Thursday, January 31, 2013

Still Learning: What to Wear with Red...That's Not Black?



What’s black and white and red—a lot? Answer: Me! Red—and all the many shades of red—has been my favorite color since college. For women who can wear red, it's a great color to brighten up your over 50 complexion. That's why I love the color more than ever. But here's the thing: I don't think I've ever worn red with anything other than black--black slacks, black skirts, black sweaters. Crazy, huh? With my 2013 style resolution (Style Over 50: New Day, New Outfit) to start mixing up the things I wear, I won't be able to rely on black and white and red anymore. I'll have to branch out. So...I’ve been “shopping my closet,” looking for colors other than black to wear with red. To see what I’ve found, click “Read More” below. And let me know what colors you like to wear with red. Thanks!

Monday, January 28, 2013

Style Over 50: New Day, New Outfit

I admit to falling under the spell of resolutions at the start of a new year. I like the idea of setting a goal or two, encouraging myself to try something new. The idea of resolving to change things a bit supports what’s become one of my favorite over 50 notions. The notion: If you want to slow down time, you’ve got to make each day a little different from the day before.

My 2013 resolutions aren’t huge; “baby step” changes work best for me. This year, I want to start playing the piano again. I also want to be friendlier; being cynical over 50 is such a bore. And, lastly, I want to style each day’s outfit in a new way, avoiding repeat outfits for as long as possible. Gulp. To read more about my 2013 Style Resolution, click "Read More" below...

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Still Learning: Primers for Over 50 Faces

Last weekend, while cleaning out my makeup bin, I came across Tarte primer. It was part of a makeup “starter” kit I’d purchased several years ago. After turning 50, I decided it was time to get serious about makeup. (Before 50, my makeup regimen consisted of the very occasionally applied lipstick, blush and mascara.) The Tarte primer was the only product left from the starter kit. It was the only product in the kit that seemed more trouble than it was worth. Recently, I read an article about the many wonderful things primer has to offer the over 50 face. Is that true? I decided it was time to learn more. Am I the last over 50 woman on the planet who doesn't know about primer? (I wouldn’t be surprised!) If not, click “Read More” below for the scoop on primer and which ones are recommended for over 50 women. And if you're already a primer user, let me know which product works best for you.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Favorites over 50: 10 Ways to Create a Slimmer Look

Have you noticed the barrage of advertisements for weight control and exercise programs in January? I get the whole new year resolution thing (or perhaps, it’s a get ready for the beach thing?), but it’s not like women don’t know where to sign up—if that’s what they want.

Or maybe I’m just sensitive to these ad campaigns because I’ve got a few Christmas cookies and eggnog pounds to lose. It happens every year.  In January and sometimes February, I have to diet to shed the pesky holiday pounds. (Why is it that holiday or vacation pounds take two seconds to put on, but at least two months to take off?) During this time, I watch what I eat and what I wear. I focus on the little things I know help to create a "slimmer look." I figure every little bit helps, right? Click “read more” below to see my 10 favorite ways to create a slimmer effect.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Flattering50 Giveaway: Where Do You Like to Shop?



Recently, I shared a few of my favorite places to shop in New York City in a post entitled Favorites Over 50: Shopping in New York City. Now I'd like to know where you like to shop for clothing and accessories. What's your favorite city to shop in? Perhaps, you're like me and live near a favorite city for shopping. Or maybe you visit your favorite shopping destination when you're traveling for business or pleasure. Now that we're over 50, many of us have a little more time and money for traveling (and shopping). So...for the current Flattering50 Giveaway, I'd like to know:

What's Your Favorite City for Shopping and...Where do You Shop?

To learn more about this giveaway and leave your comment, click "Read More" below... 

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Still Learning: Tips for Cleaning Suede Boots



I'm enjoying the extra time I've got now that my two boys are out of college and living in Brooklyn. (Although...there's not as much free time as I thought there would be. Why is that?) Still, I do have a little more time for exploring new things and finding solutions to old problems.


This week, when I pulled out my little suede booties, I noticed they were looking tired and dusty.  Gulp. I admit it: Treating or cleaning suede terrifies me. My policy with suede has always been to avoid inclement weather and hope for the best. This week, however, I found a little extra time and decided to research suede care on the Internet and interview my favorite cobbler. Click "Read More" for tips I compiled on how to clean suede boots.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Favorites Over 50: Shopping in New York City



Last Thursday was unseasonably warm--in the mid-40s--for New York City. Not exactly flip-flip weather (although I saw a young woman flip-flopping down Broadway), but a great day for walking and people watching. A friend and I spent the day catching up on each other's news over lunch and wandering the city streets. We poked our heads into shops with impressive winter sales as well as dropped by a few of our favorite shopping haunts. I thought about writing a post on my favorite city shopping destinations, but quickly realized how difficult it would be to come up with a short list. So...I've put together a list that gives a "taste" of what I love about shopping in Manhattan. Click "Read More" below to continue.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Style Over 50: Look Back at Favorite 2012 Trends




During the last days of December, a lot of bloggers were looking back, reflecting on the events and trends of 2012. It looked like fun, but I was still consumed by the holidays and the related hubbub. Now that life has calmed down a little, I thought I'd look back at my favorite 2012 fashion trends.

As a woman over 50, I don't feel desperate to replicate what's in vogue at the moment. I'm so past being a slave to fashion--like by 40 years! Instead, I wear what I like--what flatters my body shape and makes me feel good. That said, I do like to incorporate bits and pieces from the current trends. The trends help breathe new life into my over 50 look. I get tired of wearing the same clothing styled the same way. Naturally, I pick and choose what trends to follow. Last spring's bare middriff look wasn't under consideration, for example. Instead, my over 50  style is more about giving a subtle nod to the trends.

Take, for instance, the 2012 emphasis on bright colors--red, orange, yellow, purple. Last spring, I counted three trench coats, each a slightly different shade of beige, in my coat closet. In April I just couldn't face them and bought a bright colored trench (above). It gave me a whole new attitude about those April showers. Click "Read More" below to see my other favorite 2012 trends and leave me a comment with yours. Thanks.