,
    Deb
    Asheville NC

  49. I have also let my hair grow out as well. When I decided to go gray I let my short hair grow out too. I now find it easier to style, and wear it up or down. Living in North Alabama we have a lot of hot days with high heat index and so I was wearing alot of ponytails or claw clips. I enjoy not having to go to the salon as often with having short hair. Now I just go every 8 -10 weeks just to keep the ends trimmed and shaped up! Have a wonderful birthday !

  50. I’m delighted to hear about your mammogram check, wonderful news and a great birthday gift – have a lovely celebration

  51. I grew my signature bob out as well as stopped highlighting my hair during Covid . I now have a longer A line cut and my color grey is platinum. I get the same comments as why did I go long as I get older..(I will be 69 in Feb). It’s interesting… can’t always tell if they are positive or not. BTW, I’ve always worn mostly black in textures with pops of color. Wonderful to see you use it more and more!

  52. Happy Birthday Susan. Your stylist did a great trim. I too have wavy & frizzy hair. I love that mine is now about the length of yours but I have a few wispy bangs. Some say I look better with shorter hair but… I no longer want to spend the time it takes to keep it just so .. got lots of things I’d rather be doing. Thank you for sharing. I look forward to all your info & the replys from others. Blessing to you!

  53. Wishing you a happy and blessed birthday.Greetings to Mr. Mickey as well .
    My doctors have to;d me I need to be on a plant based diet and I know thars how you
    eat.Your lunch plate looked delicious and it was
    inspiring and I know you did one on breakfast as well.
    I will look for that one also for insperation.
    Thank you for reminding us a healthy body is so important all the time ,espicially as we age.
    Mary

  54. Happy Birthday, Susan! May all your birthday wishes come true! You and Mr. Mickey are such a beautiful couple. Thank you for your terrific fashion advice. I just turned 60 this summer, and I’m learning to navigate through all the “gifts” Mother Nature has bestowed upon me. With your help, I’ll get through it. ☺️

  55. Hi Susan, I’ve read your blog for a couple of years now and love seeing your new looks. I noticed since the summer posts you rarely wear a necklace. Is this no longer a trend? I have some great necklaces to wear these outfits but now wonder if it is no longer ‘the thing’? Please let us know. Thanks so much and keep it up! I love reading your new posts!

    1. In the summer I often wear a bold bracelet and earrings combo so a necklace would be too much. When I start wearing jackets and turtlenecks again, I will enjoy my necklaces with smaller earrings.

  56. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Your haircut is lovely. Congratulations on a clean report. A new year is ahead and blessings on it

  57. I am right behind you on the breast cancer experience. I’m so glad you have reminded people to get their annual mammograms, no matter the age. I am 85 and have nudged lots of my friends to continue with mammograms given my experience…even though I had annual mammograms, mine was just discovered last Spring.

    I read with interest your emphasis on a plant based diet. It might be worth addressing how your followers who want to do that can also get enough protein to maintain muscle mass…along with the exercising and resistance training. It surely is a balancing act and requires keeping up regularly. Staying physically fit over the years definitely strengthens the immune system too.

    Like you, I generally stick with conservative, classic clothes to mix and match. Well made and non-trendy clothes last for years and years.

    Thanks for sharing so many wise and inspiring thoughts in your blog. I always look forward to reading them.
    Nancy Bireley

  58. Happy Birthday! We are almost twins – I turn 68 on September 21st. I enjoy your blog so much. Like you I wore dress clothes and high heels for many years at work and I loved it. When I retired I struggled to find my new look. I am now following you and I am so much happier, I love wearing denim with all sorts of tops and layers. I also love using nice accessories although I don’t have nearly the collection you do. Enjoy your birthday ❤️❤️

  59. Have been following your posts for years now. Still look beautiful and I love your inspiring posts. Best of all things to both of you

  60. Happy Birthday to you. You look younger than 68. Have you ever considered being a blonde again and having your hair cut a little shorter. It’s just my opinion, but I think it would look sensational.
    My next door neighbor is a beautiful lady like you and she’ll be 75 in a few months. She has kept her blonde hair and the cut is similar to yours with the part on the side. She pulls one side behind her ear
    for a little drama.which is the way she’s always worn it.

  61. Happy birthday, we are the same age wow, I think you wrote a post about your eating plan I will have to look it up. You are looking so well now. I hope you two have a very enjoyable week.

  62. Susan, so glad to hear that your mammogram turned out ok. That is always an anxiety-filled time after having breast cancer… Take care and stay well!

