Sales, Sales, Sales!

My in box has been inundated with all manner of sales - so I thought I'd share the love:

Over at Ann Taylor:

Suit Sale:



Ann Taylor Suits Separates Sale

Shoe Sale:



Ann Taylor Shoe Sale

My fav from this one:



Alyssa Satin Peep Toe Pump - Midnight Blue - $49.44

Trust me if I could wear this pump it would be winging it's way to me right now!

And just in even as I type - Fall Sale!



Ann Taylor Fall Sale

From J Jill:





J Jill Mid-Season Sale

From TravelSmith:




15th Anniversary Sale

I haven't talked a lot about TravelSmith here on the site, but I intend to do so in the future. They specialize in clothes for travel, but lately they seem to be branching out nicely into business worthy items.

A couple of favs from their new offers:




Women Classic Miracle Fabric Black Dress - $59.00




Hobo Cell Phone and Wallet Bag - $69.00

From Talbots:



Talbots Pants: Buy 1 get 50% off 2nd Pair

From Old Navy:



Fall Fashions Sale

Along with the 10 bucks off a $75 purchase, many of their new Fair Isle sweaters are on sale. Some of my favs:




Fair Isle Turtleneck Sweaters $24.50





Women's Shawl Collar Sweaters - $20.00




Women's Plus Cable Knit Kimono Cardigan - $36.50




Women's Plus Kimono Sleeve Sweaters - $24.99

From what I hear, Old Navy, along with the Gap brands in general, is still struggling. However, I continue to be impressed by the products they offer for the price point. (And I continue to be hacked off at them for only offering their plus size items online! :-p )

So there you go! Don't say I never did nothin' fer ye! ;-)

YouLookFab....

Is givin' good tips as usual....


Cleaning Shoes with Acetone

With patent so hot this season, this is news you can use! And I didn't know this would work with leather as well - nice to know!


The Seasons 3 denim silhouettes

Ms. Angie gives a primer on this seasons 3 denim styles!

Boots anyone?

Because, even through the Fashion world is thinking Spring, Fall and Winter is still on it's way in the real world....

Ask Allison over at Stylebakery gives some handsome suggestions for good lookin', sturdy boots under $200.00:

Boots Made for Walkin’ For Less Than $200

(And no, I haven't forgot about the ladies that might just need a wide calf boot - I'll so a bit of research and get back to ya on that! ;-) )

Lela Rose, Spring 2008

I'd never heard of Lela Rose prior to getting an e-mail from Payless touting her Payless line. The Payless shoes are nice looking...




But, frankly, I didn't think they were anything special. I think Abaeté line is more interesting. So I decided to check out her Spring 2008 ready to wear line to see what it was like.

I was pleasantly surprised....







(I admit that this one could be problematical if your hips aren't just right. But if the are - the tailoring on this one is amazing!)




I love the scallop work on her skirts in this collection! It's a sophisticated take on girly without the frills - I like that! It's perfect for the 50+ gal!









I've seen laser cuts used on paper goods - greeting cards, etc. - but never before on dresses. And these are simply beautiful.

On my just invented hanger rating of 1 - 5: 4 hangers to Lela R! I will definitely be looking forward to her Fall 2009 collection!

To see the full Spring 2008 collection:

Syle.com Lela Rose Spring 2008

(Sadly, Style.com did not have video of the runway show - so I won't be able to post it for this designer.)

Okay, I just couldn't resist....

So far I have more or less avoided a lot of coverage here on the seasonal runway shows.

Frankly, I find the whole thing somewhat overwhelming. And with so much excellent coverage else where on the web (Fashiontrbes has done an outstanding job this year covering the runway), it just seemed redundant to try to follow it myself - especially since my lowly self is not an attendee!

However, of late I've given it a bit of thought and decided that the one thing no one seems to do is comment on the season from the 50+ woman's perspective. So I've decided to:

1. Give you the front row seat you deserve by posting some of the great show video from Style.com. You'll now see it to the right under Front Row.

2. Create a public lookbook on Style.com (I tell you, they rock the house as a source for all things runway) containing my favorite picks from the Spring 2008 shows. You can check it out at Fab50Plus' Spring 2008 Favs . I also have the link posted under My Look Books to the right.

I'll also try to do a post for each designer I particularly liked with pics of my absolute fav of the fav of their collections. If there is video available of the actually show I will also post that for a short time as well.

I hope you will find this approach both interesting and helpful!

Taking care of yourself.....

Is certainly one of the chief building blocks to looking your best (yeah, yeah, it's a do what I say, not what I do moment!)

Over at Beauty Snob they give a list of 8 foods that can help you on your way....

8 Foods You Should Eat Daily

Speaking of Designer Inspired Bags...

In an earlier post, I talked about the move of "inspired by" handbags from PVA to leather.

Looks like it might just be a trend....

This care of the banging Bag Bliss:

Accessories de Mademoiselle - The Inspired by Hermes Birkin Bag

I love the Birkin bag (through I'll never be able to afford one) and I like this take on it. Not as refined, it has a kind of rough, casual edge that would work well with jeans or even as a work bag:




I love the inside:



And at $378.00, it's a price point many budgets can take!

Kudos to Bag Bliss for pointing this bag out and acknowledging that not everyone can afford a $500+ handbag!

