Sunday, TBD in January in River Forest

Want to learn what styles REALLY work for you? Want to get the skinny on what women “our age” truly should be wearing so we look our very best?

Learn what to wear, how to shop and how to incorporate your new style into your life. (Instead of going back to those sweats you should have thrown out 5 years ago!) You’ll leave with a shopping list of items that will complete your wardrobe for the season and the confidence to buy what you need – not simply what’s on sale.

Your hosts are Chris Hauri and Julie Judd, a Certified Image Consultant and member of the Association of Image Consultants International with more than 20 years of experience.

$120 includes lunch and materials

River Forest

Yesterday, January 31, I finally picked up my monster fur from storage. It’s a beautiful, quite formal mink that I bought as a treat for selling my business – and a bit of my soul. Gorgeous, toasty warm and extravagant, it’s also HUGE, outdated and a bit more showy than that which fits my lifestyle. But we’re expecting 2 feet of snow in Chicago.

My mink friend is the only outerwear I have ever found that protects me from everything! Blizzards, rain, cold, probably nuclear blasts, nothing can penetrate it. So I got it out of storage, even if it’s just to walk the dog. (I envy his fur that fits him so well!)

Chicago and much of the US is facing several days of hat hair, clunky boots and poor fashion choices. So I asked Julie Judd, fashion director at Talbot’s and my co-facilitator for our LifeStyle workshops, how to best weather the weather with style. Here are some of Julie’s suggestions:

• Warmest coats — fur, shearling and down. Down is not as puffy (think Marshmallow Man in Ghostbusters!) as in the past and many have hoods that help with hat hair.

• Coat length — it should cover your skirt/dress but a “maxi” down to your ankles looks clunky with flat boots, especially if you’re short. With pants, these days anything goes, though you’ll probably want to cover your rear end for warmth and for a more flattering look.

• How warm? — Keep in mind your travels. If you only go from house to car to parking garage, how warm do you have to be? If you’re shlepping to the train station, standing on el platforms or waiting for a bus, you need as many layers as possible. A coat should fit over a sweater or blazer but not too much larger. Layer with tights, long underwear or other breathable skins from REI or Dick’s Sporting Goods.

• Boots — Get a basic black or brown and keep it simple with a low or flat heel and good tread on the sole. And save your fine Italian leathers for a better weather day or change into them once you get to your destination. Unless you’re really hip, Uggs may be a bit too young for many of us.

• Hats — Cover your ears! Fedoras and berets are cute, but not the protection we need for the worst weather. We’re seeing a lot of funky lumberjack and Peruvian ski style hats this year – and many are on sale because they didn’t sell all that well. Make sure you’re not going too young by keeping away from the bright colors and plaids. You can always take it off quickly or hide it under a hood. And try to choose a hat, gloves/mittens and scarf that, color-wise, work with your coat.

• Hat Hair (ACK!) — Wet your brush, add a little product (styling mousse, hair spray) and restyle once you get to your destination if you possibly can. At work, keep a small travel blow dryer for a quick lift. Or simply add volume with your hands, then tame flyaways with product. In a pinch, hand lotion will tame static as well. (Personally I just accept a few months of bad style — sort of like junior high. No matter how hard you try, your hair has a life of its own!)

• Dog walking — yes, we need a different outfit than what we wear into the city. I have combat boots, 3 layers of turtlenecks, tights, heavy jeans, a lumberjack hat with earmuffs underneath, down mittens and 2 scarves – oh, and a ranch mink coat down to my ankles. Buddy is embarrassed to be seen with me. But we’re warm!

Stay warm and dry and pass along any other suggestions for tolerating this “typical Chicago weather”!

This past week an article from Money Talks News showed up on Yahoo that made me laugh. And think. It was a list of things that babies born this year will never experience. Things like video tape, movie rental stores, paper maps, fax machines, encyclopedias, and more. Of course this saddened me as one of my real talents is map folding and a favorite pastime has been “surfing” the encyclopedia. But it also got me thinking about some of the brands we grew up with that made such emotional impact in our lives.

