I know why for years I (JoJami) never felt satisfied with my wardrobe. When I stopped to think about how I went about shopping here’s what I found. I had the consistently self-sabotaging habit of:
- buying too many blah items (on Sale, of course!)
- just going out shopping for fun (no plan or forethought)
- often coming home with things that were black, grey or a combination of both
- was not confident on what colors looked good on me
So how do you change this pattern? What can you do to start upping your style, especially now that you are 40 or older?
Here are a few fashion tips on what super stylish women do to always dress chic!
- Have a style role model. This can be tough when you are over 40 because there are not that many out there. If you can find someone that has a similar body type, great!
- Keep a Style notebook in your purse. This is the fastest way to get inspired. Start noticing women on the street that catch your eye. What is it about an outfit that makes this woman stand out? Is it the style or color of her coat? Is her hairstyle one that would look good on you? Jot down any and all things that get your heart beating! Window shop, look at mannequins, even nature (flowers have the most unusual color combinations!) Read more
Traveling for the last 4 months in a motorcoach across America has really given me a new perspective on my wardrobe and how other over 40 gals are dressing.
The crazy thing I notice is all the women out there shopping in their same average looking outfits…trying to find something fun.
I know I too have this habit sometimes. Why do I keep shopping for wonderful clothes and then never wear them?
So, I have given myself a new fashion challenge and I invite you to join in with me!
- Go into your closet and pull out all your very favorite things.
- Put them at the front of your closet where you will see them.
- Then promise yourself that starting right away, you will start wearing them to go to the grocery store, to work, to anywhere that you are going!!
Now, please send in your photos or comments below and share with us your experience!
We will post more on this next week when we start hearing from you!!
Happy Labor Day weekend to you all!!!
JoJami is currently traveling the U.S on the Tour de Glam, where she loves meeting other fab over 40 women and sharing their stories with the FAF community.
Dear Glam Gals, 
I’m ready to start shopping for fall but don’t want to break the bank. I live in a town that is about an hour and a half drive to the nearest outlet. Is it worth the drive for me to save money? Do they even have fall clothes at the outlets or will it still be all summer sales?
Jessica G.
Dear Jessica,
It’s me Glam Gal, JoJami here to take on your question! You are in luck because I just so happened to be traveling around the country (on the Tour de Glam) and today I am in Branson, Missouri, where I stopped by the Tanger Outlets to check out the goods.
Here is what I found out and what I ended up buying:
This particular Tanger Outlet consisted of actual outlet stores and had several “factory stores.” A factory store means that the factory actually makes items specifically for the outlet store in a “discount sort of way.” That means that these items are not usually up to the regular store standards but have a similar style but not necessarily the quality.
Here is what I mean.
I went into the Ann Taylor Factory Store and the first thing that caught my eye was a table of pretty cardigans.
This sweater was made just for the Ann Taylor outlet store.
This sweater set is from an original Ann Taylor store that was brought in to sell at a discount.
The purple sweater was originally $68.00 and now was $49.99 plus 40% off
So, the sweater on the left above has a price tag that was just like a normal tag with no discount marked on it. However, the tag on the purple sweater (on right) had the orignal price listed and a discounted price in RED. That top was made of nicer fabric and could be found at a regular Ann Taylor store. Since everything in the store was 40% off, this meant that the lowest price of anything in the store would be discounted so the prices were pretty darn good! (Just for the record I did not buy either of these items, just wanted to use them as an example.)
However, I did spot this classic blue and cream striped long sleeve top. It was made of some thin, stretchy fabric and fit well. I really liked that it had a “V” neck and not a rounded one, so I grabbed it for $17.00.
This striped shirt will be a wonderful addition to my wardrobe! I snapped it up on sale for $17.00 (orig. $29.99)
Pointed "puff" sleeves will be a hot new trend this fall. However, this sweater has too much going on not to mention it's boring grey. And did they really need to add that pocket too? I say "pass" on this item. (BGBG)
BCBG
First I saw the BCBG store and was just curious to see what they had on hand. This store is definitely on the trendy side so I was not surprised when the sales associate showed me the latest sweater with pointed puffed sleeves and a bow…2 trends in one! This sweater was marked down from $88.00 to $39.00, so you might think it’s a deal however it is never worth buying anything unless you really love it. Pass on this one for sure!
