I’m a t-shirt and jeans girl. That is what I am most comfortable wearing. And as a blogger who works out of a home office, that is perfectly OK – while at home. But how does someone like me dress appropriately for other occasions in a way that gives me confidence and communicates who I am and what I’m about? Here’s what I learned from four of my favorite Fashion Bloggers.
Lessons Learned about Fashion over 40 from Fashion Bloggers
Lessons Learned From My Favorite Fashion Bloggers
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Pam Lutrell
Pam Lutrell from Over50Feeling40.com was one of the first fashion bloggers I started following. At that time, I was a size larger than most of the clothes in my closet and was thinking that there was no way I was going to go shopping until I “lost 10 pounds!” Well, if I continued in that vein, I would be wearing about 2 things that were tight and uncomfortable all the time, because to date, those 10 pounds haven’t gone anywhere!
Pam Lutrell from over50feeling40.com believes that women can make fashion choices that make them feel confident not matter what their age, size or price range.
Pam wearing white, cream and tan with a statement necklace. Great picture by that red fire hydrant!
Pam inspired me to love my body and to shop for clothes that fit me NOW. She says that “There is nothing which prevents a woman from being stylish, confident, and fashionable…age does not matter; income does not matter; and body size does not matter.”
Each week, Pam does a feature with Jennifer Connolly of awellstyledlife.com called Style Sweet Spot. Here’s how it works – Pam and Jennifer pick an occasion that they are dressing for like a baby shower, trip to the museum or out for a casual dinner and show us what they would wear and why they made the choices they made.
Jennifer Connolly
What I like about Jennifer is that she helps me understand WHY something is a good look. For example, I loved this top that she was wearing.
Jennifer Connolly from awellstyledlife.com plays with angles and proportion in this asymmetrical top.
Jennifer said she was playing with proportion and angles when she chose the top with asymmetrical lines. I knew I liked it, but that little bit of a description helped me know WHY I liked it. And knowing WHY I liked it will help me look for those same features in a top in the future.
In another post, Jennifer talked about how texture and pattern near a woman’s face can minimize the “texture” on her face. Don’t you just love that we can call it texture?
Here is Jennifer’s textured dress over pants:
Jennifer wears this textured dress over black pants for an afternoon baby shower.
I tried the print near the face option with this heart-print scarf near my face for a girl’s lunch out.
I tried pattern near my face in this heart-print scarf.
Shellie Bowdoin
Shellie Bowdoin* is from thefabjourney.com. Shellie often posts looks featuring great basic pieces she has in her closet (in some cases she’s had them for years), with new pieces to make a great new outfit.
Shellie models an animal print dress that she’s had in her closet for 18 years! Still looking good!
This whole outfit came from Shellie’s closet and all purchase were sale items for Macy’s, Dillard’s Oulet or Goodwill. She has had those cute, orange Michael Shannon shoes for over 5 years!
Her post “How to Shop as a Fabulously Frugal Fashion Hunter” inspired me to quit doing my usual, walk into the store and buy everything on the mannequin outfit and walk out.
Here is my pairing something old with something new to make a whole new outfit:
Whole outfit is several years old, except for the Kendra Scott necklace that my husband gave me for Christmas.
The sweater, leggings, boots and necklace in the middle are all several years old. I added the Kendra Scott McKayla necklace that my husband gave me for Christmas and felt up to date and stylish for a Saturday luncheon at a country club!
Shelley Janac
I first discovered Shelley Janac from thequeeninbetween.com on Instagram. She had the most marvelous looks that MIXED PATTERNS! This blew my mind – mostly because I am the QUEEN OF MATCHY-MATCHY and because in the “olden days” that was a fashion no-no! But Shelley’s looks were so fabulous and fun.
So cute – small polka dots on the skirt with a striped top. The necklace is the perfect pop of color.
So I put on my big girl pants and gave it a try for a Saturday shopping trip. I paired a navy polka dot vest with a red and blue print scarf.
Polka dot vest with scarf in complimentary colors.
This was way out of my fashion comfort zone, but when the sales guy at White House Black Market complimented my look, I knew I had arrived! LOL!
