Check out The Glam Gals, 5 tips to make shopping easier!
If you are like many women after 4o you are thinking that things in life might not have turned out exactly how you planned it.
But no fear, you can still be happy, just read this weeks Blogging Boomers Carnival, our weekly dose of all topics Boomer related written by some of the top Bloggers out there!
So, if your life is not what you wanted you can at least take control how you look! After all, YOU are the one who buys your clothes!!
Here are 5 tips to think about when you go shopping so that you can turn your wardrobe into one that includes stylish clothes you love!
Get your closet cleaned out. If you have old clothes that don’t fit and are out of style, make sure they are not clogging up your closet, you will want to make room for the good stuff!
Make a list of your wish list and of what you need
Wear comfortable shoes and make up (Looking your best when you shop makes it more fun and you will feel better about how you look in the mirror!)
Have on your most updated outfit. Then when you go to buy something new, it needs to be as nice as what you already have or better! That way you set the bar higher and will not be tempted to buy something just mediocre.
Don’t feel like you have to buy something everytime you go shopping. Feel free to just window shop, try on and then go home and think about it. Too often we get home with “impulse” buys that we don’t really need or an item that doesn’t go with anything in our closet. Be super picky about what you buy!!!
Alright, I know you’ve seen this dress before (you can see our “Tweak Your Chic” model wearing it in this post, and me in it again right here), but a neutral shirt dress is a staple. That means it never goes out of style, and you can keep updating it to fit the current trends. Below is a video showing how I used this season’s layering trend to breathe new life into an old dress…and I didn’t have to buy anything new to do it! That’s the easiest way to shop on a budget – treat your wardrobe like a store and keep reinventing outfits!
For more ways to update your wardrobe on a budget, check out our eBook Chic on the Cheap!
Our new e-book on How to Update Your Wardrobe on a Budget
When I was in France this summer with my husband and three children traveling around Provence, and then up to Paris for a few days, I found dresses were the perfect travel wear.
It was far too hot to wear pants,and shorts would have felt wrong, so I opted for dresses which took up hardly any space in my suitcase, made me feel feminine and were cool and comfy.
For a twelve day trip I packed 8 dresses: 7 casual, 1 slightly dressier. (You could get away with 5-6, but I like to have a few extras to choose from depending on my mood that day.)
In Provence wearing Trina Turk
During the day I wore these cute sundresses with flat gold or black sandals and a carried a large black tote (to carry souvenirs I was buying along the way!). At night I added jewelry, scarves and small heels for a dressier look.
At Jardin du Luxembourg
Now, we were on a family sightseeing trip. We were driving through the lavender fields and visiting the the quaint French countryside towns in Provence. In Paris we were doing the typical tourist things – The Louvre, The Eiffel Tower,Versailles, Le Concierge, the Seine River Cruise etc.
Deb in Eli Tahari
It was not a romantic couple’s vacation where we were slipping off to fancy Parisian restaurants and night clubs. If so, I would have packed differently and brought some dressier date night things.
But for this kind of day tripping, my summer dress wardrobe worked beautifully. What a relief to open my suitcase, slip on my dress of the day and walk out the door.
If you’re looking for a cute summer dress, Nordstrom’s and Saks carries all of these favourite brands!
Two years ago I decided to go back to college. Most of my fellow students were the same age as my youngest child. I started looking for resources to help me update my look so that I could try to maneuver that area between not too young and not too old.
I have now graduated and am now at my new job in my new career. I have learned that wardrobes need constant updating and your emails give me ideas on how to do that successfully.
Several people I know are looking for new jobs or trying to hang on to current jobs. I am looking for ideas for summer – more stylish, career pieces that are easy on the pocketbook.
Thanks and keep up the great work.
Renee F.
San Marcos, Texas
Dear Renee,
We love the fact that you are making the effort to keep yourself updated, especially since you are competing for jobs in the workplace. Showing that you take pride in yourself and care about what is up-to-date makes you look even more like a go-getter in this tough economy!
That being said, there are a few trends popping up this summer that you can inexpensively add to basics you already have in your wardrobe. Some summer trends we see are: full skirts, splashy colors and prints, and flowy fabrics.
Of course, all together, these trends are not very age appropriate, unless you want to look like a little frilly girl playing dress-up in a nightgown. But, focusing on working one of these pieces into an outfit is totally acceptable, and will make you look very hip.
