Style: Help me find clothes that look wonderful....please!

I know! You think I am getting fat but it is not because I have gained weight.  Really it is not because of that.  I still wear the same size I have worn for many years.  But as my body ages I find that buying stylish and beautiful clothes is becoming more difficult. I don't want to wear bagging clothes or several layers. I don't want ruffles or gathers at the top of my blouse. My back is not fat so all that does is make a woman look bigger. Please don't expect me to buy those kind of clothes. Most importantly I was to look elegant...!

New Years Eve 2013.  We range in age from
ages 70 to 80. Posing is the key here.
I should not have stood at an angle to my
friend dressed in red. 

But please don't think that I can't afford to buy something that is stylish or even practical for everyday. But I just think that those stores we depend on for our knock about clothing could do better. As it is now,  I can find something that looks good on me but it is very expensive.

I want a knit top that has a slightly raised neckline at the back to cover the beginning of a dowager's hump. I have had these in the past and they are wonderful. I want my tops and sweaters to have some gathers at the side seam to give a loose top some fit.  I don't want a scoop neck that goes below the cleavage but I would like a little bit of a scoop.  I love long skirts. I don't want them at the ankle because it simply is not safe. I also want some choices in a skirt that is fitted and hits just at the mid-calf. A gray pencil skirt would be nice.

Dressing to show some shape in the winter
is hard. I may have pulled it off here but
I am not sure. Thoughts?

NOOOOO...all white is not good and the pose
is just not right! I need to practice more.

Dark colors seem to work best and
compliment my totally white hair.

I bought a Ralph Lauren dress that I absolutely love for New Years Eve. It was fitted but with gathers at the waist and a cowled neck.  I wore a cami that gave the dress a square line just above the cowl...this is a very good look for a woman of any age.  I wish the skirt had been slightly longer though. Oh, and I wish it had cost just a little less!

Doggone it, it is hard enough getting older but when the fashion world ignores anyone over 60, I don't think they are being smart.  Is the only way a woman my age can buy beautiful clothes to pay a fortune? The boomers are here and trust me, these women are not going to buy ugly and they are not going to spend more than they can afford!  There I said it!

b+

PS: If you are writing an advice blog about clothing, modeling or body shape, please include more pictures! I am a very visual person!

10 Christmas gifts for Adults (20-90 years of age)

You know what, I want all the good stuff too.  At my age I see what young people are buying. If you are young, maybe you have all these beautiful thing...remember, Mom and Dad want these things too.

Whynter WC28S SNO 28 Bottle Wine Cooler, Platinum with Lock
I want one of these just because!

Vacu Vin Wine Saver Extra Stoppers, Set of 4
These wine corks are so wonderful.  We don't drink a whole bottle and the real cork won't go back in.  These just push in easily and save the quality of the wine.

Jones New York Women's Long Sleeve Open Front Cardigan Sweater
I have a sweater with a collar like this...I absolutely love it.

Celestron 21034 Ambassador 80mm Refractor Telescope (Brass)
This is a dream item...it costs a lot but wouldn't you love to have one
of these.

Disney Women's W000589 Mickey Mouse Pink Silicone Strap Watch
I love a Mickey Mouse watch and older women are really liking these
plastic watches that are so affordable you can
have one for every outfit!

Pure Handknit Women's Amelia Tunic Swing
I cover up more and more as I age. I love the detail on this sweater.

Plum Feathers Light Weight Elegant Solid Color Infinity Loop Jersey Scarf,32" x 34",Light Grey
This type of scarf can be wrapped around your neck or pulled up
over your head to be used as a hoody.  They are very stylish too!

Neiko 40367 9 LED NINE Super-Bright LED Flood Light Head Lamp
You have to think outside the box with this little device...it is great for leaving
your hands free while working in a dark space.  My husband loves his! Oh, by the way, children
love these too!

Zooka Wireless Speaker for iPad and Bluetooth Devices (Green)
This little speaker is so small it goes into your bag.  We take ours
on vacation, picnics and even into the neighbors backyard.  All I need to play music
is my iphone or smartphone with bluetooth.

Womens Canvas Slip on Shoes Flats 2 Tone 7 Colors
Older women are wearing these more and more.
They are like a slipper but can be worn as a sandal on the beach.
I love mine.

Teen clothing trends all grown up...for Grandmothers too?

My daughter and I went shopping on her birthday this last week.  We were wandering through the teen department of our big department store when I remembered the time when this very daughter was herself a teen.  The years have gone by and on that day we were talking about my granddaughter who will be turning 16 within the next week or so. How time does fly.

