I discovered Beverly when she submitted her blog for my 40+ bloggers community page. I was immediately taken by her modern and fashionable style, which surprisingly she achieves with this formula: classic + classic + trendy. Very smart! When she revealed that almost all of her clothes are bought at mainstream stores like H&M and Gap, I knew that I had to feature her at 40+Style so we can discover her style secrets. She offers many valuable tips so be sure to check them out!

Hi Beverly. Thanks for taking the time out to answer a few questions for 40PlusStyle.com. Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself?

I’m a small business owner, wife, and mother of two awesome teens. I enjoy dark beer, dark coffee, and dark chocolate. I’m a native Californian, have never met a Jonathan Adler product I haven’t liked, and use the word “Dude” way too much.
My introduction to blogging was with my first blog, Style Underdog. That’s where I fell in love with the blogging community.

Combining neutrals

As a point of reference which age group do you belong to or perhaps you are willing to share your age?

45

Can you tell us a bit more about your blog Beverly Like Hills?

It’s a simple outfit of the day blog. I wanted to share my love of clothing with like-minded women. Not very many people in my surroundings would understand the excitement of a yellow belt placed around a leopard cardigan that you purchased 3 years ago from Target. In the blogging community, not only do the women understand, they offer more creative combinations.

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How would you describe your style?

My own: pattern mixed cocktail, preppy gone rogue, a mature edge, D) All the above.

I have been very impressed by your outfits which all look, fresh, modern and hip and often colorful. What is your secret?

HA! I have no secret. Most of my outfits consist of classics; oxfords, crew neck sweaters, ankle length pants, blazers, a trench. I usually try and add one piece that is “of the moment”; floral pants, polka dot blouse, a colorful blazer. That usually adds enough tension in the outfit to elevate it from ordinary. Maybe that’s my secret, Beverly like Hill’s rule of threes: classic + classic + trendy.

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You recently highlighted in an article that most of your clothes are bought in mainstream stores like Macy’s, JCrew, H&M, Target, Gap & Zara? Why do you prefer to buy at these brands?

These brands are like Starbucks, I know what to expect when I walk in the door. I also know how things will fit me. The clothing usually has clean lines and I can purchase items that will last for more than one season. They also feature trendy items, but with the volume turned down, so you aren’t stuck with something that screams “I’m on trend’. These stores are also geographically favorable and easy on my pocketbook.

What in your opinion are the most important factors to look out for when shopping at these brands? What is the formula to for still looking unique as you do?

  • Know your closet and do your research. Do you have your basics covered?
  • On my former blog, I was only wearing neutrals. As color became to dominate in the shows and magazines I was able to purchase a few colorful items to bring my neutral wardrobe into the now.
  • Once the basics are covered, take a look at other blogs, street style sites, and the latest runway shows so you know what colors, textures, and lengths will be “in”.
  • When you’re shopping, have a plan of what you are looking for: color, shape, etc., otherwise you may fall victim to the underpriced clothing candy.

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Am I correct that you are mostly dressing for work? What do you think are the elements of a good work outfit?

I really don’t know if I can answer that question. My job is a creative one so I have a lot of play in my wardrobe. However, I do follow my newly discovered BLH rule of threes 🙂 I usually dress for whom I’m meeting with on that day and how many Mother errands I’m running, so it can vary. I always include heels, (emergency flats in my bag when cobblestoned pathways are on my agenda) and my computer.

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Can you tell me where you live and what distinguishes your regional style to that of the rest of the world?

I’m from Southern California and I live in a weather bubble where everyday is basically a nice day and we don’t have any extremes. I’m right in the middle of laid back California style, shoes optional. I’m surrounded by distinct styles. Above me are “Housewives of Orange County” types. Below me is the low-key beach and surf community. To the right are 20-something hipsters and to the left is a military base. However, all carry that same casual vibe that you would expect in Southern California.

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What inspires your outfit choices the most?

It depends on the day. Sometimes color, sometimes a pair of shoes, and sometimes another blogger. The other day, Alyssa was wearing a great pair of pink pants and Deborah was rocking the perfect sleeveless blazer. The next morning I wore a combination of both. I also like to create weekly themes to give my closet some focus. I’m waiting to create a Jenna Lyons week or a “Kendi at 45” theme.

Do you take things like color profiling or body type into account when you dress?

Color profiling-No Body Type-Yes

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Would you say you have a signature style? And if yes, what are the main elements?

Yes, I would say I have a signature style, Beverly like Hills rule of three (I think I’m going to trademark that!). I believe we all do.

Has your style changed at all after turning 40?

As my situation in life has changed, so has my style. The older I get, the braver I become. I’m more secure with myself and how I look and what I’ve accomplished. You can also throw in a dose of 40 year old wisdom. I’m willing to try things I wouldn’t have in my 30s.

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Do you believe in dressing ‘age appropriately’ and what does it mean to you?

What works for some at 40 may not work for others. I wouldn’t call that age appropriate as much as good styling. I’m also don’t show a lot of skin. That has more to do with my level of modesty than my age.

Would you say that at this stage of your life you are now more, or less interested in fashion, style and the way you look?

I’ve had the same interest in all of that since I was 16. Once I started working, I had the disposable income to create my own looks. I’ve been developing my style since then. I don’t think I’ve stopped.

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Why is the way you look important to you?

How I look is as much a language as what I say.

Which outfit from your site is your favorite outfit and why?

The next one.

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Do you follow trends? And if yes, which trends excite you at the moment?

Yes. I’m looking forward to non-traditional pencil skirts, mixed material pieces and leather everything. I haven’t found the right circle skirt, but that’s not from lack of trying.

Do you have any fashion and style tips for women over 40?

Be brave and take risk. We are not invisible. Walk around like you own it, because you probably do. What’s the worst that could happen, a horrible outfit?

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Do you plan to continue with blogging and how do you see your blog develop over the coming years?

Following the best laid plan rule, which never seems to apply to my life, I’m planning to be around next year. I’m pretty satisfied how my blog has developed thus far, so hopefully, it will continue down the same path. I’ve met some really cool women, and isn’t that what it’s really about? It’s like a book club but with clothes (wine optional). There are those that may want their blog to be one of the lucky ones, with sponsorship and C/O items, but I don’t see myself going that way. Blogging is my hobby, but once money is involved, blogging becomes a job and my “voice” may change. Besides, I already have a job 🙂
(Hat tip the last few sentences to 40 year wisdom.)

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A style interview with Beverly | 40plusstyle.com

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