Where would we be without the tee shirt? I would be lost and unable to dress myself. I collect them, hord them, hunt them down. From everywhere. When I find a fit I like I buy several. My favorite these days have a bit longer sleeve. What happens to our arms as we age even though we work out? You can dress a tee up or down you can add a sweater or a jacket. Gobs of jewelry works with a tee, as in necklaces or stacks of bracelets. Go forth buy tees, wear them, love them, buy new.

I have chosen a few items that I beleive are basics for women. They are items that anyone can wear, to almost any occassion, by mixing and matching the items. I have included photos.
1. The first is a pencil skirt, I cannot tell you how I love pencil skirts and how much I love wearing them. Anyone can wear them as long as they have been altered to fit you. Off the rack clothing does not fit everyone how could it? So always factor in alterations. 2. The wedge shoes, everyone's legs look so much more shapely and amazing in a pair of heels, but not everyone likes to wear them. So my suggestion is a really great pair of wedge shoes, keep them simple and you can wear them with pants or skirts. 3. A shirt especially a white shirt, there is nothing better than a white shirt, again purchase one that fits or can be altered. If you are large busted check out my Carissa Rose logo on my home page for shirts for the larger busted woman, they really do fit. 3. Straight legged white pants for spring or a pair in a really great color,(color is everywhere this spring and summer). 4. A light weight jacket that can be worn to add warmth or style to any outfit. 5. Statement necklace, they are almost everywhere and they are awesome turning a simple outfit into vavoom. All the items below are current from all different stores, they are just to give you an idea for shopping. Make sure anything you buy is meant for you. You also want everything you purchase to go with three other things in your closet for mixing and matching.

Ok, guys it's your turn. We women rely on makeup you don't have that so here are so ideas for you to still look amazing at any age. This may sound a bit over the top but you need to hear this. Be mindful of hair that is where it shouldn't be. Down the back of your neck, in your ears and your nose. A good barber will help with that but then make sure you maintian it daily. Eyebrows too, you need two of them not one that goes from one eye straight across the bridge of your nose and over the other eye. If you don't know how to deal with it find someone who does. You will be oh so happy you did.

If you read this blog you know that I worked in the film business doing primarily wardrobe. Every once in awhle I would be asked to do make-up as well, especially if there was only one
talent. So I know my stuff but you know the saying "can't see the forest for the trees", well that is how I feel.  I have had my makeup done at Aveda for various events, but I felt it was applied with too heavy a hand. So I just made am appointment at my friend's salon on Snelling in Saint Paul  called Brow Chic. I am going to have Kae, help me to ever so slightly change my makeup look so it's there but subtle. As we get older makeup sitting in our lines and wrinkles is not cool, overly done eyes, never, so I need help and I am going to get it.

 I peraonlly love bling, and right now I am more than a little in love with these big bid necklaces or statement pieces of jewelry as I think they really spark up an otherwise classic look. I do know however, that as you get older bling needs to be handled very sparingly. It certainly should not be worn head to toe, chose one piece of clothing or jewelry to make the statement and then walk away. There is a great blog to look at called http://advancedstyle.blogspot.com/. You need to check it out, I will tell you however, that there a very few of us that should try to copy of these looks. These women know what they are doing and they are great, but few of us can carry it off.
 Go ahead and wear bling just remember chose wisely and sparingly.

 I was at a happy hour with friends this past Sunday, where I made a comment on the wearing of head to toe black or always wearing black for women. I have done a great deal of reading university studies and color specialist reports on color and what is says to you and others. I just want you to know I did not make this up it's back up by studies. Below is what black usually means.
  Black is a very  harsh color, difficult to wear. It makes a person seem aloof and overpowering. It is not recommend to wear with a client or a prospective date. In most cases it should be worn as an accent color. It's also very hard on older skin and coloring.
 Check out some of the new fashions for spring online and see all the amazing color in clothing that is out there. Then go forth and wear color.
  I will continue to post what color means for the next few days or weeks, then you can judge for yourself.

Stop don't do it. Outfits, or head to toe looks are not even sorta cool, besides it really does age your look.  Don't walk into a store and buy a complete outfit, instead mix it up it's much more fun and much more interesting. Here is an example. Take a simple sweater paired with a skirt or pants, add some amazing accessories such as a big statement necklace, a pair or attention getting earrings, or a vintage handbag, then strut your stuff. Try mixing a cheap t-shirt with an expensive skirt or pants, then add pearls and a cool handbag. Think out of the box, ask yourself what a woman in Paris or New York would  do. Never be afraid of mixing items you love, chances are you will feel comfortable and confident that way and others will feel it too. Don't take clothes seriously have fun with them.

 I belong to a social networking group that is 3456 members strong. We are an extremely active group, by that I mean we go dancing, biking, golfing, happy hours, scavenger hunts etc. We have events almost everyday of the week...some people are retired some are not. It's great the people are wonderful too.  . Some are single some are married.
   I see a lot of fashion faux pas in the group especially for those that are trying to attract the attention of a possible mate. So for you guys here goes. Wear nice shoes even with your jeans do not wear tennis. Wear great fitting jeans, we like to see "booty" too. Wear a beautiful shirt or sweater,pay attention to detail as with a belt or cufflinks, (yes I said cufflinks). Or roll your shirt sleeves for a little attitude.  Show us you care about yourself so we know you will care about us.

 I have so many women that I adore from afar that are style icons, from Diane Keaton, to Lauren Hutton, Kate Capshaw, but I really love Ines de la Fessange from France. Paris actually. Because of her I have rolled out my white jeans to wear this winter. It's a bit trickier to do in the winter because of the slush, although this year is not bad. I just have to remember they may need to be laundered every time they are worn, but hey, style has no pain.  So here I come white jeans and a navy sweater. What could be more classic and more real than that.