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I guess it's common for women to experience a bit of a fashion dilemma when they hit their 40s. I know, I watch Stacy & Clinton. I've seen it. Still wearing clothes from the 80s, still trying to dress like they're 25.
(I love when Clinton says, "You look like you're trying to compete with 25-year-olds, and 25-year-olds always win. You know why? THEY'RE TWENTY-FIVE!!!!")
I consider my fashion sense pretty solid. I follow trends. Read the mags. Live blog the red carpets. I'm a people watcher who's wished for years I could make a living doing make-overs because oh. emm. gee. did you SEE what she was wearing???
And yet.
I find myself with a fashion dilemma of my own. Not a specific issue, like "What shoes should I wear with my pretty new party dress?" But a full-on wardrobe dilemma.
I work for a small, privately owned PR firm. It's a creative business. I think it's important that my look reflect my creativity. My clients deserve that. But I'm also part of the executive team, so it's also important that my look reflect my professionalism. My boss expects that.
I have suits. I wear them when we have client meetings. And I have empire-waist dresses that I pair with leggings. It's not really working for me, though. There's got to be a better way to do this. There must be a way to dress professionally - in suits, even - and still look creative and funky and original.
I need rules! I need stylists! I need $5,000 and a shopping trip to New York!
My initial thought is "Accessorize." (It is, afterall, our ability to accessorize that separates us from the animals.)
(You totally knew I was going to say that, didn't you?)
Funky shoes, colorful belts, cuff bracelets, chunky necklaces, chandelier earrings, cashmere scarves. I probably don't spend near enough of my fashion budget on accessories.
More than that, I've gotten lazy I think. I should spend more time seeking out the fun (age-appropriate) fashions and boutique stores. It is time for me to STEP AWAY FROM THE GAP TURTLENECKS.
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3 comments:
When I watch What Not To Wear, I'm constantly thinking they need to hunt me down because I desperately need a makeover. But I know I'd be in tears because there's so much wrong with my fashion and make-up (what make-up? lol) that they'd have a ball making fun of me!
Jeans, t-shirts, and flip-flops all the time. And NEVER any make-up. I really know how to work it. hehe
Okay, I'm a lot older than you, but just started back to work two years ago. I tend to like Ann Taylor suits for work, but then jazz them up with some cool jewelry that is usually, but not always, old. One good unique piece can make a whole outfit and people are always asking about them. I think this is a good thing. Funky shoes can do a lot for a straight laced outfit. I also wear a lot of classic skirts and cashmere tops, but again, the right shoes make a huge difference, along with a cute belt. A couple of years ago I lost 15 pounds and I love the way my clothes fit me now. I'm pretty much at my ideal weight and I can't believe how much more energy I have and how much better I feel. A good positive attitude can do wonders for any outfit!
Check out the Wardrobe_remix group on Flickr. Some people are a bit cutting edge for my taste and I don't thrift clothing anymore. But it's just fun to see what people are wearing and to get inspiration from some really creative people.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/wardrobe_remix
Be warned though, many of these people are not Stacey and Clinton approved. But they wear it and strut it, and you can't argue with that.
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