Posts Tagged ‘fashion-style’
Fashion Tips: Dress to Look Young
Dress to look young? Well think about it, how are you normally dressed? How do you normally present yourself to others? Unknowingly, a lot of us have been wearing clothes that made us appear older than we actually are, especially due to the nature of our work.
To maintain a youthful look, a lot of women have invested heavily on skin care products. Many at times neglecting the very basic, the clothing they wore everyday, the way they are dressed. Some due to their profession didn’t even realize that all these while; they are actually dressing to look old! Anti-ageing cream simply won’t just do magic to them.
To look young and pretty isn’t really that difficult. All you need is to spend a little time & effort, giving yourself a little touch up.
Tips:
Try out a new hairstyle. Visit a hairdresser, they will be able to advise and styled your hair to suit you, bringing out that radiant in you.
If you are still wearing glasses, why not give it a try with contact lens? You can have excellent peripheral vision and at the same time, ease, comfort and convenience. Not forgetting to mention, a more youthful look. Don’t you love the way you naturally look without your glasses?
Put on some light makeup to help lift your face, bringing out that natural beauty in you. Do however avoid too heavy a makeup; a heavy eye makeup tends to add ages to the look.
Try out new styles; add a little color to your daily wear. Yes, appropriate dressing for work is important, especially when your job involves frequent meeting with clients. But still, that doesn’t mean that you have to stick to the same old boring dull clothing everyday. Well, as long as they are not too short, too tight, too revealing and too bright, you can still have fun with mixing and matching while maintaining your professional image.
For instance, instead of the usual dull black pants & skirt, you can also go for a Glencheck Pants, Ice Blue Cotton Flare Leg Pants, a Pink Stretch Twill Pencil Skirt, White Pleated knee Skirt?
Matching them with Yellow Stretch Corduroy Belted Blouse, Mint Chiffon V-neck Blouse, a White, Blue & Red Stripe Button Front Shirt? Perhaps even a Blue Dot Capsleeve Jersey Dress?
Many work place, has nonetheless also adopted the idea of a Casual Friday. A printed tee with faded stretch denim jean? Why Not? Well and of course not forgetting the weekends. A Sporty & Youthful look? It’s your weekend you call the shots!
Hmm? Save the best for the last? Well, there’s no need to wait for any special occasion to doll yourself up. You deserve to look your best everyday. Last but not least, put on a smile?
Rick Valens is a freelance writer for Fashion-In-Style, bringing to you new fashion ideas & lifestyle. Visit now: http://www.fashion-in-style.com/
NOTE: You’re free to republish this article on your website, in your newsletter, in your e-book or in other publications provided that the article is reproduced in its entirety, including the author information and all live website link as above.
Plus Size Fashion Tips: What?s Hot this Summer
The sun is sizzling, and so will you this season! A lot of trendy, fun and colourful styles are in fashion at the moment: follow our guide which highlights what’s hot in the plus size fashion scene for summer 2005.
This summer it’s all about the subtle touches that give an outfit that extra something. Try and put in a touch of glitter into your style to give yourself some allure and shine.
Halters are back in girls. Do not feel shy to expose those shoulders! Just make sure you are protected with a good sun-protection lotion, this is very important ladies. Spin around in trendy summer styles by mixing and matching up different items with halter-neck tops. You can see a good example of a perfect colored halter top at Torrid.com: in stock at the moment they have a brown halter-neck, which can be easily matched up with a pair of jeans, trousers, skirt or capris pants!
Green is a particularly popular colour this season, so go for chocolate, gold and forestry colors which can easily be matched with green.
Accessories should be an important part of your wardrobe this season also: be ready to stock up on some fun, exotic and feathery earrings, necklaces and bracelets. What’s very popular are peacock feather earrings.
And don’t forget those trendy pair of metal sunglasses! Besides protecting your eyes from the blazing sun, I think sunglasses are a vital part of a summer outfit, as they complete a look and style. Retro and metal styled sunglasses are sizzling hot this season.
Maya Matthew is the resident writer at http://www.pasazz.net, the plus size clothing directory. A plus size women herself, Maya strives to provide plus size ladies with fashion and lifestyle tips and ideas. Please visit the plus size clothing directory at at http://www.pasazz.net to read more articles.
The Pearl Necklace — A Timeless Beauty
It has been said that of all the pieces of jewelry in the world, a pearl necklace is the only thing that a woman should not be without. And that’s no wonder, for a pearl necklace is the embodiment of classic sophistication and timeless elegance. It goes with a variety of outfits, from casual day wear to formal evening attire. And depending on the type of pearl and color, there are various pearl necklace styles suitable for the very young, those enjoying their golden years, and almost everyone else in the middle.
