And it got me thinking about a conversation I had with my friend, Jane.
She and her friend are turning the big 4-0 this year and decided there are things they need to finally do to feel like grown up, mature women!
I thought I'd help them add to their list from a completely stylish perspective:
1. Get fitted for a GOOD bra! Get A real fitting at a department store where they know what they are talking about. This is especially important if you've had babies, or gained or lost weight recently. You need something to lift and separate those puppies no matter how big or small you are. A good bra will make what you are wearing look better. And while we are at it, let's add in some decent underwear too, that do not ride up or show panty lines under everything!
2. Get a professional salon cut and/or color for your hair! Yeah it can be expensive but at least get a base started and go from there. Ask them what drugstore color you can use to spread out your visits-they'll be honest with you! Plus, a good flattering haircut can be the difference between Marge Simpson and Betty Rubble (or something like that).
3. Get some quality basics in your closet. if you need help deciding what those are, look under "you wardrobe essentials" in my right sidebar for some ideas! Now nobody has the money to buy them all at once (well some do but I don't think they are reading this blog). Start with a great pair of jeans that fit you like a glove and make you feel good(closer to $100 is ok for years of wear in my book) and then move on to durable trousers, camis, tees, etc.
4. While you're at it with the basics, get some quality accessories. Shoes and a purse you LOVE that will last you years.
5. Get some great jewelry that you love. A couple of quality pieces of sterling silver or gold-filled will do the trick. Look for freshwater pearls and real gemstones too. These things will LAST!
5. Get some great jewelry that you love. A couple of quality pieces of sterling silver or gold-filled will do the trick. Look for freshwater pearls and real gemstones too. These things will LAST!
6. Get classic and stylish outerwear. I separated this from the wardrobe basics in #3, even though coats are staples because time and again I see how a good coat makes a HUGE difference for how someone is presented and received. Go for wool or a wool/poly blend for the winter and cotton/nylon/poly mix for fall and spring.
While we're at it, Here's my list of what to get rid of:
1. Shirts with cutesy or stupid sayings. There are graphic tees out there that are more appropriate.
2. Cutesy embellished sweaters-"Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells"!
3. Dasiy Duke shorts and very mini skirts (or shirts for that matter).
4. Cheap plastic or rubbery jewelry.
5. Body piercings, especially on the face (sorry).
6. Matronly and/or cheap looking floral dresses,skirts or jumpers. OR jean material in any of these. We used to call these social worker or teacher dresses or skirts (And believe me I have been both of these in my past careers, so I'm not trying to offend anyone)-but also known as "Laura Ashley" dresses.
7. Rubbery flip flops for evening wear or work wear -I'm not talking about for everyday casual wear!
Readers, what else can you add to my lists?
(photo credit: keatleyphoto.com, denimology.co.uk, media.ebaumsworld.com)
Thanks to The Budget Fashionista for wanting to feature this post on their site this week!
85 comments:
Happy birthday! Your post is very useful. I try to dress more mature when I'm at the hospital( I'm studying Medicine), but at home and in my free time I still wear crazy outfits.:)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Enjoy your day!
I think your list is pretty complete. I don't know if it was a sign of the times, but when I turned forty I also got rid of my crop shirts. :o LOL!
fashionafterforty.blogspot.com
hehe- those pictures are so great! I have nothing to add! Have a great day!
Happy Birthday!
Develop your style - know what is you and what is not. Accept that you're not the same as you were 5, 10 or even 15 years ago.
Learn to wear accessories well and have the confidence to do so - many women I meet are scared of jewellery and scarves so avoid them rather than giving them a go and finishing off their outfit.
Stay out of old lady stores - wearing out of date clothes and old lady clothes is as bad as wearing clothes that are too young for you.
Happy Birthday Christine! I hope you have a wonderful day and thanks for making me laugh! Great post!!!
~Amy
Happy Birthday Christina! Loved your post! So much in fact that I'm pointing folks over to it from my blog!
Have a wonderful birthday!
Happy Birthday! This is a funny post and so true. I hate those Christmas sweaters so much and cannot fathom how someone would actually consider wearing it seriously.
