Riding Boots

Ok, so I am a little embarrassed.  People have been blogging about boots, and I decided to check in on mine. I discovered I have 17 pairs of boots.  Pretty bad, huh?

Now I will rationalize this by saying, first of all, I live in NE, and we get lots of snow and ice.  And I wear skirts almost exclusively and boots keep my legs warm.  I wear boots probably every day for 4-5 months.

That being said, I guess I could be somewhat of an expert then, eh?  

Out of all the boots, of which you will see--cowboy, high shaft, mid shaft, low, winkle pickers, shooties, bootie, granny, flat and mid heeled~my  

recommendation for this year is:  The RIDING BOOT.  Practical for all occasions, comfortable and classic.  My pair is from Santana Boots out of Canada, and anyone who needs a real winter boot, most are warm, waterproof with rubber soles.  I would highly recommend them--these are probably 15 years old--believe it or not!  This is my 3rd pair and wear them constantly--so the cost per wear is next to nothing (they are pricey)!



Santana Riding Style Boots








What will you be wearing for boots this year?

Sunglasses and Sandals

I don't usually do "matchy-matchy"; I think it can date you to the 60's when all your accessories matched.  But I just couldn't resist today!  Who would ever think I would have matching sandals and sunglasses in hot mustard!  Yup, it happens in my world....

And it wasn't like I didn't have another pair of sunglasses.  This is really only my summer selection.  Have no fear though, I buy them all at TJ's or Marshall's--always under $20.  The French are probably cringing now....


Are we matching today?

French Dressing



shirt~Marshall's
skirt~Newport News
shoes~Tsubo



I've been tuning in on Fridays to Ruby's Musings on her French thing and it's got me thinking about French dressing--or what WE, as Americans, think it is.  I'm certainly no expert, but I can say I've read biographies on Chanel, studied fashion history and spent some time in Paris years ago, and I still find the way french women dress rather fascinating. 

What I did today was something that is true to the stereotype--bateau-neck striped shirt with a glam-ish skirt and my favorite slip-ons.  (a Frenchwomen would probably had sexier heels).  Once, I read that to dress like a Frenchwoman, you should always wear one expensive item--that, ladies, is my shoes.

I'm going to experiment some more, and I'm sure French Fridays at Ruby's blog will inspire me also.  In the meantime, check out this video~I thought this was an interesting take on French styling, and a bit contrary to what I had mentioned previously in a post stating "...Europeans wishing to stand out...".  So much for that!

Any insightful ideas on French dressing welcome! 

Unexpected Classic



Macy's

 I had bought this cape/poncho to wear to football games about 10 years ago, and I can't believe how often I reach for it!  It has become a classic in my wardrobe and a great cover for spring and fall!  I find myself throwing it on in the morning when I go to work out, or for hikes in the woods, or a snugglie on the sofa!  

The material is a fleece, and looks much better than Rachel Zoe's version, I think.  (Maybe Rachel's needs some washings--looks a bit stiff)  Capes and ponchos are really in this year, but just be aware of their limitations.  They can be cool on a windy day and are very cumbersome while driving. 

Is there something in your wardrobe that became an Unexpected Classic?

Profound Thought #6--Sunset Boulevard



By JamesWhistler, 1871, The Artist's Mother

 I had the pleasure this week of glimpsing at the old movie, Sunset Boulevard.  For those of you who don't know the film, its about an aging silent screen star, Norma Desmond, who can't accept growing old.  (Please take the time to watch the short clip on "I am big...", its classic!)

But it brought up that nagging question, how to grow old gracefully.  I have dissected this all week and have felt that this is a bit of an oxymoron.  First of all, for me it implies that there could be something graceful about growing old.  Other than the alternative, there is nothing good about growing old.  Graceful is something like dance.  Graceful is not football; although there certainly are some balletic moves in football--as slow motion has shown.

But I digress.  For me, its more about how much young you can do without looking stupid.  I think of the people I know growing old gracefully,  and they are embracing the right amount of young, and FIGHTING the old.  And its a battle--just like it is to dance gracefully.

So, I guess the question is: do you want to do battle with the old, and embrace the correct quantity of the young?  Or do you just want to give up and be old?  Poor Norma didn't get it right.

Thingsthatmakeyouaskwhy?

Some things just make me crazy.  I love fashion, but similar to art, sometimes it makes no sense.  I watch a few fashion shows on television, one being Fashion Police with Joan Rivers on E!,  Project Runway and The Rachel Zoe Project.   The ridiculousness of it all came to light for me via Joan Rivers.

