What I have learned about my new life-style and a return to Chico’s

Pamela Lutrell in Chicos on Over 50 Feeling 40

These dressing room trips have proven so helpful, and I am beginning to define more specifically what I want my new life-style to look like.  But first, let’s go back to Chico’s!

The jacket I am wearing above is what I wore to the store and it is a Chico’s jacket I have owned for about a year.  I tried on these Brigitte So Slim Pants in Ambered Olive. 

Olive green is one of my wardrobe primary colors and these pants fit so well, I decided to purchase them and take out a pair in my closet that doesn’t fit this good. 

THE NEW COLLECTION

Pamela Lutrell in Chicos September collection on over 50 Feeling 40

 

This cardigan and tank are in the new Chico’s collection and I do like It, but would not purchase the set.  For me, it is just too much overall animal print…but would work great for others.

Chicos Tank on over 50 Feeling 40

 

But, I loved taking this tank…which has a great fit…and pairing it with the jacket I wore into the store.  A little touch of leopard print meets my “creative” adjective head on. I actually like this stretchy mesh fabric so much better than the knit tanks.

It is quite flattering with the way it lies.  Check out the Animal Print Mesh Tank.

I have more mesh options in the slideshow below.   The Animal Print Mesh Cardigan is found with this link.

Pamela Lutrell in Black Label Top at Chicos

This Black Label top is very pretty, but I do not need another black top at this time.  However, there are so pretty navy tops in the Black Label line and I put one in the slideshow below.

WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME

This is a good example of a top which makes me feel older than I am.  It is the print, the neckline and the boxy fit which do not flatter me or give me confidence.  But, it may be lovely on someone else.

Now, let me just say that the Faux Leather Moto Jacket is great…it does have a buttery feel to it and comes in beautiful colors.  I just do not like it on me. I have never really felt confident in these jackets.  But I am always drawn to them on others.

OBSERVATIONS TO DATE

Eileen Fisher for Fall 2020 at Dillards on Over 50 Feeling 40

 

Since I began this search of what the new me might look like, I have made a few conclusions about my style away from office/professional life:

  1. I want my pants to be slim fit, leggings, or skinny denim. Any other cut might as well go.
  2. I want to predominantly wear longer pants.  I do not look good in capris length, but wear them because of the heat.  I am going to wear less of the shorter pants.
  3. I look best in V-necks and collared necklines…I need to move rounded collars along.  They make my chest look larger and are not flattering.
  4. I have discovered that at this stage of my life I really prefer classic styles with an occasional creative, boho look.  But I want to allow my accessories to speak to the creativity.
  5. I am as surprised as anyone, but in these dressing room sessions I have liked the solid colors much more than the prints.  I do like a print in a tank top with a solid topper. 
  6. I am open now to an occasional dress when needed….currently, I do not need one.

 

So, that is where we are today.  I am going to continue on my journey to see what I discover and I do plan one day to do a post with outfits from the various pieces I have purchased on the journey.  Enjoy the Chico’s slideshow and by all means….

KEEP SMILING!!

 

JUST A NOTE:

Taking Juice Plus+ for seven years on Over 50 Feeling 40

There 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 Juice Plus+ whole food capsules.  Please read my story and information HERE.

 

 

ADD SOME APPLE CIDER!

Pamela Lutrell and Goli

Another 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!

 

 

MY COMPLEXION LOVES CHAMONIX…KEEPING ME YOUTHFUL!

Chamonix on Over 50 Feeling 40

All natural, plant-cell technology skincare

 

 

By Pamela Lutrell

27 Comments

  1. This has been so interesting. You have really discovered a new style for yourself using this dressing room method, and have inspired me to do this myself. It’s SOOOO hard for me to shop without buying something, so this will also be an exercise in discipline!! But I see exactly what you mean as you talk through the things you have on in this post. (Although I personally think you look great in the moto jacket!!) But that one print top that you said makes you feel older than what you are, I see that. Such an eye-opener. There is a place close to where I live that has Talbots, J Jill, Chico’s and White House Black Market located on the same block. I’m going to take a few days and do what you did here. This has been such an inspiration! To me, there is nothing that works like trying things on. I have a Talbots mailer that has pages turned down for the things I would like to add, but have found in previous shopping trips (to any store) that the things we sometimes love in the catalog don’t look very good on. I’m scheduling in these try-on sessions for the coming weeks. Thank you for the inspiration!

  2. You are welcome, Karen! It has been a learning process, but fun! Let us know what you learn when you go! I am not done…still so much to evaluate in this new stage of my life!

  3. These dressing room sessions are working great for ideas and options. That first shot of the privious year jacket is gorgeous. The style of pant is much better with that fit. You look so much slimmer in them. I am with you on the printed top. I am moving away from my printed tops as well as some of them are not the look I want anymore. I find the solid ones are on a better road to elegance in my wardrobe. That jacket is certainly a keeper for years. I am not nor have ever been a fan of moto jackets on me, so know where you are coming from. I do like them on some others however. You are very lucky to be able to try on the clothes as our dressing rooms are not open and that is really frustrating to guess how it will look, then a return trip to exchange.

  4. I know I am blessed here in Texas to be able to try on clothes! Even then, there are a few retailers who will not open the dressing rooms. That frustrates me. Thanks Diane.

  5. We all must adjust our style depending on our age and the climate. We retired here in Florida about 5 years ago. i wear shorts 95% of the time. The only time I wear capris or long pants is in the winter here which is January through March. I love capris because they are much cooler to wear. My legs are still very nice at my age so i do not feel self conscious in shorts. I am like you, I do not wear prints in my tops. I just feel that they age me (I am 71). V necks also look better on me since I have broad shoulders. I have a lot of jackets and a drawer full of scarves that I never get to wear down here. I keep them to wear on trips!

