Yeah, yeah, I know...

I go on and on here about fit when it comes to your clothes.

And, God knows, I'm still doing the "Do as I say, not as I do" thing in my closet - through I have been cracking down! (Just ask the wonderful seamstress who has been altering practically everything I've purchased lately!)

But it really is one of the best things you can do to improve your look - make sure your clothes really do fit you well!

Over at 24-7 Style another good post on determining whether or not your stuff actually fits...

Stop! Does the Shoe Really Fit? A Sizing Check List

Chains, chains, chains....

Hopefully not of fools!

Of late I've been thinking I want to add to my rather pitiful jewelry collection (actually, the accessories portion of my wardrobe is most definitely the weakest part). One of the things I've decided to add is more chain type pieces.

Always in Style offers some great examples..Statement Pieces

Holiday Sales this year...

Are popin' out like a 15 year old's acne breakouts - their all over!

You, like me, are probably getting a ton of e-mail shouting about sales from just about every retailer.

But sometimes it's nice to just get a summary....

From Ms. Angie over at YouLookFab....

Holiday sales and promotions

High time....

This from The New York Times....

The Post-Materialist | Fashion Grows Up

Okay, you gotta love the image of the runway being "stormed by elderly male models". And if you don't get yourself over to Advanced Style to check out folks who are growing old with style - well you're crazy! And when I say growing old with style, I mean their very own personal style - uncoupled and independent of fashion!

More on how the state of the ecomomy....

Is effecting the fashion world.....

This from the The Wall Street Journal...

Vera Wang Opts Out of Fashion Week Tent

Reading this article is like reading a mini account of what drives an economy even further into the tank. Everyone along the chain keeps cutting back (and who can blame them as people, understandably, spend less and less), which only drives the economy to contract even further. And yes, there is also the idea that it just seems downright indecent to have lavish extravaganzas when people are literally losing their homes (and I applaud Mr. Valvo for saying just so).

And yes, even the fashion blogasphere is taking a hit...

This from Style It Online Fashionweek coverage...

Who Actually Is Showing At Fashion Week?

Speaking of gifts with style...

The ever stylish Ms. Angie at YouLookFab has a few suggestions....


10 ways to give the gift of style this Christmas

I love the idea of giving a haircut! A good haircut is one of those things that can kick-up your style 10 fold - but it's also one of the things that often ends up at the end of the list of to dos when your days are so busy! Getting one as a gift can encourage someone who needs to take some time for herself to do so! ;-)

It's been a while....

Since I made any book recommendations.

However as Christmas is just around the corner and you might just be looking for a gift for a fashion interested friend I thought I'd mention a couple I think any fashion fan might like...




This delightful book gives info on a series of classic clothing types. Information includes a description of the style, when it became popular, what famous femme worn it and how it might best be worn today. This would actually be a great for the sewing buff in your life as well!







In some ways, both the above books are very similar - outlining classic fashion styles of dress - for example, Bohemian, Bombshell, Classic. They include slightly different takes on these well know styles (The Lucky book sites American Classic, the Bazaar book refers to what I would say is the same style as The Classicists), so you do get some overlapping.

The Bazzar book has a more grow-up point of view, including a greater range of observations on how to dress your shape (And yes, that includes the Full Figured and the Petite!), their wonderful Fabulous at Every Age feature and talking general wardrobe building block basics.

The Lucky book, while frankly aimed at a younger crowd, is great for the detailed way they cover the iconic fashion styles. And young or old, as you read through you'll start thinking about your closet, which of these styles you'll find in there and what that means going forward as you think about adding to your wardrobe.


I own all three, enjoy them thoroughly and think that any one interested in fashion would enjoy them too!

Interesting.....

Even high-end fashion houses resorting to discounts

So much for the confidence I kept seeing in the business press over the pass few months regarding the invincibility of the luxury high end market.

Even those with plenty of cash are feeling they need to hold on to more of it...

As anyone who reads here knows....

I'm an big fan of The Sartorialist, one of the best street style pics blog out there (and the first one I started following when I first started reading fashion blogs!).