For example, here we took the full, colorful patterned skirt trend, and dressed it up for work with a modern, sleek short sleeve blazer. On the weekend, choose one of the colors from the pattern to wear on top, and wear it with a flat sandal. The idea is to use these pieces sparingly in a sophisticated way.
By using the new splashy summer prints, you can breath life into old separates. Look how this plain khaki blazer looks instantly more chic with a flowy, colorful skirt!
As far as staples for this season, invest in modern classics like a great fitting pencil skirt and cardigan sweater set. You will be surprised at just how many outfits you can create by mixing in fun items with these staples!
Adding touches of in-style items here and there not only makes your wardrobe look up to date, but it can save you money as well. All these pieces came from Kohl’s and KMart….and each piece is under $30 (it’s true!)! Mixing these inexpensive pieces with your quality basics will give you a great bang for your buck. Let’s face it — they’re probably only going to be popular for one year anyway!
We came across some good tips over at Chic Galleria on how to spruce up your Spring wardrobe with just a little tweaking.
Here are some of our tips to add to it:
1. Get a “fuzz” zapper and clean up sweaters to look like new.
2. If you can buy one item, make it a pencil skirt, pair it with your old twinsets or cardigans and you will look updated and fresh.
3. Layer a dress by putting a thin sweater over it and belt it. It will look like a new outfit.
4. Get those scarves out and wear them. You can put 2 pretty solids together and add a scarf and have a colorful new outfit!
Every week we bring you the latest boomer lifestyle tips from our friends at the Blogging Boomer’s Carnival. This week we’re hosting the carnival, and we’d like to give you an up close look at everyone in our talented group!
Topics this week range from midlife dating, to menopause, to finding your life purpose. Please meet:
1. So Baby Boomer:
Actress Suzanne Somers, age 62, sympathizes with women suffering from what she calls “The Seven Dwarfs of Menopause: Itchy, Bitchy, Sleepy, Sweaty, Bloated, Forgetful and All Dried Up.” These women of a certain age have the choice of restoration versus deterioration.
2. Life Two:
Midlife dating is like shopping for a new house, so says Life Two’s Dating Goddess who dated over 91 men in a 3.5 year period as she compiled stories and tips for her new book, “Wait or Date”.
3. Hole In the Donut
Barbara at Hole In The Donut compares her experience as a freelance writer to comments made byElizabeth Gilbert, author of the best-selling “Eat, Pray, Love.” In the video of her speech, Gilbert proposes that we need to look at genius in a different way.
The neighborhood movie theater was a welcome spot for rainy and/or swelteringly hot summer afternoons in the 50’s. The drive-in theater was likewise a fond destination that many of us remember. One of the most amazing innovations that were enjoyed by the older members of the Boomer generation were 3D movies and comic books.
7. This Marriage Thing
Who said older isn’t better? Dina interviews Maggie Scarf, author of September Songs, about the U principle and why the very best in marriage is yet to come.
8. Gen Plus
Janet Wendy at Gen Plus, usually the optimist, looks at the challenging week behind us and hopes for the week ahead.
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!
It’s 2009….time to eliminate the biggest obstacle to looking fabulous after 40…..your messy closet! The New Year is the perfect time to get your dysfunctional closet refreshed, reorganized and re-appointed with the right things to make getting dressed and looking fabulous a snap.
Here are the top 10 tools you’ll need to transform your nightmare closet into a tidy jewel box:
1. Fuzzy Coated Hangers
These thin “fuzzy” coated hangers are the real deal. They are thin, so they don’t take up a lot of room, but fabric clings to them and clothes won’t fall off. However, make sure to have some plastic hangers in there too. They are good for items that you want to pull on and off the hanger quickly, like sweatshirts or anything that doesn’t have a zipper or buttons.
2. Clear shoe boxes to store scarves
Scarves are the most frustrating items to have in your closet. How to store them varies, depending on your closet situation. We have found that using a clear plastic shoe box is really one of the best tricks out there. Just fold your scarves in half and roll them up. You will have easy access to them, and every time you go to wear one, you won’t mess the rest up.
3.Plastic Boot Holders
You know those things you put in your tall boots, to keep them looking fresh? Yes, you need to have these! They really are good at keeping your boots standing straight up and neat like little soldiers, instead of garbled and flopped over on the floor.
