Sunday, September 30, 2007

Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2008...

What can I say...that woman is quite simply the queen of the dress....

















And she's not to shabby with separates either...






Or for that matter pants...



Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Ah, the never ending conundrum....

Of getting the right sized bra!

If you still struggle with how to find your right bra size, let Aging Fabulous school ya...

Are You Wearing the Right Size Bra?

Personally, I would advise that, whenever possible, have a pro measure you. I did so a couple of years back at Victoria's Secret, and it was a few minutes well worth it!

Also keep in mind that different bras are, well, different - so you should have yourself measured whenever possible at whatever store you are thinking of purchasing a bra. Your right size for a VS bra might not be the best size for a Vanity Fair or Hanes!

And just for a bit more bra fun (because gee,there can never be enough can there ladies?) - check out the Wikipedia entry for Brassiere!

Go on over to Vanity Fair....

(Magazine, mind you, not the bra maker) and read a lovely article by Gay Talese regarding his remembrance of, and love for, fine tailoring....

The Scion, the Stitch, and the Wardrobe

Monday, September 24, 2007

An interesting marketing approach......

This from Fashiontribes....

Stock up on Affordable Uniqlo Cashmere in Cutting Edge Pantone Colors. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG

Considering the fact that most folks young or old probably don't know anything about Pantone, this is an interesting approach from a marketing standpoint - especially for Pantone.

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Two in One?

Now this is an interesting concept....

From Newport News



The Two in One Bag - $34.00


I'm not sure how this would work in practice but it certainly gives a whole new meaning to the term "sidecar bag"!

A shout out to People Style Watch for the heads up on this one!

Over at Aging Fabulous....

Personally I don't think it's possible....

Fighting the forces of Gravity

But who knows!

At long last.....

Gone but not forgotten!

I KNOW it's happened to you! You have a favorite lipstick, the perfect color - and suddenly it disappears from the stores!

Kudos to Estee Lauder - now that's customer service!

This just in...

Ebags enters the Fall sale fray...



I have to say that this mustard colored Tignanello hobo could just find it's way into my closet...




Tignanello Perfect 10 Side Zip Pocket Hobo - $139.00

Sales, Sales, Sales!

My in box has been inundated with all manner of sales - so I thought I'd share the love:

Over at Ann Taylor:

Suit Sale:



Ann Taylor Suits Separates Sale


Shoe Sale:



Ann Taylor Shoe Sale


My fav from this one:



Alyssa Satin Peep Toe Pump - Midnight Blue - $49.44


Trust me if I could wear this pump it would be winging it's way to me right now!

And just in even as I type - Fall Sale!



Ann Taylor Fall Sale


From J Jill:





J Jill Mid-Season Sale


From TravelSmith:




15th Anniversary Sale


I haven't talked a lot about TravelSmith here on the site, but I intend to do so in the future. They specialize in clothes for travel, but lately they seem to be branching out nicely into business worthy items.

A couple of favs from their new offers:




Women Classic Miracle Fabric Black Dress - $59.00





Hobo Cell Phone and Wallet Bag - $69.00


From Talbots:



Talbots Pants: Buy 1 get 50% off 2nd Pair


From Old Navy:



Fall Fashions Sale


Along with the 10 bucks off a $75 purchase, many of their new Fair Isle sweaters are on sale. Some of my favs:




Fair Isle Turtleneck Sweaters $24.50






Women's Shawl Collar Sweaters - $20.00





Women's Plus Cable Knit Kimono Cardigan - $36.50





Women's Plus Kimono Sleeve Sweaters - $24.99


From what I hear, Old Navy, along with the Gap brands in general, is still struggling. However, I continue to be impressed by the products they offer for the price point. (And I continue to be hacked off at them for only offering their plus size items online! :-p )

So there you go! Don't say I never did nothin' fer ye! ;-)

Saturday, September 22, 2007

YouLookFab....

Is givin' good tips as usual....


Cleaning Shoes with Acetone

With patent so hot this season, this is news you can use! And I didn't know this would work with leather as well - nice to know!


The Seasons 3 denim silhouettes

Ms. Angie gives a primer on this seasons 3 denim styles!

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Boots anyone?

