Merry Christmas!

Here's wishing you and yours a peaceful and stylish Christmas season!

Today only....

Grab some shiny, shiny for the holiday season!




Love Chain Clutch - Reg $38.00

(Yeah, yeah I know. Where the heck have I been? Long story for later....)

Over at....

Make Do Style, the writer reflects on her participation in a capsule wardrobe challenge...

Day 5 of Capsule Wardrobe

I've never heard of this before but honestly it would probably be a good exercise for just about anyone! What a great way to narrow down your style (just seeing what you would pick out of your closet if you could only pick 10 items and 5 accessories to wear for a week would be illuminating!).

A shout out to The Small Fabric of My Life for the great idea!

Don't you just love....

What the first ultra stylish French femme has to say about flats vs heels? I love her!

And listen to what each woman has to say about dressing...this is why French women are so stylish! They dress to please themselves first - NOT others! How else can you develop your very own style?

Very Merry....

Indeed!

From Advanced Style...

Mary Afternoon

Love the jacket! And those pants are just perfect!

R.I.P. Ms. Mimi....

The indomitable and undeniably stylish Mimi Weddell passed away last week.

Advanced Style pays lovely tribute to a one of a kind woman...

In Memory of Mimi Weddell

Post 50 Modernity....

Done right...

From the wonderful Advanced Style...

Pensively Punk Rock

Carolina Herrera Spring 2010....

What can I say? Grown up and classy! And I love the colors and the architecture of this collection - and the fact that, with a bit of tweaking the looks could work for the 50+ woman! Well done Carolina!

Ms. Kimberly...

Over at the wonderful Fab Finds under $50 is talking wide calf boots...

Reader Question: Wide Calf Boots

Now there are all kinds of reasons for needing a wide calf boot (wide calves from exercising, wide calves from not exercising...), but they are always hard to find! So it's nice to get some early Fall advice on where to get them!

Speaking of a wide range of sizes....

I don't know who this Mark Fast guy is - but I like him!

This from Ms. Kathryn The Budget Fashionista...

Plus Size Models Take On The London Runway

Now personally, I don't consider a size 14 to be plus size and I think it is telling in this day and age that it is presented as such!

But I love the designer's attitude - he is that rare species of designer who understands that he should be producing product that suits his customers - not expect the customer to some how accommodate HIS product!

Check out this sensible designer's wares - that are ANYTHING but common fare! - at his website - Mark Fast

Over at...

youlookfab Ms. Angie is talking the changes at Ann Taylor...

A more fashion forward Ann Taylor

While I agree with Ms. Angie that AT has made some interesting updates to their usually dependable, but somewhat uninspired classic offerings, I do beg to differ on her comment that they offer a "wide assortment of sizes". Basically they offer regular sizes only up to an 18 (And I'll bet dollars to donuts that they don't even carry the size 18 in their stores!) and in petties only up to an 16P! NOT my idea of a wide range of sizes, which is probably why I don't feature the store here very often.

I tend to favor retailers that offer a truly wide range of size choices (Talbots, J Jill and Liz Claiborne New York, to name a few) because I find 50+ women run the gambit of sizes!

This is why I love....

Wardrobe 911...

Two outstanding posts on plus 50 dressing!

What to Wear 50th Wedding Anniversary

If you are fortunate enough to be celebrating a happy 50th wedding anniversary, these suggestions on what to wear for the party will make it a stylish celebration as well!

What to wear - 65+ Fall Style

You may not, as some of those who commented on this post did not, agree with the sample outfit, but the points about the challenges that the post 65 (actually as far as I'm concerned, the post 50 woman as well) faces when trying to dress stylishly are right on point. I'm particularly grateful for point 1 - you do have to acknowledge the southward "slide" of your body in order to figure out how best to dress it post 50!

Over at...

Budget Chic a great post (with pics!) on identifying your body type...

What's your body type?

Now this....

Is what I'm talkin' about!

Another wonderful post from Advanced Style...

Golden Girl

She a great example of how to keep your style current. I love the way she rocks a kind of kitschy Chanel blazer with a very simple outfit underneath - it makes the look more cutting edge than just over the top. And she's also a great example of when to break the rules - I'd usually think that above the knee is a no-no after a certain age - but look how she's rocking those just above the knee leather shorts!

You go girl!

And while we're checking out Advanced Style....

Check out how this wonderful gent is rockin' plaid!...

Fashion Week Icon

Okay I just LOVE how he's playin' with plaid! It's go big or go home for this fashion plate!

Over at...

J.Crew Aficionada, an interesting article on how retailers are adjusting to the new retail realities...

Retailers learn from recession...

I Heart....

Fall sweaters at Ann Taylor LOFT...



