My pure mage is almost level 50, and I'm getting the feeling that mage armor will become less and less effective. It hasn't become obselete yet, but just as a precaution I level crunched my Light Armor to 80, and I'm getting my smithing to 60, so I'm no longer a pure mage.

This character has never touched a forge or ever worn armor until recently, would that conflict with a pure mage RP? Since she's an Altmer, all I will be making/using is Elven. I guess I could just say that she knows how to forge it because she learned in the Isles, but while in Skyrim has never made an effort to create any, and doesn't like it very much, but I'd like other's opinions, since I'm green to the whole RP/backstory thing.

Tell me if it makes sense, based off this:

My RP is basically as Archmage, she is exploring Skyrim and exterminating illegal mages. She's getting tired of the war raging in Skyrim, and the growing distrust of magic (mainly from the Nords) is burning an increasingly large rift between Skyrim and the College, so she is debating on whether or not to lend the services of the College to the Empire, who is more tolerant of magical practice, and would take replace the Jarl in Winterhold (who she has a great disdain for).

While taking part in the war, I want to wear actual armor, instead of just my clothes. It will make me feel more..."official," if that makes any sense. Also, Elven armor would be a nice change from the usual Imperial or Nordic Carved for me, and I only like how it looks on High Elves.

I am lightly considering an investment in One Handed as well, which would turn her into something like http://theskyrimblog.ning.com/group/character-building/forum/topics/character-build-the-skystrider something I've wanted to do for a long time.

Any advice or thoughts are appreciated.

Personally I don't see any problem with that and you already stated a reason why she hasn't forged armor before.

Interesting story BTW, exterminating illegal mages and weighing options whether to side with Empire / Stormcloaks.