Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Dressy Tops for the Holiday

Anne Klein Beaded Crew Neck Top, Ships 11/11 (Black)

Dressy tops and bottoms are a great way to stretch your party wardrobe for the month-long holiday season. When buying a holiday party top, I look for pretty blouses or sweaters that aren't super trendy. My thinking: Dressy tops tend to be more expensive and are worn much less than, say, work shirts, so I want something that will look stylish for more than one holiday season. A classic top in a luxury fabric like silk or a buttery weave like cashmere not only feels fantastic, but will make the over 50 woman look like a million. Oh, and don't forget sequin tops, like the Anne Klein Beaded Crew Neck Top, Ships 11/11 (Black) ($495) above; they're a perennial favorite at this time of year. Here's a sample of holiday tops, with price tags as low as $37, for the over 50 party girl.

BLACK MAGIC
Black is always an elegant choice for evening gatherings. For years, my husband and I have joined a group of friends for dinner and a concert in New York City on New Year's Eve. Everywhere you look on NYC, women of all ages are dressed in black. It's been that way for as long as I can remember. While the shimmier black tops below are perfect for the end-of-year celebration, you don't have to wait till Dec. 31st to wear them. The festive sequins make these tops perfect for all your dressy holiday parties. That said, be careful when buying glittery top. Certain styles are very matronly-looking. And you don't want that!


Anne Klein Sleeveless Cross Drape Blouse, Ships 11/11 (Blue)

Anne Klein Sleeveless Cross Drape Blouse, Ships 11/11 (Blue)
($275)




Jones New York Embellished Tunic,

Jones New York Embellished Tunic,
($109)



Jones New York Sleeveless Sequin Top,

Jones New York Sleeveless Sequin Top,
($119)



Not the glittery or embellished top type? That's okay. A simple black shell with a pretty weave will look lovely with pretty jewelry and a dressy skirt or slacks.


Jones New York Sleeveless Shell,

Jones New York Sleeveless Shell,
($79)


BRIGHT NIGHTS
My best friend has pledge to wear color, lots of color, now that she's over 50. If you're also color crazed these days, you might like this Anne Klein Tiered Sleeveless Blouse (Poppy) ($89). Tiered tops, which were mega-popular a year ago, are playful and are wonderful for hiding little lumps and bumps.

Anne Klein Tiered Sleeveless Blouse (Poppy)




Is there anything more versatile than a silk blouse? I wonder. A silk blouse is a day-to-night favorite of mine.

Silk-Shirt

Silk-Shirt
(was $124, now $86)



A cotton or jersey top with a stylish neckline, like this Jersey-Knot-Detail-Top (was $54, now $37), is a great choice when the holiday invitation says "casual dress."

Jersey-Knot-Detail-Top



SOMETHING SILVER
A dressy top in silver or a grey, one of the hip hues this season, offers a striking alternative to black or a bold color. If grey is a flattering color for your complexion, take a peek at these pretty tops. A billowy top like this first one should be paired with a structured skirt or pair of slacks for a flattering result.


Woven-Silk-T-Shirt

Woven-Silk-T-Shirt
(was $98, now $49)



Or how about a simple, feminine top like this draped one?

Jersey-Cowl-Neck-Top

Jersey-Cowl-Neck-Top
(was $54, now $37)

Want to see more dressy tops? Visit Holiday Party Tops Over 50

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Cyber Monday Sales

Are you still shopping? As you know, tomorrow is Cyber Monday, a day of huge online sales. It's a day when you can shop from home or at your office desk at lunchtime without fear of some craze shopper aiming pepper spray at you. Did that really happen? At dinner last time, my eldest son shared the pepper spray story and other insane Black Friday tales he'd read online. Hard to believe. Anyway. Here are some Cyber Monday sales to check out. Please note: Many of these sales don't begin until Nov. 28th at 12:01 AM, EST.

