How would you describe your style as a teenager? I didn’t really have a style. I was not confident at all. I was a teenager in the 70’s. We thought Mary Tyler Moore in her hip-hugger jeans and wide belts was the bomb. I was a big girl, with “hip fluff.” Hip huggers and belly shirts were in. No way would that work on me. I didn’t have the confidence to really express what was inside.

How would you describe your style now? I am an art dabbler and I view dressing as creating. A little of this, a little of that; a collage, if you will. I like mixing patterns and unlikely colors. I used to be more hippie-boho (who knows, maybe I still look that way).

Lately I’ve felt more pulled toward modern and a bit messy. I have worked hard on my health, and as a result, I can now wear sizes that were unavailable to me a year ago. I am celebrating that.

When I began a weight-loss journey in conjunction with improving my health, I was asked to create a vision of myself at my “ideal weight” to focus on to help my brain align with my goals.

I fixated on two things, and one of them was a pair of Alembika iconic stretch jeans, in some kind of screaming pattern or snakeskin. I wanted to wear them so badly. I am having so much fun with clothing now.

And thankfully, at 67, I have more confidence to express what’s inside and manifest that visually. I was helped along with that by stylist Ginger Burr.

What do you do for work? I am blissfully retired. I was self-employed as real estate appraiser for over 25 years. Now I foster kittens and identify as a kitten-wrangler.

Where would you love to travel to (either for the first time or to see again)? I’d like to visit Mexico, sample Mezcals, soak in the vibrant color and delicious food. I’d like to see Italy, India, and Morocco – for the first time.

Who gave you the most valuable piece of advice and what was it? My dentist’s wife said something that I really needed to hear. My mother was in ill-health. Every time I would drive to see her I would need to contend with an awful drive involving Washington DC traffic. I would get so in my head about how much I hated that trip. My stomach would churn. She said “don’t think about it, just get in the car and go – do it”. She was right!

Alembika Woman, Lin Hiley Carey is a dynamic and gorgeous contributor in our personal Alembika Facebook Group as well as an active reviewer of Alembika products.

The whole team fell in love with her spirit and “spunk” (very Mary Richards, The Mary Tyler Moore Show).