Thursday, December 30, 2010

Jackets and Blazers on Sale, Oh my!

Anne Klein Textured Blazer (Black)

If you've been searching the web this week, you know: 'Tis the season for sales. Chances are all your favorite online designers, stores or boutiques with fashions for women over 50 are having huge sales right now. Sadly, I can't report on them all. But I'll try to alert you to a few in the next week or so. For this post, I'm loving the Anne Klein Semi-Annual Sale of up to 75% off, how until January 9, 2011. The clothing company has coats, dresses, shoes and more on sale.

At this time of year, I'm always looking for one or two things to round out my wardrobe for the winter and get me through till spring. That's why my eye went to the AK's jackets and blazers on sale. A neutral color jacket--like black or maroon--or a textured blazer can be paired with different skirts or slacks, creating new outfits without spending a lot. Plus, the well-made blazer can last for several years, making it a good investment.

At the top of this post is Anne Klein Textured Blazer (Black) on sale for $100.99. Click on the AK sales link above to see see all the jackets and blazer that have been reduced till Jan. 9th. And if you're on the AK site and wear size Large, check out the Mandarin Collar Jacket reduced from $395 to 97.99. It's my FASHION OVER 50: PICK OF THE DAY. I love the Mandarin collar, the bottle green color and the black leather trim. No wonder it's sold out except in one size! Unfortunately, I can't show you a picture here. Below are two more jackets I liked and do have pictures for.



Anne Klein Mandarin Collar Jacket (Black)

Anne Klein Mandarin Collar Jacket (Black)
is reduced from $425 to $110.99.



Anne Klein Velveteen Blazer (Black)


Anne Klein Velveteen Blazer (Black)
is reduced from $149 to $88.99. I love this jacket because of its versatility. You can wear it with jeans for a nice casual look or dress it up with a below-the-knees print skirt and high boots.

Happy New Year!

Fashion Over 50: Pick of the Day

Like so many other people, I get sucked into thinking that the start of the new year is a time for organizing and making changes (hence, the new blog format). Along those lines, I've been thinking about buying a new black leather tote for organizing and carting my work stuff around. Hence, my pick today is this
Lucky Brand Chase Tote Black - Leather Handbags
reduced from $199 to $149 at eBags. That's 25% off--not too shabby. Click on picture for details or to shop at eBags.

Lucky Brand Chase Tote Black - Leather Handbags



If you need a tote, but aren't stuck on black leather like me, check out this
Tignanello Satchel Story Tote Clay - Leather Handbags
currently marked down from $149.00 to $107.99. I bought my first Tignanello handbag this fall and absolutely LOVE it! This bag gets good reviews on the eBag website. Click on the name or picture for details.

Tignanello Satchel Story Tote Clay - Leather Handbags



And if you love Tignanello bags, but don't need a large tote right now, check out this lovely
Tignanello Perfect 10 French Tote Glam Red - Leather Handbags
on sale for $53.99. It's called a tote, but isn't quite large enough (measures 10" X 8" X 6") for my needs. Click on the name or picture for details and to see the other colors.

Tignanello Perfect 10 French Tote Glam Red - Leather Handbags

No Skinny Snowmen Here!



In a city where people go to all sorts of crazy lengths to stay reed thin, it's nice to find a snowman in Manhattan after "Blizzard 2010" who obviously didn't hold back on frosty cookies and other treats during the holiday season. My husband took this photo with his cell phone last night. It made me laugh, so I wanted to share it with you. It's an awful small pic; I hope you can see it alright.

For my small band of followers, who I appreciate tremendously, I just wanted to explain the change in my blog format. I was tired of the old format cutting off the toes when I posted photos of shoes, so I found a template with toe room. In my most recent "Pumps Sale" post, you can now see the whole shoe! I've also been doing this blog for over a year and it was time for a little redesigning.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Pumps Sale

Easy Spirit Quent Comfortable Dress Shoes  (Maroon)

These days, sales are a year-round event. Traditionally, though, the after-Christmas sales have been some of the most spectacular. From what I've seen so far, the post-Christmas 2010 sales won't disappoint women over 50. The Easy Spirit Quent Comfortable Dress Shoes (Maroon) at the top of this post are on sale for $49.99. Click on the photos or promo To take advantage of the shoe maker's special dress shoe sale and see more styles, click on any of the photos or the Easy Spirit promo link in the left-hand column.

Meanwhile...the blog YouLookFab recently posted a list of 24 Fab Pumps on Sale at Zappos. If you can still wear towering heels (I never could), this post has some traffic-stopping styles. Since I never could put one foot in front of the other in towering heels, I instantly gravitated to the Elie Tahari (#1) and the Nina Paladin (#7), which have more modest heels, but are still very feminine.

