Building on a good foundation!

One of the sad life lessons is that gravity is not our friend.  Everything gets pulled down and being human females, we have a lot more turf for gravity to impact. Boobs and bums are two big ones (sorry for the bad joke!).

Foundation garments are the baseline for the rest of your wardrobe; yet, typically we spend less on them than we do the pieces of clothing that others see.  Unless you disrobe for a living, or are looking for a romantic evening with the one you love, you probably don't have a good variety of well fitting and attractive underclothes.

You know what I mean...too many women (myself included) don't wear the right sized bra most of the time.  And when you wear tee shirts, sweaters, thin tops - it becomes much too obvious that a well fitting bra is essential. Particularly for well endowed women.

And there are a myriad of bras to choose from.  Underwire or not to underwire?  Lace versus plain? Front closure versus back closure? White, nude, print or colors? Sports versus standard?  Strapless versus criss-cross straps?  All of those options are open ended for you to choose from. But you have to get the right size.  And look at yourself from behind.


       
There are department stores where you can call and make an appointment for a free fitting. If you've ever watched that TV reality show about the two women who make custom bras, you will be shocked to find how many of us are wearing bra cups that are too small, the same is true for our chest widths.  We need to change how we feel about our bras and get fitted.  My next good sized paycheck will pay for some new sized bras. 

And then there are undies.  As most moms said, "be sure to wear clean underwear, in case you get into an accident."  I'm sure we all wear clean ones but are they nice?  Do they fit properly?  Is the elastic still springy?  Are they crispy clean or dull, stained or just faded?  How would you feel about being caught in them?

My idea of wealth and class when I was growing up was to wear matching bras, panties and slip.  I just couldn't imagine having that much variety.  I still don't have those but I have my staple colors and mix and match with aplomb. 

Periodically, I toss old undies like I'm discarding an old friend. Yeesh!  New fitted ones are sooo much better and you feel so good in them, am I right?

I know we can't go try on underwear but they are packaged with sizing on them and if you are honest about your measurements (not what you WANT to be!), you can buy bulk undies that fit and have many to choose from. The fabrics of undies and styled (see above) give us so many wonderful choices.

Keep the sexy stuff for yourself. Or that special someone.  And feel glamorous with your comfy fitted undies! 

Here's today's quote from a fun book:  “Always wear pretty underwear, on account of you just never know.”  ― Jill Conner Browne, The Sweet Potato Queens' Book of Love

Until next weekend,


Stylistically yours,


Sooz

Just nail it!

For the longest time, in my teens, I was (yes, here I make a true confession.....) a nail biter.  I was ashamed of how bad they looked but in my moments of not paying attention, I would chew off my finger nails (and once, my toes!).  Getting engaged ended that -- vanity did make me want to show off my ring in the best way.  And I'm so glad I did because I love getting my nails and toes pretty now.

In every single magazine I subscribe to, there are articles, ads and tips on manicures, pedicures and trends.  It is always fun to read about the latest trends in nail polish, nail shapes, finishes, designs and types.  But it can be a bit overwhelming.



I am not going to tell you what a "woman of a certain age" should do or not do about her nails. That's waaaay too personal.

I am, however, going to pull much of it together in this post, for your consideration.

The basic colors are amazing.  From natural, to French, to white, to reds, to blacks -- the choices are HUGE.  I can tell you the matching-of-your-fingers-to-your-toes isn't really on trend anymore.  In fact, your manicure can be of different colors per finger! Same with your toes.  Now that it's summer, give it a shot!

   

And applying glittery polish, rhinestones, pearls, polka dots, bows, stripes and an assortment of designs is de rigour.  Why not?

  

Gel versus polish?  Try them each, as those are options, as are acrylics, nail tape and press ons.  I tried acrylics but they made me uncomfortable and looked funny on my short fingers.  And I took them off myself -- I do NOT recommend doing that; I could feel the wind through my nails for a long time. 

Keep in mind what your plans are before you invest in some fancy nails.  You don't want to get a great beautiful manicure or applications to your nails and then go garden.  But a special occasion can be a great reason to go all out on the fancy fingers and toes.

 


And the nail polish brands?  Everyone should have a variety of colors, which makes investing in Dior or Chanel polish for each color an expensive hobby.  Buy some drugstore brands and buy the high end for your staple colors.  Is there really a difference?  I had a bottle of Chanel's Vamp and took it to the nail salon. The manicurist was in awe at the quality of the brush, the way the polish flowed on and its resilience.  So, based on that, I'd say yes.  But I also have 99 cent polish that is good, fun colored and easy to remove.

As we get older, our nails get softer and bendy.  I recommend Biotin.  It is great for your nails, your hair and your skin.  You can buy it anywhere (Wal-Mart, Target, drugstores, GNC) and it really works!  My nails are harder, grow faster as does my hair.  Haven't noticed if it has improved my skin but nothing bad has happened, so I'm good!

