Fall Fashion and Beauty: Growing Up and Taking Stock

I've just read Rita Wilson's column in October's Harper's Bazaar where she wondered, "when do we as women grow out of things or into things?"

This column runs in a fashion magazine so she was talking about fashion and beauty "things" -- this question could lead to deeper ruminations, of course, but there's no crime in occasional frivolity -- so I've been inspired to follow her lead and take stock of how I've changed through the years.

THINGS I HAVE GROWN OUT OF

• Saving nice clothes for "special" occasions - This was stupid. Clothes are just clothes. Why not enjoy them? Special occasions never seem to come, so what was I waiting for? I've taught myself that everyday is special, dammit, so I'll wear whatever I feel like wearing that day -- there's no such thing as looking too nice for (fill in the blank.) (Except for the imaginary couture ball gowns that I don't actually have in my closet. Those I'll save for the imaginary balls I never seem to get invitations to.)

• Bikinis - Three pregnancies is all it took to cure me of that habit. Instead, I've embraced the glamour of one-piece suits. They make me feel like a forties movie star. Don't tell me otherwise, I beg of you.

• Mini skirts - Eh, you have to think too much when you wear them. They're uncomfortable. I wear skirts that are above the knee (I happen to like my knees!) but nothing that the younger me would consider a proper miniskirt.

• Heels - Oh, I still have them. I think they're hot, to be honest with you. But I'll only wear them if I know I'll be sitting down as soon as I get to where I'm going. I know lots of women can run in heels, but I'm not one of them. That's what called acceptance.

THINGS I HAVE GROWN INTO

• Eye makeup, every day - For years I thought eye makeup was overkill. My everyday makeup consisted of sunblock and lip gloss, maybe some mascara if I was going somewhere "special." I never felt done. Then I started wearing eye makeup every day (nothing too crazy) and I realized that a little definition goes a long way.

• Dresses - I was one of those little girls that hated dresses. Frills? Hell no! As a young woman I loved to wear pants and jeans because I have long legs and I thought I looked good in them. But I've realized that nothing beats the ease and sophistication of a dress. I can't get enough of them!

• Red lipstick - I know it's trendy right now, but I want to make out with my red lipstick. It makes me feel Womanly, with a capital "W." No one messes with a woman wearing red lips.

THINGS I'LL NEVER LET GO

• My brow obession - I'm cheap when it comes to hair cuts and hair products, but I'll pay anything for an excellent brow artist. Yes, I said artist. Forget Botox and all that skin filler junk. Great brows make all the difference, and there are no side effects.

• My natural hair color - I love being a brunette.

• Interesting shoes - I like to wear simple clothes and colorful, patterned, fancy, or otherwise interesting shoes. Maybe it's because I can actually see and enjoy them without needing a mirror?

Now, tell me: What have you grown into or out of fashion-wise? What will you never let go?

Roxanna is a BeautyHacks CE. She also blogs at Miguelina and Everyday Treats.