08.05.07
Top 6 Ways Stay Up to Date Over Fifty in Orange County
1) Choose your trends wisely. Just because polka dots are “in” doesn’t require you to wear them all over your torso. Maybe just on a belt or an eyeglass case.
2) Wear no clothing with embroidered words that identify you as the wife, the mom, or the grandma.
3) Be wary of retro. It’s the look that’s supposed to be retro, not you.
4)Indulge the latest fashion in purses, scarves, and shoes. But don’t buy those cute shoes if you can’t walk in them. When a young woman trips in her high heels, it’s charming. When anyone older does, people get nervous.
5)Learn to use the computer technology that most of the world uses to communicate.
6) Buy People magazine every now and then, or at least flip through it in the super market check out. I know you probably don’t care what the latest Hollywood starlets are up to, but the rest of the world will be talking about what they’re doing and wearing. You will at least know who they’re talking about.
* Some tips taken from Susan Swartz’s book The Juicy Tomatoes Guide to Ripe Living After 50. It’s a must read for all baby boomer women out there.
08.03.07
Get Your Colors Done – No More Unworn Clothes
I met with a client yesterday to do some personal shopping. I had met with her about three months ago to do her colors and go through her closet, so it was nice to catch up with her again and see how she was doing. She said that having her colors done and having her palette of colors in her purse at all times meant that she was finding shopping much easier. And as all the colors look great on her and go together, she was finding that she was no longer buying clothes that just sat in her closet with the tags still on. She was actually wearing them and mixing them with things she already had.
It makes me so happy when my services help my clients shop and dress themselves much easier. She can now get dressed for work in the morning without having a clothes crisis.
08.01.07
More Fall Fashion for OC’s Women
Here’s a few more things to look for when you are planning your fall wardrobe:
Long Leather Gloves – I know here in Orange County, that we don’t need gloves, but if you find yourself in a cold city this fall, invest in a pair of long leather gloves. Find a pair of opera length leather gloves and pair them with shorter sleeved jackets and coats. You’ll be stylish and warm!
Piped Blazers – We’re bringing preppy back this fall with the return of the piped blazer. They are instant classics with contrasting trim that can be worn over a solid dress, with jeans, or dress pants. This blazer will add just the right amount of oomph.
Camel Time – There is nothing classier than a beautiful camel wool coat, fantastic bag, or great pair of loafers. This fall update your camel pieces and pair them with almost anything…especially the leopard prints I mention below.
07.31.07
Fall Fashion Preview for Orange County Women
In case you haven’t noticed, while we’re outside sunning ourselves on the beach or by the pool, the stores are now filled with fall merchandise. Wool skirts, coats, tights, long sleeves, they’re everywhere you look. Although you couldn’t possibly think of wearing them right now during the heat, this is a great time to buy for fall, as you have the widest variety of sizes and styles.
Here’s what to look for this fall.
Hot shades of purple and pink – find yourself a great statement clutch, a pair of shoes, a couple bangles, or a loud scarf in either of these eye popping colors. Save the head to toe look for the kids, but embrace these bold colors through your accessories to stay modern and on trend.
Cobalt blue is back! – It was in a couple years ago, and is making a come back this fall. As this is an easier color to wear than the hot pinks and purples I mentioned above, you can indulge yourself a little more. Find a great cobalt wrap dress or a wonderful winter wool skirt. You’ll be turning heads in no time.
Add a splash of leopard! – Although many other animal prints are on the market, leopard is the classic. Add a dash of leopard print in a belt, a great pair of heals, or an amazing scarf. Pair these accessories with all black or all white for a truly classic yet modern look. A little leopard goes a long way, so keep it in your accessories.
07.25.07
When to Walk Away
When you’re on a mission for a specific item and you’re not finding it in the store, walk away. Don’t force solutions where there aren’t any. New merchandise arrives every week. Ask a helpful sales associate about the schedule of arrivals. Try again later.
If you find what you’re looking for, but it’s not in a flattering color, walk away. Fifty percent isn’t enough. Leave the store empty-handed.
Remember when you’re trying on clothes that 90 percent of what you bring into your dressing room may bomb. Don’t get discouraged. Twelve dresses in a row can be awful. That can be useful because when the thirteenth one slips over your head and is gorgeous, it’s easier to see by comparison how truly right it is.
The point is to buy clothes that are fantastic, fit well, and make you feel fabulous in them. You should never settle for just any old thing, just because you feel like buying something new. It will only hang in your closet with the tags still on with the rest of the clothes you never really liked. What a waste of money and space. Have the discipline to only buy things you love! You’re image will adore you for it!