Circle Knit Shawl Collar Cardigan - $79.50



Pointelle Detail Cardigan - $69.50




Smocked Waist Scoopneck Sweater - $49.50



Tab Detail Turtleneck - $49.50

And to top it off (if you'll excuse the pun) the Loft has a BOGO going on - buy one sweater, get the second 50% off!

And speaking of Ann Taylor Loft...

They have this lovely for only $14.50!



Placed Petal Tee - $36.50

I'm not a super girly girl but I just love this just enough touch of girly flounce! ;-)

Okay...

This is why I've stopped weighing myself....

Without a home but not without a diet...

Scarves....

Have been rockin' for awhile now as a go to accessory.

I love 'em, but I've yet to figure out how to wear one right!

Well it's the ladies over at Fabulous After 40 to the rescue....

Cheap and easy way to add color to an outfit

Not only are they giving tips on adding color on a budget but they've posted a great youTube video giving a quick and stylish tutorial on tying a long scarf!

Check it out ladies!

By the way...

I'm bloggin' bags to over at Bag Sanity

Over at....

Aready Pretty Ms. Sally is lovin' the fall DKNY collection....

This week I Love

Gotta admit, looking over the pics - there's a lot in this collection for the 50+ femme to love as well! ;-)

Classic, ageless style....

strikes again!

From Advanced Style,,,

Jenny

A couple of fabulous...

Makeover videos!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Enjoy!

(A shout out of thanks to Style...A work in progress for the side links to these fab vids!)

Over at....

Couture Carrie, she's talkin' one of my favorite pieces - blouses!...

Brilliant Blouses

I confess...

I love graphic tees!

And yes, yes I know - most stylists don't recommend them for "ladies of an age".

But I just can't help myself - and I think even a lady of an age could pull off a couple of these...

From Fashion Under $100...

5 Under 50 Graphic Tees

And speaking of Fashion Under $100....

I love this simple, yet tres chic outfit...

Savvy Stylist Casual Job Interview

It's not only a great solution for an interview at a casual office, but I think it would work great as a casual Friday outfit at a more formal office! I also think, with a bit of twiking it can easily be made to work for the over 50 femme!

Speaking of casual Friday outfits...

Ms. Kimberly over at Fab Finds Under 50 is rocking a great one for the holiday weekend!

Daily Outfit 9/4/09

I love the way she has mixed pattern and texture!

Over at...

Fashion Me Fabulous, Jael reviews Balenciaga by Lesley Ellis Miller...

Book Review: Balenciaga

Okay, I'm presently....

working on my closet (and I'll blog about THAT later!), but I have nothing so fabulous as this....

My Dressing Room

(And when she says room, she's not kidding! ;-) )

Not only do I love his clothes....

But I love the videos ABOUT his clothes...

The Isaac Mizrahi for Liz Claiborne Fall 2009 Campaign....




Part 1 - The Gardens...



Part 2 - Trains and Buses...



Part 3 - Supermarkets and Movie Theaters...


And while I love the new Liz C. line, what I love most about this ad campaign is that it's more about the women than the clothes...and shouldn't that be the point for any designer? I sure as hell think so!

Marie Claire...

Gives us some lovely ideas on cheap treats we can give ourselves over the holiday weekend....

Treat Yourself - Nice Cheap, Easy Indulgences...

Liz Claiborne....

Handbags. 40% Off. One Day Sale.



Liz Claiborne of New York Handbags

If you've been craving a new Fall bag - hop to it! ;-)

WTF..????

Not sure WHAT to think about this one.... :-/

Women staying in mini-skirts for longer: report

Now God knows ladies, in my youth I LOVED the mini-skirt! In fact I had one that...well let's just say thinking back on it I'm surprised my very proper mother let me out of the house in it!

But there does come a time, at least in my opinion, when we should (to badly quote the Bible) "put away childish things..."

I heart....

Charlotte Russe Tuxedo Vest - $26.99

Heads up ladies!....

Liz Claiborne New York is having a 30% off sale on the whole site!

Ends today!

Liz Claiborne New York

Thoughtful post...

From Already Pretty (I love that name!)..

Well I Never

Think about it....what would/will you never?

Everything old....

is new again....

From What I Wore...

That's Timely

That's the weird thing about living for a while - you start seeing your old clothes in stores again!

(By the way...I think the tong shoes the model is wearing on the cover are much more classy than a lot of what you see out there today!)

Annie Hall....

Has remained one of my favorite movies of all time.

I haven't seen it in years, but I still remember one of the last lines in the movie, the joke Woody Allen tells about love, chickens and eggs - because we need the eggs.

And it's where I fell in love with Diane Keaton and her somewhat loopy, iconic style.

So I was delighted to see Fashion Under $100 take on the challenge of recreating the Annie Hall menswear style for under 100 bucks....

Inspired by Annie Hall

Don't think Annie would ever wear those fierce high heels - she was more of a boots, flats kind of gal - but the look is dead on! Well done! ;-)

Ladies if you love to sew your own....

