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.
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
07.05.07
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.
06.26.07
Great Women’s Quotes
Here are a few great quotes I came across in the last book I read. Some of them apply to fashion, but many are just general quotes to apply to your life. Enjoy!
“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun” – Katharine Hepburn
“You can have it all. You just can’t have it all at one time.” – Oprah Winfrey
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.”
- Eleanor Roosevelt
“A good goal is like a strenuous exercise – it makes you stretch.” – Mary Kay Ash
“Thoughts are energy, and you can make your world or break your world by your thinking.”
- Susan Taylor
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!
06.22.07
Saint Tropez Fashion
I spent the day in Saint Tropez today…I know, it’s a very tough life, but someone has to do it.
Continuing on with my observations of French fashion and the French women over 40 in general, Saint Tropez certainly was no let down. Every woman there was perfectly put together. Not in a “I only wear Louis Vuitton” sort of way, but in a “I actually thought about what I was going to wear today, spent some time doing my hair and makeup, and changed my purse to match my outfit” sort of way. It is so refreshing to see women of all ages taking pride in the way they look and the way they present themselves to the world. One certainly gets the sense that in the south of France, women, like their wine and cheese, definitely get better and more refined with age. Vivre la France!
06.20.07
Embrace Your Body
I’m in the south of France at the moment and I just love the French culture’s view on aging. I’ve been here many times before, as I used to live in France, but I don’t think I was as in tune with the older women here.
It is so nice to see women well into their 70s and 80s walking along the beach in their bikini’s or lying in the sand topless, while their husband with a potbelly and a speedo lay next to them. No one stares, no one cares. Sun bathing is not just for the young. The same enjoyment of feeling the sun on your skin, hearing the sound of the ocean, and the refreshing feeling of cooling off in the sea can and should be enjoyed by all, regardless of how you look in a bathing suit.
Come to France to see how going to the beach should be. Everyone is there to enjoy it. No one cares what you look like. And old and young mix seamlessly together. It is so refreshing!
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.
