Style Over 50: Repurposing the Sleeveless LBD

Recently, I was watching an episode of the television show Madame Secretary. In one scene, the stunning Téa Leoni, 48, wore a dark jumper with a white collared shirt and pumps. "What a fabulous look!" I thought. The jumper was classic- and crisp-looking, yet easy and comfortable. Before long, I was wondering: "Would any of my sleeveless dresses work as a jumper?" I immediately thought of one of my little black dresses (above).

Repurposing a sleeveless LBD as a jumper solves two problems for me. First, I'm always looking for something to wear when I have to make a presentation or do training for work. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but after many years of public speaking, I still get nervous and overheated when I have to talk to a large group of people. I want to look and feel professional, but I hate to wear a suit jacket, even a lightweight one. I'm thinking the LBD as a jumper plus heels is a professional, yet comfortable solution.

Secondly, these days, I'm less inclined to wear sleeveless dresses.While I didn't see much change in my arms in my early 50s, in the last year or so, my arms are clearly showing their age. I'm not about to wear long sleeves 24-7 or retire all my favorite sleeveless dresses and tops. Not yet, anyway. However, I am always on the lookout for stylish ways to wear 3/4 and long sleeves. Again, a LBD plus a crisp 3/4 sleeved blouse  is a nice arm-covering solution.

My New Favorite Product: Marc Jacob Highliner

It would take a lot of blog space to describe all the reasons I appreciate my girlfriends. One reason, though, is because they are constantly introducing me to new things, big and small. When one of them introduces me to something related to fashion or style, I often want to turn around and share with Flattering50 readers. Case in point: In October, during dinner with a girlfriend, I mentioned I'd tried countless eyeliners (above is a tiny sample) and found them all unsatisfactory. I knew my girlfriend wore eyeliner and asked if she could recommend one. She said she was pleased with the Marc Jacob Highliner. I've been using the product ever since and am pleased, too. Here's why...

Ronen Chen Jacket: Style and Comfort from Desk to Dinner

What to wear over 50? Five years into writing Flattering50, I've discovered what to wear isn't my biggest fashion challenge. I look best in clothing that flatters my body shape, suits my lifestyle and is well-made. The real challenge is where to find flattering fashions. Designer Ronen Chen seems to understand this challenge and has created a collection of fitted and relaxed fashions that flatters a range of body shapes and lifestyles. Recently, the designer sent me his fitted Miriam Textured Jacket (above) to share with Flattering50 readers.

If you're are just learning about Ronen Chen, now is a great time to visit his site, with up to 40% off on the entire collection.

Holiday Gifts for Women Over 50

Am I the only American who wasn't out shopping this weekend? Probably not, but do wonder sometimes. I'm well aware that I am missing out on huge savings by avoiding the "Black Weekend" sales. On Friday, the New York Times was so thick with store circulars it looked like the Sunday Times. Every year I'm tempted to venture out to the stores, but then visions of crowds and chaos keep me at home, where I wait patiently for Cyber Monday.

I love Cyber Monday. I love shopping and saving on holiday gifts, while enjoying the peace and solitude of my home. Over the weekend, I made up a list of gift ideas for my girlfriends, sisters, and sister-in-laws over 50. This afternoon, I did a little pre-Cyber Monday search of the items to see if they were on sale anywhere. I was pleased to find that many (though not all) of my gift ideas are either priced below $50 or are reduced to under $50 during Cyber Monday sales. For example, these perky red Valloire Dotty Gloves are $48.

For my gift shopping list for the women over 50 in my life,  scroll down. And for links to many of the Cyber Monday sales, visit On Sale.

