Today I am joining my friend Brenda Coffee from 1010 Park Place for our montly Ageless Style Series. If you aren’t subscribed to Brenda’s blog you are missing out. She is one of the best writers in blogland. I am so happy today to be featuring my stylish new friend Wren here on Ageless Style . I met Wren via my blog. She has been a long time reader and now lives “just over the hill” from me. We met for lunch before we moved here and instantly clicked. I am so grateful that I can now call her my friend. Wren has incredible style, beautiful silver hair, and is full of fun. Let’s chat about a Silver Pixie Haired Beauty You Will Love.
A Silver Pixie Haired Beauty you Will Love
Are you wondering about Wren’s unique name? It hails from Sir Christopher Wren of London, born 1632. It was always a last name in the family until her grandmother’s generation when there were no males to carry on the name. She gave it to Wren’s father as a middle name. Then he gave it to Wren as a middle name. Her son is Christopher Wren and his son also has Wren as a middle name.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I grew up in the small town of Corona, in S. California, close to the beaches and Disneyland. My parents built our house and I lived in it from the age of 2 until I was married. It was a pretty blissful childhood, playing in the orange and avocado groves. I was married between my sophomore and junior year but did finish college (dental hygiene). I have 2 grown children, a daughter and son, who are both successful. I have 2 adorable grandsons, ages 5 and 8 who bring me great joy. I have moved on from 32 years of marriage but I have always been in a good place. I have lived in San Luis Obispo for somewhat over 40 years and doubt I will ever leave. I love living close enough to walk downtown.
How and When Did You Decide to become a “Silver Pixie Haired Beauty”
I decided to go silver almost exactly 2 years ago. It was not because of covid and not being able to get my hair colored but just because I figured I was of the age to rightfully have hair that was plausibly grey/silver/white. I had no idea what color it was since I was still coloring it every 5 weeks.
I came across Cindy’s blog towards the beginning of the Pandemic. I had no previous knowledge of what a blog was but I had so much time on my hands I looked into what this “blog” thing was. At some point, I found Cindy and just loved her style. Her home, fashions, gardens, recipes, it all spoke to me and she was just so darn cute with that silver hair (and she’s younger than I). She did a story about what she used to maintain her hair gray/silver and somehow, it just spoke to me! My hair was already short so my hairdresser took it super short and in two cuts, I was fully silver. I was gratified to be pretty much an overall color. Another woman who influenced me was Kerry-Lou of Silver Style Studio. She had a sassy short style that I thought I wanted to emulate but in the end, it really wasn’t me. I also loved Maye Musk’s short crops.
Do you have a favorite Color? Has going white changed that at all?
My favorite color for clothing has probably been lack of color. I really like cream, beiges, camel and those shades. Going silver has made camel or yellows tones look less flattering which has been a hard pill to swallow. Navy is another fav.
Has becoming a “silver pixie haired beauty” changed the composition of your wardrobe?
Early on, going silver and in the midst of the pandemic, I engaged a consultant via zoom to help me with my colors since I was really confused. She suggested quite a few colors that I just don’t feel comfortable in. Of my own revision, my wardrobe has only changed slightly with the addition of more taupe in place of camel. However, I still have a couple of pieces I absolutely refuse to stop wearing even if they are less than flattering because of sentimental value. I also won’t stop wearing my 18K gold jewelry even though silver or white gold is supposed to be better now and sometimes I mix it. (You can find Wren’s sassy leopard boots on eBay here.)
How would you describe your style?
I consider myself to be pretty conservative or traditional. I like to have fun with accessories and shoes but I am not at all edgy and at my age and in the community where I live, I don’t want to look like I’m trying to be someone I’m not. Many days when I get dressed, I feel like I look pretty boring.
What Inspires your signature style?
As to signature style, I don’t know that I have such except that I love linen and cotton fabrics. I do know that I don’t want to fall into the trap of dressing like an “old lady”. I still like wearing things with shapes that fit and do not want to go the way of polyester, easy care. My mom was always classy but she used to say she was going to just give in and wear muumuus but she never did. Up until 92, she still dressed smartly, colored her hair and wore make up every day. I will take her cue.
