Sunday, April 27, 2008

Over at Wardrobe Oxygen....

Ms. Allie holds forth on great wardrobe alternatives for some of our old, but not necessarily the most stylish, standbys in our closets....

Wardrobe Alternatives

Under the sea....

Is where you'll want to be as you look over these enchanting pieces of sea inspired jewelry!

Over at Trendinista...

Atlantis, Here I Come!

When you see these lovelies you're going to want to go along to the under water city!

More tips for post 50s style...

Over at Omiru a great post on dressing after 50...

Fashion over Fifty: Five Style Tips

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

As any one who reads here knows....

I have issues with edema which has caused me to all but give up higher heeled shoes (through my recent purchase from the Isaac M.'s Target line is giving me hope that I can go as high as a 2 inch heel in comfort - if it's the right shoe!).

So how delighted was I to see Ms. Teresa over at Wardrobe 911 giving tips on great outfits to put together with ballet flats...

how to wear: ballet flats

Sunday, April 20, 2008

You go girl!....

Ms. Allie of Wardrobe Oxygen fame and one of my favorite fashion bloggers, has a new column over at the online magazine Budget Savvy!

Her first column? Great advice as ever...

Ways to Get the Hot Look for Spring Without Breaking the Bank

And you know we can all use tips on that!

Congrats Ms. Allie! I look forward to another source for your style wisdom! ;-)

Remember the candy necklaces ...

You loved so much as a kid? (Yeah those necklaces that you wore for a week and were absolutely slimy by the time you finished with them!)

Well Ms. Brooke over at The Adventures of an Urban Socialite has found a classy way to relive those halcyon days...

I like candy buy I like gold even better...

Heads up!....

Friends and Family sale at Ann Taylor...



As you can see this applies to their websites as well. Sale ends today...so if you've had your eye on a little something at Ann T's now just might be the time to pick it up!

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Tips for looking younger....

Actually, as anyone who reads here knows, I'm not a big fan of the "looking younger" approach to aging. I mean really, how long can you play those tricks before you start looking like a parody of yourself?

However, I do think we can do things to make ourselves look better and feel better - hence the blog.

And the following tips sound pretty doable to me...

10 Cheap Ways to Look 10 Years Younger

The way Target....

Has briskly removed Isaac M.'s name from any position of prominence in their stores in the last few weeks, you'd think that their association was already over!

So imagine how surprised I was last week to get an email from Target touting Isaac's styles for Target! Guess the romance isn't quite over yet....

What am I lovin'?.....








As you may have noticed, these color block dresses are all the rage for Spring and Sumner this year - at 34.99 and 29.99 respectively, Issac makes it easy to add this look to your wardrobe!




I just love how fresh and summery this dress looks! And the fact that it can be worn with or without a shirt doesn't hurt either! ;-)




This dress has such a great retro feel and the colors are citrus fresh - just makes you think summertime!




A great summer work dress that can rock that geometric look right into an early evening dinner!



The empire silhouette of this dress can work well for so many figures - and the silvery color with the right shoes can take you right to a summer wedding in style!

And speaking of shoes...







Aren't these gray darlings delish? I've been looking for a pair of grey pumps and this color is perfect - too bad the heel is too high for me! :-(







Okay I confess - I ordered the above and they arrived yesterday. They are delish! Their actually a tweedy, bronze color - very subtle but very different. And they fit like a charm!

Well, as far as I'm concerned, if this is Isaac's swan song as he sails away from Target to Liz C. - I think he can hold his head up high!


Check out what may be IM's last hurray for Target:

Isaac Mizahi for Target

While I'm busy bitchin' about designers....

Can it be that we make some of our own troubles?.....

Carolina Herrera Will Tell You If You're Too Thin to Look Good


Go on over to Style.com, take a look at Ms. Herrera's Spring '08 RTW runway show and judge for yourself if she's just blowin' it out her butt on the skinny model issue...

Carolina Herrera Spring '08 RTW

(Okay, I'll admit that her models do have some meat on their bones - but I see her share of boney knees as well!)

