Profound Thoughts~Mexican or Chinese?

I've always been a fan of Project Runway~well sort of.  I've watched it faithfully since its inception, (what eight seasons now?) and have loved watching creativity in motion.

I am not a fan of all the subterfuge; the forced drama, the senseless agony, and the schizophrenic judging.  I feel badly for the designers that have to prostitute themselves--design is a tough world--I guess they do what they must.

PR sometimes becomes a popularity contest and after all--I'm not going to know the designer when I buy clothes.  Eventually though, it comes down to the judges taste, and as Michael Kors said, ..."Mexican or Chinese?".

Myself?  Even my fantasy of being on Project Runway wouldn't last long. I'd be the old lady of the group, I'd be a one trick pony designing commercial clothes for the matronly set.  After all, I'd be designing clothes that were appropriate yet fun for women my age (particularly bathing suits).

The fashion world is a weird place for sure, and I don't think I want to be going there anytime soon.  I'll take some style, thank-you very much--and a touch of fashion.

Nitty-gritty:  Your fave--Mondo or Gretchen?

You Don't Know Jacques, by Opi

After my post on Big Honking Ring, many inquired on my nail color.  Above is my most favorite nail color of the moment, You Don't Know Jacques, by Opi.  Delicious!  I have worn it exclusively since I bought it at the first part of the summer.

Why is it so good?  It's a mix of neutrals--it has a lot of grey, but will look brown sometimes.  When I saw it in Vogue, I thought it was a brown.  When I got it, it looked more grey and I was a little dismayed.  When I put it on, I found myself stealing glances at my nails all day long.....and I still love it.

Another Rendition of Socks and Sandals

jacket & shoes~Marshall's
blouse~Century 21
jeans~

My motive in dressing today, was to try more of the sandals/socks combinations.  It was to be another mild day, and I am trying to get in all my summer stuff before the long, cold winter.

In order to show my sandal/sock combo off, I chose these capri style jeans.  Not knowing how the weather would go, I dressed in layers; long denim color tee, my fave summer silk blouse and a boiled wool swing jacket.

The socks?  Fish net knee highs!  From the recommendations on my last sock/sandal post, most of you wanted to see a darker sock.  I tried out three: first one too light, second one too dark, and third one was just right. (maybe just a little too dark)

The jacket is a tough one to wear--its a swing coat and it can make me look a little too big on top~if I want to be critical. 



I am going to look for some other socks.....
Socks and Sandals---Make it stop?

Is that a Bodysuit You're Wearing?

Another really spectacular day here in NE~temperatures in the 70's~just perfect!

And believe it or not, YES, that is a bodysuit I have on!  They are a wonderful rediscovery.  I happened upon them as a solution to the  frustrations with the low rise stuff.  With this new menopausal body, I found I might have muffin top hanging out, or a cold breeze against my stomach or clothes  creeping up to my waist.  I thought, if I went back to a bodysuit...and lo and behold, it worked like a charm!

I bought three bodysuits in different colors and love them again like I did in the 70's.  Just one drawback though; VPL's if you wear them with jeans.

The outfit today--great cotton neutral color jacket, elastic waist cotton skirt, (love the ethnic style print) my shooties, and honking big hoops.

Jacket~Ann Taylor
skirt~Victoria's Secret
bodysuit~dance warehouse

Fall foliage is PEAKING

Do you still wear bodysuits?

How I Wore Leopard Today

jacket~ thrifted
tee~ Target
skirt~ Marshall's
clogs~ Marshall's

I'm not a huge fan of the leopard trend; I'm almost over it already.  But I do have some leopard items in my wardrobe so I pulled one of them out.

This leopard knit pencil skirt is very comfortable, although it does require the use of a body-shaper (aka girdle) where the skirt is so slim.  Too bad the skirt isn't just a smidgen larger, but I think it still works.

The jean jacket I chose to tone it down a bit, but I always need color--HENCE the shirt!

And did you notice?  CLOGS AGAIN!  That's another great thing about clogs--they are high and dry out of the rain!