Do you have an accessory that you can’t do without?
I guess my favorite accessory would be earrings. Especially now that I have short hair, they show themselves off. I have some from decades ago and hardly ever buy new at this point. I also like other pieces of jewelry, both faux and the real deal and feel comfortable mixing the two. Like probably 95% of women, I also am a shoe hound.
What are your style strengths?
To my advantage is my height although, sadly, I have lost 1 1/2 inches. I always prided myself on being tall although I only made it to 5’7” and models of my era were usually one inch past that. Even with my loss, people usually guess me to be taller than I am so I guess that is my style strength since I think tall, long-legged women can pull off some styles best.
Do you have a style icon?
I love the rather masculine look in some roles portrayed by Katherine Hepburn, Fay Dunaway, Diane Keaton, Audrey Hepburn and Sharon Stone. That’s not to say I feel or want to look masculine but I am totally a trouser/pants person. I very rarely wear a dress or skirt and I don’t even know why that is but I just feel more comfortable in slacks. If I do wear a dress, it would be a simple sheath or something without any fuss.
Do you have repeat offenders in your closet if so what are they?
This question makes me laugh since I have a huge offender. Stripes! I have tees in many stripe colors, widths, sleeve lengths, you name it. In fact I have a BFF who also like stripes and we sometimes try to coordinate if we’re doing something together so we don’t look like we’ve made a jail break. I can rarely find patterns that I’m attracted to but I do like stripes (and polka dots and some checks).
My rules would be the ones that keep me from, I hope, embarrassing myself. No bare midriff, no short skirts, and more recently, no sleeveless.
What are your favoirte online go to sources?
I have a terrible time using on-line shopping. I can sometimes get away with ordering tops but forget it with pants and shoes. During the pandemic, I was living in an optimistic bubble and ordering things for “the day when” and I ended up single-handed keeping the UPS store in business with returns. My best chances are with JCrew, Banana Republic and Gap.
Do you have a particular designer that you are drawn to?
I rarely buy designer clothes. My life style is casual and am happy buying from the retailers I listed above (although BR is getting very chic and priced accordingly!). If a fairy godmother granted me my wishes, I would probably buy Carolina Herrera, Ralph Lauren, Max Mara, and Armani
Do you have any favorite hair products?
My new favorite hair product is NUXE oil. I learned of it from Sandra Sallin on a Youtube video. It’s good for everything, hair, body, face and I love how it puts a shine on my silver which can look a little dull, probably from the natural curl. I tried using purple shampoo once in awhile but my hair doesn’t seem to need it. Even if I use heat from a flat iron, it doesn’t yellow. Otherwise, I use Redken All Soft shampoo and conditioner. Sebastian Gel Forte keeps it in place along with a little dab of Baxter Creme Pomade (thanks Kerry-Lou). My hair has more wave that has kicked in since menopause, then going short.
What are your essntial beauty products that you can’t do without?
My skin routine is pretty basic. I like the lines of Eminence and Algenist (made in SF of algae). I also like Cetaphil and CeraVe products and Maybelline gentle eye make up remover from the drug store. The L’Oreal Infallible Pro Gloss is something I have been buying for years and can’t live without.
Has going white affected your makeup color pallete at all?
The only way going silver has affected my makeup is probably a little in eye shadow colors. I think I have muted them almost by instinct. My basic foundation color, actually a tinted moisture with SPF, hasn’t changed. I think I have enough olive in my skin so that I don’t look too washed out with the hair color change.
Do you have any form of exercise or program that you adhere to?
I’m pretty dedicated to going to the gym in my neighborhood 3 days a week (I kind of hate to admit that since I don’t think I look like it’s paid off but I console myself by thinking of how I might look otherwise). I hike or walk the other days, often into town which is only 7 blocks to the Mission in SLO. I try to play 9 holes of golf once a week and I was a devout yogini 2 days a week until my studio closed. I still get in some stretching and poses at home.
Do you take any vitamins or supplements that you feel are beneficial to your overall health and vitality?
I take calcium in the form of one Tums a day per my doctor for calcium. I take Vit. D3 and B12 and just started an Omega-3Fatty Acid which is supposed to be good for ocular health. I take Collagen for Her and my hairdresser asked if I was taking a supplement since my hair was growing so fast!