But the part of the piece I found most interesting was her comment on the unthinkableness of showing the collections on "very fat" people (Tell me Carolina, what qualifies in your mind as "very fat"? A perfectly acceptable size 14 perhaps?) because women come to the shows to fantasize about the clothes they see on the runway making them look like the models.

Normally, I would blow that off as just another designer excuse - but when Stacy London of What Not To Wear fame noted that it was a true statement based on "studies" that women don't want to see the clothes on realistically sized women, well that made me pause 'cause Stacy has never come across to me as a size Nazi by any means.

So that begs the question ladies -- Is it them - or is it us? Are designers trying to foist an unrealistic image on us - or are we demanding it because we ourselves are unrealistic about what truly makes us look good? 'Cause honey, if any of us - especially we 50+ babes - are thinking that any dress ever made is going to make us look like some pre-pubescent 12 year old made up to look like an 18 year old, tottering down the runway on way too high heels, we're not just unrealistic - we're delusional!

To get right down to it - are we too cowardly to look ourselves in the mirror, take honest stock of what we really look like and have to work with today and not only work with it but demand that those who design the clothes we consider wearing work with it too? And not just demand - but give permission to designers to design and show for real women with all our curves and bumps and bones and wonderful imperfections.

Because if we are saying that's what we want, but turning our noises up when we see the clothes on the runway on real women, not children (thus giving us a real picture of what they are likely to look like on us) then we get what we deserve - unwearable clothes that make us look downright ridiculous.

And if we can't bring ourselves to do it for ourselves for God's sake lets at least do it for our daughters and our nieces and all the young women coming up behind us - so that maybe, just maybe the crown of Queen of Denial won't be passed down to another generation!

Funny and Informative....

At the same time!....

From Fashion Sanity....

Heteros...Slowly Step Away From The Clothing Racks...

To quote my sister...It's like dinner AND a show! ;-)

I love her enthusiasm and obvious love of the art of making and styling clothes - and her practical approach! Instead of putting the cart before the horse, she focused on the woman who would be wearing the dress - not the other way around!

May she find success in the world of fashion design - we desperately need more designers like her! Maybe then we could actually find something fit for wearing when we go shopping!

I've been meaning.....

To pen a diatribe here on the unrealistic ways of fashion designers...And since I'm old and ornery, I probably still will!

But over at Too Fat for Fashion their already getting to the point...

Illustrating a Point...

Friday, April 18, 2008

Over at The Budget Fashionista....

She's doing a poll on pantyhose - do you or don't you...

Panty Hose: Daily Poll

Personally, I'm a believer in wearing pantyhose just about always - even under pants.

But I can see from the results that I'm a rapidly dying breed on this one!

Go on over and make your voice heard! ;-)

I was just thinking...

That May is almost upon us...which means that the main wedding season is not far behind!

Last year I did a post on dressing for the mother of the bride - and what to wear if YOU are the bride. And I was thinking I should do another one this year.

Well I probably still will...but the intrepid Ms. Theresa over at Wardrobe 911 is first out of the gate on THAT question...

what to wear: city hall wedding

Through the topic is a city hall wedding, I think this would be an elegant and lovely outfit for a 50+ bride!

I Heart....

Old Navy's....




Women's Plus Notch Front Dress - $39.50


If this isn't a classic LBD - I don't know what is! ;-)

Invisible Lip Liner?....

Oh Yeah!




d'finer d'liner invisible lip liner

A shout out to O Magazine for featuring this one in their April issue!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

H&M does Marimekko....

And a wonderful tribute it is!



A Tribute to Marimekko


If you fondly remember the Marimekko prints of the 60s or just have a love of bold graphics on fabric, do go over and take a look at the whole collection!

And if that just wets your whistle for these wonderful graphics - get thee over the Marimekko site itself (Yes, they are still in business!) - and enjoy!

Marimekko

Diane von Furstenberg....

Is havin' a sale!

40 - 70% off

Mind you, you can't be larger than a size 14 - but there are some great pieces on offer!

A couple of my favorites...