Because, even through the Fashion world is thinking Spring, Fall and Winter is still on it's way in the real world....

Ask Allison over at Stylebakery gives some handsome suggestions for good lookin', sturdy boots under $200.00:

Boots Made for Walkin’ For Less Than $200

(And no, I haven't forgot about the ladies that might just need a wide calf boot - I'll so a bit of research and get back to ya on that! ;-) )

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Lela Rose, Spring 2008

I'd never heard of Lela Rose prior to getting an e-mail from Payless touting her Payless line. The Payless shoes are nice looking...




But, frankly, I didn't think they were anything special. I think Abaeté line is more interesting. So I decided to check out her Spring 2008 ready to wear line to see what it was like.

I was pleasantly surprised....







(I admit that this one could be problematical if your hips aren't just right. But if the are - the tailoring on this one is amazing!)




I love the scallop work on her skirts in this collection! It's a sophisticated take on girly without the frills - I like that! It's perfect for the 50+ gal!









I've seen laser cuts used on paper goods - greeting cards, etc. - but never before on dresses. And these are simply beautiful.

On my just invented hanger rating of 1 - 5: 4 hangers to Lela R! I will definitely be looking forward to her Fall 2009 collection!

To see the full Spring 2008 collection:

Syle.com Lela Rose Spring 2008

(Sadly, Style.com did not have video of the runway show - so I won't be able to post it for this designer.)

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Okay, I just couldn't resist....

So far I have more or less avoided a lot of coverage here on the seasonal runway shows.

Frankly, I find the whole thing somewhat overwhelming. And with so much excellent coverage else where on the web (Fashiontrbes has done an outstanding job this year covering the runway), it just seemed redundant to try to follow it myself - especially since my lowly self is not an attendee!

However, of late I've given it a bit of thought and decided that the one thing no one seems to do is comment on the season from the 50+ woman's perspective. So I've decided to:

1. Give you the front row seat you deserve by posting some of the great show video from Style.com. You'll now see it to the right under Front Row.

2. Create a public lookbook on Style.com (I tell you, they rock the house as a source for all things runway) containing my favorite picks from the Spring 2008 shows. You can check it out at Fab50Plus' Spring 2008 Favs . I also have the link posted under My Look Books to the right.

I'll also try to do a post for each designer I particularly liked with pics of my absolute fav of the fav of their collections. If there is video available of the actually show I will also post that for a short time as well.

I hope you will find this approach both interesting and helpful!

Taking care of yourself.....

Is certainly one of the chief building blocks to looking your best (yeah, yeah, it's a do what I say, not what I do moment!)

Over at Beauty Snob they give a list of 8 foods that can help you on your way....

8 Foods You Should Eat Daily

Monday, September 17, 2007

Speaking of Designer Inspired Bags...

In an earlier post, I talked about the move of "inspired by" handbags from PVA to leather.

Looks like it might just be a trend....

This care of the banging Bag Bliss:

Accessories de Mademoiselle - The Inspired by Hermes Birkin Bag

I love the Birkin bag (through I'll never be able to afford one) and I like this take on it. Not as refined, it has a kind of rough, casual edge that would work well with jeans or even as a work bag:




I love the inside:



And at $378.00, it's a price point many budgets can take!

Kudos to Bag Bliss for pointing this bag out and acknowledging that not everyone can afford a $500+ handbag!

Nice as the Birkin take off is, I think the following bag is a just about dead on take on the Kelly:




Large Leather Bag - $210.00


I love the braiding on the straps - gives this quintessential "lady like" bag just the right bit of edge! And once again, at this price it's a bag many can actually afford!

Sunday, September 16, 2007

The Frame Bag....

Can be another tricky thing for the woman of an age to pull off. If one is not careful, you can end up looking like your grandmother!

But I have to say that I do have something of a soft spot for these bags - especially when their as creamily attractive as the one Baghaus is offering:

Don't Frame This Bag - Wear It!

I'm not thrilled about the black or florescent red version - but that cream color is to die for:




Bahaus Nappa Bag - $49.00

And the inside is just as lovely:



Another "Inspired By" bag - this time the inspiration is a bag by Miu Miu.

If you're a contest warrior....

Skip over to Spork Fashion.