  6. I know capris are cooler and I will probably still wear them in the summer occasionally. I wish my legs were more attractive …I would love to wear shorts. Thanks for sharing, Linda!

  7. Agree with your new look….You look great. Your listof todos actually work pretty well for me. Id say we have similar styles.
    I love the cream jacket you wore into the store on you. Can you share that brand?
    Take good care

  8. Hi Dara, It is also a Chico’s jacket…but from a year or so ago. Sadly, I have no link…sorry.

  9. You are doing a great job focusing in on your style. Personally, I love moto jackets. I have a pink one over the back of my chair as I type this. ($9.99 from Goodwill)

  10. I love reading about your journey to find your new style. My most common solution to summer heat is to wear a dress or a skirt. I have several casual soft knit dresses that are cool and comfortable. I also wear denim skirts with semi-fitted tops. I too prefer slim-legged pants. I like the look of a moto jacket but I don’t like them on me. I have some print blouses but the majority of my tops are solid jewel tones. I know what you mean about boxy tops. I bought a Calvin Klein top with a pretty sleeve that was on sale for a fraction of the original price. I ended up returning it because of the boxy shape. A bargain isn’t a bargain if it isn’t flattering and doesn’t make you feel like your very best self!

  11. Love the necklace. You did not mention it. Is IT new or a treasure you have had for awhile? Thanks for sharing all the dressing room try-ons. Saw some goodies there. However,I do like prints because I think they distract the eye from areas that I don’t want concentrated on. Best.

  12. I found it at the Chico’s location, but I could not find it online. I would love to own it, but I have sooooo many necklaces. Thanks Susan.

  13. Hi Lily, I think if I can ever lose some weight I will like these jackets more on me…but I love them on others.

  14. I plan next summer to add some dresses and skirts. The Eileen Fisher dress I recently tried on boosted my confidence in this area. We will see when the warm weather seasons come back around!

  15. I do think the collared shirts and the V necks work best. Now that I am taking time to do this…there are many items I am looking closer at and not liking at all.

  16. I feel the same way about moto jackets. I really like them on others, but when I try them, I feel like I’m wearing a costume. I am also phasing out my print tops. I still like stripes & an occasion plaid, but for the most part, I prefer a solid with an accessory to add pep. The slim leg pants are very flattering on you.

  17. Pam, you could have written that list with me, because (with the exception of the collared shirts, which interfere with the jewelry I make), it is the way I dress. I am fearful it will get hard to find slim fitting pants, though, as the full ones are coming on strong. I almost never wear or like a print. I’m glad you left the Moto jacket in the dressing room. I have a golden brown faux suede one from Chico’s that I wear and love, and didn’t hesitate to add the black faux leather one based on how much I loved the brown one. It was a miss, and sits forlornly in my closet. It is not a basic for me. It’s hot (not sexy hot, it doesn’t breathe) and I feel weird in it … old, harsh, trying too hard.

  18. When I looked at me in the Moto jacket, it just wasn’t me. Didn’t flatter or communicate what I want to say about me. Thanks so much Linda!

  19. I love your cream jacket and wish Chicos would make it again. I thought the black moto jacket was very flattering and youthful on you. I do understand that you should never buy something you are not comfortable in. Chicos is my favorite place for pants. I have several pairs of the Brigitte slacks because they are so flattering. Their “so slimming” jeans are fabulous too. I always look for V necks unless it’s a tank or top to wear under a sweater or jacket that creates a V. What I really noticed is how keeping the pattern under a third piece is most flattering.

  20. This has been such an interesting journey we’ve been taking with you, Pamela! I’ve become obsessed with necklines lately. After having the same epiphany you just did — that round necklines are very unflattering on me while V-necks & collars (& even some scoops) just change the whole look to one I love — it’s now the first thing I look at in a garment. I’m glad you got the leopard shell. It’s gorgeous under that jacket & will work under black, too. I do think the moto jacket looks spectacular on you, though. Are you SURE you don’t have a bit of outlaw in you somewhere, maybe lurking in the Creative category of your style traits?? I’m biased, of course, as I love them, have way more than any sane woman needs in all colours & styling variations, & wear them a lot — so much so, in fact, that they’re almost my signature item. Mind you, I’m often actually ON a motorcycle at the time where they’re more safety gear than fashion statement, so there’s that 🙂

    I’m going to sit down with a piece of paper & a pencil & see if I can identify my style/fashion/colour elements more specifically before taking another run at culling my closets. I’ve still got a stack of “undecideds” I need to make my mind up on; being more clear on who I am post-retirement should make that easier.

  21. Janet, when you are writing it down, write down the adjectives you want to communicate with your clothes. Without speaking a word, when you go out what do you want to say about you. Any wardrobe pieces that say something else, then donate. When you control your messages, you create a personal style! See if that helps!

  22. Thanks, Pamela, I am going to do this! When you first mentioned “style traits” or adjectives I took a run at my 5 & got 3, then stalled & never got back to it. I want to do that & rethink the whole 5 to get a good grasp of what it is I’m trying to say about who I am. “Confused” & “undecided” are NOT what I’m looking for 🙂

  23. I like the fact that you present what you like and don’t like about each outfit you have tried on and have taken a picture of yourself. That is really helpful! Thanks for sharing with us. I really like your blog!

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