40+ Ladies, Have You “Got” the Look???

Last week I was watching individuals going into a local job fair and was surprised to see how some showed up (Son, in the Motley Crue shirt, were you serious?). Generally, most of the men did okay, but some of women should put a tad more effort forth before complaining about the lack of response. I guarantee you that “Buffy” or “Muffy,” you know, the twelve year olds that you’re competing against are going to be dressed to kill. You need to have “the look” that will show that you’re a serious competitor and ready to get to work.

Having a contemporary look doesn’t mean “over the top” fashion, so keep this in mind. Dressing like a clown doesn’t help your cause, either (think “Mimi” syndrome). It also doesn’t mean that you need a small fortune to pull it off. There are some wonderful online outlets, as well as incredible consignment shops out there where you can purchase designer clothing for a fraction of retail. I’ve found eBay is wonderful for this and have purchased many designer fashions from sellers there.

Also keep a professional looking hair style and soft make up (talking to the ladies here, guy liner isn’t recommended for anyone other than a rock star). It’s not as difficult as it might feel to pull a great professional look together, just takes a little planning.

A few simple tips that go a long way:

1) Go with the classics… A classic suit can easily be accessorized with a scarf or excellent and simple jewelry.

2) Quality and style lasts, where high fashion is fleeting.

3) The right cut and a little color can completely change your look to exceptional.

4) It’s better to purchase a couple quality outfits that last than several disposable ones.

5) Wear shoes without scuffs and obvious wear.

6) Keep your makeup natural looking and understated.

Following these simple guidelines will help you present the best possible image at job fairs and interviews. It will also work wonders for your confidence!

“Fashions fade, style is eternal.” Yves Saint Laurent

The Glory of Forty

I think I’m about to slap the next one of my friends that says that they are old or over the hill after hitting forty. Where does anyone get the idea that forty is old??? I’m just beginning to come of my own and loving every second of it. The old saying, “Old enough to know better, but young enough not to care,” rings true and should for most of us.

When we were younger, we worried about what everyone thought of us and now we know that the only person we truly need to impress is ourselves. How many times did we do something we didn’t believe in or didn’t do something we did, simply because we were afraid of what “others” would think?

When I was in my twenties, all the women that I looked up to and thought of as drop dead gorgeous were in their forties and that actually excited me about the future. Confident and achieving more than I could have hoped for back then, as well as comfortable in their own skin… Something rare and special in my eyes.

Now here I am, forty-three and having the time of my life. Better, healthier, and 100% more confident than I could have even dreamed possible. I’m literally bouncing off the walls and ready to try anything, not standing for being a wallflower, the way I was when I was younger. Determined to leave my mark and making a difference in the world.

Everyone should feel this good about their age. There’s nothing wrong with getting older, as long as we don’t get too old to enjoy life. Get comfortable in your skin, ignore your kids when they say you’re old, and get out there, experience life. You’ll never regret it. Getting “old” is always optional.