5 Investment Pieces Every Woman Should Have

by Sonia Lovett | Aug 11, 2018 | Fashion

What’s better than a good deal? A good investment!

Here at Style Beyond Age, we love to keep our money where we can see it: In our closet! There’s nothing quite like treating yourself to a well earned (and researched) Splurge! Whether it’s an iconic handbag or watch that you can pass down for generations or a beautiful pair of sunglasses that make you feel like a million bucks. The quality of one of these classic investment pieces can transcend seasons and trends. Start saving your pennies and doing your research ladies! Here are my top 5 Key pieces every woman should own.

The Iconic Handbag

Even if big ticket items are not your thing, I am sure that you have lusted after one of these Iconic Handbags. When it comes to investing in a luxury bag be sure that it is something you really love and educate yourself on which ones will retain their value like the Hermes Birkin which is estimated to go up in value by double in the next ten years!

Chose Classics that can be styled and appreciated in many ways.

Often times these bags get better with age so don’t shy away from retailors like the Real Real for gently used and pre-owned luxury items.

Birkin 35 Smooth Satchel Bag, Black Pre-Owned $15,000

Chanel 2.55 Vintage $3,800

Ralph Lauren Soft Ricky Pre-Owned $1,025

Christian Dior 2017 Large Lady Dior Pre-Owned $3,400

Louis Vuitton Epi Marly MM Pre-Owned $1,725

The Shoe

Shoes are hands down my favorite thing to shop for! I love how they can literally and physically elevate your outfit instantly. And despite what size jeans I am wearing at the time I can always fit into my favorite pair of shoes! Your shoes are one of the first thing that gets noticed when you walk into a room so step out on the right foot! Be sure to take them for a test drive before you buy! Take your time when you’re in the shoe salon and make sure you can WALK in them! I also recomend to take your new shoes to your shoe guy immediately and get a slip resistant pad on the bottoms before you go out on the town!

Christian Louboutin So Kate 120 Suede $725

Chanel Tweed Espadrilles $725

Saint Laurent Tribute Suede Platform Sandal $995

Valentino Rockstud T-Strap Pump $995

Jimmy Choo Anouk Suede Pump $650

The Coat

Another fabulous investment that will withstand the test of time is a great coat.

Look for quality: Check the labels and fabric content. Polyester will not keep you warm in the winter!
If at first you don’t succeed, try try again! It may take a few tries to find the right coat fit for you. Don’t get discouraged and don’t make any rushed purcahes!
Have enough room under the coat for your layers. Seems obvious but you’d be supprised how many designers forget this rule!

Burberry Double-Breasted Cashmere Trench Coat $2,895

Moncler Belted Quilted Shell Jacket $1,200

Belstaff Biker Jacket $1,500

Ralph Lauren Buffy Wool-Silk Tuxedo Jacket $2,650

Chanel Vintage Boucle Tweed Jacket $2,537

The Sunglasses

I know, I know! You’re probably rolling your eyes at this! Quality shades get a bad wrap. Who wants to spend the money on something you’re just going to throw in your purse? YOU DO. There is nothing like teaching responsibility, how to care and value your well-earned items than owning a pair of high end shades!

Saint Laurent Loulou Heart Sunglasses $498

Dior Inspired Cat Eye Sunglasses $750

Celine Black Square Sunglasses $400

Gucci Black Round Sunglasses $350

Saint Laurent Aviator Sunglasses $371

The Watch

Buying yourself a beautiful quality timepiece is anything but instant gratification! Like investing in a luxury car, the resale value of fine watches depends on the make and model.

It is said that purchasing a vintage or previously owned watch is the best bang for your buck when you are purchasing a timepiece.

These vintage pieces continuously increase in value while some newer styles may depreciate upon leaving the jeweler. Here are the names in timepieces that you should look for.

Vacheron Constantin $488,828

Tag Heuer Carrera $3,045

Rolex Day Date Masterpiece $75,075

Cartier Must Tank Watch Vintage $1,432

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We could go on and on with this extravagant list but regardless of your budget , do your research and purchase the best quality you can afford and you will only have to buy it once.

Hiking Over 50

by Sonia Lovett | Aug 8, 2018 | Wellness

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I have always loved the Wild.

Being out in nature; be it on the lake or in the mountains, is where I am able to feel grounded and at peace. Since moving to Montana, I have taken up nature exploration more than I was able to in West Texas. Montana is a land bursting with wonders that must be experienced. Between it’s National Parks and natural beauty there is a trail for experienced hikers and novices alike. There is very little else that gets you as closely in touch with nature and yourself as a hike in the woods. If you are in one of our National Parks or in your own back yard, the sights and sounds bring you back into peace.

Hiking is one of the greatest things that you can do for your mental and physical health.

Getting out there doesn’t require much in gear or expertise either. As a matter of fact you can take up this hobby with nothing more than the willingness to do so. And maybe a snack or two! Although “going on a hike” can sound a little daunting, it doesn’t have to be. It can be as simple as a jaunt around the neighborhood, exploring the “back 40” or a hike with your girlfriends on a nature trail.

Basically any time you are walking out in nature is a hike!

Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park

Be prepared before you go though. Pack a light knapsack before you head down the road less traveled with these easy essentials:

water
trail mix
your favorite sunblock
a powered up cell phone
camera
and don’t forget the bear spray!

Visiting a National Park; whether hiking or by car, is a transportive experience.

At the end of the day, you come to realize and appreciate that all you ever really needed was the connection with family and friends in nature.

Styled By Serena:

If you’re going to go out and explore the trails you might as well look good doing it! It’s my personal (and professional) opinion that if you treat yourself to new exercise gear you are more than likely to show off those new sneakers or sports bra while you exercise!! Check out these looks and let me know what you think!

Wildflowers off the beaten path

Onzie Elastic Bra Top $45

Ultracor “Stealth Botanica” Bomber Jacket $275

Outdoor Voices Warmup Legging $75

New Balance Cayman Trail Running $55

Bodyism “I Am Calm” Sportsbra $74 On Sale

Outdoor Voices Crewneck Sweatshirt $60

Beyond Yoga Palomino High Waisted Legging $99

adidas Originals NMD_R1 $140

Athlete $46

Back Country Maloja Softjacket $99 On Sale

Outdoor Voices Warmup Legging $75

APL Ascend Sneakers $200

Under Armour $30

Columbia Fleece-Linded Windbreaker Jacket $45

REI Co-op Streetlowe Leggings $59

Nike Air Zoom Wildhorse $55

Living Alot

by Sonia Lovett | Aug 7, 2018 | Press

Top 5 Fall Fashion Trends for 2018

by Sonia Lovett | Aug 4, 2018 | Fashion

We may be in the full swing of Summer but it’s never too early to start prepping for your Fall wardrobe! With so many trends popping up at the blink of an eye, I’ve found the 5 strongest Fall Fashion Trends that you can start playing with NOW! Weather they are already in your archives or treasures yet to be found! These looks are so hot you’ll need to crank up your A.C., get cozy and take a peek at what we think you need to put in your shopping cart for Fall.

Frame Fall 2018

DVF Fall 2018

Cynthia Rowley Fall 2018

Johanna Ortiz Fall 2018

“I’ve always loved autumn. This is a kind of Indian summer, with all the leaves. It’s a beautiful mood.” Karl Lagerfeld

Animal Print

Animal print has been a long time favorite in our household! As a matter of fact, we still have pieces from when I was in high school hanging in the archives! Just goes to show you Quality over Quantity wins every time!

This fall we will see animal prints of all kind from leopard to zebra. I’ve always felt that a combination of leopard outerwear paired with bold color and print is a winning combination! I love this layered look from Alice & Olivia (note: the hoodie underneath) but if the floor length coat is too much for you I’ve found more options that will flatter your silhouette and wallet!

Shop Now:

Photo Cred Alice & Olivia Fall 2018

Plaids & Checks

I love a play on plaids. You can mix and match all kinds if you keep the color story in the same tone and hue. Glenn Checks and Tartan Plaids always bring to mind classic menswear pairings like strong structured blazers and high waisted trousers. I personally love the strong lines of this long coat with the soft femininity of the metallic shirtdress. Have fun mixing and matching and maybe throw a little animal print in there!

Remember our 4 tips on mixing prints:

Match COLORS not prints
Simple prints and graphics are easiest to pair together
Spread the print out throughout the outfit
Don’t forget to break it up with a solid!

Shop Now:

Photo Cred Alice & Olivia Fall 2018

L’Agence $195

Lucy Paris $68

Gabriela Hearst $1076

Sacai $427

Tough Boots

The 90’s called, they want you to pull out your old combat boots! I love my dainty beautiful pumps just as much as the next girl. But what I really love is a shoe that I can run around in. I’ve been wise to this one for a bit now as the combat boot has been with us for sometime now. I love to mix the super tough with the ultra feminine.

The key to pulling off this look (and not going full on punk rock or goth) is to soften it up. Pair it with an unexpected plaid or floral and a feminine silhouette like this trumpet skirt from Alice & Olivia. Whatever you do, the look should feel effortless and not too “done”. When in doubt it is all about proportion.

Shop Now:

Photo Cred Alice & Olivia Fall 2018

Scarves

Any way you tie it, we love a good scarf. If you are anything like me, scarves are another staple that I can never part with. I have tons of vintage scarves handed down to me from my Grandmother in addition to every single scarf I’ve ever bought. Luckily for us scarf hoarders, designers are taking inspiration from these little silk squares creating playful and fabulous dresses, outerwear and entire outfits!

Tie one on as a headpiece, neckercherif or belt or TRY one of these playful separates now. There’s no getting around it, scarves and scarf prints are back and not going anywhere. I predict you’ll see lots of billowy silk scarf kaftans come Summer 2019.

Shop Now:

Photo Cred: DVF Fall 2018

Eliza J $158

KAS $149

Roberto Cavalli $2195

Chantel $98

Wild West

This one is my personal favorite. I’ve always been known to turn up the Western vibes any chance I get. My fashion was heavily influenced by my younger years spent in West Texas in the 80’s. I love how this trend has evolved and softened over the years.

You can pair your Western styled shirts with unexpected textures and prints. Think more Prairie Girl instead of Cowboy when you play with this look. Mix your sunwashed florals with denim and leather and do not forget the silver hardware!