Like whatever happened to Ambush cologne? Yes, if you search eBay, et al, you’ll likely find some, though there are many posts that say it has been reformulated. And while Dana Fragrances still is home to Tabu, English Leather (dreamy!), Love’s Baby Soft and Canoe, it no longer lists Ambush in any materials. It’s almost erased from Dana’s past. But not mine! Without it officially being “official”, it was the scent of choice of high school girls in the 60’s. There were ads for it – I think featuring teen model Colleen Corby – in Seventeen. And it was said that it “matched” the boys’ fragrance, Canoe. Which made for the perfect couple walking down the high school halls together. Funny how the guys could care less about cologne and the girls made it a project to get him smelling good!

Bonne Bell 10.0.6 Lotion is gone but Lip Smackers are still around and still aimed at the teen/pre-teen market. Stridex now has Power Pads – actually the whole teen skin care biz is more of an industry than it ever was. No longer is it “You wouldn’t have zits if you didn’t eat chocolate and french fries” but a wealth of products and services to promote great skin. Yet, kids still get pimples the day of their school pictures and the day of the prom!

Bobbie Brooks made shopping easy. Just buy the crew neck sweater and blouse that went with the plaid skirt or jumper and you were set. Slacks weren’t allowed in school and jeans didn’t come into our consciousness until 1967. Back-to-school shopping meant a trip to Carson’s, Field’s, Wieboldt’s (got Green Stamps!), or  a specialty shop like Honey Girl. If Grandma was buying we might hit Bonwit Teller  or Peck & Peck. But if you were using your allowance you’d be at Stuart’s. We’d look for the racks of Bobbie Brooks (now sold at Dollar General stores) or Villager (now at Kohl’s) or John Meyer of Norwich.

So a typical outfit consisted of (from the inside out) Carter’s Underpants, an A cup bra from Sears, a garter belt (!) and stockings, Capezio ballet flats, a slip, a hip-stitched skirt, peter pan collar blouse (tucked in) and cardigan sweater, accessorized with the gold circle pin that ALL girls had – because they came free in a box of Modess Napkins.

Which leads us to another product that we’re so glad has disappeared — sanitary napkins and THE BELT! The transition to womanhood was tough enough with teenage hormones and zits, but the belt just nutty. Of course we would be excused from gym during our “time of the month” and most of us learned what was going on from the pamphlets handed out in Health class. Reading “Growing Up and Liking It” was much easier than listening to an embarrassed gym teacher as she drew bad pictures of Fallopian tubes on the board. Thank you Stayfree and New Freedom for making our monthly belts obsolete. Now science is making our “monthlies” a thing of the past as well.

Probably the most daunting item of clothing in our lives in Junior High and High School was a gymsuit from the E. R. Moore Co. Nothing could bring about more embarrassment and fear than forgetting your clean/ironed gymsuit or socks at home. I still have dreams that I’ve lost my socks on the walk to school! Could anything have been less flattering? We felt lucky that ours didn’t have the elastic bloomer bottoms as previous classes but instead had short shorts. And your name had to be in letters at least 2 inches high on the back. They were comfortable and functional. By the way, the E.R. Moore Co. continues to make graduation and choir robes but is out of the gymsuit biz.

Today’s babies will never see pay phones, long distance or dial up internet but they’ll have their own version of Ambush fragrance. And we’ll always have our gymsuit memories!

What other brands and products did you love that are lost? Please share by posting on this site. We’ll enjoy each others memories!

Fashion can be ruthless! We’re seeing several new looks, but not everyone should make them THEIR looks. This might help you make the decisions:

1. Shoes with bows. If you have a small to average foot, this  can work for you. Gives a classic black dress a kick with a bow on a pump and dresses up jeans on a flat.