You have GOT to check this out!

From the delightful Morning Ramble blog....

Free Patterns for a week from the Commercial Patterns Archive

I just went over and took a quick look and yes, for one who loves sewing this could be heaven!

So if you're handy with a needle and thread do yourself a favor and hop on over!

Ageless Style?....

Here's what it looks like...

From the wonderful The Sartorialist

On the Street.... Sheila Scotter, Melbourne

I know the type is a bit small...but try to read through the article as well - Ms. Sheila is an intrepid woman!

A Funny....

(Well funny 'cause it didn't happen to me..) post over at Forty is the New 20....

I'm a Cougar - Well Kinda...

But when the goin' gets tough, the tough go shoppin' - don't you just love the shoes she brought? ;-)

Ladies...

I'm blogging bags like mad over at my bag blog Bag Sanity!

Pop on over and check out my latest posts!

When the dollars get tight....

the imagination has to loosen up!

And fashionable ladies across the age spectrum are brainstorming on how to be stylish for less!

From the always unique Vivienne Westwoods....



Yeah, yeah I know. But come on people it's Vivienne! ;-)

To the sassy Ms. Amy from Sass and Style...

Home Made Fabulous Layer On The Charm

And yes, even your humble blogger is getting in the DIY spirit! Here's a bracelet I put together for my sis...



So come on ladies! Let that creativity flow! (God knows, if I can give it a go, you can too! ;-) )

Ms. Angie....

Over at the wonderful YouLookFab has been talking the issue of sleeves...

Sleeve Length Frustrations

Amen to the appeal to retailers (and designers!) to be more thoughtful about the style of sleeves they offer...


Sleeveless Dressing for All - Yay or Nay

Generally, you'd have to run up to me and snatch my sleeves off to get me to go sleeveless at this stage of my life. But Angie, as ever, makes a good point - there are times when going sleeveless just makes sense. When those times come, keep Ms. Angie's excellent tips in mind and just grin and bare it! ;-)

Sigh...

Yeah, when you start talkin' school, it's time to start thinkin' fall...

And that means taking a look at the wardrobe and planning for those upcoming fall days...

Wardrobe 911 kicks it off...

Wardrobe Planning: Fall Fashions for Your Closet

How to Wear Fall Dress from Day to Evening

Ah, the business suit.....

If we are still fortunate enough to have a job, it's the work uniform we know and... tolerate?

Well over at About.com, they're offering ideas on how to work that business suit...

Dress a Suit Up or Down

I started back...

On the school thing earlier this year. (By the skin of my teeth I finished the class without complete humiliation!) And yes, I'm planning to go back for more (silly me!).

Now my sister is joining me in the back to school quest! And really, the whole back to school experience doesn't really change - all of a sudden you're back to buying school supplies and looking for the perfect school bag to carry it all in!

Well my sister is still looking (as am I..I wasn't quite pleased with the bag I used in the last quarter!). But one of these might just fit the bill....

From Fashion Me...

Project Design: Back Pack To School

Personally I love the look of the Mims Nap Sack by MimsMaine...but practically speaking, I'd probably carry the Cosmopolitan In Green by StudioOneDesigns!

Go on over and vote for your fav!

A great post....

From Fat, Frumpy and Fifty on the never ending saga of finding a bra that fits!

I'm on the bra wagon too...

Yes, I'm back on the bra hunt as well. The best fitting bras I've worn of late are the Victoria's Secret Body by Victoria. In fact, I just picked one up, on sale (through for some reason, the straps on this one won't stay put!).

Besides fit,the other thing I've loved about my Body by Victoria is that it comes (or at least came) in a wonderful coco brown color which closely matched my skin color and, as such, was pretty much invisible under the sheerest of shirts.

It's my understanding that an "improved" version of the bra is coming out on 8/11/09. I just hope they don't "improve" it out of being the best bra I've ever worn!

An interesting post....

From Fashion Me Fabulous on reinterpreting Tudor design in your personal style...

Modern Tudor Clothing

I'm sure my love of costume drama is mainly due to - duh! - the costumes. So it was interesting to me to see someone taking a try at applying the elements of a certain costume style to a modern wardrobe. Check it out!

A perfect....

Summer outfit....

26 July 2009

What I love about this outfit is it's crisp simplicity and the ease with which just about any woman can archive the same look with pieces that suit their figures and price point.

A great example of how less can definitely be more!

An expiration date...

for clothes?

Ms. Angie over at YouLookFab speculates on the possibilities....

An Expiration Date for Clothing?

And her reader's do too! Go on over and put in your two cents!

Over at...

Fashion for Aliens, we get pointed to a wonderful flat spectator shoe...