What hit me was how tempting it was to keep looking at those young looking clothes. Bright colors, trendy styles and youthful design will always appeal to my eye. But who among us wants to look like our teen daughter or granddaughters? Even if we wanted to, the shape of our bodies would not allow it generally.

I have often wondered why we see older woman clothing follow those teen-like trends within a few years but I suppose it is only natural. Teen style all grown up can be very beautiful.

The bright colors that we all love can still work their way into our wardrobes. An older woman may prefer a three quarter sleeve and a longer t-shirt but that doesn't mean they can't have all that luscious color. Even a shear blouse with a tank under is attractive, youthful looking but still conservative to suit even the most modest dresser. I loved the long sleeved linen shirts I saw at j.jill when we were shopping.  They were the perfect cross between bright colors and a mature woman's look.

j.jill Linen Shirts
(Other Spring Looks)

Fossil Austin Flap Handbag

I happen to love the Austin Flap Handbag (Google Affiliate Ad). The color is just perfect because it seems to go with almost anything and will carry a person through all the seasons. I am still hoping to find it at just the right price.  This google ad is the best I have seen so far.

Still, I really don't want to dress like someone I am not. I love black and white (very trendy this year I hear), crop pants or slacks and sleeves.  I put my body parts away one winter several years ago and just never got them out again.  I want people to think I look good all over but not really know the truth.

Source: secondlivesclub.blogspot.com via Barbara on Pinterest

My teenaged granddaughter loves very short shorts and crop shirts. Her mother dresses like the professional she is but we did buy her a pair of orange high heeled sandals on her birthday...one always need a little color in their wardrobe. As for me, I am still wearing my orange tennis shoes.  They just make me feel good. W
hen I dress up I will put on my gray slacks, black shoes, a white shirt and a very bright yellow sweater or even one with beautiful flowers. I am what I am!

 

Have a wonderful day.

b+

Great links or fashion conscious women:
That's Not My Age
Second Lives Club
Live Better America

Teens: 14+ Practical 14+ Christmast Gift Ideas for Teens + a Promo from Target

How many times have you heard grandmother's say "I just give them money. I have no idea what they would like." Around this time of year probably more than you can count. Even parents are stumped when it comes to their teens. Boys are harder than girls I think but I still have a few ideas for both.
If you have a teenage granddaughter and you live close by, the next time you are in the house take a side trip to her room.  Brace yourself, it is probably going to be a mess. Look in the closet at sizes, store brand labels, etc. Actually store brand may be key here.  Teens are all about the place the item came from. Now you are ready to get started.

I went shopping with my granddaughter yesterday at Target. This is a good place to begin. T-shirts, underwear or even rain boots are very affordable and beyond cute. She loved the denim shirts, jeans and wandered through the sleepwear dept. They have a special offer now for select items...you spend $75 and get a $15 gift card.

Teen girls/women

• Chooka Top Solid Rain Boot - Red (Google Affiliate Ad) 
• Chooka Fleece Rain Boot Liner - Black (Google Affiliate Ad) 
• T-shirts with logo, preferably crop.Tokyo 81 Crop Tee (Forever 21 Google Affiliate Ad)
• Denim shirts, short in the front and long in the back
• Brightly colored jeans. GUESS Brittney Ankle Skinny Colored Jeans (Google Affiliate Ad)
• Sleep wear...believe it or not my granddaughter was taken by the blanket sleeper. Sometimes they are just little girls in bigger bodies.
• sleep over stuff...makeup bags, pajamas, slippers, carry case with mirror etc.
• manicure sets.
• Southpole Girls Sweat Pants W/print (4-6X) - Activewear (Google Affiliate Ad)
• Fun-to-Wear Tube Scarves By Leisure Arts (Google Affiliate Ad) 

Teen boys/men

• Fossil Mulit-Wrap Bracelet - Brown (Google Affiliate Ad)
• Gift card to media store or game store. New Super Mario Bros. U - Wii U - Wii U Games (Google Affiliate Ad)
• Franklin Sports 12192F4 NHL Professional Goal Shooting Target (Google Affiliate Ad)
• NCAA Tennessee Volunteers Team Magnet - NCAA Gear (Google Affiliate Ad) (or your grandchilds favorite team)
• Ford Mustang 'Spirit of Evolution' Poster (Google Affiliate Ad)
• Silvertone SS10 Guitar & Amp Package, Black - Guitars (Google Affiliate Ad)

#Grandma is on a Weird Diet! @Grandparentscom

Being cute at the park!