2.  Chunky knits. Only for the freezing cold gal — not in menopause.  This look might also overpower a petite women.  Better to dress in layers to keep warm versus a heavy sweater.  It can be very cute over leggings with tall boots.  This is a trendy look, but if you already have enough “chunk” in your shape, pass.

3.  Animal prints. If you have warm tones to your skin buy the animal print with camels and browns.  If you cool tones buy the grey and black.  Add an animal flat to a pair of jeans. Add a bag to give any basic outfit a kick.  Buy a scarf, if you just want a little flair. But no more than ONE animal per outfit, please!

4.  Shearling Jackets. Besides a down coat, this is the warmest coat you can buy, And it is much more hip, flattering and worth every penny.

5.  Jewel tone velvets. Perfect classic for the holidays or a fancy occasion.

6. Camel Coats. Tired of your black coat? This is a perfect color for women with warm coloring.  For a red haired gal this is a must. All coats need a scarf to keep the collar clean and to stay warm, so invest in some you love.

7. Straight leg pants. Not to be confused with skinny pants! If you have a pair shape, straight legs can be a tough look to pull off.  If you have great legs this is the pant for you. Pears, stick with an always-flattering trouser or bootcut.

It’s my belief that all women can look their best. It’s my passion to help you achieve your best this Fall. With a little guidance, a beautiful Fall can be easy!

I’d love to hear what you’re thinking about wearing for Fall?  And, if you want help creating your list or shopping, give me a call at 708-829-8245.

Julie

By the way, I’ve just moved over to Nordstrom-Oakbrook. Come visit and I’ll shop the 3rd floor with you!

Last week we had a terrific LifeStyle Workshop and our participants asked if we would remind them of some of the cool new products we passed around. One of the fun things about the workshop is that you get to touch and feel things — and get immediate feedback. Plus everyone brings their own knowledge to the table. So let’s start out with something new that we learned:

Lisa Dodge is the daughter of a dentist – and has great teeth to prove it. But her dad has said to stay away from Teeth Whitening kits as they haven’t been tested for long-term harm to teeth enamel. She shared that Crest 3-D Toothpaste is better – use it 3 times a day and get whiter teeth. Worth a try. I’m still a fan of Crest Professional Effects 3-D White Whitestrips. They’ve improved the stickiness, so they really stay on for the 1/2 hour daily treatments. Thanks for the warning, Lisa!

Face Primers – LOVE these. I’ve used Smashbox for awhile (Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer) but L’Oreal just came out with Studio Secrets Primer (on sale for $9.99 this week at Target) and it’s great. These primers leave a soft, velvety base for your foundation or tinted moisturizer and decrease oil and shine. The best part is they fill in fine lines and imperfections! Yea! Remember as you age, lighten up on foundation and powder — use a tinted moisturizer or mineral-based powder — to stay away from the “cakey” look.

DuWop Revolotion SPF 15. Charla Krupp (of How Not to Look Old) gave me this and it’s pretty amazing. Yes, we can go bare-legged and not look awful. This is a bronzing body moisturizer that has a bit of shimmer to the finish. All natural and not orange! Really easy to apply and quite forgiving so you don’t look streaky! And it doesn’t smell awful like many leg creams. They offer a tanner as well. So far, I’ve only found it online at Sephora. But it’s pretty neat.

Vanishing Edge Panties from Soma (Division of Chico’s) that really don’t ride up. Get them at Chico’s Outlets in Aurora or Kenosha for a fraction of the price.

Speaking of underthings, don’t miss Flexees by Maidenform to control your midriff and tummy. Still comfortable and cool, they offer many different styles of tank tops, camis and more.

Now if only I could give the resource for Julie’s cute topper that everyone loves – and is ultra-flattering to any figure type. Keep your eyes open in the coat department for one of your own.

What are your favorite finds? Share them with a comment!