So…thanks to these ladies for their wonderful websites and their great fashion advice. There may be hope for me yet! I hope you will follow their blogs and social media accounts. You’ll be inspired to up your fashion game!
Do you ever feel like you are in a fashion rut? What’s the hardest thing about styling your over-40 self?
*Shellie recently interviewed me about a mid-life perspective on body image and weight loss. You can read the interview here.
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Cathy, I am honored to be here…it means so much to know something I said or did helped. I appreciate being included in this awesome group!
Wonderful! I read all of your posts and look forward to learning more from you. You truly did inspire me to love the body I have NOW and dress it well. A lot of us need that and your great work helps us feel great about ourselves.
Pam and Jennifer are two of my favourite bloggers too! Now I’ll have to look in on the other two and look forward to seeing more from you too.
Thanks, Elaine! I appreciate you reading and commenting!
Cathy, this gave me the warm fuzzies. I try to give tips and suggestions to help women feel more confident about pursuing their own confident style. The fact that something I said actually helped you is a great encouragement to me.
Great post!
Shellie
http://www.thefabjourney.com
You certainly did, so be encouraged. And I’m just ONE who said something. You have impacted many women – I’m sure of it. Glad you liked the post!
I’m honored to be in such great company. Thanks so much Cathy. I think you look terrific. So wonderful to meet you. I’m delighted to help you anyway I can. Have a great week!
Cheers,
Jennifer
http://www.awellstyledlife.com
Thanks so much for everything, Jennifer. I hope to meet you one day!
What a great post, I’m currently going through the pajama phase, but at some point I’ll have to go out and face the world. Thanks for rounding up these ladies, some of whose blogs I’ve visited before. They all look great! And so do you!
Aren’t they inspiring? Thanks for your kind words, Mary. And I’ll bet your PJ’s are really cute! 🙂
Love this! Thanks for pointing me to other fashion bloggers too!
I am discovering so many good ones, but these ladies are my “go to” girls! Thanks for reading and commenting!
Cathy thank you so much! Your words are so kind. You look adorable in your scarf and polka dots!
Shelley – Thanks! I am so excited that the Queen of mixing patterns liked my outfit. I so enjoy your blog – your fashion, your family, your decorating projects. I think you would be a great next door neighbor! I hope I get to meet you someday. Where in Texas are you? I’m in Tomball, just north of Houston. Born and raised in Houston. My Dad was a Houston policeman. I am featuring a blog post from each of my fashion bloggers on the mysideof50 FB page this week. Thanks for being a part of this post. It was really… Read more »
These bloggers look great and so do you, Cathy! I could never do a fashion blog, but I do enjoy seeing women look well-dressed.
Katherine – I’m the same way – could never do a fashion blog myself, but I find myself really enjoying reading them. Same with crafts – I’m not crafty AT ALL, but I love seeing all the DIY blogs out there!
I love this! Never considered looking for bloggers in the fashion side of life. I’m stepping back into business after being out and my last job was a jeans environment. So this post is great news for someone north of fifty! Thanks, CL!
I hear ya, Mary!!!! Following these blogs have really helped me get out of my fashion rut for when jeans and a t-shirt are not appropriate! Glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for reading my blog. Your comments are always such an encouragement!
Wow! These ladies are gorgeous ♥
summerdaisy.net
Yes they are and they are also lovely people. Lots to learn from them. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
You look amazing in that polka dot vest and colorful scarf! It is always so important to step out of your comfort zone and take new risks. The fashion bloggers you mentioned are such an inspiration (and so are you!) I love what Pam said about age, income and body size not mattering. It’s such a great message to love the skin you’re in and be happy! 🙂
Thanks, Demeter! I am starting to have a little fun with fashion now that I have some new ideas from these great ladies! Glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
Great styles…you all look fabulous!!!
Michelle – Thanks so much! Appreciate you stopping by!
Great looks and good job with the pattern mixing of the scarf and polka dot vest. I’m trying to learn how to pattern mix too, I tend to go all black and am trying to change my ways!
