So here’s the story. Aaron and I have been poking fun at our own “oldness” lately. It manifests itself in different ways:
Like we’ll go out and be social and do dinner with our friends … but by 9:30 we’re headed home, and our friends are headed to the next bar. Or we’ll have big plans to go out, but then just stay in and watch Netflix because, sweatpants.
Anyway. So this weekend we were determined to break that streak. We made big plans to go see a show at The Elephant Room — an awesome jazz club in downtown Austin. Get this: the concert started at 9:30.
PM.
For reference, that’s when I’m usually washing my face for the night.
But not tonight! We were going to this show. We were going to break our streak as oldies and prove to the world that we were still fun and crazy. We paid for parking and all was going according to plan.
And then we saw the line. A long line of people waiting to get into the packed club.
It took all of 12 seconds for our oldness to come out again and admit defeat.
We gave it a valiant effort, and even tried to go get drinks + dessert at the restaurant next door, but they were closed.
In short we paid $5 for about 8 minutes of parking.
But it was fun and it was funny and we get to poke fun at our failed attempt at being wild.
And what does this story have to do with this outfit? Oh, nothing. Except I wore those shoes. How was your weekend? :)
Sweater: old from Zara (same one here — for reference, mine is a medium)
Shirt: old from Madewell (similar)
Necklace: Handmade (similar)
Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Charles David
Bag: Marc Jacobs (also similar for less)
Ha, that sounds very familiar indeed! If I manage to stay out beyond 10pm these days, it’s totally rock n roll….but very rare! :)
I definitely relate to this post. My husband’s friends planned a dinner birthday party that started at 9pm (!!) — we usually eat dinner at like 7 — and I was all sorts of cranky. Late + cold weather = Absentee Tania.
That story made me smile.
Take it from someone in their 40s, this habit is not about being old. I know folks who are 50 and party it up every night. They then get up, get kids out the door, and get to work the next day. I also know people who would rather stay in. Not because they are old, rather they know what makes them happy. Just like the people who party know what makes them happy. I feel if age has anything to do with it, it is a realization that both things are legitemint forms of fun. So I guess I am saying, don’t worry and embrace what makes you happy. As a side note, sometimes it changes as the years go on. Have fun. You are very young however you choose to live your life. P.S., cute shoes. :)
Totally agree Trish. You put it so well, and I love this thought: “I feel if age has anything to do with it, it is a realization that both things are legitimate forms of fun.” So good — thanks for sharing! :) xo Caroline
I second this. Our next door neighbors are in their 80s and they are always going off to do something amazing- trips to Costa Rica, dancing classes, concerts, working out at the gym, etc. They don’t get up till after 10am most days because they are up and out so late. We are in our thirties and they are so much more active and adventurous than we are. I want to be them when I grow up.
My husband and I do the exact same thing. We’ve just come to the point in our lives where we are just as happy (or happier) staying in as going out. We’ve actually had out of town concert tickets and opted to stay in our cozy hotel room instead and totally skip the evening out. Some may call us old, but I call it happy and content. I have absolutely no fear of missing out.
As a real oldie, I agree with Trish that it is not always related to age. For me it was when I reached an age where I was happy to say – sod it, this is what I would prefer to do. I have a sister, 2 years younger but still way past middle age, who is regularly until 3 or 4am. I have usually had 4 – 6 hours of sleep by then!
Well all that sleep is doing you good – you look great! I remember going to the Elephant Room “back in the day” ;-). You did miss awesome jazz I’d guess, but back then the smoky interior pushed us out after just a few songs. We were “old” early too I guess. Now our music is typically on Saturday or Sunday afternoons out in the hill country with the retirees, semi-retirees, and the weekenders.
If you get the chance, directly above the Elephant Room is a place called Swifts Attic and they have a pretty killer brunch. Get whatever is the chefs special, and a few $1 mimosas!
You aren’t “OLD”, you have just found out what is important in life. Spending time together.;-) My husband and I have been at this age for a long time!