Happy, Happy! (here from SITS) Tomorrow I'll be Thirty+++9 (shh). I like your list. I keep hearing the tip to get a bra fitting - it's on my list to eventually get done - kids need braces...
www.southernrose.wordpress.com
Happy birthday! I hope you have a glorious day (and the flowers have to be a great start!)
I think you hit on all very good points. I truly don't know of anything more soul enriching than new bras and underwear. I'm sure there are things, but there's something good about a day when you've got new stuff on, and a good fit definitely makes a huge difference!
Happy birthday Christina! Great list and spot on, like always. Have a great day, enjoy it! :)
Happy, happy birthday, doll! What a great list you've put together, here.
I can only add that taking a close look at your figure and how it may have shifted is KEY to entering a new stylistic phase. Our bodies can change shape without losing or gaining an ounce, and hitting 30 or 40 is a great time to reevaluate your current silhouette and make sure your basics and dresses and such make the most of your today-body.
happy b-day!!! and classic make up....
Hey You-
HBD again and loved the shout-out. So far I've accomplished the bra and undergarments...now onto the floral jumpers and celebratory sweaters! Just kidding...but as a social worker you know I've seen 'em all...love your stuff Miss Christine.
Happy birthday!!
I think you have given some great basic advice! I just don't think I can drop a Benjamin on jeans. I just...can't...do it.
GREAT list! Love this post.
I would add chunky heels and clear light up heels to the "DON'T" list.
Happy Birthday! Don't throw out any of the things on your "don't wear" list. Bring them out when you are 70 and wear them again!
Happy Birthday - a great post!
Happy Belated Birthday!
You crack me up. Where on earth did you get that photo of the dorks in the Christmas sweater. I would add that loose, baggy clothing only makes you look heavier. Get tailored pieces.
Haha - completely agree with all of those. Thank goodness I've never owned any!
AWESOME!!!! I totally agree...each onr of the things on that list make me cringe or do a double take when seen in public!!! Just stumbled upon your blog...lovin it!
Just started one of my own:
http://fashionablyalaskan.blogspot.com/
Have a great day!
Danielle
The freakin' jeans are killing me! After I had a baby almost all size 8 jeans give me the dreaded "camel toes" and ALL size 10 jeans are too baggy in the butt. I would GLADLY drop a C-note on one pair of jeans that fit ME. :) Loved your list, thought you were spot on.
Message t-shirts are a no-no in my book.
Get rid of scrunchies. Burn them!
These tips are SO right on. I'd been wearing the wrong bra size for years and never knew it until I decided to go to a real professional lingerie store (not Victoria's Secret, who kept putting me in a bandsize up, cup size down because they didn't carry my true size) and get fitted. Completely changed my life.
I can use all the stylish tips I can get. I lack greatly, but woah! Not near as bad as those what to get rid of. YIKES!
I think that's great advice for everyone, not just gals turning 40. :)
GREAT tips! Can I throw "mom jeans" in there?
Well shoot, you just shot me a few compliments right here! I love reading a list and realizing I might be off to a good start instead of thinking, shit, gotta go get rid of that jean jacket! Thanks for your insight!
I completely agree with all of those! Sometimes I look back on old pictures of myself wistfully; I wasted my youthful appearance with cheap haircuts and clothes! And it's not even that I feel appearances are everything, but clothes are like an armor; when we feel confident in them we feel confident in ourselves and then it must easier to go further in life and with those around us. I regret I was a sulky rebellious teen that refused to look right! Looking bad certainly didn't improve my attitude then...
I completely agree with all of these! I'd have to add to the no-no list: anything that doesn't fit you! If it's too big, if it's too small, DON'T WEAR IT. Period. :-P
Those well worn favorite clothes that have rips or tears should probably be let go too. I tend to keep my stuff way too long.
Here's a link to an example of how I got extra wear out of a favorite jacket: http://karenzemek.blogspot.com/2009/03/do-i-look-like-bum.html
Congrats on your SITS day!
Brilliant post.
A fabulous LBD is a must have investment piece in my book!
I would have to add...
In the accessories - a good hat.
