For Experienced Ladies Only

For Experienced Ladies Only

Most of the time, I feel confident drawing from my decades of fashion experience. However, I am not immune to the power of marketing. I am already less offended by the enormous blazers the models are wearing over minuscule skirts than I was a few months ago. I am starting to question my skinny-leg jeans. I keep a photo of Audrey Hepburn nearby to remind me that classic looks are always a good choice. As experienced women, you and I must approach trends with an open mind while remembering the old photos of ourselves that made us ask, “What was I thinking?”

In the winter of 2023/24, I purchased an oversized cashmere sweater in my favourite colour. I wear it with a slim dress and a thin belt. Being just over 5 feet tall, I try to avoid looking like a toddler wearing my father’s cardigan. I try to remain true to my style, but I also want to embrace change. Sometimes, I need to discuss trends with my friends. We must be honest with each other. 

As we age, we need to keep up with innovations. Have you discovered KNIX yet? It’s a women’s lingerie company that listens to its customers and has been in business for over a decade. They won the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2022. I received some lovely pieces for Christmas in 2023, and I am now a fan of Knix nighties, bras, and leak-proof underwear. Yes!! Check out the leakproof underwear. They have items for you, for your teenage granddaughters and their mothers. They are definitely for you if you dread sneezing or having a fit of unbridled laughter. I discovered their thigh-saver underwear during the summer of 2024. They feel like you are wearing a silky slip, but they are shorts. They come in two lengths, and I love them. Browse HERE and know that I gain nothing from this endorsement. I am just enthusiastic. Knix has an amazing helpline, but I am happy to give you an opinion about the products I have tried. Just ask in the comment section.  

I love hosiery, and I try almost everything available. I don’t badmouth the terrible companies; there are some, but I want to recommend “From Rachel.” They carry a variety of fun, fashionable, luxurious hosiery and some practical items. Their clothing is a bit young for me, but I ordered a wrap midi-skirt in the summer of 2023, and this summer, I ordered a knit skirt that they call The Jogger. I love both items. Even my granddaughter has tried this company and loves their bathing suits and bras. 

From Rachel specializes in tights. I enjoy wearing their seam-up-the-back hosiery when I feel theatrical. This company understands Deniere and Elastin and offers a good chat line. See HERE for a past hosiery rant from Glamour For Grandmothers. You could even read a post from ten years ago, titled The Pantyhose Controversy.

Of course, choosing glasses and boots for my day is always fun. TRAXX in Saskatoon can help you find a stylish yet comfortable shoe or boot. They can add an arch, stretch a pressure point, or smooth a seam. As you know, when I find comfortable shoes, I am not afraid to buy them in several colours. At my age, no one is judging! Style and comfort can be found in one design.

I love vintage accessories, and our city has many stores for treasure hunting. Each year, there is a YXE Vintage Crawl, and shoppers are encouraged to visit participating stores. One of these stores, The Indefinite Article, happens to be owned by my friend Marion and her husband. Some time ago I spent a morning talking with Marion about her shop. You can watch our interview HERE.

The change of seasons presents a good time for wardrobe maintenance. I like to freshen my scarves, polish my jewellery, sort cherished heirloom pieces, and mend and clean my sweaters and coats. I make a pile to give away and a pile to repair, alter, or redesign.

My friend Terry renewed some old but sentimental jewellery pieces for me. You can read more HERE. These pieces remind me of my late mother each time I wear them.

Even if I plan to stay home, dressing for the day changes my attitude toward getting things done. I like to wear a scarf or a beautiful pin, and above all, I wear a smile. Smiles are good medicine for everyone, including that lady in the mirror. She always smiles back. 

NOTE: I live in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, but I love to travel and take road trips. Please let me know about your favourite stores in your community. I am always looking for petite sizing; that means short not tiny. Meanwhile, I give an honourable mention to Saskatoon’s own Klassique Designs; Caswell’s, the store for men; Bodacious Bustlines; and Rebecca King Fashion House;