The Handbag Search

For several weeks I have been searching for a light neutral handbag for summer such as the style I carried in this outfit photo from Sunday.

I was coming to the conclusion that I might have to pay up to $150 to find a style I liked when my sister told me to check out the bags at Tuesday Morning. (Really?)

I found the one above by Nine West and another faux alligator skin shown below for about $20 EACH at Tuesday Morning. Thanks, Sis!

I also found a lovely woven texture and cream faux leather combination one earlier in the week for about $35 at Stein Mart.
 

The lighter colors and more delicate fabrications of summer bags mean they might not last for more than one season of use. When I know the item I am purchasing will not be a long-term addition to my wardrobe. I cannot justify spending a lot of money on it.

These clutch bags were purchased last year at T.J.Maxx. If I am going out to dinner or brunch, I don't carry a larger daytime bag. These clutches get less use, so they last for much longer than one season. Timeless styles that will still work for me in the future are always good choices in clutches.

I store handbags on shelves in a rarely used guest room closet stuffed with tissue and dust covers if the bags come with them. 

This is another Nine West bag I purchased last year. Each time I carry this bag, I use neutral shoe polish to clean and protect it. I like to wear this style of bag with platform sandals and Capri pants. That's an outfit I often wear in the heat of summer instead of shorts (never!). This is a youthful style that balances well with that look. It also can be carried in the crook of the arm or on the shoulder.

Your handbag can pull together your look and add that extra touch of elegance to serve a purpose. A handbag can also make you look silly or sloppy. 

Consider scale and balance when shopping for a bag. For example, if you are six feet tall and weigh a few pounds more than you would like, a small top handle bag will not be a good balance for your silhouette. Instead, look for a larger bag that you carry on your arm or shoulder if you prefer that type.

If money were no object, I might purchase this bag. (I don't think everything in my wardrobe added together would equal the price of this bag.) This is the Cognac RL Gold Spectator 40 Calfskin Tote by Ralph Lauren. It is $5,030!

You can see how the style, shape, and color influenced my choice of bags in the first three images. I often look at the high-end designer styles that appeal to me, and then I go searching for the version that matches my budget.

I hope that these tips help you to find the right summer bags for you. 

Have a wonderful week!

Fitting Pretty

A reader asked for tips for dressing well with petite proportions and an ample figure. Petite means shorter than five feet four inches tall. Some people assume that it means tiny, but the term applies only to height.

Solid tops in soft fabrics that hold their shape have a V neck, and sleeves that can be turned up will flatter you more than a floral shirt with long sleeves and a collar, for example.  Never tuck in your shirt and wear a belt if you are self-conscious of your waistline. A better choice will be a top that can be worn over the waistband. The hem of your jacket or blouse should stop at or near the top of your hip bone. Allow as much leg length to show as possible.

Pants that are tapered and more tailored will look better on you than wide-leg pants, skinny jeans, or flared Capris. Many stores now have a petite section where you can shop for classic pieces worn with several other items in your wardrobe.

Avoid horizontal lines or breaks in your look. Each horizontal hem or color break visually shortens you. For example, a shorter blouse under a jacket that is a bit longer will make you look taller and neater than when both items stop at the same area or the blouse extends beyond the jacket's hem, creating another horizontal line.

Carry smaller bags and look for shoes with a pointed toe. High heels tend not to be a good choice for most petite women. A better choice would be wedges or square heels that have a longer, more pointed toe area. This type of shoe always elongates the leg and makes you look a little taller.

Smaller watches or other jewelry such as buttons or small drop earrings will look best on you. Stay away from chandelier earrings, stacks of bracelets, and statement necklaces. Bold jewelry and colorful patterns in clothing will almost always overwhelm you. Scarves should be small and worn in a very sleek, simple tie or wrap if you choose to wear them. Avoid bulky sweaters and jackets.

Your key pieces should be solid colors that flatter your skin tone and work well together. Find a good tailor and spend the extra money to get pieces tailored to fit perfectly. You will always be glad you did.