Still Learnning: My Role in the "Am I Pretty or Ugly?" Trend

Girls are skipping classes on days when they don’t think they look good. Young women are skipping job interviews for the same reason. Girls and young women are posting videos on YouTube entitled "Am I Pretty or Ugly?" and asking strangers to rate their appearance. (If you haven't seen one of these videos, visit YouTube and search "Am I Pretty or Ugly.") Our cultures obsession with appearance and the definition of beauty is preventing our girls and young women from reaching their potential. This is not a new topic and lots of educational programs have been created to help girls and young women learn to value themselves for things other than their physical image. Unfortunately, research shows those efforts aren’t working. And I may be partly to blame.

Fall Work Outfit: Long Sweater and Skirt

November 2014 has been a particularly fickle fall month in terms of temperature. In the course of one week, I've grabbed a wool coat one day, a down jacket another day, and, yes, just a sweater on still other days. I hate to admit it, but the eradicate weather has made me a slave to checking the temperature on my phone before getting dressed each morning. Today, the weather people were predicting a high of 58 degrees, so I reached for a long sweater to wear to work. Long sweaters have become a wardrobe staple for me. I love the way you can dress them up with a skirt for work or dress them down with jeans for the weekend. For today's work outfit, I paired an long, patterned sweater with a white blouse and a black vest, skirt, tight and short boots for work(above). All that black helps to create a slimmer silhouette, but the patterned sweater keeps the look from being too severe. FYI: Tomorrow the weather people are predicting snow for my area.

Still Learning: Toothpaste's Menacing Effect

Warning: Toothpaste may be hazardous to your clothing. That's the lesson I learned recently. Was the garment--my black lace blouse (above)--ruined? Not in my opinion. However, I will be more careful about when and how I brush my teeth in the future.

Probelle Nail Repair: Help for Damaged Nails

Thank you Probelle for letting me try your nail repair products!

I like to wear nail polish. I don't wear it all the time, but I do go through a nail-polishing phase for three or four months every year. The minute I stop polishing my nails, however, I have to deal with the punishing effects of nail polish. The polish seems to zap the moisture out of my nails, leaving them chalky dry and rough. A sad sight, indeed. In the past, I've worked my strongest-acting body cream into the nails to restore the lost moisture. Eventually, the nails return to a healthier state.

Six weeks ago, after nail polishing during the spring and summer months, I stopped polishing. As usual, my nails looked awful, like frosted window panes on a bitter cold winter day. Instead of reaching for the hand cream, however, I tried Touch 'N Glow ($14.00) nail repair formula by Probelle. The 'Touch 'N Glow' formula has been developed to repair and restore damaged nails, especially thin nails prone to cracking, splitting and breaking often. My nails aren't particularly thin and they don't crack or split. However, I was hoping the product would restore my nails' natural color and moisture, and help them grow.

Houndstooth: A Fall Favorite

There are certain prints I can't imagine ever banning from my wardrobe. Houndstooth is one of them. I was a teenager when I wore my first houndstooth print garment--a jumper. Suffice it to say, there have been many, many tops, skirts, scarves and more in the favorite print since then. Houndstooth is simple, classic and easy to style, which makes it a great look for women over 50. Scroll down for a sample of houndstooth print fashions and accessories.

7 Tips For Styling A Monochromatic Look

Cyndee, a Flattering50 reader, recently wrote: “Do you have any tips on monochromatic looks for over 50 gals? I think it looks very elegant and can fit any budget.” Wow—I couldn’t agree more! Since turning 50, I don’t think any other look has influenced my style more than the monochromatic look. I'm mad about monochromatic styling, which basically means creating outfits with pieces from one color group, because it's...

• Flattering—During my 40s, my “uniform” was a bright top with a black skirt or slacks. It took me till my 50s to realize that pairing contrasting colors cut my figure in half at the waist. With the monochromatic look, the color scheme is constant from shoulder to hem. That continuous line of color is slimming and elongating. 
• Sophisticated—I love the monochromatic look because it is simple, subtle, and classic. Yes, it’s a flattering look for women of any age. However, I feel monochromatic styling exudes the quiet confidence of women over 50 who know what they want from life. 
• Affordable—While my over 50 girlfriends and I wear clothing in a mix of colors, there are certain shades that predominate our wardrobes. With some many pieces in the same color or shades of the color, creating monochromatic looks is pretty easy and inexpensive.

