Do you consider yourself well-dressed? Are you a fashionista?

Some women over 60 were fashion icons in their earlier years and remain as such today. They know what looks best and wear what they are both comfortable in and what makes them look fabulous. Others follow the latest trends, chasing an image that may be more fantasy than reality.

Some people seem to come to fashion naturally. You know them, they always look good in a just-pulled-together sort of way. Nothing looks too studied or too perfect, but they always look great.

Perhaps they have studied, spending hours with Vogue and videos, personal shoppers and stylists, but the look remains effortless.

Then there are those of us who haven’t quite figured out the chic dressing code.

My Own Perception

I will be the first to admit that I am no fashionista. I often struggle with clothes, both in finding the right things and with putting outfits together. I have been one of those people with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear.

If you have been in this situation, you know it is stressful. Not knowing what to wear can suck up your self-esteem and contribute to negative body image. It can make you late for appointments and events. Even worse – it can leave you feeling less than. Less than others. Less than beautiful. Less than your best self.

The Third Piece Rule

In an attempt to up my fashion game, I have been trying new things. I read somewhere that to be fashionable you need a third piece. In addition to pants or a skirt and top, this might be a jacket, a sweater or a kimono. It might also be an accessory such as a statement necklace, a wrap or a scarf.

I’ve found some success with the third piece rule. I like to wear a jacket or sweater, or in very warm weather, one of the new light and floaty kimonos. This has been my attempt to look more pulled together, but it doesn’t always work.

I tend to love basic, neutral, classic clothes. I have a closet full of black, gray and navy blue. For some brightness, I usually wear a white or light-colored top. The good news is that I often buy quality pieces. The bad news is that although everything goes together, it is all very boring.

The Power of the Scarf

Then I saw a woman wearing very basic, neutral clothing and a beautiful silk scarf. She looked stunning. I realized that I already owned similar pants, cardigan and blouse. It wasn’t the clothing that made the look, it was the scarf.

Perhaps this is very obvious to you and you have long ago discovered the power of a beautiful scarf, but it was a revelation to me.

I owned a couple of scarves, purchased or given to me years ago, but I never wore them. There had never been any intention; I had no idea about how I might wear them or how to use them to complete an outfit.

I decided to go shopping for a scarf similar to the one my new fashion icon had worn. I noted the colors and style and dragged a friend along with me to help. Fashion accessories are not my area of specialty, and I have never considered myself someone who accessorizes particularly well.

But I found a similar scarf and bought it. I wore it hesitantly a couple of times and it felt good. It brightened up my complexion and brought color to my otherwise neutral wardrobe. Several people complemented me. It was a fashion win.

Since then I have realized the power of a scarf to change my look and be the accessory that has upped my fashion game. I now own many scarves and wear them often.

A good scarf offers many opportunities for style. Let’s explore them together.

Scarves Add Color

If you own a closet full of neutrals, scarves will brighten things up. I love my neutrals, but my coloring has faded with age and I find that I look better with a little color near my face. Color also adds interest and personality to your outfit. If you love color, scarves can be your playground!

Scarves Offer the Opportunity to Go Wild with Print

If you can wear print head to toe, good for you. I love prints, especially florals, but don’t usually feel comfortable wearing them.

I’ve never felt I could pull off a flowered jacket, but a scarf gives me just enough print to please my sense of pattern. I even have a favorite leopard print scarf that adds pattern without overwhelming me.

Scarves Add Warmth

When temperatures dip, a scarf feels cozy against your neck. An added bonus is that it covers up parts of your neck that are starting to sag and wrinkle.

There are very light weight scarves that will work in warmer temperatures or in a chilly air- conditioned room. I just bought a summer weight scarf in a poppy print that I can’t wait to try.

Scarves Stretch Your Wardrobe Basics

How many times can you wear that black sweater? For me, the answer is, endlessly. It can look new and different when I pair it with different scarves. This is a way to maximize your investment in good basic pieces while keeping your look interesting.

Scarves Let You Show Your Creative Flair

Like many women, I have a creative side, though my wardrobe has not always reflected my creativity. I have tried wildly printed shirts or shoes in bright colors, but I could never made it work.

Adding scarves has been a game changer for me. I can tie them in different ways and add a necklace or bag to make the outfit better match my personality. The right scarf allows me to be myself in a way that feels comfortable.

What is your favorite accessory? Are you a scarf wearer? Where do you get your scarves? Have you always known the magic of scarves or is it something you have yet to explore? I’d love to know how you make scarves work for you.

