Fashion Goes to the Museums

It won't surprise you to know that as a blogger on style for women over 50, I spend a good chunk of my time looking at fashion trends, particularly in and around New York, where I live. I also enjoy reading articles and books about fashion in culture and history, since I don't think you can be a fashion observer without thinking at least a little about how fashion influences culture and vice versa. And, on those rare past occasions when a NYC museum has taken a cultural look at fashion, I've run to the exhibit. In the last couple of years, however, fashion-related exhibitions in city have become anything but rare. Now, I know a lot of people think about fashion—what to buy and wear--but this fashion-goes-to-museum trend makes me wonder: Are more people becoming interested in fashion as a cultural study? I'd love to know what you think. To continue reading, click…
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Shop Presidents' Weekend Sales for Fall 2013 Trends

Photo credit: William Werber


The Fall 2013 Fashion Week in New York has come to a close. I was encouraged by the whole affair for one big reason: Many of the designs previewed were perfect for women over 50. Is the fashion industry becoming sympathetic to our needs? Hmm. Yes, yes--there were plenty of very short skirts and even some peek-a-boo tops (heaven!) on the Big Apple's runways. But there were also skirts and dresses with longer hems as well as jackets, tops and bottoms with simple, classic lines and a bit of edge. Be still my heart!

I was also thrilled to see that many of the 2012 fall trends--winter white, fur trim, colored jeans, black and white, shades of purple and burgundy, and more--were very present in the fall 2013 collections. Happy Days! Those garments I bought in September 2012 will still be 'in vogue' next year. If you're tempted to shop some of the huge Presidents' Weekend sales, you might find a 2012 bargain or two that will add to your fall 2013 style. Click 'read more' below for a few examples.
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Designers Over 50 Show Fall 2013 Collections

Photo by William Werber

It's Fashion Week in New York--that strange week in February when all the fashion buzz is about next fall. Spring and summer 2013 haven't even begun, but they already feel passé. Very strange, indeed. Still, I do find myself drawn to the live streaming of the runway shows for a sneak preview of what's coming up. I may even use the knowledge gained from the fall 2013 shows to shop the last of the huge 2012 fall-winter fashion sales this month. I can shop for pieces that will fit in with next fall's trends.

Today, I watched the stream of BCBGMAXAZRIA and fell head over heels in love with the designers' fall collection. I loved the long, flowing tunics worn over leather leg warmers. And I loved the layering of sweaters and jackets over the tunics. I can easily see myself spinning off on this look with my skinny jeans under long tunics. It's a look that's both fashionable and comfortable for women over 50.

LIVE STREAMING: DESIGNERS OVER 50
I don't have loads of time for viewing the runway streams, but I will make time to watch the shows by some of my favorite designers over 50.  Here's the schedule...

Feb10 at 4PM EST Live Stream of Fall 2013 Fashions by DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

Feb11 at 10 AM EST Live Stream of Fall 2013 Fashions by CAROLINA HERRERA

Feb 11, 5 PM EST Live Stream of Fall 2013 Fashions by BETSEY JOHNSON

Feb 12, 11 AM EST Live Stream of Fall 2013 Fashions by VERA WANG

Word to the wise women over 50: Runway shows are notorious for starting late. When streaming, I go to the Fashion Week site, turn the volume down low, and minimize the link. Then, I do something else online. Before the show starts, you'll hear a whole lot of chatter--people mingling and finding their seats. Then, when the show is about to begin, there will be silence, followed by music. The silence is the signal to maximize the live stream's link and prepare to view.

Enjoy!

Still Learning: Primers for Over 50 Faces

Last weekend, while cleaning out my makeup bin, I came across Tarte primer. It was part of a makeup “starter” kit I’d purchased several years ago. After turning 50, I decided it was time to get serious about makeup. (Before 50, my makeup regimen consisted of the very occasionally applied lipstick, blush and mascara.) The Tarte primer was the only product left from the starter kit. It was the only product in the kit that seemed more trouble than it was worth. Recently, I read an article about the many wonderful things primer has to offer the over 50 face. Is that true? I decided it was time to learn more. Am I the last over 50 woman on the planet who doesn't know about primer? (I wouldn’t be surprised!) If not, click “Read More” below for the scoop on primer and which ones are recommended for over 50 women. And if you're already a primer user, let me know which product works best for you.
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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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Parisian Style: Grey Hair Everywhere