Nice as the Birkin take off is, I think the following bag is a just about dead on take on the Kelly:




Large Leather Bag - $210.00

I love the braiding on the straps - gives this quintessential "lady like" bag just the right bit of edge! And once again, at this price it's a bag many can actually afford!

The Frame Bag....

Can be another tricky thing for the woman of an age to pull off. If one is not careful, you can end up looking like your grandmother!

But I have to say that I do have something of a soft spot for these bags - especially when their as creamily attractive as the one Baghaus is offering:

Don't Frame This Bag - Wear It!

I'm not thrilled about the black or florescent red version - but that cream color is to die for:




Bahaus Nappa Bag - $49.00

And the inside is just as lovely:



Another "Inspired By" bag - this time the inspiration is a bag by Miu Miu.

If you're a contest warrior....

Skip over to Spork Fashion.

Ms. Alyse has decided to add a Contest section to her site that should give you all you want and more when it comes to trying to win some stylish goodies!

Contests, Updates, Press, and more!

A couple of great posts....

From Fabulous After 40 (the site formally known as Cafe Glam! ; - ))

Take 10 years Off in 10 Minutes!

Every single tip is a winner!

Does your mirror show all?

And this is why I'm in the market for a full length mirror right now! :-/

From the InBox....

FF 50 Plus gets, to my great surprise, mail!

I received a question regarding the best products to cover a scar. The following is my reply - just in case any of the info is useful to anyone else (I don't id the sender, as I did not have permission to do so:

Hi _______!

Sadly, I'm probably the person least qualified to answer your question, since I don't even wear makeup! (Note that I'm not saying I don't need it, I just don't wear it! )

However, in a effort to give you some kind of info, I did a few searches on the web to see if I could find anything helpful - as I'm sure you have probably done as well. I was surprised to find that there was so little info - surely this is not an uncommon problem!

I was however able to find a few things and I'm happy to share them with you:

On iVillage:

Cover Up Dark Scars:

http://beauty.ivillage.com/makeup/makeupartist/0,,n4ss,00.html

They actually recommend a cosmetic called DermaColor and give how-to instructions on applying.

By the way, when searching for a link for DermaColor - http://www.kryolan.com/en/Home/Home.htm (I also found another link to StageandTheatreMakeup.com with a great how to on applying DermaColor - http://stageandtheatermakeup.com/kryolan.htm), I came across another a link for another coverage makeup - Dermablend - http://www.dermablend.com/search.aspx?cm_mmc=Google-_-Trademark_Brand-_-Broad-_-Dermablend

eHow also gave a how-to on covering a scar:

http://www.ehow.com/how_15312_camouflage-scar.html

On What Not To Wear, they actually did a scar cover-up for one of their makeovers (the woman in question had heart surgery and wanted tips on covering the scar on her chest). Sadly, they do not have the video posted to their site! Still, check their message boards (http://community.discovery.com/eve/ubb.x/a/cfrm/f/7121920016) you may find a discussion of this issue with suggestions from folks who have faced the same problem.

Bobbi Brown's book Bobbi Brown Living Beauty ( http://www.amazon.com/dp/0821258346/ref=s9_asin_image_1/104-0457827-5551145?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=03WCDC050QK3XZ60GRG3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=278240701&pf_rd_i=507846) gives a how-to as well on covering a scar - however it's just a couple of paragraphs so if you're not really in the market for a makeup book (through this appears to be a good one which I'm intending to pick-up myself!) just get it at the public library and copy the page!

Bobbi does, however, have an extensive line of coverage products that I have heard good things about about. They can be purchased on line at http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/. Her products can be found at Macy's and Neiman Marcus as well.

You might drop a note to the writers of the following blogs - they could probably give you better recommendations than I have:

The shopping diva, Kathryn Finney (The Budget Fashionista) has a Ask TBF page - http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/ask.php - where you can post your question.

Angie at the wonderful YouLookFab (http://www.youlookfab.com/) has an Ask Angie button right at the top of the page where you can send a question.

And at you can e-mail Terasa Morisco, Wardrobe 911 at the following address: askteresa@wardrobe911.com .

I wish I could have been of more assistance. Hang in there - you'll find the right solution that works for you!

Sincerely,

Fab50Plus
fab50pls1@yahoo.com

If anyone else has any recommendations on this issue, please leave a comment on this post!

Also from the InBox....

As you may know, from previous posts here, I'm a big fan of wearable art. Since for most folks that's primarily experienced via t-shirts, it becomes a somewhat tricky concept to pull off once you get up in years.

So I was intrigued when I received an e-mail from Kira Bloom the PR rept for a site called SpoonFed Art. The artist, Karin Collins, creates one of a kind pendants out of spoons, something she began as part of her art therapy for an eating disorder (Check out the LA Weekly article The Art of Spooning for an interview with the artist).

Needless to say, I had to check this out! So I took a virtual spin over to the site - and was rewarded with some very unique and colorful pieces!

Some of my favs from the site:




Bluebird - $90.00






Both of Me - $95.00




Astor - $110.00



Radiance - $90.00





Starflyer - $85.00

As you see, the prices seem to range from around $80.00 to $110.00 and each piece appears to be one of a kind - you'll see that some pendants are sold and no longer available. Note that, until the end of September 2007, they are offering free shipping on your order.

