Honking Big Balls and Deers that Do It

It's almost blasphemous, I know. It's sort of hard to tell, but these are honking, big balls that I have on my Christmas tree.  They started getting bigger a few years ago.  I discovered that the bigger the balls, the less I needed to decorate the tree!  Hmmmm.  I was a convert and began to confiscate ANY big balls I could find!  I have a tripped-out tree.  The family gets a kick out of my honking big balls.

Some people bake cookies; I like to make my Christmas cards almost every year.  This year I got this deer stamp, and thought it was so cute--until I saw that randy look in the deer's eye!  Hmmmm.  Now I have a different idea of these reindeer.  oopsey.

This one is for Auntie Julie~

Happy Holidays everyone--see you after the New Year!

Fuzzy

Fuzzy wuzzy was a bear....Looks like my hair came from my vest, almost.  Anyway, this is an easy way to put together an outfit for the snow.  Leggings, boots and tunic (layered) tops.

Got my honking big balls on my tree and I'm ready to go!

Happy Holidays everyone!



Mary Poppins

Chim-chiminey chim chim cherie----I just don't know what it is, but I always feel like Mary Poppins in these midi skirts.  I'm digging up old stuff out of my closet, and this skirt was one of my favorites.  It's a violet color, with details on the felt goring, and a fitted waist. 



sweater & blouse~Victorias Secret
skirt & vest~Marshall's

Love this color combination this year--purples, blues and pinks.  Having a bit of trouble styling this "slouchy" sweater, though.  Had to belt it.  And throw something else on to try and make it look better.

Oh, and the first pair of boots didn't work; they were a light brown and looked even more Mary Poppins. 

This skirt just may go to the back of the closet again.  Mind you, I won't get rid of it because it is a classic--I just have to wait for this Mary Poppins thing to go away.  It's like that song that gets stuck in your head.....

Do you have any negative association clothing?


It's Tea in the Cup, Honest!

First things first:  Terri, it is TEA in the cup.  Teavanna tea~Cocoa Mint. mmmmm

Up next?  Thoughts about this outfit.  I haven't worn this boiled wool jacket in a while because I was feeling really busty in it.  I thought maybe if I layered something longer underneath, I'd feel longer and thinner.



jacket & skirt & boots~Marshalls
wool tights~ Tights on Line



It sort-of worked, I think.  And I DO love the little ruffled, netting details on the jacket. 

I had just been dying to wear a short skirt--so I pulled out this silk one.  I can wear this into winter with the wool socks.  The darker colors in the skirt enable me to do this, I think.

One thing great about this haircut is my earrings show now!!!



Holiday Check List

Hemmed holiday dress that had been in back of closet~ CHECK

bought Red stockings from We love colors.com~CHECK

Re-mix of red shoes~CHECK

Sparkle belt from Deb's ~CHECK

New Holiday hair-do~CHECK

Holiday spirit~ CHECK

Holiday parties~CHECK

Verdict on Red stockings/red shoes? Positive so far.....Love to hear more!!!!!







A Little Hippie Dip

When I went in my closet this morning, I was thinking fun--short skirt, tights, cute sweater.  Alas, no short skirt spoke to me.  Surprisingly, what did speak to me was this  long Ralph Lauren silk skirt.



better photo, weird pose

 I ended up a little hippy-dippy with this long, flowey skirt--sort of the other end of the style spectrum, right Steph?  As much as I don't like long skirts, I love this skirt,  maybe because this one is so girly and swirly.  (I can see you swirling in it now, Serene!) 




sweater~don't remember
skirt~ Ralph Lauren outlet
boots~Aldo

 The sweater?  100% merino wool, soooo old- I used to feel big in it--now I feel small!  Funny how that happens....

I did honking big hoops for the earrings; true to this hippy style.  And did  I mention it was freezing, freezing cold today?  Hence, finally, the boots.

Who likes long skirts? 

Chartreuse? Not Again!

Eww baby, it was almost 50 degrees today!  That opened a lot of doors for me--well, as far as clothes go.  I thought of bright colors (when don't I?) and this chartreuse wool boucle jacket just jumped out at me.  Oh, and how many thing do I have in my wardrobe that are this color????  Too many to mention, me-thinks!



jacket~Marshall's
skirt~Banana Republic
booties~Marshall's



This jacket, as much as I LOVE it, it can be tough to wear though for several reasons; three quarter length sleeves, the "A" shape, and should I say the color?  I was lucky it was warm so I didn't freeze all day.   In order NOT to have it look like a tent on top, I needed to go slim on the bottom.   Love the covered buttons and the collarless neckline.  The boucle is scrumptious! 

