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Avec Style: The 10 Rules for Subtracting 10 Years

Mary Cassatt – Lilacs in a Window, 1880

I have never longed for a more youthful appearance…  will it eventually happen?

The 10 Rules for Subtracting 10 Years

1.  Take an interest in current events, in fashion, yes, but also in art, music, food and decor.  Stay connected!
2.  Add a touch of folly to your appearance, with star accessories, daring prints or lively colors.  (Louise Labrecque is a big fan of star accessories…)
3.  Don’t be afraid to visit trendy boutiques.  They are for you too.  Who knows, you might find a scarf in the colors of the season, an amusing tee shirt, or a pair of extraordinary shoes?
4.  Are you dynamic?  Your clothes should reflect this!  Look for details that lend some personality to your clothes and accessories – buckles, patchworks, stitching details.  (Pam, I’m looking at you…)
5.  Flatter your silhouette with garments that fit well, with feminine cuts.  Avoid looking like you’re wearing a potato sack!
6.  Swap your classic shoes and handbags for those more brightly colored and “of the moment”.
7.  Set aside your classic jewelry, and play with some fantasy necklaces, bracelets or rings that are the trend of the season.  They’re not expensive, and their effect can be spectacular.
8.  Keep your hair healthy – quit fussing about it being grey.  Keep your hair well hydrated, and get a great cut.
9.  A beautiful smile is worth a thousand skin creams! Whiten your teeth if necessary – over the counter whiteners give great results.
10.  Pamper your skin with nourishing, anti-aging creams.  And don’t forget how much difference a touch of foundation can make to even the coloring of your skin, and  illuminate your face.

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Comments

  1. Wonderful advice and I agree, Pam Lutrell personifies #4. Thank you for reminding me that I am not too old to visit some boutiques. One company, Madewell, always had scarves that I enjoyed, but I felt I was too old to be there. However, I am sure, however, that Madewell sees me as a consumer and doesn't care what my age is.

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  4. I love this list, Janice! I want to print it out and put it on my mirror…I don't know if I am the Pam you meant, but I try to have fun with my styling (though my post today is really, really simple)! ….A big YES to every thing on this list!! I think I will hit some boutiques this weekend!!

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  6. I am not sure I am in love with all this advice to be honest… Some of it is common sense, but some of it seems overly consumerist and driven by a very standardized vision of beauty and appearance. I did have a similar reaction to the previous list of recommendations from this book, too.
    But perhaps my Frenchness is showing!

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  8. Pay attention to your posture and gait. Nothing ages you more than that hunched over shuffle.
    Keep your weight down/lose the extra weight.
    Don't get a "man" hair cut. Even if you go short, keep it fresh, funky, feminine (you choose the appropriate for your here). That hacked off "I give up" cut flatters no one.

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    • I agree with these points (posture, hair, weight) being more important than having "young" clothes. I don't see a problem with spicing up the classics with a flashy little accessory that's of the moment, but if you are slouched over, or wearing ill-fitting clothes (and clothes will be ill-fitting if you slouch), or if you have "I gave up" hair, then you will just look old AND ridiculous.
      I think the point of the author's list is to not let being "classic" turn into being "stuck in a rut."

      Reply

  9. A woman in my yoga class has the loveliest white hair (and an equally lovely cut). She is, perhaps, all of 60 or so but actually looks much younger. Attitude, personality, and, yes, posture!

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  10. Great tips! I'm not sure I can replace my classics with trends, but I love the idea of doing them in more color. I might also add, do something that you are passionate about every day- take up riding, gardening, playing the flute, whatever makes your heart sing. There are many ways to add passion to one's life and passion always takes off at least 10 years! xo, NG

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    • I think it is what Janice sometimes shows up. Match a purse to a fresh accent colored shirt, for example instead of your usual quality black or brown – but still wear your pearls. OR swap the pearls for necklace in a fun accent color but keep the classic purse. Just shake things up one at a time and do not spend a fortune on the fun stuff. Just stay unpredictable. That is what I got from that, in any case.

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  11. Labreque promotes brands and styles an upscale-mall look, an aesthetic you see all the time in InStyle. While I agree classics can be boring and stodgy, Cléo is spot on, Labreque's advice fosters a very standardized, aesthetic. You can see it on her web site.

    I live in the same city, and pass Montréalaises every day with far more wit and visual verve. Generally, they leave the disposible, trendy (and usually cheap) goods to teens and early twenties. Mature women here dare more décolléte than in other North American cities, wear items like high-heeled boots and big necklaces in full daylight, and are dab hands with scarves.

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