For example. this week it was Jessica Simpson as the Project Runway Judge.  Lots of press about this phenomenon--and to make matters worse, Michael Kors designed that dress she is wearing that does NOTHING for her figure--her figure really not that bad.   ( other pics of Jessica )  Joan let out a wail when these pictures were shown!  Most people question Jessica's qualifications as a judge, as do I, but what was worse for me was the fact that Michael Kors DIDN'T THINK THIS LOOKED AWFUL ON HER????  And the way he makes fun of the other designers?  Has he lost all sense of logic and proportion??? (yes, a flashback from the words to "Go ask Alice", Grace Slick--Jefferson Airplane)  

Then there was Rachel Zoe at the Met Ball in Marc Jacobs.  (GO TO PHOTO #12).  OMG.  How could anyone have let her wear this?  She can look good if she covers her skeleton-like figure.  It's really insane--and she is self-conscious of the press when they accuse her of being anorexic~I just don't get it.

These are the visuals for this week that have just been stuck in my craw, and keep me babbling.... 

Yippee!!!!

I am absolutely thrilled at my first blog award and give a big thanks to Jo Frances for nominating my blog!                                                                                                Now I must get to work and follow these instructions:                                                              

* Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award.

* Share 7 things about yourself.

  * Pass the award along to 15 other bloggers who you recently discovered and think are fabulous.

* Contact the bloggers you chose and let them know about the award

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here are the Seven Things About Myself:

1.  Love the color yellow
2.  Have a purple front door
3.  I don't wear a watch
4.  Abhor cleaning
5.  Would like to go back to Paris, this time without a backpack
6.  Am geographically misplaced
7.  Family is everything

My Fifteen Blogspots Nominees
 
1.  http://ragsagainstthemachine.blogspot.com/

2. http://lisaspaintingreflections.blogspot.com/

3.  http://stillredheaded.blogspot.com/

4.  http://frumpfactor.wordpress.com/

5.  http://ruby-rubymusings.blogspot.com/

6.  http://inprofessorialfashion.blogspot.com/

7.  http://materfamiliasknits.blogspot.com/

8.  http://laurasstyle.blogspot.com/

9.   http://www.dressaday.com/

10. Ok will be back with 5 more later.... 

I have some homework to do~if anyone has more suggestions, let me know!

Thanks again!

Mullet Styling



Top: Victoria's Secret
Bottom: Thrifted

I thought I would be posting a fall outfit today, but the weather changed my mind.  Could be Indian Summer here--it's been warm, and I just couldn't post the fall outfit, but you will see it in due time!

The outfit I wore today comes from someone else's suggestion on simplifying your work wardrobe--black/white top; printed skirt.  I love this model.  It simplifies getting ready in the morning by not having to think of a top really, and gives me the fun creative spirit on the bottom.  Sort of like a mullet--business on top, party on the bottom. (I can't take credit for that euphemism-heard it on Project Runway) 

The top presented problems though--I had to alter it.  The damn thing was TOO LOW, as per usual.  I  added  a lace insert into the "v", in order to make it work appropriate.


The shoes are a real cheat--I had to change them out later.

Anyone have their easy dressing for work they would like to share?

High Rise Jeans

I just don't think there is any way around it for me--I need high waisted/high rise jeans!  With the onset of menopause, I have this new spare tire around my hips and the low rise jeans do nothing but remind me of this by the most unfortunate fashion faux-pas: the muffin top. I am also SO TIRED of having to pull up my low rise jeans. Furthermore, now that I am no longer in a two piece bathing suit, any display of skin is WHITE AS SNOW!   Not a pretty look.

Which is why I say--its only high rise for me.  And the difficulty in this is, since the Jessica Simpson debacle with the high waisted jean, there is hardly a pair to be had in the retail world now.  But luckily, I bought any and all pairs before they went the way of the dodo bird.  This pair is from Cache, and really is pure genius!  It comes to the waist, but all the detail makes it look like it is a low rise jean--brilliant!  The pair I wore yesterday, were the same idea--just skinny leg.

Vigoss Jean at Alloy--now not available!  Sorry~

And so here we are again--the frustrated consumers with money to spend and not a decent jean in sight!  (Note:  I do know many women that do love Not your Daughter's Jeans and  Levi's 5 Pocket, but I like the designer types)  There are a few on line places like Zafu, that can find your designer brand for you, and a custom design jean on-line store, but all are very pricey.  Oh, and at Marshall's the other day I DID see lots of trouser jeans--very chic--but a little more office casual than jean--but still another option.