But my one issue with the blog has been that there are usually precious few pics of fashionable "women of an age". Now I know that Scott does try to get those pics - but it was just getting depressing to go to his blog and see nothing but willow thin 20 and 30 somethings.

But I was missing his pics, so I went by yesterday. Looking through the pics I was rewarded for my stop by, by a few, wonderful pics of oh so stylish women of an age!

A couple of my favs...



On the Street..... Via Bagutta, Milano


Love the bag, the outfit - and those fierce heels that really show off her great gams!



On the Street.... Certain Elegance, Milan


Elegance pretty much sums this outfit up! I love this particular style - and she pulls it off flawlessly!

Okay if this is true....

It's just more change I can believe in! (Or at least hope for! ;-) )

Michelle Obama to inspire more fashions for women over 40!

Girl....

I feel your pain....

More from Budget Chic...

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7TH

The random bruising thing was a big surprise to me as well - through mine didn't really start until I hit 50. Like the wonderful Budget Chic, I'd never really experienced bruising in my younger days unless I really dinged myself. Now it seems that, like the Princess and the Pea, the slightest bump results in a bruise!

And yes, as a matter of fact, it DOES suck getting old!

That's why you have to do it in style! ;-)

As you know...

I've had to give up, for the most part, the whole high heel thing.

But if you're lucky enough not to have to, but you're just a bit daunted by the tottering high heels out there today, get some nifty tips in wearing them from Budget Chic...

Wearing Heels

High time....

This from The Thoughtful Dresser

Pear shaped women with bad legs are in fashion (with a caveat)

Actually, through pear shaped I am, at 5'3' longer skirts don't work that well on me - unless I'm going for the grandma look!

Ms. Tina Tang...

of the beautiful silver jewelry is having a sale!




Tina Tang Weekly Special

Sale ends 12/15/2008.

Holiday Dressing....

Can, as you know, be a tricky business!

So a few tips on how to do it with style are always welcome!

From Fabulous After 40...

Holiday Fashion tips to look your Fab self !

From About.com...

5 Holiday Fashion Mistakes

Speaking of Holiday Dressing....

Ruffles always seem to rear their flouncy heads during this time of year anyway. And this year, with them being a fashion trend, it's more likely than ever that you'll see more than your share as you're shopping for holiday wear!

I've owned my share of ruffled blouses in my life, but I confess that I'm not a big fan.

However, if you're thinking you want to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe, here are some tips for doing so...

From Focus On Style...

How to wear ruffles...

This is why....

A Birkin cost what it does....

Over at...

55 Secret Street shows the completion for the inaugural gown....

The Michelle Obama Inaugural Gown Race

Follow her link to WWD to see a slide show of all the offerings. I think Ms. Nichelle did an excellent job of editing down to some of the best - through I thought the following ones for the inauguration itself are winners:






My fav for the Inaugural Ball?....




Yes, yes Isaac Mizrahi is one of my favorite designers true enough, but I just love the total package and how the style of each dress is perfectly suited for the female wearing it. And the colors are delish!

With the whole world watching, I'm just glad I'm not the one that has to make the final call on this one!

Fashion Illustration...

Is also an interest of mine.

So I definitely took note of this Fashion Indie post....

Indies to Watch: Arturo Elena

Personally I wouldn't term any of these illustrations as any where close to "realism" - do you know anyone with such elongated bodies? However the detail and coloring are wonderful!

Check out the website, Arturo Elena to see more of this deliciously dramatic work!

Moment of Style?.....

Damn skippy straight!.....

Moments of Style Diane Keaton

I'm always despairing that I rarely find pics of 50+ ladies stylin' it. I'm also a big fan of Diane Keaton and the unique way she approaches fashion. So when I saw this post on Fashion Indie I definitely got two for one! I love the outfit - it's a great example of how you can continue to be fashion forward no matter what the age!

Yes, admittedly she is in great shape - but she also has a very clear sense of what works for her which, IMO, is what gives cred to what she wears!