Posing for the camera!

New shoes and shirts...it is a fashion statement.
Brayden is wearing dino socks pulled up his thigh.  His dad will have a cow!
At least the shoes are different colors.
They have been wearing one 6 and one 8 shoes
since they got here because the shoes are exactly alike.
They cannot tell the difference!

Can you tell...my grandchildren are here visiting.  The two little characters have been here since Saturday.  I haven't weighed yet but I am positive I have lost weight.  It is the best exercise routine ever invented! Oh and meal time is a bit sketchy too. Wine and baked potatoes! :-)

Life is good!

b

Leather Fringe in IN! My nine year old granddaughter is a trend setter!

 FRINGE IS IN!  

Vintage leather jackets are even better.  

How do I know?  Well my 9 year old granddaughter told me so and I think she is probably right.  The minute I saw her denim leather fringed jacket I wanted one just like. I need to go shopping!


I buy my blue jeans at the farm store just down the road and I am sure they will have leather fringed jackets. I live in the Portland, Oregon metro area.  You can take a country girl to the city but you never get the country out of the girl...especially if "country" is in style.  And, like I said, fringe is in...but then hasn't is always been so?


I want some leather fringe...what more can I say!


b

Boyfriend Trucker Jacket by top Ralph Lauren

(Take a look at this ad...you will love her boots too.)

How to Dress for a Saturday Night Dance Date...55+ Style

3/4 length sleaves...perfect for 55+
Notice the detail at the neck.
$16.99 at Targets

Chico's on sale...less than $17

It seems to me that women of a certain age need to re-evaluate how to dress for a date that includes dinner and dancing. Even if you and your husband are going out for a Saturday night at the local Elks, it might not hurt to update your wardrobe just a little.  You can do it for just a little money and your husband will appreciate the effort that goes into the look.  The trick, I think, is to find someplace in the middle.

It is hard to know how dressy or casual to go.  Remember, I am not talking about prom here.  Just a dance with rock and roll band for the price of a drink.  So here are a few ideas for what to wear on a Saturday night of dancing.


Target and Chico's are my go-to stores. They have some beautiful and inexpensive things that go from day to evening without losing a beat.  When you pair the gorgeous artist top from Target with black jeans from Chico's (sale for a steal) you have just the right combination.  Add some earrings and a bracelet and you will look like a million.   The black jeans look very dressy and are beautiful with boots style shoes.  They also look good with high heels or a pair of sparkly sandals.  The short length hits me right at the ankle and I am 5'4.5" inches.

Little Black Dress...$27.99

For a very special holiday dance, Target also has some darling choices.  I like this little black dress.

If you are shopping the Target catalogue, the sweaters and tops with ruffles or rhinestone studded flowers are called "artist sweaters/tops/dresses".  The Chico's Company stores at the outlet malls also carry the jeans with another label.

Just for your information!

b

Technorati tags:  fashion style aging date night style 55+ Consumer Goods and Services

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• Hot Color/Design Trends for Fall 2011... clothing and decor! (retireinstyleblog.com)

Hot Color/Design Trends for Fall 2011... clothing and decor!

Have you ever noticed how we will use the same colors for our furniture as we do for our favorite coat or sweater.  The Style at Home website always makes me think of all those colors that are in my closet and on my walls.  Those Canadian designers are usually spot on when it comes to shopping for interior design.  It could be that we should check with them before we even shop for our seasonal clothing.  They seem to know where the trends are heading when it comes to color or design. 

In an article I saw today they were talking about colors for a restful retreat...in this case for a world traveler.  I love the colors in this room...neutral without even a hint of mauve.  The gray is gray and the brown is cowhide brown.  The tiny bits of gold and red are included only as accents.  I could do this in my living room tomorrow and never look back!  Be sure to take a look at the Style at Home's new neutrals article.  Times may be changing.

Home for a Rest :  Style at Home Magazine

Victor Alfaro cardigan...love it!

Purple
Recently I was shopping with a friend in a big department store.  She picked up this sweater that almost made me swoon...something I don't do very much.  The color was that pure purple you see on perfect plums or a hydrangea that has just the right kind of fertilizer.

Style at Home color board

The one on the left is a style created by Victor Alfaro and can be found on the Bon Ton website. As you can see they have paired the sweater with a pewter colored tank. 

In another article on Style at Home they had featured this same color pairing..but on the walls.  This is a new trend in colors for the fall at home and in your closet.