Dorit Kemsley’s Black Polka Dot Romper

Season 10 Episode 7 Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Fashion

In tonight’s episode of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills the ladies went from RHOBH to RHOSB and I’m here for it. Santa Barbara is probably my second favorite city in California after LA. I used to go there for my birthday every year with friends to enjoy some drinks and some shopping. That was always a little dangerous because one too many of one led to one too many of the other. But I can tell you now that I don’t need any amount of drinks to want to buy Dorit Kemsley’s black polka dot romper from tonight’s trip! It’s so adorable and perfect for a day of biking and wine tasting. She certainly won the bike “race” and my fav outfit of the day!

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here To See Her Sold Out Christian Dior Polka Dot Playsuit

Originally posted at: Dorit Kemsley’s Black Polka Dot Romper

If you’ve shopped for candles at Sephora before, you know the retailer stocks high-end brands including Jo Malone, Tom Ford and Tocca. The retailer didn’t have its own official collection—until now. Though Sephora has released candles during the holidays, these Sephora Collection candles kick off the new permanent line. There are four to start with and each one fits with a different mood and vibe but will fit seamlessly into any room decor.

The important details? The soy-blend wax, non-toxic Sephora Collection candles are free from phthalates, parabens and sulfates, and they’re not tested on animals. Each has up to a 40 hour burn time. The candles themselves are a minimalist’s dream and the boxes they come in are colorful and bright, making them the perfect under-$20 gifts. 

Choose Pop Fizz for a burst of energy with citrus notes, Unwind for calming with vanilla and sandalwood, Refresh for a new start to the day with jasmine and musk and Bloom for a romantic vibe with rose petals and freesia. You can’t really go wrong with any of them. Shop the full collection, below.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Image: Sephora.

Bloom Scented Candle

With notes of rose petals, freesia and amber.

Image: Sephora.

Pop Fizz Scented Candle

With notes of blood orange, red currant and creamy sandalwood.

Image: Sephora.

Refresh Scented Candle

With notes of black currant, grapefruit, jasmine and musk.

Image: Sephora.

Unwind Scented Candle

With notes of black amber, vanilla and sandalwood combined with pink berry and bourbon.

Lisa Vanderpump’s White Contrast Trim V Neck

Season 8 Episode 21 Vanderpump Rules Fashion

It was nice to get a glimpse of Lisa Vanderpump in a more relaxed look wearing her white contrast trim v neck talking with Brett Caprioni at home. She is always dressed like a professional while taking care of business, except for the rare occasion that she’s chilling at Villa Rosa with a trainer/employee, so it was a breath of fresh to see her laid back in a t shirt. Though Charli Burnett seems to want to know what goes on behind closed bathroom doors, to me it’s just nice to get to see what goes on in her closet doors.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to Shop her Michael Stars V Neck Tee

Click Here To Shop Her Michael Stars Tee in Whisper

Originally posted at: Lisa Vanderpump’s White Contrast Trim V Neck

Everybody has a story, yet many fascinating and engaging stories remain untold because we just don’t think they are worth the telling. I challenge you to consider how important the information, history, and memories you hold might be to others.

Your personal story can be many things – a legacy you leave to those who joined your journey later in life, or to family and friends, who even though they traveled along your side, want to know you better.

It’s a way to recall what was dear to you, how you grew and evolved to be the person you are now, or a deeply personal account of your longings, your unrealized dreams, and your deepest loves. Telling it now can bring all that to life.

It doesn’t have to be an epic autobiography, in fact, it’s much more engaging as a collection of stories and memories told from the heart, in the simplest of words. Just write freely. When you’re done, you can decide if you want to share it or hold it as your own.

Here are some ideas to get you started.

Write What You Know About Your Family

How did your family arrive where they currently live? From where did the previous generation or your ancestors originate? What circumstances or conditions prompted them to immigrate? It’s so important to preserve these stories of personal challenge, obstacles, and journeys.

Interview an Elder and Capture Their Oral History

So many families lose their history as the elders pass on. Someone in your family may just be waiting to be asked. Let them lead the conversation and write down what they offer.

If they seem shy or reluctant, develop a list of questions to prompt their recollection. You’ll both enjoy giving permanence to their oral history.

Write About Your Life

It doesn’t have to be epic. Write about a time in your life when you felt at your best, about a proud moment, or about how someone made you feel important.

Immortalize an era of your past, describe the setting, the political climate, social norms that made it unique. Details give every story better bones on which to stand.

Write About Someone You Miss

Write about a family member or friend who has passed on, a lost love, a favorite school teacher or coach, your best friend who moved away. Write from the heart and honor their memory.

Use Photos and Bring Them to Life by Telling Their Story

Choose a favorite photo and tell the back story. Tell what you know about the personality and unique quality of those in the shot and the experience or circumstances of the moment.

Through your words, your memories and your family’s stories will live on.

Have you written down some stories from your life? Which ones do you think are most significant? Has anyone in your family compiled stories from the elders? What was that experience like? Please share your thoughts and any tips you may have for those who want to begin writing their stories.