We don’t have to be reminded that for most of us, this year’s wardrobe budget will definitely be shrinking!
This is devastating for those of us who LOVE to shop, or worse, for gals out there who are competing in the workforce trying to keep their jobs, or just look professional!!!
I (JoJami) had a client recently call me in a panic… She had been asked to give a speech to a group of business women, but had no plan for what to buy and was on a strict budget. Here’s the advice I gave her:
- Find a jacket that fits your body type! (She happens to be tall, so I told her nothing too boxy and make sure that the bottom of the jacket did NOT hit her at the widest part!)
- Pick a subtle color. If she wants to get a lot of use out of her new outfit, it needs to be neutral in color. Anything too bold or patterned could only be worn a few times.
- Buy a scarf! If you pick a jacket that you don’t need to buy a blouse for, you can just tuck a scarf in and be done with it. Just wear the jacket buttoned or zipped up , and if need be, add a simple scarf and off you go!
- Save money for some new shoes. The bottom line is you need to look good from top to bottom. I told her a nice pair of short boots (found at a shoe discount store) would look best if she was wearing pants. If you like to wear skirts, then some simple pumps will do for either pants or skirts.
Armed with some clear guidelines, she went to her local department store and found a long grey paisley jacket and co-ordinating grey pants. She found a black scarf and plans to wear it tied at the neck with the jacket closed. She admitted that she needed some new shoes and so settled on a pair of simple black boots and says she feels like she will look the part!
We’ve come up with some great tips to get your wardrobe looking great and not have to spend a fortune…. (like this pretty suit on sale from Nordstrom’s)
- Start with a budget. Have you noticed that when you go shopping and pick up a new t-shirt, random blouse or shoes here and there it eats up your budget FAST?? Instead, start with a plan and stick to it! If you need to replace your work suit, then go and find it, don’t get distracted!!!
- Shop at the better stores. RIGHT now is the time to shop at the good stores (Nordstrom’s, Neiman’s). If you do your homework you will see that these stores are selling gorgeous well-made items at a fraction of the original cost. BUT BEWARE – this will mean, picking through a lot of “stuff”… don’t get tempted to just buy random pieces. Make sure what you buy will make an entire outfit!!!
- Pick a color theme and stick to it. Pick your neutral and build your wardrobe with it. For example, if you like chocolate brown, than pick all the colors in your blouses, shoes, accessories, need to go with it. Then all your pieces will go together. If you like black, then all your accessories should have some black in it.
- Shop in your own closet first and make a list of what you need to update. This is one of the biggest steps woman fail to do. We just don’t take the time to see what they already have!!! Take an hour and go in your closet and try everything on. Have fun, making new outfits, and making a list of what you need to replace or add too to make entire outfits!! You might think you don’t have anything to wear, and be pleasantly surprised once you get going!
For more great style tips check out our Glam Plan – E book!
Recently, we wrote a blog post called What NOT to Wear After 40…and put up a photo of these shoes.
We were surprised to get several emails from gals who loved these wild shoes and had no problem wearing them regardless of age. This got us thinking…. where does one draw the line when trying to decide what is fun to wear and what is foolish to wear after 40?
Our take on these shoes is that while they are fun and new, they are definitely loud and may look foolish, not fun, on most women over 40. Although the style is fashion forward and the high heel does have a hidden platform, which makes it doable, the kicker for us is the hot purple color combined with shiny patent leather, which makes it too trendy for most. The wide strap also adds a baby doll feel.
But all that being said, if you have a big dramatic or creative streak in you, you might be able to pull off these shoes, if you wore them with a simple outfit like a sleek black top and pair of black wide legged pants. Make these shoes your statement piece and don’t junk up your look by adding all kinds of other trendy bits like, i.e. an animal print belt with these shoes would send your image into a fashion tailspin.
We mentioned you really have to have a certain drama to your coloring as well to pull this look off. For example, if you have a fair skin tone and very dark hair and eyes, or dark skin, and a dramatic aura, this might work. If you are blonde and light skinned, these shoes won’t fly because the contrast is so great, they’ll make you look cheap.
For those a little less bold, you may want to try shoe in black patent leather, instead of purple, or you might also want to look for a less bright shade of purple shoe in suede or leather. Choose one without the ankle strap if you want to look as tall as you can.
Curious about where we draw the line between fun and foolish when it comes to 6 other new fall looks. Read On……
1. Extra Wide Legged Pants
Fun or Foolish? |
 Our Pick |
You could mop the floor in the pants on the left. We don’t want to take the fun out of fashion but these pants are on the extreme side.
Our Pick
These high-waisted Diane von Furstenberg pants are a better choice because they have a more gentle flare which is very flattering on most body types and balances out any over 40 body which is usually starting to widen through the middle. The hot pink window pane pattern adds a touch of femininity to the men’s wear feel.
2. Bright Bold Prints
Layering and bold prints are in, but the combination of the two on the left looks busy and tacky. This look is too playful for a 40+ look unless you are Carrie Bradshaw, (but isn’t she starting to look a little silly in some of her zany looks anyhow?)
