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megram - 55JunOttawa - Index

PHOTO: JEFF RYAN
Your Image
By Teresa McCarthy, AICI
Summer is so Gorgeous
Are you ready to match its beauty?
Whether you are new to the growing ranks of seniors or a
long-time member, summer is definitely an exhilarating
time of the year for us all.So many things are changing for
us.We are looking forward to the lazy, hazy days of summer.
But wait! We don’t want to be too lazy and as the saying goes:
“let it all hang out.” Let’s try to formulate a plan that will help us to
relax with that “feel-good feeling” but still be “ready to go at a
moment’s notice.” We can do that by organizing, evaluating and
updating what we have and then adding wisely to it.
Wardrobe check for men and women
If you have a spare bedroom, lay out all your summer clothing.
(I’m going to assume that by now you have packed away all your
winter things.) I think it’s safe to say that we all have some threeseason
items,and we need them in our ever-changing climate.Those
items we will just leave in the closet for now and deal only with our
light summer things.
Separate your clothing into categories,as in slacks,jeans,shorts,
jackets, blouses,T-shirts, sweaters and anything else that says summer.
Try on each item and examine how you look in a mirror. If you
don’t feel great, it’s time to take a serious look at what this garment
is all about. First, is it in a colour that is flattering to you? Do you
feel frumpy and overweight in it? If a garment is still in style and the
colour works for you, perhaps it is the fit that is all wrong. Clothing
should be in proportion to your body to balance your look.Don’t be
surprised if yours is not a good fit. Clothes are designed to fit some
designer’s idea of a perfect body and only one per cent of the population
fit that group.The rest of us need our own special formula
to look our best.
If you already have a selection of clothing that you feel great in,
perhaps you can give it a new look by simply doing some different
mixing and matching. Don’t forget to accessorize. If this is difficult
for you, ask for help from a professional, or perhaps you have a
friend who is good at matching different pieces of clothing and
accessories that could help you.
The clothing that you feel can be helped with adjustments
continues on page 64
June 2008 • 62 • Fifty-Five Plus Magazine