Below are more shoes styles on sale at Easy Spirit. The shoe maker has always scored high marks for comfort, but not so high for traffic-stopping style. However, there is plenty to be said for comfortable, dependable shoes with more classic styling. During any given season, I like to have a few pairs of shoes I can count on for comfort and a few pairs that are eye-catching unique. My feet don't rebel after a day in my more fancier footwear as long as I wear a pair of feet-on-the-ground comfortable shoes the day after.

Easy Spirit Maribel Comfortable Dress Women'S Sandals (Black)

Easy Spirit Maribel Comfortable Dress Women'S Sandals (Black)
for $29.99


Easy Spirit Valentina Comfortable Dress Shoes (Purple)

Easy Spirit Valentina Comfortable Dress Shoes (Purple)
for $39.99


Easy Spirit Adeona Comfortable dress shoes (Black)

Easy Spirit Adeona Comfortable dress shoes (Black)
for $39.99


Easy Spirit Riskit Comfortable Dress Shoes For Women (Grey)

Easy Spirit Riskit Comfortable Dress Shoes For Women (Grey)
for $29.99

Easy Spirit Quay Comfortable Dress Women'S Shoes (Purple)

Easy Spirit Quay Comfortable Dress Women'S Shoes (Purple)
for $39.99


Easy Spirit Quela Comfortable Dress Shoes (Black)

Easy Spirit Quela Comfortable Dress Shoes (Black)
for $39.99

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Holiday Video

Did you see the You Tube video entitled, "The Digital Story of the Nativity"? If the Nativity Story occurred in the age of social networking, this is what it might have looked like. I just realized I sent the link to all my friends and family, but didn't share it here. True, it doesn't have anything to do with flattering women over 50. And I should have posted it before Christmas. But I do love to give people something to smile about. Hopefully, this clever video will make you smile, if not laugh out loud. Enjoy!

Favorite Blogs For Older Women

Editor's note: This post was updated in November 2013. In the past two years or so, the number blogs for "women of a certain age" has exploded. I've edited this post to include my current favorites.

Is blogging the new sewing? I've been blogging for a little over a year now and it never ceases to amaze me how many other people are blogging. Has anyone seen statistics on where blogging ranks in terms of popular personal pastimes or hobbies? I'd love to know.

In the past year, I've stumbled upon lots of really cool blogs for older women. For this post, I'd like to share some of my favorites...

FAVORITE BLOGS
Chic at Any Age
Josephine reports about style and beauty from London and St. Tropez—lucky gal!


Fashion for Nerds
I’m always looking for new ways to style my old clothes. Fashion for Nerds has inspired this process with some great new looks.


Fifty, Not Frumpy
Susan is another attractive, former model over 50. She has worked in the fashion industry for many years and has a down-to-earth style that should appeal to lots of women over 50.


Gracefully Fifty
Take a look at Jeannie. I’ve been following her blog for a while now and I still can’t believe she’s 50. She looks great! I love LOVE her style and upbeat point of view!! Note: Jeannie is taking a break from blogging right now. But if you're  not familiar with her blog and excellent style sense, it's worth checking out her blog's archive. I hope she comes back to blogging soon!


Lady of Style
Annette is a fashion blogger from Bavaria. She brings a European sensibility to her style that is colorful and very feminine. And it's great fun to read about her life in Bavaria.


Not Dead Yet
I think it's obvious from the blog's name--"Not Dead Yet"--that blogger Patti has a great sense of humor. Patti writes thoughtful, helpful posts about life at our age. She's also the creator of "Visible Monday," a fun weekly activity that allows other bloggers to post photos of themselves making a fashion statement.


Over 50 Feeling 40
This is an upbeat blog about life after 50 with lots of useful fashion and beauty tips. Blogger Pam has incredible energy and it comes through in every post.


Privilege
Lisa writes mostly about fashion, sharing her great style. But she also tackles family, home, culture and life after 50 with grace and humor.


Silver Girl
Brett has a fun style and some spot-on observations about life at our age.


Spashionista
Talk about inspiration! This blog is written by a woman over 50 with cerebral palsy. Her goal is to help all women--with or without disabilities--to feel better about themselves.


That’s Not My Age
This blog covers topics like “Fashion for Grown Ups” and “Beauty at Any Age.” The blog’s author, an over 40 former fashion editor, writes, “I strongly believe that you don’t have to have youth to have style.” The fashions here are elegant and sophisticated.


The Citizen Rosebud
Want to break out of your style comfort zone? If so, I highly recommend spending time with Bella's blog. Bella's style is part sweet, part edgy, but 100% her own. She's definitely inspired me to put together pieces I never ever would have thought of on my own.


