New Day/New Outfit: A Bit of Beading

First off, happy Memorial Day Weekend! In my last post, Style Over 50: Is Orange the New Neutral?, I mentioned that I've been rooting around my wardrobe, looking for garments with a little orange, one of this spring's trendy colors. Well, this week I found a linen skirt with orange beading (above) buried in the back of my closet. A girlfriend was taking me out to lunch to celebrate my birthday and I was looking for something that would suit my festive mood. I think this skirt fits the bill, yes?
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Product Review: A Sports Wear and Swimsuit Alternative

Recently, I was invited to try activewear by HydroChic. HydroChic specializes in garments that are 50+ UV resistant and can be worn swimming. The waters off the Northeast’s coast are a bit too chilly for swimming in April, so I suggested doing a product review of the activewear’s performance on the tennis court—where I get my exercise these days. HydroChic accepted my offer and asked me to choose an outfit from its collection. The clothing line offers over 300 mix-and-match activewear garments for tennis, swimming and other sports and exercise activities. To read my review, click...
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Style Over 50: The Colorful Jeans Show

I am sooo ready for spring and all its gorgeous colors – emerald, yellow, purple, pink. A few brave crocuses have popped out. But, alas, Old Man Winter won’t release us Northeasterners from his grip. It snowed last Saturday and again Tuesday night. Thursday was windy with snowy flurries all day. Grrr! What’s a girl to do? Well, if she lives in New York, she could go to the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Gardens for a dose of spring colors.

Last Saturday, my sister and I went to the Orchid Show. Did you know there are over 30,000 varieties of orchids? The NYBG does a fantastic job, displaying a sample of orchids from around the world. Though I’ve seen the show numerous times, I’m always filled with a renewed sense of awe and complete and utter joy. Mother Nature is quite the master of design! In fact, I’ve often thought that if I were a designer, I would take inspiration from her orchids.



Well, I'm not a designer, but I am a gal who likes to infuse Nature's colors and patterns into her wardrobe. This spring, there's another colorful show going on in store and online--the Colored Jeans Show. (How's that for a segue?) Jeans and slacks in bold orchid-like colors and patterns are everywhere. Take, for instance, the Women's True Slim Chinos - Velvet Orange, 14 (was $60, now $29.99. In 4 colors and 8 sizes) at the top of this post. It reminds me a bit of the "Orange Sugar" orchid above. For this post, I've put together a sample of orchids and jeans. Clearly, the jeans can't compete with the orchid's beauty, but I'm pretty excited about all these bold colored bottoms. To continue, click...
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Still Learning: Lace in the Workplace?

Last August, I bought a lace skirt at Ann Taylor (above). I'd just been to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the "Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations” exhibit and was in the mood for a new fall skirt. (I'm always in the mood for a new skirt when I look at Prada clothing!) I loved the Ann Taylor skirt's beige lining, which made the lace stand out, and its fun flounce (see below). The thing is, as I perused my closet last weekend, looking for something to wear, I came upon the lace skirt and realized--to my dismay--that I had only worn it three times since August. I'd worn it on Thanksgiving and to a couple of December parties--that's all. The skirt seemed too dressy for most casual activities. Saturday night, I wore it out to dinner and to the theater. And I'm determined to wear it a few more times before I put it away till next fall. So...I've been wondering: Can I wear a lace skirt to work?



To continue, click...
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Skirt Alert: Dare to Flare

A while back, a Flattering50 reader commented: "I'd like to see more skirts that aren't pencil, full or maxi-length." She noted that she liked one of my flared skirts in the post because it was "nice without being voluminous." I was thrilled to get the comment because I've been thinking the same way. I'm under 5'5" and find a typical "full skirt" overwhelms me with too much volume. And while I'm very fond of my pencil skirts, they shout "office work" to me. A flared or A-lined skirt is a comfortable and fun style for casual activities. (Though, most flared skirts can be styled for work as well.)

I've been reading that the flared skirt is a trend this spring. So...I poked around the web to see what I could find. I'm happy to report I found a nice assortment of flared and A-lined skirts hemmed around the knee or just above--perfect for women over 50. Take, for instance, the Jones New York Graphic Print Pleated Skirt (Green, Size 14) ($119) above. Click "Read More" below to see the other skirts I found.
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Style Over 50: Slacks and the Evening Wedding

Recently, a Flattering50 reader emailed me and wrote: “I'm going to a NY spring evening wedding. And my legs are pale, fat and blotchy. Are there fancy pants that would be appropriate? Can I still wear tights?” Thanks for the great questions! Since the first question focuses on “fancy pants,” I’m going to assume the upcoming wedding is a relatively formal affair and not, say, a clam bake wedding at the beach. And since the words "black tie optional" weren't used, I'll assume the wedding isn't one of those. With that in mind, my short answer is: Yes, you can wear fancy pants to an evening wedding.