Shopping for Beth Ditto In Bluewater

I've always loved the spectator look, but these days it's usually done in a plump with a 3 inch heel! With my foot issues, that just doesn't work for me. So I was thrilled to see this great looking shoe in a flat! Even more thrilled to find out that the UK shop, Evans sales and ships to the US! How great is that? ;-)

Rockin' jeans....

at 80? You better believe it!

This great post from Ms. Karen over at Of a Certain Age...

How to Rock Your Style in Your Eighties

Now this....

Is how you get married....



And aren't the bridesmaid dresses brilliant? Lovely and wearable later!

Well done youngsters!

Short or Long....

Waisted that is!

I found out I was short waisted when I took a sewing class a couple of years ago. I had no idea - and it has definitely changed the way I think about what I wear.

How to determine whether you are short, average or long waisted? Ms. Angie over at youlookfab points us to a simple way to find out....

How to tell if you are short or long waisted

Nice post....

On plus-size dressing for 50+ women...

Fashion Tips For Plus Size Ladies Over 50

A bit of fashion fun.....

Over at Tres Plus Cool...

Fashionable Cupcakes

I heart Ann Taylor Loft....

For hearting teachers....

Loft Loves Teachers

Not only can teachers get 15% off their loft purchases but as you can see if you go to the site, there is a community component as well, along with style tips!

Teachers, in my humble opinion, are among the mostly unsung heroes of our society. They take on one of the most important jobs out there - teaching the young and old - and they get precious little respect or monetary reward for it. I know for a fact, having had the honor of having teachers as friends throughout my life, that they often come out of their own pockets to buy the things their students need to learn.

Kiddos to Ann Taylor Lofts for acknowledging the contributions of teachers - and cutting them a little shopping slack! ;-)

Over at....

Fab Finds Under $50, the wonderful Ms. Kimberly does a great interpretation of a magazine summer look that a 50+ gal can love as well!...

Daily Outfit 6/26/09....

Like Ms. K, I don't pay near as much attention to my "play" time clothes (humm, play time - what's that?) as I do my work wardrobe. This outfit is one any woman can pull off for the summer resulting in looking fab and being comfortable at the same time! (Baby, it doesn't get better than that!)

Great job Kimberly!

Over at....

Sass and Style Ms. Amy does a shout out for the tall among us that *&%*% every time they're trying to find pants that fit...

Tall Women Can Find Pants That Fit!!!!

I'd just like to add that the whole Gap family of stores has lines for the tall woman as does Ann Taylor ( Ann Taylor Loft as well).

I'm not sure about the Gap group, but it appears that you can only get the Ann Taylor talls on line. (What the heck...they don't want to see women that are too broad or too tall in their stores?????)

And while you're over at Sass and Style....

Check out Ms. Amy's video tip on stylish dressing over 40!

Over at....

The Budget Fashionista, Ms Kathryn gives us the heads up on another online shopping site....

Shopseen.com: Site Review

I went over and took a look and I definitely think the premise is worthwhile!

I mean really, how many times have you stumbled upon a sale that you wish you could share with others? :-)

Over at.....

The Business Of Fashion they have an interesting tribute to Michael Jackson regarding his impact on fashion and style...

Michael Jackson | What was his most stylish moment?

MJ was a prodigious talent in so many ways...RIP.

And of course...

We cannot forget Ms. Farrah....

A sweet tribute to her over at Fabulous After 40....

Farewell Farrah

She was fabulous before and after 40 - and brave as hell too!

RIP girl....

A Simply Lovely....

Blouse...



BR Banana Republic Silk Pleated Faux-Wrap Blouse - On Sale $44.99

They still have Large and X-Large available!

Happy Father's Day!...

To all the Dads out there! But especially to my Dad! He's had some challenges these past couple of years, but he's still here with us...and for that I am very grateful!

An interesting review....

Of a new shopping/auction site from The Budget Fashionista...

Pikaba.com: Site Review

Speaking of reviews....

Over at Daily Fashion Report Marilyn Kirschner does a review of the new FIT exhibit on Isabel Toledo entitled: “Isabel Toledo, Fashion from the Inside Out”, (‘a Mid-Career Retrospective’.

And if you look down to the right side of my blog you'll see I've posted a video done by NY Magazine on this exhibition - since I doubt most of us will be able to go all the way to NY to see it!

As we all know....

These days, your budget can seriously trump your style yearnings!

However, Ms. Angie over at YouLookFab is giving counsel on how to spruce up your look for not a lot of cash...

Style Renewal on a Budget...

I completely agree with all her suggestions, but will add that if you can only do one, get a good haircut! It really can boost your style exponentially! And a bad one can bring down the best outfit!

If you can do two, get a good bra! Really, that point simply can't be made often enough - a good bra will improve any figure and when you improve the foundation, you're going to improve the look of what goes over it!

(By the by, while you're there, do check out Ms. Angie's lovely tribute to her dad...Your Father's Style. Love his smile!)

Heads up ladies!

I'm bloggin' bags like mad over at Bag Sanity!

