Keep Your Favorite Purse Looking Great

Editor's Note: Flattering50 was recently invited to review Wrapurse, a new product that protects the bottom of a woman's handbag. The following is that review.

How many times have you hesitated to put your good handbag down somewhere--a public floor or a park bench, for instance? Too many times to count? Since I was first contacted by the folks at WraPurse, I've been amazed how many times I found myself saying: "Do you really want to put your purse there?" In just the past week, I've avoided putting my handbag on a public bathroom floor, when the stall had no hook; a movie theater floor, sticky with soda and popcorn butter; and the stadium floor at a summer concert. In the past, my only solution in those situation was to keep the purse in my lap or on my shoulder--not great options. With WraPurse, a convenient, protective covering for the bottom of a handbag (see photo above), I can put a purse on most surfaces without fear of ruining it.

Right now, WraPurse creator Cyndi Heap is running a campaign to generate funding so she can establish her product's brand as well as give back to a worthy cause.

Eastern Inspiration: The Costume Institute Exhibit at the Met

I finally stopped by China: Through the Looking Glass, this summer’s Costume Institute exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The exhibit explores Chinese culture’s influence on fashions—in the East and in the West—over the centuries. Over 140 garments, many created by well-known designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Marc Jacobs, are displayed in rooms on three floors. To emphasize the connection between culture and fashion, the garments are juxtaposed with Chinese paintings, films, porcelains and other objects. Don't you love the influence of Chinese porcelain on the garments above and below?

Although photography is allowed in the exhibition, the room lighting is often dimmed for dramatic effect. Nevertheless, I took a few snapshots to share with readers who may not be able to attend this wonderful exhibit.

Still Learning: Creating Your Own Nail Art

Photo credit: Jason Setiawan

I'm happy to report that Astrid and Vicki are the winners of the recent Flattering50 Giveaway of  Designer Nails: Create Art at Your Fingertips, a new book by nail artist Ami Vega. This new book, filled with gorgeous photographs of nail art by Jason Setiawan (like the photo above), tips and resources, and lots of encouragement from Ami, recently inspired me to dip my toe, or rather fingernails, in nail art.

Flattering50 Giveaway: $150 NIC+ZOE Gift Certificate

Editor's Note: This Flattering50 Giveaway has ended. Thanks to all the Flattering50 readers who entered! 

Fall 2015 fashions are now on to the shelves and webpages of most clothing brands and department stores. It’s time to make that wish list of clothing and accessories to complete your fall look. Regardless of whether I’ll be shopping for a new textured sweater, cropped pants or new boots this fall, I'll be looking for fashions that offer two things: Style and Comfort. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce that the folks at NIC+ZOE would like to give one lucky Flattering50 reader a $150 gift certificate to the clothing brand’s online site. The Boston-based fashion brand specializes in comfortable, feminine knitwear for travel and life. Above, is an outfit from the company’s fall 2015 Adagio Collection.

Style Over 50: Repurposing the Sundress

“Cute skirt,” said the women at the office.

“That’s no skirt,” I replied, smiling. “That’s a sundress.”

Yes, I’m over 50 and still wearing strappy sundresses. However, I’m not wearing them solo. Instead, I’m repurposing my sundresses by creating faux skirt looks with lightweight sweaters and accessories.

Flattering50 Giveaway: New Book on DIY Beautiful Nail Art

Editor's Note: This Giveaway has now ended. Thanks to all those Flattering50 readers who entered!

In recent years, I've become a huge fan of polishing my nails. It's one of those things I find I have more time for now that I'm an empty nester. For a very small investment, I can change my nail polish with my mood; it's a great pick-me-up. Lately, I've been experimenting with colors I never imagined I'd like: green, powder blue, lavender, navy. So...when the folks representing the nail artist Ami Vega contacted me about Ms. Vega's new book, Designer Nails: Create Art at Your Fingertips, I was thrilled. Ami, the creator of El Salonisto, a nail art business and blog (elsalonsito.com), has compiled a beautifully photographed, easy-to-follow book on creating nail art for everyone--from beginners, like me, to experts. The folks promoting the book (Perigee Trade), which was released August 4th, would like to give two lucky Flattering50 readers a copy of this gorgeous book.

Top August Sales: Summer Clearance And Fall Previews

Did you miss the July summer clearance sales? Well, no worries because you're just in time for the August summer clearance sales as well as fall preview sales, like the 25% off sale at Easy Spirit (above). Here's a sample of what's happening...