Sunday, June 30, 2013

A Riot of Summer Stripes On Sale

Jones New York Stripe Split Neck Pullover (Blue, Size XL)


Lately, whenever I’m running around Manhattan, I can’t get that old favorite “Cell Block No. 9” out of  my head. Why? Because every other woman is wearing something with big, bold stripes (usually black and white)--just like the classic prison uniform! There's definitely a "riot" of stripe fashions going on this summer.

The thing that has impressed me most about this season's stripes trend is the variety of styles. At the start of spring, I counted four stripe tops--two 3/4 sleeve boatneck tops and two short sleeve Ts--in my wardrobe. I thought: "Oh yeah, I've got this stripes trend covered." But now that I've seen all the different stripe possibilities on the street, my tops are looking a little ho-hum.

Are you seeing stripes where you live? I've gathered a sample of stripe fashions to show you what I mean. Many of garments are seriously marked down for summer sales, like the Jones New York Stripe Split Neck Pullover (Blue, Size XL) (was $79, now $59, plus an additional 50% off at checkout) at the top of this post.

But first...Just a quick reminder... Today is the deadline for entering the latest Flattering50 Giveaway. Enter for a chance to win a lovely pair of clip-on Shaune Bazner earrings of your choice.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

ARMS OVER 50: 3/4 SLEEVE SOLUTIONS



My arms definitely took an "aging hit" over winter and I am no longer looking at sleeveless fashions as my go-to summer uniform. Recently, I posted New Day/New Outfit: Take Cover In Loose Knit Top wearing a garment from my closet. Yesterday, I was in town and snapped a photo (above) of a very cool 3/4 sleeve top. With the mega end-of-season sales starting, I decided to poke around online for other 3/4 sleeve sweaters that might look great over the sleeveless tops and dresses in my wardrobe. It would be nice to find a bargain, perhaps, two.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

New Day/New Outfit: Taking Cover in a Loose-Knit Top



Happy Summer Solstice!! Did you enjoy the long day yesterday? I'm lovin' the extra daylight!

After a really cold, wet spring, I can finally report I’ve shed my winter woolies. Ahh! The warm weather, though, isn’t without style challenges. For the first time since turning 50, I don't feel like wearing sleeveless all the time. I never had great arms, but they are finally starting to show signs of my advancing years. Trouble is, I don't want to swelter in heavy long sleeves. Hmmm. What to do?

Monday, June 17, 2013

Here Comes the Over 50 Bride, All Dressed In…





Several days ago, I posted a reply to a Flattering50 reader’s question about wearing separates, particularly trousers, to her September wedding (see Brides Over 50: Stylish Separates and Acessories). Since then, a Flattering50 reader left a comment on another post, Here Comes the Wedding Guest, All Dressed in..., asking about bridal dresses for her 80-year-old mom, a soon-to-be bride. If you missed her comment, here’s what she wrote:

“I am trying to help my beautiful 80-year old mom find a WEDDING DRESS! After being single for 40 years, she has met the man of her dreams! She used to be a slim lady, but age has finally caught up with her waistline, much to her chagrin. We went shopping (in the DC area) all day today, to 4 different malls or shopping centers and found NOTHING. The long dresses all made her look too short (she's only 5'3") and truth be told, a little stumpy. She likes simple lines, and wants something pretty. She has nice legs; I'm trying to talk her into a knee or slightly below-the-knee dress. She seems to like the lace dresses that are in style now.... but can't find one that fits. Any suggestions, wise ladies?”

First off…Finding true the man of her dreams after 40 years—how wonderful is that?!? It certainly made my day. As for struggling to find the right dress…I'm really sorry to hear that. How frustrating! And yet…as I was doing a little online research for my wedding separates post, I came across a wide variety of dresses—long, short and lace--that I thought might be perfect for a bride over 50. I've assembled a sample of the dress styles I found for this post.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

New Day/New Outfit: Fair-Weather Fashion



I can't remember a spring in the Northeast when the flowering trees were more spectacular than this spring. Every week, a new variety of flowering tree is bursting with rich, fragrant blooms. On Sunday, my husband and I strolled down to the waterfront for brunch. The weather was glorious and I had a strong urge to wear something, well, spring-y. In my mind, a straw hat is quintessential fair-weather fashion. So...I got up on a step-ladder and grabbed my straw hat from the closet's top shelf, where it had been hibernating since September.

On our way home, my husband and I stopped at a park to admire the flora. That's me standing under a dogwood tree above and below seated by a flower bed.





While I was set on wearing my straw hat to brunch, there was one question: How would I style it? If truth be known: I've own the hat for several years, but have never worn it anywhere other than the beach. How could I make it fashionable for brunch?

In view of my love of stylish mismatch for women over 50, I wasn't about to pair my country-looking straw hat with anything remotely rural- or peasant-like. No, no, I had to find something to wear that would look more, well, cosmopolitan. So...I chose a black lace blouse, a black camisole, a white pencil skirt and black sandals. It seemed to satisfy my need for stylish mismatch as well as my current infatuation with black and white. Did I succeed?

I'd love to know...

How do you style a straw hat?

Monday, June 10, 2013

Brides Over 50: Stylish Separates and Accessories

New York Wedding

I have to laugh sometimes at the way my over 50 girlfriends and I fret whenever we have to put together an outfit for a special occasion. I can only imagine the fretting that would take place if the special occasion was, gulp, my wedding. I’m not talking about being the mother of the bride; I’m talking about being it--the bride! Recently, a Flattering50 reader wrote:

“My partner and I have been together for 30 years and will get married in NYC in early September. We want something beautiful, preferably elegant trousers versus dresses, but accessorized gorgeously. Our colors are dark orange and cream--not sure of the third color. Any thoughts or recommendations for us?”

First off, a huge congratulations! And secondly, I feel extremely honored that someone would ask me to share my thoughts on wedding attire. I’m happy to oblige, of course, if only to give my dear reader a little “food for thought.” Unfortunately, I have no photos of mature brides to share. I'm stuck showing young models wearing styles I believe would look smashing on a bride over 50.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

June Giveaway: Stylish, Comfortable Earrings




Editor's Note: This Giveaway has ended. A new giveaway will be launching shortly.

“Earrings are like orgasms—you can never have too many.” Can you guess who said that? That naughty, but oh-so-witty Nora Ephron—of course. And as usual, I completely agree! I couldn’t begin to estimate how many pairs of earrings I’ve collected over the past 30 years. Still, I love them—one and all. Earrings tend to be a little accessory, but, personally, they speak volumes about my mood of the moment. Each day, I choose a pair that reflects the way I’m feeling—whimsical, demure, retro, urbane, Earthy, cosmopolitan, to name a few.  I’ve got a pair (or three!) for all my moods.

So...when the folks representing jewelry artist Shaune Bazner asked if I’d like to choose a pair of clip-on earrings to review for Flattering50, my answer was simple: “Yes, please!” And then, when they asked if I'd I like to offer a Flattering50 reader a pair of clip-on earrings of her choice, I said, "Of course!"