If you want design ideas, I strongly encourage you to visit Pinterest's board on "Hair and Beauty" - it is chock full of cute ideas.  If you can't do it, pin it and show it to your manicurist (you will pay extra but if it makes you happy, it is so worth it).

Take care of your nails, they are a symptom of your health, your well being and how you feel about yourself. Here is a quote from a book that "nails it":

“You can tell a lot from a person's nails. When a life starts to unravel, they're among the first to go.”
― Ian McEwan, Saturday

Until next Sunday,

Stylistically yours,


Sooz

Bing, bong, bangles!

Wearing bangle bracelets are never a risk to dress up and accessorize any outfit. In fact, if you look in fashion magazines, women are even wearing bangles with their swimsuits. Again, I have gleaned some great photos of "women of a certain age" from "Advanced Style" who stack their bracelets and mix textures, colors, sizes and pull it off with great charisma and style.

It is worth trying this look to create a fun look and maybe even a signature look you can wear often.










You must admit these women wear their accessories beautifully.   So try it: accessorize with a bunch of bangles.  You'll cover your arms and make a joyful noise every time you wave at anyone.
               

Again, the rule of not mixing gold with silver, or with cloisonne, or wood or plastic....well, the rule is broken. Now you can wear it all - especially at the same time.

And rings of various sizes and composition. And necklaces with brooches.  It's madness out there and you definitely don't want to be left out.  Start simple and work your way up.  Or go for broke! What are you saving them for? 

We "women of a certain age" probably remember when my favorite Beatle said this -- and boy, does it apply!   “For those of you in the cheap seats I'd like ya to clap your hands to this one; the rest of you can just rattle your jewelry!”
― John Lennon


Until next Sunday,

Stylistically yours,

Sooz

Where the black pencil skirt is king!

Where the black pencil skirt is king! by sfindell featuring short sleeve t shirts

Oscar de la Renta cashmere cardigan
marissacollections.com

Haute Hippie sleeveless top
marissacollections.com

DKNY peplum top
matchesfashion.com

Michael michael kor
net-a-porter.com

Zadig Voltaire short sleeve t shirt
$185 - zadig-et-voltaire.com

Mossimo tank
target.com

Monsoon floral jacket
monsoon.co.uk

Motorcycle jacket
$120 - westfield.com.au

French connection jacket
$170 - psyche.co.uk

Peplum jacket
$28 - desireclothing.co.uk

Raxevsky knee length skirt
$62 - pret-a-beaute.com

Skirting the issue of skirts

Recently I purchased two skirts at Target (as you might have noticed in my posts).  The great thing about skirts is how versatile they can be. And even more:

1. They can be inexpensive and make your wardrobe larger.
2. They are always appropriate to wear any place you go.
3. A skirt looks good if you pick one that looks great on you.

Inexpensive? Absolutely. You can find skirts at H&M for very little money, Old Navy for cheap or at stores like Bloomingdale's for a lot more money. They are such a fashion staple, so you get to decide how much you want to spend.

Appropriate for all occasions? Heck, yeah. From dinner out, to the theater, to work, to a wedding. You cannot go wrong with a simple skirt. 





Looks good on you? Here's where you need a good mirror or an honest friend or both.  No matter how good your legs are or how small your bum is, a too-short hem line is not appropriate for "women of a certain age." And short pleated skirts are best suited for school girls, not us.



That doesn't mean all your skirts need to be close to your ankles, but close to the knee is totally appropriate and much more flattering.
   Just say NOOOOOO! 


Great skirt styles are so varied:



 

Mix and matching is fun.  There are many colors, textures, and patterns available for us to wear today.  Aren't we lucky?

Remember some wise advice I learned from a friend many years ago:  When you try on an outfit (skirt, top, whatever you are trying on), if the first five seconds don't make you say "YES!" - don't buy it. It never gets better than the first five seconds.  Don't twist it, adjust it, think that you can maybe do something to make it look better.  Just don't buy it.  It's that simple.  And you will find the right piece with time, energy and patience. 

Since today is May 12, Happy Mother's Day to all of you who are moms.  Until next Sunday, show some leg and have a wonderful week.

Stylistically yours,


Sooz

An antique print -- the Blue Onion

I have been "stalking" this skirt since I saw it on another fashion blog.  So yesterday I went to Target to drop off a prescription and had to wait 20 minutes - in a Super Target.  I immediately headed down to the women's clothing section and found the skirt in a size I haven't been able to get into for several years.

Hip hip hooray!  It fit and I bought it for $29!   It's an old pattern print, usually found in china, called Blue Onion. And it is lined!  And it makes me nostalgic every time I look at it.

My cobalt blue peplum top will look great with it, as well as a cobalt blue silk blend shirt I've had for several years. 

Where will I wear it?  Anywhere I choose, all year round.  Did you have dishes in this pattern?  Does it make you smile too? 

Until Sunday,

Stylistically yours,


Sooz

My two new additions to my closet

My two new additions to my closet by sfindell featuring madewell

Madewell
madewell.com

Chinese Laundry pointy toe shoes
lorisshoes.com