Are we all on the same page here with the Jean Thing??? 

Obi Tie

I thought today I would have a pile of clothes to show you, along with my unsuccessful attempts at this outfit.  You may remember this look from my inspiration board post;  it was a look taken from the J Crew Catalog. 

I went for a real punch of color today AND a new accessory, this obi belt.  (H&M on sale, $5.00)  Now, in the inspiration picture, she had her shirt tucked in, but that did not work with these jeans, as they have a lot of detail near the waist.  I will show you the jeans in more detail tomorrow, but for now its about this obi thing going on.  I liked the shirt (Issac Mizrahi, thrifted) well enough outside, and really pushed the envelope with the pink jacket.  I also could have rolled up the sleeves on the striped shirt~it would have looked cool also.  But I have some chutzpah, so I went with it.

My skinny jeans are a staple for me;  I know they don't work for everyone, and I think bootleg jeans could work here also.  More on jeans tomorrow.

Oh, and my shoes--the best little open-toe 1.5" wedge; wish I had more!  Perfect shoe for the warmer fall days.  (Marshall's, last year)

Think this is too much or is it too much fun??

Rendition

Here is my first rendition of what will be my fave outfit for the fall.  I traded out the white tee-shirt for a fuscia one and added a different pose.  Looks like an altogether different outfit to me!  Once the weather gets cooler, I can add stockings and a scarf.

What you can't see is a really great pair of earrings!  This haircut is not a good earring cut, so my earrings always seem to be hidden.  And as far as jewelry goes, earrings are the only pieces that don't get in my way, so it is almost the only item I buy.  And if I leave home without my earrings, I feel NAKED all day and just out of sync!

What forgotten item makes you feel Naked???

Profound Thought # 5--Disconnect

I've been blogging with other fashionistas over 50 talking about this disconnect thing.   It's that disconnect you feel when you see a body that doesn't fit with the face.  It could be an older face with clothes that are too young, or shorts that are too short, or a body that just is in DAMN GOOD SHAPE! 

This phenomenon really makes me question the whole society thing, and how we (over 50+ers) are starting to not fit in.  Gone are the days when one could be and "old sage", or respected for being a master craftsman.  And in the fashion field--one wrinkle and your OUT!  The only solution to avoid this is to make that appointment with the plastic surgeon.  Or, like in my blog, go headless in my pictures.

I probably won't opt for either of those solutions-I'm not being chased by the paparazzi and I feel that I can test out styles to see if they look connected only by having my head on.  I'm going to keep plugging away, and maybe there will be the "disconnect" thing just a little bit less if people see us over 50  fashionistas just a little bit more.

Thoughts?

Befuddled and Agog

Two words that explain a few images I have seen this week: befuddled and agog!  There is so much to say about these images, and yet I am at a loss!

This first picture is of the stirrup look we remember from those fabulous 80's--WHY WOULD THIS COME BACK???  Is there anyone out there that likes this look?  Please let me know---




Victoria's Secret



 The next look is also a throw back from the eighties--the JUMPSUIT.  Jumpsuits themselves can be okay, but this one, JUST LEAVES ME WONDERING!!!!!

Rachel Roy

Getty Image

And then this poor picture of Cher.  I mean, what can I say???  On the one hand, I have to give her kudos--and on the other, it's just sort of sad.

And I leave you with those thoughts until tomorrow.....

Just a Read-Through

I'm trying out this lace trend~I have to say, I am not totally on-board with it.   Lace can make a 50+er look like an VERY old lady really quickly!  To minimize the risk, I picked up this lace top at a second hand store.  I liked the fact it was in a color--might give me more options. 

I paired it with a vest; I figured this would be the best option.  Toned it down with simple jeans and easy slip on shoes~and its okay.  Probably won't be buying much of the lace this year!

Oh, and I always have slip on platform shoes for the fall--platforms to keep my feet from getting wet in the fall rain and slip on's--well because they are so EASY!



What's your take on this lace trend?

Tsubo slip-ons







Every Outfit Tells a Story

Don't you always have a story behind your outfit?  Either how you came to buy it, or the difficulty in finding it, or how it is your fave outfit now, etc., etc., etc.

And this outfit is no different! You may remember this outfit from my inspiration wall~I already had the jacket and tee shirts;  I just needed to find the perfect black skirt.  Well, I searched and the black skirt became ELUSIVE.  They were pencil, wrong fabric, too short--couldn't find it.  Then WALAH!  Finally found it at Zara's--had the fullness I wanted, and  I just had to go up a size to get the length right.  (note to self--must fix the hem also) 

I went for the basic color today, but I know there will be many renditions of this in the future and I will be adding some color.  I did try some accouterments~a scarf and a necklace, but neither did it for me--they were too EXPECTED.