This skirt is that longer length I am not crazy about--but its okay.   It is a great fabric, wool and lycra, but it tends to be very body revealing--as in VPL's, hidden by a well placed hand. (I know, I know, I date myself with that phrase)  It was such a pleasure to be able to wear thin stockings today!  Boots added a bit of balance to the bottom--but my feet were killing me by the end of the day~

How much chartreuse or lime green do you have in your closet?



Just Wanna Have Fun!

I'm thinking I just wanna have fun this week with my clothes!  The tailoring debacle of last week has left me wanting to get back to my go-to clothes--just for a bit. 

This look is just so easy to wear--  leggings, tunic top.    This year I am adding vests.  This one is  a fleece vest or I could add my fake fur vest for even more fun!  This tunic top I have worn here, and I wished I had bought the one that came in red!

Making use out of the boots that I do have, I've folded these babies down for a different look as they are mucho comfortable.  Any shoes with a 2" or under heel, I treasure~

Fun for me in clothes is something a little offbeat or unexpected.  (and its not just accessories!) Here the offbeat is the leggings; after all, there is still debate out there whether or not they are appropriate for over 50's.

What would be fun for you? 

Profound Thoughts: The Week In Review

Its always good to take a look back on the week, don't you think?  Last week was an attempt at revisiting some of my tailored pieces to see how I could work them into my more casual work wear.  Did it work?  Yeah, but one of the results sort of sent me into a tailspin! 

Trying to get the mix right was the problem at hand.  At first, it was easy mixing the items, and then WHAM! Too many tailored items, or a skirt that was a smidgen too long, and I became an OLD LADY. Tailored items to me can mean old lady.  The fully tailored matching suit--that would really date me.

So what did I learn?  As usual, its a tightrope walk for us over 50.  One false move, and I am 80.  It's a balance and a tweak with modern and tailored.  Color helps, but too much tailoring and I'm a schoolmarm.       

Thanks to all of you to for helping me figure it out.  Next week, I'm having some FUN! 

Friend Friday~Connectedness

The blogisphere is a funny place sometimes. You can build meaningful relationships or you can just be a voyeur. You can hero worship. Or solve world problems.

What do YOU want to do?

How important do you think reader connectedness is to the success of your blog?
I’m interested in talking about the particular problems women have dressing at 50 and over; connectedness with my readers is why I have my blog.  Just pretty pictures won’t do it. Connecting and creating a community to me would be the most successful way to solve problems and have some fun along the way.

What do you do to draw readers in and create that writer-reader bond?
I try to get a conversation going. Sometimes that is anticipating reader’s questions, or posing a question of my own. Right now, I am trying themed weekly dressing to create an ongoing conversation. Eventually, I hope my readers will come to my blog for inspiration or advise. Trust would be the ultimate bond.


What is one way you could improve this connection?
I don’t know specifically, but a good connection would be one of mutual trust, respect and some humor. Maybe listening, provoking thought, sharing my own, maybe offbeat ideas, and always asking what my readers think would help the connection.

Is there a blogger you think does a great job creating that writer- reader bond? Why?
Most of the blogs I visit seem to have a good writer-reader bond.  Blogging is funny—I see a lot of one-way conversations out there, and for some, it works to get conversation. Some popular blogs have hundreds of comments— I’m not sure if 100 posts of “cute outfit” is my idea of connecting.


What do you do to cultivate new readers? How do you get them to your site in the first place?
I cultivate new readers by visiting other blogs and seeing if there is a common thread, and possibly inviting them back to my site. I don’t randomly push my site~I try and establish whether or not my blog could be helpful/useful/inspirational/amusing to the reader. It may not always be a match-but I keep trying to make those connections.

Got my Sexy Back

In looking at my photo from yesterday, I had to get something back--yeah, maybe the funk, mojo, sexy...something.  That conservative look, while in my style spectrum, (right Steph?) was just a little out of my comfort zone.  Feeling more like myself today in a tailored jacket (ancient), my skinny jeans and heels.