ANNE KLEIN
One day only -- 40% off Everything + Free Shipping

BEALL'S DEPARTMENT STORE
Now thru 11/29, Get Free Shipping on $25 plus an Extra 25% off orders $50 or more with code...

EASY SPIRIT -- Nov. 28th only
Save Up to 60% + Free Shipping On All Orders

JONES NEW YORK
Save 75% on Suiting and Coats plus Free Shipping on Everything through 11/29!

MAX STUDIO
Nov. 28th Sale...Get $50 off $200 + Free Shipping with code...

NINE WEST
60% off Party Shoes + Free Shipping through Nov. 28

OLD NAVY
Save 30% off on Old Navy, Banana Republic, Gap and Athleta with code... Sale ends 11/28


ShiekhShoes.com
Take 20% off purchases $100 or more on 11/28. Use code...


STEVE MADDEN
Through 11/28, save 30% when you use code...

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Cyber Weekend: Are You Ready for Shopping?

I was in Kohl’s at lunchtime yesterday because I had a $10 coupon that was going to expire today and I wanted to buy more textured stockings (see post entitled Happy Hosiery: Great Quality, Great Price). The store was virtually empty. I guess everyone is holding back, waiting for the big savings this Friday. What are your plans for Black Friday? Will you be lined up in front of the stores that are opening at midnight on Thanksgiving? Or will you let your turkey digest a little longer, and head out for the 4 AM store openings? Or will you forgo the in-person frenzy and stay at home, perhaps, in your jammies, taking advantage of the online sales? Frankly, this last shopping option sounds pretty good to me. If you’re a stay-at-home shopper like me, you don't have to wait for Cyber Monday. There are big savings all weekend. Some sales have already started! Below is a sample of what you'll find. Be sure to notice the valid dates for the sales. And then, check back on Sunday, when I'll post the Cyber Monday sales--if you're still in a shopping mood.

ANNE KLEIN
Now Thru Nov. 27th
30% off everything in the Gift Shop + Free Shipping Through Nov. 27th.


EASY SPIRIT
This Weekend Only (11/26-11/27)...
Deals This Weekend Only + Free Shipping.

HESSNATUR

Valid November 25th to the 28th...
Hessnatur, maker of lovely all-natural garments, is offering, if you will, the trifecta of holiday sales: 25% off, FREE shipping and FREE return. To take advantage of this great shopping event, simply use the coupon code at check out.


JONES NEW YORK
Valid Nov. 24th thru Nov. 27th
JNY sale--up to 80% off at checkout.


NINE WEST
Now Thru Dec. 30th...
Up to 50% off on Selected Styles. Click on Promo box in left margin.

Thanksgiving Deal: Valid 11/24 Thru 11/28, 11:59 PM EST
Up to 60% off on booties + Free Shipping

ShopBop

Discounts begin 11/23 and ends 11/28, 11:59 PM EST...
Take Up to $500 on Your Order during Our Biggest Sale Ever! Use code...

Plus the ongoing offer of...
Free 3-Day U.S. Ground Shipping and Free Returns at Shopbop



STEVE MADDEN

Black Friday Thru Cyber Monday (11/28)...
30% off everything at Steve Madden. Use code...

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Gifts for Over 50 Girlfriends Who Wanna Have Fun

Jones New York Rhinestone Bangle (Grey)

Every holiday season, I exchange gifts with a small group of over 50 best girlfriends. When it comes to holiday shopping, I have no trouble finding a million things I could use, but often struggle with finding unique and fun gifts for girlfriends. (I have some very clever girlfriends and, hence, feel pressured to come up with special gifts.) Plus, I have two sisters over 50 I have to shop for. To avoid panicking this year, I started searching the web at the start of November. For example, I found the Jones New York Rhinestone Bangle (Grey) ($38) above online. I love when women accessorize with a stack of colorful bangles. This bangle bracelet comes in 4 different color schemes. Below are some of the things that caught my eye with price tags under $75, under $50 and under $25. I may have to pass some of these gift ideas onto my husband and sons, who are always at a loss for what to get me!