As usual, I don’t pretend to be an expert, but I’m happy to share with Cyndee and you what I’ve learned by experimenting with monochromatic styling.

Flattering50 Giveaway: A Covered Perfectly Top

Editor's note: This Giveaway has ended. Thanks to all of you who entered!

Flattering50 readers often tell me that "being comfortable" in their clothes is a priority now that they're 50+. I agree. I'm drawn to soft garments that fit my shape (not too boxy, not too tight), and cover my pesky areas (ie, my upper arms and thickening waistline). However, I don't want to sacrifice style for comfort. That's why I've collaborated several times with Pauline Durban, president and founder of Covered Perfectly. Pauline's tops are made with the over 50 woman's comfort and style in mind. Her collection includes a large assortment of styles, colors and prints. Now Pauline wants to give one lucky Flattering50 reader a Covered Perfectly top, valued up to $59.95, of her choice.

Stylish Tops Cover Perfectly, Feel Wonderful

Last weekend, I packed up my spring/summer wardrobe to make room for my fall/winter clothes. Most likely, we'll get a few days of "Indian Summer" before Thanksgiving, but I think it's safe to say the warm, T-shirt weather is over here in the Northeast. It's time for tops with three-quarter sleeves and cozy sweaters. Coincidentally, Pauline Durban, founder and president of Covered Perfectly, wrote to say she had a couple of three-quarter sleeve tops she thought I might like. She wanted to know if I'd be willing to review them on Flattering50. I'm already a huge fan of Covered Perfectly tops, so the answer was an enthusiastic "yes!" The tops are a flattering choice for women over 50.

Pauline also wants to give a Flattering50 reader a Covered Perfectly top of her choice. So...if you like what you see and read in this post, be sure to stop by and enter for a chance to win a top at Flattering50 Giveaway: A Covered Perfectly Top.

Or...if you need a new top right away, shop the Covered Perfectly collection and enter the code F50 at check for 20% off on a top.

Giveaway Winner Models Her New Necklace

I'd like to introduce Flattering50 readers to Robin. Robin is the winner of the most recent Flattering50 giveaway and is wearing the pretty necklace she chose from the Boyer New York collection. "I'm thrilled with it!" Robin wrote in a recent email. "It goes with everything--a little black dress and a tee shirt."

Robin said she enjoyed working with Lisa Harris, designer and creative spirit at Boyer New York. "I had a hard time choosing a necklace and wrote Lisa several times," she explained. "I finally narrowed it down to five pieces and Lisa answered my questions about those."

In the end, Robin picked the Silver Tube and Jumbo Pearl Necklace, a piece with her birthstone. The necklace features a single large 30mm pearl. "I love it," she wrote. "It's my new favorite necklace. Lisa's collection is beautiful and the craftsmanship is stunning." Robin said she plans to "debut" her new beautiful necklace at an upcoming wedding. "I am excited!" And I'm excited for Robin. Her new necklace looks lovely on her!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The Power of Pink

It's easy to tell when it's October, but not because of the orange, yellow and red autumn leaves. Instead, you know it's no longer September when pink accents on garments and other products start popping up everywhere. Pink is the color associated with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the month-long campaign to raise awareness about and funds for breast cancer research and education. Right now, pink is everywhere--on the web, on the street and even in the air. I just got back from visiting friends in North Carolina and the airline I flew on was offering pink lemonade and pink martinis to raise funds for breast cancer awareness.

Although October has been recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) since 1985, it wasn't until 1993 that the pink ribbon was made the NBCAM's symbol by Evelyn Lauder of Estée Lauder Companies. Since then, cosmetic, fashion, sportswear brands and many, many others have added their support to the cause. Some companies create products with pink accents to raise money and awareness, while others contribute a percentage of sales during the month of October. Look at any of your favorite shopping destinations and there's a good chance you'll find something specially designed or a special offer to raise funds for NBCAM. Take, for instance, the cosmetics set (above) or the pink ribbon pin (below) from Estée Lauder.