There are so many cool details in this jacket--the covered buttons, the double peplum in front, the shawl collar and the teeny plaid.  I got this vintage way too long ago to mention, and is actually a suit with an adorable pleated short skirt.  Skirt is unwearable for me now, but I won't break up this suit.



jacket~thrifted
shirt~Issac Mizrahi
jeans~Alloy
shoes~?



I had to add a flash of color and really added two--the shirt and the scarf.  I wouldn't be keeping the jacket buttoned all day--but it was good to know I could!

Shoes were inspired by a few blogs this week that had wedge booties--I had to substitute--as you may know I already have 18 pairs of boots and I really shouldn't buy anymore.....

I think jeans that are so fitted like this are a tailored item, do you?



A Tailored Sweater

Today I am trying a tailored sweater--it's a nice alternative to a tailored blazer.  This was a recent thrift store find, and this sky blue is a great color on me--if I do say so myself!



sweater~Thrifted
skirt~Ann Taylor
stockings~tights on line
boots~Marshall's



I went for another tailored piece on the bottom; this skirt from Ann Taylor is a mermaid shape.  For some unexpected styling, I added the casual, slouchy boots.  The scarf, which is a little too expected, I threw on with an unexpected type of carelessness.  The problem was it was coming undone ALL DAY LONG....driving me crazy.....

Its getting very cold taking pictures outside....but what do you think of this hat?  I think it may be OLD LADY; I have heard it is pimpy looking....

Back to the subject at hand~this look for me is as conservative as I want to go.  It just doesn't have the funk.  That's okay though; it was very EASY to put together a "put-together" look with all this tailoring.  And as an added bonus?  No poses to look better--tailoring looks good at any angle!

What's the verdict?  No funk, correct?

A Tailored Skirt

This is attempt number 2 on the tailoring thing. Today, I went for a tailored skirt rather than a jacket.  This skirt, even though it was inexpensive, just fits PERFECTLY and because of this, becomes tailored.  It has a very well made yoke, that falls exactly where it should.  It has deep, low pockets.  The fabric, unfortunatly, is synthetic, yet falls well.  When I bought the skirt, it looked like the hem had never been pressed--maybe that's how Zara's could offer it so inexpensively!



skirt~Zara
sweater and vest~Marshall's
stockings~socksonline
shoes~Anthropologie



Styling first started with the sweater,  then I just started piling on the stuff--the vest, the scarf, dangly earrings.  

 

And how excited am I that I can still wear these shooties???  They give me my funk.  Won't be able to wear them too much longer tho...snow in the forecast...I have been saying that tho......

Fabrics: Sweater-cashmere, scarf-wool challis, skirt-some synthetic, stockings-merino wool.  I'm hoping that the better fabrics will outweigh the synthetic!

Do we have tailoring that dosen't look stodgy?

Tailored~Farty or Modern?

jacket~Ann Taylor
shirt~Victorias Secret
skirt~Marshall's

Here is my first attempt at the tailored/quality fabric look.  I had forgotten how much I loved this jacket and 5 years later, I still love it.  Its is my tailored piece of the day.

I went for my funk with the florescent colored sweater--can't go all conservative and expected, can I?  I really love the way it takes the English Country woman right out of this blazer!

I'll need to replace this denim skirt soon--its looking a little ragged--I have worn it to death!  Maybe Santa will bring me one....

My winkle pickers are hanging in there...with my medium brown,cotton tights that are working out just great!

So is the tailored thing working or not?



Profound Thoughts; Middle-aged Dressing



Elegance, 1963



I just finished reading The Thoughtful Dresser, by Linda Grant, and there are some really great points in the book about middle age dressing. As difficult as it is for us to dress at our age, it wasn't so for my mother's generation. Then, there were two fashion genre's: teenage and woman. This picture  illustrates this point;  I almost feel sorry for the 20 year old models that look more like middle aged women!  And after pondering more pictures in this magazine, I also realized, that some clothes would age me--they are more like a 90 year olds' clothes!

 The more I thought about it, the more I made it a study.  What is it about this styling that makes it so flattering for middle agers?

The first thing that struck me was the impeccable tailoring~even if the clothing didn't fit like a glove, the details and sewing was well done.  It didn't look like most of the fashions of today, with stretchy, flowey fabrics and little detail.