Under $75
For girlfriends who like animal prints, a thin belt like this Mock-Ostrich-Leather-Belt (was $68, now $54.40) from Pure Collection is a great choice.

Mock-Ostrich-Leather-Belt




Or how about a Faux-Fur-Snood (was $84, now $67.20)? All my girlfriends over 50 wanna have fun, but none of them like to go out when it's cold. I suspect they would all feel a lot better about winter night out with something so soft and luxurious to wrapped around their necks.

Faux-Fur-Snood



Under $50

Since animal prints are so popular, I'm including a Jones New York Leopard Print Scarf, Jones New York Snake Print Scarf or Jones New York Giraffe Print Scarf, all available in three different shades for $49 each. For more gift ideas, Shop the Jones New York Holiday Gift Guide and Get Great Gifts Under $50! Shop Now.


Jones New York Leopard Print Scarf



Jones New York Snake Print Scarf


Jones New York Giraffe Print Scarf


A fun bag like this Easy Spirit All Over Rosette Bag Womens Handbags (Black) (was $49, now $34.95) might be perfect for girlfriend who's planning to celebrate on New Year's Eve, don't you think? Or check out Easy Spirit's Easy Spirit Makes Holiday Shopping Easy with the Gift Guide. Find that Perfect Gift for Yourself and Everyone on Your List. Shop Now!

Easy Spirit All Over Rosette Bag Womens Handbags (Black)


I have a sister who wears socks to bed all winter--even during menopause! I'm thinking she might love these Cashmere-Socks (was $48, now $38.40). I like the idea of adding a little luxury to her slumber time. She's an oncology nurse and certainly deserves it!


Cashmere-Socks



Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Key Pouch

Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Key Pouch
($42)



LeSportsac Charleston Kevyn Cosmetic Case

LeSportsac Charleston Kevyn Cosmetic Case
($25)



Under $25
You don't have to spend a fortune to come up with fun gifts for girlfriends. Many sites have a lot of very inexpensive jewelry. For example, take a peek at this glittery ring like the Nine West Stretch Stone Ring, Ships 11/29 Ring (Red) ($20). The ring is also available in several different color schemes. Click on the photo or got to Check Out the Nine West Holiday Gift Shop & Add Glitter to Your Wish List for the Holidays or Find that Perfect Gift! Shop Now to view the others.

Nine West Stretch Stone Ring, Ships 11/29 Ring (Red)


Jonathan Adler Elephant Keychain

Jonathan Adler Elephant Keychain
($18)



Or for the girlfriend who already has a wardrobe to die for, how about a book or music? This holiday season, two books have caught my eye. As I mentioned in a recent post entitled Diane Keaton: She's Still Got It, I'm a huge Diane Keaton fan. If one of your girlfriend is a fan, too, you might want to consider giving her a copy of Keaton's new memoir, Then Again ($14.30, hardcover). Keaton uses her mother's journals as a springboard for reflecting on her life and her mother's. Check out a recent post about the book on the blog Over50Feeling40.

Another book that I've already picked out for a friend is 100 Unforgettable Dresses by Hal Rubenstein ($23.10, hard cover). As Bridget Foley reports in Women's Wear Daily, "Mostly this is a storybook of tales with frocks as the central characters." Rubstein agrees. "There were other beautiful and unforgettable dresses, but these had the best stories," he says. This book is for your friends who love fashion, pop culture, Hollywood icons and a writer with a sense of humor.

As for music, I'm loving The Goat Rodeo Sessions by Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyers, and Chris Thile ($11.88). As Yo-Yo recently told Steven Colbert, the CD transcends a defining music genre. Yes, there are many classical moments, but there is also jazz, blue grass, blues and mountain elements. In short, it's American Music. Here's a clip of Here and Heaven. If this song doesn't get you high on life, I don't know what will. I'm just mad about the string instruments--so fluid, liquid, mesmerizing. (Listen with a good pair of external speakers, if possible.)