“The most important
thing I can tell you about aging is this: If you really feel that you want to
have an off-the-shoulder blouse and some big beads and thong sandals and a
dirndl skirt and a magnolia in your hair, do it. Even if you're wrinkled. “
Maya Angelou
When
I was a child all women of a certain age dressed like Aunt Bea on the Andy
Griffith Show – house dresses with shelf – like bosoms. There were no breasts. Those women had
BOSOMS! Then in the ‘70’s the polyester double-knit pantsuit in pastel colors
became ubiquitous. In the 80’s grandmothers seemed to gravitate towards
sweatpants or other elastic waist pants with matching sweatshirts curiously
appliqued with cutesy sayings, animals or other embellishments. And don’t
forget the mom jeans of the 90’s! Or the oversized extravagantly colored
stereotypical Florida retiree look of the Golden Girls!
Today’s
women, however, are staying in the work-force longer, reinventing themselves
and exploring new careers in mid-life, exercising, eating well, and maintaining
a youthful spirit into their 80’s and beyond.
We want updated fashion that incorporates trends, is easy care,
flattering, celebrates our changing bodies, relevant, and reflects our 21st
Century selves. In other words – we want
it all (including a tasteful bit of animal print)!
When
I first started writing my blog nearly three years ago, some friends asked me
to put together a list of stores and websites where I’ve found great clothing,
accessories, shoes, and other “must haves” for women over 40. Since the retail
landscape has changed so dramatically over the past three years, I will update
my lists over the next few posts. My
lists will include only places or sites where I have personally shopped.
In
addition to these lists I highly encourage every woman looking for something
special to visit her local boutiques.
Local shop owners know the retail landscape in the area and offer an
array of fashions and accessories that are not readily available online or at a
department store. My local boutique is Simply Charming in Winchester, Virginia
and I always find something unique that makes my heart sing.
My “go to” stores or online sites offer
excellent customer service, free or reasonable shipping, and easy returns:
- http://shop.nordstrom.com
- http://www.garnethill.com
- https://www.talbots.com/online/home
- http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp
- https://www.chicos.com/store/
- http://www.zappos.com
- http://www.bluefly.com
- http://www.shoptiques.com
- https://www.madewell.com
- http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/
- Target
- https://www.soma.com/store/
- T.J. Maxx
- Marshalls
- Nordstrom Rack
- http://www.herroom.com
- http://www.barenecessities.com
- http://www.anntaylor.com
- https://www.softsurroundings.com
- http://www1.bloomingdales.com/
- www.neimanmarcus.com
- http://us.asos.com/
- http://www.uniqlo.com/us/
- http://www.peruvianconnection.com (has some negative reviews & shipping isn’t cheap; but I bought a coat from this site that I love)
- http://www.Amazon.com (sells EVERYTHING)
No comments:
Post a Comment