OH, so I had to put some color in SOMETHING~so notice the Earrings--did I tell you about my hoops?  LOVE HOOPS; and as an added bonus, I will go to a bead store and buy beads to slip on--sort of like the Pandora bead thing--if you do this tho, just make sure the hole in the bead is big enough for your earring!  (speaking from experience!) 

So there is my story; what's yours?

Fashion a la Einstein

Who would think that Albert Einstein would be my fashion inspiration for today?  'Tis true!  I was thinking about a quote from Einstein in Nina Garcia's The Little Black Book of Style;

Once you can accept the universe as being something expanding into an infinite nothing which is something, wearing stripes with plaid is easy.

Inspired, I went with a style that was a little last season--mixing patterns.  They say if you use patterns in the same color family and size--it can work.  So I mixed the striped jacket with the print blouse, added the pencil skirt and my shooties.

Am ABSOLUTELY LOVIN' the shooties, by the way.  I get many compliments AND as an added bonus, they are really keeping my ankles warm--and with the temps dipping down now--its a big help!

Who inspired YOU today?

Snoopy and the Red Barron

When I was thinking of getting dressed this morn, I was inspired by this white silk scarf (which I had just recently bought) and a new pair of earrings (which I should have taken a close up of!)  I dressed myself around these 2 items!

My first attempt with the scarf came out looking a bit like Snoopy and the Red Barron, so I re-tied the scarf.  (see below)  I'm lovin' the shootie and the jean capri combo.  What I am not lovin' is this jean vest.  I dunno; its not just the combo of the jean stuff--something old lady about that vest.  It may end up in the recycle bin (was re-thrifted anyway).  This tee-shirt is actually fuscia, and I bought these in bulk from Target--they are a great length and serve me well. 

How did you get inspired this morn?

Alice and Aya

Remember paper dolls? I figure if I can't have glamour in MY life, than I'll create someone who can~and perpetuate the fantasy!

Meet Alice and Aya. Alice, on the left, is the more traditional paper doll, she just has one problem--she has flashbacks. You'll see that in the future. Aya, (short for Ayako meaning color child, or design child) was inspired by a Kokeshi doll I saw at the Morristown Museum in NJ. She has more of a daring aesthetic (like me).



Just think--they are timeless, have inexhaustible money, and can travel ANYWHERE, ANYTIME! They are at fashion week right now, and will appear from time to time for special occasions; maybe the Oscars, maybe Paris in springtime or winter in the Bahamas!

Hope you enjoy them and look forward to hearing from them in the future~

Profound Thought # 4

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about my blog and perpetuating a fantasy. In the blog world, like the rest of the world, sometimes its about the pretty pictures.

I've seen a lot of the pretty pictures at other blogs; slick photos, great editorials and beautiful models. There are a lot of talented writers, artists and fashionistas out there. And sometimes my blog looks---well, mundane.

I had to ask myself, what glamour is there to a 50+ woman taking pictures in her bedroom of an outfit she is wearing to go to Walgreen's? And although I have decided to keep this blog REAL, and hope to inspire woman of my age to be creative and stylish, maybe it needs a little glamour.

Therefore, I am going to perpetuate the fantasy....check in tomorrow.

Fit In or Stand Out?

As you know, I am a fan of Lucky Magazine. I love it because it keeps the fashions attainable--with price point and purpose. They are stylish but not high fashion. Unfortunately, most of the styles are geared for younger people, so I really look to it for inspiration, then edit for my age.

That being said, what I loved about this issue, is how they juxtaposed the minimal look with "eclectic glamour" in their feature article. The editor called it "more or less". It reminded me of this; that Americans dress to blend in and Europeans dress to stand out.

You know I am the latter group and with that I would advise anyone who would ask me about style~

• Be Inspired
• Embrace Color
• Try Something New

So who are you?

Why Fix It?

Sorry ladies, but I had to have both these pics today! The smiley photo is a better head shot, but the other photo is a better pose shot! Just bear with me while I get these photos right~

So you are probably getting pretty bored now with my "uniform"; skirt and jacket/top. This works for me, and it makes getting ready in the morning EASY. I still embrace color and will try something new, but as long as this works, WHY FIX IT?

This jean jacket will be a staple of my fall wardrobe.

Love the batik skirt that was a major find at a local second hand store, and of course, my added pop of color in my tee shirt! Oh, and those Zara cloth sandals have hung in there all season, but they are about done. LOVED THEM and will miss them.

