Style Tips for the 40 & Fab Woman

"With age comes wisdom," or so the saying goes.  But we all know that’s not true.  A lot of things don’t come with age, like a more matured sense of style. Wearing everything from graphic tees to copious amounts of cleavage, women 25 and over need to grow up and into more appropriate fashion!
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Whether we like it or not, people judge us by the way we look and dress. And even though this used to be considered as rather rude, nowadays it has become inevitable and more and more people start to see this as natural. The fact is that the clothes we wear reflect our lifestyle, our position in society, our education, preferences and so on. Therefore, we should be very careful with regards to our dressing code.

Probably the most important piece of advice is that like most things in life, our style of dress should be moderate and well-considered. By modest I mean classic lines, light textiles, bold statement jewelry, and clean cuts. Allow me to demonstrate a few age appropriate Do's and Dont's:

Ok seriously??? Mamie Van Doren is like 83 years old still dressing like a 24 year old video vixen. I don't even know where to begin. Just know this: if Mamie is your Style Icon, change it now! For the Love of God, change it NOW!

Nancy Jones (58), Mother of Rapper Jim Jones.

Let me start by saying once you've reached 30 years of age you are no longer allowed to wear graphic tees! Period. Don't get me wrong, if you're supporting the AVON Breast Cancer Walk, that's one thing. But DO NOT single mindedly select a graphic tee to wear to enter into the world in. You're someone's mom, teacher, or grandma for goodness sakes. And PLEASE don't wear tees that demean you and feminine power! Geez, I had no idea this problem was still plaguing our fashion communities.  I digress...     

 Take a look at this beautiful makeover  of Cheryl, age 61. She has a fun and spunky personality, however it is not ok to shop at Forever 21 once you've crossed over into the "Over 40 Playground." Cheryl wanted to keep her sexy but knew the current look she had was not playing well with her grandchildren, coworkers, or even in the dating scene. Notice the hair cut, color change, and clean lines of her new makeover. Cheryl looks younger, sexier, classy, and most definitely more stylish!

This timeless "Audrey" look is perfect for all ages! Again, classic cuts, clean lines, and bold statement jewelry are the perfect elements to creating timeless style. The above ensemble could be worn for a simple day of running errands (just because you can), to the office, or even out to dinner...and hopefully dancing! 

Now, I especially like the Miss Tina (Beyonce's mom) Collection. She designs to flatter the woman about town, style, and business. She accentuates our curves without telling the whole story. Miss Tina's Collection is my first pick for affordable, fabulous, curve rocking style for the 40+ business superwoman. 

Goddess, creating timeless, age-appropriate looks are not as challenging as one would think. Having a Personal Stylist is a perk every gal should be privy to. So let's talk! Give me a call or send me an email and let's start creating bold, and flawless looks for you that will turn heads, prospects into loyal clients, and your man into a ravenous Thundercat!

Until Next Time: Love Deeply, Dress Appropriately, and Live Fearlessly!

DeAnna 

Wardrobe Consultant to the Business SuperWoman

Check out my website: www.styledbydeanna.biz

Like My Facebook Page: www.fb.com/SimplyDeAnnaDuPree

Tweet Me: @DeAnnaDuPree 

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Style In The City: Tips to Create a Flawless Fashion Show

On Thursday July 17, 2014 my fashion world was turned on its head as I styled and directed a charitable fashion show for one of my favorite women's organizations, ABWA (American Business Women Association). Click here to find one in your area, you can thank me later.

We chose the theme "Style in the City" to (1) recreate the incredible fashions and styles by the brilliant Pat Fields' Sex & The City. (2) Assist in selling the showcased clothing to raise funds. This was such an honor as I've followed the shows fashions for years now, and have broken many fashion rules thanks to Miss Samantha Jones, and Carrie Bradshaw. 

Now, it's imperative I share what I learned during this great undertaking. Whether voluntary or involuntary, If you follow the steps laid out before you, I promise you will produce a flawless show; no drama, no injuries, no catfights....no STRESS!

1. Allow yourself, at the bare minimum, 4 to 6 weeks prep time. This gives plenty of room for error, call-outs, cancellations, model replacements, finding the perfect contractors, and deciding what and how YOU want to produce this show.

2. Have an all-star team. There is NO way to produce an OTT  (over-the-top) show alone. Find people committed to your dream, and vision. If each team member only has a few hours to spare each week, I'd take perfection over passivity. Delegate within their strengths, not yours. 

