Sunday, August 01, 2010

Boy I really HAVE been away!...

One of my favorite (and one of the first fashion blogs I read when I started reading them) Too Fat for Fashion has changed their name and moved to Wordpress.

Check them out here...

Ne Plus Ultras

(Please note that I have updated their link on my blog list as well.)

It seems that simplicity....

Is my theme for today....

From the lovely (and may I add sensible) Ms. Duchesse over at Passage des perles (Whom I am VERY jealous of for doing the very French thing and taking all of August off!):


Passage des perles: Contentedly dressed

Just last week I was saying to my sister as we went through Macy's, that I was hardily sick of seeing my past closet everywhere I go, as they keep resurrecting the same old trends I've already lived through! Needless to say I am amused, but unimpressed by trends as well!

I guess when you get to be a certain age, you've just plain done - or seen - them all!

Girls' Guide to Paris: What’s Hot in Paris - Getting "Le Look"

Actually, this sounds doable (well, maybe the posture thing is a bit of a challenge...;-) )

Girls' Guide to Paris: What’s Hot in Paris: Le Look...

Looks like the art of being like the Parisiennes is the art of keeping it simple...and who wouldn't like to incorporate more of that into their busy lives...

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Now this...



Is Advanced Style....

Advanced Style: Gitte Lee: Once A Model Always A Model

Say WHAT?????....

This from Styleite

Clothing Prices Rising | Styleite

I SO agree with Styleite - this can be a real pain for those of us who are still lucky enough to have a gig - we HAVE to up date our wardrobes on occasion!

That 6 outfits thing is sounding better and better...and maybe fiscally necessary! :-(

I Heart.....




Large Satchel with Oxford Detail: New Arrivals: ANN TAYLOR

Would make a splendid work bag, don't ya think? ;-)

Over at That's Not My Age.....

The lady tackles vintage Dior....

That's Not My Age: Adventures in Couture

Personally, I admire the fact that she could get into that dress at all! Were women expected to EAT when wearing this, admittedly lovely, flock? :-/

Now THIS is what I'm talkin' about!.....

Old Navy is offering free returns on Women's Plus online purchases...

Women's Clothing: Women's Jeans, Women's Shirts, Women's Pants, Dresses & More | Old Navy

One of my big complains re: retailers who only carry their plus size clothes online is that they don't offer free returns. After all, if they carried the clothes in their physical stores, plus size ladies could go to the stores, actually try the clothes on and decide before buying if they worked for them!

Sadly it's for a limited time only - so if you've been eyeing some pieces on the Old Navy site, take advantage of this offer while you can!

I Heart.....

These great images over at : Style Redux :

Style Redux: Stay Cool & Stylish

Fashion Under $100.....

Does a fun under $100.00 turn on a '20's inspired look!


Fashion Under $100: The Savvy Stylist: Speakeasy Party

I Heart.....

Talbot's 2010 Fall Lookbook....


Talbots Pearls of Wisdom - Look Book

As ever, Talbot's has plenty of sophisticated pieces for the 50 + gal to love!

Some of my favs....
























Hummm...The whole 6 pieces thing....

Must be the clothing theme for today...

Could you wear just six pieces of clothing for a month? | Unclutterer

I have to admit - I'm intrigued by the idea....

Neat little article....

Little black dress - How to dress with just six pieces on Shine

Thursday, July 15, 2010

I don't thrift shop....

(I'm more of a sales person!)

But if you do or have thought about doing so, check out this great post from Ms. Sally at Already Pretty for great tips on thrifting (wait - is that a word? Well I'm going with it!) and making thrifed clothes look like their not:

Already Pretty: How to Make Thrifted Clothes Look Spendy

Interesting article....

On whether or not that trek to the Outlet mall is really worth the trip!

Outlet mall bargains may come with a price | Atlanta Bargain Hunter

Saturday, July 10, 2010

One of my very first long posts....

Was regarding what to wear to a wedding when you're 50+ - whether proud mother of the bride or happy guest.

I meant to do one again this year -- but just never got around to it!

