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Have you ever been shopping and said these fateful words: “I DON”T NEED TO TRY IT ON?” Of course some times that might be fine, but I have found that more times than not, those are words I have lived to regret!
Well,I (JoJami) forgot to take my own advice and I ended up buying this top back in January.
This shirt was a big mistake! I should have tried it on!
Here is the story…
I had gone into the store with a friend and tried on lots of things. Nothing fit or seemed right, so I was walking out the door of the store (empty handed) when I spotted this rack of colorful tops!
Oh, this one looked just great, and I mentioned to my friend, “Boy I could sure use another top, my wardrobe is low on tops right now”.
So she held it up to me and I decided that the size would be fine and there was no need to try it on. (HA!)
Here is a photo of my new shirt. YUCK, what was I thinking!
What went wrong?
- Yes, the color is nice but it ended up being a size too small!
- The way that the seams hit me on the bust area, flattens my already smallish boobies!
- The fabric looks cheap when I put it on.
- The style is not at all flattering.
- The worst part is that the store has a strict return policy, and now I am stuck with it.
So remember, ALWAYS try things on before you buy, so you won’t make the same mistake I did!
It’s probably thanks to Michelle Obama that cardigans have become so popular, coming close to replacing jackets in many cases.
<<Remember her famous sparkle one, or
when Michelle wore a cardigan to meet the Queen?>>
We like cardigans for many reasons:
1) they’re comfy
2) they’re a great cover -up for our arms which are chilly because of all the sleeveless tops out there
3) cardigans hide any arm flab
4) they brighten up a plain outfit by adding texture, color and interest.
There are frumpy cardigans out there, for sure, but there are also so many cute ones to choose from… long, short, fitted, loose, in all kinds of knits.
Here’s a few we discovered that are only slightly different from the classic 1950’s type, but look totally modern today because of a simple tweak.
| Sweet Sweater:
It’s called the Diamond disco sweater, and we agree this “disc go really well with dis skirt!” (LOL).. Just enough glam without being over the top. What a pretty complement to the floral skirt which is so in this spring. (Nordstrom) |
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| Grrr..eat!
A sexy animal print and we love the modern color combo……… O.k. Here’s the “dump the frump” lesson for today.. the style of this sweater alone may scream old, but the mix of the brown and turquoise with a touch of yellow is what zips it up and transforms it into a hip and updated great find. (Nordstrom and Saks ) |
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| Ruffle:
Ruffles are in right now and this cardigan has just the right amount to look pretty but not baby- girlish on a grown up gal. Love this color! (Nordstrom) |
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| Rosy touch:
Soft and romantic this feminine cardigan stand on it’s own with jeans or be dressed up with jewelry and a pretty skirt for a night out. (Nordstrom) |
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| Modern Mix:
Coral and turquoise combine in modern floral pattern that brings warm skin tones to life. (Nordstrom) |
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| Honeycomb:
Simple and elegant.Now isn’t this nicer than wearing a big old sweatshirt around the house? (Nordstrom) |
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Are you sick of winter? We are, and there’s hardly been any snow yet!
It’s that time of year when JoJami and I look out our windows into the cold gray landscape and think, “We’ve got to get out of these heavy, dull winter clothes, or we’re going to suffocate.”
So, what does one wear to feel happy and alive, when it’s still freezing out there, and wearing bare sleeves and bare legs would look absolutely ridiculous?
Color… for one… something lightweight, but not silly thin.. and sleeves, preferably…. if you can find them!!! ( near impossible these days)
Enter Spring’s new bright, bold and graphic jersey shift dresses. Wow, did we get excited when we saw these online! They’re bursting with color, are in fun happy prints, and they have sleeves..yes!
Never mind that they’re showing them worn with bare legs and sandals. Just throw on a pair of dark tights and cute flats and you’ll be good to go.