The price of a pearl necklace depends on the quality of its pearls. Saltwater pearls are generally more expensive than freshwater ones, which are cultured. The sheen and the thickness of the pearls’ nacre also affect the price, as well as the size and roundness of the pearls themselves. Pearl necklaces of various colors are available on the market. Smaller pearls in light hues of blue or pink are usually more suitable for young children, while the creamier, ivory-toned pearls are preferred by older women. Jewelry pieces made from black pearls are very, very expensive, since these pearls are so rare.
According to Chinese folklore, pearls are the tears of a dragon. In Roman mythology, they are the tears of Venus. Jewelry designers, in their tireless efforts to do justice to the legendary beauty of these gems, have been adding their own twists to the pearl necklace. Aside from the classic strand, the pearls used in necklaces are sometimes set in gold, silver or platinum. Some designers also mix pearls with other gems to create a unique effect. Extra ornaments, such as charms or a brooch, can also be attached to a pearl necklace to give it a personalized flair.
Caring for a pearl necklace does not involve a lot of fuss. The most advisable thing to do is to wear it often, because if it’s stored away for long periods of time, it will dry up and lose its sheen. The body’s natural oils will keep the pearls looking lustrous and fresh. It’s also important to avoid having the pearls come in contact with substances such as hair spray or body lotion, since these can also adversely affect the pearls’ condition.
The popularity of the pearl necklace has never waned both among ordinary people and society’s elite. The quintessential fashion plate, Jackie Kennedy, had a passion for pearls; so does actress Maria Berenson. Other celebrities often photographed wearing pearl necklaces are Michelle Pfeiffer, Sophia Loren, Jennifer Lopez and Paris Hilton. The versatility of pearls is such that fashion experts are even predicting an increase in the number of men who will start wearing pearl-accented dress accessories. For now, however, there is very little to surpass the elegance of the sight of a pearl necklace gracing the neckline of a woman, whether she’s a celebrity or not.
Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com
The Marc Jacobs Handbag is a Reflection of Style and Sophistication
The Marc Jacobs handbag is a reflection of style and sophistication. Marc Jacobs has become one of the most popular and influential handbag designers in the fashion world. Marc’s ability to create an exceptional designer handbag has launched him into fashion’s fast lane making Marc Jacobs handbags a hot commodity.
Marc Jacobs seems to have the ability to know what type of handbag people will want before they know they want it. Thanks to this gift he possesses, Marc has become one of the world’s hottest and hippest handbag designers. You will become a part of the fashion haute couture when you sport your famous Marc Jacobs designer handbag, and all eyes will be on you! Isn’t this what every woman wants?!!
There are so many cutting edge designs in the Marc Jacobs designer handbag collection, so it may be difficult for you to settle on just one Marc handbag. But who says you have to settle on just one?! You can never have too many handbags in your closet! The different seasons also bring out new handbag styles, so you should always check in to see Marc Jacob’s latest creations. Having a few purses to rotate through each season is a good idea, but having a purse to match each outfit is an even better idea!!!
Being the owner of a Marc Jacobs bag you get the feeling of prestige and notoriety. Best of all though, is you get to sport one of the most fashionable designer handbags in the world!
Chris Rodriguez is the author/publisher for http://www.a-designer-handbag.com
Visit her sight to discover a wealth of information on your favorite brand name designer handbags such as Gucci, Coach, Prada, Chanel, and many more
Public Awareness of Conflict Diamonds Increases – What You Must Know About This Important Issue
Both Hollywood and the rap industry are promoting a diamond term more serious than “ice” or “bling.” In a world where looks are everything, and the jewelry worn by a star is envied and emulated by peers and fans alike, a movement is emerging that raises awareness of a serious issue ? the importation of conflict diamonds.
Also referred to as blood diamonds, conflict diamonds are those which have been stolen and sold over bloodshed to finance rebel African armies in regions of unrest. These diamonds can easily get lost in the shuffle and work their way into the mainstream diamond supply ? a great source of concern for the world. Broad based awareness, aided by the entertainment industry in recent months, is the first step to fighting this problem.
Warner Brothers tackles the conflict diamond issue in its upcoming film, The Blood Diamond, which might star Leonardo DiCaprio. The plot explores the intertwined lives of a conflict diamond smuggler and a Sierra Leone farmer whose son vanishes into an army of child soldiers.