So, if you get a chance, skip on over and judge for yourself - personally, I think they are lovely!

Kudos to Ms. Karin for making something lovely from a difficult personal challenge!

Emergency Concealer to the rescue!....

A quick tip from Aging Fabulous...

Flash Retouche to the Rescue.

Sounds like something even a makeup phobic soul like me could benefit from! ;-)

The Spring Color Forcast....

Thanks to The Budget Fashionista....

Fashion Week Spring 2008: Pantone Colors

Somehow I missed the Fall color forcast -- but am happy not to have done so for Spring! From what I've seen of the Spring collections, as ever Pantone is right on target.

First Liz Claiborne....

Now the news that Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, has passed away...

Body Shop founder Roddick dies

Dame Roddick was determined to make deeply ethical principles the bedrock of her business. She was attempting to walk the Fair Trade walk long before others even started the talk.

My beauty rituals are pretty minimal (well actually more like a hit and run) so I don't buy a lot of beauty products. However, whatever I purchased at The Body Shop was always lovely and first rate, as were the stores and the people who worked in them.

My deepest condolences go out to her family and friends.

Okay, now for something COMPLETELY ridiculous!....

I think the title speaks for itself....

Pet Fashion Week

Well sooner or later it had to come to this...

With the prices of "IT" designer bags skyrocketing ever out of the reach of most bag buyers, the rise of the "designer inspired" handbag sites was inevitable.

Sites like Purse Boutique and Baghaus provide bags that are not copies but versions of the popular designer bags. They vary in looks, but many of the bags are wonderful takes on the more expensive bags and, sometimes, a more practical take as well.

These sites are not to be confused with sites that claim to sell the general article but are actually selling cheaper quality copies. Purse Boutique and Baghaus are both careful to state clearly that their bags are not the real thing but inspired versions.

I, myself, own the following 3 bags purchased from these sites and am quite pleased with all of them.

From Purse Boutique:



Green Danska Satchel Purse - $34.95

I have no idea if this is an designer inspired bag or not - I've never heard of Danska. However, I love this bag. And when I carry it when wearing my chocolate brown outfit it really pops!



Black Alligator Embossed Kelly Bag - $34.95

You can't quite see it in this picture, but this bag is much more a tribute to the Hermes' Birkin than it's sister the Kelly.

From Baghaus:




Dark Coffee Birkin Tote Inspired by Hermes

A much clearer take off on the Hermes Birkin.


As I said, I love all these bags (I'll post a longer post on the bags and what I like and don't about them at another time) and can attest that the customer service I have received from Baghaus (I've not had to have any such contact with Purse Boutique) has been absolutely excellent.

These sites provide a way for you to get the silhouette of the more expensive bags without mortgaging your house or giving up your first born child!

However, the one thing I have been thinking lately, is that it would be nice to get their inspired bags in leather instead of having only PVA versions available. I figured that they could still do good quality bags at affordable price points (I was thinking somewhere between $99.00 and $150.00 dollars - not bad for a leather bag).

Well low and behold, I'm not the only one with that idea.

Shop:Lush has done just that, producing the designer inspired bags but in leather, not PVA.

An example:

The YSL Muse Bag:



YSL Muse Oversize - $1,395.00 (Saks Fifth Ave)

The Baghaus PVA version (Which they don't seem to have in stock a the moment - but when they did, I think it ran about $59.99):




And Shop:Lush's leather take:



Half Moon Lock - $99.99

I think both the Baghaus and the Shop:Lush version is lovely - but I'm thinking that it would be nice to have it in leather rather than PVA. Sadly, it looks like Shop:Lush only has it in white - still if the leather is pretty good, it would be quite a nice addition to your bag wardrobe for not a ton of cash!

Shop:Lush has many other nice looking bags on their site, so take a look! If you've been wanting to modernize your handbag choices, prefer leather bags but don't have all the money in the world to buy them, this might be an option that can work for you! (By the by, Shop:Lush is offering a 15% discount for purchases in September - Enter code: PSWFall0715 at checkout.)

Just watched a great interview.....

With Dixie Carter, of Designing Women (One of MY favorite shows)and now, as I understand it from the interview since I don't watch it, Desperate Housewives fame.

Considered past her prime when she returned to Hollywood at the age of 40 (can you believe it - pass your prime at 40!!!! No wonder folks get just plan crazed when they get that friendly AARP mailing at 50!), she went on to star in a top rated TV show.

Just another example of "it ain't over 'till it's over"!

And yes, she was dressed divinely - simple and elegant!

If they post the video I will link to it here - it's worth seeing and left me smiling!

An interview with Giorgio Armaini....

In which he talks about his re-vised and revamped online presence, on his future and the future of the Armani brand...

Giorgio Armani Talks About Online Fashion, Power Dressing Now, and the Future of Armani


His answers are as well thought out as his clothes. The site is equally well designed - I especially like the fact that he provides very clear views of both the front and back of each garment along with a very detailed zoom in view. Check it out at:

Emporio Armani

I've always loved Armani suits on men, but had never really thought about him in terms of women's clothes until recently - especially with the introduction of his Alfani line at Macy's. The well tailored, yet comfortable lines of his clothes are ready made for the 50+ woman!