And they’re so comfy…… the perfect thing to wear when you’re still working on shedding those few extra pounds left over from Christmas, so you can be ready for bathing suit season. Here are a few of our favorite picks from Nordstroms:
| Paisley gone crazy:
A modern update on an old fashioned pattern makes traditional look hip. Brown with white is an ideal color combo to transition into Spring. (Nordstroms) |
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| Edgy:
Black and electric blue give this one cool sharpness. You don’t need jewelry. This dress does all the talking.(Nordstroms) |
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| Caribbean:
Can’t you just feel that tropical breeze? This one reminds us of an island getaway at March break! (Nordstroms) |
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| Arsty:
Looks like someone took the kid’s Spiro Giro to it. The rounded neckline is flattering to all. Graphic and gorgeous! (Nordstroms)
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| 60’s vibe:
Never say never! It’s short, but if you have long shapely legs this Tory Burch dress worn with thick, dark tights and flats or cute boots, will make you look chic.(Nordstroms) |
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On the Border:
Beautiful Bordering at the V neckline, sleeves and hem give this an extra punch. For those who don’t like boatnecks, the V is a great option. It makes any neck look longer and your body look leaner!(Nordstroms) |
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Catherine Zeta-Jones always tries to look her best!
Here is an inspiring headline we saw recently:
Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones doesn’t dress down – even when she does the food shopping.
Catherine Zeta-Jones commented: I owe it to my fans to wear my best when I go to the supermarket.
The Glam Gals have chatted endlessly about what to wear to the grocery store and we feel the same way as Catherine does; there is no reason not to try to look your best when you go out.
That being said, you can still look great and be comfortable, but it takes some strategy.
First you need to have your “going to the grocery store” outfit all ready.
This outfit should consist of:
- cute but comfortable shoes or flat boots
- stretch pants or stretch dress
- coordinating stretch top
- if your having a bad hair day, then you will need a cute cap
The fun part is gathering all the pieces, and then finding a special hook or spot where the entire outfit is always ready to go.
Most women don’t need more than 1 going to the grocery store outfit per season, since you rarely run into the same person when you’re out.
However, If you shop a lot ,you may want to have a 2 or 3 slightly different versions of your shopping outfit. So instead of creating one going shopping outfit you would create a going shopping module. Modules are a way of dressing that save you tons of time and money while giving you more versatility. To find out more about how to create your own wardrobe modules you can read our ebook Chic on the Cheap- How to create a wardrobe on a budget.
When running around town, we want to make sure that we Glam Gals are super comfortable, but chic too.
Great way to put a little color in your day out!
The answer is simple. A sweater dress, leggings and a pair of boots!
Here is our recipe to pull this look together.
- Find a simple straight sweater dress.
- Add a nice wide hip belt
- Layer it with a scarf or loose long sweater (like a Cozy)
- Make sure to wear dark opaque tights or legging
- Find some nice fitting boots that are either flat or have a short heel. (Zappos.com)
- If you want a smoother look, try a full slip from Spanx
Both dresses shown are from Newport News.
 For a sexier look, this flattering style would look great on most! |
 This boot is from Zappos.com |
Click below for more styles that will fit your body type!
How about those matching oven mitts! photo: www.washingtonion.com
In a recent story from www.washingtonian.com , they showed this age appropriate outfit as “What to wear to a Christmas cooking party”
They also suggest, “For a casual meal at home, stick to comfy flats, cozy cardigans, and cheery kitchen accessories [those cute oven mitts!]. Short sleeves will stay out of your way in the kitchen, a tweed skirt adds both texture and a touch of class to the ensemble, while a cranberry-based color palette keeps the whole thing holiday-oriented.”
What a great idea…first off, we love that is it NOT Christmas themed.. PLEASE …we women over 40 and have had enough of those darn ugly Christmas sweaters! AMEN!
Also, this printed t-shirt is a bargan at $48.00 from Torn Cristy.
The Tory Burch flats (Zappos.com) could be any brand and still look nice!
One note, we usually DONT like the tucked in look on most over 40 bodies..so beware of that!
That being said, how about tucking it out with a nice hip belt and some tight jeans!
Get inspired…what a great mix of neutrals and color!
Moreover, you can have fun looking in your closet to see if you can pull a classy, but casual outfit together!
Cheers!
The Glam Gals
P.S. Those oven mitts are from Anthropology.com!