Rapper Kanye West also denounces conflict diamonds in his new single “Diamonds From Sierra Leone: “Little was known of Sierra Leone, And how it connect to the diamonds we own, How? when I know of the blood diamonds, Though it’s thousands of miles away, Sierra Leone connect to what we go through today.”
While the entertainment industry assists with increasing public awareness of conflict diamonds, reputable jewelers are already knowledgeable about and have been fighting against conflict diamonds for years. Neustaedter’s Fine Jewelry in St. Louis has been dedicated to the issue for decades and is committed to educating the public.
Conflict Diamonds: Products of Bloodshed with a Centuries-Old History
According to the Global Policy Forum, conflict diamonds date back to the early 1900s when European entrepreneurs gained control of diamond mines by instigating wars between African tribes. Over a hundred years later, conflict diamonds are still affecting the lives of people throughout Africa.
You might be astounded that over 3.7 million people in Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola have died in diamond-related wars. About 6.5 million people in these nations have lost their homes during the wars.
How do conflict diamonds play a role in these wars? Rebel armies, many composed of child soldiers, kill miners and steal the diamonds which are sold on the black market to fund their weapons and other illegal activities. Oftentimes the conflict diamonds are traded and routed through neighboring countries through many middlemen, making it hard to trace their origins.
How the Government Regulates the Importation of Diamonds
Fortunately, many nations are trying to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds. Ratified by 52 countries in 2002, Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) “is a voluntary system that imposes requirements on participants to certify that shipments of rough diamonds are conflict-free,” according to Amnesty International USA.
In 2003, President George W. Bush signed the Clean Diamond Trade Act into law, creating restrictions on the importation of rough diamonds from Sierra Leone into the United States. The act strictly prohibits the importation of rough diamonds from Liberia into the U.S. The Clean Diamond Trade Act also bolsters KPCS by requiring an annual review of anyone in the U.S. who issues KPCS certificates.
But both the KPCS and the Clean Diamond Trade Act have loopholes through which conflict diamonds can pass undetected. Some organizations, including the Global Policy Forum, believe that the KPCS-established World Diamond Council is not monitoring the issue well enough and that many nations have done a poor job of applying KPCS.
Despite its strong implications, the Clean Diamond Trade Act does not require the inspection of sealed diamond containers. The law only calls for U.S. customs to review and record information on a form that accompanies the import. This can lead to false documentation, including inconsistencies between the form and the actual contents. Organizations like Amnesty International USA believe that occasional random checks should be performed on diamond imports to better regulate the industry.
The Diamond Industry Takes a Proactive Stand
De Beers, who controls over 60 percent of the world’s diamonds, has performed many measures to help control this issue. The company has entirely embargoed diamonds from Angola and stopped purchasing diamonds from Liberia and Sierra Leone almost 20 years ago. De Beers only sells diamonds from its own mines, most of which are located in South Africa and Botswana, and provides guarantees that all of its diamonds are conflict-free.
Aside from De Beers, the diamond industry in general has a self-regulatory system that issues warranties for conflict-free diamonds. This system is a result of KPCS, which allows the government to trace your diamond back to its untainted origins.
Your Important Role
All of these regulations mean that you don’t have to worry about conflict diamonds, right? Wrong. Neustaedter’s Fine Jewelry encourages customers to ask jewelers the following questions when purchasing diamonds:
What countries do your diamonds come from?
Do not buy a diamond from areas of conflict in Africa, namely Angola, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone. Even if the jeweler says that the diamonds are from safe regions, most jewelers cannot trace their diamonds’ origins since they travel through three to 15 middlemen.
Instead, people should look for jewelers with direct connections to the mines and cutting facilities. For example, Neustaedter’s conducts business directly with Festdiam, the prestigious Diamond Trading Company sightholder. This means that Neustaedter’s knows exactly where each of its diamonds comes from.
Have you visited the mines and cutting facilities that produce your diamonds?
A trip to the diamond mines allows the jeweler to personally observe how their diamonds are mined and how the workers are treated. As one of six American jewelers recently invited by De Beers to visit Bultfontein Mine in South Africa, co-owners Richard and Jacqueline Neustaedter received the piece of mind they needed, knowing that their diamonds are mined and cut in a safe, humane environment.
Do you have a conflict-free diamond certificate?
The most reputable jewelers provide customers with written guarantees or display certificates in their stores that attest to the non-conflict origins of the jewels. Without authentic and written certification, you will not know if a jeweler’s diamonds are conflict-free.