  63. Sending many happy birthday wishes to a very remarkable woman. Just think of all of the mountains you have climbed successfully, Susan!
    From your grateful Canadian reader

  64. My first time to comment that I really enjoy your postings. My husband and I identify with you both, although our ages fall between you and Mr. Mickey. We have very similar dress, food, travel, interests. But, why do you say you rarely go out for dinner these days? We’ve been over the top with dinners this summer as we traveled to France. We ate at 3 different Michelin Star restaurants. Way over the top expense but enjoyed the experience that we probably won’t repeat! And thanks for the packing/clothes advice that enabled us to go for 3 weeks with each only a carry on and personal bag. We used hotel laundry (expensive but cheaper/easier than another suitcase)., And, I threw away a number of very old pieces (including my husband’s old wing tip shoes that he had just replaced) that made room in my suitcase for a few new purchases.

  65. Happy Birthday!!!! so nice to see you and Mr Mickey are still together.. always love the clothes and accessory’s you use.. I have been off your site for sometime but nice to be back on .
    Judy H

  66. You both look stunning. So happy to hear you received an excellent medical report. Wishing you the happiest of birthdays.

  67. Hi Susan,
    I hope you have an awesome birthday, I’m sure Mr. Mickey will see to it that it is celebrated in style. He always treats you like a Princess. You both look fabulous as usual. I must not forget to say I love your hair, it’s cool and youthful looking. You style it well.
    I want to ask a favor if you. Can you please ask Mr. Mickey where I can purchase the musical socks from? The quality looks good. My Honey Bear plays the piano by ear and our concert pianist that tunes our piano is coming in October to tune our piano. He’s turning 60 and I would like to purchase him these socks as a surprise. I’m going to bake him my signature carrot cake and a handcrafted birthday piano card. He is so so so fabulous. He plays by ear and so does my hubs.
    Look forward to seeing your pics

  68. Hi Susan,
    Thank you so much for directing me to Sockologie for the musical black socks. I appreciate that.

    Also the most important thing I meant to mention is I’m so so so happy to hear you had a good report on your mammogram. That is the best present you could ever ask for. I smiled big when I read your news.

    I hope your birthday has been joyful and felt the love you so richly deserve.

  69. Happy birthday! I was wondering with your diet is there enough daily calcium? (recommended 1,300mg daily) I ask because I have osteoporosis and my daughter has several health issues as well. We both need adequate calcium and we need a change in what we eat. I appreciate what you have shared so far. Do you make recipes or is it a matter of putting different foods together? Would love it if you could come up with say a weekly meal plan. Enjoy your posts here in Australia!

    1. I showed you almost all the foods in my kitchen, but I also have kimchi, a probiotic fermented food. Most of my food is consumed raw. I steam broccoli, bake sweet potatoes, and boil eggs. Of course, whole grains and lentils have to be cooked, but that is about the extent of my cooking. I place different things on a bed of leafy greens and enjoy. Since the elements are always different, I never grow bored.
      When I had to start taking Letrozole last year after breast cancer, bone health became a focus. I now take a calcium supplement called Caltrate. Full-fat yogurt also supplies calcium. Broccoli, sardines, beans, cottage cheese, Kefir, Turnip Greens, almonds, and bok choy all supply ample amounts of calcium. My bone density test has remained unchanged for the past two years.

  70. Here’s wishing you a Very Happy Birthday Susan.
    I love your articles on fashion, food and life. My birthday is a week before yours, and I am 10 years older. I’ve followed you for years, thank you for all your help and advice.

  71. Never too late to wish you “Happy Birthday Susan”, from the bottom of my heart. You are so beautiful with this black outfit, very chic and definitely elegant. Always young and as attractive as ever, your smile is a true ray of sunshine.

  72. Hello there!
    I am always grateful for your fashion and lifestyle tips. Right now, I am finding that even though I buy what is considered quality clothing, the pieces I am purchasing don’t stand up well over time.
    I take excellent care of my clothes, but it doesn’t seem to be helping.
    I would really appreciate any tips you may have. Thanks so much!

    1. I agree, Marylou. I have noticed a decline in quality across the board in the past few years. Disposable fashion and too many corporate takeovers have contributed to less and less quality, even at higher prices and also at the luxury level.

  73. Well, happy birthday to you. Seems like just yesterday. We were on the ship so my brain birthdays that was a long time ago. I just turned 70 this year.

  74. I always thought that you looked much younger in the longer hair that you have now. I am just the opposite. As soon as it gets below my chin, it then draws down my face.

  75. Susan,
    I am your same age. Many years ago, I met a guy from Johnson City named Scott. Big guy. Do you know anyone in our age group named Scott who hails from Johnson City?

    Ann Weiser

  76. I love it when you shop your closet! We should all do it more often.
    You look beautiful and Mr. Mickey quite dashing.

    Happy Belated Birthday!

    Tammy

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I share tips and inspiration for using what you already have in contemporary ways. Defining words include effortless, classic, refined, discreet, and elegant. My style is chic, minimal, and timeless with a bit of edge.