Brides Over 50: Stylish Separates and Accessories

I have to laugh sometimes at the way my over 50 girlfriends and I fret whenever we have to put together an outfit for a special occasion. I can only imagine the fretting that would take place if the special occasion was, gulp, my wedding. I’m not talking about being the mother of the bride; I’m talking about being it--the bride! Recently, a Flattering50 reader wrote:

“My partner and I have been together for 30 years and will get married in NYC in early September. We want something beautiful, preferably elegant trousers versus dresses, but accessorized gorgeously. Our colors are dark orange and cream--not sure of the third color. Any thoughts or recommendations for us?”

First off, a huge congratulations! And secondly, I feel extremely honored that someone would ask me to share my thoughts on wedding attire. I’m happy to oblige, of course, if only to give my dear reader a little “food for thought.” Unfortunately, I have no photos of mature brides to share. I'm stuck showing young models wearing styles I believe would look smashing on a bride over 50.
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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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Surf's Up! What to Pack for a Beach Vacation?

Recently, a Flattering50 reader emailed and asked: "I'm looking for some ideas on what to wear for a beach vacation. Any chance you might do a post on that?" Gladly! Other than college, I've lived in homes on the water or no more than a few blocks away. I adore the seashore! Diane Vreeland called water (for drinking or sitting by) "God's tranquilizer." I couldn't agree more. How do I pack for a beach vacation? The short answer: Simply and comfortably.

A beach vacation is the ultimate rest and relaxation experience. Formality is just plain silly when you're surrounded by sand, surf and salt air. That said, the absence of formality doesn't mean I'm going to throw in the proverbial beach towel on style and just wear anything. I still want to look my best. So...for a beach vacation, I'm going to pack a handful of separates that are easy to mixed and matched, and perfect for day or night. To see what's in my beach bag, click...
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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)

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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Casual Dressing Over 50: 6 Easy Pieces

Recently, a Flattering50 reader emailed and said, "I need ideas for casual dressing. What to wear on Saturdays other than jeans?" I had to smile because I struggled with the casual dressing over 50 dilemma last fall. At the time, My Wardrobe Breakdown looked like this...
85% office-work clothes
10% domestic-chores clothes
5% miscellaneous (ie, a couple of dressy dresses and swimsuits)

I had no nice casual clothes for weekends in my wardrobe. If I wanted to look nice for a day or evening out with my husband and/or friends, I tried to dress down my work clothes. Ugh! Then, last October, my husband and I were having dinner with friends before a concert. It was a Tuesday night and I'd run home after work to change into one of my "dressed down" work outfits. At dinner, a male friend said to me: "I guess you came straight from work." For some reason, the innocent comment was a style wake up call. It was time to invest in a few garments for casual activities. To continue, click...
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Spring Style Over 50: Bright Colors and Playful Prints

A few days ago, I took a shopping tour of the spring 2013 collection at the Coldwater Creek store on Third Avenue in New York City. A frigid February wind was blowing down the avenue as I approached the store. It was a relief to step inside Coldwater Creek and see all the bright spring colors and playful prints on display (photo above). Could warmer days be far off? The spring collection also features draped tops and dresses, comfortable knits, and colorful jeans--styles perfect for women over 50. To see a few of my favorite pieces in Coldwater Creek 2013 spring collection, click...
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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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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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Favorites over 50: 10 Ways to Create a Slimmer Look

Have you noticed the barrage of advertisements for weight control and exercise programs in January? I get the whole new year resolution thing (or perhaps, it’s a get ready for the beach thing?), but it’s not like women don’t know where to sign up—if that’s what they want.

Or maybe I’m just sensitive to these ad campaigns because I’ve got a few Christmas cookies and eggnog pounds to lose. It happens every year.  In January and sometimes February, I have to diet to shed the pesky holiday pounds. (Why is it that holiday or vacation pounds take two seconds to put on, but at least two months to take off?) During this time, I watch what I eat and what I wear. I focus on the little things I know help to create a "slimmer look." I figure every little bit helps, right? Click “read more” below to see my 10 favorite ways to create a slimmer effect.
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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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17 End-of-Season Cyber Sales

Editor's Note: Unfortunately, most of the "Winter Clearance" sales have ended. However, I've updated this post with sales that are ongoing in February 2013. For dated discounts or "flash sales," be sure to check the sale promotions in the left margin of Flattering50. Happy Shopping! 