Target clearance sweater

Animal Prints
I bought a little cardigan at Target before we went on our trip to Montana.  It is a black and white leopard design that goes with almost everything I own.  Believe it or not these little inexpensive sweaters last washing after washing.  The one I saw today on their website cost $8.74 on clearance. It has that touch of purple as a trim with my all time favorite animal print...zebra.

Brown

Ann Taylor Elbow Sleeve Turtleneck

Browns at Style at Home

Ann Taylor and Style at Home were on the same page when they selected that gorgeous brown as a fall favorite.  This is the same color you will find on a Redheaded diving duck.  I always wanted a sweater of that color.

Connections
Style for our bodies or our walls...it seems they are following the same trends when it comes to colors and designs.   It turns out we shop for paint and furniture the same as we shop for a very expensive outfits...interesting!

Beautiful Condominiums....links for decorating ideas + ++!

small flower...big impact!

So you have purchased that beautiful condominium in the city...maybe not that big.  Should you give up stylish?  I don't think so.   Retirement (55 living) can be all about style.  Downsizing or beginning small does not mean we have to live in a cluttered and less than stylish space.  I have a few links I have been gathering that give us a better image of retirement style (even clothes girls!) and living in a small space.  I thought I would give you the list of links so you can use it as a reference:

Advanced Style  I have no idea how I found this website but when I did it went onto my link list immediately.  The blog, as I understand it, began as a emulation of a blog from New York called The Satorialist (listed as one of the the top 100 design influences by Time Magazine).  Advanced Style and Satorialist writers photographs people on the street...generally beautifully dressed.  Advanced Style was born with a theme..."You are never to old to be beautiful."  You will love it!

Small Place Style  What a wonderful blog site!!! When they say one picture is worth a thousand words the truth has been spoken.  This is a discovery I will save so I can return often.

Apartment Therapy  This is a great site that keeps us abreast of what is going on in small spaces by posting photographs from readers around the country.  I have used several of these ideas myself.

The Kitchen  This blog is included in the tabs at Apartment Therapy.  Living small does not mean we need to give up a wonderful kitchen...even a very small one.  Gadgets, easy food preparation and cool tools are still ours to enjoy. The Cool Kitchen Contest pictures are worth a look...dreaming is always possible!

Re-Nest  This is a site that allows us to dream about a remodel or a new (old) purchase while staying GREEN.  Those of us that are retired came from a generation of savers/reusers!  This is perfect for us.

Unplugged  If you are a techno buff you know that when you live in a small space you need to be very creative...this is the website for you! 

Style At Home  This is a magazine website from a magazine published in Canada...the land of Candice Olson and many other wonderful designers.  I love this magazine and the website has a feature that allows you to clip the idea they post and save them in a folder on your desktop for future reference. 

Design Blog List   If you just want to roam around in the design world this is a page of links that will keep you busy...forever. 

Martha Stewart   Need I say more...there is always a wonderful idea from her people!

I am adding to this list daily...as time permits.  Do you live in a small stylish awesome place???  Let me know by leaving a link in the comments section.  I would love to visit you.

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8 VALUABLE Tips for All Thing Frugal...from someone that knows!

Photos enlarged become beautiful art work!  by Barbara

If you are retired you have all been around the block many times.  Your pool of living wisdom is so deep and wide it can overwhelm.  That is why I have hesitated to WRITE about living frugally...I am sure you all have tips to share with me!  So I have decided I will share with you and you can share with me.  It seems only fair. (Leave a comment and I will add your idea to the list along with your website link.)