Springtime and it’s wedding and shower season! And if you’ve been in any stores or looked at any magazines lately, dresses are all the rage. Last year, my favorite closet commando suggested I start wearing dresses and skirts more — a HUGE change from jeans and all forms of pants. Her reasons were good:

a) dresses are easier to fit when your body’s top and bottom don’t really match in size

b) dresses can gracefully camouflage bumps and lumps that aren’t supposed to be there

c) dresses are more youthful and show a sense of style (she’s NOT talking about muu-muus or shapeless “over-the-head” comfortable dresses you can wear to the farmer’s market or over a bathing suit!)

So with gusto and a recommitment to being fashionable/not old I took to a favorite department store (Carson’s, one of the Bon-Ton stores) and eyed my choices. Initially I rejected all sleeveless frocks due to the unpleasant reality of my batwing arms, but after trying on cap sleeves, committing to 2 months of tricep exercises, purchase of a cute pashmina and rationalization that by the time the dancing starts at the event I’m buying the dress for, most people will have had enough to drink that they won’t notice me when shedding the wrap. Plus, it’s not about me — it’s about the bride! So I ended up buying the cap sleeve number and a sleeveless party dress – with a little bit of CRINOLINE! (Yes, 8th grade Cinderella Ball was the last time I used that word!)

While I love the two dresses, I hadn’t thought about all the baggage that comes with a dress.

1) The zipper! One of the dresses even had a tag that said “I have a zipper” which should have been a warning. Perhaps the label should have said “I have a zipper so bring along a salesperson” or “I have a zipper so don’t expect to be able to put this on at home if you live alone” or “Warning – I have a zipper and you probably can’t reach back to zip me!”  After much finagling, panting and stretching, I was able to get in and out of these dresses in the fitting room and buy them. Since bringing them home, I do yoga arm stretches about 80 times a day. And have a piece of string ready to assist if the yoga doesn’t work out.

2) Shoes! Both dresses would be darling with strappy sandals. But 60 years of use and abuse has taken their toll. Strappy sandals do little to hide a hammer toe and a toenail soon to leave this body from looooong walks. And where’s the arch support in a strappy sandal? So screw strappy sandals and go for the peeky-toe pump – as long as the right toes are showing!

3) Legs! The bare leg look is cute on young women who don’t have bike accident scars, visible veins and knee and ankle surgery scars. My approach — start self-tanner now, then add foundation over the unsightly scars and still wear pantyhose. I need the control top anyway!

4) Undergarments! Correct fitting bra – check! Control top hose – check! (Instead of Spanx, the other alternative to keeping your bottom in check.) Flexees camisole – check! (Spanx for your midriff.) And that should keep me from jiggling in the wrong places. I just hope all that extra “me” doesn’t move down to my ankles or up to my neck!

5) And the wrap, of course! Pashmina or something with a little ruffle. Maybe lace…just as long as it gives the allusion of upper arms without actually showing them.

So here’s how I’ll say “Yes” to the dress! And say “Bye-Bye” to the carefree days of tossing on a cute shift, sandals and leaving the house! We may have to put more thought into how we wear fashion, but we can still wear it — and be all the wiser!

Style by Julie Judd, Stylewise

If you’re like most women about this time of year, you’re seeing new fashions at stores and starting to think about what’s put away under the bed and in attics in anticipation for warm weather. But before you think you’re ready to shop, think about how you might shop smarter.

In my work as a stylist (or wardrobe/closet/clothes consultant), I’ve learned most women have no idea what’s in their closets or what they need for the upcoming season. I’ve also learned that I can really help. Here’s how:

Save Time

The most important way to save time is to shop with a list. I call it “shop with a purpose” because you’re going to go into stores knowing what to zero in on… clothes that complete your wardrobe.

When I do a “closet takeover” we identify what pieces would pull your wardrobe together and offer many outfit options. These go on the list. Other things that go on the list are special event needs like a dress for a wedding or party and pieces you identified the PREVIOUS season that you needed.

