How to Shop Without Spending any Money

Shopping without spending any money is hard for me...especially if I am in a bricks and mortar business. But I love to keep up with trends and see what is beautiful for every season. I think that is why I love Polyvore.com. It allows me to shop for items, put them together in a display and then post them on my blog. I spent yesterday even putting this group together. If I were going to spend winter in Oregon, I would definitely want ALL of these things. Just because. I found a similar knit coat on Amazon so most of these items can be replicated for a lot less than what my dream collection might go for.

Winter Staples by barbblogtwits featuring ivory jewelry

Aging: Sunday is still Sunday

You would think that in this world of sales at the store and the world rushing by even on Sunday things would change. We should somehow be different because the world is working 24/7 and nothing ever slows down. There is not a moment to reflect.

But so far as I am concerned nothing has really changed...those that didn't reflect before don't do so now. Back in the day when businesses were not open on Sunday there were those that saw that day as a family day and there were those that worked or drank whiskey or yelled at their children even on Sunday. Really, nothing has changed all that much.

My husband and I still get up on Sunday and take it slow. We have a special pancake or breakfast that starts the day with a feeling of joy. Even if we work, it is with the thought in mind that it is Sunday. I like that a lot.

So it seemed very weird to me that the UPS man delivered a box to our front door on this Sunday. Who would even expect that a box would show up at their door today? Even though nothing has changed, those that must work 24/7 are still at it. I keep telling myself that it is good. Somethings I just ignore or pretend that it doesn't happen. I am allowed...right?

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Shopping: On Letting My Inner Teenager Dress Me

Dressing myself is just SOOOOO hard. When I look in the mirror I know who I am and that some clothes will make me look lumpy but it doesn't matter. Inside my head I still looking for that perfect outfit. The trouble is most designers do not see the need to provide clothes for the boomer set...not yet. So what needs to be done is find a look, deconstruct it and put it back together only this time the right way...my way.

Converse Chuck Taylor Hi Top Sneaker

This pair of Tom's will work better for me.

Take these high top shoes...not that I think they would be comfortable on my ankle or anything. A teen might be able to wear them. But still, I have been looking for a pair of shoes in blue and those shoes on the right would be perfect. I think the Tom's shoes might be a better choice. I just cannot see this grandma running around in hightop tennis shoes...I would look like a bag lady!

From ModaCapital on Instagram

I love this color combination and the jacket is perfect but...I could not wear the shoes in that height. I would need lower heels and of course, a longer skirt...much longer. But other than that this outfit is perfect for me. It just needs a little change here and there. I might be able to make it work...here is what I think:

LeggingsQueen High Waist Stretch Basic Pencil Skirt

But there is hope...I found this longer red skirt on Amazon for a sweet $19.99-$23.00.  I like it a lot!

niceeshop(TM) Women's Double Lapel Zipper Short PU Leather Jackets Coat

Then the black jacket (how beautiful is that?) is a PU leather (whatever that is) that can be purchased on Amazon too. It comes in at about $21.00. There was also a Calvin Klein 
that was about $119. I liked it too.

I found these shoes on witchery here but they have sold out..they are the perfect wedge for me but still have the same look as the higher wedge version. I will keep looking. I love those shoes.

BLVD Women's Solid Scoop Neck T-Shirt

Grey T-shirts are a dime a dozen. Here is a very inexpensive one that I found online.

So there you have it...maybe my inner teenager knows what she is talking about after all!

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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!

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

Shopping for Shoes with Maddie and Amelia!

Many, many years ago my now 16 year old granddaughter picked out a pair of shoes for me. They were Teva's and I have always loved them because I could wade in the water and it didn't ruin them. Now about 12 years later I went shopping with other granddaughters. I wanted a pair of dancing shoes to wear to our Valentines Day dance.

Seeing things through a child's eyes is a very wonderful thing.

Maddie is 10 and she could see what I needed right away. She found a pair of t-strap shoes, red, large heels and very practical. She thought they were great! I thought they looked like something a person in their 70s (LIKE ME) would wear...I did not like them at all. But I loved that Maddie was thinking of me...sincerely thinking about me. She wanted me to have what I really needed. She is such a wonderful granddaughter.

I hated these even though they are very practical. (dancing shoes)

Amelia, on the other hand, brought out pair after pair of gladiator shoes for me to admire. Even though I am in my 70s and don't want practical shoes, I do know that I would look ridiculous with straps winding up my ankles. But evidently Amelia thinks I am a very cool grandma! I liked that a lot.

There were no shoes purchased. I couldn't do it even to please those two little girls!

Amelia loved these!

Have you ever let your grandchildren help you pick out shoes?

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Ideas for Christmas shopping for older people coming soon!

Our dear friends are having their 25th Wedding Anniversary celebration today...so we are having a party!  I have put on my new J.Jill top with a skirt from Marshalls. My shoes are 7 years old and I am not sure if my makeup is on straight but I am going to a party.

I have this j.jill top in black!  Perfect for my party!