From the interview, it sounds like he is not planning to miss a step as he moves into the future - I'd say at 70 or so, he is a great example of how the fire in the belly doesn't necessarily cool with age!

So you've got this meeting at work....

It's a biggy and you need to look razor sharp - and nothing in your dated closet will do?

Never fear! Ms. Teresa over at Wardrobe 911 gives a clear tutorial on how to do it right at 2 different price points:



what to wear: power meeting

what to wear: budget alternative to power meeting

Shoes 3 for $99? Yikes!

Skip on over to Stiletto Jungle for the details on this insane sale!

I skipped over to see what was on offer and was surprised to see quite a few pairs with promise!

A shout out to Ms. K over at Kristopherdukes.com for the heads up!

What the @*#!....

It's Fashion Week time again!

Geez, we don't even get a chance to absorb the Fall Fashion mags, when their off talking Spring Fashion in Bryant Park! :-p

Or is that just an expression of my jealousy of all the fashion bloggers who are actually going to the shows? ; - )

Either way, if you're interested in taking a peek at what's down the pike for Spring '08 (Can you believe that we are talking about Spring '08 already?), check out the shows at the following sites:

Style.com Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear

Really, if you get a kick out of this kind of thing, Style.com is the one you want to bookmark. They turn it out for the shows, posting pics of all the fashions that strolled down the runway. You can even subscribe for e-mail notifications and create your own lookbook containing pics of your favorite flocks of the season!

Of course there are online fashionistas a plenty blogging this thing - here's a few you can check to get their take on the fashion circus come to town....

Fashionista.com

Second City Style

Fashiontribes

Styledash

Off the Runway

And of course, the goddess of budget fashion sense:

The Budget Fashionista

And for more great fashion pics, this time of the fashion circus outside the tents, check out one of my favorite fashion photologs, the Sartorialist, Scott Schuman for, you guessed it, Style.com:

The Sartorialist for Style.com

Enjoy!

When is a magazine not a magazine?......

When it's actually a catalog!

To be honest, this new trend in retailer marketing showed up in my mailbox this spring in the form of the Liz Is. Then just this week what should appear in my snail mail but a copy of M, Macy's attempt to do a catalog in a magazine format.

In truth, they aren't the first to go this route. Lane Bryant has been publishing an actual on the rack magazine Figure targeted to their plus-sized customers for a while now. It is basically formatted the same as any general interest woman's magazine with fashion, heath, beauty, food etc sections. However, as you go through the magazine you start to realize that it only has one main advertiser - the stores owned by the Charming Shops, Lane Bryant's parent company, and it's fashion spreads only feature clothes from those stores.

Macy's M takes a similar tack, incorporating feature articles - Trends, community focused info (this issue had info on museum passes), how-to articles (How to wear tips, how to choose a bra) with a more than generous wrapping of "ads" for brands carried at Macy's. They even have those obnoxious perfume sample cards that dutifully fall out - just like an on the rack fashion mag!

Liz Is takes a more focused tack. In some ways it's not so much a magazine as a info piece for the woman who is already a Liz C. customer. Carefully tailored with a kind of minimalist vibe, it is actually fairly article heavy (tips for buying art, book suggestions from "brainy" women - i.e a brain surgeon, a rocket scientist - yeah that's right, a rocket scientist - an interview with a career coach and a great, fun timeline of women's fashion in the workplace) along with behind the scene stuff - an intro to Richard Ostell the new LC group VP and Creative Director via a makeover of a freelance writer. Make no mistake, LC's clothes are featured throughout - what do you think that makeover babe is wearing? - but it's done with some 'elan that doesn't shout at you.

What to make of all this?

Well, certainly in part, it is an attempt by all three to communicate more directly with their customer base as well as potential customers. M appears to be sent out to current Macy's customers - I didn't see anywhere to subscribe to it on the M website - however, you can view the whole mag-cag right there online and you can subscribe for e-mail notifications on new issues. Anyone who goes to the Liz C. site can find the link to the magazine site right on the front page and can subscribe. Figure is sold not only in bookstores but in all Lane Bryant stores as well.

In the case of Figure, it can also be seen as filling a need for the customer - there isn't any other on the rack magazine published today that focuses on fashion for the plus size woman (BBW having sadly folded long ago).

And lets face it, it's a great way to bypass the third party fashion rags and get your story about what you offer directly to the customer.

All in all, I think it can be a good thing for the fashion consumer - especially since both the Liz Is and M are free. (Figure is not, but as stated above they are serving what continues to be seen as a "niche" business - as the only game in town, they can afford to charge.) As long as you stay mindful of the agenda involved with these efforts, you can partake of some decent writing and a bit of fashion advice on the cheap!

It will be interesting to see how many others in the fashion retail business follow suit.

I can't believe....

That it has been a little bit over a year since I started this blog!

That's a lot of fashion and style blogs, articles and magazines under the bridge! Much of it wonderful and illuminating, by the way.

And what have I learned?

Hummm.....

1. That you really do disappear in the minds of retailers and designers as you grow older (case in point - the closing of Forth and Towne a store aimed at women well over the age of consent!)

2. That that disinterest is happening just at the time that, because of the changes in the 50+ woman's body and her life in general, she needs her clothes to serve her well now more than ever.