Ms. Alyse has decided to add a Contest section to her site that should give you all you want and more when it comes to trying to win some stylish goodies!

Contests, Updates, Press, and more!

A couple of great posts....

From Fabulous After 40 (the site formally known as Cafe Glam! ; - ))

Take 10 years Off in 10 Minutes!

Every single tip is a winner!

Does your mirror show all?

And this is why I'm in the market for a full length mirror right now! :-/

From the InBox....

FF 50 Plus gets, to my great surprise, mail!

I received a question regarding the best products to cover a scar. The following is my reply - just in case any of the info is useful to anyone else (I don't id the sender, as I did not have permission to do so:

Hi _______!

Sadly, I'm probably the person least qualified to answer your question, since I don't even wear makeup! (Note that I'm not saying I don't need it, I just don't wear it! )

However, in a effort to give you some kind of info, I did a few searches on the web to see if I could find anything helpful - as I'm sure you have probably done as well. I was surprised to find that there was so little info - surely this is not an uncommon problem!

I was however able to find a few things and I'm happy to share them with you:

On iVillage:

Cover Up Dark Scars:

http://beauty.ivillage.com/makeup/makeupartist/0,,n4ss,00.html

They actually recommend a cosmetic called DermaColor and give how-to instructions on applying.

By the way, when searching for a link for DermaColor - http://www.kryolan.com/en/Home/Home.htm (I also found another link to StageandTheatreMakeup.com with a great how to on applying DermaColor - http://stageandtheatermakeup.com/kryolan.htm), I came across another a link for another coverage makeup - Dermablend - http://www.dermablend.com/search.aspx?cm_mmc=Google-_-Trademark_Brand-_-Broad-_-Dermablend

eHow also gave a how-to on covering a scar:

http://www.ehow.com/how_15312_camouflage-scar.html

On What Not To Wear, they actually did a scar cover-up for one of their makeovers (the woman in question had heart surgery and wanted tips on covering the scar on her chest). Sadly, they do not have the video posted to their site! Still, check their message boards (http://community.discovery.com/eve/ubb.x/a/cfrm/f/7121920016) you may find a discussion of this issue with suggestions from folks who have faced the same problem.

Bobbi Brown's book Bobbi Brown Living Beauty ( http://www.amazon.com/dp/0821258346/ref=s9_asin_image_1/104-0457827-5551145?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=03WCDC050QK3XZ60GRG3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=278240701&pf_rd_i=507846) gives a how-to as well on covering a scar - however it's just a couple of paragraphs so if you're not really in the market for a makeup book (through this appears to be a good one which I'm intending to pick-up myself!) just get it at the public library and copy the page!

Bobbi does, however, have an extensive line of coverage products that I have heard good things about about. They can be purchased on line at http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/. Her products can be found at Macy's and Neiman Marcus as well.

You might drop a note to the writers of the following blogs - they could probably give you better recommendations than I have:

The shopping diva, Kathryn Finney (The Budget Fashionista) has a Ask TBF page - http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/ask.php - where you can post your question.

Angie at the wonderful YouLookFab (http://www.youlookfab.com/) has an Ask Angie button right at the top of the page where you can send a question.

And at you can e-mail Terasa Morisco, Wardrobe 911 at the following address: askteresa@wardrobe911.com .

I wish I could have been of more assistance. Hang in there - you'll find the right solution that works for you!

Sincerely,

Fab50Plus
fab50pls1@yahoo.com

If anyone else has any recommendations on this issue, please leave a comment on this post!

Also from the InBox....

As you may know, from previous posts here, I'm a big fan of wearable art. Since for most folks that's primarily experienced via t-shirts, it becomes a somewhat tricky concept to pull off once you get up in years.

So I was intrigued when I received an e-mail from Kira Bloom the PR rept for a site called SpoonFed Art. The artist, Karin Collins, creates one of a kind pendants out of spoons, something she began as part of her art therapy for an eating disorder (Check out the LA Weekly article The Art of Spooning for an interview with the artist).

Needless to say, I had to check this out! So I took a virtual spin over to the site - and was rewarded with some very unique and colorful pieces!

