What’s In Your Closet?

That’s the question for today’s Golden Divas!

But…before we get into the nitty-gritty of this very important post I would like to give a shout out to the following “Golden Divas” who I have always admired “Fashion Sense.” I have never been one of those women who was jealous to tell another woman that she is looking good, I love her style and she is working that outfit. These women are in their 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and their sense of “Beauty & Style” is bold, vibrant, elegant, classy, and simply impeccable! They are my fashion celebrities!

Bernadine Baldwin

Eloise Billups

Michelle Appling Boyd

Earnestine Davis

Everlean Eckols-Seals

Victoria Jones-Mullins

Margaret Smith

Sheila Townsend

I would also like to give an honorable mention to 3 young ladies in their 40’s making a fashion statement on the runway of life. Keep doing what you are doing ladies!!

Candace Eckols

Camellia Jackson

Etrenda Rice

Hum mm….now back to the question. If I was to tell you what’s in my closet right now you would probably say I have it in my closet too if you’re being true to yourself.

There’s an old saying I can show you, better than I can tell you, wherein this case let me tell you. If you love clothes as I do (I bet you do) and you raid your closet you probably have the following as well in it.

Seriously!  Tell me if this sounds familiar.

1. Clothes that I still say I will lose some weight to get back in, in the near future because I love them so much and I can’t part with them.
2. Clothes that fit just right (if I don’t eat too much I can still wear them with no problem)
3. Clothes that I bought in a larger size just in case I don’t lose weight.

Am I right? Tales of the 3 wardrobes: clothes of my past, my present, and the unthinkable future if I gain the weight. Uuugghhh!!!   

Did you know women tend to keep 3 different clothing sizes hanging on the racks in their closet?  

Okay, fashionistas this is the post for you. For all of my “Golden Diva’s” out there in the fashion world this is the time that we must really rethink our wardrobe. Gone are the days that we can throw on anything and get away with it, plus some of the clothes are outdated no matter how hard you want to keep it in the closet and bring it into the future. DON’T!!!

It’s time to “COME OUT OF THE CLOSET!”

You heard me. It’s time to purge, let go of the past and update your wardrobe. Get those clothes out of the closet that you are not wearing. Donate them to charity!

Ask yourself the 7 following questions Golden Divas:

1. Does this fit?
2. Have I worn this in the last 12 months?
3. Is it likely I will ever wear this again?
4. Is this currently in style, and/or does this still accurately represent my style?
5. If this is damaged in any way (e.g., piling, rips, stains, missing buttons, broken zippers, fading, etc.), will I actually make the effort to get this repaired in the near future?
6. If I was shopping right now, would I buy this?
7. And most importantly: Do I feel confident when I wear this at my age?

Now, you’re probably wondering if fashion over fifty can still be sexy, stylish, and fabulous.

ABSOLUTELY!

Today’s mature woman is looking, feeling, and thinking younger than her actual age. We seek out fashion-forward clothing that is not trendsetting clothing (leave that to the young girls) that makes us feel confident, bold, classy, elegant, sexy, and vibrant.

I remember in my 20’s I dressed so effortlessly and received the most compliments (of course we don’t dress to get compliments) but it does put a smile on your face when you receive one and if you’re honest you will agree.

Nowadays it takes a little more effort to make sure my ensemble is looking good from head to toe. By the time we hit 50, most of us could benefit from a wardrobe reevaluation. Our bodies, faces, and our lifestyles have changed over the decades. At least I know mines have changed. However, our fashion choices haven’t always kept up.

So what is a Golden Diva supposed to do?                                                 

Remember ladies we look as young as we feel; however we must stay true to ourselves about what is appropriate and inappropriate to wear at our age and our body size. Just because you might have a tight, toned, fit body does not mean you should be walking around in clothes trying to look like a teenager. That’s the worst thing you can do as a woman in her golden years.

