Susan's Tips

We all have favorite pieces in our wardrobes that make us feel good when we wear them. It could be because of the fit, the color, the fabric, or the style.

Today, I'm sharing some of my favorites and telling you why they serve me well.

1. Jeans are almost a uniform for some women. When I buy jeans, I look for a dark wash with plain pockets and a straight leg. It is not a skinny leg but a smooth straight line that fits nicely down to the hem. A waistband that sits at my natural waist is more comfortable—no low rise jeans for me.

2. Tank tops are part of many of my casual outfits. I like the fact that they help to give a smooth line under jackets and sweaters. White is a good choice most of the time, but I look for a white that isn't brighter than my teeth.

3. Jackets are a great transition piece for this time of year when the weather is starting to change. I look for slightly fitted styles rather than boxy ones. Breast pockets are not a good idea for me since I'm already a couple of sizes larger on top than on the bottom. I look for a flattering color for my skin tone and one that can be worn with jeans. A simple neckline that forms a V is always a good choice for my round face.

4. I adore the animal print, but the print's normally warm tones are not a good mix with my cool coloring. Shoes, handbags, or other items worn away from my face are better choices for me. One piece of animal print per outfit is usually enough. If I wear flat shoes, I look for pointed toes and a fun color or pattern. Rounded toe ballet flats look ridiculous because I have thick calves and smaller feet compared to the rest of my body. The pointed toe helps to make me look taller and thinner. 

5. Handbags can make or break your look. I don't wear bulky shoulder bags because they alter my clothing line too much and make me look sloppy. A structured bag with top handles in a size that is in proportion to my height is what I normally look for. I am always amazed when it is so difficult to find a full-length mirror in some stores' handbag department.

6. Sunglasses are almost always part of my outfit for the day. I have several shapes, styles, and colors to fit my face shape and the mood of the day. There is always a pair in my handbag if not on my face.

7. Jewelry is a statement piece that can express your personality. I like to wear button earrings with a drop or a nice fitting pair of hoops in white gold or sterling silver because I have cool coloring and gray hair. When I say nice fitting, I mean the wire or post doesn't accentuate a sagging pierce. I wear either a statement necklace or fun earrings, not both at the same time. 

I hope these seven tips help you to put together a fun and comfortable outfit for today. Have a great Saturday!

"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!

Purple, Black and Animal

A leisurely late lunch on Sunday is a tradition that Mickey and I were so happy to return to today.

I wore a purple tunic from Chico's with black straight-leg pants from Stein Mart. The necklace is from Coldwater Creek, and the boots are Madden Girl.

I'm also wearing my favorite earrings today. I picked them up in a boutique on one of our travels, but I'm not sure who designed them. I love the fact that they are ancient-looking small coin dangles, pierced, and antique silver. (I always wear postbacks with a stabilizer disc.) Since I have a round face, I like to wear earrings with a dangle to elongate.

The coat is by Geiger. It has a high dramatic collar and a swing style, which I love. The animal print suede bag is old from the mid-eighties.

The wind is blowing, and the snow is still falling, but it melts quickly. I hope you are safe and warm.

March Roars In

This was the brightest sky we saw all day today. 

Between the snow, the sleet, and the freezing rain, it wasn't much of a day for any outside activities. We wanted to test the new camera, so we took advantage of a little break in the weather to snap this photo on my deck. Obviously, we need to work on those settings.

We were on our way to join friends for dinner and a small birthday celebration. Knowing that our friends are true champions of the casually elegant look, I dressed in jeans from Talbots, a blue blazer, and a bright red scarf. Since it was 27 degrees, I also added layers. There is a long sleeve red tee, and a navy thin knit cardigan underneath. The boots are Ralph Lauren via T.J. Maxx, and the bag is old. We arrived at the restaurant at the same time as our friends. My friend D and I had a good laugh because she had on a multicolored scarf, but we had on the same thing otherwise.

Thank you for all your good wishes. Mickey is feeling much better today. 

I hope you have a wonderful week! 

Transition into Spring Tips

A fitted or cinched waist jacket over wide-leg trousers can be a flattering look for our mid-life figures.

The white fitted tank top gives you a smooth line beneath the cinched jacket. The V-neckline of the jacket flatters the face and allows space to show off a statement necklace, which also draws the eyes up to your face. The pops of color from accessories allow the winter jacket and pants to transition into early spring. At this time of year, when you are longing for spring, but it is still snowing and twenty-seven degrees, you must get creative if you want to stay warm. 

The wide-leg pants can be worn with flats or low wedges to avoid getting high heels caught in the material as you walk. When wearing black and white or shades of gray, it is uplifting to add brighter colors in a tank top, which shows at the neckline and ties in with the accessories. 

Always balance a fitted top over a more flowing bottom or vice versa, a fitted bottom under a flowing top. If you show, cleavage don't also show legs. Balance sexy with sedate to avoid the dreaded Cougar Effect. A dignified woman never wants to appear that she is on the prowl.

Wearing a fitted jacket allows you to have a feminine silhouette while hiding the tummy. Avoid boxy jackets since they add volume and are dated looking. Rather than hiding your tummy, they make you look big all over.

Tomorrow is March 1, 2013, which means I will be announcing the blog's winning follower. One randomly chosen follower will receive the book "The Best of Everything After 50" by Barbara Grufferman, a long string of large glass pearls from Chico's and gold silky evening bag. 

Good luck!

     

Thanks for reading! 

I hope you have a great Thursday.