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...

Ah it's that time of year again....

Time to discuss the yes or hell no's of holiday themed clothing!

Over at youlookfab Ms. Angie asks if all the candy cane, hollyed, snowman drenched sweaters she has experienced here in the States are An American Holiday Tradition (She's a Dutch gal who has lived all over the world - so she's just askin'!)

Meanwhile over at

The Budget Fashionista Ms. Kathyrn is opening the subject to the floor:

Holiday Sweaters (and Shoes?): Yea or Nay?

Now Ms. K. asks a valid question - is there any - dignified - way to wear clothes with a holiday theme?

Now I plead guilty to wearing my share of Christmas themed items. What can I say - there's just something about the holiday that seems to fit all that is over the top.

However, now that I am older, I'm not so sure I can pull the smiling snowman thing off with out looking a lot older than I am. Let's face it - it's just not as cute as it was when I was in my 20's, 30's, etc.

But I do think there's a way to indulge in a bit of holiday dressing merriment without looking like a felt billboard:

From Eddie Bauer :



Embroidered Snowflake Turtleneck Sweater

Snowflake Half Zip Mockneck Sweater


Printed Snow Cardigan Sweater


Embroidered Snowflake Hat


Embroidered Snowflake Scarf


From J Jill:

Whimsical Fair Isle Pullover


Curly Fleece Jacket

Okay, this one isn't technically a holiday themed piece - but what a great piece to show up in for those holiday family and friends visits!

From Ulla Popken:

Embroidered Holiday Chenille Jacket


From Coldwater Creek:


Embroidered Cardigan


Holiday Lane Sweater


Birds and Berries Cardigan

Snowflower Cardigan


Winter Scene Cardigan

Okay I know, those last few are tottering perilously close to too much. But the designs and colors are clean enough that, in my opinion, they don't go over!

Oh Isaac....

Forgive me for doubting you!

I made an off hand comment in an earlier post that I had been less than impressed by Isaac M.'s holiday dress offerings at Target this year.

Well shut my mouth....





Handkerchief Back Dress - $39.99



Ponte Dress with Bow Bing Cherry - $39.99

I saw both these dresses yesterday at my local Target and they are both gorgeous! They look and feel more expensive than $39.99 - and there was many a lady there of all ages giving them the serious once over and contemplating where they might wear them over the holidays!

Mea culpa, Isaac! Mea culpa!

Ah the Holidays.....

And with them the obligatory holiday parties! At..

Work
Home
Family
In-Laws
Etc...
Etc...

Well do not despair! (Easy for me to say -- I've dodged the bullet on all those fronts - everyone, including my job, is going for a much more casual holiday celebration this year!) There are plenty of great tips and guides on the Web for making it through the Holiday season with your dignity and sanity intact on the clothes front!

Over at youlookfab Ms. Angie has a cornucopia of holiday fashion advice.

But do yourself a favor and start off with her Cheat sheet: the holiday party. Trust me, you'll save yourself a lot of grief when shopping for that must have party outfit!

Once Ms. Angie has you properly prepped, slide on by the following for a few more holiday dressing tips and suggestions:


Over at Wardrobe 911 Ms. Teresa gets you prepped:

How to wear: velvet jackets

Velvet jackets are all over as usual this holiday season - learn how to wear it well!

what to wear: casual holiday party

Great outfit - comfortable with just enough glint for the holidays! But I'd probably opt for a top more like this with my 50+ self...I'm not sure my shoulders could bear that much bearing! ;- )



ALLOY CHARMEUSE SQUARENECK - $32.50 - $34.50, sizes X-Small - 3XL


(Yes I know, Alloy.com is actually targeted at ladies much below 50. But they have many an item that would work well for the 50+ lady - the above being a case in point. I'll post more on Alloy later! ; - ) )



The Glam Gals over at Fabulous after 40 are giving tips on finding the perfect little black dress...

7 Top Tips for How to Buy and Wear the Perfect Little Black Dress





If Plus Dressing is your challenge, The Pretty Pear has some lovely suggestions. I especially like the tux pants!


So very glam!



If dressing your petite frame is the challenge, The Budget Fashionista has you covered:

Petite Fashion: The Holiday Dress

Even if you have the dual challenge of being plus sized and petite (Baby, I know your pain!)

Now get out there ladies and make the 2007 holiday a glam one! ; - )

My guy Isaac M....

Is at it again over at Target...



Isaac Mizrahi Taffeta Couture Couture Bodice Dress - $49.99

Now I have to say that I'm not particularly impressed by some of his other Target holiday offerings, but I actually saw this dress at a local Target in a deep Navy blue and it took my breath away! It looks and feels like a dress that is so much more expensive! An I agree with the online reviews - it looks like it is very curve friendly!

In sizes 2 - 18, thanks to Isaac, a lot of ladies can look very lushly attired this holiday season!

InStyle's Instant Style.....

Has, for a pleasant change, several outfits that I think can serve the 50+ gal well!

For those fall work days:



Yeah I know, those heels are perilous! But I realize there are 50+ gals out there that can still wear 'em well! And you can easily do this same outfit with a pair of the many great flats that are out there today!



I love the edge the leather jacket gives this look - and the very subtle plaid of the pants gives you a chance to incorporate this classic pattern into your wardrobe in a very laid back way.




Red, as ever, gives what could be an outfit with too much monotone just the right pop!


For an early evening dinner out:




Slip on a sleek black leather jacket over this one and let the mouths drop! No, it's not for every 50+ woman - but I know there's plenty of you out there that can pull this one off with style! Work it girl, work it! ;-)


Now for those holiday evenings (can you believe we're talking holiday parties already! Yow! : - O )




I'd wear this one in a heart beat - dressed up and grown-up Annie Hall, oh yeah!




This is just perfect for the office party - simple, comfortable and good lookin'! You can concentrate on putting your best foot forward without worrying about what you're wearing! And it's an outfit you can wear to the office that day with ease!

But if you need a bit more sparkle for that office soiree:



Yeah, I know what you're thinkin' - where's the Little Black Dress! Well they didn't have one as a choice - so I'll have to work on that one for yah!