Rosamond – I’m an all black person too – trying to break out of that run! Hope you got some pattern mixing inspiration here. Thanks for stopping by! Cathy
[…] Cathy Lawdanski /My Side of 50 / Lessons Learned from My Favorite Fashion Bloggers / As a work at homeblogger – I was in a fashion rut. It was the comfort of t-shirts and […]
Cathy, I’m going to have to check out these fashion bloggers, it seems that they have taught you a lot, and I love that their advice is simple and easy to put in place. I love all the photos of you, the color red looks fabulous on you! And that sweater with the white band at the bottom, really cool, love the necklace! I need to take lessons from you, I am a sweatshirt and sweat pants girl, paired with slippers! LOL The salesman in White House Black Market was right! You have arrived! xx
Nikki- you are so sweet! I will tell you – I felt great in all those outfits and never would have known how to put them together if it weren’t for “my” fashion bloggers. And they are all really great ladies! Thanks for reading all my posts and commenting!
so many great bloggers here! love the quotes from them 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, reading and commenting!
Everyone looks fabulous! Awesome fashion tips! So glad you are co-hosting the party at Oh My Heartsie Girls Wordless Wednesday!
Thanks for the welcome, Christine. Glad you like the post. Those fashion bloggers are fun people! I just love their fashion and beautiful photos.
[…] Cathy Lawdanski /My Side of 50 / Lessons Learned from My Favorite Fashion Bloggers / As a work at homeblogger – I was in a fashion rut. It was the comfort of t-shirts and […]
[…] Cathy Lawdanski /My Side of 50 / Lessons Learned from My Favorite Fashion Bloggers / As a work at homeblogger – I was in a fashion rut. It was the comfort of t-shirts and […]
I love having a fashion blogger in our Oh My Heartsie Girls WW to help us Co-Host. Your article is wonderful and love all the fun photos!
Pinned and shared on Twitter.
Have a wonderful week!
Karen
Aren’t these ladies wonderful! So glad you enjoyed it! I’ve learned so much for them. Thanks for reading, commenting, pinning & tweeting, Karen!
I think you did a wonderful job applying all the lessons learned to your own clothes, outfit and look. I see the same things but I am very very slow in adopting these things. Making the mindshift from what I see to what I have. I love that polka dot vest with the scarf too, but would never think of it if I saw pattern mixing. Sigh.
And I am a very matchy matchy women. I never have more than 3 colours in my outfit (unless it is in a garment). Strange but true.
Greetje
Thanks, Gretje. These ladies really helped me start thinking out of my fashion box. Thanks for reading the post and commenting!
great post, Cathy. I am quite adventurous in terms of fashion but certainly love to explore 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it Indah! These ladies are helping me be more adventurous! Thanks for stopping by!
Cathy welcome to our fabulous bunch of hosts of #OMHGWW. I love your post and I am sure it is helpful to many women out there! Keep up the great work & have a wonderful week! Evija x
Evil – thanks for the warm welcome. Glad you enjoyed the post! I know they certainly helped me!
[…] Fashion Bloggers: Lessons Learned From My Favorite Fashion Bloggers Fashion Budget Women For Women over […]
You really have to admire women who take fashion out of the ridiculous NYC eye and make it for real women like us. Thanks for sharing your post with us at the Over the Moon Link Party.
Sandy – that is so true! Thanks for the warm welcome and for reading my post and commenting!
Hi Cathy! I work from home too, so I know exactly what you mean. It’s hard to break out of that habit. When I do put “real clothes” on my kids are like “Mom, where are you going”. Sad, right? These are some great ideas. Thanks for sharing!
LOL – If I put on makeup, my grandson thinks we are going to church! Glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Well this post was right on time, thank you. The “what am I going to wear today”, merry go round is draining. I have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. Waiting until I get back to the size I was several years ago has kept me from shopping for anything remotely stylish. I love your confidence and that of the stylish bloggers you featured. Thanks for the post and the tips!
I’m the first to admit that when you are not the size you want to be, it is not nearly as much fun to shop for clothes that are stylish. But that is where I am right now – have a conference and vacation coming up. I am losing, but none of last Spring’s clothes fit – so off I go to the mall tomorrow – fingers crossed! Thanks for reading and commenting, Sandra!