Ms. Angie....

Over at youlookfab tries to help us out when it comes to, what I feel, is one of the more problematical dress styles, the sweater dress...

Finding the right sweater dress

Holiday Givaways!....

Let the fun begin....

Free Stuff! Second City Style Holiday Giveaways! Day 1

I've got my eye on....

Bodhi Bags....




PEBBLE HIDI - $618.00

I'll be posting more pics from this handbag line on Bag Sanity soon!

Well it's December 1.....

So I guess it's time to really get serious regarding the upcoming holiday parties (if any...)...

Elle Canada gets us started with a few holiday tips...

Office to cocktails: Fashionable holiday attire

I'm all about....

Getting to the truth (because it is out there, you know....)

This great post on beauty myths from About.com

Beauty Myths Debunked - - Skincare

And speaking of About.com...

They're showing the love for us 50+ ladies by consolidating their 50+ beauty tips on one page...

Beauty Over Age 50: Beauty Tips for Women Over Age 50


Well done! ;-)

Congratulations!...

To one of my favorite blogs Spork Fashion on their new look!

She has also spun off beauty and lifestyle topics to separate blog sites, Spork Beauty and Sport Living (which is still under construction) - the better, I'm sure, to focus on those topics!

Still wondering if we're in recession?....

Check this out....



10 for Under $100

I don't know about you, but my e-mail has been inundated with sales and deals for the last 2 weeks at least! And with Christmas on the way and retailers of all stripes nervous as cats on hot tin roofs on whether or not they can pry our dollars away from us, I can't but figure it's just going to get wilder and wilder!

As I grow older...

I should be so lucky to develop her kind of definitive style...

From the The Thoughtful Dresser...

Moi? Eccentric?

Like it, hate it, VW's style is singularly hers and she makes no apologies for it!

We should all dress just so in our own lives...find the style that says who you feel you are - and to hell with what anyone else thinks!

Weekend shoe dilemma?

Ms. Allie over at Wardrobe Oxygen has suggestions...

Ask Allie – Weekend Shoes

I, myself, have been looking at the Privo line to replace my beloved (but getting too well loved!) Tradewinds that I wear as my street shoes every day!

Check out the Privo line here...

Privo by Clarks

I'm especially lovin' the Mesa...



Now this would make a great from the garage to work or weekend shoe!

Spork Fashion...

Likes Amelia Toro's Spring/Summer 08 collection...And I do too!

LAFW Spring 2009: Amelia Toro

Yes some of it is that gauzy nonsense that probably would not work for the 50+ woman. But there are a lot of solid and interesting pieces that the 50+ lady can work with!

Matching your hair and your shoes?....

Interesting....

From YouLookFab....

Match footwear and hair colour to frame your look

I don't usually....

Post on celebrity dress...

But InStyle is featuring this Dress for Less Katie Holmes style pic. I think it's an outfit that can definitely work for the 50+ gal...





Look for Less - Katie Holmes

Click the link to see how InStyle creates this great casual look for less!

I've been meaning...

To do a post on coats (with winter very much on the way...)...

InStyle gives me a jump start ;-).....

From their great Instant Style feature....









Don't like the way they've matched these up? Click over and play with each look by mixing and matching the different elements!

WhoWhatWear....

Is giving away a classic Chanel handbag...




Go on over to their site, sign up for their e-mail newsletter and you're in!

WhoWhatWear

Good luck ladies!

Kate Spade Private Sale....

Kate Spade Private Sale - Nov 11 - 14

So if you've been dying for a KS bag (or shoes) get on over there and see what kind of swag you can score! ;-)

I've never thought of J. Crew....

When thinking of handbags.

But it appears I need to think again....




Large Oslo Bag - $425.00

(I've more pics over at Bag Sanity)

A great article....

From Louise Chunn of the The Guardian....

Coming of Age

I love the Terence Stamp part - that would lift my spirits too!

Many thanks to The Thoughtful Dresser for the heads-up on this one!

Awesome....

