Sometimes it’s nice to update an older person’s wardrobe with a gift of clothing or jewelry. With this in mind, listed below are some of Sr. Advisor R’s favorite stores. She shops from their catalogs.

At 99 she likes their clothes because they’re simple, easy to wear, and always look good. They’re usually separates which she pulls together with a sweater or jacket. Oh yes, she likes the effect that adding a necklace and/or bracelet brings to her outfits. Indeed every time I go some place with her, people remark about how great she looks. She’s the first to admit “I don’t spend a lot on my clothes.”

1.  The Tog Shop: http://togshop.blair.com 1-800-262-8888 Check out the necklace on the Tog Shop screen. It could add just the right touch of color to any outfit. And don’t neglect the “Sale” screen for some nice clothes at even nicer prices. Misses, Women’s, and Petite sizes.

2.  Appleseeds: http://appleseeds.blair.com/1-800-546-4554  Check out some of the necklaces; also the machine-washable “Twist Yarn Open Front Cardigan,” and add “tops”–knit, tanks, tee shirts– to make an outfit– available in all sizes from Misses to Petite.

3. JJill http://www.jjill.com/jjillonline/index.aspx   1-800-546-4554  Adding their knit tops or tees (many options here) makes outfits when combined with a jacket or cardigan.These clothes seen to be a bit more pricey so don’t miss the “Sale and Outlet” tab. Misses, Petites, Women’s and Tall sizes.

Sometimes we notice our mother’s favorite clothes could benefit from some time at the dressmaker’s. It could be the hem length (people shrink with age); or it could be Mother has changed shape and needs clothing taken in or let out–or needs buttons sewn on, or simply has threads handing or has clothing needing to go to the cleaners. Taking care of any (or all) of the above is thoughtful and helpful and could be combined with a little gift–a necklace or bracelet that coordinates with an existing outfit?

Or–Charms on bracelets or necklaces are in style again. (I remember my grandmother having a charm with each grandchild’s name on one side and birthdate on the other.) They’re affordable in silver; pricey in gold. That said, grandchildren charms are perfect for certain grandmothers.

“Look good, feel better.” Isn’t that what we want for our mothers?” It’s another piece of helping parents age well. Happy Shopping.

Related: “Great Gifts” tab below header…..above.

  NOTE: “Newsworthy” right sidebar. Links to timely information and research
–from top universities–to help parents age well.