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.
08.01.07
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.
07.23.07
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
07.17.07
Fixing Bleach Spots
I found this great tip in this month’s Lucky magazine.
You know when you get a random bleach spot on your favorite top or dress, well instead of tossing the whole thing, they’ve found the best fix I’ve ever heard.
You’ll need – Tria System Pantone Markers. They won’t bleed on any fabric and there are endless color options, so you can always find an exact match.
How it’s done – Wash the garment first, then just fill in any splotches with the marker. Let it sink in for a day and then launder as usual. It sets permanently.
I love it! You can buy the markers for $3 each at www.pearlpaint.com
07.05.07
Summer Sandals in the OC
I know living in Orange County we can all get a little lazy when it comes to wearing flip flops everyday in the summer time. I am guilty of this all too often myself. This summer I am really trying not to wear them everyday. They are fine if you are going to the beach or heading to the pool or at a VERY casual occasion. But the reality is, there are so many cute, dressier, flat, comfy sandals that you could wear just as easily. Invest in a couple pair of these. Wear them with your sun dresses, skirts, linen pants, or jeans and you will look much more put together and little less beach bum.
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!
06.18.07
The Importance of Having Basics in Your Wardrobe for Baby Boomers
One of the best pieces of advice I could give any baby boomer woman, or any woman for that matter, who is looking to update her wardrobe is to make sure you have lots of basic tops and tanks. Make sure you own black, white, cream, and beige short sleeve tees and tanks. You should have at least two of each color and style. I cannot tell you how much you will wear these.
Layering solid colored tees and tanks under lower cut tops or dresses allows you to look on trend, but keeps your cleavage or arms covered to make you feel more comfortable. You can also layer these under funky blazers and jackets to look instantly updated. When you wear something that is more modern or trendy, pair it with one of your solid colored tops so that they are not competing and so you don’t look like you are trying too hard to be young! I want you to look chic and modern without looking like you are trying to compete with every 18 year old out there.
Find solid tops that fit you well and buy lots of them! Most are cotton, so they need to be replaced every season or so, as they get fadded or worn out easily. Keep a constant rotation of these in your closet. When winter rolls around, substitue long sleeved tops in place of the tanks.
06.14.07
Prints Charming – The Trick to Putting Prints Together
I’m often asked by my clients if it is possible to wear two different prints together at the same time. The answer is yes, but there are a couple rules that you need to follow.
1) There needs to be a common color base. You don’t want to wear a red, white, and blue stars and stripes with an army green, beige, and brown floral skirt. Stay in the same families or tones of a color.
2) The scale of the patterns can’t be the same. One pattern needs to be more dominant. Giant orange and white checks with a bold orange and pumpkin paisley wouldn’t work. However, the orange and pumpkin paisley could work well with a cream scarf that has a faint orange pin stripe. The paisley would not have to compete with the scarf and the look would work.
More tips next time!