On so many levels....

From Black is beautiful (at long bloody last)

Personally, it's always been for me -- but I understand what she's sayin'! ;-)

And do read the comments - their great!

As the Simply Red song says....

Money's too tight to mention these days!

With that in mind, Ms. Angie over at the wonderful YouLookFab has 10 timely tips for staying in style during tight budget times...

10 Ways to Stretch Your Style Budget

Heads up ladies...

Diane von Furstenberg is having a sale!....




The perfect time to pick up that perfect LBD? ;- )






Dorothea Dress in Black Multi - $255.00 on sale

(If you can't quite make it out on the graphic - enter PRIVATESALE at check out on the DVF web site to get the 30% off.)

VOTE!

'Nuf said!

Ohhhh!!!!.....

I think I just found my birthday present to myself!...




Coach Graphic OP Art Sabrina - $358.00

Looking at my handbag collection, I realize I have enough black bags to supply an entire funeral! I need a serious handbag jolt - and the Sabrina looks to me to be just the one to give it!

However I must say, the leather Julianne gives the Sabrina some serious competition for my heart...





Leather Julianne - $458.00

I've got my eye on...

Poetry

When you order clothes on line as often as I do, it's inevitable that you windup on all matter of mailing list for "like minded" sellers. That's how I ended up with the Poetry Fall 2008 catalog.

They're a British mail-order company with a style I'd say on par with J Jill. I have to say I was not bowled over by their pants or skirts - but I think their sweaters, coats and accessories are worth making note of...















(Come on now, what are the Brits without a bit of velvet and tapestry - they just can't help themselves! ;-) )




I simply LOVE this coat!

And with US sizes ranging from 4 - 22 I say Poetry is worth a look!

Old Navy....

Is having a $10 or under sale. Great chance to pick up some basics!

Old Navy $10 or under Sale - Womens Sizes 0-20

Old Navy $10 or under Sale - Women's Plus Sizes 16 - 30

Bluefly One Day Handbag Sale...

Up to 30% Off...

I've been looking forever....

For a good tinted moisturizer. I'd pretty much settled on trying the Bobbi Brown product...But I might have to give Lauren's a try....

Lauren Hutton Tinted Moisturizer & Concealer

I love what she says regarding how the focus on making makeup for younger women produces a product unsuited for older women. I remember when I was younger seeing older women who were so over made up, It's a road I don't wish to go down, but I now see that it probably wasn't their fault - they used what was available to them.

I'm looking forward to checking out Lauren's makeup line that is focused on the not so young - but still looking to look good!

Check her line out at Lauren Hutton - Makeup from Experience

Now if you read here often...

You know that I'm not a big fan of the whole idea of "anti-aging". Personally I think it's a chase of folly.

But I bow to the fact that sometimes we look in the mirror and feel we could use just a bit of help...

From Aging Fabulous...

The Top 10 Best Selling Anti-Aging Products

Fab after 50?

These ladies most definitely are...

Fab Over 50: 10 Chic Celebrities

Now don't get me wrong, I love the pics - but here I'm going to be a bit of a curmudgeon. It's lovely that all these ladies are looking so great into 50 and beyond - but really, it's their job to do so. Which means that they are probably working on this a good part of the time! Most of us just don't have that kind of time!

So what I'm going to say is, please don't look at these pics and say to yourself "My God, how could I let myself go so?" I've a feeling you didn't let yourself go - you've just got things that all that pumpin' iron time many of these ladies no doubt put in need to go to instead!

Sister girl...

I feel your pain....

From the The Wall Street Journal

Shoeaholic Mourns Stilettos, Copes With Comfort

I was never really a shoeaholic, but in my day I loved to wear a good looking pump! Now it truly pains me that I can no longer go much beyond a good kitten heel due to my enema issues.

This video cuts straight to the heart of some of the issues you just about have to face as you age - finding a way to do so in a way that accommodates some of your new limitations - while not giving up on style!

Just remember - if you don't indulge in denial and keep your head in a positive space, it can be done!

