"One Day You're In, the Next Day You're Out!" (quoting Heidi Klum)

Recently I read about more trends that are no longer "in" --- I doubt any woman of substance would be wearing these trends but felt compelled to share this list with you, just in case.

1.  High-low skirts are no longer stylish.  I only once saw a young woman wearing one who looked adorable in it.  She was 16.  So, if you have one, hem the long part and keep on wearing it.


2.  Crop tops are out.  I admit I wore them when I was young and when my pelvic bone stood out further than my stomach...but that was a while ago.  Just don't!   At all! This is a very young girl's style...and it is now no longer stylish for them, either.


3.  Leather pants.  I can't think of these without thinking of Ross Geller on "Friends" sweating so much in his new leather pants and putting powder and lotion on to make them more comfy and becoming a gooey mess with his leather pants around his knees.  That should be a warning. And now they're out.


4.  Wedge sneakers.  I have never understood why anyone would take a really comfy shoe and make it less so.  But no worries, they're out.


5.  Printed denim pants.  I'm not sure I agree that these are no longer "in" but it is a fact. So think very carefully before you buy a pair.

With those old trends (and the ones I listed in an earlier post), go shopping for new Spring wear.  And to make your shopping trip even more affordable, I am sharing this list with you.

I have enjoyed one of the many benefits of being a woman "of a certain age" by shopping at specific stores on specific days to obtain their discounts for those of us who are the age of 50+. So I wanted to share this benefit with you, dear friends.  I cannot attest to all of these but can confirm that Ross, TJ Maxx and Bealls are indeed valid.  It never hurts to ask the cashier.

But let me warn you of one drawback:  They might not ask for identification to prove you are old enough to get the discount.  That means one of two things:  you look old enough to make it unnecessary; or the cashier doesn't care.  Let's pretend it is the second reason so there are no hurt feelings! 

Retail and Clothing Discounts

• Banana Republic: 10% off (50+)
• Bealls: 15% off every Tuesday (50+)
• Bed Bath and Beyond: 10% off mailing club (55+)
• Belk: 15% off first Tuesday of every month (55+)
• Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days with a BonTon credit card. (55+)
• C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
• Clarks: 10% off (62+)
• Dress Barn: 10% off (55+) (varies by location)
• Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
• Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
• Hancock Fabrics: 15% off on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. (55+) In-store only.
• Kohl’s: 15% off  (60+) on Wednesdays
• Lens Crafters: 30% off for AARP members
• Michael’s: 10% off on Tuesdays with AARP card
• Modell’s Sporting Goods: 10% off
• Rite Aid: 20% off on the first Wednesday of the month for wellness+ members (65+)
• Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+)
• Tanger Outlets: Free coupon book for AARP members
• The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (55+)
• TJ Maxx: 10% on Tuesdays, varies by location. (Orlando is Mondays, not Tuesdays)
• Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month (55+)
• Walgreens: “Senior Day” once a month. (Balance Rewards members 55+ and all AARP members). Day of the month varies by location. Discount is 20% off Walgreen brands and 15% of most everything else.

Read more: http://www.bradsdeals.com/blog/senior-discounts/#ixzz2qCSlX4Vk

If you know of other discounts for us, please share it and I'll pass it on.

In the meantime, keep this quote in mind...
You don't need to follow trends to be stylish.     Naomie Harris (super model)

Until next week, I remain,

Stylistically yours,

Sooz

Happy New Year's Promises to Yourself!

It's a new year, a time for changes to make our lives better and more meaningful. That's why we make resolutions, to make an announced commitment of change.  This also means we are one year older, wiser and more experienced. With that in mind, might I suggest some changes for your consideration?



1.  Take better care of yourself.  That means exercise daily. Whether you take a 30 minute walk or go to the gym. Put it in your calendar, promise yourself to go, tell others that you ARE going (and maybe ask them to hold you accountable -- no excuses allowed) and, as Nike ads used to state, "Just Do It"!


I have found that if I buy a couple of cute workout clothes, I am excited to wear them and more likely to work out at the gym.  If fashion motivates you, too, get thee to a store ASAP!  Old Navy, Target, Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Ross -- you can buy some really cute, inexpensive workout pieces at these today.



2.  Wear sunscreen and moisturizer every day.  How much time does it take to protect your skin?  Five minutes and, seriously, you can spare five minutes of your day protecting your skin and your life. Skin cancer is a serious killer and there is no reason you can't do that. There are even moisturizers with sunscreen in them, so why wouldn't you?  You can whichever you like at any corner drugstore for not too much money. And you could be looking younger, wrinkled less and fresher. What's not to love about that?


And while we're talking about protection, wear a hat in the sun.  It isn't just trendy - your scalp can use the sun protection. It also saves your hair from too much sun, which can be drying, making it brittle and faded.


I found my $20 sun-protecting hat at Marshall's last spring and wear it a lot. It prevents the sun rays from penetrating and protects my face, ears and scalp. You can wear a baseball cap but that doesn't keep your ears from the sun, so be sure to sunscreen them.

3.  Drink a lot of water.  It's an old Weight Watchers trick:  drink water and you won't be so hungry. I also have learned that sometimes you're not hungry but thirsty -- the internal "pain" isn't hunger but thirst. Don't dress up your water with flavor enhancers. It is the most important thing you can ingest - be grateful for it. It is just a tap away and yours to cherish (some countries don't have this luxury).



4.  Make good food choices. Yes, a bit of sugar is a wonderful treat but it should be just that...a treat. There are studies that state that sugar causes aging (wrinkles, degeneration of cells, and dental problems even at our ages).  Fat is necessary but not a lot. Eat more vegetables, fruit and true grain. A bit of protein is also important but not exclusively to a meal.  You eat better, you feel better and you look even better -- glowing, lighter and energetic. (I recently gave up Splenda because I had a lot of headaches and body aches, read what it was made of and decided it just wasn't worth it. Now I use just a little Stevia and am ache free.)



5.  Clean out your closet.  But not only to get rid of things you no longer want to wear but more importantly, get rid of your "fat" clothes. Every woman has some fat clothes (clothes she keeps for when she might gain weight again).  Don't plan on that! It is okay to have some "skinny" clothes, however.  They can serve as goal clothes.  Something to look forward to.  And try them on at least once a month to see how you are progressing.


6.  Clean out your make up stash. Now is a great time to purge old mascara, lipstick, brushes and all those make up bases you bought.  Clip some coupons and go buy some new stuff.  Remember that powder is not kind to wrinkles and shadows. Moisturizers are critical to blending your make up. Good cosmetic and hair brushes are so important to maintain and use. Don't buy a lot of colors - women "of a certain age" don't need all those colors for eyes, blush and lips to attract attention; we use our personalities, wit and wisdom which are all priceless.  Be conservative but have fun with your make up.


7.  Wear good quality clothes in basic colors that fit you well.  Buy great stylish shoes and handbags.  Accessorize with beautiful jewelry and watches.  Stand tall and straight. Walk with purpose with your head up and a pleasant expression (Mom wasn't wrong when she said "If you keep making that face, you'll end up looking like that all the time!").


  


8.  Be grateful every single day.  It shows as how you treat others, it shows on your face and on how you dress.There are many people who don't have your blessings (you might want to give some of your time or money to those less fortunate, as well).  Keep a list of your blessings.  Maybe you can buy a little journal and write, daily, one thing you are grateful for.  You will be amazed at all gifts you are given.


I am grateful for each of you who read this blog.  Thank you and I wish you a year of joy and fashion.

Until next week, I remain,

Stylistically yours,


Sooz