What is your uniform and is it time for a change?

Fashion Bonding

You guys are really lucky today! You get three photos of me trying out new poses~the first two are (alleged) jazz dance poses. I was just getting tired of the same old pose!

Down to business: I had a great Fashion Bonding day today. Isn't it great when you have that AHA moment with someone over Fashion? (It's like in Avatar, when they connect their ponytails and their irises all get all big). I had a few of those moments today and it just made me all warm inside! It happened with a 50+, it happened with some youngin's; it crosses all boundaries. It's a beautiful thing!

This outfit started some of it--the dress is perfect for my body shape--the empire waist. Love the print and the colors. This is a great cardigan that comes in soooo handy for bingo arms. If my legs are looking a little funny it's because I have fishnets on--legs weren't looking in top shape so I had to cheat. I wear fishnets in the summer--have ALL colors and they are better than nylons!!! And these are great platform sandals. I think all of the items I got at Marshall's.

So have you Fashion Bonded today?

Muffler Set

Does anyone remember these? They were muffler sets--and what prompted this memory and this drawing were two things: I just read Love, Loss and What I Wore, by Ilene Beckerman AND an old movie last night, Dark Journey with Vivien Leigh (1937). In the movie, of course Vivien had the grown up versions--LEOPARD! I had the junior version, mine was brown fur with a red flower.

The book is very cute--it has illustrations of the outfits she wore and the events related to them. Isn't it amazing how well we remember our clothes from way back?

What clothes do you remember?

Shooties and Skirt

I was dying to try the shooties with a skirt--and SUCCESS (I think!) Went out to lunch, and actually saw a few other versions: some black shooties with shorts--shooties with leggings--all looked cute! I'm going to be wearing these as much as possible now--I really don't know how much longer I'll be able to wear them!

Question of the Day: Do bra straps showing bother you? There has been the its OK to show the bra strap trend; the clear bra strap trend, the sport bra strap trend. (this is the sport bra strap btw) But still....Love to hear what YOU think!

Skirt= Old Navy

Shooties= Anthropologie

Top= ???

By the Campfire

Here I am, getting set for a night by the campfire with friends. I have my jeggings and my shooties on. Lovin' my new jeggings from Madewell; they are real denim, nice and long, and a not too low waistline. My shooties were a big hit! I'm really happy about the neutral color where they are a transitional piece--a darker color wouldn't look appropriate now as they will be a short season shoe. I would have liked my tunic just a bit longer--but it works.

It was Labor day--anyone out there still thinking they can't wear white anymore?????

Profound Thought No. 3

Crest White Strips. There is nothing more aging than yellowing teeth. I feel 10 years younger after I use them. I know they don't work for everyone, but they work for me! Try them.

Hurricane Earl

As we batten down the hatches here in New England, I can't help but think what weather does to fashion! I mean, how many times have you had to change your outfit to adapt to the weather??? Would you wear those Manolo Blahniks in the rain???

I try and make the ugly weather as cheery as possible with color; you are probably getting to know me by now! For rain, I love this bright red slicker, with the cute print in the hood. This is great for those summer thunderstorms or a hurricane or two. Shoes are my trusty clogs--they keep you high and dry out of the puddles, but another option are those cute, brightly colored galoshes. http://www.zappos.com/kamik-janis-plum

I don't know--what do you think; can an over 50 wear these???? Love to hear from you!

Hip Huggers

Gap Ad

I'm NOT a big fan of the low rise(aka hip huggers)- shapeless blouse proportion. At this point in my life I still want to define my waist! It goes so quickly......

Nonetheless, I decided I might give it a try...what the hell..and I surprised myself--NOT SO BAD! Probably wouldn't do it all the time; and I made sure some of the blouse was fitted, and I felt more comfortable trying this with a shorter skirt. Thoughts?

And I decided I will try some poses--I know my pictures are pretty bad, but I am hoping to improve! My MODEL friend probably cringes when she looks at my page.....she would laugh at the jazz pose I could NOT post!!!

Dress Design for Shabby Apple Dresses

I am entering a design contest.

So here are some of my sketches for the dress design for Shabby Apple Dresses .

I'm calling it the Obi One Canobe Dress for the obi belt. I would love to see this in red (most definitely RED!) in a natural fiber with a little bit of stretch in it. My inspiration was a vintage dress that I wore out--literally, and I was planning to make a pattern and remake the dress. I made a few minor changes with the waist. Above is me (headless) in the original inspiration.

Wish me Luck!