I hope these tips prove to be helpful to you. Thank you for reading!

"Some Enchanted Evening"

Have you ever had an evening so special that it made you feel like a princess?

Yesterday marked the anniversary of my first date with Mickey Jilton. He is the wonderful gentleman with whom I have been blessed to share the last seven years of my life.

The day began with me surprising him at his office with a dozen red roses, which thrilled him and delighted both my staff and his. (Our commercial buildings in the industrial park are in the same block.)

Mickey arrived at my home to take me to dinner, looking oh so handsome in red and black. I was wearing a black fitted dress and black heels with a deep fuchsia jacket, which wasn't a complementary color for his outfit. We don't dress to match, but we try never to wear outfits that clash with each other. I changed to one of the gray and black jackets he gave me for Christmas.

When we arrived at our favorite restaurant (Gourmet and Company), the Maître d' smiled and proceeded to our usual table, which tonight was adorned with seven perfect red roses to represent seven perfect years. The French-inspired pitcher was an extraordinary touch. I learned later that Mickey designed this arrangement and carefully chose each element. He knows I love all things French, and I have a small collection of special pitchers. There was a beautiful card already at my place-setting. Even the music was carefully chosen by Mickey. Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra crooned in the background throughout the evening.
 
After our wine arrived, our server, Kenn, announced that he would be back in a moment. I assumed to take our dinner orders; however, he was carrying a beautifully wrapped package on a silver tray when he arrived. I peeled away the elegant heavy white paper to reveal a timeless pair of sterling silver hoop earrings. Mickey always finds the best gifts! I will enjoy wearing these with many different looks for years to come, and they will always remind me of this magical evening.

 

Our amuse-bouche for the evening was spectacular! It included croissant, triple cream brie, granny smith apples, black garlic, and other tiny bits, which resulted in a most amazing combination of flavors in perfect harmony.

An amuse-bouche is a single, bite-sized hors d’œuvre. Amuse-bouches are different from appetizers in that they are not ordered from a menu by patrons, but, when served, are done so for free and according to the chef's selection alone. These, often accompanied by a complementing wine, are served both to prepare the guest for the meal and to offer a glimpse into the chef's approach to the art of cuisine.

This is the restaurant's vegetarian entree named after Mickey. Tonight it was especially wonderful and included lots of roasted fresh garlic.

On many of those first dates, we would share a wonderful meal and then move into the lounge area or out onto the patio to have an after-dinner drink and visit with friends who often stopped by to chat. As we have done so many times in the past, we again sat together talking and laughing with friends.

Thank you for sharing in our special evening!

Evening Attire

Last evening I walked the red carpet with Mr. Mickey by my side. The cameras were flashing, and there was an adoring crowd. 

OK, it wasn't THAT red carpet, but it was fun!

We attended the 'Spirits of the Season' gala for the American Cancer Society, after which we attended the November performance of the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra. The evening's events allowed me to view all ages and sizes of ladies in their evening finery. 

Try to remember that if it isn't appropriate for your age and body shape or size during the day, it doesn't magically become so after dark. I saw dresses that were too small, too short, too plunging, and too shiny for the women who chose to wear them. Some ladies seemed to be wearing every single piece of bling they owned, and if that wasn't enough, they also wore glittery eye shadow. Oh my!

Many of my friends who attend these functions regularly were also at both events.  I noticed that there was a common thread uniting all of us. We were dressed in attire that was devoid of excess glitter, extra bling, or plunging necklines. There wasn't a bare back or arm among us. I dare say none of us rushed down to the local Pageant Boutique to buy a special dress for this event. We looked attractive, comfortable, and appropriate for any evening event. 

Dressing well includes being comfortable. If you look silly in your skin tight satin dress without the benefit of proper foundation garments at home, you will not look better when you get to the event. 

I strongly believe that you should combine the clothes you already own to make them work for any occasion. You have seen some elements of my recent looks before, which proves I make investments in clothes and shoes that can be worn many times in different combinations to earn their worth. 