3. Establish Perfect Harmony with the models, co-organizers, and vendors. When all things are harmonious within your cause, a supernatural "third mind" is created that produces miraculous ideas, creative juices, and most importantly PEACE. Be sure you're all on one accord. Take your position as Creative Director; stand tall; bring positive energy each day, keep the morale high; play music, laugh, sing, and dance. This is your show, allow no one to diminish it.

4. Decide your theme right away (no later than the second week of planning). This helps chose your looks, models, music, and lighting. 

5. Plan two fittings; day, and evening. It's not your job to run on the models' schedule. Offering a day fitting (week 3) and evening (week 4) allows plenty of room for rescheduling, and weight loss (ha ha!). 

6. Make the venue owner/manager your best friend! The decision maker at the venue will make or break your show. You want them on your side! Take them to lunch, post how awesome they are via social media, send them referrals, give them shout-outs during the show, and most importantly, send the cookies and cupcakes.

7. Hire the DJ, Photographer, and A/V guy at least 3 weeks prior to the show. This allows room for replacement if need be. 

8. Call to order an "all hands on deck" meeting. This should happen by week 3 or 4. This gets everyone on one page and gives an opportunity for all members to meet one another, discuss the show, share ideas, and resources. In perfect harmony, all will be thrilled to work together and pull it in to produce a phenomenal show.

9. Once you've decided on all the show pieces, have your assistant tag, label, and photograph the who, what, and wear. This makes everyone's life easier. 

10. Day of the show; Arrive 5 hours early. Bring Tylenol, a sewing kit, jewelry, shoe polish, your glam squad, body shapers, your favorite playlist, a cool ensemble to rock after the show, healthy snacks, pizzas for the models, and bottle water. 

YOU'RE WELCOME. 

This is what will happen when you follow my suggestions:

                                HAPPY, BEAUTIFUL, AND UNSTRESSED MODELS!!

Yours in Style, and Service

DeAnna 

Check out my new website: www.styledbydeanna.biz

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10 Staples You'll Need to Keep Cool & Stylish this Summer

Summertime does not indicate a summer break for most entrepreneurs. As you already know, business never stops, so neither do we.

Being a busy serielpreneur (yes, an obsessive business "starter"), I'd found it difficult to keep the "business" in my business wardrobe during the sweltering summer months. That is, until I began styling and shopping for a living. With my healthy social media obsession, I've found very creative ways to keep my clients cool, stylish, and professional while rockin' their business mojo at mixers, meetings, and speaking gigs. 

My top 10 favs from Pinterest, Polyvore, and Instagram:

10. The Classic "ShirtDress:" No matter where you’re going or what you’re doing, a shirtdress that flatters your figure and goes with flats or heels will never let you down. 

9.  High-Waist Flare Skirt: This airy skirt keeps cool while staying functional. For a work-perfect look, rock a printed high-waist flare skirt (preferably silk)  and tuck a tailored tank into it, add a mini blazer, BAM....you're done and out the door! 

8.  Wrap Dresses: Perfect for the girl on the go, one could literally run out of the door in 15 minutes with a wrap dress, mules, and a stylish handbag!

7. White Trousers and/or Jeans: Because we must honor the season (and our figures) with white bottoms, period. 

6. Pencil Skirts: B-O-D-Y need I say more? 

5. Peplum Tops: Perfect for work or play, peplum tops give a gal an effortless figure while adding style and pizazz to trousers, pencils skirts, or even jeans (for casual biz events of course).

4. The Pleaded Skirt: For my 9-5 ladies out there who are looking for an alternative to wearing pants every day to the office, try a pretty pleated skirt. Go for one that’s an appropriate length (like this one that skims the ankles) and a pick lightweight silk material that will keep you feeling cool all day long. 

3. A Full-Length Jumpsuit: The hottest piece a woman could own is a full-length jumpsuit! Made for curves, jumpers totally create an hour-glass figure while giving a cool classic look with any bolero shrug (play) or mini blazer for work! Don't forget to add a statement necklace to really set this piece off!

"I love the look of this full-pant jumpsuit in a creamy white. It takes a basic summer romper and instantly updates it. Plus, an all-white ensemble is the perfect summer uniform." - Lauren Conrad 

2. Tulip Skirts:  The most adorable "bottom" a gal could rock with a classic button down, prim blouse, or even a tailored or bedazzled tank! Stick with the nautical blues to really soak in your seasonal swag.

1.   Summer Ballet Flats: Because a girl can't live in heels alone, rockin ballet flats this summer totally gives your toesies a break from the model high heels, while keeping you cool and relaxed while running around in the heat! 

Got more seasonal yummies that I missed? Submit them here so we can keep our biz girls stylish, cool, and comfy this summer! 

Yours in Style, and Service

DeAnna
Tweet Me: @DeAnnaDuPree