Now I’m not saying that you should dress like an old lady, but what I am saying is the time to update your style and style rules. Show the world that you are living the “Golden Life” in your fifties fashion-forward fabulously!

You see if you didn’t have a theme song or a signature look (I love CoCo Chanel classic look) in your 20’s, 30’s or 40’s it’s never too late to walk the imaginary catwalk to the beat of your own drum. Or in this case your own fashionable style.  I have a few theme songs that make me smile when I feel on point with my wardrobe, the first one is by Blackstreet – “No Diggity” featuring Dr. Dre, Queen Pen “I Like the way you work it” those lyrics keep me moving (don’t judge the preacher wife)  lol.

 The second one is by Montell Jordan – “This Is How We Do It” and the last one is the epitome of my fashion essence by Shirley Bassey “History Repeating” something about that CoCo Chanel outfit with my pearls and hair in a chignon bun makes me feel classy and empowered. Outfits that make me feel sexy are a crisp white shirt, (in the Fall a turtleneck) bootcut jeans, and boots. In the summertime, I love long flowing dresses and skirts with some beautiful jewelry to make a statement and a great handbag.

 Ladies here are some great tips you should use to update your wardrobe so that you can look and remain FAB in your fifties starting with the basics!

 According to Fashion Guru Stacy London when it comes to fashion, basic wins. She reminds us that in addition to acquiring basic pieces, you should follow these 4 basic rules:

• Buy clothes that fit.
• Know what you like and don’t like.
• Know what to camouflage and what to accentuate.
• Don’t follow trends. Wear what looks good and fits your lifestyle.

Here are 8 tips we should all live by when selecting the right ensemble

 When shopping for clothes, be unpredictable and think as young as you feel. This isn’t to say you should raid your daughter’s closet (if you have one) and borrow her mini skirt or hipster jeans. Do, however, think modern, elegant, and chic.

• It’s okay to choose solid colors and bold styles. Anything works as long as you feel comfortable wearing it.
• Choose classic shapes and clothes that drape instead of clinging.
• Hemlines should not be too short, ladies. Aim for just above the knee.
• Wrap dresses are very flattering. If you find the neckline is too revealing, wear a lacy camisole underneath.
• Wearing quality shapewear underneath your fashions is very important. Your bras, panties, and shapers should be brand-name and fit properly.
• Look for inspiration on Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr.
• Invest in quality clothing and tailored clothes that will flatter your figure. At 50, a great fit is everything. You should opt for quality because you will find better fabrics, better cuts, and therefore, better fits.

13 Must-Have Wardrobe Items for Women at 50+

Below is a master list of go-to pieces for women who want to fight the frump and look smart, energetic, youthful, and appropriate. You can wear these basics to work, out to dinner and anywhere else:

Now Golden Diva’s I know you probably have the majority of these clothes in your closet.   

• Great fitting pants (wool or linen) with some stretch in black, navy, gray or khaki
• Crisp white shirt
• Year-round leather jacket (black)
• A variety of shoes: a low heel slingback in black, a flat for work and comfort, an evening shoe, wedge shoes and sandals, stylish boots, and a casual shoe like a moccasin for weekends (just go shoe crazy with this one)
• Pencil skirt fitted for your body-type that hits mid-knee
• Trench coat
• Dark denim, mid-rise, white jeans, straight cut and boot cut jeans
• Cardigans
• Tank tops
• Crop fitted black jacket
• Jewelry and more jewelry (necklace, bracelets, rings, earrings)
• Scarfs
• Dresses that accentuate your figure (long and short)

Now, mix and match it up to get your signature style:

• Do mix prints, but match them according to color tone.
• Don’t match your handbag and shoes.
• Do mix in bargain pieces (accessories, tops) with quality basics.

Talk to me ladies what is your favorite style?

http://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/style/fashion/style-life-changes/fashion-tips-for-women-in-50s1.htm

http://www.aarp.org/entertainment/style-trends/info-09-2013/style-guide-for-women-over-50. Html