Fashion
Top 10 Must-Have’s For A Newly Single Woman
I recently took a trip to the UK to visit my dear friend Angela. I had been divorced maybe two years at that time. When she saw me, she was flabbergasted! “Nancy, you’ve got to pull yourself together.” She was amazed at how I’d let the fashionista in me die a slow death…along with my marriage. So off we into London for am “extreme” makeover.
I got a brand new haircut, fresh makeup, and a stunning new outfit. I was a new woman and holy shit I felt terrific! If you don’t believe me, you should talk to members of the support group I was in who couldn’t believe the transformation.
Hey, sometimes we let go when things get bad. But ask me for my opinion and I won’t hold back, promise!
A new look, outfit, and a couple of compliments can change your outlook on things. Here’s my start at a go-to wardrobe you MUST HAVE as a single, mid-life woman.
Top 10 MUST HAVE’S FOR A NEWLY SINGLE WOMAN (NSW):
Little Black Dress – I know its cliché, but it’s a wardrobe necessity. If you think that black is too aging, try colors like chocolate brown, steel gray, navy blue and eggplant. Ann Taylor is a great place to pull together this sassy number
High Heels – Our legs look amazing in them and men love em’. They elongate your legs, pull your posture up, and turn you into a taller woman immediately. I personally like to shop Nordstrom’s, but I have found some hot numbers at Payless too.
Great Pair of Jeans - Not mommy jeans that conceal your ass! They make you look dowdy. Go for the darker denim (slimming), medium waist (because we tend to have waists at our ages), and don’t hem them too short. No shit, this is a big no-no. A longer pant leg makes you look taller and that’s a good thing. Splurge on one good pair. Believe it or not, my favorite pair I bought for under $100 at Cache!
White Shirt – It’s an essential and will go with everything you own; jeans, shorts, pencil skirt, etc. You can’t walk into a retailer of any kind and not have a wide selection to choose from. If you pop that collar up, you’ll be looking like Audrey Hepburn in no time.
The Pencil Skirt – This never goes out of style and looks great with a sweater, blouse, and the classic white shirt. It can be dressed up or down depending on the fabric. I have two of them, one in denim and another in black. I live in both.
Spanx – Let’s give it up to Sarah Blakely for coming up with these wonder under garments. I had a hot date back in January with a smokin’ guy. I seriously needed to impress. Thank God for Spanx! I was locked and loaded into that silk, body skimming, black dress without a hitch. The “expanded” version of Spanx covered the tummy, butt, thighs and my scars from the liver transplant. Hospitals should be giving these things away as parting gifts!
The Right Accessories – They are often overlooked. The right accessories can update and change your wardrobe instantly. Check out Target, TJ Maxx and Marshalls and Forever 21 (I know it’s your daughter’s store, but if you can look through the racks, you can find some affordable, trendy and snazzy accessories).
Sexy Black Boots – Just like the sexy heels, men love these! You know the kind. My best friend Sandy tore though my closet last year and tossed every boot I owned away. We then hit Marshalls and found the perfect pair of lace up boots. I wore them to death last winter, and I have already taken them in to the cobbler for this season!
Something Sexy – Drop those sweats! Get something that makes you feel slinky and wonderful.
Appropriate Overnight Bag – Get it ready to go on a moments notice. Don’t forget to have it fully equipped with a toothbrush, hair supplies, etc. It’s great when you’re traveling as well. Don’t forget TSA’s 3 oz. Rule for liquids and buy a box of quart size bags as well. You’ll be glad you did when being screened at the airport.
Other necessary resources:
Be well groomed. This is not the time to let you go. Keep up with mani’s and pedi’s. You can do them yourself and save a bundle to boot.
Get a great hairstylist for your cut, color, and whatever else your coif needs! I discovered a straightening method this year and don’t know how I lived without it all these years. Money in the bank, because I can finally style my own hair.
A great esthetician for the occasional stress-related outbreaks, facial hair removal, and body waxing professional (don’t make me elaborate on this one – you get the drift).
Have an OBGYN who can prescribe birth control. The last thing you want is another baby, believe me!
Get a Wii Fit or a membership to a local gym. It’s a great stress reliever. If you want to indulge in Ben & Jerry’s, you can lose the extra calories in a work out!