Over 50 Fashions: The Statement Skirt

In my ideal world, women over 50 would always dress with enthusiasm for style. It doesn’t take much—a stylish sweater, skirt or pair of shoes. Or, perhaps, it’s a dress or a top that flatters the over 50 figure. A single garment can be like a sign post, announcing a woman’s aesthetic sense and her refusal accept the status quo. Yes, clothing is a form a communication—there’s no getting around it. It makes me smile when I see an over 50 woman dressed well, in something that flatters her. By the same token, it saddens me when I see women my age settling for unflattering nondescript tops and bottoms day in and day out. Now’s the time, when the children are grown, to experiment with the way you look, to have fun trying on new styles and new style combinations. Case in point: The statement skirt.

The statement skirt is not your mother’s plain pencil or A-line. It’s got unique styling—perhaps, an asymmetric aspect, an unusual texture, or fluttery layers. Take for instance, the Anne Klein Asymmetric Tiered Skirt (was $89, now $65.99) It can be paired with a classic top for a slightly edgy look. As with all skirts, the statement skirt gives you plenty of opportunity to mix and match, creating multiple outfits. Below are a few statement skirts that look like they’d be both fun and flattering for women over 50.

This designer Catherine Malandrino Mixed Pointelle Skirt ($245) from Shopbop is ultra-comfortable. And it's lined.




Here are three more Anne Klein skirts of varying widths to flatter all shapes. This next one is my favorite of the group.




Anne Klein Mesh Combo Flirt Skirt ($250)








Anne Klein Novelty Soft Tiered Skirt ($89)






Anne Klein Tiered Layer Skirt (Was $295.00, now $117.99)



It's hard for me to think about fall in the middle of July, but I know some women are starting to shop for autumn. Though this Anne Klein Sunburst Darted Skirt ($425) is a classic pencil skirt, the leather makes a statement, don't you think?

Giving My Pashima A Dye Job

I’m going to a wedding on Sunday. I’ve had the dress, shoes and handbag for a month and a half. What I didn’t have was something to keep me warm in the air conditioning. A blazer seemed too business-like and a sweater (my sweaters, anyway) seemed too every-day. I thought about using a Pashima shawl--buttery soft and light-weight (but still warm)--that my husband gave me for Mother’s Day many years ago. The trouble: it was citrus green. I know, I know—citrus colors are really hot this year. However, citrus just makes me look jaundice! When I pulled it out to see if I could wear it to the wedding, I cringed. The color wasn’t great for my complexion at 35, but now it makes me look like I need immediate medical attention. So I decided to dye the shawl blue to match my shoes (below). Believe me: It was a gamble. My only previous dying experiences were with T-shirts and weekend cotton sweaters. But I felt sentimental towards the shawl, which my husband had given me when our children were small. I wanted to make it work—make it something I wanted to wear.

BEFORE YOU DYE SOMETHING
If you’re thinking about dying a garment, the first and most important thing you must do is ask yourself: “If I ruin the garment, can I live with that?” If the answer is “no” or “maybe not,” don’t dye! At least, don't dye it yourself. Also, if you’re a perfectionist, don’t dye! Instead, seek a professional dying service. There are so many variables—fabric type, previously applied dye, and current dying conditions, to name but a few—that make home dying really risky. (My shawl, for instance, is 30% silk and 70% Pashima and clearly states: “Dry Clean Only” on its label. Machine washing was, indeed, a risky business.) If, on the other hand, you are truly prepared to live with a bad result, home dying might surprise you with a very happy result.

HERE'S HOW I DID IT:
Step 1: I got a packet of royal blue dye at the drug store. From past experiences, I knew a single packet probably wouldn't give me a royal blue shawl, especially since I was starting out with citrus green, not white. But I wasn't too worried--any blue was better than lime. (And you can always redo the dying process with a second packet, if you want a deeper color.)
Step 2: I set the washing machine on the delicate cycle. The dye directions called for soaking the garment for 30 minutes in hot water. I think the hot water is necessary to 1) dissolve the dye crystals and 2) dye the fabric. I filled the machine’s tub about 30% with the hottest water to dissolve the crystal. It’s a good idea to stir the dye around to make sure the crystals are dissolved. I found using my hands in rubber gloves worked well. Then, I finished filling the machine’s tub with warm water (hoping to prevent shrinkage).
Step 3: When the machine’s tub was full for a medium load, I put the shawl in. Again, I used my hands in rubber gloves to fully soak the shawl. I wanted to make sure shawl was loose and evenly exposed to the dye in the tub.
Step 4: I kept the machine lid up (to prevent the cycle from running) for 20 minutes, so the shawl would soak up the dye. Then, I let the machine complete its gentle cycle.
Step 5: At the end of the cycle, I pulled out a peacock blue shawl (see shawl at top of this post). I put the shawl in the dryer on the gentle drying cycle and dried it for about 15 minutes—just long enough to fluff up the shawl and get rid of the wrinkles.

The whole process took around an hour. As far as I can tell, there was no shrinkage or damage to the weave. I won't lie: A very careful inspection showed signs of very slight variations in color in a few places. I'm not sure why; perhaps, the shawl had suffered some wear and tear over the years. I usually dye garments that are brand new. In any case, since shawls are meant to be wrapped, folded and draped, I'm not worried. Again, that’s me. You might feel differently.

Have you tried dying anything? Has it been successful? Do you have any tips? Please share.

Fashion Over 50: A Taste for Lace

Light-weight cotton lace or crochet tops, dresses and even bottoms in neutral colors are all the rage this summer. The photo at the top was taken two weeks ago. The dramatic skirt was off-set by a simple black shell. I’ve seen many over 50 women wearing different lace and crochet styles and looking really great. While some of the designs are a throw-back to the 1970s (2011 fashions have embraced that decade), many others are simple tunic, sweater and dress designs. Here’s a sampling of what’s out there…

TEMPTING TOPS
Lace and crochet tops come in all sleeve lengths, from sleeveless to long. I'll start with a short sleeve Free People Engineered Crochet Tunic ($68.60) at Shopbop.





And here's another one from Anne Klein...





Anne Klein Lace Tank (was $89, now $65.99)


Next, a short sleeve cardigan from Jones New York...



Jones New York Sport Short Sleeve Cardigan ($79)


And you might call this next one a designer 1/2-sleeve top at Shopbop.



Dallin Chase Steward Crocheted Top ($96)



Shopbop also has a couple of peasant-style tops...



BB Dakota Lisa Lace Top ($49)






Velvet Bayla Lace Blouse ($121.80)

And, finally, a long-sleeve top from Candy Couture...



Hale Bob Tunic in Black Women ($164)



SKIRT STATEMENTS
I think the skirt at the top of this post is fabulous. There's nothing "old lace" (or, in that case, old crochet) about it. Below are a couple of short, pencil lace skirts. Again, you might want to pair them with a simple complementary top. The Anne Klein Lace Skirt (was $99.00, now $73.99) below is the matching skirt to the tank top above. Wear them together or separately.




Or AK also has this
Anne Klein Gold Foil Lace Skirt ($295). This skirt will take you right into winter. If you're wearing lace next winter, try it with a leather jacket for an edgy, forward-thinking look.




YES, EVEN DRESSES
Here are a pair of dresses that are very reasonably priced, considering the workmanship required to assemble a lace or crochet dress.



Anne Klein Lace Shift Dress ($139)





Tibi Crochet 3/4 Sleeve Dress ($192.50)