Your attire at any event should reflect a confident, well-dressed woman who is comfortable in her own skin. I would prefer to look as if I've been here many times and it's no big deal instead of "I'm wearing my daughter's slinky prom dress with four-inch heels I can't walk in."

You may also be attending parties and special black tie events this season so remember these tips when you do. Be comfortable. Maintain your dignity. Be true to yourself. Look special and elegant. Have fun!

Breaking Rules

You may have heard the saying, "You must know the rules to break them effectively." With my soft contrast cool coloring, I should not wear brown or warm animal prints... but I love both!

Last night for date night, I wore an animal print tunic from Chico's Travelers Collection. I layered it over a sleek, long sleeve tee with spandex and Lycra, also from Chico's last year. The slim black pants were from Stein-Mart last year. The high heeled booties are by Vince Camuto, and they are from Nordstrom. Despite their high heels, these booties are comfortable and easy to walk in.

The little evening purse is one of my favorites, but it might be fifteen years old. The silver and clear rhinestone hoops add a touch of cool tones next to my face.

The tunic is a little too large, but I would prefer anything that buttons, not fit too tight across my bust. I often go up a size in tops for that reason. I will also be able to wear this lightweight tunic over summer clothes with the sleeves turned up.

The key to this outfit is balance. I would never wear these slim leg pants with anything but a long tunic, and I would never wear this tunic with anything but slim leg pants or a pencil skirt. Never wear two pieces that visually add width together. Always balance flowing boxy pieces over slim-fitting pieces or vice versa. (An opposite example would be a slim tank top over a flowing maxi skirt.)

Wearing Tights

I love the look of chunky booties with tights and a pencil skirt for daytime in the cooler months. When the proportions are right for you and the skirt isn't too short, you can still turn heads in a good way.

 

Proper fit is always important but especially so in a skirt. If the skirt is too tight or short, you will not be comfortable or appropriate. Wearing a skirt with tights during the day in the cooler months is a great fresh look. Tights are opaque legwear that allows us to get away with so much more than sheer stockings would. I normally wear sheer black stockings for the evening only. Wolford makes the top of the line tights, which are well worth the investment. (They create lots of other fabulous items we need too!)

Here I've paired a graphite skirt with a loose-fitting graphite long sleeve tee and a scarf. The scarf brings in the other colors to add. Burgundy is the color for us! It's very flattering to the face and can be worn with all neutrals.

Beauty Routines After 50

Many have written to ask for tips on makeup and hairstyles that respect our changing faces. I am sharing my step by step routine with you here.

Permanent makeup, fillers, and plastic surgery are not options I am considering. I don't mind the character and expression lines that my face has developed over the years. I firmly believe that healthy eating, lots of water, and regular exercise are the best beauty routines one can follow.

After fifty, some things became easier, and for me, a hairstyle definitely falls into that category. After my fiftieth birthday, I stopped coloring my hair and found a great stylist who gives me a softly layered angled bob cut that frames and slims my roundish face. Ask your stylist for a cut that works with your hair's natural tendency and one that complements the shape of your face. 

A good stylist will also consider if your style is complementary to your body's size and shape. For example, a petite woman peering out from a huge bush of long hair is not balanced with her proportions.

In the photo above, I have just returned from my stylist.

I don't use anything but a gentle sulfate-free shampoo three times a week for styling products. I sometimes rinse my hair in the shower and then reshape it for the day, but skip the products entirely on most days. 

My thinning hair and dry scalp do not respond well to most products. A build-up of styling products adds weight, making my hair flat. It also gets trimmed about every five or six weeks. I don't allow my hair to get too long or get it cut too short. Both extremes add years to my face.

Warm water and a gentle skin cleanser remove makeup in the evening. I splash some warm water on my face to rinse it and then pat dry. I find that eye creams add puffiness and nighttime moisturizers cause me to break out, so I skip those. One of my all-time favorite moisturizers for my whole body is Coconut Oil.