Good thing it was warm enough not to wear stockings because they stick to this skirt~

Are you feeling the leopard trend?

Clogs, how do I love thee?

Let me count the ways:

• Always comfortable
• Easy to wear
• Goes with most things

And the bonus today--this absolutely stellar day in NE?  My toes got some sunshine!  I wore these clogs yesterday, and forgot how comfortable they are.  So out they came again today, sans stockings of course, taking in the lovely weather.

I do look for a more refined clog, as some can be rather clompy looking.  What was so cool about these is they are open-toed. 

The outfit is a re-do from the summer, except I changed out the black tee for this neutral one.  Love this graphic print skirt; I don't get as tired as much from a graphic as I do a floral print. 

Felt so good to feel the sun on my arms, I strolled around the yard and took some more photos outside.

Were you able to free your toes today?

Office Casual

This was my thinking today:  I wanted a little sparkle yet, I needed to be casual.  This jean jacket and black skirt combo has been a go-to this season, and here is another rendition.  see others here

I dragged out this sparkly top from last year that I got at Cache on sale.  It was a little too low, so I added the scarf.  I love the textured stockings and they are lightweight, so they still work for fall. 

The shoes were the key here for not making it too dressy, I think.  They ARE  clogs, and though many consider them to be a fashion faux pas, nonetheless, they really help to bring this outfit down a notch.  (The office I work at is VERY CASUAL~  construction genre).

Oh, and the coat is THE BEST!  Its roomy enough to wear a blazer under, and is fleece.  It's thrifted; I just had to add the closure on it as it had none.

What was your thinking today?

Profound Thoughts~Wisdom

Coolidge Point, my photo

There is a book out called, Wisdom: The Greatest Gift One Generation Can Give to Another, by Andrew Zuckerman.  50 people over age 65 imparted their words of wisdom accompanied by a large photo of each.

Imagine the pressure if Andrew Zuckerman came to you and asked for your words of wisdom???  What would you say?  Would you say something for your kids? (Invest wisely) Would you say something for fashion? (Buy in multiples) Would you make light of this profound request and make a joke?  (Invite someone different to tea.) 

And then the photograph.....I would be tempted to make a face, I think.  Do you think the author retouched the photos?  I love Clint Eastwood on the cover in all his wrinkled glory.  (How come guys get to get away with that????)

Wisdom: The Greatest Gift One Generation Can Give to the Another,
 by Andrew Zuckerman 

The wisdom thing is one good thing about getting older.  I like the idea of being a wise, old sage.  And I'd rather dwell on the knowledge and experiences that have enriched my life at this point, than the things that are going south.

Sorry, dear readers if I have left you with a lot of questions to ponder today.  At least I have a few years left before I have to part with my words of wisdom.  But in the meantime, I will be thinking...

Do you have your words of wisdom yet?

The Mall and the Honking Big Ring

H & M~ $2.95

My girlfriend and I like to meet and catch up at the mall and do a little talking and do a little shopping.

At our age, we all have become pretty adept at shopping.  Our skills take us from the second hand stores to the boutiques trying to find the right fit and the right price.

I have my favorite stores at the mall, and they change--depending what they have put out this season.  I was not surprised to find that many of my faves seem to be producing lower quality stuff--not unexpected in this economy.

What did surprise me was my overall favorite:  (and this is VERY HARD TO SAY)
TALBOTS! 
Great quality, interesting colors and it was looking a little hipper.  Guess their new campaign is paying off~ 

The only thing I bought?  This honking big ring at H & M for $3 bucks.  Love it--the only thing is the plastic makes my finger sweat--ohhhh, the price I have to pay for fashion!

Do you pay the price? 

Vision

How do you decide what to wear in the morning?  Do you plan it the night before? 

I usually stand at the doorway in my closet and see if a vision comes to me.  If I am lucky, I may have gotten a vision the night before.  If that doesn't happen,  its almost like using a divining rod--I touch my clothes and see if I get the vibe.