Style Over 50: The Statement Jacket

First, there were the statement necklaces with attention-grabbing designs that added pizzazz to any outfit, even a basic T-shirt and jeans. Then, a couple of years ago, statement skirts made with luxurious and/or textured fabrics, such as leather, lace and tulle, hit the fashion scene. With the arrival of slightly cooler weather in New York, I'm seeing more and more women--including women over 50--making a statement with a new garment: the short, lightweight jackets. Like the statement necklaces and skirts, the statement jacket is a great way to energize your look. Scroll down to see how these women are styling their statement jackets as well as some shopping resources.

New York Fashion Week's Shoe Scene

Earlier this month, I stopped by Lincoln Center to check out the scene. It was New York Fashion Week nd photographers, bloggers and other fashion enthusiasts were gathered to snapped photos of fashion industry people as they flowed in and out of the runway shows. I gave Flattering50 readers a "taste" of what I saw in my post about plaza fashion. For this post, I'm zooming in on Fashion Week footwear. While many women wore unremarkable sheaths, shredded jeans or straight skirts, their footwear shouted style and personality. Some wore towering pumps, while others wore edgy booties or metal-adorned flats. Despite the enormous variety of shoe styles, however, one thing seemed clear: fab-looking footwear was what mattered.

Summer-to-Fall Forecast: Silver Grey Sweater Days

I'm glad white has become a color for all season. It's bright, versatile and looks great on lots of women over 50 (think: Carolina Herrera and Elaine Stritch).  And yet, when the weather starts to change, I find I'm in the mood for a change of color scheme. This past week, the temperatures in my area dropped 30 degrees, from 92 F to 62 F. A week ago I was swimming in Little Peconic Bay; this weekend I'm wrapping up in cozy sweaters. My current favorite sweater: a pale grey Banana Republic shawl cardigan (above). I bought it at one of those great summer sales. I'm loving the pale grey color because it's not too summery and too autumnal. I may be wearing less white mid-September, but I'm not ready for traditional fall colors--rust or mustard or burgundy or even charcoal grey. For me, light grey is a  perfect summer-to-fall transitional color. And with all shades of grey trending this fall, there are lots of grey cardigans available (scroll down for shopping resources).

New York Fashion Week's Plaza Fashion

Earlier this week, I took a half-day off from work and ran over to Lincoln Center, the epicenter of this week’s New York Fashion Week. I knew the scene on the plaza outside the presentation hall would be buzzing. I thought it would be fun to check it out and report back to Flattering50 readers. Sure enough, there were lots of people—professional paparazzi and bloggers with iPhones (like me!) as well as an eclectic assortment of young men and women who seemed primarily interested in getting themselves photographed—mulling about.While this post isn't specifically about style for women over 50, I thought Flattering50 readers, who I know are interested in fashion and style, might like a glimpse of this week's plaza fashion.

9 Surprising Things About Bill Cunningham

Photo credit: 92 Street Y

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the “Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis: Bill Cunningham” at the 92 Street Y in New York City. I entered the the auditorium with several expectations. For example, I expected the presentation would be sold out. Check. Secondly, I assumed the audience would be largely women--partly because Bill Cunningham (above left) is a fashion photographer and partly because he has a very appealing personality. Check. Next, I expected the audience would be in either in the fashion business or interested in it, and consequently, stylishly dressed. Check. After all, it's Fashion Week in New York City. In fact, the presences of fashion people--including Norma Kamali and Carolina Herrera--were acknowledged by Ms. Mallis throughout the evening. And finally, I expected Bill to walk on stage with a camera slung around his neck and snapping photos of the audience. Check and check.

What I hadn’t expected was the standing ovation Mr. Cunningham would receive before he’d even opened his mouth. The audience was on its feet the minute he walked on stage. That was the first surprise in an evening of many surprises.