I have a pair of walking shoes similar to the ones this lady finally settled on - and I have received more complements on them than on any heel I've ever worn. I think it's because they have a very pretty toe - so when you look down you see these pretty shoes sticking out from under the pants, not the swollen foot!

Interesting Article....

Over at the The Wall Street Journal regarding many fashion designers "reluctance" to provide their designs in larger sizes (but really, since when is a 14 or 16 a "larger" size?) and a very wise designer who sees it as a business opportunity:

Dressing Women Of a Certain Size

(A shout out of thanks to The Pretty Pear for the heads up on this one! )

Ohhh...Ms. Teresa....

Over at Wardrobe 911 has finished her revamp of her site!

Click on over and check it out!

Ah Fall.....

The crisp air, the golden leaves..

Just the time for an equally crisp fall outfit...



(Yes I've been playing with Polyvore again! ;-) )

If in the eyes designers....

Women past 30 are dead style wise...then I must be the animated dead!

From The Thoughtful Dresser...

Dead Past Thirty

This just made me smile...

From Ms. Elle of The Lucky Nest..

Fashion Maturity Milestones...

Now Ms. Elle isn't all that old, but lets face it, throughout a woman's life you hit these fashion/style milestones where you realize your style has changed for good (I still remember when I decided that the Limited just wasn't going to cut it anymore!)

When did you know you'd hit a fashion milestone?

Effortless Style....

Ms. Angie and her readers at YouLookFab share their thoughts on what it is and how to achieve it...

What is Effortless Style?

The Pillars of Effortless Style

Over at....

Wardrobe 911 Ms. Teresa
gives a what to wear example for mom's on the go that I think would work great for the on the go 50+ gal as well...

What to Wear: Mom on the Go

I love the autumnal colors of this outfit - just perfect for fall! The only change I might make as a hot flashin' gal is to do a short sleeved sweater or the casual T-shirt Ms. Teresa mentions as an alternative! ;-)

Over at...

YouLookFab Ms. Angie talks wardrobe second acts...

Wardrobe Orphans Get New Live

I'm sure you, like me, can attest to the truth of her reflections. More than once, some item in my closet that I brought, then hardly wore, made a comeback when I either brought something that went perfectly with it or discovered that it worked great with some other rarely worn piece!

Over at The Thoughtful Dresser....

A reflection on the origins of British style...

British Syle Explained

$25.00 Sunday Only Sale....

Over at Spiegel....




$25.00 Sunday Special Sale

While the LBD is a fashion staple.....

SheFinds is offering some interesting alternatives...

LBD Alternatives

Lucky New York Ladies....

I mentioned IGNES bags before back in August in my post: About a week ago....

The company was founded by siblings Maria and Ignacio Estrada. According to their site, the handbags are made using fine leathers that are obtained as by products of the meat industry, by a team of artisans in Uruguay to the customer's order. (For more on the company, please see their Who We Are page.

From what I can see on the web page, the bags are lovely and at prices that don't break the bank! So if you're in NY, go on by and decide for yourself!

Trust me, I wish I could!

The Thoughtful Dresser...

Gives her take on why all the &@#&! sleeveless dresses!!!!....

Sleeves: Decoding what the designers are saying

A New Handbag Site....

Handbag Planet is celebrating the opening of their new site with a contest!...

Win a Free Handbag

See more on this over at my Bag Sanity blog!

I Heart....

Christian Louboutin's Fall Collection:



SOS Ring Pump - $885.00



Motorani Cutout Pump - $695.00



Leopard Print Patent Pump - $595.00

If you must have a Peggy Bundy moment - this is how to do it!

And my favs of the favs?:




Gattaca Padded Pump - $875.00



Passementerie Pump - $895.00

The love for the over 50 gal....

Just continues to flow over at Wardrobe 911...

what to wear: sightseeing for the over 50 gal

If, unlike me....

You want to cover your gray, iVillage is providing tips on how to proceed....

Covering Gray

If this is truely an upcoming trend....