Wearing leggings can be tricky for women over 40!
Are leggings age appropriate for us ladies 40 and beyond? We say,YES!
So, how can you pull off this falls biggest fashion trend, like these slouch leggings from Nordstroms?
Read our article over at More Magazine, and find out some of the do and don’ts of this fun and easy look!
Hi Ladies-
I am so glad I found your wonderful website. I have a question that relates to what is “age-appropriate”. I am 43 and very petite. I am in love with a trend jacket that is big for the Fall, although I usually stay away from trends. The jacket I am talking about is the Alice + Olivia shrunken military jacket, a picture of which is attached.
My only concern is the age-appropriate perception of this jacket due to the adornment? My idea would be to wear it with some nice fitting jeans, a simple white top underneath and simple sleek black or metallic heels. No excessive accessories. I have tried the jacket on and it fits beautifully.
Your thoughts on the age-appropriateness of this ensemble is greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Gail
Hi Gail,
We have been seeing this look around and we agree it is so FUN!… but here it the thing… this is definitely a trend and what we call a “statement piece”. That means that you really will not wear it all the time and if you do, people will definitely remember that specific jacket.
Also, we know that this piece is rather expensive and is in the price range that we would call an “investment piece”. We suggest that you keep looking and find one that is similar with the military look, but perhaps not so dramatic as this one.
Moreover, if you buy it, because it is so trendy you might get tired of it soon and wish you had put your money in a high quality coat that is still fun, but one that you feel good in and can enjoy for a long time. An example of this would be this one we’re showing by Tory Burch.
To answer your question if it is age appropriate, we say that yes, someone over 40 can pull this off, but it is almost “costume-like”… so you would really have to be in a funky, fun job or live in a very cosmopolitan city or environment to wear it enough to get your moneys worth.
BTW… we think it would great left open with a red plaid flannel shirt under it with blue jeans.
Let us know if this is helpful, comment below!
Cheers!
The Glam Gals
What is your burning fashion question? We asked and you told us…
How can I look updated and chic and NOT spend a lot of money.
Deborah and I didn’t know if it could REALLY be done… so we went out and put it to the test.
Here am I (JoJami) with one of my lovely clients Linda S. Linda is over 40, a wife, mother of 4 kids, and a nurse. She told me she loves to see her teenage daughters looking hip and felt like those days were over for her. She rarely takes the time to shop for herself and when she does she never knew what to buy that was age appropriate.
So we let her read our new e-book… Chic on the Cheap~How to Update Your Wardrobe on a Budget and then sent her out shopping!
Client Linda and JoJami looking to dress chic on the cheap!
Linda realized that her first problem was that all these years she never really had the tools or plan she needed.
“One of the best part about the book was the chapter on Finding your Style Personality” says Linda. “That helped me keep my focus and opened my mind to try new things!”
Linda also confessed…
“I had a great leather skirt that I bought on sale last fall and never wore it because I didn’t have the right shoes.
After reading the book, I learned so much!! You, Glam Gals put in so many strategies that I could start using right away, and I had no idea of how many costly mistakes I have been making all these years!”
"Get Chic on the Cheap, it change my wardrobe, Yippee!"
Are you ready for Fall? Do you have a plan on what pieces to add or how to update your wardrobe?
Here is how you can start building your new dream wardrobe and save hundreds (for some thousands) of dollars, not making the same old mistakes!
Don’t wait, Click HERE now!
Never before did I think I could enjoy shopping or afford a great wardrobe, I feel so empowered now!~LBS
Hi Glam Gals!
I love your blog and have found it to be very helpful and inspiring.
If you wear these around town, the Glam Gals frown!
I live in Tallahassee, Florida, home of Florida State University, of which I am an alumni. Year-round but especially during football season, I see many women wearing clothes and accessories with the FSU Seminole mascot and/or the school colors, garnet and gold. I mean, not just to attend a game or party, but as part of their daily outfit, especially on a game day. I think these things look cute on young women who look like they are students or recent grads. I have considered wearing some of these things but they seem to be not age-appropriate. I also hesitate because garnet and gold are colors that are unflattering to me, and I never wear them in my regular wardrobe.