During my recent trip to Paris, I was struck by the number of women over 50 with grey hair. It was, perhaps, my most surprising Paris style observation. If asked to give a number, I would say 20% of the over 50 Frenchwomen I saw had natural, dye-free hair. Now, you might think: Well, with the volume of people in a city, it would stand to reason that there would be lots of women with grey hair…as well as lots of women with dyed hair. But I’m in New York City at least a half-dozen times a month and I don’t see many grey-haired women—not anywhere near 20%. The thing that surprised me most about this grey hair trend was it looked good on most of the Frenchwomen. Why? I think these women had two things going for them: 1) great haircuts that flattered their faces and 2) a stylish outfit. Perhaps, their makeup helped as well. Click “read more” to see a few examples.
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Fashion Trends 2011: Women Behind Bars

I’ve “battened down the hatches,” so to speak, in preparations for Hurricane Irene. “Mean Irene” as she’s being called is scheduled to reach the New York area early Sunday morning. The NYC subway system has shut down. Home owners on the waterfront have boarded windows, many have evacuated. My husband and I have taken in the porch furniture and potted plants. The local cinema has taken down the plastic letters on its marquee. The hardware store is out of "D" batteries for flashlights and duct tape. There’s not much more to do, but wait. I figure I might as well file a fashion post today; chances are there will be no electricity tomorrow.



Tuesday night I was in Soho, having dinner with my husband and my youngest son. It was a lovely night and the restaurant had its exterior glass walls opened for a semi-al fresco dining experience. As I dined and chatted with my men, I noticed woman after woman in garments with thick stripes pass by. It seemed like every second or third woman was in a thickly striped blouse, dress or long skirt. One woman was wearing an outfit very similar to the Karina Grimaldi Biscot Long Sleeve Dress ($196) at the top of this post. What kept it from becoming a boring parade was the fact that there was such variety in garments’ colors and designs. None of the women wore the classic French boat neck's thin blue-and-white stripes, which were de rigueur last spring. The trend now appears to be bolder stripes, more like the prison stripes of bygone days. With so many colors and styles, there's bound to be a stripe garment that will flatter every over 50 woman. I’ve gathered a sample of designs online to give you a visual of what I saw the other night. As always, click on the photos if you want details or a close up of the garments. And if "Mean Irene" has already barreled through your town or is expected to, take care.









STRIPE FRIGHT? NOT TO WORRY

I suspect we all learned in junior high home economic class that horizontal stripes make a woman look fat. The rule is not without merit, but it's not hard and fast either. I have a light blue-and-navy stripe T-shirt that I wear with a straight jean skirt. People have actually asked if I've lost weight when I wear the top! I think the horizontal stripes work because I wear them with a straight skirt. I might try a top like the Free People Fluff Wide Stripe Pullover ($108) just above with a straight skirt in a bright shade, maybe teal or sapphire.



Bold stripes in colors that aren't too contrasting seemed to work well. Take, for instance, these next two sweaters from Jones New York.









Jones New York Long Sleeve Cotton Drape Neck Sweater, ($109)















Jones New York Rolled Cuff Button Front Cardigan, ($89)





And, I'm absolutely mad for this green-and-gray designer sweater from Shopbop.











3.1 Phillip Lim Metallic Stripe Cardigan ($575)







The stripes on this Vince Striped Boat Neck Tee ($135) aren't particularly bold, but they show how stripes in subtle colors are sophisticated and flattering.















Here's one last sweater that's a variation on two current trends: stripes and the color blue.









Jones New York 3/4 Sleeve Boat Neck Sweater, ($99)







To wrap up (pun intended) the bold stripes conversation, I offer this Sonia Rykiel Stripe Fringe Poncho ($1,285). Last spring I saw a statuesque over 50 woman in a wool poncho. The poncho fell nicely, not too bulky, and it was balanced by her lovely long legs in jeans. I'm going to have my eye out for ponchos this fall. Although, a woman will probably have to have Anna Wintour's clothing allowance to afford this one, I thought I'd share it.













And finally, Karen Kane has several moderately-priced, wide striped garments in its collection. Click on Check-out New Arrivals at KarenKane.com and enter "stripe" in the search bar at the top.







CLASSICAL STRIPES

Do you prefer the classic stripes--one stripe in white and both stripes thin? Hessantur offers this Organic Cotton Tee in tiny, tight indigo, nougat, or light gray heather stripes.





Or take a peek at this Organic Cotton/Linen Dress ($98). I love the way the stripes fold on this ultra-comfortable and stylish dress, don't you?

