What advice do you have for other women who are contemplating letting their hair go natural?
I went gray/silver knowing I could always go back. It took me quite a few months, maybe 6 or 8, to get over looking in the mirror and seeing a stranger. It was hard to get used to but I never wavered. It was so freeing not to spend the time, money or chemicals on my head. I knew I was in good company since so many other women had chosen to forego coloring during the time they couldn’t go to their hairdressers and hey, men have been going silver all along without the stigma. Sometimes I feel more invisible than I did when blonde but I’m learning to accept that.
What general advice do you have for women over 50, or beyond?
The thought that comes to me is one I need to practice myself for advice. Be where you are today. Appreciate the body, mind, abilities, looks you have right now. If you look at a picture of yourself from a decade ago, you will undoubtedly notice things that have aged. Your body today will look different in the future also and it’s the best it’s going to be right this very moment. Unfortunately, it will probably not change for the better so enjoy it as it is now.
What are the benefits of being “at a certain age” as we are? What advice would you give your younger self?
I have recently found myself being at several crossroads where I have had the chance to meet new friends. I find this absolutely so refreshing and wonderful. It’s something I never saw coming and it’s such a blessing. At this stage of life, we each have so much to contribute to friendships, coming from all different backgrounds. I have been, and am, working on myself to overcome making judgements of others. I feel I have lived a charmed life and always try to focus on “there but for the grace of god go I”. One thing I would tell my younger self would be not to marry so young. The university my former husband and I were attending would not let a couple live together without being married so we conformed. Also, many of my friends were marrying at about the same age so it didn’t seem young. I wish I had had more experiences, done more travel, had different work situations, etc. It all worked out but that would be my do over wish. The nice thing is that I am getting a chance at some of those things now.
SHOP WREN’S STYLE
I hope you enjoyed reading about my friend Wren, A Silver Pixie Haired Beauty you Will Love. In case you missed any of my previous Ageless Style interviews you can find them here. Now let’s pop over and see who my friend Brenda Coffee is interviewing this week. We never tell so it is always a surprise to both of us. Wouldn’t that be funny if we interviewed the same person?
1010 PARK PLACE
Wow! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Wren. I can see why you two hit it off. I hit it off with her just by reading this. We have so many things in common (except height..lol) but I know the feeling of losing inches. I was never tall (only 5’1”), but the last visit to the doctor has told me I’m only 4’8” now! I feel the same as her in regards to never allowing myself to dress like an old lady. My mom wore those darn polyester pants, and I will never wear such a thing! I liked her advice about appreciating your body, looks, etc, but I think of everything that I dislike the most about aging, is how much my body has changed. How the skin on my arms and legs are now really looking wrinkled and I just can’t get over how fast that happened! I think Mother Nature has played a dirty trick on women when it comes to getting older. . . I try to stay positive, but, when I look in the mirror and it doesn’t look like me anymore…. Anyways..I wish her and I were besties..lol..She is lovely!
Hi Colleen
I know…the arms…yikes it did happen quickly! Wren is absolutely beautiful in every way. I feel lucky to now call her a friend!
Loved see Wren pictures, I got some good ideas. Her look is what I aspire too…
glad you were able to twist her arm!
Hi Elizabeth
Wren just has it doesn’t she?
Hi Cindy,
How lovely to finally put a face to the name! Wren has been popping up in your comments, and on my instagram as well, and I was very curious about her. Well, this post proves she is very stylish, fit, seems fun, and we have a few things in common. First, I grew up near the area where she lives, and second, my love of stripes of any kind! My favorite pattern, polka dots being second. I’m so glad you convinced Wren to be your style gal this month! It was fun to meet her.
Xo Heidi
Terrific interview! Wren has such great style and an attitude to match. Thanks for sharing and you ladies keep inspiring!
Wren: This name always makes me think of the Wren Building at Willam and Mary, my grad school, but in this case there is a real connection to the name!
On Wren’s Style: Totally my vibe, but she wears it so much better. How inspiring!