The Style Confession
Heather doesn’t give her age, but if she’s over 50, she’s discovered the fountain of youth. (I'm guessing closer to 40.) Still, I find her blog and fashion sense very inspiring. Her husband is her photographer and takes really great photographs.


The Style Crone
Judith is a beautiful over 60 woman--nothing like the crone of fairy tales! She has a unique fashion sense that is a pleasure to follow.


Une femme d' un certain age
This is one of my favorite blogs. I love the topics and the many personal photographs. And the French connection is fun, appealing and even a little intriguing.



Monday, December 27, 2010

She’s so very… Focused on the Big Picture

I’m a member of the Elizabeth Warren fan club. It started with her first appearance on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart almost two years ago and was recently fueled by an article about her in the January 2011 issue of Vogue. Warren, who serves as Assistant to the President and Special Advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, is a 61-year-old woman I can really admire. She’s super intelligent and passionate, but has a down-to-earth sense of purpose and sense of humor. When she talks big finance, I understand what she’s saying. How could I not love someone who is determined to change the crooked ways of the credit card industry?

During Ms. Warren’s most recent guest appearance on the Daily Show in January 2010, she spoke passionately about the need for government reform. Stewart responded, “When you say it like that, when you look at me like that—and I know your husband is backstage—but I still want to make out with you.” I’d love to change her hairdo, but her energy and enthusiasm for what she believes is incredibly appealing. In fact, I think the E & E (energy and enthusiasm) factor makes her appear 10 years younger than her 61 years.

To read the Vogue article about Warren, click on the Vogue website. Or watch the video clip of her interview with Stewart at the Daily Show website.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Style Over 50: Five Things to Avoid

Going out? Scroll down for 'looks to avoid' plus a few solutions

I’ve been going into Manhattan two or three times a week since Thanksgiving for shopping, meeting friends, and seeing a couple of plays. At this time of year, the holiday spirit seems to consume New Yorkers, and they—for one month only—tend to be incredibly thoughtful and sensitive toward their fellow man. (During the other 11 months, New Yorkers will bend over backwards for you if you need help—but only if you can get their attention. Otherwise, New Yorkers are oblivious to all human beings, except beautiful blond or buxom women.)

In the past month, I’ve had New Yorkers hold doors for me, offer me their seats on the subway, and allowed me to go ahead of them on lines. Amazing! (FYI—I’m not a beautiful blond or buxom woman.) In a few cases, however, I’ve felt the courtesy was extended to me by a twenty-something New Yorker who felt he or she should be especially kind to an old lady. At those times, I’ve wanted to laugh out loud. Although I don’t feel any different than I did when I was twenty-something, I clearly look much, much older.

Am I defeated because twenty-somethings think I'm old? No way. My style goal isn’t to look like someone else, especially someone much, much younger. My style goal is to achieve the best possible version of me. I want to choose a hairstyle, cosmetics, clothing and accessories that flatter me--an over 50 woman.

The over 50 woman who wears a flattering outfit, has an upbeat, ready-to-laugh attitude and takes a genuine interest in the other guests will always be a belle at any holiday party. Not such a tall order, yes? Just be sure to avoid the following over 50 style faux pas...

#1: Cleavage
“Put those puppies away!” a male friend recently whispered in my ear as we watched from a distance an older woman with a very low-cut dress cross a restaurant’s dining room. I get that over 50 women are still sexual creatures and don’t want to dress like old asexual frumps. But we don’t want to look like elderly hookers either. Alternatives: Tops and dresses that show skin, but not cleavage, like...
Jones New York 3/4 Sleeve Embellished Cardigan (Black)

Jones New York 3/4 Sleeve Embellished Cardigan (Black)
for $68.99.



Jones New York Long Sleeve Ruffle Front Trim Cardigan (Red)

Jones New York Long Sleeve Ruffle Front Trim Cardigan (Red)
for $129.



# 2: Big Jewelry
Who started this trend for older woman? I suspect it was a thirty-something fashion magazine editor who thought, “No one wants to look at older women. If I tell older women to wear big jewelry, then people can focus on the jewelry instead of all those wrinkles.” For me, big jewelry is the equivalent of a Time Square billboard announcing, “I’m an Old Lady! Look at My Old Lady Jewelry!” Alternative: Stylish jewelry—simple chains with small charms or delicate stone or bead designs. If, like me, you thought eBags only sold jewelry boxes and travel jewelry pouches, think again. The site has lots of reasonable priced jewelry, such as (click on photo or product name to go to eBag.com)...
ABS Jewelry Abs Multi Row Black Diamond Necklace Black Diamond - Necklaces

ABS Jewelry Abs Multi Row Black Diamond Necklace Black Diamond - Necklaces
for $157



Privileged Jewelry Gold Locket Necklace Gold - Necklaces

Privileged Jewelry Gold Locket Necklace Gold - Necklaces


MINU Jewels Midnight Moons Chain Bracelet Royal Gold - Bracelets

MINU Jewels Midnight Moons Chain Bracelet Royal Gold - Bracelets
for $62.99.