So, do you have any guidelines for wearing sports team items?
Another question: Do you have any guidelines for Halloween costumes? Some of them are very sexy, risque, or silly. I have a Star Trek dress which is like those worn by the women in the old Captain Kirk Star Trek TV show. (Think Lt. Uhura.) It’s modest except for the skirt length being mid-thigh. Am I too old for this look now (I’m 46.)
Thanks!
Pam H.
Dear Pam,
We think that if you want to have team spirit, that is up to you. However, we Glam Gals would NEVER wear sport team items, but that is just us. These types of items are ment to be worn by big burly football players not women. They are baggy and unflattering. Why would someone want to wear it around town? If you really feel the need to wear one, we hope that you would at least get the womens version which can be more fitted but then just to the game. Around town, its just plain silly looking.
As far as your Halloween costume, you mention that the skirt length is “mid-thigh”. We think that the question is not as much about being age appropriate, as the question, “Do you still have the legs for it?” Any shirt that we wear every day or as a costume, well, you gotta have nice legs and knees, or it will look terrible.
How do you know if you have great legs? Just have a look in a full length mirror. If you legs look good to you, then your ok. If there is even a hint of doubt, you can always wear your Logo shirt and go as a football player, instead!
Three Cheers for your team and Happy Halloween!
It is easy to feel frumpy after 40, especially when life in general is all about dressing casually. I (JoJami) was out on a group hike over the weekend, and was chatting with a fellow hiker about her frustrations with her everyday dressing techniques.
Dresses are a great summer option to shorts or capris
Hiker Sue: I am petite and my middle has spread, even though I exercise and eat moderately. I am not interested in looking fashionable, I just want to dress age appropriately.
JJ: I understand how you feel, we hear the same story from our FAF readers all the time who write us and complain that they can’t find anything at the store anymore.
Hiker Sue: What I do now is wear the same “uniform” that works for me. I love khaki pants and simple t-shirts. I also find that I don’t wear heels much anymore, because I like to be comfortable when I walk around town.
JJ: Well, have your tried putting little dresses into your casual wardrobe? They are so wonderful, you feel more feminine and you can wear flats or heels with them.
Hiker Sue: You know, a lot of women have given up wearing dresses because of chaffing! Their thighs rub together and it makes wearing dresses really uncomfortable!
JJ: Actually, I have not really thought about that!!! Thanks for bringing it up!!
Oh my, chaffing thighs under dresses is a terrible problem. But ladies, there is a solution!
If you find wearing dresses uncomfortable, we highly recommend that you wear some shapewear under your dress. The little “bike short” style is just perfect to go under any sundress and will totally eliminate the chaffing problem. We found a ton of these over at Bare Necessities in a variety of styles and sizes. Make sure you grab the thigh slimmers that have a flat band around the leg opening so they don’t roll up, and long enough for comfort (probably right above the knee). Not only will they stop your thighs from rubbing together, they will smooth out your legs and midsection too!
So we hope you will go out and try on a new dress and add it to your casual wardrobe. Find some cute flats and also some matching heels and see how you feel!
Then send it in and let us share it !!!
Oh we Glam Gals LOVE color! When we go out shopping, we look for those pieces to add to our wardrobe that will make us feel happy.
JoJami in her colorful skirt!
Here is a fun homework assignment you can try in your own closet.
Find something in your closet that you own that is a pretty color and wear it!
Here is an old skirt that I (JoJami) had hanging in my closet. It is really not in style, but I like to put it on when I am just going to be very casual or have to run to the grocery store.
I was having a bad hair day, so I threw on this fun hat!
Now, I can get dressed in the morning, feel VERY comfortable, throw flat shoes on or a heel and be ready for any adventure the day might bring!
Tags:
Have you ever looked at something in the store and thought, “Nah,I’m not going to try it on. It’s probably not for me..I don’t think?”…. and then you walked away?
Well, this summer I (Deborah) nearly walked away from two winners.
