I had a request to write about workout clothes and I am happy to do this.

The interesting thing about workout clothes is that many of them have become standard casual attire. A male friend of mine bemoaned the fact that too many moms show up at school drop offs for kids, wearing very fitted yoga pants (a trend that is very understandable to most women). So what is the right thing to wear when you're out and about?

I will admit that when I traveled to China, I only wore full length boot cut black yoga pants for the entire trip. They were comfortable flight pants, had pockets, stretchy material and were easy to wash and wear. I made sure they were not sheer, too snug and looked okay from the back. Much better to wear than denim or pants with zippers, buttons or hooks.



 And since (okay, here goes a little TMI) you have to squat to pee in a hole in the ground in  most places in China, they were perfect to wear for that as well.

I admit that I do wear yoga pants often, as I'm out running errands. But my concession to conservative wear is that I only wear black ones. I feel like prints and colors are too obvious and...make my butt look large.

I never, ever wear any yoga clothes that are sheer. You have to look at yourself honestly in a mirror from the front AND the back.

Bright colors and prints look so much better on young and very thin females. Be careful how much they emphasize on you.

Wearing yoga pants while you are running errands is better accepted based on what kind of top you wear. I find that for a woman of "a certain age" wearing a tunic or long vest or jacket makes it more acceptable.

And it looks more stylish without being fussy or expensive.

I do not think wearing jog bras or belly shirts are appropriate errand wear, even if you have six-pack abs and perky boobs. Just slip on a shirt over them before you head out.

There are some great sports jackets that are NOT expensive. Go to Old Navy, Target or WalMart and look for them. Many are moisture wicking, light weight and very comfy.

You don't have to wear sneakers with them, either. Flats or sandals create a fun, dressier look to workout wear.

I buy most of my yoga clothes at Old Navy and don't pay more than $15. You certainly can pay up to hundreds for some of the name brands but who cares about the brand name? Now I will admit, I do take several yoga classes and wear yoga pants/capris to them then go out for coffee or run to the stores for this and that. And that's when tunics, vests, or jackets make me feel a tad more polished and dressed.

There are a huge range of prices for yoga pants, starting at $9 at Ross, Marshall's, TJ Maxx or Bealls Outlet, $15 or more at Old Navy, Target, WalMart, Dick's Sporting Goods, Sports Authority, and then you can order online from Amazon, Lululemon, Athleta, etc.  I'm not a fan of ordering online because I want to see the fit and not have to deal with returns.

If you aren't sure about what you are planning to wear out, take a full length mirror and stare from the front and back. Another trick I have used is taking a photo of myself in that mirror. Sadly, the mirror NEVER lies. And, of course, if you are in doubt, don't do it. That advice applies to anything you might do, whether it is what you plan to wear or what you might get involved in. Your inner heart knows your truth.

You can wear running shorts, leggings, sweats, etc. but the advice is still the same. No one really cares what you pay for your workout wear, just how it looks on you to them. Some people won't even notice while some, like my male friend, will not like the look at all. It is up to you to decide.

Until next time, I remain,

Stylistically yours,

Sooz

Grooming Tips I Have to Share!

I have been "baking" my face forever -- and not a wrinkle to show for it!

Baking is a new term for, after you have patted on your foundation, putting on a lot of loose powder, letting your body heat absorb the powder your face needs and then dusting off the remaining powder. I have done this every day for years...the only problem is you then have a nice layer of powder dust lying around on your stuff.




But it does work and I wanted to pass that on to you. You do need a great fluffy powder brush!


I also want to tell you about a product I bought at Ulta. It is Big Sexy Hair's Powder Play and for a very small container, you'll pay $8.

  This product gives you a huge root boost and also if sprinkled in your hairstyle-to-be, provides texture, separation and fullness.  WARNING: A little goes a very long way!  And your hair feels icky and sticky. But if you want a beehive, bouffant or height, this stuff is amazing!


