This resonated so much with me, growing up (and ageing!) in Italy. Even though I have committed the cardinal sin of letting my hair go grey (still a subversive act in Italy) when I was 50, I always aspired to grow old without disappearing, as Italian women do. I wonder if this is also easier to do because the old (and the middle-aged) are not considered irrelevant in Italy?
In any case, when I was younger, I always considered my mother's style a bit conservative, but could imagine that I too would one day aspire to a wardrobe full of Max Mara, and I'm getting there. My mother, on the other hand, is now almost 89, and mainly housebound due to a crippling back, but the other day at lunch she was sporting a burgundy cashmere tracksuit, worn with pearls, her slippers, and her handbag (because the slippers and tracksuit are a concession, but to eat lunch at someone else's house (she lives downstairs) without a handbag is a compromise too far!
I didn't know the wrinkles quote was Anna Magnani, but I feel the same way - I've lived a life, and I don't want to pretend I've had less of it than I have!
Very true, in Italy you will be pushed socially to dye your hair until the very end of times 😂 Class and beauty have no age, the Italian women in my life are such inspiration to me but I will definitely be less strict and kinder to myself. Never giving up fashion, but allowing myself to age without too much social pressure!
Thank you for sharing this story of your mum, so damn sweet! And thank you for reading, I am so happy this resonated with you too Louise :)))
This is such a perfect read on the eve of my 32nd birthday. I've been discovering grey hairs more and more frequently, and I'm finally ok with it (AKA I'm leaving them be, rather than immediately pulling them out). And I agree that sciura are the perfect inspiration. I remember being so in awe of all the stylish women when I was in Milan!
A great post and thank you for the pics! I have a new obsession in Sciure! I embrace being almost 60 and my silver hair as well as a love of fashion. The greatest gift you’ll get is more wisdom over the next 30 years. I’ve decided that it’s the thing that softens the lines in the mirror. PS take care of your neck and teeth!!!! 😊
Those photos are really wonderful. I’d like to be thought of as a Sciure (says she blushing ☺️), when I can get back into all my lovely clothes and not slob out in tracky bottoms and hoodies, and when I have finally had my hip replacement operation and I can walk properly again without so much as tripping over a cream cracker (slight exaggeration but you get my drift)…..then I’ll feel 100% again 😏.
“Aging, when done masterfully, is never something to fear. It’s just time well spent.” I love this quote. Just a reminder that time is precious and we should value the time we have now and love ourselves at every age. Thanks for this read Giulia xx
i remember a lot of years ago thinking that reaching my 40s/50s would be enough. as someone who never saw herself having children or married reaching those ages seemed useless. now on my 22 year going on 23, the 30s seem very close, which means my 40s are right around the corner, especially since time is going crazy fast these days. a lot of things changed since then, and now I do see myself growing old, and I think the first time I said "gods I want to be old" wss followed by the sentence "just to dress and look like that", I think this was the moment where these woman became my biggest inspiration. it's not just about how stylish they are with their baggy mom jeans and colorful shirts, it's the happiness in their rinkles, the confident energy and the power they possess.
thank you for giving us the "sciure", i never knew how to describe how awesome these ladies are and that's the perfect word for it.
What a beautiful perspective on aging! Love how you shifted the perception of it through these fabulous photos and the meaning sciure. I aspire to grow old with same grace as these women, too! x
Thank you for your wise words and the wonderful pictures. I am in my 50s now and I don‘t know if I will ever age with grace, but I will always try to age with fun and thankfulness.
And don‘t spend your money and time on too much anti aging stuff, just use a very good sunscreen. 😊
thank you for being here Anja, I’m glad we are aligned on the same message, thankfulness and fun :)) and you’re absolutely right about a very good sunscreen 🤍🤍🤍
Wow this is really inspiring me to up my statement jewelry game!
I’m glad you enjoyed it 🤍
This resonated so much with me, growing up (and ageing!) in Italy. Even though I have committed the cardinal sin of letting my hair go grey (still a subversive act in Italy) when I was 50, I always aspired to grow old without disappearing, as Italian women do. I wonder if this is also easier to do because the old (and the middle-aged) are not considered irrelevant in Italy?
In any case, when I was younger, I always considered my mother's style a bit conservative, but could imagine that I too would one day aspire to a wardrobe full of Max Mara, and I'm getting there. My mother, on the other hand, is now almost 89, and mainly housebound due to a crippling back, but the other day at lunch she was sporting a burgundy cashmere tracksuit, worn with pearls, her slippers, and her handbag (because the slippers and tracksuit are a concession, but to eat lunch at someone else's house (she lives downstairs) without a handbag is a compromise too far!
