by Rita Chaney

Created on: March 15, 2008   Last Updated: March 21, 2008

Take three fashion innovators, plus Oprah. Stacy London-a fashion guru from the television show, "What Not to Wear," Lloyd Boston-author of "Before You Put That On," and Charla Krupp-author of "How Not To Look Old". Put them together and you have a fantastic Oprah show offering down-to-earth guidance about how women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s can update their clothing to look timeless and classy. Also presented, of course, were the various frumpy, dumpy, grumpy-looking women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.

In a discussion of the "#1" wardrobe mistake many women make, each fashionista had his/her own idea. Mr. Boston mentioned he believed the "#1" mistake women make is during shopping for clothes. He says many women "shop by the number (i.e. size) rather than the fit." Doing so results in incredibly bad selections regarding the fit of the clothing articles. He encourages women to "forget about the number."

Ms. London, on the other hand, feels the "#1" fashion error made by women is their over concern with "being trendy." Ms. London firmly expressed that each woman must "consider" her own body type, age, and lifestyle in her selection of clothing. "That's how to decide what's gonna work for you."

Ms. Krupp's idea of the " #1" mistake-and I quote, is, "Women in America are so hung up on comfort that they walk around in clothes like they're going to the gym." Hmm, I don't like where this discussion is going. And can you believe, Ms. Krupp actually went on to state that "sneakers should not be worn on the street?" More rambling followed about how, as women, we don't get respect from others when we dress in such a relaxed way.

Okay, now they have truly hit all of our "sore spots" in terms of the fashion habits of women, at least those of us in our 30s, 40s, and 50s. Where can they go from here?

Well, actually, Ms. London did a fine job of "making over" women from each of the age groups of focus. Beginning first with a 30-something woman, Ms. London wowed the audience, selecting a tight leather jacket, a sweet knit top, snug jeans, and some bitchin' black boots by Cole Haan.

Using patent leather, Ms. London brought a 40-year-old mother up to the 21st century in black patent boots, a cashmere sweater dress, and what else? A Dolce and Gabbana bag.

Keeping with the patent leather trend, a 50-something woman strutted out with dark pants, a long, high-waisted print blouse, patent shoes, and a patent leather bag. Now this woman looked as great as any 30-year-old. Ms. London really

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