STRIPED ACCESSORIES

And don't forget those striped accessories. Besides the classic striped scarf, I'm seeing striped clutches and even striped jewelry like this Adia Kibur Chain Stripe Necklace ($68).

Eco-Fashions: It’s Getting Easier to be Green

I’m far from being a super environmentalist. But that doesn’t stop me from trying to save the Earth in little ways--my children wore cloth diapers till they were a year old, I've recycled all my adult life, I buy environment-friendly household products, I buy locally whenever possible, I use totes for shopping, and so on. And I’m always on the lookout for other small ways I can help. Since April is Earth Month, I’ve been thinking about eco-friendly fashions. Specifically, I’ve been wondering how accessible Green fashions are and what sort of selection there is in terms of styles and prices. Could buying eco-friendly clothing be the next little thing I do to help the environment?

DESIGNERS DIP THEIR TOE IN ECO-CLOTHES
Green fashions made a big splash with the FashionFuture runway show during Fashion Week in 2005. Well-known designers embraced organic fibers. However, the trend faded with “the global recession and consumer skepticism about just how environmentally friendly fashion could be,” according to a New York Times article, entitled Does This Green Flatter Me? The Times article reported a recent charity auction at Christie’s to benefit the Earth called “Bid to Save the Earth.” (Apparently, a trip for two to the Chanel couture show raised $65,000.) The event also included a runway show of 32 outfits by designers who have said they will investigate sustainable manufacturing.

There were also rumblings of new Green fashions at the Fall 2011 Fashion Week in February. Tree Huggers has a slide show of the hot eco-friendly trends from the show.

FASHIONS FOR ECO-CIVILIANS
Fashion Week and charities at Christie’s always attract lots of attention, which is a good thing when it comes to raising people’s eco-conscience. But what about eco-fashion for civilians like me? What’s available and is it affordable? Below are some of the eco-clothing companies I found outline.

Beklina, is an online boutique with unusual, eco-friendly tops, bottoms, dresses and outerwear. After I’ve taken care of the basics—T-shirts, slacks, and pencil skirts—at the department or chain clothing stores, I like to visit eclectic boutiques for a one-of-a-kind piece that provides a little individuality to my style. Usually boutique items cost a little more, but I don’t buy a lot of them. At Beklina, dresses run from $89 to $650. I thought a few of them would look great over leggings, like the Stewart Brown Shirt Dress on sale for $110 (size Large only).

Coclico calls itself eco-conscious. Shoes are made with accredited leather and use a vegetable tanning process. Beautiful, unique shoes, including flats and low heels, range from $110-$485. Handbags, too.

Eco Citizen fashions include shoes with recycled soles and made of “non-leather.” Right now, the shoes are on sale for $47-55. Sizes are limited.

Fair Indigo creates fashions in cotton and silk as well as bamboo (T-shirts). The company has mostly USA-made T-shirts ($25-$35, average). However, there are eco-friendly dresses, skirts, cardigans and even jewelry. Right now there's an Essential Pima Cotton Shirt for $17.96 (60% off) in three colors and all sizes.

Gaiam creates comfortable, casual clothing in organic cotton and natural silk. The company has a small, but nice collection. I didn’t see a price tag over $100.

hessnatur webshop features clothing made with natural fibers. Hessnatur is dedicated to organic production and fair working conditions during the growing/processing of the natural fibers used in its clothing. This is one of the largest collections of organic garments I found online. The natural fiber--cashmere, silk, cotton, hemp, linen, virgin wools--fashions are moderately priced.  I think they're a good value because they're well-made, eco-friendly and stylish. Take, for instance, the airy, loose-knit, like the Organic Cotton Cardigan ($118) below.






People Tree is a UK clothier dedicated to fair trade and ecology-minded manufacturing practices that minimize the environmental impact. The company accepts British pounds (not US dollars), which is good news for UK shoppers, but not such good news for American shoppers.


is also a British company, but it accepts US dollars. Since 2008, Pure Collection has been creating sustainable garments, which apparently protects the grasslands from over-grazing. Fashions are made of cashmere, silk, cotton, linen and various wools. Take, for instance, the Smart linen trousers (was $148, now $118.40) at the top of this post. There's also a cropped version on the site. Click the photo or name to see the entire collection. The Cropped cashmere cardigan (was $148, now $118.40) below comes in 8 colors. I wear sweaters all summer long because of air conditioning and I love cropped sweaters over sheaths. I also wear them over dresses and jeggings.

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For more leads on eco-friendly fashions, check out Commerce With A Conscience.