Shopping with a purpose lets you zoom in and out of stores, trying on clothes you know you need.

Style That Works

Don’t we all want to enhance or camouflage our bodies with clothes so we look our very best? But how do we know what works? There are many good books that give us suggestions. But books don’t give feedback – and I do. From your angle, it’s hard to know what to play up and play down. So I do that for you. Then give honest, realistic recommendations on what to look for to flatter.

I’ll steer you to – and from – the trends that work for you and the rest of your wardrobe. Instead of you buying a lot of unflattering but hip items, I might suggest a few contemporary accessories that update your look less aggressively.

Age Appropriate

Once we’ve discovered what’s right for your body type, we’ll talk about your lifestyle. As we age, our body types change (as if we haven’t noticed!) but we often don’t change what we buy. Jeans are still important, but no longer skinny. V-necks may flatter more than our old favorite turtlenecks. And I’ll be totally honest about styles that make you look dowdy or older!

Store Resources

Armed with your shopping list, I’ll take you to the stores where clothes are pulled and ready for you in the fitting room. Through a network of great salespeople , found through years of trial and error, I usually know where to find the best matches to the items on your list. And I know reliable tailors, as well.

Save Money

Of al the times I’ve been called to a client’s closet, I have never had to recommend a whole new wardrobe. We’ll shop in your closet first to make many outfits that look great on you and work for your lifestyle. We’ll identify a list of the things that can extend your wardrobe – items that really work with what you have – so you needn’t buy a lot. Plus when you have your shopping list, you’re not as tempted to visit sale racks and buy “mistakes” that will seldom be worn.

“What would Julie say?” becomes your mantra before buying. And, consequently you walk away from items that don’t work hard in your wardrobe. Or buy with confidence, knowing your purchase is a smart buy. The investment in stylist service can be one of the best purchases you can make.

It’s my belief that all woman can look their best. It’s my passion to help you achieve your best this spring, while making it so easy you’ll wonder why you waited so long.

I’d love to hear what you’re thinking about wearing for Spring. And, if you want help creating your list or shopping, give me a call at 708-829-8245.

Style by Julie Judd, Stylewise

Always wanted a Wardrobe Makeover but not ready to say “good-bye” to the old and commit to the new? Try some of these baby steps that update your look without breaking the bank.

1. Update your tailored, fitted shirts by wearing a tank top underneath and open the top and bottom buttons. This can make you look taller and thinner – and hipper.
2. Take a boxy blazer to a tailor and have it fitted. At about $25-35, it’s a small price to keep a favorite jacket in your wardrobe.
3. Add a cashmere wrap or pashmina to coats or v-neck sweaters. You’ll add color while keeping warm in drafty rooms or out in the cold.
4. Buy a boot cut, dark wash, midrise jean. MUCH more flattering and can go dressy or casual. Great fitting jeans are a good investment that pays off year-round. Buy two pair and have them hemmed for flats and heels.
5. Shorten a straight or A-line skirt to knee length – above, middle or just below, depending on your height. The taller you are, the longer the skirt. Wear with a tall boot or pump and tights. Most women look better in skirts than pants. Ask any man!!!
6. Get fitted for a new bra. There are many new styles that are “age defying” and keep “the girls” up where they belong – midway between your shoulders and your elbows.
7. Add a belt outside your top, sweater or blazer. Wear a skinny belt if you don’t have much space between your bust and waist (short-waisted). Wear a thick belt if you have space there (long-waisted). No matter what size you are, this updates your look for a small price and brings attention to your waist. If you have a thicker waist, wear the belt slung a little lower on your hips.
8. Get rid of the sweats and Old Navy fleece. Instead chill or run errands in Activewear from your favorite running brands like Nike, Reebok, Puma or Addidas. Choose a running pant and matching jacket, then feel free to wear together or mix and match with your favorite jeans, hoodie and t-shirt.
9. Replace a turtleneck with a v-neck sweater. Turtles can make you look heavy by visually broadening your shoulders and “stealing” your neck. And make you look older and unapproachable. The next time you reach for a turtleneck, compare it with a v-neck and see the difference for yourself. For warmth add a scarf.
10. Replace your ankle length winter coat for a three-quarter fitted coat. Great sales are on now! And this look will continue. It’s a much neater look than a long coat you’ve dragged through snow and salt.