The fact that you can be so happy just staying in and hanging out with your hubby says a lot. I have that with my husband, we just enjoy being together and we don’t need a bunch of extra stuff to entertain us. It is a good thing when you can have fun with the one you love no matter where you are or what you are doing. :)
I completely understand the whole “getting old” thing. Even if my son is with a babysitter for the night, my husband and I still go to dinner at 5:30 because we don’t like crowds and then watch a movie for the evening. I’m not sure I could even try to keep up with anyone past 10 pm, or else I would be very sorry the next day!
As a 23-year old, I don’t believe age has anything to do with it. If that were the case, I should be single, broke, and going out every night. But, I am planning a wedding, very successful at my job, and cook almost every meal at home.
Instead, I like to call it being intentional with my time. I loathe wasting time, mistreating my body with what I put in it, and not getting a full night’s sleep. So I choose to spend most nights in with my loves–my fiance and pup. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong it :)
My boyfriend keeps saying that we are getting old except we stay out till like 11 most weekends. I say I rather be home watching netflix since its so COLD in NYC. Being home at 9:30 is great in my books. relaxing and blogging or doing something productive at home is best. P.S. LOVE the shoes and the outfit. You’re one of my favorite bloggers. An inspiration for me to start my blog! Thanks for this awesome post!
Love that sweater!!! By the way, I only discovered your blog about 3 weeks ago but it was perfect timing. I’ve since taken your advice and began pairing down my closet. You’re an inspiration!
xo katie a. // http://bluepoppyblog.com
All I’m saying is….CAN WE PLEASE BE FRIENDS? This story is hilarious. I love it so much. It’s like we just got to sit down and have a quick coffee with you. I’m 30…..which is a funny age to be when you haven’t/will never concede to adulthood, but bars and clubs have never been my scene. I thrive on community, great conversation, a game night or long dinner with friends just talking, laughing, attempting an embarrassing amount foreign accents during the coarse of the night while our conversations ranges from trash talk mixed with deeper conversation about self revelations, ethical issues in today’s current events, theology and the skinny jeans that don’t stretch out too much. All I’m saying is, I think we’d be friends in real life and I’m basically not scared to share that. There’s my public admission! Hope your Monday is swell!
So…. we are the same way. We hit 30 and were like, “wow… sleeping at night is so much better for our well-being. So… let’s choose sleep.” Also? It makes us fight less when we aren’t tired and grumbly… I consider that a win!
PS… you’re kind of selling me on gap jeans. I haven’t ever bought a pair, but lately it seems they’re all from there in your posts. I’m gonna have to go try some on next time I buy jeans.
Hi Lana! Getting a good night’s sleep = less fighting — YES to that! That is totally a win. :) And Gap jeans are awesome! Their legging jeans are my favorite. Sometimes you have to give it a few tries to find the right pair — Gap’s sizes can be a little off sometimes. I’d suggest trying them on in store if you can. :) xo Caroline
I also love the GAP jeans but for me, I think they grow as you wear them. My rule of thumb with GAP jeans is to get them a little snug (like down one size from what fits in the dressing room) because in a few hours they are going to be perfect! They seem to wear very well.
My gosh i feel so much better reading this!! My love and i are basically the same as you guys and we honestly feel like there is nothing better than our date nights in, cooking dinner together and watching our favorite tv shows, all of it in sweatpants! Sometimes we feel like we might be a bit young to already be preferring that kind of night but it also feels so bloody good!! :))
xoxo
Hi Caroline!
I’m 30 and me and my husband (who is 40) are clear homebodies. Sometimes I look at my wardrobe (which is in the process of becoming a capsule one-thanks! ) and feel I ‘should’ be out wearing more of my glittery and sassy outfits somewhere fun but the truth is, as much as I feel the pangs of a passed youth, what I’ve got now is so much more comforting and stable that I’m happy to enjoy Mexican food and wine in my pjs!
On another note, your blog has really resonated with me. I suffer from anxiety and have been desperately seeking answers to ‘what is happiness?’ I feel a lightbulb moment now in terms of minimising aspects of my life in order to feel more fulfilment and joy. To me the idea of having ‘less’ and being less anxious is a process that I’m very keen to embark on trying. I’ve started the process in preparation for a spring capsule wardrobe. I’m even going to the extreme of getting rid of my wardrobe (I never liked it anyway, it was just there for our budget when we moved in) and was just wondering, do you use a rail for clothes? If so, what size rail do you use?