SLO: Prior to reading this blog I was trolling SLO on Zillow looking for a retirement home, not having any idea that is where you lovely ladies are located. Having some serious location envy here in VIrginia!
Thanks for the great interview!
Hi Vicki
Wren has such great style. I am so glad she allowed me to twist her arm. Let us know if you come to the area!!
Well, this was a fun and refreshing post! Hello Wren. Not only do I love the history behind your name … but I love you too. Your attitude and outlook inspired me … and I found myself pinning every single photo. You have an amazing sense of style and it looks to me like your dedication to fitness has paid off. You wear your lovely, casual wardrobe well and as I already said, I’m inspired. Thanks, Cindy, for always bring us wonderful woman to learn from and be inspired by. xo
Hi Juliet
I am so glad you enjoyed Wren’s interview, she is indeed inspiring!
Wren is definitely a beautiful and stylish woman. What I like most about her is her big heart. I am her companion in the “stripe” tee shirt overload.
Thanks for really great article.
Hi Tess
I do not think you are alone in the stripe club! So many ladies wear them beautifully. They are not flattering on my figure unfortunately, but I sure love them on others!
Loved the interview, it was nice to meet another Wren! I too, passed it on to my daughter and it has gone all the way down to my great granddaughter.. Now my youngest son has decided to add it to his family and give it to his daughter that will be born in March.
Again a very interesting interview for a new viewer.
Well hello Wren #2 so nice to meet you! I am so glad you enjoyed the interview.
What a beautiful and elegant woman, so envious of her svelte and statuesque 5’7”,Not many women could pull off an extra short pixie as well as she does, she’s got the entire hair x wardrobe x attitude puzzle nailed to a T,
You said it all Liana.
Cindy
My name is terri and I have had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with the lovely Wren, a.k.a. silver pixie! We were at a Pinot noir tasting, and I felt as if I was accompanying a movie star! Not only did Wren exude beauty and confidence, the minute she walked in to the event, many people were commenting on her statuesque style. Of course, I had to point out that she was on your blog! I can’t tell you how many people are now following and I hope that I have the pleasure of meeting you one day soon. Wren is such a beautiful person and deserves this accolade in my opinion ❤️
Hi Terry
So nice to meet you as well. If you are an avid Pinot lover I am sure we will. I am anxious to hear what you all thought of the event and how it compares to others. Palm Springs in January cannot be bad!!
Loved meeting Wren and reading about her positive attitude and zest for life! I adore how she mixes neutrals and patterns too! Thank you for sharing another amazing woman with us!
Hi Ginger
I am so happy I coerced Wren into doing this. It took a bit of convincing. I knew you all would just love her!
Thank you so much for this, Cindy! While not as svelte as Wren, I also have a silver-haired pixie. When I let my hair grow out, I don’t feel at all like my true self. This boosts my confidence a great deal, especially as I now live half the year in Central Texas, where pixies are not that common.
Hi Argaret
I so admire you ladies and your pixies. Who wouldn’t love to be able to do the same? How do you like Central Texas by the way?
I’m a huge fan of the delightful Wren and so lucky to have gotten to be Insta friends with her. I just love her attitude about life . She’s a true California girl and had fantastic style. I think what makes her so cool is she is very casual about it all. Thrilled to know more about her and see some of her cool outfits! Fun post Cindy! xoxo Kim
Hi Kim
She is dying to meet you as well. We have to make that happen!
I thoroughly enjoyed this week’s post. Wren is a breathe of fresh air. I love her relaxed approachable style, her honesty, and that she shops in stores we can afford. I wish she had an Instagram account showing her daily fashion. I would certainly follow her for inspiration.
Hi Joanna
Maybe we will have to work on that!!
Wren is gorgeous, and I love her style. I think she’s smart not to dress too young. It’s not the kind of attention I want to receive. Two years ago I could wear something a little younger, but since then, my age has caught up to me and I feel silly. Love, love, love this post! xoxox, Brenda
Hi Brenda
I agree the older I get the simpler I like to dress. Wren just has it doesn’t she? I knew she would be perfect for this!
What a delightful woman! Love her style but, even more, her attitude.
