After the birth of my two amazing boys, time just soared by! Our lives were filled with theme parks, camping adventures, birthday celebrations, educational field trips, and deep conversations about dinosaurs and superheroes. The days were, and continue to be, packed with excitement, stress, joy, silliness, and a fair share of homework. Then one day, while searching for something to wear for "date night," I was stunned to find only "mom," "work," and "gym" attire in my closet. It was a startling realization—I had neglected my passion for fashion for far too long. I recall hastily threw on a dress from a decade ago, still hanging there, and rushed out the door.

Shortly after that revelatory moment, I decided to invest some time and a bit (perhaps more) of money in new clothes, shoes, accessories, and jewelry. This was bound to be thrilling! Eager to rekindle my passion for fashion, I ventured to the mall. What does a woman in her tweens (35 - 65) wear? I was 50 and couldn't wait to find out! My excitement quickly gave way to anxiety and frustration; however. I mean, I found adorable dresses, cute denim shorts, semi-sheer tops, flirty jumpsuits and rompers, but I wondered if I was "too old" to pull of these looks. After all, every model in every ad is under twenty. It was time to return home and start researching. To my further disappointment, I discovered countless rules! A few examples include no cutoffs, no miniskirts, no tank tops, no tiny floral prints, no loud colors or patterns, no halter tops, and no bikinis. Um...no fun allowed? Who established these rules, and for what reason?

Now it was time for some clinical research. I observed my colleagues, friends, family, and even strangers to understand the application of the rules mentioned earlier. To my delight, I witnessed a stunning variety of styles and personal choices. These women dressed in ways that reflected their lifestyles, aspirations, personal styles, and characters—an eclectic blend of bohemian, elegant, sexy, glamorous, and sophisticated elements. That, girls, is how "Edgy Mermaid"— feminine badass. We don't follow rules; we make them.

Ladies, feel free to savor the champagne, dance until dawn, indulge in the pasta, and rock that crop top!

Eliza Anne