Fun or Foolish? |
 Our Pick |
Can you believe this is the same dress? What an improvement! Leave a busy patterned dress alone by dumping the vest and belt. Much more beautiful and age flattering!
 Our Pick Too! |
Here’s another bright, bold Diane Von Furstenberg dress. It’s called “The Clooney”. Again, if you are going for patterns stick to classic style that is simple and let the pattern shine. This knock-out number has a geometric pattern with an art deco feel, which is a hot trend this fall. |
3. Short Sleeved Suits
 Fun or Foolish? |
 Our Pick |
JoJami saw this Nanette Lepore suit (on the left) at a local boutique, but didn’t have time to try it on and was thinking of going back to do so. But when she saw it here she realized it has a lot of problems. It has too much going on. This jacket is trying too hard to be different and the lace top is an added extra that’s just not needed. On an over 40 gal it would look plain granny like.
Our Pick
We prefer this Isabel and Nina double breasted wide shawl collar suit. It’s got a real Jackie-O quality to it – sophisticated and clean – and the neckline is so elegant.
4. Wild Animal Prints
 Fun or Foolish? |
 Our Pick |
Animal prints are fun but don’t have to roar so loud that you look like you are wearing a costume. The zebra inspired skirt on the left is cutesy if you are twenty but, cutesy is not the way you want to look.
Our Pick
We vote for the look on the right. Simply add a touch of animal print to an accessory like a handbag or belt and you look so much more sophisticated. It’s the difference between fashion Victim and fashion Victory!
5. Fashionably Full Skirts
Fun or Foolish?
|
 Our Pick |
The combination of this ruffled blouse with puff sleeves and very full pleated skirt makes this young model look a little older than she is, and that’s fine because she is so young to begin with. But put a prissy school teacher look like this on a gal 40+ who has extra curves at her middle, not so perfectly taught arms, and a mature face and she’ll look like an old biddy.
Our Pick
If you like a fuller skirt, try one that is a little more refined. This Ralph Lauren box pleated wool herringbone skirt is easy and comfortable to wear and always looks classy. Top it off with something more relaxed like a black turtleneck and great suede jacket in a gorgeous shade of majestic purple. This shot of color will give your face life.
6. Chunky Platform Shoes
 Fun or Foolish? |
 Our Pick |
Clunky and funky, these top heavy shoes (on the left) with their baby doll strap would look better on your teenage daughter.
Elegant, classic with a modern twist these Tory Burch Pumps look great and the stacked heel makes them a lot more comfortable for tootsies too. Love the gold hardware!
The fashion magazines are showing lots of suits this fall and there are several trends that you should be aware of if you want to look up to date!
The matchy matchy suit is out! This season, it’s time to break things up! 
Also, you asked for it, and it’s back…YES, the high rise pant came back this spring and you’ll see it this fall too! Here are a few more things to look for:
- Wide legs. This is a blessing for us! How flattering this style is on almost all body types. Just make sure you stay fitted on the top half and don’t go too, too wide on the bottom.
- Men’s suiting. This fall the look is very tailored, almost masculine, but to keep yourself from looking like a man, add a little ruffle or soft flowing fabric.
- Get a pencil skirt. This is the first thing you should buy this season! A pencil skirt looks great on most everyone, and you can dress it up with a fitted jacket or down with a comfy sweater set.
- Be daring and throw in a Bold color! It’s not going to be easy this fall to find a great color to add to your wardrobe, but you gotta to try! This season, grey, black and neutrals will be filling the racks. Go out there with the mindset, that you want to brighten up your wardrobe and don’t settle for buying just another black something!
- 3/4 sleeve Jackets - They are everywhere. We like them and have bought them, but are curious about how practical they will be when winter rolls in? This one is from Nordstroms<.
Ever since Martha Stewart made it OK to brand herself with K-Mart, many Style Gurus have jumped on board trying to become the next “it” designer for large discount retailers. Isaac Mizrahi has gone from elite fashion designer to the king of sensible style for the masses, all because of his multimillion dollar success at Target. Patrick Robinson and Proenza Schouler also now design for the retail giant. Even Stella McCartney and Carl Lagerfeld have their own special lines for the clothing chain H&M .
That’s great news for savvy shoppers who want high style at an affordable price! By mixing a few of these frugal fashion finds with some luxury basics you can get an upscale look for less!
The trick is knowing when to splurge and when to skimp. This definitely is an art. Here are 7 tips to help you do it well:
1. Splurge on a Suit
The basis for any work wardrobe is a suit. Reserve the largest part of your budget for this. The better quality the suit, the better it will make you look and the longer it will last. Choose a suit in a timeless, year round fabric like wool or wool blend. Pay a lot of attention to cut and fit in order to look polished and powerful.
2. Skimp on Accessories
One sure way to waste money is to buy expensive accessories to complete a look of the moment. You know, you buy the $300 safari sundress and then they up sell you $300 safari necklace, $300 safari belt and $ 300 scarf to match. And next season that style is out. Accessories are very important to finish a look, but you really need to be careful. It’s o.k. to pay a little more for a belt for jeans you wear all the time, but don’t throw your money out the window for an expensive belt that has a short style life.
