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Permalink Reply by Mary Lucas on July 9, 2012 at 5:01pm

You know as I mature I am thinking the same thing.

I love the PUG style, I think there is an age appropriate ways to pull it off. 

I always look at Dita Von Teese. She is nearing 40 and her style is very sophisticated but very vintage.
I could stare at pictures of her all day but she really just owns that style like few others I see.

I could post a thousand pictures of her (I'm a little obsessed) so I'll stop now.

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Permalink Reply by Rosina R on July 9, 2012 at 6:21pm

Love this!! Great example!

XOXO

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Permalink Reply by Doris Mayday on July 10, 2012 at 6:25pm

I really think anything from Laura Byrne's Black Label ( especially the jacket and pants!!) . great lines, simply sophisticated.

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Permalink Reply by Rosina R on July 9, 2012 at 6:20pm

Don't think of it as a "theme" -- make it your STYLE and own it! It doesn't matter how old you are, if you wear your look with confidence it will work for you! Here are a couple of tips to make a PUG look more modern and office appropriate (no matter your age):

1. Hem the skirts. Almost every skirt I order that hits my mid calf gets hemmed to just below my knee. It still maintains that cute retro flair, but it gives it a more modern feel to it. 

2. Skip the cutesey patterns: Sparrows and cherries are nice  for a rockabilly festival, but stick with florals, subtle patterns (like the Doris peacock skirt) or solids for the office.

3. WWGD? "What Would Grace Do"... as in Grace Kelly. When I'm getting ready for a big night out on the town and bombshell confidence is order, I channel my inner Marilyn. But when I'm preparing for an important meeting I like to think about Grace Kelly and what she would do (or wear). She's timeless, elegant and as her name states, full of grace. 

4. 3/4 length sweaters are your friend: Sweaters instantly tone down a strappy dress which can help make it appropriate for the workplace. And the 3/4 length sleeve is a signature length of the 50s and 60s. Voila! 

5. It's not what you wear, it's HOW you wear it: Be confident! Be YOU! It doesn't matter how old you are if you wear things that make you feel great about yourself!

I hope this helps... I think I'm going to elaborate on it and make a blog post. XOXO, R

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Permalink Reply by Penny Dreadful on July 10, 2012 at 4:55pm

Thanks, very helpful!  It appears that I must go shopping.......again.

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Permalink Reply by Penny Dreadful on July 10, 2012 at 6:13pm

I totally hear you on the woman theme.  I think what I am striving for is sleek and ladylike but I often end up looking strict and prim.  At 5'10" sometimes when I dress as I like and also wear heels I end up being a fairly imposing woman.  The quest continues for that elusive balance, luckily it's pretty fun.

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Permalink Reply by Penny Dreadful on July 10, 2012 at 6:34pm

Confidence is key, isn't it?  Maybe that's part of the problem.  Thanks for the words of wisdom!

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Permalink Reply by Desilu on July 10, 2012 at 6:47pm

I totally agree with all of the answers already posted. I am 35, and just now appreciating and embracing the PUG life. I work retail, so we definitely have a uniform dress code. As long as I stay within it (no capris, no shoulders showing, no jeans - unless it's a dress down day, no sneakers, certain colors, etc), there is no problem with what I wear. I might get looks from the management/leads, but my co-workers and customers love it! And I get compliments from them as well, which factor in to the customer satisfaction surveys they take online (I love that I make that much of an impact!). My only thing about dressing for "our age" is that I am careful about the colors/brightness of make-up (I tone it down from what I would have worn in my 20s) and cleavage showing. I have a rediscovered modesty, but that's me.

I totally agree that it's confidence that will carry the look off. I plan on wearing my crinoline to work as soon as it's delivered (any day now!), under my full-skirted dresses that I have already worn. I don't forsee any problems. If you want, check out my photo albums - I've posted the past few days of modern vintage-inspired looks that I wear to work. Maybe that will help!!

Good luck!! Jenn <3

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Permalink Reply by cela hyatt on July 11, 2012 at 7:02pm

I agree with all the previous posts.  One of the great things about a vintage style is that it looks great on all shapes, sizes, and ages!  When you have adopted this style you can find something for any occasion and not worry about looking like you're trying too hard or trying to look young, as oppossed to trying to keep up with the modern style of the moment.  Google images of women from the 50s, Jackie Kennedy (i know thats the 60s but it still works), Grace Kelly, Lucille Ball.  A pencil skirt or a knee length a-line is always work appropriate

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