Can I kee a secret?....

Not when it comes to sales! (You have been warned!)....



Jessica London "Secret Sale"...

(Because really, do you think they actually want me to keep it a secret? Pleassseee!)

Please Note: That password is case sensitive- all CAPS ladies! ;-)

Liz Claiborne New York....

Is having a sale...



As you can see it's a 3 day sale for everything on the site!

Personally, I'm hoping that includes sale items....I guess I'll find out! ;-)

Speaking of Liz of NY....

Here are some of the new summer items I'm lovin'!



Stretch Sateen Boy Jacket



Stretch Denim Racerback Dress



Stretch Poplin Floral Shirtdress

All the above are available in Misses, Petite and Plus!

Sadly this beauty is only available in Misses and Petite...



Voile Ruffled Cap Sleeve Blouse

Sigh....

Anyway....

Check everything out at Liz Claiborne of New York

Second City Style....

Has an interesting post on Gap Inc's plans for it's stores...

Gap Inc. Plans to Revamp Old Navy, Make Banana Global

I'm very happy to hear that Old Navy is back in the front office's good graces. Many month's ago I'd read an article that indicated their intention to close that division down - I was not happy! As you know if you read here often, I think Old Navy is their most accessible brand for most folks, with a wide selection of clothes for just about everyone, including the plus size woman that they pretend does not exist when it comes to their other brands. (And I've never forgiven them for closing down Forth and Towne!)

I look forward to what they have in store for Old Navy and all the Gap brands.

Over at....

Fashion without Guilt their talkin' one of my style favorites: the white shirt.

And their talking about them for 25 bucks and under...what's not to like?

Classic White Shirts Under $25.00

Amen, sister girl....

Amen!

This thoughtful post from Simple Elegance

The Balancing Act

Talbots....

Who's summer catalog, by the way, I love!...is having a buy one, get one for 50% off sale until June 1.

Check it out...

Buy one, get one at 50%

(Wait a minute...this includes sale items??? I might have to open my recently chained closed purse for this one! ;-) )

Over at....

The wonderful The Three Tomatoes, their talking summer tees for the lady of an age...

Are you “in the know” about perfect Tee’s for Tomatoes?

Hurray!....

For independent style thinking....

Advanced Style Icon....

I'm blogging bags...

Over at Bag Sanity

(Hint: Mulberry is having a sale!)

New Books!

From two of my favorite style authors....




Style Evolution: How to Create Ageless Personal Style in Your 40s and Beyond



Kendall Farr is the author of the classic The Pocket Stylist: Behind-the-Scenes Expertise from a Fashion Pro on Creating Your Own Look (Which if you don't own a copy, you're nuts!). I'm looking forward to more knowledgeable info from her focusing on the plus 40 woman - I'm sure I will not be disappointed!


And the bounty continues! From the wonderful Sherrie Mathieson:




Steal This Style: Moms and Daughters Swap Wardrobe Secrets



As much as I love Sherrie's previous book, Forever Cool: How to Achieve Ageless, Youthful, and Modern Personal Style
, I have to admit, when I first saw the sub-title of this one (Moms and Daughters Swap Wardrobe Secrets), it gave me pause.

But the more I thought about it, the more I felt that this is just the kind of book we 50+ gals can benefit from - whether we have younger women (daughters, step-daughters, daughters-in-law, nieces, god-daughters)in our lives or not! So often we either: 1. Over do the "I can dress young too!" thing or 2. We totally disregard the clothes our younger compatriots wear, thinking "I'm too old for that" and start looking for "old lady" clothes!

I'm looking forward to reading both these offerings! (And yes, once I do, I will be posting reviews!)

As you know...

I mostly ignore what celebs wear.

But every once in a while I come across a great outfit that can work for the 50+!

The Budget Fashionista hooks us up with this one...who'd have thuk it would be a Paris Hilton outfit! :-O

Look for less: Paris Hilton

The dress is so classic - and the Emilia Day Dress is a wonderful budget friendly alternative! You name the occasion, this dress can work it...well maybe not a T-Ball game, but you get my drift!

Sales!....

Hey it's Memorial Day weekend...what do you expect? ;-)

The wonderful Ms. Angie over at youlookfab gives a online sale overview...

Online Sales This Weekend...

Speaking of Ms. Angie...

She has a great post on the joy of wearing flats...

Wearing flats with frocks and skirts

As anyone who reads here regularly knows, I now have to wear flats (through with the right shoe I can push it to 2 inches). So it's great to read a post on how to do it stylishly! :-)

Over at...

the wonderful Wardrobe 911 their talking the classic pencil skirt...

How to wear pencil skirts

In these lean times...

Is jewelry "frivolous"?

Passage des perles contemplates the question...

How Can You Tar Electronics and Jewelry...

I'm Loving....

Chadwick's jackets....