This outfit came to me in a vision the night before so it was easy for me to get up and put it on.  Thank God, because I'm having a hard time getting out of the house and going to work--again.  Yup, sabbatical is over.

Anyway, details.  The dress/tunic is a score from one of my fave second hand stores--its silk, love the maremeko-ish print, and perfect length for a tunic.  The bolero is from years ago; the leggings from last year.

The goofy pose?  I look like a surprised yogi ballerina.  Too early in the morn for me!

Did you get a vision?

Green Acres

I saw this look in Lucky Mag~a fur stole with plaid shirt, leggings, and fuzzy boots.  I said to myself, hmmmm, looks like something I'd like to try!

The fur was a hand-me-down from my grandmother.  In the past, I have worn it with jeans or over a dress.  What I like more about this look is it is even MORE casual with the plaid shirt.

I  layered with my trusty sweat shirt vest, as when the weather warmed I would need another option.

I picked up the plaid tunic after a relatively long search--I had trouble finding one that was long enough.  It has great detail of small studs and pleating on the bodice.  The material is the perfect weight; it flows nicely over leggings.

But all day long I was singing to myself,  Green Acres is the place to be......Serene, cue the music please!


fur~given
plaid tunic~Calvin Klein, Nordstrom Rack






Thrifted~they look like little surf boards!!!

 Have I made Zsa Zsa proud?

Synchronicity

I got this skirt a few years ago at Ann Taylor Loft.  I really like it for the fall because it is cotton, but it is lined so I can wear it with stockings--AND it has lycra in it so it stretches. From far away, it just looks like grey and black stripes, but as you get closer, there is some lavender in it.  With the lavender in mind, I added the purple jacket. (it is purple and not blue!)

My favorite parts about this outfit?  My new, thrifted earrings, the juxtaposition (!) of the textured tights against the stripes on the skirt (that made me happy whenever I would look at it!) and the details on my flats.

I love pointed toed flats.  Yup, sometimes I feel like I am skiing~but I think they have a dressy quality. 

There is a certain walk for flats--don't you think?  Seems like I need to walk in them for a while before there is synchronicity. 

What shoes do you have synchronicity in?

Fashion Brain Cramp

Ever have those days?  I just didn't have it today.  And I could have tried harder, but I got a brain cramp.  There is all this stuff floating around in my gourd, and it came out like this.  Bleck.

To start off with the bleck?  The longer sweatshirt is too long.  And I'm not feeling all of this grey.  Oh, and the shoes?  They could go for runner up of the fugly contest.  Wore them a lot last year.  They are comfortable tho.

I'm really missing dressing up for work.  When I go into my closet, I am trying to mix some of my old work clothes with some of my more casual clothes (mash-up Lucky Mag calls it).  Hence this skirt and the shoes from my old work wardrobe, but alas, strike one.

Will try again tomorrow~ 

aerosoles

Anyone else with the bleck?

Profound Thoughts~Evoke



Chilmark Hills by Albert Alcalay

One of my favorite college professors, Albert Alcalay, introduced me to word  EVOKE.  He taught other design principles, but this one has stuck.

For me, evoking is all about feelings.  Provoking a thought is good too; anything to dust that old brain cell off.

I have always been evocative in the way I dress.  When I was a young hippie, I really enjoyed taking it to the next level.  I designed A LOT of my clothes.  Now, its a lot harder to push the envelope without someone thinking I was a crazy lady. (I know, I go to Advanced Style--but that is New York.  If I were to do that in this suburban town, they would commit me.)

With that in mind, I still really enjoy evoking a reaction, especially from women my age.  Something as simple as, "Cute outfit" and I feel like I can still cause a reaction.  I hope that reaction helps women who have sort of given up on fashion/style and inspires them just a little to get back on the fashion train, as one blogger put it.

Have you evoked today? 

Thanks to my Followers

I'm just feeling all fuzzy inside lately.  I feel very inspired and creative for the first time in a while;  maybe this blog has been an impetus.  Its been sort of cathartic--I know other bloggers have written about this effect.

