What positive feedback on this post! And today was the perfect day to model one of the looks mentioned. The high temp will be in the 60s; not cool enough for a coat, but a bit too cool to go sleeveless. But we still want to embrace the spring season. The answer-sleeveless sheath with white blouse underneath! Add a flower for color! And what's not to love about red pumps with black and white! Black sheath from Target-$30, white blouse from TJ Maxx-$16, red Calvin Klein pumps from Ross-$25, red flower pin from Stein Mart-$16. Until next time!
This will be the first in a series of entries about dresses that every fashionista should have in her wardrobe. So let's start with "the little black dress". This is one of those items that you should invest in as it is timeless and multi functional. And, there are several types of black dresses that you should own. Of course you should own a little black cocktail dress. Perfect for weddings, cocktail parties, corporate parties, and holiday parties. Then there is your basic black sheath. A sleeveless one is your best bet because you can wear it across seasons. Add a cardigan for the cooler seasons or a crisp white blouse underneath. And this one doesn't have to be expensive as long as it has a good fit. I actually found mine at Target for $30! I have added both a wide belt and a skinny belt to accent, and have worn it with both patterned tights in winter and sandals in spring. For a pop of color, add a flower pin. The flower pin can also make a plain black dress more festive for spring weddings or garden parties. An optional black dress is a black maxi. I have worn maxi dresses for years. Long before they became all the rage. I love them because they are comfortable, appropriate for all ages, and again functional. They can be worn with ballet flats or high heels. They can be dressed down by adding a jean jacket or dressed up by adding a bold necklace. But probably the best thing about black dresses is that they are slimming! But please follow the fit rules and ensure you buy the proper style for both your body type and age. Jersey knit is a very forgiving fabric choice suitable for just about every body type. I found the dress in the picture at my local consignment shop (Sugarplum Consignments) for $28! It still had the original tags attached and had never been worn! As I approach 50, I have been asked what my secret is....I jokingly reply, eye cream, hair dye, and proper foundations! And let's be clear, I am just as guilty with missing the mark at times as everyone else! As a relatively average size up top (34 C) I have been a slacker when it came to bras. I would buy pretty bras that didn't necessarily give me adequate coverage. And, as one that can go without, I have not invested a lot in my bras. But trust, the first time you put on a GOOD bra, you immediately know the difference! There is nothing more unflattering than an ill fitting bra! An inexpensive outfit with a good bra works; the inverse is NOT true. So invest in good bras (think Soma, Natori, Wacoal). Even if that means buying one a month. Have at least 5 good bras. Wash them on delicate and hang them to dry and they will last longer. And PLEASE wear the right type of bra! Strapless garments require strapless bras! Don't you just want to pop people in the back of their head when you see them violate this? If a sleeveless garment has large armholes in the back, wear a racer back or cross strap bra. Take the time to get properly fitted as well. It is free at many major stores (Dillard's, JC Penney, Macy's). Now for the bottom half. I have been wearing "bottom" foundations since I was 12. I grew up in the era where older ladies gave young mothers advice and they actually listened. The older ladies told my mom I needed a panty girdle and she complied. There is something about everything being in its place and not "moving" that enhances your look. You should look smooth under your clothes, no matter what size you are. The inventor of Spanx (side note-this should have been me! I have been cutting the legs off pantyhose for years! Ugh!) is a size 4. And as we have stated before, find what works best for you. For some garments, it may be control top pantyhose, for others a control slip (and these don't work for me as they tend to ride up), boy shorts or something else. These are the things we should not witness with proper foundations: Cellulite Panty lines Cup spillage Back fat Nipples Muffin tops Have a great week!!!! This post is about hair..... So I recently reverted back to my beloved pixie cut. I've had long hair, short hair, colored hair etc. The key thing to consider regarding hair is that it is often the first thing people notice about you. Unkempt hair can be in a single word....distracting. So choose something that works for you and your lifestyle and activities. If you are not the handiest with hair then get a weave or cute wig. If you work out a lot then perhaps going natural is best. There is no right or wrong answer, but just ensure that it is appropriate and well coiffed. No matter how chic the outfit, if the hair is not together, then the LOOK is not together. Think TOTAL package! Find a stylist that you trust. Use products that are suited to your hair texture and type. Weaves and wigs require grooming as well so no "bird nests" please! Choose a style that is flattering to your face shape. Everybody can't wear every style and just because it looks good on someone else doesn't necessarily mean it would be flattering for you. Hair is referred to your "crowning glory" so consider it as such and keep those "crowns" polished! Until next week! To paraphrase the phrase made famous from the OJ Simpson trial, properly fitting garments are not negotiable. For most of us, this can be challenging. Using myself as an example, I have small shoulders, big arms, a small waist, big hips, and I'm 5'2" tall. Separates are our friend! But oftentimes you cannot find separates ;here is the rule of thumb-buy the garment to fit your largest sized area. Then find a seamstress that you love because they will also become your friend! There is nothing worse than seeing a skirt suit with that back split in the skirt crying for dear life! Or sleeves that cover your hands! Properly fitting garments are independent of price....you can purchase something inexpensive and with proper alterations, it can appear to be custom made. Also, a suit doesn't have to be "matchy matchy"...a dark jacket and light bottom are acceptable and much easier to buy as separates....more on key pieces that are essential to your wardrobe later! Hope this helped!
Guess it would help if you knew a bit about me huh? I am 49 years old and SO excited about turning 50 later this year! Life is precious and such a blessing! And that is one reason for this blog-to give back! I am a native of Memphis and a graduate of Vanderbilt with a degree in Math (so yes there is a nerdy component to me!). I have a teenaged daughter whom I adore, but I will admit menopause and puberty is sometimes a tightrope without a net! My love for fashion comes from my mom. Even though she has Alzheimer's she still loves fashion (especially shoes) and always compliments me even now.... So now that we have the preliminaries out of the way, the next post will indeed contain useful information! Smooches! Good morning world! This is something I've wanted to do for a while! I'm often asked about my clothing and accessories, and when I reply with how little I pay for some things it inspired the idea to start this blog....so stay tuned! |
Archives
March 2017
Categories |