While many important steps have been taken in recent years to end the distribution of conflict diamonds, we must all continue to play an active role in their elimination by educating ourselves. Patronize jewelers who are committed to combating conflict diamonds, and who can prove that they are taking steps to help end this tragic situation.
Jay Heiseler is the Operations Manager at Neustaedter’s Fine Jewelry, a South St. Louis County jewelry store. Owned by Richard and Jacqueline Neustaedter, the firm has over 42 years experience in the jewelry industry. The Neustaedter’s belong to the American Gem Society, a group dedicated to the highest industry standards which accepts less than 1% of the country’s jewelers. For more information on Neustaedter’s Fine Jewelry visit http://www.wowdiamonds.com
Angelo Carbotti Handbag Line Karen
As some of you might already know Angelo Carbotti handbags are designed and made in Italy. Pelletteria Carbotti was established in Martina Franca around 1950. It is one of the most appreciated Italian manufacturers of high-quality handbags for ladies.
The latest addition to their ever changing collection is the Karen Line. This handbag Line exists out of three models: 1051, 1052 and 1053.
*Model 1051 is one of the coolest handbags of the fabulous Carbotti collection: a trendy model made of very fine chamois leather with nice inserts in printed python patterns. The buckle has an original reel mechanism, enriched by Swarovski-like gems.A very stylish model offering a gorgeous look for both ceremony and special events. The shape is like an envelope. The size is (in cm): 30×15×6. This model comes in six colors: Dark Brown, Black, All Printed Python Dark Brown, Suede Camel – Printed Python Brown, Printed Python Black – Brown and Trend Calfskin – Printed Python Brown.
*Model 1052 has an moon like shape. The size is (in cm): 30×28×4. This model comes in three colors: Dark Brown, Black and Olive Green – Green.
*Model 1053 has an rectangular like shape. The size is (in cm): 40×21×8. This model comes in four colors: Dark Brown, Black, Olive Green – Green and Medium Brown – Dark Brown.
The great care for each product makes Carbotti bags a “cult” of craftsmanship and “Made in Italy” design. Unmatched quality and the use of the finest materials are the main distinctive features of Carbotti’s handbags.
Frank Heymans is a leather goods professional, feeling the pulse of fashion with every season that passes. You can visit his website: http://www.hegatrading.com if you like to get more info on Carbotti handbags.
Sunglasses Options are Plentiful
Protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays is very important if you are spending any time outdoors. Even days that are hazy or dull require protection for our eyes. Here are a few considerations.
Sunglasses come in a bewildering array of choices; never have there been so many options to select from. With all the variety you’ll want to know ahead of time what the differences are between tinted, reflective, photochromic and polarizing lenses. Of course the style of frame and size of lenses will be obvious differences when shopping for sunglasses. It will also be important to know exactly what purpose you’ll be using your sunglasses.
Sunglasses allow for us to see easier in the bright light. Some glasses protect against ultraviolet (UV) rays while reducing glare and giving protection from physical damage that may be caused to the eyes. Everyone is at risk for sun related eye problems. People who spend long hours in the sun during work or outdoor activity are at higher risk, than someone who is working indoors all day long. Other people may be at higher risk of eye damage if they are on certain medications such as; tetracycline, birth control pills, diuretics and sulfa drugs.
Ultraviolet light can damage both the cornea and retina, so with a good pair of sunglasses the UV can be eliminated from entering the eye completely. Whatever sunglasses you select they should provide the most possible UV protection possible. It’s good to find a pair of glasses that block the sun from all angles, best achieved with a large framed pair that wrap around the face. Purchase sunglasses that block both the UVA and UVB rays, your lenses should indicate this when buying them, if they don’t specify what protection is offered it is best not to buy them. On top of wearing sunglasses it is a good idea to wear a wide brimmed hat.
Manufacturers use different colors of tints to produce specific results for a variety of sunglasses needs. The color of the tint will determine the parts of the light spectrum that will be completely absorbed by the sunglasses. Yellow or gold tints reduce there opposite color, which is blue while allowing other lights to pass through. Blue lights tend to create a glare otherwise known as blue haze. Gray tints are generally used as an all- purpose tints reducing the overall brightness with the least amount of color distortion. The gray lenses are a good lens for general use and driving. Brownish and amber tints are another example of good all-purpose glasses. They reduce glare, absorbing blue and UV rays. Blue and violet have been shown to contribute to cataract formation. Purple and rose tints are great choices for water sports or golfing as they offer contrast of objects against a blue or green background. Green tints are another popular option as they absorb some blue light while reducing glare.