The second thing that I noticed was the fabric.  As an added bonus in the magazine, on each page is a little swatch of fabric, with the price per yard of the material.  These prices weren't cheap, by today's standards!  They average cost around $13.00 per yard.  Which is my second point~quality fabrics.

I guess what I learned from this whole exercise is something that we all sort of know--that as we age, our friends in styling are great tailoring and quality fabrics.  I'm glad I was reminded of this--in a a roundabout type of way.  This will give me an opportunity next week, to incorperate tailoring and fine fabrics in my wardrobe, and see if it works.  I'm not going all farty on you tho; I'll try and give it a modern twist!

Are these standards we can adapt to our wardrobe, or are they outdated?

 

Friend Friday--Blogger Burnout

1. How many hours a week do you spend blogging? Has that number changed since you started blogging?

I try and limit myself to 2 hours a day, 7 days a week. In the beginning, it was probably more than that—just getting to know my way around the blog world. I can see how it could get totally addictive (see Vahni of Grit and Glamour's IFB’s article here), and really don’t want blogging to become the ONLY thing I do in life!
I’m now wanting to blog Mon-Fri-with weekends off. And maybe in the future, 3x’s a week, or ONLY WHEN I HAVE SOMETHING EARTH SHATTERING TO POST!

2. There is always more you can do, write, read, comment on... how do you limit your time spent on these tasks?

I’m usually pretty tired after a couple of hours—so my own clock tells me. Nonetheless, I do SET priorities—write my blog, visit my closest friends and comment, then branch out from there.

 3. Have you experienced Blogger burnout yet? How have you dealt with that?

Not yet, but I can see how it can happen. I have gotten stressed though—a late post, or pictures that didn’t come out, or trouble saying what I wanted to say. It’s tough to remain creative and fresh, and after a while you would ask yourself, why am I doing this?  I do feel that setting some goals for a blog is a good idea, along with a time frame to meet those goals.

 4. This time of the year is always a lot busier than any other time. Will your blogging change as a result?

Again, I got a head’s up from another blogger on IFB, and before Thanksgiving I started with pre-designing little quick posts that I could put up at a moment’s notice so I wouldn’t stress. It really helped. I’m sure the viewing numbers  weren’t there—and that’s something I just have to forget about a little over the holidays. It’s more important to enjoy the holidays.

5. Could you foresee a moment in which you are not blogging anymore? How would you identify that it's time to walk away?

I read a post from a blogger, (it could have been Pro-Blogger) who said he was very disappointed when a fellow blogger was closing shop. Come to find out, the blogger had gotten her dream job from her blog. Happy ending; the blog did what it had to.

When to walk? For me, when my blog has lost its creativity; when I don’t help people anymore; when the mojo is gone —time to pack it in! Have I met my goal? It seems like 2 years is a good gauge, and I can reassess it at that point.

Hey, You Can't Win Them All!

I am going to spare you today with only a few photos of this gettup.  Yup, today was a mistake.  Want to hear my excuses?  Um, it was dreary and rainy?  I was tired?  I'm getting over a cold--brain not functioning?  All of the above?

I THOUGHT that these neutrals would go together--except they aren't really neutrals.  The skirt has a lot of purple in it, and the jacket is really tan.  Mistakenly, I thought these tights were more of a neutral denim color.  I was experimenting with this skirt--its really a great knit, and great shape (doesn't stick to stockings) but it has started to pill. All of it just does NOT tell a good story.  Too much incongruity--if you know what I mean.

To make matters worse?  The button on the jacket was hanging precariously by a thread...

To remix this?  I would definitely get rid of the stockings, use something in the brown family, and do normal boots--brown.  I haven't given up on the skirt yet.

Ever have one of those days? 



First Christmas Party Invitation!

I'm so excited!  The first Christmas party invitation has arrived; but even more exciting was what the hostess will be wearing~red shoes!  That just gets my creative juices flowing-you know how I love red shoes and really thought they looked great at the wedding here.

So after I asked her if it was okay; I'll be sporting my red shoes also.  (Maybe this could be a theme?)  Then I got this vision:

Maybe a neutral color dress, pink tights and my red shoes!  Another possibility--red tights, red shoes.(see this link)  I know this is a vision.....

You can see the pins where the projected hem is to go.  Not looking too party girl yet, you say?  I'm figuring a cute-sparkly-belt-thingy maybe...It'll be better---trust me.  I have plan B just in case......

Anyone else with their party dress plans?