My makeup routine has also been streamlined. In winter, I use a heavier moisturizer, but in summer, I use only a tinted moisturizer or very light foundation appropriate for my skin's texture. I apply the foundation mostly in my T-zone. (The T-Zone is the center of your face from your forehead down to your chin, where most of us were a bit oily when our hormones were plentiful.) 

Use a small makeup sponge or brush to blend gently away from your nose and skip the area around your mouth to not emphasize lines. This technique of starting your makeup in the center of your face and blending away helps avoid the dreaded demarcation line where your makeup stops and your neck begins.

Here is a blog post, including a makeup video.

I use makeup brushes rather than sponge applicators. They allow for better blending and less tugging on the skin. I use a liquid eyeliner applied into and under my upper eyelashes (on the waterline). I don't apply liner or mascara to my lower lashes because this looks very harsh on me. My eyeshadow is always the same in varying degrees of depth of color for the day versus evening. The palate includes soft beige, a very pale shell pink, gray, and grays that complement my cool skin tone. I start with the darkest color in my lash line and just above it. In the crease of my eye and just above it, I blend a medium gray. I blend the lighter colors up to my brow and then blend. 

I add a smoky gray color at the outside corner of my eye for more definition and drama. I use a taupe or gray eyebrow pencil to fill in my thin brows, but I'm careful to blend and brush that out as well. I use brown/black mascara, and that's it for eyes.

I brush on a bit of blush in a rose-tone high on the cheekbones, the bridge of my nose, and under my chin. If your skin is very dry, cream blush might be best for you. Once again, blend, blend, blend! Note: Do not smile and put blush on the apple of your cheek as we were taught when we were younger. When you stop smiling, the blush will be lower than you want and not have the effect you want at all.

I apply a lip liner over my whole lip and then a very similar color of lipstick. After blotting, I'm finished with my daytime makeup routine. During the evening, I may wear brighter lip color, but I apply and blot it several times while applying my makeup to stains my lips rather than sliding around on top. I will use a similar color lip balm to touch up during the evening.

I almost always wear sunglasses when I'm outdoors, and if I am in the sun for more than a few minutes, I also wear a hat and sunscreen. Skin cancer is no fun, and I hope to never have it again.

Easy Breezy Summer Afternoons

I'm wearing khaki ankle pants with a soft floral blouse from Coldwater Creek and Nine West shoes. The sunglasses and bangle bracelets are in brown tones and bone with brass accents.

I'm comfortable and casual for lounging by Mickey's pool in the pavilion with friends.

Yesterday we went for a drive to the mountains of North Carolina. When we arrived in Blowing Rock, it was much cooler than it was here in Johnson City. I visited one of my favorite boutiques, The Fig Leaf Ltd, where I bought this Damee swing jacket. 

It is a soft taupe/silver color with a bit of sparkle to it. The classic styling means I will be wearing it for years to come. I love the collar details, the three quarter length sleeves, and three large buttons. I'm also wearing black Travelers pants from Chico's and a black tee underneath the jacket. 

My earrings are large silver hoops with tiny Swarovski crystal details within the hoops.  The platform pony-skin sandals are by Vince Camuto. 

When wearing a dramatic style jacket such as this, I always keep all my other accessories minimal. It is enough of a statement on its own. One must be careful not to over-accessorize because that can make you look dated. 
 

Thanks for reading! I hope you have a great week.

Balancing Act

Do you have an inverted triangle body type? These pictures show two versions of the wrap top. They always make me look a little slimmer when the heat requires that I not wear a jacket or sweater as a third element. I have an inverted triangle figure, which means my top is larger than my bottom half. To balance this, I often wear darker colors on top and lighter colors on the bottom. I also avoid bulky materials of any type in tops and breast pockets on shirts or ruffles on blouses.

  
When wearing long pants, a maxi dress, or a long skirt, I often wear low flat shoes. When I wear a shorter skirt or cropped pants, I always wear at least a low heel. I prefer wedges or thicker heels since my calves are short and thick compared to my thighs. If I wore thin stiletto heels, the contrast would make my calves and ankles look even larger. 

