Style File ... The AGE ISSUE...

I got my August 2011 Vogue "The Age Issue" and as I normally do, I do a quick scan, (pull out the annoying perfume samples, the overly hard ads that don't allow for page turning & the extra renewal cards).  But as I woke this morning, I realized I've been struggling with my 'Mid Life Crisis' (the name I'm giving my depression).  LOL  And it also got me to think, "hey stupid, you created these really cool business cards with the title of: Making the Most of Your Life, in Style! - Your Life & Style are Your Attitude, what are you Presenting?"  So, Ms. Mid Life Whiner - what are you presenting??  (laugh people, this is some good shit...) 

So I went back to the "Age Issue" and thought, you DO love fashion (thank you mom & grandma), you've always wished you HAD been able to attend the Fashion Institute rather than being a boring secretary, you also loved when you worked as a mannequin/window dresser/creator, you enjoyed creating Fashion Shows for the non-profit organizations and above all, you LOVE it when you do look/feel better when your dressed classy/sexy/sophisticated and still age appropriate!!

Put that puzzle back together, link the missing piece (this is a metaphor from my business card design)...

Loved when I helped 'recreate' some men I dated, offered some sage advice to a woman who lost weight and was buying herself some new stuff at Ann Taylor (I suggested the staples but the basics from cheaper stores so she could buy in quantity).  I follow blogs with style/decor more then anything else and I miss being creative!!

Some pics I got from recent email flyers that I thought - really?  Definitely some misses & a few hits (not only Age Appropriate, but FIT/CUT are so important as well).

Clearly a DON'T - unless you are younger then 23!!

This is the classic I HATE!  First off, where is her pocket going? Secondly, look how thin she is - but would you know that in the BOX she's wearing?  Color - GORGEOUS!! 

Again, you may think it looks good - but she's THIN but apparently has a BIG BUTT or huge HIPS and now you added the red to accent them further!!  Thanks Ann Taylor, I'll clearly spend over $100 on this top! NOT...

A DO!! Yeah - classic black/nude will work with anyone.  Even if you have hips, the cut of the color blocking and the peplum shirring are still complimentary.  Mind you, not if your truly over weight - proportion people!!  And if your petite like me, make sure the skirt falls above your knees or get it altered.

This top is very complimentary - another DO.  It accents the waist, tucked in it still is defining and the overall shirring and flow are perfect.

Ms. Beckham - if you are shaped like this - there is clearly nothing you CAN'T wear - sorry, just had to add - I'm a huge fan of her current styles!  lol

Men:  This is also a NO, unless you are clearly younger then 25 - skinny tie also if it follows your shape!  If your tie sticks out from your gut, get a girdle!!  They do make spanx for men now... (just saying)...

You can never go wrong with a classic button up shirt on a man.  If you are slim, choose ONLY slim fit or tailor cuts - they need to follow your form, show it off baby!!  lol  If your boxier, allow room, but make sure your sleeves are not too long - if they are, also get them tailored.  The tailor can also take up the arms from the shoulders. 

If you look like THIS, THANK YOU!! And please don't ever wear a shirt... ha ha.  Oops, sorry, mind wandered.  Okay, again, follow your form - slim cuts for slim legs.  NOT the pipe fit (again, under 25).  Classic Levi cuts are the best for ANY man - and anyone over 35 start buying ONLY dark wash jeans - my god please save the faded crap for maintenance work.  I hear Sears has a special on Men's versions of MOM JEANS - you know the ones with the big ass pockets and you wear them up where you think your waist used to be!!  ha ha  Oh and if those sales men are 'helping' you buy jeans with embellishments on your huge pockets (you DO realize they are just making a sale and also laughing behind your back because you THINK this is going to get you a younger woman...)  Believe me, they ARE laughing behind your embellished big ass... $$$

If you have some weight to your legs OR are shorter, choose a BOOT cut.  This will give you room and doesn't make you look upside down!  But not too wide a leg, otherwise if short, it will make you look shorter.  Try with shoes though, you can wear it slightly 'cuffed' but with a 'sloppy' look - like shown...  Not the James Dean cuff. 

Men, for some GREAT pointers, look at some classic movies as well:  BOND films, hello!!  Can't go wrong.  But make sure its the current ones.  Raiders for the jeans/classic button shirt look.  More pointers to follow...

Enjoy, now go shopping - or better yet, call me and I'll give you a inexpensive rate on helping you buy some great staples!!