Fall Weather Style!

I woke up with the comforter on this morning...guess I got cold during the night and pulled it on! Love this weather so much more than hot, clammy, sticky Florida summer weather. I would love to move elsewhere but my husband is resistant to any change. So alas, I am doomed to run the a/c and stay inside a lot!



But the stores are already selling cool weather clothes and it is so tempting to buy pretty sweaters, jackets and wraps. So I admit I have bought a few items that are on trend and bought them inexpensively (in case they last one season).



First, I bought a dark gray wool long sweater with pockets. It doesn't have buttons, hooks or snaps, just something long and warmish. I imagine I will wear it a lot. And I only paid $20 at TJ Maxx.



I also bought a black suit jacket with ruched sleeves, fully lined with pockets at TJ Maxx for, yes, $20, as well.


This will be a great wear with jeans, skirts, dresses, etc.  for those not so cool days. Maybe even summer when I do temp work or go out in the evenings.

I finally had to toss a great pair of blue jeans. They were worn out and a woman "of a certain age" cannot decently wear tattered jeans and maintain an aura of sensibilities. So I will be buying another pair soon (or two). The ones I tossed were Seven7 straight leg jeans in short (cause I am) from Ross for $16 and I wore them out.


And I knit cowls for myself and friends for those nippy morning walks.  They're fun and easy to knit and they really keep the draft off your neck. You might want to look into this great item as a winter staple. And there are YouTube links that show you how to make them, if you want a great hobby that is fast and fun.



The shoe trend for this season (besides boots, which are always in style) is a take on the men's oxford or loafer shoe. I've seen several styles and may have to buy one soon. The trend is to wear them with pants or skirts. Comfortable shoes? Yes, all Fall!






I know I might be jumping the gun on getting my cool weather clothes ready for the upcoming season, but after a significantly hot and muggy summer, I (perhaps you, too) am ready for a welcome change of wardrobe and temperatures.

Enjoy the cool Fall season, buy something pretty to keep you warm, and get ready for this cozy time of year! Don't forget Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back!



Until next time, I remain,

Stylistically yours,

Sooz

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