 Looked kind of baggy on the hanger |
 Deborah in her new favorite comfy dress! |
The first was a simple navy blue Diane Von Furstenberg dress with a nautical feel. It had a cute scoop neckline, billowy sleeves and a darling rope belt. I liked it, but I was sure it would be too loose and billowy, and would make me like I was wearing a big old bag.
But then I thought…. what the heck, I’ll try it.
To my surprise, it was actually very fitted through the waist and hips and looked really cute on me. It’s so comfortable too, and looks great with my red canvas Ralph Lauren wedges.
 I wasn't sure about this one |
 Deborah says, "You can still feel glam even going casual!" |
The second near miss was another Diane Von Furstenberg dress…..this one had a simple cut and the material had a wild colorful pattern. Now, normally I don’t wear many patterns, but I was really attracted to the colors in this dress. I also like things that nip in at the waist and this looked more just a straight up and down style. It didn’t have the greatest rack appeal but, but I just had a feeling.
It’s now become my new favorite dress. It’s cute and comfy and I can dress it up and down. I have had a million compliments, and most important of all I feel fantastic in it. Here’s me on my way to my girlfriend’s new country house for a casual summer dinner.
So what’s the lesson here? If you’re not sure, try it on anyway. It sure worked for me! Oh, and do check out Diane Von Furstenberg. She’s on of my favorites. Saks carries a lot of her clothes.
Our reader Kathryn recently wrote us to ask what to wear to an informal class reunion to be held at the local pub, in the dead of winter (it is winter for our readers in Australia) .
Katherine sent this photo and asked, "Does this look good on me?"
The grey and black layered and belted look, shows that she is up on her fashion trends, however we felt that we could dress her cute figure to flatter it a bit more. So we sent her some homework and asked her to send us what she came up with.
Here are the other options she sent us, for round 2:
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Even though it is an informal event, we think this outfit is way too casual if Kathryn wants to dress to impress! The layers hide all her curves, and the checker shirt and clunky shoes make her look very masculine. The long, light colored top is the wrong proportion on the body, and makes her legs look very short in comparison. This is definitely not a look we’d recommend. |
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This look is much nicer! It looks classy and crisp, and the shapes flatter her figure. The only point we’d make is that it’s just too conservative! From the first outfit to this one, we’ve lost all Kathryn’s style sensibility. Where’s the funky trendiness we saw in the first outfit? |
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Finally, we think this outfit is a slam dunk! The black belt pulls in the narrowest part of Kathryn’s body, and the fact that it’s all one color makes her look longer and leaner. We have the boots again, however she had another pair in her closet that fit nicer and hug her leg, which adds a little sexiness to the outfit. She added back in some of her personal style with the necklace and bracelets. We believe this is the best outfit yet! Our only suggestion would be to add a little color into the ensemble. Perhaps wear a bright colored blouse instead of the white to give your face some color. Maybe try wearing a colorful scarf or holding a colored bag. Adding a pop of color will give her outfit some visual interest, and help her stand out! |
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Kathryn also sent us a picture of her coat. Isn’t it adorable? We love the winter white wool trench with the cinched waist and decorative vintage pin. The A-line is a perfect cut for her too. That just goes to show that even in sub zero weather, you can still look hot! |
Now is a great time to stock up on great transitional pieces that will get you from summer to fall! We love Vera’s collection at Kohl’s…it’s designer without being expensive!
30-50% Off Entire Stock Simply Vera Vera Wang Apparel
We got a doozy of a question from a reader about how to dress for a summer party:
“What do you wear to an outdoor party in July when the weather is 95 degrees and humid, and you are pushing sixty years old? How does one look cool and stylish and not frumpy? I like to be comfortable too, so I can forget about myself and focus on enjoying the company of others. I am 5′1″ and overweight.”
Summer weather poses quite a problem for women in their 40s and up, who are constantly concerned with coverage. It is a challenge to find a cool (literally and colloquially), age-appropriate outfit for summer gatherings. However, summer heat and humidity does not mean you have to throw sophistication and age-appropriateness out the open, screened-in window.
Example of a nice, white, lightweight top with some coverage.