Flattering50 Giveaway: Jewelry from Boyer New York

Editor's Note: This Giveaway has ended. Thanks to all you who participated!

What better way to celebrate fall than with a new piece of jewelry? Lisa Harris, design director and brand enthusiast at Boyer New York, would like to let one Flattering50 reader select one or more unique pieces of costume jewelry (total value up to $150) from her collection. For example, I'm wearing a Turquoise Glass Necklace ($140) from the collection. Scroll down to learn more about Lisa, Boyer New York, and how you can enter for a chance to win costume jewelry of your choice.

Still Learning: Quilt Artist Depicts a Textile Laborer

This post may seem a little far-flung for a blog about style choices for women over 50. However, since launching Flattering50, my interest in fashion and style has grown to include many aspects of the fashion industry, including such things as the environmental impact of clothing manufacturing, fair trade practices, and the working conditions for garment makers. Recently, I visited the Museum of Art and Design in New York City. In an exhibit entitled "Collection," each artwork appears to be made of certain materials, but in reality, is made of very different materials. I found myself drawn to a large artwork, entitled Portrait of a Textile Worker (above and below), by Terese Agnew.

Giveaway: Sunscreen and Skin Repair in One

While the dear old summer may be ending in just a few weeks, the need to protect your skin from potential sun damage is never-ending. Dermatologists recommend we apply a product with SPF to our skin year-round. Recently, I learned of a new product called Regenica® Renew SPF 15 that is formulated to offer SPF protection and skin repair benefits. How great does that sound?!? Through Sunday, August 31st, a bottle of Regenica® Renew SPF 15 ($175 for 1.5oz) is being given to one lucky winner each day. Scroll down to learn how you can enter for a chance to win.

Still Learning: Quotes by and about Lauren Bacall

I know I'm not alone when I say I've always considered Lauren Bacall--that is, her public persona--an inspiration for women of all ages. From her early days in film, she always projected a woman who was strong, kind and honest. Nothing I've read in the past week's media shower about her life and passing has changed that view.

New Day/New Outfit: Long Skirt

Sunday night, my husband and I met friends for dinner at the marina. After Saturday's posting of photos of women over 50 wearing long dresses and skirts on the streets of New York City, I was itching to try a long skirt look (above). Plus, I was inspired by readers who'd commented that they are wearing long skirts this summer. I also found a bunch of long skirts on sale right now.

Summer Dresses and Skirts: Back to 1960s

A few days ago, as I climbed out of the subway in Midtown Manhattan, I was amazed by what I saw. Everywhere I looked women of all ages were dressed in long, flowing dresses or skirts. It was as if I'd time-traveled back to 1969, when the "Woodstock generation" embraced long, flowing dresses and skirt made of fabric with vibrant colors and patterns. The lyrics to "Aquarius" starting playing in my head.

Sure, I'd seen long sundresses in the stores. However, I'd pictured them being worn at home, lounging with a good book on the deck or patio. Or, perhaps, worn to a summer cocktail party and barbecue. I never thought I'd see women wearing them on the streets of Manhattan! To give you a visual, here's a sampling of what I saw...

End-of-Season Swimwear Sales

How's your swimsuit holding up? Yesterday, I wore a swimsuit to the beach and noticed the elastic is fraying in a couple of places. "Hmm," I thought, "I won't be packing this one away for another year at the end of the season." Last night, I was online and decided to see if I could find any end-of-season swimsuit sales. Ha!--there are lots.

 If you know your current swimsuit won't be usable next year or, perhaps, that you'd like a new one for the cruise to somewhere tropical you've planned for this winter, August is a great time to shop.  For this post, I'm sharing links to several sites with one-piece suits as well as tankini tops and bottoms with as much as 80% off. The swimsuit styles are available in Regular and Plus sizes as well as a variety of cup sizes. But if you don't find anything you like on these sites, fear not. Just google "swimwear sale" and you'll get lots of other links.

