Fashion Over 50: Monthly Style Tip for February

February is a fun time for a style tip or two.  It is the month when, no matter how low the temperatures are, stores begin to show their early lines for warmer weather.  So, my tip is to get out and see what is new in your favorite places; try them on; step out of your box a bit, and begin to have fun with clothing you will wear throughout spring and summer.

Before I comment on this look…it was a windy, humid morning and my photographer (my husband) was not going to wait long to get pics, so…it is definitely a bad hair day.  But, you also might think this outfit is not really out of Pam’s wheelhouse.  If you have been a reader from the beginning of this blog, you know I am not that much of a fan of frilly, feminine, lace clothing.  However, I was out and about recently and stopped by my favorite Chico’s.  This outfit on the mannequin caught my attention.

When I walked up closer to the blouse, I saw this lovely sleeve on it.  That day, the beautiful feminine details spoke to me.  So, I tried it on.

That was when I knew, it would be a great addition to my wardrobe…for work and for casual wear.  I did not own a white blouse that looked anything like this…for me, it was out of my box and I am so glad I tried it on.

Go by your favorite place, and pick out 3-4 items which are different from what you usually try…then go see what you think in the mirror.  Remember, before you buy, the clothing should send the messages you desire to send about you with your clothes, and they should fit well.  Take time in the mirror and ask yourself about the look…that way there are less chances you will need to return it.  Be careful about buying just because it is different, the garment still should be you and say what you want to say.  Do not allow anyone to make you feel rushed.  Shopping really should take time and rushing the process often leads to either wasted money or wasted time to return something.

Has anyone else recently bought something which was a new direction and a step out of your normal comfort zone?  Please share your experience and tell us how it went.

Saturday is Would You Wear It?? And soon I will introduce you to a new brand which is lots of fun!

Happy February and…….

KEEP SMILING, EVERYONE!

 

Linking up with Fashion Can Be Fun Friday…..

22 Comments

  1. Oh Pam! That blouse!!! That is just gorgeous and perfect in every way. I think the first way I’d wear it would be with jeans, I love that contrast with lace and denim. But also to work, just everywhere! What a find!! I often try on things that are not typical of what I think I’d wear, and I find that just as often I like the new-to-me look! It’s kind of fun to mix things up. I do this especially with my more casual clothes. I really like the clutch you are holding in the first picture!

  2. It was a find…I was so pleased when I tried it on, Karen! It is beautiful and I can do so much with it. The clutch is from a local boutique, Andie & Barbara. One of my favorite places to go in San Antonio. It is important we get out and see what is there. Online shopping is so great in many ways, but I highly recommend getting out to just see what is there, shop and try on. Makes a difference!

  3. Love that jacket you are wearing! The blouse and long vest are gorgeous — subtle and feminine details! I’ve been wearing a few more frilly items lately. It wasn’t a look I wore before, but as long as the frills are low-key I can wear them.

  4. That is exactly how I feel, Beth. I can take low key frills. This is a wool-blend jacket I have owned for several years. One of the reasons I love it when the cold weather comes for us! Thanks so much…

  5. What Chico’s do you like best in San Antonio? They have so many designs it is hard to keep up. The blouse is pretty.

  6. I really love going to Chicos at Alamo Quarry Market, and occasionally I stop by the one in The Villages of Stone Oak at TPC Parkway and 281N. If you go to the Quarry, tell Hector I sent you over!! The mannequin here is from the Quarry store.

  7. I like the outfit. Not usually a vest gal, but like this long version. I’m dealing with a lung infection in cold, gray Ohio so last night I “self-medicated” with an online shopping trip for a couple of Spring mix & matches. Bright Yellow, Classic Navy and Kelly Green. Preppy is still my go-too. Took advantage of a 25% discount offer, my 15% birthday coupon and $125 in rewards. I feel much better now LOL.

  8. Good for you, Nina. Now you have something to look forward to for the beginning of spring. I hope you feel better soon…take care of yourself.

  9. I love the look of the blouse, but I would end up buying it and never wearing it. I think you are so right about shopping taking time and really thinking about how a piece will fit into the wardrobe. I’ve fallen into a habit of only shopping at Chico’s, and I love their stuff, but I think I need to branch out a bit, and see what else is out there.

  10. Dear Pam,
    Thank you for your sage advice. I love the blouse. I recently purchased the Chico’s Wheat Mesh Jacket that you show, the first among the Chico’s items. It was not what I would usually buy, but reading today’s blog and seeing the attached photo convinced me that it was a keeper. I am going to order the matching tank.
    Best,
    Martha

  11. Happy Friday, Pamela. I love your wind blown hair look. The lace on that blouse looks stunning! I love Chico’s. I had to go in there and return an item yesterday, and I could have gone nuts trying on clothes, but my husband was waiting outside and in a hurry to be gone. That being said, he is the one who has convinced me to look outside the box and try on things that I usually would pass over. He really has an eye for what looks attractive on a woman, and I have gotten many compliments on items he has chosen for me.

  12. Stepping out of our tried and true comfort zones can often have great results. It doesn’t hurt to go out and see. Give yourself a fun day to do some looking around.

  13. Great Martha! Sometimes we need to just see it a different way. I ordered a couple of tanks last year to go with the jackets I got there…I love those tanks and have them in several colors.

  14. You are a lucky a woman,Kathy. Many women would love to have that type of positive input….he sounds like a keeper!

  15. Love your blouse and it’s feminine in just the right way.The colour looks like a soft white,which I love.
    I’m going to try your idea of picking out items I wouldn’t normally wear and see how I go.I used to have a great shop in my town where the sales ladies always picked out the right things for me and were not pushy,but sadly they closed a year ago due to the popularity of online shopping.I miss them but I definitely should explore more.I love Kathy’s comment about her helpful husband,as my husband is the same and maybe I should take him out shopping with me .I’d need to bribe him though, as he would get impatient!

  16. I was too shy to wear a boho ecru lace duster with fringe I bought from Chicos last summer. (My style is classic) Then I saw you wear it! That’s when I decided to keep it and just have fun with it. Thanks for the inspiration!

  17. You are welcome Anne. I will be wearing it soon as the weather warms up. It’s a fun piece!

  18. That is sad, Julie. I love both types of shopping, but going into the stores is my favorite. Good customer service is everything. One of the reasons I like our Chicos in my town…the customer service is excellent and it is always fun. I hope boutiques and bookstores can survive.

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