Some of my favs from the site:




Bluebird - $90.00







Both of Me - $95.00





Astor - $110.00




Radiance - $90.00






Starflyer - $85.00


As you see, the prices seem to range from around $80.00 to $110.00 and each piece appears to be one of a kind - you'll see that some pendants are sold and no longer available. Note that, until the end of September 2007, they are offering free shipping on your order.

So, if you get a chance, skip on over and judge for yourself - personally, I think they are lovely!

Kudos to Ms. Karin for making something lovely from a difficult personal challenge!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Monday, September 10, 2007

The Spring Color Forcast....

Thanks to The Budget Fashionista....

Fashion Week Spring 2008: Pantone Colors

Somehow I missed the Fall color forcast -- but am happy not to have done so for Spring! From what I've seen of the Spring collections, as ever Pantone is right on target.

First Liz Claiborne....

Now the news that Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, has passed away...

Body Shop founder Roddick dies

Dame Roddick was determined to make deeply ethical principles the bedrock of her business. She was attempting to walk the Fair Trade walk long before others even started the talk.

My beauty rituals are pretty minimal (well actually more like a hit and run) so I don't buy a lot of beauty products. However, whatever I purchased at The Body Shop was always lovely and first rate, as were the stores and the people who worked in them.

My deepest condolences go out to her family and friends.

Okay, now for something COMPLETELY ridiculous!....

I think the title speaks for itself....

Pet Fashion Week

Sunday, September 09, 2007

Well sooner or later it had to come to this...

With the prices of "IT" designer bags skyrocketing ever out of the reach of most bag buyers, the rise of the "designer inspired" handbag sites was inevitable.

Sites like Purse Boutique and Baghaus provide bags that are not copies but versions of the popular designer bags. They vary in looks, but many of the bags are wonderful takes on the more expensive bags and, sometimes, a more practical take as well.

These sites are not to be confused with sites that claim to sell the general article but are actually selling cheaper quality copies. Purse Boutique and Baghaus are both careful to state clearly that their bags are not the real thing but inspired versions.

I, myself, own the following 3 bags purchased from these sites and am quite pleased with all of them.

From Purse Boutique:



Green Danska Satchel Purse - $34.95


I have no idea if this is an designer inspired bag or not - I've never heard of Danska. However, I love this bag. And when I carry it when wearing my chocolate brown outfit it really pops!



Black Alligator Embossed Kelly Bag - $34.95


You can't quite see it in this picture, but this bag is much more a tribute to the Hermes' Birkin than it's sister the Kelly.

From Baghaus:




Dark Coffee Birkin Tote Inspired by Hermes

A much clearer take off on the Hermes Birkin.


As I said, I love all these bags (I'll post a longer post on the bags and what I like and don't about them at another time) and can attest that the customer service I have received from Baghaus (I've not had to have any such contact with Purse Boutique) has been absolutely excellent.

These sites provide a way for you to get the silhouette of the more expensive bags without mortgaging your house or giving up your first born child!

However, the one thing I have been thinking lately, is that it would be nice to get their inspired bags in leather instead of having only PVA versions available. I figured that they could still do good quality bags at affordable price points (I was thinking somewhere between $99.00 and $150.00 dollars - not bad for a leather bag).

Well low and behold, I'm not the only one with that idea.

Shop:Lush has done just that, producing the designer inspired bags but in leather, not PVA.

An example:

The YSL Muse Bag:



YSL Muse Oversize - $1,395.00 (Saks Fifth Ave)


The Baghaus PVA version (Which they don't seem to have in stock a the moment - but when they did, I think it ran about $59.99):




And Shop:Lush's leather take:



Half Moon Lock - $99.99


I think both the Baghaus and the Shop:Lush version is lovely - but I'm thinking that it would be nice to have it in leather rather than PVA. Sadly, it looks like Shop:Lush only has it in white - still if the leather is pretty good, it would be quite a nice addition to your bag wardrobe for not a ton of cash!

Shop:Lush has many other nice looking bags on their site, so take a look! If you've been wanting to modernize your handbag choices, prefer leather bags but don't have all the money in the world to buy them, this might be an option that can work for you! (By the by, Shop:Lush is offering a 15% discount for purchases in September - Enter code: PSWFall0715 at checkout.)