We find that many women, when faced with what to wear to an event, will generally choose an all-black getup over something colorful. We get it – we love black. It’s safe, it’s flattering…but it’s also hot as heck! Instead, try white as your go-to neutral this summer. It’s much cooler in the sun, and can be just as flattering when worn correctly. One of our favorite looks for a wider woman is a monotone top and bottom. This “column of color” look makes you look taller and thinner, while evening out your proportions. Pair a white linen or gauze tunic with a white pant, and dress it up with embellished flats and a lightweight cotton scarf that are all the rage this summer!
(*for another, all-white outfit, please refer to JoJami’s outfit when she went to NYC)
Here’s an important tip to pulling off this outfit: wear nude colored undergarments that match your skin tone! There’s nothing worse than an obvious white panty under white slacks…have someone check you in full daylight to make sure there are no glaring panty lines before leaving for your party!
(This style from Saks.)
Using thin materials in natural fibers will also keep you fresh and breezy. Fabrics like linen, cotton, and silk are infinitely more breathable than synthetics that make up some summer clothes. This summer, we love that the long peasant skirt is back in style, beware these can make you look matronly. A much better option is a maxi dress, paired with some flat sandals. For ladies who are tall enough to pull it off, try a long, flow-y patterned skirt with a sleeveless scoop- or v-neck top. Just make sure you opt for wider straps if you choose to show off your arms – it will cover your bra straps and look much more age-appropriate.
(These styles are from Kohl’s.)
As you all know, More Magazine is one of our all time favorite magazines for women over 40!!!
So as you can imagine we were blown off our computer chairs when we got a letter recently asking us to join the More online Blogging team!
Today we debut our first article for them,
What to wear when you work from home, by The Glam Gals
Hope you enjoy it!
Just chatted with a friend who is turning 49 about about how great she feels and how her mom is still going strong in her 70’s.
We are living longer and looking great longer…why not dress fun forever!
Here are two Age-mazing™ gals from different coasts…both over 70 and looking fine!
JoBee in L.A. (photo by Tessa Tyler)
You might recognize this glamorous woman… this is my (JoJami’s) mother, and my mentor!! Here is JoBee a few weeks ago, getting ready to go out with my daughter to dinner. She has on a BCBG sweater dress that she is wearing as a top with a pair of Vince classic straight legged pants. She threw on a long light weight jacket over it all. Her suede short boots have a platform, so the heel is high but comfortable!
Helene looking Fab in NYC
Next, this 70 plus artist is one of our readers from NYC. Helene has a cool site about wonderful NYC art exhibits in NYC and gives tours!
Here she is sporting a gorgeous chunky necklace and great hoop earrings, looking happy and radiant. (If you need more info on how to update your accessories check out our post)
Moreover, we love their hair! Both of these gals have gone blond instead of grey and look great doing so!
These women are inspiring and prove our theory, that…”Life is too short to be frumpy!”
Here is a quick look at a few REAL women on the street…and what they are wearing.
This lovely (40 something) Glam Gal was sitting in a hotel lobby in D.C. She confessed to finding this colorful 3/4 sleeve Spring jacket for a steal and has paired it with a simple white t-shirt.
What is going right here?
~Her hair cut is current and not fussy
~Not too much makeup
~Great neckline
~Wonderful fun print and the colors really looks nice on her. Turquoise and brown are a modern color combination too!
~She can wear this to work and feel chic and comfortable
Send us your photo of a Glam Gal who looks Age-mazing™ by emailing info@fabulousafter40.com, and make sure to comment below!
Hi Glam Gals,
I am 40+ stay at home mom of a 7 and almost 3 year old. I am 5 ‘ 7″ and my body is rectangular shaped. I am always on the lookout for a casual jacket and saw this one. I was planning on wearing it with jeans. I am open to other ideas, as I am still a little bit unsure. I love your blog! Thanks!
Is this style age appropriate?
Hi Stay at Home Mom,
We really like the idea of this coat for your body type and we think you would wear it well! You can never go wrong with a classic trench coat. This light color is a nice change from black or brown and you will be able to dress it up or down, as well as add a colorful purse or shoes to make it pop!
Stay tuned for more ideas and summer dressing tips!