I’m at about 30-40% gray after not having colored my hair for more than three years. It’s a long slog, and I’m not certain I’ll ever reach 100% gray/silver like my beautiful mom did, but I’ll never go back. Just wish I could hit on the best style for not very thick, straight hair.
These interviews are always such fun, thanks Cindy!
Hi Sarah
Find a great stylist that really knows your hair. You will love it!
What a cool lady! I can see why you are friends with her and so glad you have a new buddy in your new place. She wears it well. AND I love her name! I love those four letter androgynous names! 😉
Hi Gray
I have a feeling you and Wren would hit it off!
Related to Christopher Wren???? I’m so impressed.What a genius. It’s taking all of my self control to not cut my hair likeWren’s. I used to wear it that way for years. She has great style and knows what colors work for her.I’m right with you. Great interview and great choice!
Oh, and thank you for watching my YouTube channel and using Nuxe Oil. I still love it. You’re obviously a very deserning person.Ha!
Hi Sandra
I know how cool is that? You looked fabulous with your pixie too Sandra.You ladies are so lucky that you can pull it off.
As a silver haired (and I mean silver, not a muted tone, just pure white) woman, there are a remarkably large number of people that feel they need to make comment on my hair. Why? I have received positive comments and equally negative (and some down right rude) comments. Hair dye is not a magical cloak of youth. If you are “of a certain age” and think your blonde, brown, red etc. hair from a bottle is fooling others into seeing you are younger, you are the fool. You get so use to seeing your hair a color that you are fooled into thinking that is the best. Now, be warned that going white does require a certain degree of downright bravery. But who here isn’t brave? We have endured a lot of life challenges which are much greater.
So, please no more, “I just couldn’t”- for a thousand reasons, “just do it!”.
Cindy, you wrote me recently to expect this interview , and Wren is such an inspiration.
Such a graceful woman in many respects.
And we have so many things in common… early university marriage , which is well over) , different forms of regular exercise, fondness for stylish but somewhat casual dressing
( including stripes 😀) , use of same supplements and skin products. Short grey hair for the past 2 years which was, just as Wren mentioned, somewhat strange to get used to. I so envy her curls though…mine is thick and straight, but products add some style. I had my colours done on a solo trip to London at Red Leopard, which was a total indulgence, but very enlightening. I have been consigning things that either did not fit( over endowed up top) and were definitely not my best colours. I have made quite a bit of cash to roll over into ‘ free’ clothing purchases . 👍
After my Pilates session yesterday, I discovered the esthetician just next door and have booked a facial and back massage ( sorely needed relaxation) using the Hungarian Eminence line Wren prefers. I was just over 5’4 but now somewhat shorter. Would love Wren’s longer legs, but my sturdy ones ‘dressed’ in superficial veins work well. I wear longer skirts for a reason!
What a great way to start the day! Thanks, Cindy.
I do wish your family well with their health concerns. I too lost a couple of wise older women who were good friends this past year .Difficult to accept, but I treasure the memories.
Hi Cath
I convinced-coerced Wren into doing this. I had a feeling you all would love her. I am so glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Cindy,
Wren is a delightful, and such a beautiful lady. Yes, inside out, speaks from her heart. It’s not always easy to embrace transformational change. Her silver hair looks so good. I can picture you both modeling for the Sundance catalogue.
It’s so nice that you have become “gal pals,”
Thank you for sharing Wren with us, I so enjoyed reading her history.
Hi Kathy
Wren is very special. She is on a little getaway right now, but I am sure she will chime in and answer anyone’s questions when she has time.
I love Wren’s style. Great interview.
Hi Kristen
So happy you enjoyed it!!
Love reading your blog and especially love your interviews. Wren sounds delightful. Would love to know the exact blazer and red jacket she’s wearing.
Hi Cindy
I forgot to ask her about the blazer. The orange jacket is from Pete and Greta (Johnny Was) I could not find one on eBay or Poshmark or I would have snatched it up for myself…just kidding.. I would have shared with you.