3. That if you are going to have style as a post 50+ woman, you damn well are going to have to develop it for yourself - 'cause you won't see many "role models" in the media to base your style choices on (Actually, considering the role models that are out there in the media for young women - Paris, Nicole, etc. - we might well be getting the better part of that deal!).

And the few that are presented to you as the post 50 woman, more than likely won't look much like you or many of the other post 50 women you know!

The long and short of it is that when it comes to fashion, the 50+ woman is pretty much on her own. And that might not be an altogether bad thing (Yeah, I know, I just HAVE to try to find a pony under all that shit!).

It's going to mean that what ever answer you come up with to give you the satisfaction that the face you present to the world is the one that really reflects who you are now. Yes, it's going to be through a lot of hard work (yeah, along with everything else you've got to do these days), some painful soul searching, and some very painful reality checks (there's going to have to be peace in our time with our new, post 50 bodies - and no, I can't say that enough!) - but it's going to be your choice - not some stylist or designer or TV talking head.

And believe me if you and I (because, trust me, I'm NOT there yet and I've got a long way to go) can stick it out to do that, whatever that style choice turns out to be, our clothing will rest lightly, well and beautifully on our shoulders.

Cafe Glam...

Weighs in on the best of Fall '07 with a special view to what works for the 40+ gal:

Fall 2007 Fashion Trends

Go Glam! ; - )

Amen, Sister....

Amen!

From
Catwalk Queen a lament on the challenges we all face when trying to keep our closets up to date:

Fashion Misfit: It's not me, it's them

Here's New York Magazine's....

Take on the top ten for this Fall....

5 x 10


(Feathers???? Yikes! Think I'll be passing on that one! :-p )

Speaking of About.com....

Here is their top ten picks for the upcoming Fall season...

10 Fall Trends You'll Love to Wear

Not sure if your look needs a bit of an update?

Then take this brief, fun quiz over at About.com:

Do You Need a New Look?

(By the by I took the test and the answer for me was Yes I do! No surprise there! My look has been needing a bit of an update for awhile now! Thus my quest - fashionable after 50 - can it be done? ;-) )

Sometimes....

You may find that a particular seasons styles just plan don't suit you (recall all the baby doll styles of this pass spring and summer?).

Once again, Ms. Angie (YouLookFab) gives good tips on how to deal with fashion trends that leave you cold...

What to wear when the current trends don't work for you

Lenghten your line!

Over at YouLookFab Ms. Angie gives tips on using shoes to make your legs appear longer....

Lengthen Your Legs with Shoes That Pop

Get Sassy!

If you're reading this, you've probably turned 50, or you're about to turn 50, or you've got: Friends, Family, Lovers, Whatever, who are turning 50.

Well tell them to Get Sassy! with one of these sassy birthday cards:

Sassy Note Cards

These will work for the females and males in your life (I think guys would get a real kick out of the middle card!) and give them something to smile about as they hit the big 50 and beyond! ;-)

Fashion reading....

Has been my anchor and release as I sat in so many hospital waiting rooms this summer.

So imagine my delight when I came across the following post on Styledash:

Late summer reading is fashionable

I've already finished the Tim Gunn book and plan to do a review of it here on the blog, but long story, short, I highly recommend it.

Ironically, I just received my copy of 9 Heads. I plan to post a review of it as well, but suffice it to say that it raised a delighted buzz among the staff of the bookstore - they thought it was a fabulous book, forget about the fashion!

I'm loving the list (through, of course, I don't agree with the lister's review of Tim's book, but to each their own) and I'm particularly intrigued by the following titles:

The End of Fashion: How Marketing Changed the Clothing Business Forever

I'm very interested in how the fashion business in general makes the decisions they make regarding the production and marketing of what we wear - so I'm very much looking forward to reading this one!

101 Things to Buy Before You Die

Now this one just looks like it would be plain fun - a grown-up "Wish List" book (for those of you who remember the Sears Christmas Book, you know what I mean!).

Around the Web....

I'm sooooo behind on my web surfing that I've finally given up and decided to give you, dear reader, the heads up on some of my favorite web round ups for the week.

Be warned, this list is wildly diverse - just the right kind of web surfing! You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll say "What the he@#!"

Enjoy!

From Spork Fashion

Weekly Fashion Blog Bazaar

From 55 Secret Street

Web Snob Week

From Kristopher Dukes

Web Snob - Because I'm a Snob Offline Too

From Fab Sugar

Friday Fab News Roundup!

From Fashiontribes

Weekly Web Snob Roundup

From Second City Style

Blog Therapy Fridays

From Bag Snob

Web Snob

From Faking Good Breeding

Saturday's Best of Blogs

And last, but certainly not least, from the incomparable Manolo's Shoe Blog a double web round up treat:

Weekend Blogging

Manolos Friday Miscellany

If you have ever wondered....

How they come up with the colors for clothes or anything thing else for that matter, Ms. Tamara over at Business Fashionable points you to a good article on the folks who predict the next color trends....

Color Theory - How Trends Are Made

A couple of years ago Sunday Morning on CBS did a great cover piece on the process color marketers use to pick the upcoming color trends. Sadly I couldn't find the piece on their website. If they ever re-run it and you have an interest in just how the process is done, try to catch it - it was very interesting and informative.

Now THIS is a bag.....

Get on over to Spork Fashion and check out the treasure she found in her mom's closet....

