Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Fall Jackets Jazz Up the Over 50 Wardrobe

Old Navy Women's Cropped Woolblend Peacoats


Fall jackets are demanding more attention than usual. One reason: there is such a wide selection of styles, colors, patterns and textures to choose from. Also, the jacket has gained new status. It’s being viewed as a vital part of a woman's overall fall look, rather than just something she grabs (instead of a sweater) when she's running out the door. During the Fall 2011 runway shows last February, designers featured short jackets over breezy shifts and leggings, or paired with bottoms (skirts and trousers) in contrasting patterns. The message: the right jacket can jazz up any outfit. Take, for instance, the yellow Old Navy Women's Cropped Woolblend Peacoats ($59.94) above. The over 50 woman might pair this well-priced jacket with a graphic skirt or colorful corduroys for a fun fall look. Click on the photo for details. Below are some of my other online favorite jackets for women over 50. And, if you're shopping now, check out all the Labor Day sales listed in the left-hand margin.

THE OFF-CENTER ZIPPER
Generally speaking, I love fashions with asymmetrical designs for over 50 women. They're edgy and fun. Consequently, I'm ecstatic that designers have borrowed from the classic motorcycle jacket to created jackets with off-center zippers. Here are a few examples...



Jones New York Leather Zip Front Jacket with Belt,

Jones New York Leather Zip Front Jacket with Belt,
($389)





Boiled Wool Motorcycle Coat

Boiled Wool Motorcycle Coat
($268)






Anne Klein Corduroy Motorcycle Jacket

Anne Klein Corduroy Motorcycle Jacket
($425)




BLAZERS WITH TEXTURES AND PATTERNS
I'm also excited about all the different textures and patterns for fall 2011. This season is all about mixing and matching separates in new ways. Women are being challenged to create new looks with the garments already in their closets or with their new purchases. For instance, consider the work blazer with jeans and the casual jacket with a sheath.


Jones New York Plaid Blazer,

Jones New York Plaid Blazer,
($239)





Jones New York Button Front Jacket,

Jones New York Button Front Jacket,
($169)


Jones New York Notch Collar Jacket,

Jones New York Notch Collar Jacket,
($249)




COLOR CODED FOR FALL
I love the fact that shopping sites are showing jackets in colors other than dark hues--black, slate, chocolate. It's so refreshing. Take a peek at this green suede coat. What a gorgeous color!


Jones New York Suede Zip Front Jacket,

Jones New York Suede Zip Front Jacket,
($399)



It's hard to talk about fall fashions without including sometime in this season's "hottest" color--blue.


Rag & Bone Grosvenor Jacket

Rag & Bone Grosvenor Jacket
($595)



And, here's another peacoat in a non-traditional color...


Diane von Furstenberg Mid Dietrich Pea Coat

Diane von Furstenberg Mid Dietrich Pea Coat
($495)

Monday, August 29, 2011

Hessnatur: Stylish, Comfortable and Eco-minded

Organic Cotton Tunic

My last post entitled Fashion Trends 2011: Women Behind Bars featured a lovely striped Organic Cotton/Linen Dress from Hessnatur. I got some positive feedback on it, so I thought I'd do a short post about the hessnatur webshop, a clothing site that might not be on everyone's shopping radar. I don't usually focus on one clothing company in my posts, but I really love Hessnatur's commitment to natural fibers and environmentally-conscious production standards. The no-fuss designs are perfect for the over 50 woman looking for something stylish to mix and match with garments and accessories already in her wardrobe. For instance: the Organic Cotton Tunic ($108) above. Below, you'll find a little bit more about why I love Hessnatur as well as my favorite pieces from the company's fall 2011 collection. This month, Hessnatur is saying "thank you" to shoppers with two special offers. Take advantage of an 10% discount coupon. Offer code: NSEP10 from September 7th-18th. Also, Enter: N1U999 and enjoy free shipping and returns on your first order at hessnatur

Silk and Cashmere Cardigan


3 REASONS WHY I LOVE HESSNATUR:
  • 1) Comfortable clothing. The garments are made of 100% natural fibers that feel great on your skin. The designs are stylish, but with room to move. You feel like you're wearing something luxurious, but without the luxury price tag. Case in point: the Silk and Cashmere Cardigan ($98).
  • 2) Eco-friendly. Hessnatur is devoted to organic production and fair working conditions during the growing/processing of the natural fibers used in its clothing. This is one of the largest collections of organic and environmentally-conscious garment makers I've found online.
  • 3) Good value. The clothes are well-made, 100% natural, comfortable, stylish and moderately priced.

The clothing company's fall collection includes garments that embrace the menswear trend, yet remain comfortable and feminine. Take a peak at the simple Pure Wool Jersey Sheath ($148) below. The trendy herringbone pattern can be worn with a turtleneck or man-tailored shirt and high boots for a casual, fun look. Or try wearing it alone with a choker and pumps for a dressier, more sophisticated look. Or maybe a scarf and thin belt--you've got options with such a versatile garment.

Pure Wool Jersey Sheath



Classic tweed and corduroy trousers are back in vogue this season. Here are two possibilities...

Pure Wool Tweed trousers

Pure Wool Tweed trousers
($148)




Organic Cotton Corduroy Jeans

Organic Cotton Corduroy Jeans
($108)



Or, if you're a skirt lover like me...

Virgin Wool Tweed Skirt

Virgin Wool Tweed Skirt
($118)



Organic Cotton Corduroy Skirt

Organic Cotton Corduroy Skirt
($98)