Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Embracing black and blue

September 19, 2012 by mkcr

A big oversight on my part.  Regarding colors for fall, you can’t miss the black and royal blue color combinations that you see everywhere!  Of course, that might mean that you want to avoid them like the plague.  After all, if we’re all wearing black and blue it will get a little boring, won’t it?  But since these colors do seem to work well for women over 50, you might want to slip them in every now and then, even if it’s just a little accessory.  It’s a way of saying that you know what’s stylish without adapting the “uniform” of the season.  Something like this from Chico’s might work.

And if not, there’s always this, for those of you with strong backs and a sense of adventure .

Posted in Boots and Shoes, Fall 2012 | 2 Comments »

Fall 2012

September 12, 2012 by mkcr

No doubt about it.  Summer is over.  The kids are back in school and the weather is beginning to change.  There may be a few more days for shorts and flip-flops, but it’s time for those transitional changes that will take us into our full fall wardrobes.  Adding jackets, closed-toe shoes, boots and dark accessories to your favorite summer pieces can help with the transition while you’re thinking ahead to chillier days.

As you contemplate your fall look, you might want to consider what’s “trending” for fall.  As for overall themes, some of  the fashion gurus are focused on the baroque look – lace, embroidery, tapestry – as a revolt against minimalism.  Others herald the schoolgirl look – innocence giving way to rebellion.  Neither of these are particularly suitable for the over 50 crowd. So instead of themes, let’s focus on colors, fabrics and statement pieces.

If you want to update your wardrobe with a few select items, consider these trends:

COLOR

  • Big for fall is burgundy (some say maroon or amethyst).  (Stylists are calling it the new black, but really, there is only one now and forever black.  Say it all you want, nothing will replace the healing, concealing or dramatizing effect of black.  It does it all.)   Burgundy is a beautiful color, deep and rich; what’s not to like.  Throw a little something burgundy in the closet.
  •  While you’re at it, you might want to add some colorful jeans if you haven’t already.  This is a carryover trend, but still going strong.  The fall version would have you translating this trend into some great corduroy or velvet pants for a little extra warmth.
  • Tartan plaids will be more popular this fall than ever.  From statment pieces to accessories.  Nothing says fall like plaid. 
  •  Some say that we will see neon fluorishes this fall, not too loud, but a subtle touch here and there.
  • Black and gold combinations will be plentiful in everything from traditional looks to funky, avant garde items.  This is a good combination for most women over 50.  It’s dramatic and elegant, even when it’s not trying to be.

FABRIC

  • Apparently lace will still be plentiful in dresses, skirts, blouses.
  • And if you’re really eager to be in with the in crowd, look for leather.  Leather skirts, pants and dresses - for those who can wear them – are always sexy.  Leather jackets, vests, and mixed leather/wool  or leather/knit pieces will be popular too.

SPECIAL PIECES

  •  For a great casual up-to-date look, try a cute bomber jacket.  You can find one with a little extra length if you want to hide the mid-section, but it’s a fun, fresh look that’s easy to throw over a pair of jeans, pants or a skirt.
  • The peplum is still very popular.  I love this look and  think it can be very flattering for any woman.  When you’re over 50, it’s very important to make sure it fits well and isn’t too short.  You don’t want to attract attention to anything you might be trying to de-emphasize around the middle.  They can either be a great concealer or a great mistake, so be careful.   Anything with studs will be a great addition to your wardrobe if it’s not already there. If you’re not too sure about it, the look of studs is softened when found on a traditional piece, like a blazer.  They can also be eye-catching on a blouse, a pair of jeans, or a great pair of heels.  And if none of that works for you, studded belts and purses will be everywhere.

TRIED AND TRUE

  • For many of the over 50 crowd, this next piece of news will be most welcome.  It’s the best fashion news I’ve read in a longtime.  THE TURTLENECK IS BACK!!!!! Can you believe it?  Yes, of course, some of us diehards (like moi) have never fully abandoned them even in the face of ridicule from our daughters.  Who can resist the comfort, warmth, and yes, neck concealing properties of the turtleneck?  Apparently I (and maybe you too) won’t be the only ones sporting them this fall and winter.  Called the “perfect layering piece” by fashion experts, they are showing up under sleeveless summer tops, over skirts, under jackets.  Yes, they will be seen on 20 and 30 year olds, as well as those of us who can’t bear the thought of a winter without them.  Let’s hope this trend stays with us for a very long time.  My need/desire for them grows greater with every passing year!  Katherine Hepburn here we come! (did you notice I got a twofer with this image?  burgundy and turtleneck in one shot – nice!)