I have found that some of the things I haven't liked about my older body has become less important in my daily diary pictures.  Funny--I didn't think it would be that way.  And its been great to share fashion with other people my age and as an added plus, I've made younger friends as well.

Which leads me to my post for today--thanks to all of you that have come by, seen, commented and followed. 

I do want to thank my followers who comment frequently individually~

Terri and Serene~I am so warm and fuzzy inside with our new friendships.  I can't thank you both enough for taking the time to comment every day.  I look forward to getting to know you both more in the future--

Still Redheaded, Materfamilias, and Frumpfactor; thanks for all your comments, your attention and your support.  Love all of your blogs too!

Trudi, Over50feeling40, Ruby;  Looking forward to more blogging with both of you--we are on the new friends list!

Lisa~what would I have done without your posts?  It would have been a really lonely blog....

And a big thanks to Jo Francis at Over 40s Style who gave me the blogger award.


If I have missed someone, please let me know.  To those I haven't gotten to know as well yet...would love to hear from you too!

Thanks to all~

Blustery

It was a cold, blustery day....It didn't start out that way!  First, I was dressed as I am here.  For a few years now, this leather jacket has been a staple of my fall wardrobe.  I've paired this jean skirt with textured stockings and open toed shoes. 

No sooner had a done my first errand, I realized I would have to go home and change!  It had dropped to FOURTY SEVEN DEGREES with a wind! 


So, off with the open toed shoes--on with the scarf and the fleece vest.  Off I go again! 

jacket~ Marshall's
skirt~thrifted
shoes~shoe boutique
boots~Zappos

Did anyone else have a problem with the weather today?

Cinderella

Today was not a photo worthy day.  Much like Cinderella, as I was washing the floor, I thought of Alice, my paper-doll friend here, and what her fairy godmother might do be able to do for her (and me).

Course nowadays, we don't have the fairy godmother ball, but we do have the Oscars and all the other red carpet events.  I fell in love with this Oscar de la Renta gown when I saw it at first at Jessica Quirks blog, What I Wore, for New York Fashion Week.  Absolutely TO DIE FOR!   Oh, and Mr. de la Renta, please excuse my rendering. 

I think all of us have those not-worthy-for- fashion-diary post days, so in lieu of that, I'd love you to start thinking of what YOU might like to wear to the Oscars!  (or any other red carpet event that may come up!)  Send me a link to your favorite dress, I will draw and dress Alice in it.  At the time of the event, all my followers will vote for their favorite look for Alice to wear.  I will post the winning look!

Are we game?

A Day at the Museum

I am on location in my backyard and today's inspiration was another favorite color combo of mine~ khaki, yellow and light blue.  The scarf is white. 

You may have noticed, I am getting all my shootie wearings in--this will be a short season boot.

I have almost worn this skirt out!  It is cotton with lycra (don't you love it?) and is the perfect length for a casual skirt--just above the knee enough to remain MODERN.  Sometimes, its just about looking modern; and not looking dated.

**so sorry colors are so washed out but will get used to shooting outside...***



jacket~thrifted
tee~Victoria's Secret
skirt~Ann Taylor Loft
scarf~local boutique





re-touched photo-

 What colors did you wear today?????

Ode to Summer

It's that time of year again--I'm hanging onto any piece of summer that I can.  Today, it was hanging on to the colors that inspired my flowers this year--PURPLE AND ORANGE.  Call me crazy, but I love this color combination and I wore it today.

On the color thing, purple and orange are actually complimentary colors meaning they go well together.  This jacket is very purple--in these pictures it looks more blue.  The jacket is a boiled wool with a little belt in back.  (Marshall's--$29.)   

The jacket is more shapely than it appears in this picture, and the tee underneath is actually more of a peach than an orange.  I did try on a more orange top, but it was the wrong shape. 

 My sunglasses are a very light orange--a tinting of the shirt really.  (Sorry about the backlight--will get better with the photos--today was first day outside--)





This was part of my inspiration~I also had annual pots that were orange and purple!

Are you hanging on to summer like me or embracing the fall?