Ginger Dress in Regatta Weave Blue - $104.00




Jeanne Wrap Dress in Wall Deco Navy - $195.00




Mili Mod Coat in Black Combo - $179.00


Okay, more than a couple - but I just loved the coat! ;-)

Saturday, April 12, 2008

STYLEnosh....

Poses an interesting question...

DO WE DRESS TOO CASUALLY?

I have to admit I have mixed feelings on this - seeing as I was one of those teenagers who purposely dressed as casually as possible as a mark of Independence!

In the Chi-town of my youth, it was customary to dress up to go downtown - I'm talkin' dresses and dress shoes, hats and gloves! (My fellow Chi-Towners of an age, you know where for I speak!) I'll never forget the day, as a teen, when I strutted out of the house to go downtown in jeans - my mother was horrified! "Are you going downtown like that?" she asked. "Yes I am.", I declared resolutely as out the door I went!

Needless to say the days of little girls in patient shoes is far over in the downtown shopping areas (well, except perhaps for the ladies on their way to the American Girl store for shopping and lunching!). And even the last time I attended a CSO concert, dress code was a varied interpretation!

I think we are simply a more casual society in general now - in many ways too rushed and focused on the next task at hand to give great stretches of thought to what we wear. And maybe it is in that that all style dilemna lay.

But that is a meditation for another day. Meanwhile, what do you think - are we dressing just too darn casually?

Payless...

Is Bogo'ing their entire stock...



So if there's something there you've been wanting to try out - now might just be the time! ;-)

I heart....




Coach - Hamptons Leather Totes Capacity Wristlet - $98.00


I'm going on and on about how much I love it over at Bag Sanity

Now here's an interesting idea....

From Gayla Bentley...



Floral Neck Blouse - $450.00


Now personally I'm not much of a foo-foo around the neck of my shirts kind of gal - but I can certainly see how, with a wonderful floor length satin skirt this could be a winner for a formal occasion! And the fact that the floral piece and the sash can be removed means the blouse can be worn three different ways!

That's always a plus in my book - especially when that bad girl is costin' $450.00! Ouch!

When Chadwick's said....

They were going to mend their errant fashion ways and get some real style going on when it came to their offerings I guess they weren't foolin'...

From their Summer Collection










I'm not saying that every single offering is a winner - but a goodly number of them are! Go on over and check it out!

Oh and by the way...I love these shoes:




Once again not being able to wear them doesn't stop me lovin' 'em! ;-)

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Time for some fashion fun!

I've had a less than stellar day at work so I sure needed fun of some kind when I got home...

Who knew it would be Hermes passing it out....

Surprise...

I admit, I have mixed feelings regarding Hermes...But I've always felt they have one of the more whimsical and delightfully designed websites of any design house. So I joined their mailing list - Not that I'd EVER be able to afford to buy anything on their site!

Little did I know that the e-mail I opened today would lead me down such a delightful, wandering path! Do click the link and explore - and look around for the downloadable Kelly bag! ;-)

Enjoy - I sure did!

Monday, April 07, 2008

A couple of interesting articles....

Both of which speak to the business of fashion....

Two Who Believe Fashion Is More Than Flash

It was interesting to read about two designers who are deeply interested in the technical skill of making clothes well from the ground up so to speak.

Granted, I do not have the budget to buy "luxury" garments, but I've come to suspect that these days, regardless of what the fashion insiders say, designer garments have become more about the show than true quality. I know that if I was paying upwards of $2,000.00 for a dress I would want the tailoring to be down right spectacular.

It was great to read about the companies that actually manufacture the clothes. And the comments of Ryan Zentner, the NY store owner were equally interesting re: the reality of putting runway styles on real women.

I'd never actually heard of this line before so of course I surfed over to Style.com to check out their Spring '08 collection.

Maybe it was all the blue (which is my color) but I loved a lot of what I saw:











I LOVE this coat! But frankly, they could have left that "French Maid" look under it behind! :-p



Okay here's where knowing your business when it comes to tailoring pays off! This is a top that could have been a sloppy mess - instead it comes across sharp as a tack!

