Guest Blog by TheStylishCLT.com, a Charlotte-based personal stylist & pioneer in the ageless rebellion, who refuses to accept that style stops when our hair turns grey.

We are fortunate as it is probably the best time in history for growing older.  We have greater options to remain healthier, more vital and more attractive than ever before.  Our society is expanding its definition of beauty to include all shapes, sizes and ages.  The name of the game now is not to look just great for your age, but, great for any age.  Focus your style goals on being timeless.

There is a “silver hair revolution” with gray haired models popping up in advertising and editorial fashion, more and more.  Isabella Rossellini, who was prematurely forced into retirement, is back as the face of Lancome.  L’Oréal has hired Helen Mirren, Diane Keaton, and Debbie Harry as spokesmodels.  Everything old is new again.

Fashion’s pace is faster than ever before.  Part of creating an ageless style is to add one or two trends.   More and you appear desperately trying too hard.  If you lack the time, knowledge or desire to keep up, the solution is to develop a relationship with professional. It’s their job to know what is going on in style and to incorporate it to your unique look.

Boutiques offer great free advice. If you find yourself intimidated, don’t be.  Charlotte has several exceptional ones where the staff are inviting and offer excellent service.  They are invested in your success. Alternatively hire a professional stylist.  They can shop your current wardrobe, and provide vintage options.  They can also introduce you to new brands and designers.  Their input pays for itself in more choice and reducing wasted time, money and closet real estate.  Consider engaging one, especially, for a big event.

Start any update with a good closet purge.  It will actually give you more options to wear, as you will better understand what you own or need.  If you don’t know where to begin call a trusted friend or stylist.

Sacrifice quantity for quality.  It will serve you better for years to come.  Luxe adds quiet elegance,  which adds to your effortless and ageless image.

Shoes are always a great way to update your look.  There are too many great options, in all heel heights, not to be comfortable.  An on going trend is a city sneaker.  Bonus points for a jean with torn ankle interest that draws attention to your shoes.

Challenge yourself to break old habits.  Do you really need a new black coat?  Perhaps instead a new cape?   Try a patterned, pastel or fun fur coat.

Give yourself permission to be creative: mix patterns, textures, moods and colors to create a look unique to you.  Blur the lines and mix traditional evening wear into your day look.    Try a tuxedo shirt with a flannel jacket and velvet jeans.   

Fit is critical to avoid looking frumpy.  Manufacturers are working hard to get it right for our unique needs.  New fits and fabrics are coming out at record speed, but you must also find a local tailor you love to adjust clothing to your shape. Try brands like Hudson and Parker Smith for jeans.  Lysse makes fantastic leggings.  An edgy look I like that can also camouflage your rear is a blouse with a long shirt tail worn under a tailored jacket.  It has the extra bonus of creating the illusion of a waist.

I shopped two boutiques in town to pull together some inspiring looks for you. While I could fill a book with all the options, these are my favorites for Fall Over 50.

The upfront effort you invest in your style is liberating.  It’s appealing to open your closet and know that anything you put on will look great.  Have fun, there is no wrong or right here.  Style is about announcing to the world who you are without having to say a word.

TRCW in Phillips Place

LOOK #1:  A Pastel Statement Coat is anything but basic, but can be worn as a basic.

TRCW LOOK #2:  Blurred lines. Mix textures and moods to create a look unique to you.  Night meets day: a menswear jacket, rich velvet jeans and le smoking tuxedo blouse meet feminine layered gem necklaces.

TRCW LOOK #2 Alt View:  Layering a blouse with a long tail under a fitted jacket is a contemporary look.  It camouflages and creates interest.  A new take on the clutch bag is a handle which ups the wearability quotient.

TRCW Look #3:  Pattern mixing adds interest to a simple jacket and jean look

TRCW LOOK #4:  Texture Play is the definition of subtle sophistication

Charlotte’s In Charlotte In Myers Park

Charlotte’s Look #1:   A statement earring and fur poms are easy updates to incorporate and make your own signature.

Charlotte’s Look #2:   An unexpected update is a fun faux fur.  Wear it for a big night out, to brunch or a grocery run.

Charlotte’s Look #3:  An effortless look is over the knee boots paired with leggings, a long tunic and a puffy vest. 

Charlotte’s Look #4: Instead of a new black coat why not a new tweed cape, take a chance and do something unpredictable!   

The Stylish is a pioneer in the ageless rebellion, who refuses to accept style stops when our hair turns grey.  In her styling business, she focuses on clientele over 50 and their wardrobe, decor and personal shopping needs.  Style is deeply personal and her mission is to achieve a look as individual as each of her clients. She gained her fashion cred working for Versace, Armani and Federated Department stores.  She has been ecstatically married for 21 years to a professional hypnotist/artist/magician. Having lived in NY, Miami and Copenhagen these gypsies have chosen South Charlotte for their home for the last ten years.   She is an amateur fashion historian, enjoys philanthropy and world travel.
She invites you to follow her:
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The Scoop on Turning 50 is Brought to You by Charlotte Radiology Breast Centers

Charlotte Radiology is one of the nation’s largest radiology practices and has been serving the greater Charlotte area for nearly 50 years. The professionals at Charlotte Radiology believe the key to beating and detecting breast cancer early is quality mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing annually in to your 50s and beyond.

The two biggest risk factors for getting breast cancer are being a woman and getting older. In fact, the cancer incidence rate increases with age, making annual mammography even more important to women ages 50+. Of the breast cancers detected using mammography, over 28 percent were found in women between ages 40-49.

The bottom line is that early detection is the key to beating breast cancer. Annual screening results in lower call-back rates than does biennial screening and finds cancer at the earliest stage – providing a more favorable prognosis.