Belted Jacket - on sale $39.99 - Misses and Petite



The French Jacket - on sale $39.99 - Misses and Petite

I'm especially loving this one! I can see how it can work so well both for work - and to dress up a pair of dark wash jeans for a casual dinner!

Over at....

Style Spy, the author shares her fab Mom's day outfit with us...

Brunch with Maman

She is right to be mad for that jacket - it is the bomb! It's one of those rare "stealth" tailored pieces - the tailoring is so discreetly executed that you both see it (in the fine way in which it fits) and don't see it (it does have that stiff look that tailored clothing can often suffer from)!

Ladies, if you are ever lucky enough to find a piece like it, buy it! It will serve you well for many years to come!

I also agree with the comment about BR - their game has really stepped up in the pass couple of years. If you can wear their sizes (sadly I cannot) it is a great place to get well done basics to build your wardrobe on! (And as you know, I've been loving their handbags for a couple of years now!)

A thoughtful post...

From Cathy Horyn of the NYT On the Runway on the current state of the fashion business...

Let’s Do Things Differently

Not only stylish....

But adorable!

Check them out...

Sisters, Sisters

Over at Banana Repulic....

They're having an additional 25% off sale this weekend.

25% Off a Purchase of $100 or more


Several nice looking handbags on sale..I've put up a post on one over at Bag Sanity.

So if you're in the market for a classic leather bag to add to you're wardrobe this summer - check them out!

(Please note: I'm not altogether sure that the 25% applies to items still on sale. It appears so, but you might want to double check.)

Sales!!!!

I'm a bit late pointing to this. But Ms. Angie over at youlookfab clues us in on this weekends sales (it's not too late! ;-) ):

Online sales this weekend

Speaking of Ms. Angie....

She's also giving brilliant tips on how to dress for the summer heat...

Sweltering style - dressing for the heat

Mind you, since I had my plumbing pulled several years ago, I'm ALWAYS trying to dress for the heat - winter and summer! And of late the internal "heat" has been particularly troublesome. So I'm particularly interested in Angie's tips going into this summer!

Ah, Summer White....

Classic!

And over at The Smart Stylist, their giving some ideas on how to incorporate some fresh white accessories into this year's wardrobe...

White Hot Accessories...

Ms. Duchesse...

Clues us in to a lovely little online boutique which carries French nautical inspired clothing...

Hey Sailor

Invisisibelt????

Now THAT sounds like an idea!

Check out this great post from Fab Finds Under $50...

Reader Question - Plus Size Belts

Whether or not you have the battle of the pudge (as I do!), the Invisibelt sounds like a great solution to the "Want to wear a belt with this over the pants shirt/tee, but I don't want it to show" dilemma that I'm sure many of us have faced at one time or another!

(Be sure to check out Ms. Kimberly's pics of outfits where she is using the Invisibelt - the girl knows how to dress! ;-) )

Well it's not actually....

That warm today (after a beautiful day yesterday!). So black still feel quite appropriate.

However, in summer, sometimes not so much (if summer ever comes!).

Ms. Angie over at youlookfab doesn't give up on black once the summer sun comes out - and she is giving out tips on how to incorporate it into your summer wardrobe...

Wearing Black In Warm Weather

Check out...

Academichic for a great example of business attire with dash...

Take Me Seriously!

I love this outfit! Especially the way the teal takes the "boring" muted business acceptable colors of brown and grey out of the box!

The Budget Fashionista....

Has a fun new feature...

Designer Dictionary

So if your designer literacy needs a bit of brushing up - here's the place to go!

Happy, Happy.....

Happy Mothers Day Silhouette by Sylinden
Make your own 3D Photo cut outs On zazzle
See other Holiday Photo Sculptures

Happy Mother's Day Ladies!

(And if I may brag just a bit - this is my own design - a collage of images actually! - bit of a hobby of mine and my sister! ;-) )

Great Gals At 60+!....

AOL.com has a great pic gallery of fab and fashionable famous 60 femmes! Click to their page and check it out!

Wow....

Henri Bendel Plans to Stop Selling Clothes This Summer

By it's very nature, the business of fashion has become, in great part, a business dependant on obsolesce - convincing people that they need to buy something "new" all the time. With everyone (and baby, that definitely includes me) doing more shopping in their closet than in the malls, the whole idea that folks will buy a whole new wardrobe (or, at the very least, quite a few new outfits) for each season just doesn't have lot of purchase right now.

It's going to be very interesting to see how the world of "fashion" negotiates the recessionary swells we're all experiencing right now. Hopeful we will see a move from selling (and buying) everything under the sun just because it's the "new" to a more thoughtful and, dare I say, style focused attitude towards both the buying and selling of fashion.

Heads up....

Last day for Talbot's 20% Off.

Use offer code: extra20

Anyone who reads here....

Knows I'm a huge fan of pale grey!