* From the lovely Brenda Kinsel’s fabulous book 40 Over 40
07.23.07
Boxy Tops and Pencil Skirts for OC Women Over 40
Boxy tops and below the knee pencil skirts are all the rage right now for women over 40. It’s perfect for the end of summer and can be worn in or out of the office.
The skirts hem should just skim the bottom of the kneecap. To balance the longer length, pick a curve hugging cut; woven fabrics work well here.
Choose a top that’s structured, slightly roomy through the body, and hits at the hip; short or three quarter sleeves keep the proportions right.
For the most flattering look, definitely opt for heels. And since the feel of this outfit is so pared-down, go for simple, architectural jewelry, like a cuff and hoop earrings.
* from Lucky magazine August 2007
07.19.07
A note on Belts for OC Women
Buy great looking belts in the men’s department. They are often of better quality and have more interesting textures while being less expensive than belts in the women’s department. Many belt departments will cut the size down for you for no charge. Or take it to your favorite shoe repair person. (I have an amazing guy in Fullerton). You want the belt to fit you comfortably with the notch resting in the third hole of a five hole belt.
This was taken from Brenda Kinsel’s book 40 Over 40.
07.01.07
Wearing Linen This Summer
Wearing linen can be a bit of a battle. Do you struggle to keep it wrinkle free or do you just embrace the wrikles and let it flow? I opt for the latter approach.
My theory is that linen is supposed to wrinkle, so why fight it? It’s like curly hair…why straighten it and then get annoyed when it doesn’t stay straight…it’s supposed to be curly!
Keep in mind that linen is a casual, summer fabric. I know they make linen suits, but one should be aware that they are never as formal as their wool counterparts. It is also not advised to mix linen into your fall or winter wardrobes. I know here in Orange County, we can get away with wearing linen in the winter, but make sure your look is consistent from head to toe. Don’t try to wear a linen skirt with tights and boots…as it won’t work! If it’s 80 degrees in November, by all means wear linen if you feel like it…just keep the whole look summery.
White linen pants are my personal favorite. I love how they look, how they feel, how comfortable they are, and how easy they are to pair with a sexy little tank top for a slightly dressed up look in the evening. Be aware that most white linen pants are a little see through, so plan your underwear accordingly.
One more thought on linen. I find the head to toe beige linen look a little too “granola tree hugger” if you know what I mean. If you are going to wear beige linen keep it either on the top or the bottom. Don’t wear it from head to toe, unless you’re really into that nature look…but I can’t imagine it working well here in the OC.
06.28.07
Baby Boomer Beach Attire
I realize I’m talking about the beach, bathing suits, and beach attire a fair amount, but it is summer and I am in the south of France, so it just seems so appropriate. I also know that most women over 50 dread the thought of getting in a bathing suit or exposing their arms in summer dresses or tops. Fear not!
There are so many cute sundresses, skirts, and tank tops on the market right now to accomodate all body shapes and sizes. They can all be used or adapted to look fabulous on you.
I don’t know about you, but I find that a lot of sundresses and beach attire are see through. I fought it for ages trying to wear modest underwear or slips, but the reality is, when it’s hot you don’t want to be wearing a slip! My theory is just wear your bathing suit under these dresses if you are in a beach or pool environment. Then it doesn’t matter if your straps stick out or if your bathing suit can be slightly seen underneath. It actually can look a little sexy. It’s a nice solution to the battle of the slip.
This obviously doesn’t work for every situation, but for a casual beach or pool scene, it’s perfect.
06.24.07
Baby Boomer Swim Suits
If heading to the beach or the pool is in your future this summer, you are probably starting to think “Oh my God, I actually have to get in a bathing suit. Why did I agree to this? I should have been excercising more.” Not to worry. There are so many great bathing suits and cover ups on the market now. With a little planning you will be sure to look beautiful and stylish while you are on holiday.
One piece bathing suits have come along way over the years. They are no longer the matronly swim suits that your mother wore. There are so many different styles now and most are very sexy. Many have low backs or low fronts or some sort of interesting ring or knot inbetween the boobs which provides a great focal point…especially if you are trying to divert attention from your thighs.
Many have skirts that can be bought to match as well. These are fantastic, as you can wear them while your laying by the water and they cover that dreaded inner thigh area. You can also keep them on if you want to go for a dip, as they are the same material as your bathing suit.
Don’t feel like you have to spend a fortune on a swim suit either. Check out your local Target for a huge selection of really stylish and current bathing suits. Issac Mizrahi and Mossimo both have great lines available at Target. I buy two new ones each summer and just keep rotating the old ones out. At about $20 each, you can’t beat the price.
Enjoy the water this summer and know that you’ll look great doing it. Don’t forget a big hat and sun glasses and you’ll be set!
