The Weekly Journal: Fashion over 50 tips, Kitchen Update and More

Shirtdress from H & M on Over 50 Feeling 40

Happy Friday, everyone, and welcome to The Weekly Journal, where I have been discussing all that happened or changed or is changing in my life since mid-March and today, I have style tips for fashion over 50 women, an update on my kitchen re-do and more.  I want to reach out to one specific reader with the intention of encouraging more of you since I believe she represents a large group.  So, let’s get going…

FASHION ENCOURAGEMENT FOR A READER

Meet Sheryl!  She is 63, obviously a grandmother, retired, active at the gym and with friends and family, and frustrated with shopping!  After we exchanged emails, she told me that she is between a size 14 and 16…and wishes there was a 15.  Her major frustration is fit and seeing too many boxy styles online which would make her look larger.  She wants a wardrobe of separates that all pair together nicely.  She is drawn to flowy styles, but they often do not work and she is drawn to the classics.  She shops most often at JJILL, Chicos, JC Penneys, Talbots and Coldwater Creek.

As a stylish retired woman, Sheryl wants to be seen as caring about her appearance and not as old. She wants others to think she follows age-appropriate trends.  Of course, I asked her to think about 5 Style Adjectives she would like to communicate with her clothing and she selected CONFIDENT, COMFORTABLE, YOUTHFUL, APPROACHABLE, and STYLISH.  The slideshow at the end of today’s post is dedicated to women like Sheryl who want to send those five messages.  

  1. My immediate advice is to make friends with your tape measure!  As we go forward and see more and more shopping going online, we need to have handy our current measurements.  Every brand fluctuates with sizing, so always check their sizing against your measurement list. Sheryl has a great figure and should be wearing clothing that fits and does not make her look larger than she is.
  2. I have said this often, but make sure you read the comments on garments you are drawn to.  So often you will learn if the sizing is off…too small or too large…or just right. Women are very good to tell us if we need to go down one of the oversized garments.  Of course, pay attention to return policies.
  3. Inventory your wardrobe and have a list of what you own, and where you would like to fill in the gaps.  Then make sure you do not purchase something unless you love it!  One more list, what do you feel most confident wearing and what makes that garment or outfit make you feel so good. This is a good time to toss what you don’t want in the inventory.
  4. Does your wardrobe reflect your personalty?  Know who you are.
  5. For those of us curvy ladies, learn how to elongate your look.  For example. V-necklines such as Sheryl is wearing; column dressing in your favorite neutral; long necklaces; and try not to wear outfits that cut you into blocks…one of the reasons to avoid shoes with ankle straps and to avoid styles like high/low hems which will make us appear larger from the back.
  6. Staying current does take away the “old” image, but also be careful not to look too young…that can backfire too.  There are always age appropriate ways to be in-style. I like that Sheryl loves classics…you just cannot go wrong with classic, chic styles.

 

FAST FASHION CAN HELP

I am not a huge advocate of inexpensive, fast fashion…but there is a time and place.  I recently found this Simple Shirtdress on H & M for $18!  It was worth it to me to give it a try and I really like the garment alot.  It is flowy and cool. Summer is a time when our clothing takes a beating from heat and sweat, so I tend to spend less on my summer style. I want something easy to wear and wash.  Today I am showing you how I have worn it as a long tunic (I received a compliment on that look on a video meeting!) and as a topper with a column of brown underneath.  The long necklace, open neckline, and column of color elongate the look.  I also love extra details and these leggings I purchased at Soft Surroundings about four years ago, have a fun little detail!  I know from Would You Wear It days that this is not a summer look for many of you, but we each of us should understand our colors and wear the colors we know work for us and that make us smile with confidence.

KITCHEN UPDATE

So many of you helped out when I was planning the do-over for my kitchen and someone did ask how it is going.  Well, it progressing…I am sure you know it takes time.  I have decided on countertop and cabinet and paint color…which you can see below.

For those who suggested, I paint the red walls with something lighter.  They will be antique white!  You guys rock with great advice.

PLEASE REMEMBER!

Pamela Lutrell and Goli

For those of you who have ordered GOLI through my link, you can always re-order with the same link.  These Apple Cider Vinegar gummies have really helped my digestive system immensely.  I am so grateful that I found them….a much better way to take it than try to stomach it right out of a bottle …or even burn your esophagus!  Yes, I do make a small commission and it is part of the assistance to keep this blog going.  You can find the link below by the picture. 