I didn't know the wrinkles quote was Anna Magnani, but I feel the same way - I've lived a life, and I don't want to pretend I've had less of it than I have!
Very true, in Italy you will be pushed socially to dye your hair until the very end of times 😂 Class and beauty have no age, the Italian women in my life are such inspiration to me but I will definitely be less strict and kinder to myself. Never giving up fashion, but allowing myself to age without too much social pressure!
Thank you for sharing this story of your mum, so damn sweet! And thank you for reading, I am so happy this resonated with you too Louise :)))
This is such a perfect read on the eve of my 32nd birthday. I've been discovering grey hairs more and more frequently, and I'm finally ok with it (AKA I'm leaving them be, rather than immediately pulling them out). And I agree that sciura are the perfect inspiration. I remember being so in awe of all the stylish women when I was in Milan!
women 🤍 thank you for reading Maria, I’m so happy you enjoyed this read. And happy belated birthday :)
A great post and thank you for the pics! I have a new obsession in Sciure! I embrace being almost 60 and my silver hair as well as a love of fashion. The greatest gift you’ll get is more wisdom over the next 30 years. I’ve decided that it’s the thing that softens the lines in the mirror. PS take care of your neck and teeth!!!! 😊
Thank you Michele! Especially for the free piece of advice ❤️❤️❤️
Those photos are really wonderful. I’d like to be thought of as a Sciure (says she blushing ☺️), when I can get back into all my lovely clothes and not slob out in tracky bottoms and hoodies, and when I have finally had my hip replacement operation and I can walk properly again without so much as tripping over a cream cracker (slight exaggeration but you get my drift)…..then I’ll feel 100% again 😏.
I am so glad they made you feel this hopeful Kathryn :)
fabolous and on your feet again very very soon!
Thank you Giulia. Fingers crossed 🤞.
“Aging, when done masterfully, is never something to fear. It’s just time well spent.” I love this quote. Just a reminder that time is precious and we should value the time we have now and love ourselves at every age. Thanks for this read Giulia xx
You are welcome Ruby, thank you so much for finding the time to read it xxx
i remember a lot of years ago thinking that reaching my 40s/50s would be enough. as someone who never saw herself having children or married reaching those ages seemed useless. now on my 22 year going on 23, the 30s seem very close, which means my 40s are right around the corner, especially since time is going crazy fast these days. a lot of things changed since then, and now I do see myself growing old, and I think the first time I said "gods I want to be old" wss followed by the sentence "just to dress and look like that", I think this was the moment where these woman became my biggest inspiration. it's not just about how stylish they are with their baggy mom jeans and colorful shirts, it's the happiness in their rinkles, the confident energy and the power they possess.
thank you for giving us the "sciure", i never knew how to describe how awesome these ladies are and that's the perfect word for it.
guarisci presto <33
thank you for the lovely comment Rita xx
You’re becoming my favourite writer on substack
oh my god! Thank you Hannah, it means the world to me 💔
This is one of the best pieces I've read lately. It makes me want to take my camera and photograph all the Sciure out there. So inspiring!
Oh such a lovely comment Elisavet! I am so glad you liked it 🤍🤍🤍
I love everything about this, and it has inspired me!!! Such style!!!
thank you so much Raquel! I am so glad it inspired you ❤️❤️❤️
Well said, sister!
These thoughts make me feel so happy of the woman I am now, and look forward to the lady I will become👸🏻🤍
thank you for reading Franci 🤍🤍🤍
god am i happy i discovered your page <3
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ thank you love!
I want to emulate sciura essence when I grow up. Really enjoyed reading this!
Thank you so much Angela ❤️❤️❤️
What a beautiful perspective on aging! Love how you shifted the perception of it through these fabulous photos and the meaning sciure. I aspire to grow old with same grace as these women, too! x
Thank you Maria :) we will be the new generation of sciure, I am sure!
Thank you for your wise words and the wonderful pictures. I am in my 50s now and I don‘t know if I will ever age with grace, but I will always try to age with fun and thankfulness.
And don‘t spend your money and time on too much anti aging stuff, just use a very good sunscreen. 😊
I wish you get better soon!
thank you for being here Anja, I’m glad we are aligned on the same message, thankfulness and fun :)) and you’re absolutely right about a very good sunscreen 🤍🤍🤍
Ohkayy wow
thank you for reading Aanchal!