More on purses and shoes for fall 2012 in the next posting.  In the meantime, happy crisp apple, pumpkin everything and golden leaf season to all of you!

Posted in Fall 2012 | Leave a Comment »

Hemlines – tips for a flattering look

August 27, 2012 by mkcr

Time to start thinking about fashion once again.  Lots of good tidbits have been popping up, and of course, fall is on the way.  So, I’m ready to focus and share some of this helpful information for those of you who want to look your best.

How often have you looked at yourself in the mirror and wondered whether your pants are long enough?  Can I wear these shoes with these slacks?  too long?  too short?  And the same questions arise when it comes to skirt lengths.  What does an over fifty stylish woman need to know?  The TODAY show recently featured a segment with fashion consultant Lloyd Boston.  From classic pants, to  full leg floor skimmers, he provides tips on where that hem should end and what style of shoe works best with each.  He also shares a helpful perspective on skirt hemlines for women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond.

This isn’t about grabbing the current fashion hemline trend. This is good basic advice about wearing the hemline that works best for you.  And as we all know, that’s always  where good fashion starts!

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Something to get excited about!

June 22, 2012 by mkcr

I don’t know what’s gotten into me, but I haven’t written for a while because I just haven’t seen or heard anything related to fashion that interested me.  This is a huge problem for a fashion blogger!

That all changed this week when I saw a Jane Pauley segement (who doesn’t love Jane?)  on the Today show about the Janska clothing line.  Started in 2003 by a compassionate and smart woman who just wanted to help women with physical limitations and other illnesses dress easily and comfortably.  It has now grown into a fashion line for all women that is sold online and in over 700 boutiques across the U.S.

You won’t be interested in this line for summer; it’s all made of fleece.  But you should be thinking of it for fall, and it you’re a thrifty fashionista, you can find great items on sale today!  Janska has a large selection of coats, jackets, vest, wraps, hats, slippers and socks.  Everything they sell has a 100% money-back guarantee, and shipping is free.  Couldn’t be more customer-friendly.

Check out their website www.janska.com.  You may just find something special to tuck away for a few months.  Even though your head is full of sun, sand and barbecues with friends, those leaves will be falling before you know it!  Sorry, but you know it’s true….

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Shoe Blues

April 24, 2012 by mkcr

Today I have shoes on my mind.  And, yes, in the grand scheme of things, this is really not an important topic.  (As I said in my very first posting, there are many, many more important things in life than fashion.)  HOWEVER, they are something we must deal with in a shoe-wearing society.  And right now I feel frustrated.

I have been desperately looking for some attractive spring/summer shoes, and all I can find, no matter where I look, are 4-6 inch wedges and stilletos.  One would think that somewhere in the shoe universe, someone would have thought to take one of those cute new styles and attach a 2-3 inch wedge or heel.  After all, who is wearing those shoes?  If you’ve been anywhere near a popular bar or club on the weekend and the hour is late, you’ll be sure to see 20-somethings teetering on the brink of collapse as they emerge from these dark, noisy establishments.  Believe me, it’s not a pretty sight.  Most women, no matter the age, realize that these shoes are dangerous and really damaging to your back, ankles and feet.  And they are so very uncomfortable.  I tried on a pair of 4-inch heels, just to see how it felt and I had all I could do to keep myself from falling on my face.

In my effort to jazz up a spring dress, I was looking at some Ivanka Trump shoes, a pair of fuschia-colored pumps that were labeled as a “mid-heel” shoe.  The heel was 3 1/2 inches!  That’s mid-heel?  Another Trump wedge had a 1 1/4″ platform and a 4 1/4″ platform.  That’s a whopping 5 1/2″ inches off the ground!

Yes, there are plenty of flats to be seen, but sometimes a little lift is what you need.  Don’t shoe designers get that?

The one shoe I swear by for summer is a great sandal made by NAOT.  It’s called Kayla.  It’s got a cork sole which molds to your foot thereby creating a natural orthotic.  They are the most comfortable sandals around.  Unfortunately, they aren’t cheap, but they last for several years and they baby your feet all summer long.   I buy them in two colors and practically live in them.  They aren’t for dressy occasions, so my search and frustration will continue as I search for an acceptable wedge or heel.  But for most days of the summer, they suit me just fine.  Check them out.  They come in about a dozen colors so you have lots of options.

If any of you have had better luck with shoes this spring, please share with the rest of us.  The acceptable pickings are slim, so we have to rely on one another for guidance.