To recognize a pair of reflective sunglasses they will be the pair with the mirrored look. Reflective sunglasses use a reflective coating called a half-silvered surface as it is applied in a very sparse, thin layer. The reason the process is called half-silvered is because the reflective molecules applied over the glass is distributed evenly but only half the glass is covered because of the speckled process. Thus the surface will reflect only about half the light striking the surface, letting the other half go through the glasses. Many styles of mirrored glasses come in gradient forms that have additional protection on the top part of the glasses with less protection at the bottom of the lenses. Mirrored sunglasses are unfortunately easily scratched so extra caution must be used to keep them protected.
Both sunglasses and prescription eyeglasses that darken when exposed to the sun are known as photochromic (or photochromatic) sunglasses. The special lenses work by using a chemical reaction with the UV radiation. The lenses have millions of molecules of substances such as silver halide or silver chloride. When the lenses are exposed to UV rays from the sunlight, the molecules embedded in the lenses undergo a chemical reaction causing them to absorb light thus darkening.
Without the UV light, the lenses go back to their original state, it should be noted that the lenses would not darken in the car as the windshield block out most of the ultraviolet light. Most of the photochromic lenses do however have a bit of tint included in them, so they will still work while driving.
It helps to know a bit about polarization to understand why polarized sunglasses work. Polarization happens when radiation, especially light through being transmitted, scattered, refracted or reflected is restricted to vibrate in only one particular direction, it can occur both naturally and artificially. An example of natural polarization is when you look at the ocean or a lake, the glare off the surface is a result of the light that did not make it through the filter of water, therefore you cannot see below the surface. What polarized lenses does is allows the vertically polarized light to enter from most horizontal surfaces such as highways and water. A good test to see whether sunglasses are polarized or not is to find a reflective surface and with the glasses in front of the surface you want to view, slowly rotate the glasses checking to see if the glare diminishes, if it does the glasses are polarized. Photographers often use special polarized lenses atop their ordinary lenses to avoid unnecessary glare from surfaces.
There are a few extra features of sunglasses that will add to the quality of your lenses. Scratch-resistant coating is achieved by applying a thin durable film on the surface of the lenses; this extends the life and safety of your glasses, as it’s almost impossible to wear a pair of glasses with a scratch on them while trying to see properly. Anti-reflective coating reduces what is known as back-glare, a result of light hitting the back of the sunglasses and bouncing into the eyes. Lastly the most popular coating is the ultraviolet or UV coating. Some of the most serious of eye problems can be linked to UV light, both UVA and UVB. A good UV coating on your sunglasses will eliminate UV radiation, it is important to check that your glasses filter out one hundred percent of both UVA and UVB, there should be a label on your sunglasses stating this information.
Sunglasses come in a myriad of design, color choices and styles. Popular designers offer glasses in prescription, men’s, women’s, sports and junior varieties. A suggestion when purchasing sunglasses is to try and select a pair that blocks the light from all angles, preferably one that wraps all the way around the face, this is if you want the ultimate eye protection. Of course with all the choices available you’ll most importantly select sunglasses that block both the UVA and UVB radiation in a style that provides comfort and the right fit.
Whatever sunglasses you decide on wearing you will feel safer knowing you are eliminating harmful rays from entering you’re eyes. By properly taking care of your eyes you can hopefully avoid problems such as cataracts, cancer of the eye or photokeratitis (sunburn of the retina) and macular degeneration, (which is the leading cause of blindness in people over 65). Paying a little extra for a pair of sunglasses with one hundred percent protection is a smart investment.
Valerie Giles owns and operates Best Sunglasses Online, a sunglasses site showcasing an extensive selection of discount sunglasses, designer sunglasses, aviator sunglasses and prescription sunglasses. Find all the top name brands. http://www.best-sunglasses-online.com
The accompanying article is copyrighted. It may be reproduced only if the hyperlinks here are left intact.
Discover These Fashion Secrets for Your Professional Success!
Do you want to be taken seriously at work? A good way to do this is dressing well. I will try and help you by sharing these secrets that are proven winners.
The aim of dressing for work is to come across as competent, secure, professional and polished. A basic fashion instruction is, if the piece of clothing is distracting then its usually inappropriate for work.
Jewelry that jangles is distracting. It should be avoided. Some people can pull it off, but it is usually a no-no. Some handbags look too relaxed. Always go for a handbag that sends the message, “I’m effective and organized”.