Salmon salad on over 50 feeling 40

Our favorite meal this week from Sun Basket was Burmese salmon salad with lemongrass and bell pepper.  They had me cook the salmon with coriander seeds and beet powder.  So good!  We are about to enter our fourth week of meal delivery from Sun Basket and we still like it! I like cooking dishes I have never done before.  The link is below if you want to check out a great, healthy eating meal delivery service.

 Now, here is the Fabulous Finds slideshows for women who want to be Confident, Comfortable, Youthful, Approachable, and Stylish…like Sheryl!  Sheryl mentioned wanting to camouflage the middle section, so I looked for styles which also would float out over that area so many of us do not wish to see!  Remember, tomorrow is Would You Wear It!

KEEP SMILING! 

JUST A NOTE:

Pamela Lutrell for Goli GummiesThere are several ways that I generate income through this blog in order to cover business expenses and give myself much needed income.  Purchases through the slideshow links is one way, ads on the page is one way and a new way is through ordering or re-ordering the GOLI Apple Cider Vinegar gummies through me with my GOLI LINK HERE.  Again, if you are not familiar with the benefits of apple cider vinegar, you should speak with your personal physician.  My husband and I are sold on the benefits and I am proud to represent this product.  I am going to leave this at the bottom of my posts so that when you, friends or family would like to order you can use my link.  Thanks for the support.  This is a great product; as well as, the ones below!

Mr. B and I love our meals from Sun Basket!

Sun Basket on Over 50 Feeling 40

 

Sun Basket is a delicious, easy, fun home delivery meal plan

 

My Complexion Loves Chamonix:

Chamonix on Over 50 Feeling 40

 

All natural, plant-cell technology skincare

 

By Pamela Lutrell

18 Comments

  1. The tips you listed for Sheryl are helpful for all of us, no matter our size, shape or age. I am so glad we can go into stores again. Even with knowing my measurements, online shopping can be very tricky. Even in a single store, we might need different sizes because of the cut of the garment. I honestly need to try on 99% of what I buy, and I have an aversion to returns, so while I have successfully bought online, it’s definitely not my preferred method of shopping. You’re right, reviews can be helpful. When I review something I’ve purchased, I always include my height and weight and figure type. We need to help each other out! I think Sheryl speaks for a lot of us with her adjectives! Your kitchen choices are beautiful Pam! You are going to love it!! Remodels can be so exciting and give us a lift! Cute dress too! I am always drawn to olive green! I mentioned yesterday about finding a sundress at the drugstore (that is super-fast fashion!) and while it probably won’t last, it was inexpensive and served its purpose!

  2. Like you, I find summer dressing challenging. I dislike pastels on me, and love to layer, so winter is better. I wear black and olive all year …. just keep the fabrics light and add the straw bag like you did. One trick: I’ve found the infinity scarves not too flattering with their high interest prints and rounded shape. I have been wearing them not doubled, and tie a big, soft knot right at the bottom (at the very edge … no little tail sticking out at the bottom). It makes a perfect v. I’ve noticed a lot of the teachers in my building copying it …imitation is sincere flattery :).

  3. I get a lot of mileage out of Chico’s Zenergy line. They are easy to wear and launder beautifully. Pieces can be mixed and matched and the bottoms are so basic any top that you love can usually be paired with them. Unfortunately, not many of the shirts in the line have a V neckline which is also my preference, but can usually achieve that by using a button shirt either as a jacket or as the top itself and buttoning to a V. Also, a lightweight jacket (climate allowing, of course) of vest can do the trick, while giving you even more pockets—-and the Zenergy line has the jackets (unlined) and vests in the basic colors.
    I can look coordinated and planned as I run about on errands or on long car trips. When I walk in to register at a hotel while wearing them on vacation, I don’t look as if I’ve been sitting all day—and if I add a bright scarf as I exit the car it looks even more put together and I have received compliments from front desk staff.

  4. I agree, it is a little tricky online…but I do believe the measurements help a lot. So, often there is risk with it though.

  5. Chico’s has really improved the Zenergy line and I agree there are great pieces there, Carol. I put some of them in the slideshow. I think the skorts and matching polo tops are perfect for an active, summer, retired look with a cute pair of sneakers!