Have you had enough shopping? I thought I had. But then, all these mega end-of-season sales keep popping up on my computer screen and I'm suddenly tempted to shop some more. The winter sales are a great opportunity to replenish a worn-out basic, like a trench coat, with the new one, like the Jones New York Trench Coat (Brown, Size L) (was $199, now $119 with an additional 40% off at checkout) above. Or, perhaps, you'd like to add a designer dress that was out of reach three months ago, but now has a more pleasing price tag, like the Diane von Furstenberg New Julian Two Dress (was $345.00, now $207.00) below.




In case you're planning to do a little bargain hunting, I've assembled a sampling of the current end-of-season cyber sales. While many of these sales continue through New Years Day, some of them will end before the 2013 ball drops. Click "Read More" to see the entire list of 17 End-of-Season Sales.
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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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Fashion Over 50: Katie Couric to Interview New Designer

Editor's Note: Katie's interview with Marla Wynne Ginsberg, the new designer of fashion for women over 50, was broadcasted on Wednesday, October 24th. But I've posted the videoclip of the interview HERE.

This is just a quick follow-up post about Marla Wynne Ginsberg, a new designer of clothing for women over 50. If you liked reading about Marla and the MarlaWynne Collection in my recent post entitled, Fashion Over 50: At Last, A Designer for Us!, you might want to tune in or set your DVR for the Katie Couric Show on Wednesday, October 24th. Katie will be interviewing Marla. To find the time and channel in your area, visit Katie. Enjoy!

Fashion Over 50: At Last, A Designer for Us!

Marla Wynne Ginsberg, 56, is living the dream of many over 50 women. After a successful career as a television producer, she’s embarked on a new adventure as a fashion designer. I’m a huge fan of any woman over 50 who reinvents herself. But what makes Marla's reinvention so exciting is she’s chosen to design clothing for us—women over 50!

On the MarlaWynne site, the designer tells us her clothing is easy care, easy wear and easy elegance. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Recently, I had a chance to chat with Marla. She’d just completed a successful runway show in New York City and was gearing up for three shows on the Home Shopping Network (HSN) at the end of October. I asked her about her latest collection and her design philosophy. Naturally, I couldn’t wait to share all with Flattering50 readers.

Click “read more” below to learn more about Marla (that's her above)  and her designs.
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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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Style Over 50: Dress Like a Parisian

Are you looking for an effortless way to look stylish and sophisticated? One of the simplest solutions may be to dress like an over 50 Parisians. That’s right—I’m talking about that French styling we’ve all been told is so elusive. Well, I just got back for 11 days in Paris and Amsterdam and I didn't find it elusive or difficult to define at all.

In a nutshell, French style seems to be about two things:

• Simplicity

• Quality 

I tried to take a few photos to illustrate French style, but wasn't too successful. By the time I got my digital camera turned on and the lens extended, the woman was out of sight. Also, the Paris buildings often made the pictures too dark. It gave me a whole new appreciation for NY Times' photographer Bill Cunningham. Hopefully, you'll get the idea from my less-than-perfect photo. Click “Read On” for details.
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Soft Separates on Sale

I’m writing to share my latest clothing discovery—Soft Surroundings. I found the fashion site over the recent three-day weekend. Perhaps, it was the harsh New York weather or the fact that life can be, well, a little harsh, but the name, Soft Surroundings, just sounded so nice and cozy. As the name suggests, there are lots of tops and bottoms in soft fabrics, like the Antigua Sweater - Blue (was $79.95, now $21.99) above (also available in balsam and orchid). I love tops with deep draping worn with a camisole. So feminine!

But what I’m really thrilled about is the large selection of unique, boutique-like styles. There are about three dozen different tunics alone on the site! And most of them look finger-tip length (that is, mid-thigh), which tends to be a great length for women over 50. There are also some great sweater designs like the Women's Paris Pullover - Brown ($98.95) below, which would look great with leggings. In general, the unique designs are moderately price. However, until January 30, many styles are on sale. Click either of the photos to go directly to the site or click on Shop Out Winter Sale Catalog! Find many wonderful items at discounted prices. Hurry, Sale Ends January 30.

Spring 2010: Gone Camping

With every new fashion season, the question on my mind is always the same: Which trends will look good on the over 50 woman? Luckily, there are always styles that are perfect for older women. Sometimes, in fact, it seems as if the designers had us in mind. (Of course, they didn’t. If they did, they might use an older model now and again.) Unlike our younger counterparts, who seem compelled to project a single, uniform image—the 'this minute' look for the 20-something woman—we can pick and choose from the season’s trends, mix them with our closet favorites, and create our own personal style. That’s the great thing about being older—there’s no single ‘look’ for the 50-something woman! Instead, we can focus on what’s really important: styles that flatter our 50+ bodies and feel good.

