fashion at 42

Fashion + 42 + 4 Kids = Effortless

And I do mean effortless, as in I want to look fabulous without making an ounce of effort.

It’s my own personal double entendre.

Darlings, I’m 42 years old with four kids and a hectic schedule that doesn’t leave a lot of free time, so I certainly don’t want to waste it walking around my closet looking for things to wear.

I also want nothing more than to look polished, put together, and effortless.

It’s a real bitch of an oxymoron.

I love fashion.

I love style.

I love shoes.

I love handbags.

I love makeup.

I love feeling pretty in a gorgeous outfit.

But I no longer love taking the time to make it all happen.

So, what’s a girl (read: middle-aged woman) to do?

Easy – the same thing I’ve always done.

You guys didn’t think me being 42 and having four kids has changed anything about my personal style mantra over the years, did you?

Hardly.

Basics, but make them good.

While my favorite designers might have changed over the past few years, my mantra has not changed. Keep it basic, but make it good.

Perfect basics
Classic pieces
Perfect fits

High-quality is always the right choice for the basics because 1 – the basics never go out of style and 2 – high-quality items last forever (and look good, too). High-quality basics fit better, last longer, and look like it.

(Skirt: Open Edit | Sweaters: Old | Shoes: Gucci)

If I love it, I own it in every color.

I’m not even kidding, either. If I find something that works for me, I invest. Forever. In every color. And while I like to keep it neutral for the most part, don’t think I won’t grab the same items in bold colors, too.

Excessive? Not a chance. It’s efficient. Why not buy something I’m obsessed with in every color so I can be obsessed with it all the time?

Monochromatic is lazy girl luxe.

One color, head to toe? Sign me up. I like it because it’s easy, but I love it because it’s chic. Monochromatic looks instantly scream, “Luxury,” and I’m here for it. It’s the easiest, simplest, most efficient way to look put-together, elegant, and sophisticated.

All black? Chic.

All cream? Sophisticated.

All navy? Elegant.

Monochromatic moments are for those of us who don’t want to think about our outfit, but we want everyone else to think about it.

I spend more to shop less.

$1,000 on one pair of heels? Not a problem. I’ll wear them all the time. They’re made to last, unlike cheap shoes that look cheap, feel cheap, and wear cheap. You won’t find me wearing any cheap accessories.

This is a great moment to tell you that on Christmas Eve to church, I wore my very first pair of Christian Louboutins with my gorgeous green ensemble. I bought that pair of shoes in 2007 – and they’re still in perfect condition despite wearing them for the past 19 years. I still wear the first pair of Manolo Blahniks from 2004 at least a few times a month. In fact, I love them so much, I’ve purchased them in six colors since.

I have amassed quite the collection of designer shoes and handbags over the years because I’d rather own fewer, better pieces than a closet full of fast fashion or cheap, dated looks. High-quality costs more, but it also lasts longer.

The key is to buy the timeless pieces that never go out of style.

Accessories elevate everything.

Even when I’m in jeans and a tee, my accessories elevate the look.

A structured, elegant bag
Classic sunglasses
Simple jewelry
Shoes that are quiet luxury but loud elegance

Accessories are the punctuation mark at the end of a very simple sentence. My point being that without the right punctuation, no one knows what you’re trying to say.

Being stylish doesn’t mean working harder than you need to.

I don’t dress for women.

I don’t dress for men.

Lately I’ve been dressing for revenge.

Oh, sorry. I’ve got Taylor Swift on the brain.

I mean to say, I don’t dress for trends or approval. I dress for ME.

I want really, really good jeans. I want high-quality basics. I want timeless pieces that last forever and always look classy.

(Dress: Show Me Your Mumu | Shoes: Stuart Weitzman)

The simplest rules for looking classy:

Show off one body part at a time – if it’s a short hemline, cover the girls. If it’s a daring neckline, make sure it’s not short, etc.
Stick to solid colors.
Don’t wear anything pilled or faded or over-worn.
Buy quality materials.
Buy quality shoes.
Don’t be afraid to have your clothing tailored.
Stick to the classics.

Simple.

Classic.

Sophisticated.

Low-effort, high reward. And absolutely no suffering involved.

That’s what fashion looks like at 42.

It’s okay to be lazy…it’s not okay to look lazy.

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