When you’re ready for the Wardrobe Makeover, call me (708-829-8245). Until then, try these baby steps. I’d love to hear your comments on how these work for you.

Is anyone else flummoxed when selecting mascara? I must have 8 tubes in various cosmetic bags and on the bathroom counter – and I still can’t find one I like. Some cake and flake. Others give me WAY more flirtatious lashes than I need to go to Panera for lunch. And I’ve had it with clumping.

I’ve found as I’ve gotten older, I look a bit overdone with my regular make-up routine (yes, that I started probably after a Mary Kay makeover in 1978!). So I’ve cut back on the eyeliner, added eyebrow pencil (where DID my eyebrows go?) and rely on simple neutral eye shadow and mascara to look alive. Except I can’t find a good mascara at a decent price.

So ladies – TRY 4 MASCARAS FOR FREE! Send me your name, where you shop and a paragraph on what you look for in a mascara and, if you’re one of the first 10 to reply, I’ll write back asking for your address to send you a gift card and the brands I’d like you to try. And you’ll also need to complete a questionnaire and take a few photos so we can decide which mascaras really are the best.

Help your sisters in the ongoing fight for great eyes! And have some fun doing it. Reply to me at chauri@mirrorwomen.com. And if you have a favorite mascara brand you can’t live without, let me know that, too, so we can include it in our research.

Remember Glamour magazine’s “Don’t”s? These were candid shots of fashion faux pas captured on the streets of New York City. The unknowing style slayer was somewhat hidden by a black bar placed over her eyes in the photo. But everyone knew that if they were ever caught as a fashion felon, they would immediately be recognized behind the drawn-in mask.

Back in the days when Glamour was relevant (or is that when we were relevant to Glamour?), my sister and I would rush to the pages that held the commandments of what to wear. We believed that Glamour would steer us well and well-dressed if we obeyed. We feared the black bar across our eyes!

So the other day I was standing on the el platform in downtown Chicago when I saw a young woman across the way dressed in total disarray (to my standards). My first thought was “Now, there’s a Glamour ‘Don’t’” and I half expected to see a black bar across her eyes. But then I looked again and, horrified, realized she might actually be a “DO”! Has fashion gone so far from what we learned in the 60s and 70s that Glamour has betrayed us?

Her outfit may have been chic – ridiculously high heels (how can she walk in those?), cropped pants (high-waters, we called them! Expecting a flood?), cropped jacket with short sleeves that didn’t (and couldn’t) button in front (was the jacket just 2 sizes too small?) with a long-sleeved flannel shirt underneath (didn’t these go out with Kurt Cobain?). And nothing really matched. Like blues and browns and green. Did she look in the mirror? Where was that Glamour “Don’t” black bar?

And that’s when I realized how far we’ve come from Bobbie Brooks and Bonwit Teller. When outfits were outfits and clothes fit. And we probably even listened to our mothers about fashion.

Glamour still has “Don’t”s and the dreaded black bar, but mostly these are used for celebrities. Young women don’t seem to fear the stigma of being tagged as “Don’t”s. They don’t even read Glamour much any more.

I’m looking for a new fashion bible for our bodies, lifestyles and desires. A cheat sheet that helps guide me into clothes in the morning so I won’t embarrass myself in public. Give me some realistic Glamour “Don’t”s along with some appropriate “Do”s.

I just hope that we, as women of every age, never lose that great feeling of dressing up and knowing we look like a Glamour “DO”. Whatever we’re wearing.