Ladies With Style | Today's Transitions

Expand your fashion horizons. Instead of settling for a predictable outfit, wear something that defies age, accentuates your beauty, and defines who you are. Turn your outfits into a medium for self expression. The staff from Bloom ‘N Deals, located in Brownsboro Plaza, model some of the store’s latest fashions and show you how to wear your personality with style.

The simplicity and minimalist detail of this dress are all that is needed for a sophisticated look that is timeless.

Sophisticated Lady: Peggy Karem English, 80, owner of Bloom ‘N Deals

HER SOPHISTICATED STYLE: This is the most sophisticated dress, because it is elegant and simple and I feel really good in it. I love the ruffle and the blue black tones are good for me. If your hair and makeup is done right and your accessories are the best, you don’t have to wear a lot of jewelry.
FUR APPEAL: Fur is like the icing on the cake. People are wearing fur with blue jeans and boots.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: I love working at the shop, because it keeps me mentally alert. I love interacting with people. I plan on working until I am 90.
LIFE LESSONS: My father had a great influence on me. He said there is no excuse for rudeness. I was taught to treat all people the same.
Peggy is wearing: Fur coat, $700; dress, $60; shoes $60.

The shimmery flecks of gold detail on this jacket paired with the traditionally designed purse create a dazzling effect without diminishing its classic appeal.

Classic Flair: Carol Osborne, 81

HER CLASSIC STYLE: [When choosing a classic outfit], I look for something that fits your body comfortably. I pay attention to the color, the style, and how it feels on me.
GOOD TIMES: At 81, I think this a great time for me. I am healthy and feel good all the time. I’m still working part-time.
KEY TO LONGEVITY: Being happy. My mother was 96, and her mother lived to 96. Good genes!
LIFE LESSONS: I have always tried to surround myself with loving people. My God, my family, and friends have gotten me through a lot of hard times.
BEST THING: Having my daughter Paula.
Carol is wearing: Mahogany mink, $1000; dress, $125, shoes are her own.

Adding neutral tones to your wardrobe gives you the option of adding a pop of color or keeping your color tone streamlined for a cleaner, softer look.

Neutral Zone: Cleo Jones Meaux, 64

HER NEUTRAL STYLE: I try to look for colors that go with my skin tone and hair. I also look for colors that work with the majority of clothes I already have in my wardrobe.
KEY TO LONGEVITY: I think you have to exercise regularly and maintain close relationships with your friends and family.
BEST THING: Marrying my husband and adopting my daughter.
LIVING HER BEST LIFE: Now that I am in my second 50 years of life, I am doing more of what I want.
Cleo is wearing: Top, $50; pants, $15; earrings, $30; necklace, $60; shoes, $25.

Creating a bold outfit can be easily done when you add in bright colors, strong patterns, and fur for a little fun.

Bold Streak: Natalie Cook Thomas, 69

HER BOLD STYLE: Patterns alone can be bold, but adding a pop of color sets it off. The fur is my favorite! You can never have too much fur and it also adds to the statement. Dressing bold doesn’t mean you have to look erratic or wild. With the right mix of colors, patterns, and accessories you can be bold and classy. You have to be confident in the outfit. You wear the clothing, don’t let it wear you. I like pieces that will allow me to stand out from the rest, in a good way!
LIFE LESSONS: I have found that people will treat you the way you allow them to do so. If you love, respect, and believe in yourself others will follow suit. If you don’t have faith in yourself, why should others?
KEY TO LONGEVITY: Working out at least three times a week, eating healthy, and taking care of yourself.
BEST THING: Becoming a Christian and meeting my loving husband 31 years ago.
TRAVEL: I have recently taken trips to Dubai, Singapore, Italy, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and London.
Natalie is wearing: Fur cape, $1,895; fur headband, $80; fur boot covers, $28; ankle boots, $30; bracelet, $15; earrings, $30; pants, $15; top, $8; necklace, $18

When creating a whimsical outfit, search for clothing and accessories that have interesting and unusual patterns.

Touch of Whimsy: Cheryl Hoffman, 63

HER WHIMSICAL STYLE: Any feature that adds movement to an outfit automatically makes it whimsical — whether it is fringe, feathers, sequins, flowy fabric, fur, a special piece of jewelry or even layers of jewelry.
GOOD TIMES: I enjoy scrapbooking, sewing, combing consignment shops for unusual finds.
BEST THINGS: Meeting the man I married 44 years ago, my two daughters, grandchildren, and my friends.
Cheryl is wearing: Top, $25; jeans, $12; necklace, $8; earrings, $6; shoes, $35.

The sleek design of this animal print fur coat is a trendy piece that doesn’t overpower the outfit and won’t go out of style.

Trendy Vibe: Liz Rucinski, 71

HER TRENDY STYLE: I think the leopard coat makes [the outfit] very trendy and I try to look at catalogues, television, and magazines to see what is in style at the present time. It’s really about what looks best on my body. Just because something is trendy, doesn’t mean it’s right for you. I always try to look for colorful items as well. I feel that as a woman ages, color is important because it brightens your complexion and brings out the color of your eyes.
KEY TO LONGEVITY: Having faith in God, a good sense of humor and family [connections].
BEST THING: Marrying my husband 50 years ago and adopting my two children.
Liz is wearing: Leopard coat, $80; top, $20.

*This article was originally published in our Winter 2018 Issue.

Makeup by Denise Cardwell, Image Works Studio
Hair by Amber Schnobrich, Strandz Salon and Threadz Boutique
Photos by Melissa Donald

P.S. Catch up with Saundra Cox, the cross-stitch queen.