These days, I wouldn’t say “anything goes” at an evening wedding, but there is a lot of style “wiggle room.” You’ll find guests at evening weddings in New York dressed in a wide variety of cocktail dresses, both skirt suits and pant suits, and, yes, even slacks. For a few ideas about wearing pants to a wedding, click “Read More” below. And scroll down for a thought or two on wearing tights to a wedding.
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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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FOF: 5 Best Looks Over 50 in Glitter, Sequins & Metallics

Not surprisingly, this fall's love fest with the shiny stuff—glitter, sequins, metallics—has reached a feverish pitch during the holiday season. Glittery garments have been making the scene at night as well as during the day (gasp!). On a recent afternoon, I saw a young woman strolling the beach in a solid sliver sequin top. It was a bit blinding, needless to say. Personally, I prefer the twinkle of glitter and sequins by candlelight or moonlight--at night, that is. A sparkly garment, like the Sequin Skirt (Brown, Size SM) (was $129, now $59) above, can rescue me from the winter doldrums, energizing me for a night on the town. (I'm ga-ga for those chocolate brown sequins!) So for this week's Favorites Over Fifty (FOF), I've assembled my favorite looks in glitter, sequins and metallics for over 50 women.

Whether you’re thinking about adding a little twinkle to your New Year’s Eve look or for an upcoming 'black tie optional' wedding or to just wipe away the winter doldrums, click "Read More" below to see my favorite glittery options. I've included current marked downs where applicable and the text hyperlinks, so you can learn more about the garments or shop.
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Are You Ready for Some Labor Day Sales?

Editor's Note: Most, but not all, of the sales reported below ended on Labor Day, Sept. 3rd, 2012.

On my way home from work last night, I stopped at the local sporting goods shop to check out its Labor Day Weekend sale. I was looking for a deal on a new tennis outfit (yes, I've got US Open fever!) and found a Lacoste outfit, originally $150 before tax, reduced to just $58 after tax. Eureka!! This very happy over 50 woman recommends you check out the sales at your favorite online and on-the-street shops this holiday weekend. Clothiers are offering up to 75% off. While some of the biggest savings are on summer items, there are discounts on new fall fashions, too. For instance, you'll find the Pure Collection Fall - 25% Off. All the latest styles are reduced--I like that! The Animal Print Pencil Skirt (above), which is regularly $124, is $93 right now. Click "read more" for other sales and a few garments and accessories that could make you a happy over 50 woman this weekend. 

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July 4 Sales: Save Big on Neutral Separates

In June, I wrote a flurry of posts about my trip to Paris and Amsterdam. As mentioned, I was particularly taken by the style of over 50 French women. By and large, the best dress French women wore well-made clothes in combinations of neutral colors. Take, for instance, the French woman in the photo above. The black sheath and brown blazer are so simple and sophisticated. With July 4th almost here, we're all thinking about celebrating the red, white and blue. But the holiday is also a time for some of the biggest online sales of the year. Before you start celebrating our nation's independence, you might wish to browse the sales. I've put some links to big sales in the left-hand margin. For a few of my favorite neutral separates on sale right now, click "Read More."
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50% off Jones New York Sports

Now that you've pulled out your summer clothes, have you found a T-shirt or two that has lost its shape? Do you have a pair of capris or shorts that has faded? If you have separates that are looking a little worse for constant wear during Summer 2011, you might want to take a peek at the 50% off sale at Beall's online store. For instance, there's 50%  on the Jones New York Sport Solid Capris (was $59, now $29.50) above. In fact, Beall's is giving 50% on the store's entire Jones New York Sport line. Click "read more" for some other separates on sale.
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Capris: Now in Color

Watch out white capris! Colored capris and cropped pants are moving in on the perennial summer favorite. Last spring, colored jeans were all the rage. This spring, colored capris, like the Jones New York Side Zip Capri Short ($89) above, are the new favorite colored slacks (though there are plenty of colorful jeans, too!). I love these JNY capris for two reasons: the side zipper and no waistband--which means less bulk around the waist. Read on for a sample of the hot colors and styles, both dressy and casual, for women over 50…
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Fashion Over 50: Getting Your Spring Skirt's Worth

The skirt and I have a history. The first garment I ever sewed (for a Girl Scout badge) was an A-line skirt in fourth grade (though, I suspect my mom helped a lot). Later, I moved on to the hip-hugging mini skirt, which I could whip up from a quarter-yard remnant. Over the years, I've worn just about every skirt style, from the kilt, dirndl and maxi to the pencil, button down, wraparound and jean skirt. This spring, I'm happy to report that over 50 women don't have to settle for anything too tight or too mini (unless they want to). Many of the season's skirts are fuller and have longer hemlines--at or below the knee--a nod, apparently, to 1950s. Large flower prints and knife pleats, like the BB Dakota Farfield Skirt ($65) above, are popular. A few designers, like Prada (see below), are showing skirts paired with bandeaus. At 20-something, I would have loved the playful look. Now, however, I'd no sooner bare my midriff than I would slip into hot pants (yes--their back, too!) But I do love the Prada skirts as well as those by other designers. For a sample of this spring's skirts, read on...
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Quick! Old Navy Jeggings On Sale

It's Presidents' Weekend and you know what that means: Sales, sales, and more sales!! So this morning, while sipping my coffee, I roamed the web and noticed that Old Navy has put its black Old Navy Womens The Rock Star Super-Skinny Denim Leggings on sale--were $34.94, now $19.00. Don't let the silly name put you off. I bought two pairs of these jeggings this season and I'm practically living in them--especially the black ones (pictured above). I love them because they're...