In my opinion it's a wonderful neutral - a softer, fresher addition to your wardrobe than the old standbys of black, brown and navy.

Over at YouLookFab, Ms. Angie is talking silver grey as this spring's neutral...

Silver grey: a super Spring neutral

And hey don't forget the shoes!

Dove grey shoes are sassy for Spring

Apparently....

Today is Derby Day.

Now I know next to nothing about horse racing, having been to the "track" exactly once in my life (But, I have to say, I had great fun! Arlington, here in Illinois, is a beautiful place, whether or not you're into racing).

But I'm still a sucker for hats...And almost no where is that grand tradition of fancy hats more storied than on Kentucky Derby day....

Hats Off To Kentucky Derby Fashion

Confession....

Once again, I've taken leave of my senses and am in the midst of taking a class right now!

Needless to say, with all the other responsibilities in my life, this has taken a toll on my blogging time! And that's saying a lot, considering the fact that I've always been a "casual" blogger - to say the least! ;-)

However, never fear! This will not become a "cobweb" site! I'll continue to post as time permits for the next few weeks. The summer should see more regular (or as regular as I ever am!) posting!

Thanks for hanging in there with me!

It's Earth Day!....

And over at Simple Elegance Ms. Diana is giving some tips on how practice sustainable style...

Sustainable Style...

Love the title of this post....

Over at Real Style Real People...

How to act your age not your shoe size...

I'm lovin' Ms. Christina's tips even more! Happy Birthday girl! I know you'll do it in style! ;-)

You GO Girl.....

Katey Sagal (Married with Children) at the 7th Annual TV Land Awards

Who says you can't rock it post 50? Well done Katey!

Shout out of thanks to OMG/Yahoo for the hot pic! ;-)

Sometimes....

A small spurge is just what you need....

From the Luxist...

Beautiful New Tiffany Keys for $200 or Less...

Yeah, yeah I know. With money so tight, yadda, yadda. Nobody agrees more than me.

But I find the charm adorable - and if you're looking for that very special gift for a very special person (and yes, that could be yourself - say a 50th or 60th birthday gift to you?), I think this could fit the bill!

Halluyah!...

The new Liz Claiborne New York is "fully" available on line!

Now I have to admit, I'm a bit disappointed that not every piece that was originally posted collection is available on the site (what's up with that?!?!?), but at least all sizes are up and shopable!

What I am I loving the most from the online selection?....

From the Women's (Misses) collection...



Stretch Denim Trench Dress - $119.00



Peony Print Cardigan - $89.00

(No I don't know why they don't have pic of the cardigan alone...go figure!)



Bonded Cotton Mac with Floral Print Lining - $169.00

From the Petite collection:



Eyelet Shawl Collar Dress - $149.00



Stretch Gingham Pleated Skirt - $79.00



Stretch Sateen Straight Leg Pant - $69.00

From the Plus collection:



Stretch Pique Sweetheart Dress - $109.00



Jersey Crewneck Cardigan - $69.00


Stretch Shawl Collar Poplin Top - $65.00

The ladies over at....

The delish The Three Tomatoes are talking the sleek legal eagle outfits from Damages...

Those fabulous wardrobes on Damages

Glenn Close does look amazing in those suits doesn't she! And I'm a true believer in putting a great looking shirt with just about any work outfit! (But trust me - no outfit I own is $5,000! Yowser!)

The wonderful...

Fashion Under $100.00 features two more outfits that can definitely work for the 50+ gal....


Cindy Crawford's Look for $91.30

Yes, your figure has to be somewhat trim, I think, to pull this one off. But I love the top - it stylishly addresses the whole upper arm thing, don't you think?

Michelle Obama's Look for $99.56

I love the easy elegance of this look and, once again, the upper arm issue is handled with ease in this outfit.

A couple of great posts....

Over at Wardrobe 911...

What to Makeup: Ageless Foundation, in which Ms. Thersa puts CoverGirl and Olay's: Simply Ageless foundation to the test.

What to Wear: Relaxed Business Casual

It's always a tricky thing doing the casual outfit for work (especially when you're 50 +!) - this one pulls it off beautifully!

Can we be approaching...

The middle of spring already? (With snow falling in the Rocky's, it's hard to believe!)

Be that as it may, Ms. Angie over at youlookfab is giving a mid-season assessment of the Spring 2009 fashion landscape....

Spring 2009 Mid-Season Rants and Raves

I have to say I agree with her on many points! I haven't seen much that makes me say "gee, I have to add that to my spring wardrobe" either - through I do credit some of that to the paucity of my purse!

Right on too regarding the scarcity of light spring jackets - it's one of the few clothing items I actually need this spring(My old one has had it!), but there aren't many out there to choose from and, as yet, I haven't found one that I like enough to buy!

Just a reminder....

I'm blogging handbags over at my other blog Bag Sanity. I've put up a couple of new posts, so go on over and check them out!