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Cathy, great post! I hope someday my style blog will be one of your favorites. You are rocking those outfits. Do you mind if I use a couple of your photos for my blog? You are also inspiring me to get in front of my camera. If I wait until I loss 10 pounds it might be a long wait.
You look fabulous-get in front of that camera, girl! Yes, you can use any of my photos. Going to follow your fashion blog now!
Great post! Loved seeing all the fashion options, and you rocked your choices!
Loved seeing all these fashion tips. You certainly rocked your choices!
Thanks, Estelle! Learning a lot from those ladies!
All of you ladies are Sizzling! Great post Cathy and it shows we can all look great in midlife. Love it!
Thanks, Sue! Hope to do a fashion post with some summer looks soon!
Great bloggers! I follow them all except Shelley, and I’ll check out her blog right now!
I also always love that Jennifer explains why things work or don’t work. Plus, I have started to pay attention to her recommendation to wear texture near your face to make wrinkles less noticeable!
Love Shelley! Her Instagram is great. I’m planning a summer feature with some fashion bloggers! Thanks for reading and commenting, Andrea!
[…] My Favorite Midlife Fashion Bloggers […]
Great post. I haven’t taken much time for fashion lately and I tend to stick with pants and a nice top, maybe jewelry. Jeans are still my favorite, maybe leggings and sweats next. My job and lifestyle don’t require me to dress up but when I need to I’m at a total loss. Thanks for the post and great suggestions. You look great too!
[…] of my most popular posts to date is Lessons Learned From My Favorite Fashion Bloggers. No matter what age we are, we love looking at beautiful fashion and thinking about how we can […]
Wonderful post! These ladies really are fabulous and inspiring with their gorgeous sense of style!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Shelbee – so glad you enjoyed the post. These ladies are fabulous!
[…] Lessons Learned From My Favorite Fashion Bloggers […]
Oh how I love these ladies and love their looks too!
They ARE fabulous! Glad you enjoyed the post, Rosie!
This is an awesome post. I’ve noticed on TV lately that ” matching” is out but have been too scared to try. Love the red and blue scarf you used. Having just turned 50 I really enjoyed the tips here
I wish I could get beyond worrying about my size and just wear things I love.
Cathy,
You look awesome and it is so nice that these lovely ladies have inspired you. Sometimes, you just need a little nudge.
Hugs,
Bev
[…] Lessons Learned From My Favorite Fashion Bloggers […]
[…] Lessons Learned From My Favorite Fashion Bloggers […]
It’s all about confidence isn’t it Cathy? These women own their look and their age unapologetically and that is what gives them such great style.
Leanne – you are so right! Confidence is the start to a great look!
Great post! I love all of these ladies’ styles and you look great in the outfits you styled, as well.
Debbie – thanks so much! Here’s a new post featuring some of these great fashion bloggers! http://mysideof50.com/9-ways-wear-stripes/
Oh wow…all so pretty and put together.
Michelle – they are lovely! Here’s my latest post featuring some of our great midlife fashion bloggers http://mysideof50.com/9-ways-wear-stripes/
It has taken me time to realize that to feel fabulous you have to look fabulous. Thanks for sharing because there were a couple of outfits here I really want to find now! It is hard to think fashion when you feel like you need to lose weight but you are right, you need to do it!
Renee – totally get that. I still struggle with those feelings. Here’s another fashion post that I published today featuring some of the great midlife fashion bloggers! http://mysideof50.com/9-ways-wear-stripes/
I struggle with style all of the time. I grew up in a house full of boys so things like, makeup, styles are totally foreign for me plus I work at home and rarely leave the house. I just love both Jennifer and Pam they’ve been a huge help to me too!
What would we do without those great ladies. I have another fashion post with great midlife bloggers that I just posted today!
http://mysideof50.com/9-ways-wear-stripes/
“There is nothing which prevents a woman from being stylish and confident – not age, income or body size.” I love that comment SO.MUCH. Thanks for sharing 🙂