Luckily, as ever, Wardrobe 911 is on the case:

wedding wear: a dress with sleeves | Wardrobe 911 �

Okay I live in Chicago....

So I have an H&M readily available. Admittedly I've never brought anything there, since the clothes don't fit me, however, they do have a great accessories section.

So good news for those of you who don't have an H&M nearby:

Finally – H&M Launches Online Shop September 16th

Frankly I'm surprised they haven't done this before now....

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

Ms. Angie at YouLookFab....

Does a mini-workshop on wearing tops with skirts..(So I'm not the only one blogging today!)...


How to wear tops with skirts

Speaking of Ann Taylor - I Heart.....

A sleek black shoe...






Perfect Leather Pump: Women's Shoes & Accessories: ANN TAYLOR

Ann Taylor Fall 2010....

Okay - as you know I'm not a big fan of Ann Taylor - since they only make clothes for Misses and Petites...

But I must say - this fall line is looking interesting for the 50+ working woman - if you can fit in it!

This from Polished Stars...

Polished Stars: Ann Taylor Fall 2010

Already Pretty Points Us....

To some very pretty shoes....

Already Pretty: This Week I Love ...

I'm ashamed to say I've never heard of this Lori shoes - and me a Chi-town girl!

Do check the site out - some lovely choices at lovely prices!

Look For the Laugh - 10 Ways to Live Longer - 10 Ways... - Beauty - InStyle

I'm doing maybe 3 or 4? :-/

Look For the Laugh - 10 Ways to Live Longer - 10 Ways... - Beauty - InStyle

PARIS FASHION WEEK - On the Runway Blog - NYTimes.com

Well...

It appears that it was (or still is, I'm not sure) Paris Fashion Week.

Check out an over view at the following....

PARIS FASHION WEEK - On the Runway Blog - NYTimes.com

Monday, July 05, 2010

Ms. Angie over at...

The wonderful YouLookFab, challenges us to make a choice...

Team Heels or Team Flats?

By necessity I'm a member of Team Flats - the issues I have with feet and knees simply (and sadly) don't support wearing a heal higher than 2 inches (and even then I'm pushing it at 2 inches!).

But trust me, if my knees weren't so bad - I'd at least have tried those three inchers! ;-)

Love the purity....

Of this lady's look....

Advanced Style in London: Shopping at Selfridges

Hi -- I'm kind of back...

And as you can see I've made a bit of a change in the blog's look.

Please forgive me for my long absence. A lot going on on the professional and personal side of my life.

Hopefully I can get back to posting at least once a week!

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Wardrobe 911....

Get's the Boomer gal thinkin' WEEKEND!!!

What to Wear: Boomer Weekend

Yes the never ending quest....

For jeans that fit!

Marie Claire post some choices for those of us who laugh at the idea of being a size 4...(and introduce their plus-size stylist!)

Big Girl in a Skinny World:Ashley's picks for the best jeans for curvy girls

I welcome the addition of Ms. Ashley to Marie Claire! Hopefully we'll see more attempts to address the styling challenges of real women - not just those that can mimic size 0 models! (Now let's see some articles focused on the challenges of petite dressing as well!)

It can't be said often enough....

Tailoring should be one of the most important tools in your quest to be well dressed...

LAWHITE over at Casual Friday reminds us...

Sew What...

Talk about rockin' yellow and plaid....

Let the sisters from Sisters and Dresses show you how it's done!

Cultivando La Trilorza

So....

What's Your outfit worth?....

An interesting post from Styleite...

Cost of Your Outfit...

Now let's face it - if you're going to include what's in your handbag, your electronics alone can push the number up pass $300.00! But it's an interesting question - just what is what you wear each day worth? ;-)

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

If you're in New York....

This sounds like something worth checking out...

From Bag Snob

The Secrets of the Chanel Handbag

I'm not a big fan of Chanel bags - and it's not just because of the price! I just don't like handbags with chains for handles! However, I wish more of the "great" fashion houses would do this kind of exhibit. I think it would do worlds to help inform the general public on just how much work goes into the products they sell - and would help to explain why those products sell for so much.