Just wondering how I can accommodate my 37 pieces ready for April.
Wish me luck on an exciting new journey!
Xxx
Hi Kirsty! My husband and I share a closet that’s actually far too large for the amount of clothing we own. :) And I’m cheering for you! I struggle with anxiety too, and I feel like owning less clothing (and just subscribing to the general idea of “less”) has brought so much peace to my life. Sending love your way. xo Caroline
I think it has less to do with age and more to do with just lifestyle and preferences. I am usually out late (like 1 or 2 am) once per weekend. I have mild insomnia so if I’m home I’d be up watching TV anyway, so I would rather be out doing something fun with my friends. However, for me going out is fun I like going to bars and sometimes clubs/concerts. I’m usually on call for my job on the weekends, which means I call in to work at 8 am – and when I’m done I usually go to the gym. I’m sure in a few years I won’t be able to sustain getting up early on the weekends after 5-6 hours of sleep. However, I used to work with a group of people mostly in their forties and they definitely drank me under the table and stayed out all night when they went out. I feel like a lot of people who don’t have kids or a reason to stay in feel almost shameful about wanting to stay in. Doing whatever is fun for you makes you happy, not lame – or old.
P.S. I’d love to actually see a picture of the outfit you wore out.
Hi Gabby! Totally agree with you — less to do with age and more with just lifestyle and preferences. :) And I wore this outfit: http://www.un-fancy.com/winter-outfits/5-4/ xo Caroline
Love the sweater! My fiance and I have somehow turned into the old people of our friends, last night we stayed out until 10 which was SO LATE hahaha. We also got made fun of by a bartender, she assumed at 7pm that we were getting pre-dinner drinks but nope, we had already eaten ;)
Kristina does the Internets
Hi Caroline!
I just discovered your blog and i’m impressed with your creativity, you are so talented!. I’m sure I will be reading all of your posts to catch up. I don’t like shopping for clothes so this will teach me a lot! I can’t wait to make my first wardrobe capsule! I’m glad I stumbled upon your blog :) keep up the good work!
Hahaha, I feel the same and I’m 28, but I also feel that Netflix it’s the best plan and that’s all that matters, right? I’ve never been the crazy/funny one among my friends, and never will be.
I’d love to know what were you wearing in that failed date, was an outfit we already saw here?
Hi Emma! Me too, girl, me too. :) And I wore this outfit: http://www.un-fancy.com/winter-outfits/5-4/ xo Caroline
My husband and I are the same way (I’m almost 35, eep!). Like Trish’s comment above, it’s really just about what makes you happy. Sometimes I’m in the mood to go “out” but most of the time I’d rather be curled up on the couch watching Netflix with my cat/husband/some friends. You gotta do you!
I’ve recently discovered your blog, and it’s a new fave! Very inspiring, and I love your style – really appreciate the links to sources at the bottom of each post. I’m also an Austinite (I love the Elephant Room!), so it’s good to get some ideas for dealing with our weird weather/laid-back lifestyle with a minimal wardrobe. Will definitely be checking back often! :)
Man, I feel you. If I stay up late, I at least love knowing my bed is nearby. When I have the urge to be social, I always try to get friends to come over to me and drink wine or have dinner in the apartment.
That’s our strategy most of the time too, Lo! High fives. :) xo Caroline
Dear Caroline, I just wanted to thank you for your lovely blog. A really inspiring fashion blog – how rare is that! And what does this have to do with your story? Oh, nothing. Except I enjoyed it as well.
My husband and I went to game night at a friend’s house on Saturday. It started at 8, so by the time we played a few games it quickly got very late. I went to sleep at about 2:30 a.m. and I felt like death warmed over the whole next day. My body doesn’t like it’s rhythm’s being messed with anymore!
This is my life! I call myself ‘an indoors cat’ because I love to snuggle up on the sofa and do nothing! These nights, especially with my boyfriend, are the best. Even with family, I would rather cosy up with my sister for a girlie night in than go out. It’s not about being young or old, it’s about knowing what makes us happy and doing it. After all life’s too short to be wasting it doing things we don’t enjoy! xx
You are so right, Laura! Your confidence comes through in your words and it’s inspiring. :) xo Caroline
HA! I love that we are so obviously NOT those friends of yours who go out to a bar afterwards :-P
Hi Caroline,
I found your blog 2 days ago and have been completely hooked! I just cant stop reading and going through your posts. :) I found you while searching the world wide web for tips on creating a capsule wardrobe – I plan on starting this Spring. Thank you for the helpful tips, I love your style. Un-fancy.
