Even as you age, you still need to have fun with your clothes, this lady Linda Rodin is a prime example of how to do it. 

  We use accessories to make us individuals, especially for men, as your clothing does not change much in shape and style. I am always preaching the classics as we get older but we still want to look like we have a spring in our step when it comes to style. Use scarves, hats, cufflinks, ties, and shoes to change up a look. GO FOR IT GUYS, HAVE SOME FUN WHEN YOU GET READY TO GO OUT AND ABOUT. 

  Of course we all know how to shop right? But do we really I am not so sure, so below are some great ideas for shopping.      

1.      Always spend your biggest money on the classics, in both styling and  Color.

2.      Define your style and stick to it. Wear what you love; what makes you comfortable, what makes you feel expresses you. Stay true to this and the wardrobe will follow. Shop with the motto, love it or leave it.

3.      Understand your body type and shop accordingly, learn what looks best and never compromise.

4.      Don’t go on fishing expeditions, go but don’t buy unless it’s perfect.

5.      Go to the stores you know have your styles and what works for you.

6.      Look for color and fabric first, then silhouette, then size.

7.      Think outfit, not item. Before buying the new items think about what other items it can be worn with. If you don’t have anything don’t buy it, it needs to go with at least three other things.

8.      Get help from a professional stylist.

9.      Insist on fit; otherwise take it to your alterations person. So factor in that cost always. Even your jeans can be altered

10.  Buy the best you can afford. You don’t need a lot of stuff when you have the right stuff.

11.  Vintage** Vintage can give you a unique look, but always try everything on

Sizes were different back then. Again, make sure it fits with your style and goes with other items you already have.

12.  Make your larges purchase first, in other words, buy the suit or coat first then

the accessories.

If you want to be fashionable do it with accessories, or just a few items to add to your already “styled” wardrobe. When I do closet clean outs I see a lot of hang tags still on clothing in closets. Buying outside the box can be very costly. Stick to what suits you best for overall look, then go crazy with the accessories, jewelry, scarves, some handbags and shoes can really bring you the fashion your looking for.

If you love Style as much as I do you will love these other blog sites. Now you are not going to go out and dress like this, more than likely but they are fun, whimsical and "hey" they might give you some ideas. http://www.thestylerookie.com/ 

 This is our future ladies and gentlemen. http://advancedstyle.blogspot.com

 This one makes it all work.  http://stylebubble.typepad.com/ the author is in London, but it's a gorgeous blog. Some real inspriation here. 

What is dressing "out of the box"? To me it's taking classic clothing and putting a spin on it. Not one piece of the outfit is outrageous, it's the way the people put it together that makes "it"Happen, makes it "out of the box."
I love the website Sartorialist it's all about street fashion, what people do with their clothes in real life. Here is the link.  http://www.thesartorialist.com/. If you love clothes and not just fashion it's definitely the place to go for great ideas. Looking dapper, being classic but a bit out of the box is what it's all about. Below is a young women in Europe, now I am not promoting smoking, (absolutely not) just what a great look, putting together total classic pieces but the use of color is what makes it "out of the box."

 As you know I have been researching this company to see where they stand with animal testing. I checked with PETA and the ASPCA and they are not listed there as being animal free testing. My guess is that the actual products are not animals tested but that some of the ingredients are animal tested. Remember what I always say if it's been tested on an animal it cannot possibly be good for you. 

This just in from Benefits in a reply to my question. I need to do some further investigations but they say they do not test on animals. Hi Linda, 
Thank you for taking the time to write to us. Benefit does not test our cosmetic products on animals. When selecting the ingredients to be used in our cosmetic products, Benefit requires raw material suppliers to provide safety information based on scientifically accepted alternative testing methods that meet international safety standards and regulations. Benefit products must meet both consumers' needs and consumer safety, while respecting animal life. Benefit continues to strongly support & favor alternative testing and is committed to following all animal testing laws and regulations in order to ensure our products' safety for the end consumer.

Thank you for shopping with Benefit Cosmetics.P.J. 
Benefit Cosmetics Customer Care

GLOWING up…not growing up!

 It't no secret I am an animal lover, so much so that sometimes even  my husband wonders what he's married. Animals are a gift and how we treat them says a lot about us. Yesterday there was a story about the cosmetic line Benefit on the morning news. Of course I checked to see if they tested their products on animals. They apparently don't like to answer that question. I sent them an email asking them if they do indeed test on animals I will let you know when I get a reply. Remember if a product needs to be tested on an animal it means there is something in it that is not good for you. They just want to make sure it's not that toxic or harmful. Shame on any company that does animal testing. More to come.