Posted in Boots and Shoes | 2 Comments »

It Might As Well Be Spring – 2012

March 20, 2012 by mkcr

March 20, 2012, the first official day of spring.  Might as well be, we’ve been having spring-like weather for several weeks now.  Actually, it’s been more like summer.  Spring is just trying to catch up.  But since the season is “officially” here, it’s time to think about what we’re going to wear as the temperature and humidity rises. 

Fortunately, some of the trends for this spring are reruns of popular items from last spring/summer.  So if you still have any safari-look or what they call ethnic/tribal pieces (African, Asian, Indian prints), you’re in good shape.  Similarly, if you have any bright floral dresses, skirts or pants, you’ll look fashion forward without having to spend a dime.

It’s hard to summarize one or two overall fashion themes for the season.  It looks like there’s a bit of this and a bit of that.  Maybe that means the fashion industry is trying to cater to a wide variety of tastes and shapes.  One can hope! 

But if you’re eager to adapt some of the season’s trends, or (for those of you who are fashion contrarians) stay as far away from them as possible, here’s what to look out for. 

  • As I mentioned in an earlier post, look for the BIG BRIGHT colors.  Tangerine is the hot/”cool”color for this season with cobalt following in a close second.  But really any bright, tending-toward-neon colors will convey that you’re in step with the season. 
  • Colorblocking (aka color mixing) - absolutely at the top of the spring fashion trend list.  This one cycles back every couple of decades or so.  The keys to color blocking are to combine no more than three colors in one outfit and balance the brights with some neutral pieces (blouse, shoes, bag) in the ensemble. 

  • Colored denim is big this season.  It’s a nice way to change up the jean look and to use as a base for colorblocking.  Something else to look for in casual pants is prints.  Artistic and abstract prints can be matched with tops and accessories that pick up the color in your pants.  You can also go for a little colorblocking with the rest of the look.  Best to stick with a nude or light color shoe so that you keep the look balanced. 
  • Bold prints.  Along with hot colors this season, we have bold prints.  Word of caution – Be careful of the head-to-toe print look.  Not every one can wear it, and probably most of us over 50, should be extra careful.  But you can still have fun with prints by pairing a skirt, slacks or blouse with subtle extras.  Think of a cool white top to go with the print and accessorize with colors that match or compliment the print.  Bold printed dresses are also very prominent this season. 

 

Other less dominant things to look for (or avoid) include pleats – pleated skirts are cute and flirty but forgiving – perfect for the mature woman who still likes to kick up her heels (or give the appearance that she does); peplum skirts, shirts, dresses – cinched in and gathered at the waist with a short flounce around the hips – can cover a minor hip issue or create the appearance of hips where none exists; the ’50s (Mad Men) dress, cinched waist with a little cardigan, looks fresh and young, but not too young; big gold jewelry with a emphasis on the chandelier earring - truth be told, I’ve been wearing my chandeliers all along.

I’ll talk more about shoes and accessories in my next posting.  But one statement about shoes for now.  Apparently, we are to avoid black shoes at all costs.  The fashion gurus say that with so many color options to choose from, black should be the last thing we put on our feet.  Color is clearly the keyword of this season.  Wear it boldly and beautifully!

Posted in Spring 2012 | 2 Comments »

Can’t Help Thinking About Spring

February 28, 2012 by mkcr

For those of you who live in my neck of the woods, this was the winter that wasn’t.  Daffodil and crocus shoots have been up for weeks, and some have even bloomed.  While the temperatures are agreeable, it is extremely odd and unsettling.  What happened to winter??? (Don’t let me get started on climate change.)  Nevertheless, with these mild temperatures, it’s hard not to think about Spring and everything that goes along with it, including fashion.

Retailers have scrambled to shed their winter wear as quickly as possible, because it just doesn’t sell when the mercury consistently reaches 50. They’ve been bringing in the Spring line as fast as they can, so we’re getting a glimpse of what the season has in store.  I don’t want to rush things for those of you who have been getting a steady dose of winter, or others who are getting a late taste of the season.  So I’ll hold off on the full Spring forecast for another week or two. 

In the meantime, if you can’t wait to start updating your wardrobe for warmer weather, keep two key trends in mind – colored denim and colorblocking.  You may have noticed already that denim is showing up in every color of the rainbow from bright greens to bold oranges.  If you’re looking for new denim, pick up some of these colorful options and you will fit right in this season.  Colored denim also works well with colorblocking the seasons’s other big trend.  Playing with various combinations of solids gives you lots of looks from just a few pieces.  From dresses to blouses to suits and accessories, you’ll find lots of opportunities to colorblock.  Think a blend of the 60′s with a dash of the 80′s and you’ll have a look that will definitely spice up your wardrobe.

Posted in Spring 2012 | Leave a Comment »

Older Posts »

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.