Fashion Under $100.00...

Is one of my favorite blogs! Ms. Dana, who writes it, sets herself the often daunting task of recreating a celeb's designer duds for $100.00 or under.

Much as I love her site and the idea behind it, I rarely point to it because most of the outfits she translates are a bit too young for the 50 plus gal to pull off - well to pull of and keep her dignity! ;- )

Imagine my delight, then, when I stopped over and found not one, but three outfits that I think can work beautifully for the 50 plus femme...

Michelle Obama's look for $97.96

This is a great casual outfit - and a perfect example of how a dark pair of pants can make you look taller (and slimmer)!

Demi-Moore's look for $94.38

Ginnifer Goodwins look for $96.79

I list these two together because they are both such classically beautiful looks - just the kind of style that works so well for the 50 plus lady! (If the bare arms thing is a concern, a lovely Pashmina (see my post There was a time for a link to a post on pashmina purchasing tips), short cardigan or one of the short shrugs that are so popular right now can "cover" that!)

And as a bonus - Demi's look would make a wonderful mother of the bride outfit! ;-)

The lucky Ms. Karen....

Over at Of a Certain Age is off with her honey-bunny to Italy!

Check out her post on what she took - she's packin' light!...

Italy Lite

Personally, I don't think I could have paired down my wardrobe for the trip as elegantly!

It appears that she will be blogging from Europe - so visit often to see how the lite wardrobe works out!

Over at.....

youlookfab, Ms. Angie has a guest poster (Laura) who is talking on the go outfits for busy moms. But take a good look - I think her recommendations could work just as well for the plus 50 gal who's looking for a great leisure/weekend outfit....

Mom-on-the-go road test: dresses and skirts

Over at....

Wardrobe 911, tips on how (and who should) wear the latest spring trends in pants:

Spring pant trends for all ages and body types

There was a time....

When the idea of scarfs and spring just did not go together (at least not in my mind!).

Well those days are long gone. Now scarfs are showing their colorful, fingy ways right throughout the year!

So in that vein, here are some great posts on Spring scarf wearing/buying...

From the great Ms. Angie over at youlookfab...

Spring 2009 Updates: Scarf and Handbag

(And as a special bonus, do follow her link to the NBC Today Show segment on Retail Secrets which features Ms. Angie as one of the experts!)

Charmingly Chic turns us on to a simply lovely scarf in the Simply Vera line...

Simply Vera Vera Wang Chiffon Scarf

And last, but not least, Ms. Duchesse over at Passage des perles schools us on buying a true Pashmina (Unlike the cheap, undoubtedly fake one I'm probably going to buy tomorrow from the vendor visiting my job because I love the powder blue color - and $6.00 is much more in my present budget than $400.00! ;-) )....

Pick a perfect printemps pashmina

I have always....

Loved coats! Maybe it's because, as a Chicago gal born and raised, I have to have so many just to cover the never stable seasons in my beloved home town!

That being said, I loved the following post from garance dore....

Mama Shelter

For the record....

1. While I agree with one of her posts that there would be nothing wrong with shorting the coat, I'm glad she didn't. Long, it has a smooth, 60s, Jane Birkin kind of vibe.

2. I'm so jealous! I NEVER find great stuff like this in my mom's closet!

Okay...

I was so inspired by that Newport News purple trench that I hoped over to Polyvore and created a set based on it...



Purple Trench - by Fab50Plus on Polyvore.com

As you can see, I gave a couple of different possibilities on items to wear underneath and with the coat!

What do you think - is it perfect purple or just too much purple all the way round? ;-)

Becca...

Over at Fashion Me Fabulous, gives the heads up on a luscious purple trench...

Great Trench for Half Off

Yes, beautiful AND on sale! Doesn't get much better!

Ms. Angie....

Of the wonderful YouLookFab tackles the sizing issue and expresses an interesting point of view...

Inconsistent Sizing a Blessing in Disguise?...

Over at....

Fashion Under $100.00, Ms.Dana prices out a great weekend look:

Claire Dane's Look for $95.49

Whew!.....

Long time, no posts!

My "real" life has been kind of hectic. Between work and family responsibilities, I haven't had the time (or for that matter the energy) to post.

However, things have calmed down somewhat - so be on the look out for some long over due updates!

I absolutely.....

Love this!

Ms. Linda...

The Thoughtful Dresser gives a shout out of thanks to Ossie Clark for his sleeve heavy Fall 2009 RTW collection...

42 Dresses With Sleeves

Well I had to go over and check THIS out! And yes, he has a cornucopia of delicious - not dowdy - sleeves!

A good example...



I'm a fool for the poet sleeve (having, believe it or not, made a poet blouse in my youth!) and this is a elegant version of same!

My favs from the Ossie collection for the 50+ gal?...






















And the coats? Yum-o!