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!
06.11.07
Packing for a Vacation
I’m leaving for a month long vacation on Friday and I was starting to think about what I would bring. I have travelled a lot, so I have got this packing thing down pretty well. I’m not the type that plans for weeks what I’ll bring.
The key to not over packing is to make sure that every piece of clothing you bring serves more than one purpose. Don’t pack an entire outfit that doesn’t match anything else you are bringing…it limits your choices. I tend to like skirts and tops for warm places because skirts can be dressed up or down. You can wear the same skirt to the beach with a tank top and flip flops that you can wear out to dinner with a nicer top, blazer, and strappy sandals. The tops that you bring for your skirts can also be worn with your jeans, linen pants, and other skirts of the same color combinations.
Here’s an example of what I’ll be bringing with me…keep in mind we will be at the beach for a month:
1 pair of jeans
4 skirts
8 tops
3 sundresses that can be dressed up or down
2 cardigan sweaters
3 bathing suits
2 pair of pajamas
2 work out outfits
1 pair of beach flip flops
1 pair of dressier sandals
1 pair of running shoes
All of the clothes that I’m bringing can be mixed and matched with each other to give me countless outfits. Packing like this will mean I will be covered for any type of situation. I can’t wait to get there!
04.19.07
Bumble Bee Colors for Spring
Everywhere I look I see black, white, and yellow here in London. If you want to be ahead of the trends this spring, get to the store and find a few pieces in these colors.
The key to not looking like a bee is to primarily wear two of the colors with a third as an accent. It’s when the colors are all evenly distributed that the bee effect happens.
Find a great printed skirt with all three colors in it, then wear a black top and shoes. Or black pants a white shirt and a yellow sweater with just the white collar sticking out….you get the picture.
04.03.07
How to Find the Perfect Sun Glasses
Summer is coming so make sure you have a couple great pairs of sun glasses. Not only will they protect your eyes and help prevent squinting and crows feet, they will finish off your outfit and help you look more glamorous. Here are a few things to remember when finding that perfect pair of sun glasses.
- Frame shape and overall size should be in proportion to your face shape and overall size.
- Center the eye horizontally in the middle of the lenses.
- The upper part of the frame should reflect the natural curve of your eyes and eyebrows
- The lowest part of the frame should not extend down to the widest part of the nose.
- Frames should never cover more than one third of your face.
- Take off your sunglasses when speaking to people. When they can’t see your eyes they feel disconnected from you and are more likely to be suspicious or treat you less warmly.
Just a few things to think about. Happy shopping!
04.01.07
Dress for the Body You Have Today
I’ve always puzzled over the woman who runs around, sometimes for years, in the same old ill-fitting, out of date clothes, thinking that when she’s thin, she will shop for a new wardrobe and look great. Until then, she expects you to reserve judgement on the real her. Well yes, I do understand that wearing clothes is sometimes easier when there is less of you, but why wait to go on living? What if you never change size? Who said you must?
The reality is that people encounter you every day, make judgments about who and what you are now. Why give them any extra negative ammunition by looking your worst? If you get thinner, fine – buy clothes that make you happy then. Meanwhile, you’re missing out on the terrific feeling that comes with looking your best and appearing confident in the presentation you make to the world.
You wouldn’t neglect buying furniture and a few comforts for your home just because it wasn’t the house of your dreams, would you? Even if it’s a small studio, it’s a home. A few towels, some pots and pans, maybe even a sofa is indispensable until you move into that 5,000 square foot dream house on ten acres with tennis courts and a pool…. If you’re going to live in a house, you have to furnish it. Ditto on the wardrobe.
03.29.07
Bikini and Bathing Suit Shopping
I realize most people probably hate shopping for bathing suits. But if sunning yourself in San Tropez or at least taking a dip in the pool every now and then is in your future, it is essential that you find a good swim suit. Now is the time to do it because all the stores are getting their summer clothes in. This is the time to find a suit that fits AND flatters you because you will have the most variety in styles and sizes. Buy now before everything gets picked over.
Plan a date to go shopping and shop ONLY for a swim suit. When you go to the mall, do a little shopping, then decide to start trying on bathing suits, you are already tired and cranky. You need to be fresh and as positive as possible when you are trying on bathing suits.
Check out my page on quick tips for bikini bliss for a few key things to remember.