4. Belt Hangers
Your belts should all be in one place and sorted through. If you have belt “overload,” you are not alone. This is the time to sort through them and toss the ones you are not using. Have you “saved” an old belt that came with an outfit, an outfit that you have long since thrown out? Toss the belt. Do you have belts that look dated, or the buckles are rusted? As we like to say, “When in doubt, toss it out!!!” What you have left should be hung on a belt hook. If there are still too many belts, toss again until belt hook is full, but not too full!
5. Shoe Racks
Are your shoes lined up at the bottom of your closet? Then you need a shoe rack. You will be shocked at how wonderful this little piece of plastic or metal can make your life. If you are lucky enough to have shelves in your closet, then if you have any extra “shoe run off”, make sure you get some shoe racks too!! You can hang them on your door or use them on the floor. Either way you will never be searching for the other shoe again!
6. Plastic Bins
If you have a “spacially” challenged closet and need to free up some room, there is nothing better than a plastic bin to take out seasonal items and store them under a bed or attic. Plastic bins are a lifesaver to free up room for shoes, and sweaters. For instance, now that it’s winter, put all your summer sandals in a bin. When it’s summer, store your sweaters and heavy boots. Wait until plastic bins go on sale then, snap them up, fill ‘er up and put away until needed.
7. Shelf dividers
These really keep things nice and neat on the shelves. You can keep purses divided and hats and sweaters.
8. Hooks
Do you have any hooks in your closet? Put up a few, and see the difference. Hang your robe on it, or a sunhat. If you are wasting your wall space, fill it up with hooks and get creative. One client we knew put up corkboard and then hung up all their necklaces.
9. Full length mirror
If you have the back of a door or any place for a full length mirror, make sure you do have one!! This is the best item on this list for you to own. It’s a MUST HAVE. Be sure when you leave the house your outfit looks harmonious and has no tags showing, no panty lines, etc…. Our cardinal rule–You should never leave the house without first checking with a full length mirror!
10. Clock
A clock in a closet is not the norm, but you really do need one. It reminds true fashionistas that you really can’t try on one more outfit, or you’ll be late. Trust us – put a nice big clock in the closet, and you will wonder how you ever lived without it!
Still need help to transform your nightmare closet into the closet of your dreams? Then check out our DVD: The Ultimate Cure for the Dysfunctional Closet and get your closet looking like a beautiful jewel box in 2009.
Recently JoJami and Deborah were asked to take on a challenge for the Delaware Today Magazine, to make over 4 real women (not models) and to see what would happen!
It was so much fun, seeing these women transform before our eyes. With just a new updated hair do, and a new outfit, these ladies were just glowing afterwords!
Here are the results:
Joelle Norwood, TV producer: Joelle said she has been growing her hair, but found that she just ended up putting it up all the time. “I’m ready to have some style, back into my life!” she said. Norwood confessed that all she had was black and white in her wardrobe.
We fixed that and found her a color that let her confidence shine!
Laura Day, Financial Professional (owner of Laura Day and Associates)
Before we made over Laura, she really did wear her hair in a clip like this every day to work. She agreed that she had been wearing it this way since high school and that it really didn’t look that professional. As far as her wardrobe, she wanted to break out of her comfort zone of solid suits and try something fun! Here was her comment, ” I felt like a princess today, its been just the best day ever!”
Jackie Ivy is an architect and also has been working on a project for work, where she is finding herself being interviewed by the press all the time! She has 2 small children and with her busy schedule, just never took the time to shop or take care of her self. She has always wanted to see what she looked like with long hair, so we gave her her wish and added some extensions. Her wardrobe was baby proof, which ment all grey and black,and she had not put a dress on in years. Jackie was so pleased with her outfit, and she said, “I used to buy clothes like this, but I just have not done so in so long, I forgot what it felt like to look feminine and pretty!”
We came across some good tips over at Chic Galleria on how to 
These thin “fuzzy” coated hangers are the real deal. They are thin, so they don’t take up a lot of room, but fabric clings to them and clothes won’t fall off. However, make sure to have some plastic hangers in there too. They are good for items that you want to pull on and off the hanger quickly, like sweatshirts or anything that doesn’t have a zipper or buttons.
