Stuck in A Rut

Hi there,
I'm hoping you can help... I am 34, just had my second child and I still have clothes from college in my closet! I still tend to end up in the juniors section of department stores. I want to dress more my age but truly don't know how. I just started my own company in July and really would like to feel more confident about my look... Can you help? I am 5'6" and average, but muscular in build.
Thanks in advance!


Having the right look will certainly help to advance your company. And Juniors isn't it.
The Pres Method teaches you how to assemble a perfect wardrobe, one outfit at a time, but it sounds like you need some preparatory education. Try these steps to educate your eye:

1) Check out Lucky magazine. This publication has features which use real folks (mostly magazine staffers) as models, and shows the real looks that work for them. You don't need a full subscription; start with just an edition or two, and visit their website. Look for a model who resembles you, in coloring or basic shape, and see what works for her. Lucky is the most practical of fashion magazines.

2) Visit the websites of Fashion stores: Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdales. Here too, pick a model who resembles you and see what's been chosen for her to wear. These choices aren't random. Keep a log of styles that you should look for.

3) Watch the Runway shows (Ready to Wear) for Fall 2008 on the Elle website. Watch a few shows every season as they come up, to get a feel for the new styles. Fashion is a moving target. It's not necessary to watch the whole procession, just pick one that interests you, and then pursue that one. Remember that the designers are angling for free publicity, and they show items that are fantasy-based in hopes of attracting the press. Don't let that distract you from the beautiful ensembles.

4) Try for one perfect outfit at first. No random accumulation of tops and bottoms from the Junior section. Start with the part that's hardest for you to fit, and find the coordinating piece to go with it. Always ask for, and check out, the pieces that the designer has shown together.

5) Upgrade the successful, comfortable pieces that you have. If you usually wear a Tee shirt, replace that with a woven silk or cotton Tee with embellishment. Replace faded light wash jeans with dark wash jeans that are perfectly hemmed, and swap out your sneakers for a cute low profile flat or Wedge in a nice material, like suede or patent.

Good Luck!