And dresses...glorious dresses!







I must confess, I'm not sure I really understand the "not distinctive enough" criticism -- but I guess that comes down to I may not know what's good but I know what I like!

The second article really gets down to business -- and down and dirty it is!...

Big Names in Retail Fashion Are Trading Teams

I've already commented on the move of Isaac M. from Target to Liz Clairborne -- but I have to admit being rather taken aback by all the other big names reaching out for the mass retail dollars! I find the Dana Buchman move to be the most surprising. I'm no fashion business historian, but does anyone know if a clothing line has ever changed their target audience so completely?

Sunday, April 06, 2008

Spring 2008 Trends....

Over at STYLEnosh they're featuring a CNN/InStyle video on top 5 spring fashion trends....

Style Tips: Spring Trends from InStyle Magazine

Of all the trends listed, I think for the 50+ gal incorporating splashes of color in our spring wardrobes will be the best bet. It will also be the easiest on the budget -- there are so many great accessories out there right now that bring color front and center.

A few options:

Shoes:



Steven by Steve Madden Bessy Pump - %55.00 (on sale at Macys.com)


Yes I know, the 4 inch heel is fierce! But it's the color I want to point out - a great one to sport in a shoe this spring!



Steven by Steve Maden Hellenna Pump - $69.50 (on sale at Macys.com)


Yes, yes another ridiculously high heel (still, I know there are 50+ ladies out there that can still pull them off - I envy you, my sisters!). But I love the concept of that touch of a bright color on the toe - this would be an easy one to pull off for work - and what a delight to look down at the end of that dark workplace appropriate trouser and see that hit of color! ;-)



Nine West Evachen Peep-Toe Pump - $79.00


Once again, a wonderfully discreet hit of color!

Let's step back from the heel stratosphere...



Volatile Kathy Pump - $64.00


Yellow, as has been touted all over, is THE color this spring and a yellow pump is a great way to integrate it into your Spring wardrobe!




Miss Sixty Virginie - $153.00

The yellow here is a lot subtler and the heel a lot lower - but it still has that Spring feel!




BCBGirls Monday Pump - $95.00


This shinny blue pump sure makes my heart pump faster! :-D

Bags:



Ettiene Aigner NY Core Large Hobo Bag - $118.00




Francesco Biasia Electra Shoulder Bag - $238.00


I think a mustard yellow bag is a great alternative for those of us who like the freshness of the yellow color but not necessarily the brightness!



Coach Miranda Canvas Satchel - $598.00


I love the color green too but, like yellow, it can be a bit, well, loud shall we say? This lovely Coach gives just the right spritz of spring green!



Dooney and Bourke Suede Medium Sac w/Twist Strap - $221.25 (on sale at Macys.com)


Orange done in a soft suede? Delish!

But if you want to just cover all your bases:



Lucky Brand Jeans Sunshine Daydream Striped Leather Satchel - $208.00


Yeah I know what some of you are thinkin' - didn't I throw a bag like that out several years ago? Yes, it's got that 60s feel goin' on! But if there's still a bit of that Boho girl in ya - this could be the only bag you need to add to your closet this Spring!

Saturday, April 05, 2008

As you well know...

If you read here often, I don't often post on uber priced handbags (which I define as any handbag priced over $1000.00!)

But sometimes love over rules logic...





Ricky Calf Bag with Gold Detail - $3000.00




Ricky with Top Edge - $3,495.00


Here's the inside...





The Scarf Handbag - $3,185.00




The Sporting Carryall - $1,895.00


If I had the money, I would happy purchase any of the above bags! For whatever reason, they have struck me to my heart with delight! In the case of the Ricky, maybe it's because it's supposedly "Inspired by a vintage Cooper saddle carrier" to quote the description (Oddly, I've not been able to find a pic of this saddle carrier anywhere on the Web! :-/).

Whatever it is, these are the first bags to make my heart truly go faster in a very long time - and actually contemplate spend a small fortune on a handbag! :-O