Fashion Over 50: Discussing My Comfort Zone

I miss WHAT NOT TO WEAR…I did not realize how much until I was on a treadmill recently and the woman in front of me was watching an episode while she ran.  My TV wasn’t working and I practically fell off the track attempting to watch her monitor!  I started to watch Stacy & Clinton when I realized I needed help several years ago.

It was tough at first. I believed every episode was about me!  But eventually I began to apply what I learned and it helped me to make the changes I desired.  They gave me courage to try some things outside of my comfort zone; yet, keep it under control.
I realize the shows offended some and there are many who did not like the style of communication…but I was one of those who needed a slap in the face….a wake up call!  They helped me to discover me again…and it has been such fun.

Before I watched their show, I never would have tried these snake print leggings.  But, I am so glad I did…I really like them.  Nor would I have worn two necklaces at once…this is a fun way to mix things up a bit.  

They were my first fashion trainers and I will always be grateful.  I think what I would like to do this month and into next is occasionally share with you what I learned and still practice today.  

There is so much fashion hyperbole out there…I want to go back to what helps real women, off the runways, and in their every day lives.  A few specific tips can help increase confidence and joy.  I know it did for me.

Did anyone else watch WHAT NOT TO WEAR?  If so, what lesson did you practice most often?

Today’s outfit includes:

Snake print leggings from SOFT SURROUNDINGS

Tunic recently purchased on clearance at CHICOS

Keep Smiling!


Linking up with TURNING HEADS LINK UPFASHION SHOULD BE FUN LINK UP





24 Comments

  1. Fun leggings! I think a lot of us aren't looking for hard-and-fast rules, but rather guidelines that help us put together a workable wardrobe. That's hard to find these days!

  2. Yes!!! What Not To Wear was my Friday night ritual! I LOVED that show! I didn't know there were reruns still on… I can see why they were sometimes criticized for being too tough, but I loved seeing how people got stuck in a rut. They wore the same type of clothing over and over, and many had been wearing the same things for years. It made me really question what I was wearing…

    You look fabulous, Pam! I really like the two necklaces together.

  3. I loved What Not to Wear too — I think I have seen every episode. I learned so much from Stacy and Clinton. One of my favorite rules is that you can wear colors together that you find grouped together in the crayon box. That helped me stop trying to match and start wearing colors that go.

  4. I really miss that show! The thing I keep remembering, whenever I walk into a store, is "try it on!" Rather than assuming something won't work as I look at it on the hanger (or, "that's not me," or "that would never fit right") I now carry boatloads of stuff into the dressing room to actually see it on. I don't dither–when it's on, I can usually make a pretty fast judgment. But I often hear their voices in my head–talking about interesting details, structure, proportions, and so forth. Loved it!

  5. I know…the word RULES is such a turn off for some…I was able to take the show rules and turn them into my own guidelines!! It made such a difference for me. Thanks for stopping by, Susan!

  6. I was one of those people for most of my 40s, Andrea. I was stuck in an I-don't care-about-me rut. The show helped me get started digging my way out! Thank you for the kind words!

  7. Exactly,Sandy! Before WNTW, I would shop so quickly, without a plan. They taught me to take time and to try on everything before scoffing at it. Sometimes I still scoff…other times I say OH YEAH!

  8. I watched the show until they started jerking it all around the schedule and I never knew when it was on. So many of the participants were happy for the help once they got over the shock, others ambivalent, and a few I felt were being forced into the changes. As far as the style of communication – the editors were trying to stuff 3 days of work into an hour – of course they were going to put the bits in that made for "best TV" – the surprise, the catty comments, the parts about resisting change, a happy-ever-after (usually) reveal.

    My most constant disappointments with the show were – I suspect anyone can go to NYC and find clothes. I'd liked to have seen what they could do if forced to deal with offerings in smaller towns or catalog/internet ordering/returns. I wish they'd have had more diversity in the participants – most of them seemed to be under 45, petite, not very overweight and nearly all women. Where were the older, taller and heavier people? Why were eye glasses taken away? Why was the hair, esp. gray hair, always dyed?

    But I agree that they did get people to try what they normally wouldn't – colors, shapes, etc. And to shop with a plan. I know a couple of shows where they went back a year or two later to see how participants were doing, I wish they'd do that now that it's been 5-10 years for them.

  9. I was always able to take the meat of what they taught and apply it to my smaller market shopping. I learned things even when they styled younger women, and I was happy when they did body types similar to mine. I am like you, Gail, in one respect…I would love to see how some of those ladies are doing now. I also read Stacy London's book, The Truth About Style, and learned even more. She does makeovers for several different types in this book…it is very helpful.

  10. I never liked that the person being "made-over" was doing it at someone else's prompting rather than at their own choice to do so. However, the outcome was always wonderful and the transformation was amazing. Also, Stacey and Clinton were so gracious and so encouraging!! I learned a lot from that show and wish they'd bring back new episodes!

  11. You look terrific. Stacy and Clinton would be so proud! Wouldn't it be fantastic to have an update show to see how some of their clients evolved their looks? Adding in health and financial factors, work and social life would make for some great revisits for us uber fans of WNTW.

Comments are closed.