Remember the golden rule for fashion. The DETAILS. A nicely kept image is what you are looking for. Choose manicured nails, scuff-free, polished shoes, neat and stylish hair that’s not too artsy for the workplace. Spend more for a tailored suit. People are impressed when they see a well-formed suit that projects a fabulous image. Designer labels are appropriate for work, but don’t broadcast them. They will look very cluttered and it screams out that you’re desperate for attention when you wear too many logos.
Try to get fashion ideas from your boss. Dress like them. If you’re boss dresses fairly conservatively, go for a similar look, with your own type of style. If they dress liberally with an artsy edge, hop in for a similar look. Always dress so you have your own personal touch, but don’t veer to far from what they have accepted in the office.
Never dress to sexy, too casual, or too lazy, this includes denim, see-through clothing, shorts, wrinkled clothing. Have fun with your look at work, you can experiment with these kinds of clothes elsewhere very often, so get some clothes that are comfortable and make you look like a million dollars.
Do you want to learn how to develop your own style? Visit Fashion Annual and go through our archives of fashion tips.
Fashion After 40
With so many designers and trends targeting the svelte body of the twenty-something, is it possible to look fashionable as the years pass and your body begins to tell the tale?
Absolutely!
In fact, with a little ingenuity and sleigh-of-hand, it’s easy to be fashionable and stylish regardless of how many candles are on your birthday cake.
Now let’s be frank: unless you work out religiously, you probably don’t have the same body at 40, 50, or 60 that you did at 25. Time, gravity, and pregnancy all take their toll on the female body, as does menopause. And when you mix a mature body with fashions obviously made for a younger person, it can lead to self-doubt, frustration, and confusion.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Getting older also means getting wiser, and like a fine bottle of wine, you’re improving with age. So you don’t have the same body as those twenty-somethings you see in magazines or on TV. So what? Would you REALLY trade everything you’ve learned since your twenties for the body you had back then? Probably no sooner than you’d like to re-live puberty, thank you very much.
So how can you be fashionable without wearing all those body-conscious clothes so en vogue these days? By remembering the “3 C’s” when you dress: clean, classic, and coverage.
CLEAN
Clean lines create a clean silhouette which makes the body appear more youthful by skimming the trouble spots instead of calling attention to them. Complicated cuts, seams, and details usually call for a killer body to pull off, so if you haven’t got it, steer clear of those styles.
CLASSIC
Classic styles are called classic because they remain in style year after year. Why? Because they look good on so many bodies! Sheathes, A-line skirts, flat front pants – all tend to flatter a variety of shapes. What’s more, because they remain in style year after year, classics are easier on the budget than trends.
COVERAGE
Covering appropriately is the key to aging gracefully. If your upper arms, thighs, and décolletage have all seen better days, it’s time to cover them up a bit instead of sharing the wear-and-tear with the world. Now I’m not talking about draping yourself in a tent for the rest of your life. Far from it. I’m talking about wearing short sleeves instead of going sleeveless, Capris instead of shorts, and modest necklines instead of plunging necklines.
Now I know that covering up the parts that used to turn heads and draw envy can be tough to take for some women. Which is precisely why beautiful jewelry and fine fabrics are the revenge tools of choice for many well-dressed mature women.
So your bustline isn’t as perky as your twenty-something daughter or granddaughter. So what? Add a beautiful necklace and draw envious glances from women of all ages. Don’t have the same backside you did as a teen? Encase it in a fine fabric and see how many men go out of the way to hold the door open for you. People will look where you focus their attention, so use that knowledge to redirect their interest to the parts you want them to see.
Or, as actress Cybil Shepard once said, “I like to flaunt what I have left.”
Don’t flip through fashion magazines and bemoan the fact that you don’t look like the models. Instead, look at the various fashion elements to determine what will and won’t work for you. Are printed scarves all the rage this year? Grab a few and be trendy. Are mini skirts the style of choice? Pass and bank your money.
See how easy this is?
“A woman has the age she deserves,” Coco Chanel once said. You don’t have to go under cover and dress “like a little old lady” just because that’s what your mother or grandmother did. You’re your own person.
If you remember to dress in clean lines and classic styles and cover appropriately, you can still be fashionable – AND draw long, lingering glances from handsome men — whatever your age. And if THAT doesn’t make you feel like a blushing girl again, then honey, nothing I can say will!
Diana Pemberton-Sikes is a wardrobe and image consultant and author of “Wardrobe Magic,” an ebook that shows women how to transform their unruly closets into workable, wearable wardrobes.
Visit her online at http://www.fashionsavvy.com.
