Birthday Celebration!

The new website is at http://susanafter60.com/.

Mr. Mickey treated me to a wonderful weekend away at the Westglow Resort and Spa to celebrate my 60th birthday. I wore a tank top and jeans with flat shoes for traveling. 

The Westglow is situated on the top of a hill overlooking fabulous mountain ranges from every angle.

We stayed in the Grand Master Suite during this visit. Every elegant room in the mansion is decorated with different fabulous antiques.

I turned 60 this year. When I was much younger, I would have considered that a depressing thought. However, now that I have arrived, I feel as if my life is just beginning. The difficult training part has been successfully completed, and now I am ready to start enjoying my life.

I found the white linen-like jacket on a sidewalk sale rack at Stein Mart last month. It is by Calvin Klein. The Michael Kors jeans were also purchased at Stein Mart last year.

The gray tank top is a couple of years old from Chico's. The scarf is by Halston Classic, and I think I got that one at Nordstrom. It is a large chiffon square that I folded on the diagonal to form a long thin scarf. Then, I just draped it around my neck for a pop of color and pattern.

The bag was from Express last year. The shoes are by Circa Joan & David via Saks Off 5th.

When I purchase simple basics in solid colors, I can wear them in various ways and for years to come.

This will be the final post on this Fifty, not Frumpy blog site. You can now find me at SusanAfter60.com. 

Classic Elegance

When I look at old photos, I try to figure out what stands the test of time. If the picture was taken in 1958, but you don't say "ugh!" when you look at it, it might be that the woman is wearing a simple, classic style that will always look appropriate.

I gravitate to clothes that don't represent a particular era or trend. The flowing tunic from Chico's is a couple of years old, and I have worn it on many hot summer days. I always feel elegant yet comfortable.

A striped shirt with white pants has been a great summer look for decades. My white skinny jeans paired with a long flowing blue and white striped top looks current, but Jackie Kennedy might have worn a similar look while on holiday at Hyannis Port many decades ago.

Elegance is defined as being graceful and attractive in appearance or behavior. To be described as an elegant woman is indeed a compliment.

The Alberta Di Canio bag was made in Italy; I bought it last year on sale at T.J.Maxx. It is a classic style of high quality, which means I can enjoy it for many years to come. The white skinny jeans are from Ann Taylor. The sandals are a couple of years old by Jessica Simpson, and they are so comfortable I wish I had bought two pairs! The cuff and crystal hoop earrings are old as well.  The sunglasses are by Balmain via Saks Off 5th. Classics stand the test of time.

Elegant style includes knowing what is attractive to your body shape and what fits your lifestyle. I never pretend to be a style expert, but I freely share what works for me as an inspiration to discover what works well for you, your body shape, and your lifestyle.  There really isn't a one size fits all when it comes to style. Celebrate all the wonderful things that make you unique!

A Speaking Engagement

The talk at the Johnson City Seniors' Center went really well on Thursday evening. Mr. Mickey graciously agreed to video the event for all of you who couldn't be there.

We learned that my camera is not up to the task. Even though I had used the largest data card available, it wasn't enough to record all of the talk. What we did capture is included in the two YouTube videos linked below.

I wanted to show respect to the people who came out to hear me speak, so I dressed up a bit. I wore black dress slacks from Saks Off 5th with a black tank from Chico's and a slightly fitted jacket by Tahari via Dillard's. The shoes are by Louise et Cie via Nordstrom. The silver necklace is from Cali and York.

During my talk, I featured the perfect long sleeve top, which is from Covered Perfectly. You can shop for it here.

This first video includes Part One of the talk.

Almost all of Part Two of the talk is in the second video below.

It was such a great pleasure to meet so many Fifty, not Frumpy followers and several women who did not yet know about the blog. Many of them stayed afterward to ask more questions and take notes.

A Dress Three Ways

Do you also enjoy wearing well-made classics that can be worn in a variety of ways?

This very comfortable and versatile corduroy shirtdress is from J.Jill.

I can casually wear the dress with black tights and over the knee boots from Vince Camuto. The crossbody bag was from Ross last year. The opaque black tights are by Yummie Tummie.

This dress can also be worn with a low slung hook belt and high heel ankle boots. Style tip: Never button all the buttons. The clutch is from Express. The belt is from Chico's. The boots are from Saks Off 5th.

For a more continental look, I can pair the shirtdress with a silk scarf and flats.

The sunglasses are by Tommy Hilfiger via T.J.Maxx. The scarf is so old I don't recall its origin. The bag is Italian made via T.J.Maxx. The shoes are by Rockport.

I have always been a fan of shirtdresses! This one will certainly get worn a lot this winter. It comes in two colors, balsam, and walnut which is the color I am wearing. 

You can find similar dresses and lots of other great classics at J.Jill.