Fortysix and Feeling Fabulous, darling!

                                                                                                   So, I'm turning 46 this year, and it is a bit shocking!  After all, I've been younger than that my whole life, and it takes a little getting used to!

However if it must be, it must be. Even Ali McGraw got older. And she looks amazing, by the way!!!

So...let's do this!

First, as I become more of a woman, and less of a girl (way less), I find that there are three main factors to fashion, (and life) success.

1. diet

2. the appropriate silhouette

3. unique pops of "you"

 

Let's discuss:

Diet:  this is not about being skinny. It is about being healthy and living a long time, and feeling GORGEOUS in your clothes! I am tall, 5'10" and I have struggled with my weight all of my life. I lost 22 pounds when I decided to start substituting healthier options of the same foods I loved. So...whole wheat for white flour. Fruit and almonds for crackers and dip. Almond milk for real milk, and almond yogurt, etc. Soy ice cream for regular. I am telling you, I was NOT deprived. I was full, and had my sweet tooth satisfied, and lost weight, and looked way better in my wardrobe! Read the book "Skinny Bitch" (not crazy about the title, but this book is the BOMB) by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin if you want to change your life and look and feel amazing!  

The appropriate silhouette: so important! I was in love with 50's dresses all through my 20's. I wore them every day, and looked terrible! That 50's silhouette - short waisted, full skirt, tight, boxy bodice, was defnitely NOT for my body. Instead of being the cutest vintage pixie in them, I just looked dumpy. Sad but true!  

NOW, through trial and (some serious) error, I have finally found the right fit for my body, and I stick to it, no matter what the trends tell me to wear. For me, cotton collared shirts look casually polished, but structured. My wider hips disappear under dolman tees and light cardigans, hip-length jackets, and my larger bust minimizes under light scarves, and v-necklines. My long legs are highlighted with wide-leg and bootcut trousers, or skinny jeans worn with a longer top to minimize tops of thighs!  An a-line skirt, or pencil skirt (with spanx!) work best for me, as long as they are knee-length to hide the thigh, but show off my rather slender calves. My wardrobe entirely consists of four seasons-worth of similar silhouettes, in all different fabrics, and colors and textures. I can endlessly match my pieces in looks that I KNOW work for me!

Unique pops of YOU! : Let's not get boring, darlings. I'm 46 and fabulous, after all! I find the greatest sartorial pleasure in first assembling my look, with the appropriate silhouettes. THEN adding the perfect accessories to take it to the next level! This is where I can throw in a pop of color, or a chunky stone, or a string of wooden beads, or the Great Shoe. This is where I can work the trends, so they always look appropriate and really shine from the foundation of my outfit! I love a clutch so you'll often see me with some kind of clutch made from denim, or straw, or leather, or macrame. I love a great ring, or bracelet too. The other day I was rocking the current trend of bright yellow, wearing a cute yellow gingham collared shirt over dark wash trouser jeans, with a sweet little wooden heeled sandal, and added the pop with a copper cuff bracelet from my grandma. That's one way to wear vintage successfully...in your accessor ies! 

So don't be afraid to wave goodbye to your 20's and 30's, darlings! When you're 40+ you just know more, and get to refine what you know so that you finally crystallize into that GORGEOUS CREATURE you've been practicing to be all your life! Enjoy! (signed, DR)

Comments

[Britt Stromberg]

Lovely post, Lauren! I just turned 40 and couldn't agree more about your 3 points. I came to that conclusion recently as I try to focus my clothing budget on items that I'll have for a long time and that make me feel confident. A healthy body image and the right silhouette are imperative!

I really love how you use your blog to talk about fashion as a lifestyle, and am constantly inspired by your clothes, boutique and advice.

Bravo!

[Lauren]

I love you Diane! You are so awesome...I wish everyone knew you :-). The thing is people , when Diane says something, it just has to be true because, 1) she is one of the most positive, and happy people I know, and I've known her for something like 10 years. 2) she always looks darling, always. So that's that....she speaks words of wisdom people, pure wisdom!! oxox Lauren

[Diane]

Thank you ladies, you both made my day! xoxo Diane:)