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!
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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.
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This Week's Steals: A Suit, Wrap and Jacket

Are you exhausted (or is your budget exhausted) from all the January sales? If so, I understand completely! If not, you might want to take a peek at some of this week's bargains. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this Anne Klein Speckled Skirt Suit (Black), which was $280, now marked down to $89. I assumed the reduced price meant there were limited sizes. But at posting time, the suit is available in sizes 4-14.

Last fall I saw a news clip of Nancy Pelosi, age 71, looking fabulous in a white suit. It was such a refreshing change from the standard black or grey professional suit. I'm loving this Anne Klein Belted Wool Coat (White) (was $220, now $87.99) for the same reason. It's also go ta great price tag. And it's sure to take you straight into spring. The coat is also available in purple or black.





Speaking of spring, I saw a bunch of over 50 women in "my neck of the woods" looking great in shawls last spring. The draping and ruffle make this Jones New York Ruffle Wrap (was $79, now $59) a flattering choice for women over 50.





Finally, this week Old Navy starting posting its Spring Collection online. The pattern in this Old Navy Women's Basket Weave Sweaters ($36.94) as well as the modest price tag, caught my eye. Over the years, I've found Old Navy's all-cotton tops are great for stretching my wardrobe. This sweater is also available in white.

Fashion Over 50: Fall Sweaters Under $100

For years, I've done a little shopping at the beginning of the new season, buying a few need now items and then waited till the end of the season to do my serious shopping, when stores and online sites slash prices so they can unload inventory. If you’ve tried this strategy, you know that it has one annoying flaw: It's frustrating when you can't find your size in the item you want during the end of season mega-sales. There may be an alternative, however. That is, the mid-season sale. This week, I’ve noticed several online sites are offering pretty good sales. You might find some great bargains in your size without waiting till January and without having to get up at 2 AM on Black Friday. Take, for instance, the sweater sale at Jones New York. I'm a huge fan of fashions with asymmetric elements for women over 50, so I love the Jones New York Long Sleeve Cable Cardigan (was $99, now $79.20 plus additional 30% off at check out) above. Below are a few other Jones sales items. Click on any of the photos to see the full selection of sweaters on sale. And I'll keep you posted about other sales.

Jones New York 3/4 Sleeve Boat Neck Sweater (was $99, now $79.20 plus additional 30% off at check out)







Jones New York Open Front Sweater Vest (was $89, now $71.20 with additional 30% off at checkout)





Jones New York Long Sleeve V-Neck Cable Cardigan, ($109 with additional 30% off at checkout)

Long Sweaters: Easy Styling Over 50

My husband and I were out at the summer house on the North Fork of Long Island last weekend, closing it up for winter (always a sad affair). The plan was to work all day, pulling in porch furniture, cleaning out the refrigerator and so forth, and then go out to our favorite local restaurant, Love Lane Kitchen in Mattituck, for dinner. I wasn't about to wear my housework grubs out to dinner, but I didn't want to fuss over what to wear either. So before we left our year-round home in the morning, I threw clean slacks, a top, and a long sweater into a bag. I love long sweaters at this time of year because they provide warmth without having to resort to a winter coat, which will be the only option in another month. Long sweaters also create a stylish, casual outfit without the fuss--you can throw them over a simple top and just about any narrow slacks, jeans or leggings.

For styling, I like a long sweater and short boots with a heel, giving my 5'4" frame a little height. I've seen some over 40 women with great legs wear a long sweater with their pants or leggings tucked into tall boots. I also like a long scarf with a long sweater. Here's a couple of online long sweaters that look like great choices for this time of year. And if you have a knee-length or longer winter coat, you'll be able to wear long sweaters all winter.


LONG SWEATER CHOICES
Is a long sweater a new look for you? There are many different styles, so I'm confident that you'll find a flattering one. I like my black one (above) because it's a little fitted on top and flares at the bottom. (I'm also a sucker for double-breasted anything.) If you're trying a long sweater for the first time, you might want to start with a well-priced version like this Nue Options Solid Ribbed Cardigan ($48) from the Beall's online store.





Once you know which styles flatter you, you might want to invest in a beautiful silk or cashmere sweater like the following...




Silk/Wool Cardigan ($198)







Cashmere-Wide-Collared-Cable-Cardigan (was $324, now $226.80)






Cashmere-Longline-Cable-Cardigan (was $224, now $156.80)




Silk/Cotton/Cashmere Long Cardigan ($198)




Finally, here's a Anne Klein Long Sleeve Rib Cashmere Coats (was $$490, now $299.99). I love this simple white coat, which will look great now and again in in March. (The fashion watchers report that white is going to be super popular again in spring 20012.)

Style Over 50: Long, Light-Weight Cardigans

Long, light-weight cardigans are a sophisticated look--day or night. When belted or buttoned, they show your curves without adding bulk to them. They're a great transitional piece, taking you from winter through cooler spring evenings. Cardigans like the Jones New York Belted Cardigan (Khaki) at the top of this post and the ones shown below are flattering styles for over 50 women and can be found all over the Internet.

But wait...from now till 11:59 PM on January 27th, Jones New York is having a Sweater Sale. My Fashion Over 50: Pick of the Day is the Jones New York Ruffle Front Cardigan, Ships 2/3 (Black) for $89, which I don't have a picture for. But click on the name to view--it's really pretty in the new rattan shade. Below are some other JNY sweaters. You'll have to act fast to take advantage of the one-day sale.



Jones New York Long Color Block Cardigan (Pattern) for $68.99







Jones New York Long Sleeve Open Front Cardigan (Purple) for $95








Jones New York Long Sleeve Open Cardigan (Black) for $64.99








Jones New York Long Sleeve Belted Rib Shawl Collar Cardigan (Pattern) for $88.99







Jones New York Long Sleeve Cardigan (Grey) for $103.99









Jones New York Open Front Dolman Cardigan (Yellow) for $61.99. The color is actually gold, not yellow.