Bling by Wilkening Pearl and Sterling Silver Madison Necklace White - Necklaces

Bling by Wilkening Pearl and Sterling Silver Madison Necklace White - Necklaces
for $61.19

Fossil Multi-Colored Small Jewel Ball Necklace Silver - Necklaces

Fossil Multi-Colored Small Jewel Ball Necklace Silver - Necklaces
for $32.40



#3: Red Lipstick
I understand the desire to create a fun and festive look for the evening. And it’s true that you should wear a little more makeup at night, when the sun’s harsh glare is gone. But your evening makeup should continue to look natural. Cherry or ruby red lipstick is not natural. Neither are caked on eyeliner, foundation and bronzer. While extreme makeup can look dramatic on a twenty-something woman, it just looks scary and severe on older women. Alternative: Choose a lip color that is just one shade darker than your natural color. And again, let your flattering party outfit and, perhaps, a professional hair ‘blow-out’ express your natural beauty and self-contentment.

Footnote: Looking for a fun activity next time you’re with girlfriends? Check out What Your Lips Say About You. Your lip print left on a hard surface (which doesn’t necessarily match the shape of your actual lips) apparently reveals certain things about you. Next time you’re with girlfriends, bring along squares of sturdy paper and this video slideshow.

#4: Showing Too Much Skin
You might call this “Part B” to the no cleavage advice. Showing cleavage, especially after beach season, is by far the worst offense an over 50 woman can commit. But special consideration should be given to finding the right degree of skin exposure. For instance, by and large, over 50 woman can't pull off spaghetti straps or a strapless garment. Even a top with a wide scoop and three-quarter sleeves can show too much chest skin and wash you out, if, like me, you've got pale skin in December. Alternatives: Find tops and dresses that offer the right skin balance--that is, enough skin to keep you looking feminine without so much skin that you look like an aging street walker. And at this time of year, bold flattering colors really help.

Anne Klein Mixed Media Tiered Pullover (Black)
is perfect for women over 50. Not only is it sleeveless with a round neck (one of my favorite combinations for over 50 women), but it has all those soft ruffle layers. The long necklace makes the torso look longer and slimmer.
Anne Klein Mixed Media Tiered Pullover (Black)



Anne Klein Pullover With Zip Back (Black)
with its boat neck is great for women with broad shoulders. It's available for $50.99.
Anne Klein Pullover With Zip Back (Black)


I debated whether to include this
Jones New York Long Sleeve Seamed Button Front Shirt (White)

for $79 because the model is wearing one of those ridiculous big necklaces with it. But I love this top because it's so feminine with its V-neck, long sleeves and tailoring. Just promise me, if you buy this blouse or something like it, you'll wear a sensible, stylish necklace with it.


Jones New York Long Sleeve Seamed Button Front Shirt (White)


Living in a cold climate sometimes requires something wooly. The wide-necked
Anne Klein Mohair Pullover (Red)
looks feminine despite its wooly long sleeves. It's available for $89.
Anne Klein Mohair Pullover (Red)




#5: Tired Eyes
I know, I know—tired eyes are a fact of life for women over 50. And this time of year--so busy and sleep depriving--can be the worst time for your eyes. Alternatives: It might not be possible to get more sleep, but below are some remedies that might help...
  • Cucumber slices. When I have time in the morning, I use the classic cucumber remedy. I’m not convinced it reduces the puffiness at all, but cucumber slices over the eyelids sure does feel good. The juice from the cucumber supposedly helps to reduce the dark circles, too.
  • Cold Compress. No cucumbers in the house? A cold compress made with a face cloth doused in cold water works.
  • Garnier Anti-Puff Eye Roller. When I’m in a hurry to get to work, I use this anti-puff roller. Like all the remedies, I’m not sure that it does anything other than feel cool and wonderful.
  • Cold spoons. I haven't tried this, but I may. Place two two spoons in the freezer and let them get cold (but not frozen).
  • Milk puffs. Apparently, milk has health properties. Dip cotton puffs in whole milk and place on your eyes for 15 to 20 minutes, several times a day, to relieve eye soreness and puffiness.
  • Tea bags. Brewed tea (you choose the flavor) is another remedy. Place two tea bags in a small pot of boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove and chill. Once cold, place the tea bags over your eyes to reduce itchiness and soreness, dark circles, puffiness, and the bloodshot look.
Do you have other fashion and style things you think women over 50 should avoid? I'd love to hear them.

Happy Holidays!