Staples - Pair of leggings. They can worn with a skirt when it's cold, look great with boots, and now that long t-shirts and layering is in, can even be worn in place of pants.
Also things to do - splurge on some sort of pampering every once and a while...massage, facial, whatever would relax you the most.
LOVE the list. Very smart - the way every woman's wardrobe should be.
I'm going to have to check out your wardrobe essentials next! One of my New Year's resolutions is to start looking more put-together and less college-student-y, given that I'll be 30 at the end of the year. Thanks for the info!! :)
Phew. So glad I don't have to get rid of anything. Well, I have the one tee that says "I do all my own stunts" but I only wear that around the house. ;)
I'm in the 40club and I think that I have a great wardrobe...especially according to the dont's on the list;)
Although, I did notice a huge amount of folks wearing those bedazzled sweaters to parties last December, though. Heehee.
Happy SITS day. Luckily I don't have plastic bracelets or skimpy shorts in my closet but I do need to invest in hair dye (http://thisandthatday.blogspot.com/2009/08/colour-any-one.html) and perhaps some new clothing ( http://thisandthatday.blogspot.com/2009/09/fashion-misfit-no-more.html ).
Congrats for being able to do everything you love.
LisaDay
Congrats on your SITS day.
I would totally add to that list sweatshirts with appliques of things like teddy bears or bird houses. I regularly tell my husband that if I get to the point of wearing something like that, poison me and put me out of my misery.
Love the list! I'll be the big 4-0this year and I thought I'd be more grown up! Do you know where I get a list for that? :)
Have a great SITS day!
I agree on all - but the bra fitting - essential!
Love this post! So many helpful tips for someone like me caught between grad student, mommy, and career-woman.
I am doing great in the acting my age department!!! I would also add no extreme low rise jeans---puh-leeze!!
Hilarious and right on! I just got a great bra fitting and it is amazing! AND I dare my daughter to put shirts on my grandson that announce "here comes trouble" or anything close. As a former teacher (like you), we don't need the warning. We find out on our own soon enough!
I like your list, it's pretty good. I would add high waisted pants to the list of things to get rid of. No matter how old you get, high-waisted pants are not good.
Boy, I remember having those Christmas sweaters - not anymore. And my mom took me for my birthday last year to get "fitted" for a bra. Who knew it would make such a difference?
Thank God I have nothing in my wardrobe that looks like that! LOL! But, I could use a few of the things from the first list. Especially a good haircut!
Tim Gunn would approve of this post.
Happy SITS day!
I agree with the list and did LOL at that graphic shirt, too funny....Oh I would add to the list crocs if you aren't a cook or in the medical profession and of course fanny packs but maybe those are just things that freak me out, ha!
Great job on the list! I would like to add a pair of Spanx to the agenda. What a difference this miraculous little invention makes! I wear them with almost everything. I recommend the "Higher Power" style for those with a longer torso because they do not roll down on your waist and create a bulge defeating the whole purpse. I am 5'11 and can go all day without pulling up my tights!
Ugh. I am not 40 yet but I already need most of those items on your first list.
I have one to add to get rid of....the pulled down pants with the thong straps hanging out....ew, ew, ew. I can't tell you how many older women we've seen with this "look." Ew.:) Great post!
Great tips! I just turned 40 in October, but didn't get a bra fitting or a hair cut....I guess I missed out.
Great post! When I knew I was turning 30 a couple of years ago, I suddenly became determined to be in shape and in style. I guess I was trying to make myself feel better for getting older! So, I guess I'll do these things when I turn 40! I've already gotten rid of those things, so I'm good there!!
The difference between Marge Simpson and Betty Rubble? Ha! You crack me up! Happy SITS Day! Yeah, my parents still buy me tee shirts that say cutesy, teenage girly things like "Will Work for Shoes". I'm a little too old for those now.
Hello, stopping by from SITS...I knew I'd hit my age in fashion when I finally invested in a nice pair of jeans...no matter how I feel that day...I feel SEXY when I put those on with a nice pair of pointed toe boots Ü
Love it!
Go to Victoria Secret for bras and panties. You will not be disappointed! They will fit you and they have some of the best stuff around. With the proper care it lasts a long time too.
