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!

Over at...

The Space Between My Peers, Ms. Rebecca takes us with her into the dressing room (now THAT'S a brave woman!...)

Friday Fashion Lab: In the Fitting Room

Once again, all politics aside part deux...

More on how fashion has been taken to a new level in this presidential season!

From the incomparable The Thoughtful Dresser....

The piece we've been wanting to read about politics and fashion

Follow the link and read the whole article - Ow! Just like in the British Parliament (which makes our give and take in the Congress look like a kiddie camp) there's no holds bared! Do read the comments as well - interesting to hear what our sisters across the pond think of how their female politicos dress!

(And yes, this is my last post on this subject - time to concentrate on the issues!)

Speaking of Blog Birthdays....

I guess I totally missed my own!

I can't quite believe that it's been two years + since I started this quest to see if it is possible to stay sartorially fresh as I grow ever older.

In that quest I've learned and relearned a ton about my own personal style - with plenty more to learn!

I've also had the pleasure of discovering and reading great fashion blogs and articles that continue to remind me that, while I might not be a baby when it comes to years, I'm still one when it comes to the world of fashion and style!

I'm looking forward, God willing, to another year of observing, learning and writing about style and fashion - from the 50+ side of the street!

Even through it's still summer....

The Fall stuff is hitting the stores and the web right now!

So let's get started taking a sharp (I hope!) eye at what the retailers are offering that might work in the 50+ lady's closet!

Starting out of the gate - Banana Republic...




Paisley Cardigan and Pencil Skirt




Belted Sweater and Wide Leg Pant



Sleeveless Origami Knit Dress - $150.00



BR Monogram Blazer and Wide Leg Pant



BR Monogram Blazer and Pencil Skirt



BR Monogram Trenchcoat and Dress



Trenchcoat and Wide Leg Pant

Yes, yes I know. I usually ignore BR - frankly mostly because I resent the fact that they don't offer their clothes in plus sizes (for some reason, they think that being tall - which admittedly can be quite a dressing challenge in and of itself - is more of an issue for the modern American woman than finding good tailored clothes in plus sizes - NOT!). There's also the issue with the closing of Forth and Towne - a MAJOR mistake if you ask me!

But looking at these outfits, I can't turn a blind eye to their sleek stylishness - just the sort of bedrock pieces a 50+ gal can build on! As long as the frame you're building on doesn't require a size larger than 16!

And by the by....Their Fall handbag collection is not lookin' too shabby either! Skip over to my bag bog -Bag Sanity - for all my picks.

But between you and me...I'm thinking of making space in my closet for this lovely...



Robson Hexagonal Tote - $260.00

I've been longing for a gray bag just this color for awhile now - and this one might just fit the bill! Note that this color is only available online.

Synchronicity strikes again!

Just as I am working on a post on the problems and opportunities involved in incorporating the new spring looks in an 50+ wardrobe -- along comes this great post from Well Past 50:

How to Dress Like Your Daughter and Get Away With It

Lots of great tips on how to take some of the more challenging spring trends and make them work for you.

I still think I'll be passing on the leggings through! ; - )

Hey, can somebody open a window?.....

Because over at Well Past 50 their talkin' hot flashes!

Boomer Advice: Hot Flashes

Because, as you know if you've had them, nothing is less fashionable than sweating through your fabulous new AK Klein blouse when one of those nuclear hot waves hits!

Personally, I use HRT to help combat mine and I don't spend too much time obsessing about it. (My doctor does however. And since she does, I let her talk me into trying to ween my way off by trying taking it only every other day. BAD idea!) But perhaps I don't quite feel the same concern since I had a hysterectomy with both ovaries gone as well - so I'm not producing anything on my own.

I can certainly understand the concern of others, however -- so you might find some of the suggestions of the posters helpful.