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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Design Your Own Colorblock Pumps

Earlier in the month, I wrote a post about this spring’s show-stopping sandals, focusing on color-blocked and embellished styles. While I was researching my sponsors for product shots I could use to illustrate the trends, I noticed that Nina shoes features Design your own shoe on Ninashoes.com- Endless style, color and sole combinations! Recently, I’ve been looking for the perfect combination of hues in a colorblock style sandal and haven't had any luck. I’ve also noticed that a lot of the colorblock sandals and shoes have crazy 4” or higher heels, which are too high for me. So...when I saw the Design Your Own (D.Y.O.) feature at Nina's, I thought: wow--maybe I could D.Y.O. a pair of colorblock pumps for a summer wedding I'm attending. The D.Y.O. feature is really easy to use and shows you instantly what your design looks like. My first design was the Paladin style above. Once I got started, however, I couldn't stop. To see more of my colorblock designs, click…
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Style Over 50: Show-Stopping Sandals

I'm on the hunt for a new pair of sandals. I still intend to wear last year's pair, which I love. But three other, older pairs of sandals got the heave-ho at the end of last summer. So lately, I've been perusing the web at home and fashion mags at the beauty parlor, checking out my sandal options for this spring. And what I'm seeing are sandals with big personalities--multi-colored sandals and ones covered with jewels, metals or beads. The Nine West Flo Sandal - Size 7 ($79 in Sizes 5-11 and 5 color schemes) at the top of this post is a perfect example. Many, many shoe designers and brands have included bejeweled and colorful footwear in their spring collections, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding them. For this post, I've included a sample of my favorite sandal styles from my sponsors--easyspirit.com, Nine West and Shopbop.com--to give you some ideas. To take a peek, click...
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Still Learning: Tips for Cleaning Suede Boots

I'm enjoying the extra time I've got now that my two boys are out of college and living in Brooklyn. (Although...there's not as much free time as I thought there would be. Why is that?) Still, I do have a little more time for exploring new things and finding solutions to old problems.


This week, when I pulled out my little suede booties, I noticed they were looking tired and dusty.  Gulp. I admit it: Treating or cleaning suede terrifies me. My policy with suede has always been to avoid inclement weather and hope for the best. This week, however, I found a little extra time and decided to research suede care on the Internet and interview my favorite cobbler. Click "Read More" for tips I compiled on how to clean suede boots.
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Glittery Shoes Say "Special Occasion"

Last weekend I attended a wedding at an elegant old mansion-turned-conference center. It was an evening affair and just about every female guest, regardless of age, was "dressed to the nines" in a beautiful cocktail dress. It was a warm autumn night, so I wore my favorite sleeveless LBD with black sequins and strappy black heels. As it turned out, I was one of the few women over 50 who wasn't wearing glittery, silver shoes. I hadn't "gotten the memo," as they say. I wish I had.

Glittery shoes are perfect for an evening wedding because they say "Special Occasion." What's more, they look lovely with most cocktail dresses--regardless of style or color. At the wedding I attended, no two pairs of glittery silver shoes were alike. The women over 50 wore flats, kitten heels and low heels. And every girl under 30 was elevated in 6" glittery heels--naturally. I don't have any other weddings coming up, but I'm looking for a pair of glittery shoes for holiday parties in December. When I went online the other day, I was happy to find a nice selection of styles, like the EVITA SILVER BABY GLITTER ($89) above. Click "read more" for other styles in photos and weblinks.
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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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Over 50 Style: 10 Fun Fall Flats

Fun fall flats--say that five times fast! I'm thrilled to see so many fall flats appearing online. With so much emphasis on towering heels and hot pants this summer, I started to fear shoe designers might forget about those of us who prefer our feet firmly on the ground. For this post, I've assembled 10 fall flats that caught my eye. Take, for instance, the Nine West Siteseeing cap toe flat ($79) above. Go to just about any shoe website and you'll find animal print shoes. But I love these flats because the toes are the only part dipped in animal print. Want a shoe that's covered in animal print? Click "read more" below to view an animal print loafer and 8 more fall favorites--many of them currently 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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Over 50 Style: New Looks for Old World Espadrilles

“Going Global” is a fashion trend this spring. I can’t think of an easier way to look a little “worldly” than with a pair of espadrilles. The canvas and rope flat made its fashion debut in the Pyrenees back in the 14th Century. Today, most shoe companies have an espadrilles-inspired design or two in their collection. Take, for instance, Beacon Women's Newport Slip-On above. Whether you prefer the original flats or the updated rope wedge or even a rope oxford, espadrilles are great casual footwear for summer shorts, skirts and capris. I like the way the canvas shoes lie flat when I stash them in my tote at the beach. This spring I'm seeing the shoes in a wide variety of colors, weaves and styles. Continue reading for a sample of what's online…
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Fashion Over 50: This Week’s Favorites

As you might imagine, I look at a lot of garments to prepare each of my Flattering50 posts. Often, I see great designs at great prices that don’t fall into a particular theme I’m working on. Take, for instance, the Jones New York Long Sleeve Crew Neck, (was $49.00, now $35.99) above for all you animal print lovers. Now through January 23th, JNY is giving an extra 30% off on this top at checkout. I hate to pass a fashion sighting like that by without giving it a mention. So…here are a few of the other garments and footwear I spotted this week that are flattering designs for women over 50 and on sale. But hurry, some of the sales end in the next few days. Details below.