Tank Tops to the Rescue

An essential element in many of my looks includes simple tops as a first layer.

Tank tops come in all shapes and types of fabrics. Knit ones with a bit of spandex are great for the smooth line they allow. If the tank top is made from a soft tee shirt knit, the next layer will almost always drag across it rather than flow smoothly, so they are better worn with heavier fabrics like denim.

 

 

Tank #1 has tiny straps adjusted to allow you to move the neckline lower or higher. This is a great tank to serve as a modesty layer only for cleavage control and a foundation to give you a smooth back under jackets and cardigans. 

Tank #2 has wider straps and ruching detail at the neckline for a bit of softness. It can be used as a relief layer when your top layer becomes too warm. It covers enough to still be attractive when worn alone while your "private summer" passes.

Tank #3 is a lace number that should be made from silk or rayon, or nylon so that it is soft and smooth under dressy jackets and knit cardigans with ornate buttons (think Chanel style knits.) This one has a warm glow of cream white, which looks soft and feminine in candlelight.

Tank #4 is a soft tee shirt material worn under denim shirts or sporty knit jackets.

Tank #5 hugs your shape and gives you a smoother body under thin jackets and sweaters.

Tank #6 is my necessary cream color tank when white is just too bright, as in the photo below. (I now make sure I pack my cream tank when I take this sweater for a weekend get-away.)

 

I'm wearing a thin knit cardigan with fringe detail and a silky smooth tank (which should have been cream colored) underneath.

 

This is an Austin Reed navy blazer that has a low V-front closure. I always wear it with a white tank and either a scarf or a necklace when we go out to dinner.

 

Here's another outfit, including a silky white tank and the navy Austin Reed blazer.

The black and white jacket needs just a bit of modesty at the neckline, so I'm wearing tank #1 here.

 

There is a white silky tank #5 under the thin gray bomber style jacket.

Tank #4 is under a quilted knit casual jacket worn with dark wash denim and comfy luggage tan booties for a recent trip to the mountains.

Thank you for reading! I hope these tips help you expand your wardrobe and have fun creating different layered outfits with the essential white tank top.

Enjoy the Journey

My page 'Fifty, not Frumpy' on Facebook has been a huge hit, with as many as 8,500 views per week. My sets on Polyvore geared to women of a certain age had more than 40,000 views in the first six months of being a member. The feedback and interest shown have inspired me to create a web site and devote my blog to the very popular conversations and pictures we share for those who are having fun with fashion later in life. Let's celebrate who we are now and make the most of our assets and have fun with fashion.

The fastest-growing demographic on Facebook is women over fifty-five, but the style and fashion tips geared toward us are still very few. My goal is to share various outfits with links to similar items if you wish to buy them. I'll provide tips and tricks I've learned to use in making today's looks work for me as a more mature woman.

My look for the Tour of Homes in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, had to be cool and comfortable for the heat of the late July day but also allow me to keep warm when the cool evening air settled onto the mountains. My option included a very soft knit black maxi dress with wider straps, which allowed me to wear a black bra for proper support. I wore a soft knit raspberry-colored cardigan with bronze bead trim as a coverup. When I bought it and the clutch bag I'm wearing as a cross-body bag, I thought I would be using them for evening wear; however, they seemed perfect for this daytime dress.

I kept all my accessories simple since I was wearing a hat and sunglasses; otherwise, my look would have been too cluttered.

The sandals are comfortable and low with embellishments that complement the details on the hat and the bag.

Later in the day, when the heat was high, and everyone was sporting their wet hair and looking wilted in their damp clothes, I still felt comfortable and confident. I was flattered that so many people gave me compliments. One guy even whistled at me! That hasn't happened in many years.

This is my sweet, wonderful gentleman friend and partner in adventure, Mickey.

Thank you for reading! I hope the tips and ideas I share with you give you inspiration for making fashion fun again.