It wouldn't make me open my purse to shell out big bucks for the bags - but at least I could grudgingly say to myself "But there's a reason they cost so much!" ;-)

Sigh....

If I were but 10 years younger....

The Smart Stylist - Splurge of the Week...

And if you just can't resist....

Shoes you KNOW are going to make your feet howl...

All Ready Pretty gives some tips on how to make those shoes wearable....

Making Uncomfortable Shoes Wearable

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Ah Jeans!....

Has there ever been any piece of clothing so universally loved and worn? Hard to think of one!

And yet, like the bra, women are always waging the battle of finding the perfect fitting pair.

Well Glamour mag has a few suggestions on how to find them....

The Perfect Jeans for Your Body

(And remember my 50+ sistas - whatever shape fits you best, a dark wash jean is your best bet when it comes to color!)

Saturday, February 20, 2010

By the by...

I'm blogging bags too over at Bag Sanity

Do go over to....

Style and the City and check out one of my favorite street fashion blogger Kamel's pics from fashion week - their wonderful!

Here's a taste...



Is this a great look or what? The coat, the gloves - this young woman looks fantastic in it, but an of us 50+ gals could pull this off too! Delish!

By the by, I don't just love Kamel's blog for the great pics - his commentary on his pics and his experiences taking them is upliftingly postive. You get the feeling that he doesn't just love fashion - he loves style and the people who express it in how they dress. His words are as good for the soul as his pictures are for the eye! If you haven't done so, check him out!

Some quick makeup tips....

For the over 50 gal....

Vibrant Nation: 6 Age Defying Makeup Tips for Women Over 50

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Doing a bit....

of bag blogging too...Bag Sanity

Wait a minute....

Is it Fashion Week again??? Yikes!!!!!!

I have to confess, I don't follow Fashion week as closely as I probably should.

But here's some of the places you can get your fashion fix for the Spring 2010 shows...

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Hey, it's their party! And you'll find a link to their YouTube channel(where I hope they'll start posting more shows and less commercials for their cars! :-/ )

Style.com Fashion Shows

Actually, this is my favorite place to check out the new offerings!


Who's bloggin' the shows?

YouLookFab

I'm lovin' Ms. Angie's coverage, because she is blogging as much about the crowds as the shows - so you really get the favor of the experience! She's twittering too - check her out at twitter:youlookfab

New York Magazine: The Cut They're twittering too at: Twitter: Cutblog

Style It

Ms. Sarah takes you to the tents and behind the scenes at Fashion Week! She's twitterin' too at Twitter: StyleIT

And of course, check out pics from the front from The Sartorialist

Enjoy!

Speaking of The Sartorialist.....

Another fabulous over 50 woman's pic....

On the Street....Renata, Milano

At long last....

The Thoughtful Dresser's book is coming to the US:

US edition of The Thoughtful Dresser




I've found Ms. Linda to be a blogger well worth reading so I'm very much looking forward to reading her book.

A Lovely....

Blouse for casual wear this spring!



Women's Plus silky Gauze Blouson Top - on sale $20.00


I love the neutral color! And the sheerness allows you to wear a cami but keep those arms covered! Love it!

Monday, January 04, 2010

Yes, I know, it's cold as...

You know what over most of the USA!

But you know fashion - that's just the time they start trying to get you to think Spring...

H&M kicks those Spring longings off right....



Top 5 Ladies Spring Jackets


Basically I love the look of every one of these pieces! And each one would work beautifully in the 50+ femme's closet!

Happy New Year All!

Yes, I know I've been gone awhile. And I'll blog about that later.

But right now let's welcome in a new year - and, depending on how you want to count it, a new decade!

May it be a happy, successful and, as ever, a stylish one for you and yours!

Friday, December 25, 2009

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Saturday, October 03, 2009

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!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

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!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

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!

Saturday, September 05, 2009

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

Friday, September 04, 2009

A couple of fabulous...

Makeover videos!





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...

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

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..."

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Saturday, August 22, 2009

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!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

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!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

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!

Saturday, August 01, 2009

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!