I am so very sorry that the end of this blog idea has been slow in coming, not only have I been working a great deal but I also caught the dreaded influenza recently. So with no further "a-do" I will conclude this series, however you can count on more denim looks, and looks for the over 40 crowd. It's one of my passions. I have this sweater below in a camel colored background. I wear it with various shirts both printed and plain colored. I wear it with a varies of items including for more casual look with my 505 Levi's. Animal prints are big this fall, as are animals themselves. This is not too young a look for anyone over 40 as it depends on how else you dress it up. Note what I chose to wear with it. 

  I did not forget about you I have been very busy working and social stuff. It's good to be busy but then I miss this. This past week-end I copied a J.Crew top. It was actually quite simple here is what it looks like, the real things not the copy. This was the outfit, it really looked classy, my husband loved it. I wore this with my Levi's 505's. 

  Tomorrow night we are going dancing. I love to go out dancing, it's great exercise, it releases all your worries from a week of work and it's just plain fun. 
We have definitely had a change in the weather today so tomorrow night this is what I will be wearing, I think. 
  The great little moire sleeves stop has a vintage feel but looks new, the shearling jacket (fake fur of course) is perfect for a cool night. I love the idea of the sweet romantic top with the rugged jacket. I have always preferred high- low, cheap- expensive, new-old look in my dressing so this outfit fits that look completely. 
  I really love those over sized pearls which again have a vintage but new feel. Add a animal print belt and it's a pretty outrageous outfit. 

  Men I have not forgotten about you, but being a woman it's usually all about me, oh and other woman. So with that in mind I am posting some cool glasses or reading glasses for you stylist older men. 

  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.

  I keep telling my clients that as you grow older make not only life but your look clean and simple. Wear classics, changing the color with fashion but staying within the palette as to what looks good on you and goes with the rest of your closet. Keep " bling" or "out there looks to accessories, that way you have a closet that has exactly what looks good on you and you alone, but you can up the fashion factor with your accessories.
  I love the book "Parisian Chic" by Ines de  la Fressange. She is so classic in her  look she just changes things  up with color and accessories. Here is what I am talking about, see what little effort she uses to make herself look current and yet you know who she is. 

 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. 

 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.