Here are two skirts on sale at Beall's online department store. In my mind, a black lace skirt is like a little black dress. It's indispensable for times when I want to dress up a little bit. I love this one's tiered styling.



Larry Levine Tiered Lace Skirt (was $42, now $29.40)


A textured black skirt like this Evan Picone Hyde Park Metallic Bouclé Skirt (was $64, now $44.80) is a very versatile skirt for work. It works with any color sweater.








I depend on sleeveless shells under suit jackets to keep me cool(ish) when I'm making a presentation for work. Here's a gorgeous one from Jones New York. And if you are shopping right now, you can take advantage of JNY's extra savings.




Jones New York Sleeveless Cowl Neck Shell, (was $89.00, now $71.20 plus additional 30% off through 1/23)



BOOTS AND SHOE NEWS
I'm a big fan of bows on shoes. Here are two styles...



Anne Klein Haleigh Dress Detailed (Black) ($79 with 25% off through January 24th). The heel is 2 1/2" and is also available in black or brown suede, and animal print.



Anne Klein Pansy Dress Detailed (Black) ($69 with 25% off through January 24th) This shoe has a 2" heel.



Looking for short boots to wear with dresses over leggings? I'm loving these next two.





Nine West Dawn pull on bootie (Brown) (was $119, now $43.60). The heel is 2". The boot is also available in black. Most sizes still available.



Aerosoles Women's Play Date Boot ($99.98 with 25% off through Jan. 24th when you use code BOOTS25) The style has a 2" heel and comes in brown as well.

Holiday Flats: Put on Your Prancing Shoes

'Prance' is defined as "to walk or move about in a spirited ways,' according to Merriam-Webster. The verb came to mind as I started composing this post, because a) one of my over 50 goals is to stay active--spirited--and b) because I equate the verb with a certain famous reindeer at this time of year. Needless to say, prancing requires the right footwear. When I'm in New York City, I cringe when I see all the 20-something women prancing around in 5" heels. It's like they're walking on a tightrope, on the verge of toppling off at any moment. I love sensible heels (under 3", that is), but not for prancing. Instead, I'm going to grab a pair of flats. One of my favorite over 50 looks is a tapered, ankle-length pair of slacks, no socks or nude stockings, and a pretty pair of flats like the Calvin Klein Women's Philomena Flat ($108.95) above. Below are a few more examples of trendy metallic flats for the holidays as well as shoes in festive colors and patterns, and several classic holiday flats in velvet and suede.

SILVER AND GOLD
Perhaps, the easy way to dress up a holiday outfit is by slipping into a metallic flat. I begin this section with my personal favorites...Nine West Berhta round toe flat (Metallic) ($79). Also available in gold for $69.




Or...


Rampage Hadassa Women's Flats (was $45, now $31.50)



Easy Spirit Blondie Comfortable Flats For Women (Bronze Le) (was $69, now $49) Available in 5 other colors and patterns as well.






KRISSS - GOLD SEQUIN (was $79.95, now $49.97) from Steve Madden. Also available in blue (limited sizes) and black.



MERRY AND BRIGHT
Heavy metal flats aren't your style? Well, a bold color or pattern are equally as festive, in my humble opinion.


KRUSSHH - RASPBERRY SUEDE from Steve Madden (was $79.95, now $49.97)





Nine West Cacey round toe flat with bow (Purple) ($79)





Nine West Birella flat with rouching detail (Blue) (was $69, now $34.50). Also available in purple and raspberry.


These next two pairs don't shout "happy holidays," but they're fun and stylish, which make them perfect for holiday cheer.




Nine West Cacey round toe flat with bow (Brown) ($79)








KORS Michael Kors Odin Haircalf Pointed Toe Flats ($112.50)



SOFT CLASSICS
Super soft velvet or suede flats are a wonderful choice for skirts, leggings or wool crepe slacks during the holiday season.


Enzo Angiolini Women's Love Song Flat ($69.99)






Easy Spirit Jacinto Comfortable shoes for women (Brown) (was $75, now $59.99)




Van Eli Women's Callee Flat ($99.95). Also available in Navy, Grey or Black suede.





FRENCH SOLE fs/ny Drama Velvet Flats ($140)