Under Armour
Personally, work out clothes are one of my favorite things to buy. I love to exercise and after recently going to a Yoga retreat I noticed one of the teachers always wore all white. Since then I have bought a pair of white yoga pants that I just love and can mix and match with all my tops. They had gotten a little dingy looking so I decided to see if I could find a few new white pieces.
Adding some white to your workout wardrobe can feel refreshing!
Once again, I found out that this was an outlet store that had both full price and discounted items. So here is what I bought:
- workout bra $29.00 (originally $49.00)
- shorts $27.99 (these were full price but the newest in “compression” fabric, it was worth the splurge!)
- top $9.97 (originally $24.99)
I am very happy with my purchase and do think I got a good deal! This brand has super high quality so I know my purchase will last a long time and look good.
Banana Republic:
Once again everything in the store was 40% off. However I found the quality really lacking at this store. For instance, this colorful wrap dress was marked at $79.00 but even with the discount and tax it would have cost nearly $50.00. Too much for flimsy fabric that would look droopy after 1 or 2 washings.
PASS ON THIS DRESS. YES ON THE HOSE!
Textured hose are usually a great find if they are on sale, just make sure you test the fabric for good stretch and quality.
Make sure you always try on the item you are thinking of buying. I saw a beautiful cardigan I know I needed, but when trying to unbutton it, I realized the button holes were too small and it made it nearly impossible to undo.
PASS!!! Don’t buy things that are hard to put on or take off!
Finally, I did not find anything that was unique or wonderful to add to my fall wardrobe. I only found basics. If you are serious about wanting to add some great pieces to update your wardrobe your outlet will need to have some higher end stores and you must be a savvy shopper and be super super picky about what you come home with. Better to save your money and shop in a boutique or mall than to stock up on sale items that only fill up your closet with blah, ho-hum items.
So to recap my day and review these shopping tips:
- Yes an outlet can be a great place to save money on basics but you will need to go with a plan in mind of what you need and try not to get sidetracked.
- Only buy items that you will need for the upcoming season. Summer is almost over, only buy fall items now.
- Be careful that you buy quality. Cheap fabric will not last and you will feel lousy in it.
- Don’t be tempted to skip trying it on. You MUST try things on you plan to buy or you might be sorry when you get home!
- Make sure you are not stock piling on more black or grey items. Instead, go for an item in your best color. It will add some wonderful “zing” to your closet!
- If you feel iffy about an item when you are at the checkout counter…just ask that they don’t ring it up. There will always be something better out there that you might want to save your money for.
- If your outlet has high-end stores like a Neiman Marcus or Nordstrom, you might find that special piece to update your wardrobe…other brand stores just have mostly basics.
Sometimes you have to take your own advice that you are dishing out to others…
For example:
The other day we posted about how to dress casual on the weekend when your over 40 and this gal, we thought was looking just dandy!
So the next day, Glam Gal JoJami was inspired to put on this outfit that was similar and yet very inexpensive!
JoJami dressing Chic on the Cheap! stripe top: Banana Republic $18.00 shorts: H & M $12.00
This book will save you oodles of money and save you from picking the wrong things.
There is no excuse not to have things in your closet that make you feel good when you go out. It’s all about shopping smart and with a plan!
If you need some more tips like this or have clothes in your closet with the tags still on them, make sure to check out our e-book:
Tweak Your Chic™ Chic on the Cheap~ Tips and Tricks for Building a Wow Wardrobe on a Budget!
Yippee… the sun is starting to shine again…and we can finally crawl out from under our bulky coats and turtlenecks!
Need an inspiration for transitioning a blah grey dress into Spring? Here it is! Just add a colorful cropped jacket!
So have you started to get the shopping itch yet? We have and we know that every season it’s time to find those few new pieces to perk up our wardrobe especially items that are age appropriate (you know, not too young, too old, but just right!)