The other day, I bought Johnson & Johnson's Baby Oil Gel ($3.48 at Target) to put on my arms, legs, chest and back of hands. You should put it on immediately after you shower or bathe while you are still wet-ish. It really made the fine wrinkles and "alligator" look on my skin disappear. However, I could feel it "on" me all day and it made me warm. I will use less to see if it is better that way but I certainly will use it daily in the Fall and Winter. This product is better than more expensive oils and creams, for me.

 

Then another day, I went to Walgreen's and bought the L'Oreal Visible Lift blush to complement their foundation that I absolutely love.

As I wrote a few weeks ago, their Foundation is the best I have ever used, so using their blush was a natural progression. I think it is great! I got Rose Gold (best suited for blonde, light skinned people) for $13. And with the slight shimmer, great texture and perfect color, it does exactly what I need it to do.

So there you have it,

my latest cosmetic tips for women "of a certain age" - please let me know if you buy any and try them.

Until next time, I remain,

Stylistically yours,

Sooz

I Had A Great Thursday With a Long Time Friend!

 
I know, I know...I don't need another pair of shoes...but they were so pretty and affordable!  I went to lunch with a dear friend on Thursday and we shopped the nearby stores. I saw these Coach and Four Janet pumps and tried them on..they were so comfortable! The insole is lightly padded, they are a pretty nude color trimmed in black and the heel isn't high, so I bought them for $40. I imagine I'll be wearing them a lot. Right now, they sit on top of the box at my vanity so I can stare at them before I got to sleep and again when I wake up.

Then I bought two tops that I know I will wear A LOT. I couldn't find the exact picture but this is so close:


The only difference is my sleeves hit just above the elbow (hides that saggy upper arm issue). The fabric is soft and the neckline is flattering (not too deep or wide). I bought a black one (of course) and a sweatshirt gray one for $20 each.  It was a great day at Stein Mart.

My friend bought a beautiful lined black and white wide strip jacket with 3/4 length sleeves, on sale for 30% off.

And if you haven't been to Old Navy, you should go now. They have great disposable clothes (inexpensive clothes to wear until you don't like them anymore and can easily give them away). And great costume jewelry! I bought a pair of front/back earrings for $8 (gold ball post with a "diamond" that affixes behind the ear and hangs down just past the lobe).

And my girlfriend bought several earrings for herself and one of her daughters, as well as a pair of Pixie pants (my favorites) in black with white dots (I have a pair but she looks so much better in hers!).



Getting great buys is always a great treat but spending quality time over food and fashion with a longtime girlfriend is priceless. We had a wonderful day!

So I am sharing my latest purchases with you to show that we women "of a certain age" can get stylish bargains and not look like an old woman. You just need to look for them..any where.

Until next time,



I remain,

Stylistically yours,

Sooz

This LIttle Pinky Went To the Salon!

I am shocked and appalled! Why, you might ask?

Because I cannot believe how many women have nasty, skanky feet but still wear sandals, exposing those feet to the rest of us.



I take two yoga classes, which means that there are a lot of bare feet. Ugly bare feet. Bunions, callouses, and hammer toes aside, there are a few simple things you can do to enhance your feet.



Go get a pedicure, stat!  And if you are intimidated about going into a salon, do it yourself.

Soak your feet, push back the cuticles, trim your toenails and file them, pumice callouses and PAINT THOSE TOE NAILS!

If you apply a base coat first, then two layers of a pretty color followed by a good top coat, your pedicure can last over a month.

DO NOT walk around in public in open toe shoes if you can't take care of your feet. It isn't pretty, it is gross and makes you look sloppy, careless and that you don't care about yourself.



There are so many kinds of polish removers, nail polishes and processes that even those with sensitive skin or allergies now have options...except to show un-cared for feet.



It gives you some time to sit, relax, binge watch TV, read a good book, nap in a chair...no excuses, just do it!



Until next time, I remain,

Stylistically yours,

Sooz