  6. I wish online retailers would give actual garment measurements. I find that I can’t determine my best size from the comments.

    I have been binge watching “Queer Eye”. It seems counter-intuitive. but they always put people in smaller sizes and more fitted pieces.

    I’m getting new counter tops too! My kitchen is littered with little swatches!

  7. Hi Lily, the kitchen stuff is fun… isn’t it. Almost all sites have sizing and measurements on them. I would never recommend to go by comments alone! Just look at the top and you can find the sizing and measurement guidance. Thanks for being here.

  8. I love your Encouragement for a Reader section today! That would make a great regular feature. We’d all learn so much from it.

    While you’ve been choosing beautiful colours for your kitchen redo, we’ve been choosing colours too, but for the outside of our house. We’re have the roof reshingled, the siding replaced, and a small deck added to the front of our house this summer. Exciting!

  9. I think a lot of us have never gone by our measurements when we shop because the areas that are measured don’t match up with the clothes. Case in point: I Normally wear a size 2 petite in most clothing lines. My body shape is pretty straight – little definition at the waist and no real hips. If I look at the measurements for pants, I’m supposed to have a 24-25” waist. Hah! But the pants are mid-rise so it doesn’t matter what my waist size is. I see the hips are 33-34” so I buy the 2 petite. If I want a higher rise without a tiny waist, I buy the regular, not petite, size 0. I always size down in the regular sizes. And I always have to hem my pants anyway, even with petite s, so that issue makes no difference. I think a specific measurement for the rise is very helpful. Not A “low rise, mid rise, hight rise designation. The same with dress lengths. Don’t tell me something is knee length. On whom? The 5’10” mode? I’m under 5’ tall. So if we have to purchase clothing online, the manufacturers should give us more specific information and they’d get fewer returns.
    Wow! That was a bit if a rant!

  10. That is exciting, Elaine! So many friends are doing home improvement right now…I guess when we all went home to be there for awhile, it was evident work needed to be done! I would love to do this on a regular basis…any readers are free to contact me with their questions or needs at over50feeling40@gmail.com. Now, on Monday I have a special post about some new things to come as well…please come by on Monday. Happy Weekend!

  11. It is OK to rant…I wish more fashion professionals went to blogs to hear the hearts and needs of shoppers. It would help so much. I can dream that someday that might happen. Every week, I wish retailers and designers were reading Would You Wear It! Always welcome to rant Susan!

  12. Pam, your kitchen choices are stellar! You will love the results. Don’t forget the cabinet hardware after you have painted. They are the jewelry to your kitchen “outfit” and we know how you love jewelry!

  13. Some retailers do give the measurements of the clothing item and I find that to be really helpful. Models run tall. A 21″ length in a top looks cropped on a model, but that’s not so cropped on me. It’s worth the time to read the fine print, and to pop around in the size guides.
    In normal times I do a mix of online and in-person shopping and I find that a good try-on session at a retailer is helpful for on line shopping. If a brand is consistent and you’ve tried some things on it’s easier to order something else online — knowing that their fit is consistent.

    I shop at H&M, not everything there works for me. I almost never buy pants there. But they’re good for a cute top, a summer dress, knit basics. I’ve had several unbelievable buys on simple denim jackets. There is one near my Farmer’s Market, and when they’re open it’s worth a stroll through.

    I think that paint color for your kitchen is going to make a WORLD of difference. It’s a lot of trouble to paint, and in a kitchen it means packing things up and cleaning the walls with something to get any kitchen grim off, but it will be worth it.

  14. What an honor to be focused on your blog Pam! I hope the encouragement and suggestions you gave will be helpful for all the other women out there just like me! I plan to go to the local stores – which are open – notes and suggestions in hand! Inventorying my wardrobe is something I can and will do immediately. I know it is common sense but I tend to be frustrated and that makes me make impulse purchases or buy nothing and not FOCUS on what I really need. Also, knowing who I am is something I will work on…that’s a little tougher as I know how I want to look but that look doesn’t always fit my lifestyle. Again, thank you so much Pam your advice and support are invaluable!

  15. Thank you, Sheryl! I do hope it helps. Try to always take those adjectives with you shopping and ask when if they clothes say that when you try them on. Trust me…it does help.

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