A second the expensive haircut/color. It makes a huge difference. I almost die when I spend $70 for a cut and tip but honestly I don't trust my hair to the big chain salons and I can't find anything in between here in Baltimore.
Bwahaahaahaa!!!!! Great post.... go for Hot Pink...least that's what I did when I turned 40...45...(I'll stop there)
Congrats on being the FB for SITS!!!
I almost freaked when you said to get rid of the flip flops, but than I kept reading and I can breathe now. I wear flip flops all year long and buy a new pair almost every summer. I don't think I want to grow up if I have to get rid of them. But I can settle not wearing them to work or evening wear.
Haha! Stopping by from SITS. This post is hilarious. I'm thinking this list is a good one for 30 year olds. Especially the Daisy Dukes and Matronly dresses/sweaters. Thanks for the giggle!
Those denim jumpers are also a stereotype of home school moms, we have since banded and out lawed them. I must admit though I do occasionally wear one in the garden, easy wash, does not matter if it gets yucky (I'm not wearing anywhere else), protects my shirt, and a cool breeze when bending over picking veggies sure feels GOOD!!!!
These tips are great! I'm style challenged so this is a great tip for me. Plus, your birthday is 4 days after mine, so YAY!
I totally agree with all of your suggestions, but I'd add a "Little Black Dress" and a good pair of heels to the list of staples, too!
Happy FB day!
Hapy SITS Day! Love this post and am just past 40 so totally relate to this post--Top on my list NO Jeans that show your ass crack, SO wrong!
Yay! I'm only 24 and can say that I have done all the do's, but I definitely need to work on the don'ts
:)
great list. We always forget to take care of ourselves but let's face it if we have clothes we love to wear then it's going to show on the outside.
Happy FB day!
I would add: do not wear crocks or pjs in public, do not wear socks with sandals, and do not wear head-to-toe denim.
Great list!
That is a post every woman should read...really no matter what her age.
I'd add any jeans that don't cover your butt crack when you bend over. I am so tired of crack...young or old.
and
Things that make you look like a "Real Housewife of..."
I have to agree with the Reluctant Housewife too...no crocs or PJ's in public.
Nobody over the age of 30 should wear anything with words written on your bum! It's not sexy, it's not pink, it's downright sad!
Happy SITS
Alex aka Ma What's For Dinner
www.MaWhats4Dinner.com
I so badly need to buy new bras. I just ripped my favorite one - don't ask me how - and now I can't wear it. None of the others are comfortable. How fondly I remember the days of not having to wear anything at all. Oh, 20 year old breasts where have you gone???
Oh how I need new bras! The girls are begging me, please lady we need some support here!
Stopping by from SITS
well... you may want to hang onto those ugly holiday sweaters for seasonal parties.
in from SITS,
camille @ stylehandler.blogspot.com
I'm guilty only of wearing a denim skirt. I swear it's a straight, knee length skirt in a dark wash! (I'm in my 40s.)
I'm 51, so I think over the last few decades I've done about every don't out there...
Love the lists. Hope you are enjoying your SITS day
Hi from SITS! And I agree with the PP - sometimes people throw "ugly holiday sweater" parties ;-)
Great post!!! I love all the pictures, especially the funny ones!
Great list!
LOL - I love it - 40 was this year for me too and I can only advise - add regular martinis to the mix and I agree - No CROCS...ever.
From SITS!
Oh the teacher dresses! Ugh. I'd add avoiding teacher jewelry. I used to work with a woman (a LARGE woman) who wore school bus earrings all the time. I don't know if she thought it made her look smaller or what.
Happy SITS Day!
Amen SITSta. That's awesome advice. Congrats!
great advice! I actually just wrote a blog entry about getting fitted for a bra-- I agree, it's super important. Bu I'm sad about one of your donts in particular: no jean skirts??? I love mine! I had no idea it was a fashion no no!
HAA, I LOVE it, what great advice!
Love it!
I'm not sure I have anything to add. You have a pretty complete list there.
Thanks, I am about to lose alot of weight and have no style sense. This will help
LOL, you missed 'mom jeans'.
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