• Super soft and comfortable. The waistband is at my hips. (I'm so done with anything attacking my waist.) I wear them over dresses, so hip-hugging isn't a problem. And they're stretchy, so even though they're "super-skinny jeans," they aren't confining.
• A great alternative to tights. I can toss them in the washing machine, so it gives me a break from all the hand washing I do with tights. They're much warmer than tights on icy days. And I don't have to worry about runs.
• Flattering. My calves, which are average at best, look thinner in jeggings than in leggings. When I wear leggings, my legs look like a thicker version of me in tights. But jeggings make my legs look thinner than they usually do in pants. Does that make sense?
  

SIZING TIPS
At posting time, the jeggings were available in all sizes, including Tall and Petite sizes. I bought the Old Navy jeggings in one size bigger than I usually do for pants. I don't have the greatest legs (to say the least) and, despite the jegging's stretchiness, I thought I'd be more comfortable with a little extra room. Plus, they are cotton, so I was worried about shrinkage. So far, no signs of shrinkage. If you'd like to check them out, click on the photo below. It will take you directly to the page. You'll find other colors (I also love my dark denim ones), which have a reduced price.

Style Over 50: Great Lace Tops and Skirts

Every year, around the 15th of December, I start wondering what I'm going to wear for New Year's Eve. It's like clockwork. My gift buying is more or less complete, except for one or two things for my boys, who I have to beg to give me gift ideas (as opposed to long ago when they were little and gleefully presented their lists for Santa right after Halloween!). Coincidentally, I'm usually bombarded with store and online savings coupons the week before Christmas. It's not hard to find something special--glittery or sequined or velvety--for the final party of the year. However, these garments tend to be expensive. I don't mind splurging on something I will wear a lot, but other than New Year's Eve, I don't have much occasion for glittery. Plus, glitter after 50 can be a little tricky. I love a bit of sparkle, but too much can make any women (old or young) look like a tinseled homecoming float. (Well, maybe that's a slight exaggeration.) My easy solution for women over 50: Lovely, subtle, versatile lace tops and skirts.

Lace hits all my over 50 style goals: it's elegant, sophisticated, feminine, and flattering. With so many lace choices--tops, bottoms, dresses, scarves and more--it's hard to imagine what woman wouldn't be flattered by a little lace in her wardrobe. Moreover, lace is extremely versatile. I've had the lace skirt (above) for years and am still finding new ways to style it for special occasions. For example, I've styled my lace skirt with a Chinese-style embroidered silk top (below) from Anne Taylor for a winter evening wedding or a long charcoal sweater and leather booties for dinner with friends. My latest styling obsession is lace and leather--a lace top with a leather skirt or a leather jacket with a lace skirt. Like glitter and sequined garments, quality lace tops and bottoms can be expensive. But as the following sample shows, you'll find a range of prices online, especially if you catch them on sale.




LACE TOPS
Aren't a big fan of your upper arms? Don't feel comfortable with a plunging neckline? Lace to the rescue! A lace top like this Anne Klein Long Sleeve Crew Neck Lace Top, Ships 10/11 (Black) ($89, now $43) is a wonderful solution. It offers concealment, but is still feminine and dressy.








Anne Klein Lace Top with Mesh Backing, Ships 10/11 (White) (was $69, now $33.99). Also available in black.






Juicy Couture Lottie Lace Top ($198)



A lace top is also a great choice for casual New Year's Eve plans. Try pairing a lace top like the one below with jeans for a relaxed ring-in-the-new-year look.





Meghan Los Angeles Faith Cardigan in Ivory Lace Women ($198)



LACE SKIRT
I was pretty excited to find the next two skirts from Beall's Department store. Check out the great prices!




Larry Levine Tiered Lace Skirt ($42)





Sag Harbor Solid Gored Lace Skirt (was $48, now $24)



Or how about a skirt with a simple lace accent? I'm mad about black and navy together, so I love this next skirt.





Rachel Roy Lace Inset Skirt ($325)



Lace skirt styling isn't all black and white. Here's a gorgeous gold one. I'm picturing this skirt with a gold cashmere cardigan, open neck with a camisole. What do you think?





Anne Klein Gold Foil Lace Skirt (was $295, now $99.99)