Back to this post, I was seriously laughing. The husband and I often find ourselves making these lavish saturday night plans, only to find ourselves staying at home to cuddle with the cats. Sigh, we can’t help but be a pair of introverts.
I love this post! I used to always feel so conflicted about going out more since I’m in my mid-20’s but a night in on my couch with my fiance and pups has always been so much more enticing to me. Nothing better than enjoying some wine and takeout in my PJs! All the wonderful comments are a great reminder that if I’m happy, then why worry about what I “should” be doing on a Friday!
I also used to try so hard to stay up late on the weekends because I felt like that’s what I was supposed to do. But now, if it’s 9 PM on Friday and I’m tired…I’m going to bed. No need to force it!
It’s not old, it’s just different priorities
Wait until you have kids who wake up at 5:am, then the 9:30pm face wash time becomes 8:30pm :-)
Let’s talk about the sweater. I’ve been eyeing it for months, and finally caught it while it was in stock. I got the medium (all that was available) and it feels huge. I’m a similar height and build as you, but it hits about 4 inches lower on my leg than in your photos. Has yours shrunk? I’m afraid I look more fortune-teller than weekend chic. Wondering if I should embrace the bigness or take my changes with returning and hoping to find a small.
Hi Laura! Hm … mine hasn’t shrunk, so I’m not sure. Personally, I think the oversized look is awesome, but I say go with whatever you feel comfortable with. After watching them sell out and restock many times, I feel like it might be a safe bet that it’ll come back in stock. :) xo Caroline
Thanks, Caroline! Love having your blog as a resource as I pare down my wardrobe. Fewer options = greater freedom!
I love being social and having fun but DEFINITELY prefer staying in and snuggling my hubby on the couch with netflix :) I’ve always been that way though…when I was in college it was such a chore to stay up late and party. I liked when I got older that I could finally just blame my age for the reason I prefer to stay in, lol! Way to stay true to yourself! Loved this post. You are a gem, Caroline :)
This whole outfit is perfection.
I can totally relate to the second part of this! On Saturday night my friend texted me saying, “It’s 10 p.m. and I want to go home and go to bed. Does that make me lame?” My answer the next day: “I was already in bed when you texted this, so, no.” Haha!
Ha! Oh Caroline. This is one of my running jokes with my husband + my other education friends. “Of course I have enough energy to stay out past 10pm on a Friday night…!” -said no teacher ever. ;)
Also wanted to let you know I gave you a shout-out in my blog. I was doing a post about what worked and didn’t work for me in 2014, and you and your blog made the What Worked section. Thankful for God’s gift in and through you, friend.
Here’s a link to what I wrote about you here. http://teacheryconfessions.blogspot.com/2015/01/what-worked-and-didnt-work-in-2014-my.html
Whitley! So great to hear from you, lady! And thank you. :) And your quote — I was cracking up! So true. Even in my student teaching days when I was 22, I didn’t have the energy. :) xo Caroline
I’m hunting down that sweater right now! It’s a beauty!
This sounds totally like my husband and I! hahaha I much prefer staying in for a cosy night than going out, especially during winter.
The only time we stay out later than 10-11pm is when we have music shows to attend, otherwise it’s just going out for dinner and home. I love the fact we’re actually happier this way, doing things our way.
Rita
http://heyrita.co.uk
OMG, I hear you, girl! I am the same way. I’m usually in bed around 8:45 and it doesn’t get a whole lot better on the weekends. Granted, I’m also up earlier than most people, and I try to stay true to getting 7.5-9 hours of sleep. Less or more than that is no good for me. My husband and I definitely end up Netflixing a movie on weekend nights and have acknowledged that we need to mix it up. We have a few things in the mix for next month.
Here’s to being “old”!
Brand new here, but love this whole capsule idea. This post, however, made me snort, as my beau and I have had the same feelings lately. It’s too funny that you paid $8 for parking, we’d have done the same thing!! Cheers!