When navigating the new season’s fashions, it’s important to know when to go full speed towards a trend and when put on the brakes. A few of spring 2010 fashion trends are no-brainers when it comes to slamming on the brakes. For example, this spring’s cheerleader skirts? I don’t think so. I never carried a pom-pom and I have no regrets. Ditto for the military jackets.

Instead of the military look, some designers and labels have seized on the camp look. Camp shirts, short-sleeve shirtwaist dresses, Bermuda shorts and webbed belt are de rigueur. Neutral hues—olive, browns and beige—are the standout colors this spring. If you’re a “Fall Colors” person—someone whose complexion has golden undertones and, consequently, looks great in beige, camel, and dark brown—you’re in luck this season. Plus, I imagine the spring 2010 neutrals will take you straight through September.

Just be careful: Too much of the “camp” trend, dressing head to toe in camp shirts and shorts, might make you look like a demented Brownie.

Also…too much camper styling might make you look masculine. At our age, sagging often starts to erase the well-defined femininity of our younger faces and bodies. You can combat this by wearing feminine accessories. If you choose a camp shirt, for instance, try wearing it with a camisole or a pretty necklace. Also, pick a camp shirt that is tailored, like the one above. As our waistlines widen, many of us look for tops that are boxy to hide beneath. But boxy just makes you look bigger and macho. I'm not saying to buy something skin-tight. But choose a top that falls comfortably on your form, not engulfs it in massive amounts of material.

The Better Sweater

This probably isn’t the best time to be writing about sweaters, even though the New York area has been in a deep freeze since the start of 2010. If I were a true fashion aficionado, I’d probably be writing about bathing suits and the new dresses for spring 2010. But it’s freezing out and I’m walking around with one, if not two, sweaters on. Plus, my sister got a new sweater for Christmas that makes her look 10 years younger. Sweaters are on my mind.

The day after New Year’s day, my older sister turned up at a family party wearing a new, stylish, long cable-knit, hooded cardigan in off-white. She wore the new sweater with a teal blue cotton top and three strands of flat teal blue beads. I nearly gasped.

Why? Well, you have to know my sister. She’s an oncology nurse educator at a large, teaching hospital and she works a zillion and one-half hours per week. When she’s not working, she’s give, give, giving to her husband and two kids. She’s never found time for fashion. For the past 25 years, her wardrobe has consisted largely of mommy-wear—wash ‘n dash turtlenecks, jeans and sweatshirts. At any given Christmas-New Year holiday gatherings, you could count on her to show up in a boxy cardigan with seasonal trimmings (knitted or applique snowflakes, fir trees and reindeers) and a dirndl skirt—her idea of festive fashion (see my “Before” drawing). The combination of the short, boxy sweater and the gathered, full skirt has always made her look ten pounds heavier. And the absence of style, well, made her look a lot like American Gothic lady. (Sorry, sis.) But the other week, my sister took 10 years off her appearance by wearing a new, stylish sweater (see the “After” drawing) she’d gotten for Christmas.

WHY THE OUTFIT WORKS:
1) Perfect style and fit for her shape. My sister is only 5’3’’ and a little over her ideal weight. I would have thought the off-white, form-fitting cardigan would make her look shorter and heavier. But the sweater’s extended line, from her shoulders to mid-thighs, actually makes her look slimmer.
2) Perfect Colors. My sister looks best in “autumn colors,” including off-white and teal blue. The colors brighten her complexion.
3) Upbeat style. The hoodie style projects youthful energy (as does the strands of beads).

Last year, I bought a Michael Kors velour, zip-up hoodie. At the time, I fretted: Am I too old for hoodies? After seeing my sister in her new hooded cardigan, I’m convinced: Hoodies are perfect for the 50+ wardrobe. They project a sense of fun and energy and even a positive attitude—all the things that make any woman attractive.

If I were making a list of things to look for when shopping for a sweater that will shave years off your appearance, I would add to the above list:
4) Details. A sweater with a little personality can take years off. (Note: I’m not talking about applique reindeers here.) Things like ruffles, special cable knits or unusual closures can grab attention and divert it away from those 50+ flaws.

SWEATER SITES…
J. Crew
http://www.jcrew.com/index.jsp
My two favorite designs:
Merino ruffle cardigan
Strada ruffle cardigan

Jones New York
http://www.jny.com/Sweaters/22962157,default,sc.html
JNY has lots of sweaters on sale right now. Great variety of styles and colors!

Nordstrom
http://shop.nordstrom.com
Search ‘Sweater Shop'for a huge collection—something for everyone. Check out:
Caslon® Mix Print Drawstring Cardigan
Eileen Fisher Open Organic Cotton Cardigan