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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New Day/New Outfit: Spring Layering

Now that May is here, I’m done with my winter wardrobe. I’m determine to dress lighter and brighter, even when the temperatures dip. I don’t appreciate being cold, though. So…these days, I’m dressing in spring layers. For instance, today, Mother's Day, the weather is sunny, but rather breezy. So...I put this layered outfit together for Mother's Day brunch with my husband and boys.
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New Day/New Outfit: The In-Between Sweater

April in New York is a weather roller coaster--one day (like today) in the 80s; the next day down in the 50s. Saturday night, I was in the city to see "Old Hats," the latest creative masterpiece by Bill Irwin and David Shiner. I wore a black lace blouse and camisole, a flare skirt, flats and a red trench, and I froze the minute the sun went down! A girlfriend in our little party wore a gold puffy jacket--smart woman. But here's the  thing: Even if I'd known the temp was going to fall to the 40s, I probably wouldn't have reached for a puffy jacket, a wool coat or even a chunky sweater. It's April, for goodness sake. This over 50 gal is tired of dressing for the cold.  My solution: a lightweight, short-sleeve sweater.

BENEFITS OF AN IN-BETWEEN SWEATER
A short-sleeve sweater offers...

• Shoulder warmth. I'm always amazed at how much warmer I feel when my shoulders are covered.

• Minimal wooliness. I don't feel bundled up for winter in a lightweight knit with an open neck and short sleeves.

• Versatility. I'm surprised at how well this sweater functions in a range of spring temperatures.

I picked up my shawl-neck, short-sleeve sweater at Coldwater Creek a month or so ago. I didn't wear it at all during the really cold, snowy weather in March. Lately, however, I've been living in it. I'm finding the neutral color goes with lots of things. So far, I like it best worn over a white man-tailored shirt. And since it's a bit boxy, I always wear it with a belt for structure.

SHOPPING SOURCES
If a short-sleeve sweater appeals to you, you'll find a wide selection of styles on the web. When I searched short-sleeve knits, I found pullover, cardigans, ponchos and shawl-like vests.  Here's two examples. Forgive the product shots with young babes. 




LOFT Petite Open Front Elbow Sleeve Cardigan ($44.99, plus 40% off at checkout) in Regular Sizes and black as well.


I love this soft, draped poncho look...



STRETCH CREPE KNITTED PONCHO-L-HEATHER CAMEL ($168)

New Day/New Outfit: "Burr" Protection

Sometimes, I try to visualize my favorite over 50 bloggers posting away. Are they sitting at desks, lounging on their patio, soaking up the sunshine by a waterfall? Whenever possible, I write by a window. When organizing my thoughts, I'll gaze out the window for inspiration. Today, I'm sitting at the desk in my bedroom. However, after Friday night's blizzard, the usual view is somewhat obscured (above). Ha! As you can see, the heavy snow has weighed down the branches on the evergreen in our front yard. The tree is seriously listing to one side. The branches you see are laying across the front porch's roof.

Earlier today, my husband and I explored on foot the winter wonderland around us. Our area was fortunate; we only got about 9 inches of snow, a little less in some places. (In Connecticut, where the rest of my family lives, there's three feet of the white stuff!) Click "read more" for photos from our walk and how I dressed for the "burr" factor...
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Style Over 50: New Day, New Outfit

I admit to falling under the spell of resolutions at the start of a new year. I like the idea of setting a goal or two, encouraging myself to try something new. The idea of resolving to change things a bit supports what’s become one of my favorite over 50 notions. The notion: If you want to slow down time, you’ve got to make each day a little different from the day before.

My 2013 resolutions aren’t huge; “baby step” changes work best for me. This year, I want to start playing the piano again. I also want to be friendlier; being cynical over 50 is such a bore. And, lastly, I want to style each day’s outfit in a new way, avoiding repeat outfits for as long as possible. Gulp. To read more about my 2013 Style Resolution, click "Read More" below...
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