Saturday Inspiration, of the Over-50 Variety: Linda Fargo. And Return of Visible Monday!

The fashion director of Bergdorf Goodman is not an everyday name in my circles, but I am taken with Linda Fargo's confident, crisp style. She looks sophisticated without looking unapproachable, and she actually puts on a gorgeous smile when being photographed!

Her silvery hair seems to be her signature accessory, a chic bob that suits her perfectly. My own hair could never do this. But I learn from watching Linda that we can make our hair, whatever its natural texture, an integral part of our look.

Of course in her position, she can choose from the highest-end and newest designer pieces. She does so in a way that looks effortless and appropriate for a successful 50-something woman. The end result is classy and modern, accented with a signature piece of jewelry and red lipstick. A terrific look for a woman of a certain age, or any age, who knows herself and her style!

In a Jil Sander suit, simple lines but with a surprising color.

Doing the color-blocking trend, very sophisticated. I'd show less leg, but
Linda pulls this off well. I love the signature necklace, with no other jewelry.

Monochromatic and then boom! the animal print booties

I like this casual chic look, although I prefer my fur on the faux side.

Linda adds playfulness to her red carpet looks. Love the gorgeous cuff!

Visible Monday link-up returns on Monday, January 2, 2012. We'll be kicking off a new year of fabulous looks that make us feel great about ourselves. Please join in, it's so easy and lots of fun!

What I Wore: Simple, Warm and Thrifty!

We finally got some cooler weather today so YAY, it was time for a proper sweater. I even wore a medium weight jacket and scarf on my way to work, and I wore my boots without feeling the slightest bit geeky.

The sweater is a steal from Old Navy, on sale for $14. It's in one of my signature colors, mostly cotton, and it is so soft and comfortable. The skirt has been seen quite a bit around these parts, a thrifted 1980's midi. I didn't expect it to be so versatile when I picked it up!

The Diesel belt is thrifted from Beacon's Closet in Brooklyn (I miss you, NYC!) and the Gianni Bini boots are from a delightful consignment store right around the corner from my home. I felt great all day in this outfit. I realize it could be sparked up with more jewelry, scarves, etc., but it suited me just fine today.

I do have gold sparkly nail polish - that should count as an accessory, right??

And my newly thrifted bangle - a colorful touch.

Do you ever take a break from serious accessorizing, and go the simple route?

Do You Stray, Then Return To Your Tried And True Styles?

Part of the joy of fashion is experimenting, stepping outside our comfort zones. Some women do adopt a uniform and wear it throughout their lives, but these are few, and most of them have rather striking features and personalities.

Timeless Coco

The majority of us enjoy changing our look periodically, incorporating trends, and trying new colors and silhouettes. I have a theory though (well, I have thousands of theories and no one wants to hear them) that we tend to move back toward our tried and true looks. That we revert to the mean, to use a math analogy.

I don't mean that we never change our style, of course we do. I for one will not be found in stiff, corporate suits, nude hose and pumps again. That chapter of my life is over. And the bold skin-baring looks of youth will not pass my closet door.

But I yam what I yam and I know what I know. In broad strokes, I have a feminine look: pale skin, light curly hair and a slim, elongated form. I know that these looks are my best:

• Muted colors. No primary colors.
• Soft lines rather than very crisp ones.
• Subtle prints.
• Flowing skirts and dresses.
  

This Anthropologie dress is so my-style, though I prefer sleeves.

• Defined waistlines.
• Medium-proportioned jewelry and handbags.

I try to move outside my comfort zone, and that's been one of the goals of Visible Monday. I've had success in adding new colors (pale yellow), silhouettes (midi skirts) and accessories (love my colored tights). But although I have wandered over to the following looks, they really did not feel/look like "me", so they've ended up in consignment and thrift stores:

• Sharply tailored blazers with shoulder pads.
• Crisp white man-tailored shirts with big collars.

I adore this look but it doesn't work for me.

• Black leather jackets (I love them, but a fitted gray or dark brown one would be more me).
• Plaids - near my face anyway. A plaid skirt is divine.
• Bold, over-sized pieces. Love them, but not on me.

What about you? Do you "stray" in search of a new look, then find yourself returning to your tried and true? Do you have a range of looks that's "you" and do you feel uncomfortable when you move outside of it?

Or are you a true chameleon, happy to change looks as the mood arises, and comfortable in many styles? No wrong answers of course, I love to hear your views!

Joyful Holiday Wishes to You! (And A Week Off From Visible Monday)

Happiest Holiday wishes to you all! Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas and Festive Festivus! I am taking a couple of days off, so we will not be doing our Visible Monday on December 26th. But we will return with Visible Monday next year! on Monday January 2nd.

This is not my beloved Stinky, but a very good resemblance!

What I Wore: I Took Your Fine Advice!

This isn't the exact same outfit that you helped me with (that one's here), but it's similar. It's mostly light colors, has a spring-y feel about it and I am determined to winterize it! In my wilting defense, it's 78 degrees here today.

Many of you fashionistas advised me to "ground" the outfit with darker hose and shoes/boots, and I agree. So that's what I did here, and I like the look. I think next time I'll add a dark leather belt to further ground the whole ensemble.