Still Learning: Phone App Makes Shoppers More Savvy

We've all heard about goods--such as clothing and beauty products--that are produced under unethical conditions. Some companies, for example, use manufacturing methods that are harmful to workers or to animals or the environment. In addition, some companies use their economic power to influence social change. These companies may be for or against equal pay for women, a woman's right to choose, and gay rights--to name just a few causes.

At times, I’ve been moved to stop buying a product when the media draw attention to what I consider harmful activities conducted by the product's company. The trouble is, the media often focus on a parent company and I will unwittingly continue to buy goods sold by businesses owned by the parent company. Recently, I learned that a free app called Buycott can help raise my awareness about business activities that go against my principles as well as quickly alert me to all the companies controlled by an offending parent company. Since Flattering50 is a style and shopping site, I'm sharing what I've learned about being a more savvy shopper with Buycott.

Refresh Your Summer Look With A New Color

Believe it or not, this weekend marks summer’s halfway point. It's not unusual for me to feel the urge to refresh my summer look around this time. Of course, the question is always: How? The simple answer I came up with was… Choose a garment in a color you don’t normally think of as a summer color. For me, that color is grey. I pulled out an elbow sleeve T-shirt from Banana Republic and paired it with a beige, gold, red and black paisley print skirt (above).

Summer Pearls: Going Long

I love scarves and basically live in them from early fall till late spring. As a result, I always feel a little incomplete style-wise when summer rolls in and it's too hot for a scarf. I have lightweight scarves that work on those unseasonably cooler summer days, but for the rest of the time, I'm loath to wrap anything around my neck. As Ella says, "It's too darn hot." I've tried statement necklaces as a scarf alternative in summertime, but even those seem too burdensome when it's 90 degrees Fahrenheit. What's an over 50 gal supposed to do?

This summer, I pulled out a string of faux pink pearls (above and below) from my bobble box. I can't begin to tell you how old the necklace is--several decades at least. For the most part, these pearls have been collecting dust for years. Now, though, I'm wearing them a lot. They aren't suffocating like a scarf and they aren't heavy like some statement necklaces.

I am fortunate enough to have a couple of inherited short strands of real pearls, but I like a longer strand much more right now. Since turning 50, I'm a little uncomfortable in anything that is supper conservative or demure, like sweater sets, boxy suits and short strands of pearls. Unlike a short, pert strand of pearls, a long string of pearls falls carelessly from the neck. And as Coco Chanel (below) has shown us, gobs of long, looping strands of pearls add drama to any outfit. It's something to aspire to!

Style Over 50: A Vest Above the Rest

These days, I'm on the lookout for longer tops--sweaters, tunics and, yes, vests. Tops that end at the hips tend to accentuate the hips, the bottom and thighs. Who needs that? So...when Pauline Durban, founder of the clothing company Covered Perfectly, wrote to say she'd added a Cascading Vest (above) to her collection, I was excited. As the name suggests, the Cascading Vest is a draped piece that falls well below the hips, creating a flattering look for women over 50. Psst! Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post for a special Covered Perfectly offer for Flattering50 readers.

New Fall Socks: Rich Colors, Vivid Designs

Is it too early to start talking about fall? Believe me, I have no desire to hurry time. Time is moving much too fast already. However...clothing companies are beginning to share their Fall 2014 collections and I'm seeing garments and accessories that I think might jump start my fall wardrobe. One such company, Ozone, recently sent me three pairs of stunning socks from its Fall 2014 collection.

Living in the Northeast, I wear socks a lot--9 out of 12 months. I get pretty tired of wearing ho-hum black, navy or grey socks day after day. So...I'm always on the lookout for socks with personality--even if I'm the only one who sees them. If you feel the same, you might like to take a peek at the fall sock collection at Ozone. The company has a large collection of gorgeous, colorful socks. Take, for instance, the pair of Floral Angora ($14.00) I'm wearing (above and below). The socks, which are made in France, are decorated with bright flowers, dots and...a row of purple beetles.