It's Five-Five-Five Bags in One!

If anyone recognizes the bag and can supply the maker, please leave a post - I think it is brilliant!

Over at I Like Her Style!.....

The intrepid Ms. Sylvia is introducing a new custom clothing site....

Introducing AprilMarin…

The line is presently limited to 3 styles, but they are so classic that any woman can make them work in her wardrobe.

Warning - they are all body hugging styles! However, with sizes ranging from 0 - 22 (and ample custom sizing options within those sizes)and prices that are more than reasonable, AprilMarin is starting out right if you ask me!

My fav:




Black Pinstripe Capri Suit - $180.00

Place your beautiful gifts in something just as beautiful...

Just as we have begun talking fall fashion, The Bag Lady has got me thinking of Christmas and the opportunity to give gifts in wonderful gift bags....

Glorious Gift Bags

Make sure to go over to the site - the bags are just beautiful! Just to wet your whistle:









With gift bags this beautiful it's like giving 2 gifts!

The pretty pear shape....

Revisited by Ms. Angie at youlookfab for 2007:

The Pretty Pear in 2007

Personally, I'm going to paste these guidelines to 3x5 cards and carry them with as I do MY fall shopping!

And for more great body shape advice, check out Ms. Angie's archives (just to refresh the memory - which at our ages is often a must!):

youlookfab Body Type Archive

As we comtemplate our closets for Fall....

It's time to contemplate how to make the best out of our Fall purchases!

And just like real estate is all about Location, Location, Location - clothes that make you look good are all about Fit, Fit and Fit!

And to get that indispensable fit, we're all going to have to start thinking alterations...a concept common to men's suit shopping, but something that most women probably don't think of as part of the price of their clothing purchase.

Well ladies it time we did...and over at youlookfab the wise Ms. Angie is getting you schooled:

Alterations: the path to perfect fit

The sad fact is that off the rack does not necessarily mean it fits off the rack!

I have finally gotten it through my thick head that I HAVE to get my pants and often my skirts, altered in the waist 'cause, as a now pear shaped gal, these hips of mine have to be accommodated first when I'm shopping.

The prices Ms. Angie lists look about right to me based on my own experience.Just recently I had a pair of Eddie Bauer chocolate brown linen pants altered in the waist (miraculously, the lenght was right for a change - yes I'm pear shaped AND short!). The pants were $44.00 on sale and I paid an additional $13.00 to have the waist fixed. So in total the pants cost me $57.00 - still less than the original price of the pants!

It will take a bit of practice, but you do need to start getting in the habit of calc'ing in the price of alternations as you're trying on those fall fashions!

Having clothes that not only look great but feel great because they actually fit you will be worth the extra! ; - )

To this I say....

Amen and Hallelujah!

From the New York Times....

Après Rehab: A Lovely Sobriety


May I simply say - it's about time!

Actually, it's probably mostly about Fall and that sense of getting back to business that it brings. Like the movie industry, the fashion world tends to save the serious stuff for the autumn season!

Isaac Mizrahi for Target Fall 2007 Collection

Hope over and take a look at Isaac's Target line for Fall '07

Isaac Mizrahi For Target Fall 2007


These pieces aren't available on line as yet, but their already appearing in the fashion press as good budget buys.

My favs? The swing coat (Yes, it's the 40s and 50s influence for Fall 07!) and the grey dress. Both pieces can work across the age line!

Don't let the kids....

Steal all the back to school outfits fun! (Which, if I recall correctly, was about the ONLY fun about back to school! :-P )

From About.com:

5 Back-to-School Styles to Steal From Your Kids

The one that I'm most dubious about is the layered look -- I'm not sure how that would work on those of us of an age.

But the other tips are definitely doable! ;-)

Choosing the Right Handbag Bag...

Is sometimes a war between your heart and your head! You love it, but it just doesn't quite look right...

Take a gander at About.com's guide to finding the right bag for your frame...

Choose the Right Bag for Your Body


Just a few good, commonsense tips to help you keep your head while bag shopping! ;-)

Classic Style....

Is what The Early Show on CBS was focusing on this morning.

The segment was pretty good, not only pulling out the old chestnuts (a good pair of black pants, a white shirt, etc.) but suggesting subtle twists on these old favorites.

You can view the video by clicking the following link...

Classic Style Staples

T.J. Maxx weights in on top picks for Fall '07....

This, care of Fashiontribes.com:

Fall Fashion Advice from T.J.Maxx that's Affordably Chic. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG

Fashiontribes.com has their own favs for Fall of course...

The Top 10 Fashion Must-Have's for a Failsafe Fall Wardrobe. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION, ACCESSORIES & SHOE BLOG.

Looking at these two lists, it's pretty clear to see that a trend towards more tailored looks is definitely what Fall '07 will be about. Tailored pieces in gray (looks like I was ahead of the curve for once in my,sadly unsuccessful, search this summer for light gray pieces!), bright accent colors and shoes that won't leave you crippled seem to be the key pieces to get or pull out of the back of your closet! Animal prints are also roaring onto the scene along with metallics. Personally I don't particularly like either, but I can see how a touch of either can add a bit of punch to the right outfit!

And speaking of Fall....

We are once again inundated with the ubiquitous Top 10 lists for Fall.

