What is Your Definition of an Old Lady Store?
We talk about the young girl’s stores but how about an old lady store? Do you have a list in your head, or have you ever thought about it? After we showcased how Old Navy could work for women our age, I saw a woman on Instagram whose handle read, “Too old for Aerospostle and too young for Chicos”, and it made me laugh.
Because I’m all about showing how we can find items from almost any store and make them fun and stylish. Thus came the theme for this week, to showcase Talbots clothing.
Quote of the day: “All good things which exist are the fruits of originality.” John Stuart Mill
Now I’m not saying it’s bad to shop at Talbots. I read many older bloggers who showcase Talbots items all the time. Yet my goal is not to look like I only shop at one store. Our personality isn’t one-dimensional and I feel like our style shouldn’t be also.
Lesley is showcasing her Talbot’s blazer yet with a summer, casual look. It’s that idea of yin and yang that gives a nice twist.
BTW, when I asked Lesley what she considered to be an old lady store, her answer was Chicos and Nordstroms. Do you agree?
Other Talbots posts
Is Talbots Frumpy? Ways to Add Whimsey to Classic Styles
Bold & Colorful Style: Older Women’s Clothing Brands
Shorts: Chicos ~~ Jacket: Talbots ~~ Top: Chicos~~ Shoes: Walking Cradles ~~Visor: online ~~ Purse: thrifted
“Old Lady Store” Talbots Blazer
If you classify Talbot’s look, I would consider it preppy and conservative. And while Lesley does admit to having that kind of vibe with most of her looks, I love how she showed dichotomy with a blazer and shorts. It may still be somewhat conservative and preppy, but it’s also very chic and stylish.
Lesley shares that she has had this blazer for at least 15 years. It was part of a suit that she wore for job interviews. The slacks may not be in her closet anymore, but the blazer is one of those fabulous basics that should work no matter what your lifestyle entails.
Adding a classic blazer over any kind of t-shirt is such an easy way to snazz up your look.
Other times we’ve used this trick
A Jacket Gives your T-Shirt Instant Appeal
Wearing Your Graphic T-Shirt Under a Jacket
Seasonless Items
Lesley admits that she wears this “old lady store” blazer with jeans and a tee for running errands. Or with a cami and a pretty scarf for a casual happy hour date.
She’s worn this blazer with skirts, over dresses, and even wide-leg pants which shows how it can be worn with everything.
Even for those of us who aren’t in the work field anymore, a classic blazer is fabulous.
Insider tip: You can find some fabulous blazers at second-hand stores. If you like certain brands, you can always look for them on Poshmark too.
Accessories
Because it was scorching hot this day, Lesley opted to leave off any necklace or scarf around her neck. She did include a fun straw purse and bracelet.
Sunglasses can also be a way to add some color or interest to your look. Most of us only have one pair of sunnies, especially if we wear prescription glasses. But I might suggest looking at the online glasses options (I wrote about many here) because they are so much more budget-oriented.
I do have a couple of pairs of glasses that are sunnies only, but I also love my transitions.
Insider tip: The transition lenses in my prescription glasses don’t darken AS much as normal sunglasses. So think about that if you’re spending the entire day in the sun. You want as much protection as you can get.
Shorts for Older Women
I realize that not everyone is comfortable wearing shorts, but I am happy that Lesley still embraces them. Shorts and a blazer may seem the exact opposite if you are trying to classify items. Shorts like this are considered casual. Yet a blazer has a work vibe and may not seem appropriate with shorts.
Yet it’s very modern to combine two separate elements. In fact, you could wear this blazer with capri pants or even joggers to change the vibe of your look.
The other aspect of this outfit that works so well is the proportions. It’s taken me years to even think about proportions in an outfit and if they really matter. Sometimes I think we shouldn’t obsess over all the crazy details, but I wanted to point it out here.
There’s a great 2/3 to 1/3 ratio with the blazer and with these longer shorts. In fact, Lesley is also incorporating a column of color under the blazer even though the shorts and tee don’t match perfectly.
Loafers
If you have a classic style, then you probably love loafers. They are being shown more and more lately in the stores. Lesley bought these from Walking Cradles so not only are they cute, but they are also very comfortable with the tiny pillows in them.
So the question is do you shop at the old lady stores and if so, how do you make them seem less old ladyish?
My Goal
Thank you for visiting my space on the internet. I like to showcase how it’s never too late to look great for women of any age, size, or working with any budget.
I feel I’m here to help move beyond the fashion rules of yesterday and evolve. Style and clothes are made to give you joy. Not cause us stress because we are worried about what others think.
My hope is that you get ideas and inspiration from Charlotte, Lesley, and myself. It’s not about copying what we wear, but about using what you already have and updating items along the way.
Most of all it’s getting us to think differently and dare I say, have fun?
DID YOU KNOW?
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