Still Learning: Videos About Women, Older & Younger

Sometimes, I feel like I'm the last to learn about a recent media event or endeavor. In case I'm not, I'd like to share two videos with Flattering50 readers.

The first is a music video, entitled "Older Ladies," by Donnalou Stevens. Donnalou sings about love at a certain age. It should pick up the spirits of any woman over 50 who is feeling a little low about her changing appearance. Not only does Donnalou have a great voice, but her lyrics are clever and humorous. And I mustn't forget her wonderful backup singers--what a fun bunch!  This video made me laugh out loud. If you haven't seen it, take a peek...




Meanwhile...

When In Doubt, Belt It Out

A while back, I read a post by a young fashion blogger who said that it is important for women to a have a "uniform." A uniform, she wrote, is an outfit you can turn to when you need to get out of the house in a hurry or just don't know what else to wear. The go-to outfit should consists of flattering pieces that make you look like a million. Well, at the time, it sounded like good advice, but I honestly couldn't think of an outfit or a way of styling my wardrobe in a way that I could call my "uniform." Boy, has that changed!

This spring I started wearing a belt to work over a sweater with a skirt or dress almost every day. In the morning, I would put together an outfit without a belt and assess the way it looked in front of my full length mirror. Then, I would add a belt and think: I like the outfit with a belt better. The belt added feminine shape to my over 50 figure, which seems to be losing its shape daily. Above, I've paired a thin belt with a Gap sundress and a LOFT lightweight, 3/4 sleeve sweater. It gives the illusion of being a little more hourglass-shaped. Needless to say, the look became my spring work uniform.

Holiday Heating Up with Summer's Semi-Annual Sales

Happy Fourth of July Weekend! On July 4th, my father-in-law always used to sigh and say, "Ah, well, the dear old summer is over." It always got a laugh from the family. For me, July 4th always feels like the start of the summer, especially the beach season. This weekend, the family is gathering at the beach house and I'm looking forward to several days of barbecuing and sailing and probably a few fireworks. Since I'm usually the first one to rise in the morning, I also intend to go online and take advantage of some of the super Fourth of July sales. Traditionally, this weekend kicks off semi-annual sales. Clothing companies are anxious to unload their spring/summer inventory to make room for the fall fashions. Take for instance, the Madden Girl Gloriee from Shiekh Shoes (above). Right now, the patriotic pair of sneakers is 35% off (was $39.99, now $29.99). A 35% off sale is very nice, but I'm seeing lots of clothing and accessory sites with up to 70% off the next few days.

Happy National Flip Flop Day!

Happy National Flip Flop Day! Who knew there was a holiday for flip flops? I certainly didn't. Somehow I doubt the holiday was enacted by Congress. Still, I appreciate the excuse to celebrate (and blog about) the ubiquitous summer footwear.

Here in New York, flip flops are huge among the twenty-something set, who wear them with everything from summer shifts to super short shorts (ugh!) on the city streets. While you won't catch me in hot pants (you didn't catch me in them during their first go-around in the early 70s), I do wear flip flops a lot with skirts and dresses. And, of course, on the beach.

Dresses Over 50: Summer Sleeves

It's inevitable: Whenever I post about sleeveless dresses, a Flattering50 reader writes that her sleeveless days are over. Perhaps, my sleeveless days should be over, but I'm hanging in there for one more summer. I shared my latest summer sleeveless dress in a recent post entitled Looking for the Right Dress After 50: Don't Fret. However, I also want to support those Flattering50 readers who've closed the door on sleeveless dresses.

This summer, there seem to be more dresses with sleeves, especially the longer short sleeves, than in previous years. The Jones New York Jersey Zigzag Print Dress above is a perfect example. Could it be the fashion industry is responding to the over 50 woman's need for sleeves? Wouldn't that be nice!