Skirt: Odille; Sweater: Urban Outfitters; Shoes: Clarks

I love my new thrifted bangle bracelet.

My head is missing today - I am still battling a lingering cold/weird flu and was just not ready for full exposure!

I am honored and delighted to have been selected for a Liebster Blog award from blogger Becks of At Her Best. Becks passed this information on:

Liebster means "dearest" in German, and this award is given to bloggers with fewer than 200 followers. The stipulations of the award are as follows:

1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
2. Reveal your 5 blogger picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.
4. Hope that the people you have sent the award to will forward it to their favorite bloggers.

I have so, so many favorite blogs, so I can't choose just five! But as a good team player, I will pass this award with pleasure to:

The Dashing Eccentric
The Elegant Bohemian
Not Dressed As Lamb
Style Montreal Sud-Est


Much affection and happiest holiday wishes are sent to you all; I hope your days ahead are filled with peace and joy.

Do You Shop Outside The Lines?

I bought a very sweet, short raincoat last week - canvas with a zipper and snaps, hood and lots of pockets. It was at a thrift shop, and marked at a very attractive $3. After I tried it on, I noticed the size -- 14? I'm usually a 4-6-8. Sometimes in vintage clothing I'll wear a 10 or 12, as sizing has changed a lot. But this item was a bit on the fitted side. I checked the tag and it was a boy's size!

Is it illegal or unseemly for a 56 year old woman to wear a boy's clothing item? I haven't shopped anywhere but the women's department for 30 years. The Juniors stuff is adorable, but way too short/cute/tight for me. It hadn't occurred to me that some basics might be hanging around for the taking in the boy's or men's departments. So I did a little scouting, and found some possibilities:

• Chunky sweaters already have a slightly boyish feel, so you can check out the boy's selection for something a little offbeat.
• Pea coats are timeless, and you can sometimes find a bargain in the boy's or girl's department, or at the thrift store. 
• Rain gear, like the jacket I found, are good buys in the boy's or even men's departments. No frills, good quality and they get the job done
• Wool blazers can be found, if you're a fairly small-busted woman. The quality is often very good, but watch out for brass buttons.

It's 100% wool, $40, and kinda cute. From GAP.

• Belts from the boy's and men's department can be great bargains, especially from the thrifts. There are some fantastic quality leathers out there for the guys, and who doesn't need a nice solid brown or black belt?
• Denim shirts -  the boy's and men's versions have a cool, tough look  that can be sweetened up with a floral skirt, or belted over a pretty blouse.

Polo Ralph Lauren. This one's $72, but they can be found for less.

• Scarves -- the guys have some fab winter scarves in solids, checks and plaids.

A nice flannel-y scarf from Old Navy, $8

• Brogues -- I am newly in love with these manly shoes, and guess what? -- you can find them in the consignment and thrift stores at good prices, if your feet are big enough (how often do you hear that??)

A few tips for crossing over to the distaff side for clothing: the fit won't be tailored, it'll be more slouchy or boxy, and definitely casual rather than dressy. And you'll probably want to balance your guy-wear with some feminine pieces. The boy's blazer with a flowy skirt would be fun, or the brogues with patterned tights.

Have you ever crossed the aisle and shopped with the boys? Share your thoughts in the comments, please!

Visible Monday #26: Body-Skimming, not Body-Squeezing

Welcome to Visible Monday #26! If you want to participate, it's so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the simple how-to.

A great-shaped knit dress is very, very friendly to the over-40 woman. It skims over the body and is seamed to help define curves where you want them. The fabric is heavy enough to not cling, just glide. Its clean statement doesn't need much help in the accessories department, because it's so sure of itself. But it is fun to accessorize too, with jackets, boleros, scarves, cardis, and of course, any jewelry piece you fancy.

This charcoal dress is actually my first Eileen Fisher piece, and I'm in love. I bought it in NYC at Buffalo Exchange for only $25, so that is part of the love story. I can't say enough about the quality and fit of this dress, so I'll be hunting for Eileens in the future. I added only pale grey footless tights and Sofft booties, and some subtle jewelry. I like the simple lines of the dress as they outline, but don't hug, my shape.

Hmmm . . . I wonder why I look so shiny? I will blame the flash.

Simple accessories: just a chunky watch, cuff, earrings, and ankle boots.

This shapely Eileen Fisher pencil skirt would love to be in my closet.

I can't wait to see what you are wearing today!



The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple!

1. Any Monday, whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
2. Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post.
3. Go to the bottom of this post and click on this cute little link:

In the "Next Step", you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you're done!

Saturday Inspiration, of the Over-50 Variety: Annette Bening

Today's fabulous Woman of a Certain Age is one we've been following in the public eye since her smashing breakthrough 21 years ago in The Grifters. Annette Bening is not a glamor girl but a true beauty, with a smile that lights up the room. I've always loved her effortless hairstyles and simple makeup. Her unfussy fashion sense leans heavily on menswear-inspired pieces, but she "glams up" beautifully too.