3. Splurge on the Important Basics
Skimp on cute, colorful t-shirts, and trendy casual fun tops and sweaters from designer budget lines at places like H&M but ……… Splurge on a great classic shirt, a beautiful cashmere sweater and one great white stretch T, even it means paying a higher price. The latter are investment pieces. You know the rule, figure out how much something costs and divide it by the number of times you will wear it to get the cost per wear. This should determine how much you are willing to pay.
4. Skimp on Casual Shoes
Unless they are shoes for work (which need to be the best quality you can find) shoes do not need to be expensive. Be on the lookout for seasonal sales at stores like Sacs, Neiman’s and Nordstrom for deals on high end designer shoes like Gucci that you don’t want top pay top dollar for. Visit the outlet stores and pop into discount stores like Marshalls like TJ Max for bargains on top name brands. Go often to get the best offerings instead of waiting until you really need a pair of shoes and are forced to pay full price somewhere else. Try not to be shoe snob. Let’s face it if you are just running around on the weekends, you don’t need to be wearing a pair of expensive shoes. Target has some fabulous shoes at great prices that will work great for this sort of thing. Save your money for shoes when it is going to matter.
5. Skimp on Jeans
Many women buy pricey jeans because they want to be wearing the label of the moment. Wrong! What’s more important is to find a pair of jeans that fit you perfectly, regardless of price. Get over the label thing and keep shopping until you find the perfect pair. Remember no one will be looking at your label if they’re looking at your fabulous figure in these perfectly fitting jeans.
6. Splurge on a Purse
Like it or not purses has become a statement of who you are and what you stand for. A good quality bag says volumes… Keep your eyes peeled for sales and remember if you are going to spend a few hundred dollars on a quality purse choose one that is classic. Black, taupe, and cream are better choices than trendy colors like mustard or orange. Look for timeless simple details that will stand the test of time and give you your money’s worth. Better one good bag than several cheap ones.
7. Skimp on Lingerie.
In general, no need to spend full price, unless you are hard to fit. Better to spend less and buy more often to keep your lingerie looking and feeling fresh. Beautiful, good quality Camisoles, bras and panties are everywhere at great prices. It’s always nice however to have one decadently luxurious bra and panty tucked away for special days.
Anybody have a business trip planned in the near future? This week Deborah and I are off to the AICI conference (Association of Image Consultants International) in Minneapolis, MN and have been scrambling to put a few new outfits together, so that we look fabulous for all the other women that will be there!( not to mention the two of us are finally going to meet for the first time, after working together for over a year!)
Recently we shared tips from our latest newsletter with radio host Laura Mainella of Hot 89.9 in Ottawa, Canada. They were curious about what we re going out to buy for ourselves.
So here is what we plan:
A new spring suit in Cream- We love standing out in a crowded sea of black suits and this will surely do the trick! You can’t go wrong using cream as your neutral, since it is so easy to match with tops you already own.
Susan Bigsby’s Ultimate Twin Set – These gorgeous, perfect fitting tops are great for travel. You will need both the top and the cardigan and they come in several colors so you can mix and match. We couldn’t be without them.
Walking Shorts – Standing around all day can play havoc on your tootsies, so we have planned to wear some wedge heels. They help you balance better on your feet and we think they are comfortable as well as chic!
Sweater Wrap – What’s a sweater wrap. Think pashmina with sleeves. This is a fresh take on how to look chic if it gets chilly in and out of the conference room. Look for one that is thin and soft and a pretty color that is neutral so that you can wear it with most things. Try one of the new sleeveless ones for summer.
Layered Chain Necklaces – Accessories can tell the whole story. This summer we are seeing oodles of delicate chains that are being layered in different lengths. Perfect!
No matter what your politics, you have to admit that Nanci Pelosi looks fabulous! Did you see her in the New York Times?
She looks modern, classy, and powerful.
She’s got it right..classic, fitted feminine suits (instead of those awful boxy masculine types) made from luxury fabrics in rich colors.
But, it’s her power pearls that are really all the talk! Check out her large sized South Seas and Tahitian pearls, especially the gray and cream strand of marble sized pearls she’s been sporting with dark suits and tweeds.
Although the real thing can set you back minimum $20,000 or more dollars, these definitely make the statement, I am woman. I am powerful!
We love these pearls because, while they basically set a conservative tone like all pearls do (and that’s what we want in business), there is a twist. The unusual color is modern and fresh and sends the message that Nancy’s ideas are that way too. The large size sends the message “elegant authority”.
Imagine Nancy in a string of tiny cream pearls or a teeny thin gold chain with a delicate teardrop diamond hanging down. She just wouldn’t have the same presence or authority. She would seem weak and outdated.
So lesson here is: Women in positions of power, be aware of the message your jewelry sends. You don’t need much, just a couple of statement pieces that let you enjoy your femininity but show that you mean business.
They are the perfect complement to this belted houndstooth business suit because they add just the right touch of femininity and personality. The key to wearing colored shoes at work is to keep everything understated except for that pop of shoe color. If your workplace is more conservative, a closed toe pump in fuchsia would look great too.
