Facebook Member of the Month: Donna S.

I have a very true and very funny story about December’s Facebook Group Member of the Month, Donna, that even she doesn’t know.  One day I received a Facebook message from my sister that included a picture of Donna that she swiped from the group.  The message read, “Who does Donna remind you of?”  I knew immediately.  I messaged my sister back, “Mommy!”

While Donna and my mom certainly couldn’t pull off a successful Freaky Friday scheme, you have to admit, my sister wasn’t far off.

Family resemblance aside, Donna is one of the original members of the Group and a vocal one who often looks to the group for advice while generously offering her own to many.  She has a gracious presence, kind energy and is the type of person that makes you feel like if you happened to be passing through Nebraska her door would be open to you.  Watch out, Donna, Nebraska is a state I haven’t managed to get to yet.

I am happy to feature Donna as this month’s member of the month so we can all get to know her better.

Name: Donna S.

Location: Papillion, Nebraska

Age: 71

Q: What do you like most about being a member of Bridgette’s Facebook Group? 

A: I love that I have instant access to so many women around the world for fashion help and inspiration. This is a delightful group of kind women in all age ranges.

Q: The biggest benefits you have received from being a Group member 

A:  It’s nice to be able to come here and ask the opinions of so many on what to wear on special occasions. My 50th class reunion comes to mind as well as a European River Cruise. Sometimes it’s just nice to hear what others would suggest when you are just a little bit unsure what outfit might be best.

Q: What would you tell women who haven’t joined the Group yet?  

A: What are you waiting for??? You will not find a kinder group of women on the internet. Someone is always willing to make suggestions. Not only that I have gained so much by seeing what others post. They put together outfits I might not have ever thought of. This group has helped me be a little more creative with trying different things.

Q: How would you describe your style? 

A: I am classic with a side of trendy. Is that a textbook style? Probably not but it works for me. I’ve always been one to dress in a classic way, however, I am not going to be a little old lady stuck in old-fashioned ways. I love to be on-trend even as I am into my 70’s now. I even like to put together cute outfits for the gym!

Q: How did you discover your style?  

A: I was a little girl when Jacqueline Kennedy was in the White House. I can still see her waving from a car in her put-together look. Then several years later I would pour over each page of Seventeen magazine, truly just studying the styles pictured.

My mother and I loved shopping together. When I was a teenager we lived in a small town that happened to have several dress shops. We would visit them all regularly, touching each item it seems, as we would walk by the racks. It was one of our favorite activities to do together for a very long time.

Q: What advice do you have for others trying to find their style?  

A:I’m sure it’s been said before, but don’t force someone else’s style on yourself. If you are struggling, then have a trusted friend help you. Listen to the times you get compliments on what you are wearing. Women love to compliment each other and this is a sure way to know your style is working for you.

The very best thing though is to look in the mirror carefully. You should feel good about what you are seeing in the reflection.

Q: What fashion issues are you currently struggling with? 

A:Since I was in my early 50’s shoes have been hard for me. That’s when I developed foot problems due to an extremely high arch. I must wear an insert and there are some shoes such as flats and heels where inserts just don’t work. Also, shoes that appear to be very comfortable to most people just don’t work for me.

Often times the right shoe just completes an outfit and I definitely struggle with this.

Q: What are the most versatile items you have in your closet? 

A: I worked from home for years as a silk floral designer and now I am retired. The majority of my wardrobe is casual. Through these ladies here I have discovered NYDJ which fits me very well. A good pair of jeans is what I reach for almost every day. I have an assortment of dark jeans and light jeans. In the last several years I have added some fun colored jeans too. Jeans are so easy to dress up or down.

I love, love, love scarves too. They add a bit of flair to almost any outfit and can surely bring in a pattern and color. It’s fun to tie them in different ways too so you can switch things up.

And speaking of my floral business, are you aware of how home decor colors often mimic the fashion industry? I used to find that so interesting when I would go to market on a buying trip.

Q: If you could go back and change the way you dressed in the past, what would you change?  

A:  I wouldn’t really change anything. Of course, when I look back at old photos I giggle at all the styles that have come and gone through the years, but they were high fashion at the time.

Q: Is there a fashion purchase you made that you found more useful than you thought it would be?  

A:  I was slow to invest in a jean jacket and now I wonder why. It is amazing to me how a jean jacket can finish off an outfit so well. It’s a good addition to my closet.

Q: What about a fashion purchase that you thought would solve all your problems, but didn’t?

A: I’m thinking of a black pin stripe blazer I bought once. I paid quite a bit for it and thought it would go with just everything. Each time I would try it on, I would take it off. It never felt right to me and I didn’t like how I looked in it. I never wore it even once! After years of letting it take up space in my closet, I finally donated it. Good riddance!

Q: How do you envision yourself when you look your best?  

A: Put together with light makeup, hopefully having a good hair day and wearing a color that looks good on me. It’s an added plus if I have a stylish pair of shoes I can wear with my outfit that works for my difficult foot issues!

Q: What are your biggest fashion goals for the year?  

A: I would like to try a pair of wide-legged pants. I cringe every time I see an article about them. I have really thin legs and skinny jeans and pants have worked very well for my body type.

Somehow, someway I will have to figure out how to pull the wide legs off. It seems they are definitely coming our way…maybe a little slower in Nebraska.

Q: What is the best fashion advice you ever received? 

A: I have a feeling others have said this, but it is SO TRUE!!! I love hearing words in my head from Bridgette…”Where are you going to wear that??!!!” That is the BEST statement. I am a clothes horse and sometimes I buy just because I like something and then it hangs in my closet with no place to wear it. Thanks for that Bridgette!!

Q: The first thing you take off when you get home? 

A: Unless I have on dressy clothes I tend to keep everything on till it’s time to get ready for bed.

Q: Favorite color(s) to wear 

A: Years and years ago I was told I was a Winter so I wore black and fuchsia and all those winter colors. Then I started wearing rust and mustards and olive greens and would frequently get compliments. So it seems I’m an autumn and I gravitate to those colors.

Q: Favorite stores to shop? 

A: We no longer have many department stores in Omaha to choose from. If I’m looking for something special I will shop at Dillards or Von Maur. I just haven’t jumped on the online store shopping so much yet. I like to try on clothes in person but I know that is rapidly changing. To be honest I buy many of my clothes at consignment shops or thrift stores. It always amazes me the brand-name clothing people donate. Of course, I am picky but you can find some great clothes while thrifting.

Q: What makes you happiest? 

A: I am very family-oriented. We have three daughters and nine grandchildren. One daughter lives near us and one is near Chicago and one is in Phoenix. We love going to visit all of them and even better when they all gather at one place with us.

I also enjoy gardening and being outside, exercising, thrifting, my book club group, wine nights with friends, laughing with my sister and line dancing, and traveling with my husband.

Q: What inspires you? 

A: My mother was a huge inspiration to me. She was a friend to everyone, a great cook, and a giver. My daughters are all so different from one another and they inspire me so much as well. I love talking to them and hearing their side of so many subjects. They are wonderful young ladies.

Q: Use One Word to Describe Your Style

A: Confident