I'll post links to the ones I think are the best as I come across them. But since we were talking About.com this morning, let's start off with theirs, shall we?

10 Fall Fashion Classics You Need to Own

Nothing really revolutionary on their list - but good solid basics that will work well for any woman of any age.

Refreshing change from Spring and Summer this year is it not?

I don't know about you....

But a combination of me being in the process of cleaning out my closet (too much stuff from too far back in my past!) and the approach of Fall, has me thinking about how to establish - or reestablish - my own individual style.

Over at About.com: Women's Fashion they provide a brief but on point list on How to Develop a Signature Style .

I'll definitely be keeping this list in mind as I consider what to add to my wardrobe for the Fall...and beyond! ;-)

I'm backkk.....

Yeah I know - it's been awhile since I've posted.

The health issues in my family continue and that's taken a big bite out of my non-work time - not to mention my general energy level! And to be honest, with everything that's been going on in my life, I just haven't had much heart for writing on clothes.

But, as you know, you can't keep a good clothes-a-holic down for long!

So look out for some hardcore posting in the next couple of days!

After all fall fashion is on the way! ;-)

The black blazer....

Is a staple in my closet as I would suspect it is in yours. Many a work day outfit has been saved by slipping it on over a, perhaps not quite business classic outfit.

Over at Styledash they have an excellent post on this classic favorite with tips on how to wear it just right..

Styles that Stick: Black blazers

Also from Styledash...

This just made me smile....

Xpose yourself

Having just finished the last Harry Potter book, maybe I'm just in a dark humor state of mind.....

More on Fall Trends....

Fashiontribes weighs in with their favs for Fall '07:

The Top 10 wardrobe, accessory and beauty must-haves for fall:

Except for the cat-eye thing (Yikes!), I think that every one of these choices can work for the 50+ woman!

My favs from their list: a kick of bright color (a bright scarf could do the trick as well), a leopard print bag (not a big fan of animal prints myself, but I can see how they can edge up an outfit) and the black beret (lets face it, a classic!)

I guess I just should have done....

One long post with tips from Ms. Teresa!

Here's another good one to go with all our Fall fashion dreamin'...or any other time you're contemplating the best approach to pulling together an outfit...

how to create a polished outfit

The one issue I find with this is that it's not always that easy to find pieces that match in color if you are obliged to buy the top in one line and the bottom in another - as I often, as a pear shaped gal, find myself having to do!

The principal, however, remains a good one!

More Fall '07 Trends....

This time from Ms Teresa!

fall 07: the funnel collar


The more tailored looks for fall continue!

In my mind this could be somewhat tricky to pull off, you really need to make sure that the jacket fits correctly around the shoulders so that collar isn't sliding back and forth like an untethered boat!

Still well worth trying on to see if you can incorporate it into your Fall wardrobe!

Okay, yet another thing I should have known....

but didn't....

Yet another sharp tip from Ms. Teresa over at Wardrobe 911:

a hem tip that's worth remembering

Timely advice for me as I've got at least one pair of pants I need to take down to my cleaner's for hemming! ;-)

And if you want to lengthen the hem....

Skip over to YouLookFab for tips on how to do it...

Lengthening Your Pants

Trends for Fall '07 - Menswear Style!

Looks like that perennial favorite, Menswear for women, is back again this fall...

What to Buy Fall 2007: Menswear for Women

Personally, I'm thrilled about this on several levels, not the least of which is that menswear is going to be a heck of a lot more flattering to my post 50+ frame than the whole baby doll thing that has been rampant this spring and summer. I also tend to be a classicist when it comes to dressing and the tailored look of menswear definitely fits that look.

I agree with the Budget Fash - tailor jackets and pants have become something of a staple for women's wardrobes for years now - why the special name for it?

Anyway, for the first time in a couple of seasons, I'm actually looking forward to a runway trend making it's way down the fashion food chain to something I can afford!

The YOU by Crocs....

Site is up!

Way back in April, I posted on this new line by Crocs. I've seen many a snarky comment on the whole idea since, with folks all but saying that the idea of Crocs making an actually attractive shoe was like imagining Ghirardell's making low fat chocolate.

But even my girl, The Budget Fashionista, NOT known, by the way, as a fan of the brand, is giving it a second look:

What to Buy Fall 2007: You by Crocs

I'm not sure about the boots she pictures, but I do agree about the comfort factor! And there are some cuter items in the line.

You can check out the whole line here: YOU by Crocs

Devi Kroell for Target...

Rocks!

I actually got a chance to see the bags in the flesh, so to speak, this weekend - and I must say that they are absolutely beautiful! Made of substantive materials, there is nothing cheap about the feel or the look of these bags.

Now I'm no fan of "exotic" bags - I just don't get the love of bags made of reptiles. It doesn't help, I'm sure, that I hate snakes!

All that being said, these bags are so nice, especially for the price, that I am deeply tempted to pick up one!

My favs:




Hobo - Light Goldtone - $34.99

This bag is just gorgeous! If it zipped instead of just having a magnetic clasp I would definitely buy it!





Shopper - Dark Gray - $39.99

Roomy and sleek - and a lot less faux snake than the others in the collection (Yeah, yeah, I know - that only matters to me!)




Clutch - Anthracite - $19.99

This is the one I'm definitely leaning towards buying! The faux snake aside, the size is perfect for a night out and the color is the same!