You could have snatched it up, and I as well. We are different sizes!🤣
I found the red/orange jacket, but unfortunately it itsn’t my size. Maybe it will work for someone else https://www.google.com/search?q=pete+and+greta+johnny+was+jacket&sxsrf=AJOqlzXfvrY_FmFp8TMJ3KmN_4v-NP7ORg%3A1675037310160&ei=fgrXY-euCcujqtsPr-6z4As&ved=0ahUKEwjn5e2egO78AhXLkWoFHS_3DLwQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=pete+and+greta+johnny+was+jacket&gs_lcp=Cgxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAQAzIFCCEQoAEyBQghEKsCOgoIABBHENYEELADOgYIABAWEB46BQgAEIYDSgQIQRgASgQIRhgAUIgZWKxfYL1paAJwAXgAgAFliAGPBZIBAzUuMpgBAKABAcgBCMABAQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#oshopproduct=vc:7460175574457525229,vsc:2570847921467975139,oid:16095491095642678296,iid:4875938265792599597,pvt:a&oshop=apv
Perfect thoughts for me to ponder today. Thanks for a lovely interview.
Hi Ann
You are welcome!!
I always wondered about her Name!
For some reason I thought it was a nickname having to do with a Birdie!,
Great Style!
Happy you two have each other now!
Xxx
Hi Eliz
I am sure many others thought the same. So glad you are feeling better…
Wren is adorable and so down to earth. What great style! Thanks for introducing us.
Hi Barb
Isn’t Wren just charming?
I wish I could wear short hair and not color it! I really enjoyed the interview and loved Wren’s personality and her style. I agree with her on not going sleeveless anymore – it’s one of the reasons I moved from Texas!
Hi Antoinette
I wish I could wear my hair like that as well. It is just darling. I try not to wear sleeveless either, although kudos to those that can!!
I LOVE this interview with Wren! I have this distinct feeling I met her years ago when we both lived the the Country Club. I could be wrong but the name “Wren” is unique.
Anyway, she is gorgeous: tall lovely and will turn heads, for sure!
Thanks for sharing … I hope to run into her in SLO
Diane
I believe she did live there, so I bet you have!!
yup yup…. I think we were going through divorce about the same time🤔
Yes, Dianne, it is I! And I remember you too, and now you own the sweet inn, Petite Soleil.
Wonderful interview!
Thank you Teresa! Have I asked you before, you aren’t the Teresa I went to high school with are you?
What a delight to be in the company of like minded women. Thank you for highlighting the value of change and constant growth.
Love this interview and reading all about another wonderful woman who is “aging gracefully.”
Wonderful! So much enjoyed this!
Hi Mary
I am so glad you enjoyed the interview with my friend Wren. She is as beautiful inside as she is on the outside.
About as honest an interview I’ve read…you GO GAL!! I “may just DO IT,” too…franki
Hi Franki
I am so glad you enjoyed Wren
She looks amazing. Love her casual, no trying too hard look. Natural beauty!
Hi Jen
Wren is darling, isn’t she?
Loved the interview with Wren…loved that she said no bare midriffs, no short skirts and no more sleeveless. Definitely good advice. I have been following another site by a women who is 75 and insists on wearing sleeveless dresses and shirts and even skinny strapped sun dresses…she looks ridiculous and it is too bad because except for that she has lovely taste and is very elegant. Wri nkly arms ruin the look.
Hi Rebecca
Darn those wrinkly arms! I find that I can wear linen with sleeves and it is just as cool as sleeveless.
Good morning Cindy,
Your interview with Ren was delightful. Her ease in accepting the process of aging, and feeling that she’s lived a charmed life resonated with me.
And no sleeves. I agree.
I’ve been doing light resistance training to try to build up the muscles in my arms, but it still hasn’t helped the skin just my overall health and that’s a good thing.
Wishing you both, and all the blog readers a lovely day with perseverance and fortitude, to keep enjoying the rest of our days.
Hi Marti
I think it is too late for us to recover the loss of elasticity in our arms. There are some things we just have to deal with! It could be worse we could be 20 again!!
Oh my gosh, she is fabulous!
Hi Lisa
Isn’t she?
Yes, Yes, & more Yes
Cynthia
Everytime I see your last name my favorite 6th grade teacher comes to mind. You would not be related to Doris by any chance?
Great interview!
Hi Loya
So glad you enjoyed it!