This Spring 2011 is all about color…and we ADORE color!!!
Here are a few shopping tips to follow before you start out:
Comment below and let us know what you are thinking of buying or have found that you love!
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Know brands.
This blouse is by Leifsdottir, a high-end brand known for great quality and style. Is it worth the splurge?
YES, since it was at T.J. Max for a steal! |
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Don’t be afraid to add color!
Key pieces like a pair of colorful jeans will perk up any wardrobe! Wear it with a white t-shirt or try color blocking (purple or green shirt). This can be a versatile piece if you think out of the box! (Zara)
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The pencil skirt.
A staple and looks great on most body types! (Zara)
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The Nude Wedge
This one from Bettye Mueller is comfy and casual. (Zappos)
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White Handbag
A white handbag can be a dangerous purchase, because if they are not good quality you can tell.
This one from Cole Haan is gorgeous with the woven leather. (Sacs)
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Do you have a new shirt that you bought and thought you loved…only to get it home and put it on and realize that it just does not feel right??
Here is an example of a cute idea gone wrong (blue shirt):
This is a pretty color but not a flattering style
- The bright blue is a pretty color but the shiny fabric looks cheap
- The style is too voluptuous for her petite body.
- Watch for draping. This style makes her boobs look like they are sagging.
- Be careful of where your sleeves hit your arm. Cap sleeves can make arms look big.
This shirt below is a much better choice:
- The fit on this shirt is great! She looks like she lost 10 pounds instantly!
- 3/4 length sleeve is flattering
This style fits well and looks much better!
Are you making any of these shopping mistakes?
Do you love outlet shopping? If so, beware… you might think you are saving money, when in reality you are spending more and coming home with nothing that satisfies your urge to have something wonderful to wear!
Here are some of the top mistakes women make when shopping at an outlet or large discount store!
1) Shopping with no idea or goal on what you want to buy.
If you go to an outlet with no idea what you need to buy, it can wipe out wallet. Moreover, you will get to the store and probably feel totally overwhelmed. Instead, before you leave, go to your closet and see what you need. Then make a list and take it with you!
2) Getting off track.
Once you decide what you are looking for (e.g. Is it a new casual outfit? Or a new dress for an upcoming event?) go into the appropriate store, find the sales person and tell her what you are looking for. That will help you stay focused on what choose to take into the dressing room.
3) Buying ANOTHER black item!
Unless your goal is to buy something in black, we find most women over 40 tend to have way too much black in their closet already. Wearing less black is super hard to do, but the rewards are great! By avoiding buying anything black, it forces you to add something colorful to your closet which make you feel like a million bucks!!
4) Trying on all Colors
Beware that not all colors suit all skin types. You need to be aware which colors look best on you and stick with only those. If you stick with one “season”, then all your clothes will mix in match in the future! If you pick items from all sorts of different color categories, you will actually limit the outfits you will be able to mix and match in the future. (For more help with this, contact your local image consultant for a color consult! It will be totally worth it!!!)
5) Letting those SALE tags seduce you into buying!!
You may be tempted to buy things when you see all those wonderful “discount” prices…but don’t do it! Instead, really slow down and ask yourself these 3 questions:
~Do I already own something similar?
~Do I love the fit, color and style of it?
~Is it something that I will be able to wear and it makes me feel special? (this is the most important question to ask yourself!)
If you put limits on what you buy, it will help you make a better buying decision! Most women find that they buy “safe” items or just basics…like another pair of jeans or simple t-shirt. If you are going to an outlet, now is the time to find that special piece to add to your closet! Don’t blow your money on things that you can pick up just anywhere!
6) Not trying things on!
We’ve all done it. You are at the counter and you pick up that last little item and just throw it in the pile without even bothering to try it on, because of course the price is “just too good to pass up”! This is a big mistake. We have found more times than not, when we go and try it on, we really didn’t want or need it.
Please share with us your comments, frustrations or tips,we want you to join in on this conversation! (Just press the “Leave a Comment” button below)
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!