I wish I had this scarf to wear with it...
LibbySue-Indian Inspired Woven Stripe in Black and Grays

Which reminds me...are you starting your Christmas shopping yet?  I have a few ideas so I will post them for you tomorrow or the next day.  Buying for old people can sometimes be a problem but if you keep in mind that no matter how old you get, beautiful for women and practical for men will always work.

Have a wonderful day.

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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.

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

Shopping with Grandchildren: Amelia Made a Difference

The way children use the English language is fascinating.  Remember, this is the language that calls the people that run our country a congress and also call a collection of baboons by the same name.  You can understand why it is a little confusing.

My granddaughters and I went shopping at Target yesterday.  I love their toy department. It makes me happy. Even when my husband and I are in the store without children, I will surf the toys just to see what is new. I always have my grandchildren in mind plus I like to tell you about what I think might be fun.

So, the girls and I walked the length of the store stopping in the aisle with girlie sheets and glancing at the shoes.  Eventually, we made our way to the toys. These girls are experienced shoppers but they are even a little in awe of the selection in our Target store.

Maddie

Amelia on the move!

We surfed through the dolls and the Legos past the Barbie aisle and the Imaginex boxes. Then Amelia, the 5 year old, stopped dead in front of the Lite Brite box.  There was no doubt in her mind that she had found exactly what she wanted and could buy it with the money I had allotted for her on that day.  SCORE!  It was only a few seconds before her 9 year old sister picked up a remote control car and put it in the cart. I was a little surprised by her choice.  But I didn't ask any questions because I knew she wanted it...period. We were good to go.

When we got in the car to come home, Amelia made a wonderful observation about their choices.  Maddie, know what! I made a difference! Maddie was a little puzzled but went along with her little sister.  She had never heard the word difference used that way before. Amelia immediately explained what was on her mind. She knew what she was talking about. She knew it was special when she didn't pick out the very same thing as her big sister. She had made a choice on her very own.  It was a big moment in her life.

So, you see, Amelia does made a difference...she is a teacher and she taught us all that growing up can happen at any time...even when you are shopping in Target.

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Note: The Lite Brite that Amelia picked out was packaged in a pink color especially for girls.  Do you think she would have chosen it if it had been red?  I wonder.



The remote control car Maddie chose was not wireless and a little less expensive than this.

I am adding both of these toys to my Amazon Store in the slide show in the right sidebar. They turned out to be a great success.

Nike's Portland: "Nice Orange Shoes!"

The orange shoes seem to have a life of their own. They are taking me to some very interesting places but better yet they have introduced me to people that I would never have noticed before.

The first indication that they were special came as I was walking through the Pearl District in Portland. This is that part of the city where the very, very rich rub shoulders with the homeless panhandlers working from the curbs. Just a short walk will take you to the water front and when you cross Burnside you are in a wonderful no mans land of mixed cultures and means. That area is called the Skidmore district.

We stepped off the Max line in the Pearl and were making our way to The Oyster Bar in Skidmore when I heard a voice yelling "Nice shoes!" A pretty young woman sitting at the curb smiled back at me when I turned to look.  The orange shoes were doing their thing and I didn't even know it.

I love these shoes. They are teaching me that, no matter where they are sitting or how old they are, the people love happy and beautiful. I think the orange shoes are both! There may be hope after all. Remember the Dr. Suess quote: A person's a person no matter how small!

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ps: this is the color I am buying next time!

Linking to Our Teens...when the grandparents are Cool!

HIPSTERS? DIG THOSE PATRIOTIC SHIRTS!

Really, I had no idea why my 15 year old granddaughter kept on taking off with my stuff or admiring my clothes. I just thought she was really nice. It turns out she is an emerging Hipster. In fact, if she is any indication, young people today might be over the wow of having EVERYTHING new and digital. They are following the latest trend and that trend is everything old is new again!

Nats Park Rally Cap (Photo credit: Kevin H.)

My husband and I are watching the second generation of young people in our family grow up. The oldest is 22 and the youngest is 6 months. They are a generation apart and the world the oldest grew up in has changed. When the oldest was a preschooler, the new computer was what everyone wanted. Everyone was trying to get that small child involved in a world the adults really didn't understand. Now all those things are old hat. Almost every child in the family has an ipad or smart pad, cell phone...of their very own! They are explaining it all to us!

So what do they yearn for? The 9 year old wants an old fashioned typewriter and a Polaroid camera. The boys are looking for the "vintage" baseball hats from 1990...you know, the ones with the bills turned up. The granddaughter I have talked about before covets my sweaters and would take them all if I just gave them to her. She really wants my Toms shoes because I wear them and therefore they must be "vintage" too.

If you are a grandparent, you are now very cool. We all hoped it would happen one day and that day is now!

Just a thought.

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Teen girls and their Grandmothers love Target Sweater

@Target,
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This the gift that will really surprise you. If you are wearing a cardigan from Target, your granddaughter will steal it right off your back!  I know because it happens to me all the time. Those sweaters are all over the place in the store...short sleeved, long sleeved, short length, long length, big, little and in some very cool graphic designs. I have a closet full of them. And you can 

Target Store Brand Clothing for both Grandmother and Teens (and maybe Mom too)

Target Pull-over

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