It will be a welcome one...

Real women: the latest fashion

Okay Let's Face It....

The holiday party season is right around the corner!

Office Parties after work...

Dinner Parties....

Church Parties...

Family Gathering Parties...

And a lot of them will be dressy occasions for which your jeans and boho bag won't do!

Well here's my idea of the prefect bag for all those occasions - to go with that perfect LBD!....










Julia Cocco Opera Tosca Satin Evening Wristlet Clutch - $159.00

As you can see from the model pic, this clutch is just the right size for the few things you'll need to take with. And the look is just right - classic, but with just the right touch of bling!

Beauty is Timeless....

As this slide show proves...

Timeless Beauties

Heads up Ladies!....

Ms. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen gives the scoop on a one day only sale at Banana Republic...

Today Only 30% Off at Banana Republic

So if you've been salivating at some of the BR items I've been featuring here, now's the time!

Dang!....

I just must be in a movie state of mind...




Coco Chanel- A Lifetime Movie

September 13, 2008 ladies - bookmark it!

And even if the movie isn't great - the clothes will be fantastic! ;-)

Fab50Plus Speaks Your Language!...

With the help of Google Translate that is!

I've noticed, over the last 2 years, that I get quite a few visitors from over seas, who I am sure, as I do when I go to some of my favorite sites in other languages, wish they could read what I'm going on about!

Well wish no longer! (And be careful what you wish for!)

You will now see to the right a new gadget called Google Translate. Just pick your language and these blog will be translated into it - and read away!

A shout out of thanks to one of my favorite style on the street blogs Style and the City who has recently put this gadget on their site - I was thrilled to be able to translate it from French to English and actually be able to read the wonderful text that goes with the great pics!

And speaking of Style in the City....

Skip on over there to see some lovely street fashion photos of ladies from 7 - 77 sporting their street style!

Commandment 5: women you'll make them laugh!

Mr. Kamel has been doing a theme series of photos - the 10 Commandments of Style! So while you're over there take a minute to check them all out!

Yeah, yeah everyone was over the moon....

Anticipating the Sex and the City Movie (personally, I'm feeling pumped about getting my copy of the DVD so I can enjoy the girls like I like it - on the small screen!)

But this is the one I'm looking forward to....





The Women

Based on the classic play by Claire Luce Booth and written and directed by Diane English of Murphy Brown fame, this has the potential to be a winner!

While I won't say I love the 1939 movie, I will say I'm fascinated by it and Ms. Booth acid observations on the power struggles between upper class women and those seeking to be upper class in a world where a women's status and power all derived from the men they married. (Check out the Wikipedia entry, The Women (film) for a fuller description of the classic movie)

Needless to say, the favor of the 2008 version is bound to be very different - from what I understand more focused on female friendships and their response when one of their number faces a crisis. But one thing I'm sure they'll share - the emphasis on fashion! The 1939 B/W movie has a famous fashion show scene that is done in Technicolor - as through just the introduction of fashion puts color into the world! And like the play and the earlier movie, there will not be a man insight - but they most certainly will not be out of mind!

And I love the muiti-generational aspect of the film - females from the young to the not so much are represented (its a who's who of some of our best actress across the generations!)!





Personally - I can't wait!

(And of course there are the tie-ins - Go on over to Dove: The Women for a chance to win two free tickets to the movie! And while you're there check out the great behind the scenes videos!

And speaking of Banana Republic....

Their BR Monogram Collection continues to impress...






Love the cap sleeve on this one!







Just one look tells you why this one is sold out except for size 16 - talk about a dress that can take you from AM to PM - Growl!

(And yes, I still curse BR for not making any of their clothes in my size. But, hell, when you're good you're good!)

I Heart....

Pretty much everything that Old Navy is offering this fall....

From the Women's Fall line...














(Yes, yes I know - the skirts are a bit short. But I know there are some 50+ gals out there that can make it work! ;-) )

From the Women's Plus Fall line...
















More and more I see Old Navy as an unsung gem of the Banana Republic stable!