So if you don't, like me, get a yuck feel when you see a handbag made of snake skin, get thee over to Target and check out the new Devi collection!

Cafe Glam....

Kicks it out with several worthwhile posts!

Top 7 Summer Shoes and What to Wear with them


Bathing Suits to make you Look Sizzling in the Sun


It's not too late to hit the bleach in style -- and with your dignity intact! After all, there's still Labor Day!

Fashion over 40 -When to Skimp and When to Splurge?


I'll be reading this one closely, as I'm starting to think about Fall and what I can add to my wardrobe that will kick up my game without requiring bankruptcy later!

Looking Youthful with Universal Style

Personally, I'm not that in to the whole "let's try to look youthful" forever obsession. However, I do feel that everyone (women and men) benefit from keeping their look up to date! I also like the list of categories - rarely do you see this kind of break down that includes well known 40+ femes as style examples!

So kick it on over to the Cafe - and enjoy!

And if you, like me, are starting to think Fall.....

Get on over to Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale!

Nordstrom

Just to prove....

That with enough sense of personal style you can make anything chic....

From the The Sartorialist...





The way she mixes overalls of all things with more classic pieces (black ballet flats, the black pea coat) just gives the whole outfit an unexplected sense of personal chic that makes you look twice and say, "wait a minute - how is she pulling THAT off?"

Bravo!

By the way....

The The Sartorialist has another picture of the same woman on Style.com:

PARIS IS ABOUT WOMEN OF A CERTAIN AGE

I want to be her when I grow up....

Speaking of designers I love....

Hope over to The Stylelist for excerpts of their interview with Issac Mizrahi:

Isaac Mizrahi: The Interview

Check out the reader's comments too - very interesting and a perfect example of the desire of women for great designs they can afford and fit in!

As for me - one of the best looking pairs of pants I own are from Issac's Target collection - you go IM!

Over at About.com Women's Fashion....

Their talking the The 10 Secrets of Timeless Style with Houston designer Gayla Bentley.

Just as I was bemoaning the fact that, with Liz C. gone, there was no designer I could think of that designs clothes specifically and unashamedly for the "everyday" woman - let along the mature woman - along comes someone like Gayla who is taking a shot at it! And with a size range of 2 - 28, a woman really needs to sit up and take notice!

Check out her website:

Gayla Bentley

Her clothes are very much focused on wardrobe basics - the kind of pieces you can mix and match with other more daring items. Some of my favs from her line:





White Stretch Matelasse Jacket - $195.00





Carmel Stretch Cotton Satten Jacket - $166.00

The jackets are very similar in style, but I love the simple lines and sharp collar on both!




Black Stretch Poplin Tie Shirt Dress - $190.00

As you know, I love a shirt dress -- and this one is definitely a keeper staple in any woman's closet!




White Jersey Ballet Neckline Top - $130.00

Now I'm not thinking I could pull this one off - but I like the look just the same!




Caramel Stretch Cotton Sateen Pant - $145.00

It's hard to find a good looking pair of flare legged pants that don't make you look like Bozo (of sainted memory I might add!). These just might fit the bill!

She also has a strictly basics line of pieces made to be base outfits. A couple of examples:






Yes her pieces are pricey (at least for my budget!) so she is not quite in Liz C.'s more affordable range. But with the size range she's offering and the fact that you can actually get them on the Needless Markup - otherwise known as Neiman Marcus - online (The Gayla Bentley Collection) their accessible wherever you live.

So checkout her tips for timeless style and her clothes as well!

Pick up a copy of the July Harper's Bazaar

And enjoy some outstanding articles - not the least of which are:

Why Fashion Needs Eccentrics by J.J. Martin - Not saying you will ever dress like any of the intrepid women profiled in this piece - but I found it an inspiring reminder that 1. Dressing can, and should be, a personal statement and 2. You should dress, as much as the situation will allow, to please yourself first!

The Secret of Hermes by Natasha Wolff - Not too many secrets if you ask me - but a delightful eye candy spread on the incurably snobby saddler!

Fabulous at Every Age - Imagine my dismay in opening the July issue and seeing recommendations for Fall! Horrors! But in the fashion world summer is already passe! HB offers it's look picks for the upcoming Fall season for women 20 to 70+. I recommend this article EVERY month of the year - Harpers B is worth reading for this one alone!

A converable shoe?.....

Hop over to Baghaus' The Bag Buzz for the 411 on this concept...

Convertible Shoes: A Concept Whose Time Has Come


Like the B Buzz, I'll have to think on this one a bit - but I definitely like the concept! ;-)

Liz Claiborne, Dies at 78

I was saddened to hear that Liz Claiborne had passed away this week.


Liz Claiborne, Designer, Dies at 78



Her clothes have been a staple in my closet and my sister's for many years now. Even my sister, who will proudly tell you that she is no fashionista, commented on the news that "this is a sad day".

Her clear good taste, understanding of women's bodies (her clothes skim your body just right), rock solid basics and her determination to sell those clothes at prices women can afford has been a blessing to my closet and I'm sure to the closet of many, many others.

In a world where good taste, good style and good common sense are becoming rapidly diminished commodities, Ms. Liz C. will be sorely missed.

My condolences to her family and friends.