4 Steps Down the Boulevard to Glamour!

Cold winds are blowing, turkeys are thawing, and carols are playing throughout the malls…the holiday season is well underway!  I know some parties begin this week, so let’s look over a few guidelines to remember in order to feel confident, glamorous, and fun all the way to New Year’s Eve.  Just think GLAM!

G is for GLITZ.  Glitter, sparkle, sequins are all allowed…but must be under control.  You do not want to overdo in this area;  just a touch is very appropriate….even on the eyes.  A sequined top strategically worn under a jacket with a form fitting pencil skirt, or beautiful trousers, or even jeans is very chic.  But, do not destroy it with a sequined jacket and big sparkly jewelry.  Never have clothing enter a room before you.  If you love sequins, invest in a designer quality selection which does not use the big, cheaper sequins on the garments.  Well- made clothing brings an elegant hint of shine…you don’t want to look like a living Christmas tree.  Glittery shoes are fun, but wear them without shine anywhere else in your ensemble.  Control is the key to great glitz!

L is for LEGS.  I realize in some places the winds are really, really cold.  However, I believe one of the biggest mistakes made by women of a certain age is to wear bulky clothing head to toe.  If you do not want to wear a dress or skirt, then wear leggings or skinny-legged pants!  Try them on before you scoff…you just might be surprised, like I was, at how great they look on most women.  Yes, at 60, I am loving my black knit leggings with leather insets.  If you can stand the chill, show off your legs in a beautiful dress with patterned hose!  THINK  legs and you will look younger and feel sexier…trust me, it works.

A is for Age-Appropriate.  Yes, there are some wrong decisions you can make which are not age appropriate for those on the midlife boulevard.   A bulky sweater with a top to bottom snowman will certainly bring ten to twenty years we do not want; that is, of course, unless you have been invited to an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party!!  Also, please remember there are some fashion trends meant for the younger ladies, such as, sheer, see-through tops.  Clinton Kelley and Stacy London often reminded us not to compete with 25 year olds, because they always win!  They were right when they said attempting to look too young actually adds years.  Sitting at a Neiman Marcus fashion show last year, I watched a group of peers in tight dresses which barely covered the unmentionables and heels worthy of entries into the tallest building contests, unsuccessfully navigate a graceful way to sit in a chair.  I confess a little alcohol did not help the situation.  All eyes in the audience left the runway and went to them and it was not because their style was so amazing.  It was embarrassing.

M is for MORE…and MORE works best this time of year.   Glam up a classic black dress with several strands of pearls, or wear a double cuff on each arm, or four sparkly bracelets.  This year the faux fur/fur accessories are gorgeous and completely appropriate for a great party look.  Again, control your impulses to over accessorize, but adding a few more than you normally wear can make for a great look.  Less is More,  is a good rule to keep in mind, however, with simple, chic styling underneath, we can add on a little extra frosting and wear it well!

I hope this will get your creative juices flowing.  Please remember… at the Joy Boutique we say…the absolute best accessories are smiles and confidence.  Put them on and go have some fun!

Please share other ideas or questions you might have…and Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.  I am so grateful for each of you!!