1. CLOTHES SHOPPING  I learned a sweet secret when I was very young and thin.  Those days are long gone but this secret has been invaluable to building a wardrobe on a budget.  Sales are wonderful but if you shop for your size only your are missing the best bargains.  I just scored a beautiful pair of Eileen Fisher linen slacks last week for 75% off.  By looking on the rack of one size up and one size down, I will find very expensive clothes that are sized wrong or are made by a designer label that will cut clothes differently.  The last stop for those clothing is where you will find the best deals so go to a Nordstroms Rack or a store that is up scales in your city.  Shop in the clearance department.  You will be surprised.
2. ENTERTAINING ON A BUDGET  If you are like me, you love to entertain in style...candles, table cloths, napkins, beautiful food.  The short version here is a list of the best places to find these items:  Dripless candles, Trader Joe's dripless candles are so cheap and beautiful.  They self extinguish and absolutely will not drip.  Table cloths can be a simple piece of fabric cut to a square....54" wide buy 54" of fabric. You can simply buy fabric glue or tape and iron a hem.    Napkins that look like cloth but do not need to be washed.  Tuesday Morning has beautiful expensive paper napkins at a very low price.  Food can be elegant without breaking the bank...I love Sandra Lee's Semi- Homemade.  Always remember a small amount of something out of this world can be supplemented with basics like seasoned rice or quinoa and vegetables.
3. DECORATING  Always remember paint is a lot cheaper than tearing out walls.  Design Remix on HGTV has wonderful ideas for using what you have to dress up a room.  But paint is cheap! especially if you go to the sale shelf at Home Depot.  True there are a lot of colors that you DON'T want or had never thought about.  Check every time you go in.   Basic white with a slight tint will be there occasionally and that is always a good choice.  PAINT CAN BE EVEN CHEAPER THAN YOU THOUGHT!
4. TRAVEL AND EATING  First remember that most motels have wifi now and your computer is going to be your friend.  If you don't travel with one, most motels have a computer station in the lobby that you can use.  Take advantage of the information a search like best food in Seattle can show you.  This is so basic but sometimes we forget how travel can be affordable.  Seniors generally don't eat as much as a construction worker...going to the truck stop is not a good health choice and is probably not a good value.  This is what I think.  Breakfast does not break the bank but it can smash a healthy diet.  Bacon and eggs is not a good choice at least not every day.  A quick visit to the grocery will get you what you need...yogurt, fruit and a whole wheat bagel.  Or stay at a motel that serves these things as part of the price of the room.  I think lunch is the meal we should eat as our main meal.  The lunch menu always less and has basically the same dishes as the high priced dinner meal.  You can eat at a nice restaurant with good service for a lot less.  I think that happy hour at up scale restaurants makes good sense for your evening meal.  You can order a soda or iced tea if you don't drink wine and buy a happy hour item or even two, be well nourished and not break the bank. The thing to remember here is that a mixed drink can be expensive so check on the happy hour specials.   Besides that you can get dressed up if you want so elegance has not flown out the truck stop window. Most restaurants are willing to split a meal for you is you desire.   Remember to check online for Groupon and Restaurant.com.  We eat for 1/2 at some very nice places.
5. RECREATION   GolfNow.com is a great place to find discount golf at the last minute.  If you are traveling most motels have a computer station somewhere.  Give it a look before you book that full price golf outing.  You will not feel like a dope when you check in and find the guy next to you is paying a lot less than you because he booked a tee time online fifteen minutes later than you.  There are other similar sites that work just a well.  Sometimes local websites have great deals.
6. BIG PURCHASES There are some things that just take your breath away.  A car purchase for example.  I am not as good at this sort of thing as most people.  For example, we have gotten a lemon car before and traded it in as soon as we could.  So I don't like to buy second hand.  I know someone else bought that AWFUL car!  We purchased a new car this spring and saved quite a bit by going to our credit card website to see if they had any tips.  It turns out that American Express card company has agreements with car dealers fora discount which turned out to be their bottom line.  It saved us the pain of dealing with the back and forth of dealing and put money in our pocket.  Look it up, find your car and ask your car salesman if they participate.  Go away if they deny you.  It is in everyone's best interest so I can't imagine them turning you down.  IT NEVER HURTS TO ASK! 
7. ALWAYS BARGAIN...WHAT IS THE WORST THAT CAN HAPPEN?  We have traveled to countries where bargaining is a part of all shopping experiences.  We have learned that the bargain is simply in the asking.  Cash will give you a discount for furniture...but you need to ask.  While Starbucks won't bargain with you, a barista may sell cups for less if you buy more than one.  IT NEVER HURTS TO ASK!  I have grinned or chuckled with all sorts of merchants because I was not afraid to ask...the answer may be NO but who cares.  Life is too short to be too serious!
8. SHOP FOR QUALITY NOT QUANTITY  We all have our quirks.  Mine happens to be an aversion to cute rate stores.  I have found that in the end I usually paid more because the merchandise was shoddy and I needed to replace things long before I should have. I don't know about you but I like for the things I buy to last a while.  Buying cheap is a lot different than buy very good quality for less.  I much prefer to buy expensive sheets that don't match from the sale table.  I have done this all my adult life because I love beautiful things and I was a teacher.  Teachers do not get rich!

There you go...8 tips from a frugal but stylish shopper!
Note:  This list may grow...check back later!
LEAVE A COMMENT AND I WILL ADD YOUR IDEA TO THE LIST WITH A LINK TO YOUR BLOG OR WEBSITE!

b

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