Sunday, December 21, 2008

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

Friday, December 19, 2008

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!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

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?

Sunday, December 14, 2008

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!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

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...

Friday, December 12, 2008

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

Sunday, December 07, 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...

Saturday, December 06, 2008

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!

Monday, December 01, 2008

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!