I think she's a grand actress, who can do comedy and drama with equal skill, and make it look easy. She's been married to Warren Beatty for almost 20 years and is the mother of four children. Here's to Annette, a  gorgeous age 53!

She makes her short hair so chic. And the earrings - boom!

Classic menswear, but with a wonderful feminine vibe.

I don't know why she's holding the bread but I adore the suit, hair, everything.
Everybody, eat more bread!

So gorgeous in a Marchesa dress.

Visible Monday Link-Up Reminder:  Monday December 12th is Visible Monday, a group posting for anyone who'd like to participate. The simple guidelines are here. Basically, just post something that makes you feel wonderful/visible, and link to it via my Monday post. Easy and fun.

What I Wore: My Karina Dress, Made Work-Casual

I love my Karina dress. It's such a simple, go-to piece in my closet. Always fits, washes so easily, no ironing, and it's the perfect length for me. So I do wear it a lot. Today, it's pretty casual with a cotton shirt belted over it, black tights and calf-high Aldo boots. I added just my watch and a silvery cuff for adornment.

The last time I showed this dress, it looked more dressy (for lack of a better word!), with faux pearls and heels. I have also worn it with a colorful tee underneath for a weekend look, paired with my new denim jacket. I will show that jacket soon, it's a winner.

Dress: Karina dresses; Shirt: Lafayette 148; Belt: GAP, thrifted

I feel like I am being watched . . .

Do you have a go-to dress in your closet, that's always there for you?


P.S. My readers can use a special discount if you order any full price Karina dress:

$30 Off Any Full Price Dress  - GIBP30

Use your discount code at:
http://karinadresses.myshopify.com/collections/all

What’s Your Dreaded Wardrobe Malfunction?

Did that phrase ("wardrobe malfunction") originate at the 2004 Superbowl? I will have to perform fashion due diligence to find out, but in any case, it's caught on! Very few of us will have the opportunity to experience Janet Jackson's degree of malfunction, but in an imperfect world, sartorial stuff does happen.

Here are some of my dreaded W. M.'s, taken from my actual daily life:

• Wayward bra straps. Everything is nice and sleek as I leave the house, but upon arrival at work, the straps are peeking out, and pretty much stay that way. Some marvelous dresses and blouses have bra strap holders that snap your strap into place. Should be required.

Well, I haven't gone this far . . .

• Tights that creep down the leg as the day goes on. I have simply removed these offenders at lunch, and gone bare-legged on occasion. These give me a very insecure feeling.
• Singing shoes. You have to have a sense of humor if your shoes squeak a happy tune as you walk the halls. Sometimes this goes away with repeated wearings, but I haven't found a cure yet. Any ideas?

And these aren't necessarily singing shoes, but how cute is Pete?

• Surprise see-through skirts. It looks fine and modest in the morning, at home. Suddenly, the Seven-Eleven clerk is giving me the eye, and I notice I'm fairly sheer below the waist. Slips are the cure! But I forget sometimes.

Intentionally sheer, and very chic -- but not for work  : >

• Won't-stay-tucked-in shirts. Arrgggh. I don't like to tuck-in six times an hour. This kind of shirt is fine if your job requires you to sit (or lie) perfectly still for 6 hours. I usually opt for soft knits and tees, slightly on the long side.
• The ultimate: skirt tucked into tights while exiting the restroom! I don't have to tell my story on this one, do I?

Please tell me you've had a few W. M.'s yourselves? Can you add to the list? Have you been asked to perform at the Superbowl Halftime Show?

Visible Monday #25: An Actual Suit! Conservative for a Change

Welcome to Visible Monday #25! If you want to participate, it's so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the simple how-to.

Today's look is a change for me in a couple of ways: I rarely wear trousers (I do love jeans though), and I rarely wear a matched suit (see last week's "Almost Suit" here). My usual style is less structured.

But I do like this lightweight wool Tahari suit. It was scored for $5 at the Humane Society Thrift, and it's in perfect, unworn condition! Yikes! It also fits very well; just the waist is a little snug and I can move a button there. The shoulder pads are small, and that helps me feel less boxy/overwhelmed up top.

I softened the severe pinstriped suit with a ruffled floral blouse by Lucky Brand. I also wore feminine drop earrings, but they often get lost in my mop.

Even though this look is outside my normal comfort zone, it did make me feel powerful and visible. I teased my boss about going on interviews today. And I will dress the suit down for future wearings, with a colorful tee or sweater. The only "no" for me would be to pair it with a traditional button-down shirt - that's just too conventional for my look. Love it on others though!

I feel pretty good in this, like I should take a meeting or something  : >

The shoes are my favorite Sofft booties.

Are you stretching your comfort zones? I can't wait to see what you are wearing today!


The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple!

1. Any Monday, whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
2. Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post.
3. Go to the bottom of this post and click on this cute little link:

In the "Next Step", you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you're done!

Saturday Inspiration, of the Over-50 Variety: Anjelica Huston

I really only noticed Anjelica Huston for the first time in Prizzi's Honor, the 1985 movie for which she won the acting Oscar. And oh boy, did I notice her. She had a regal beauty, and her arched eyebrow said a thousand words.

She did a lot of Vogue photo work in the 70's, along with acting (and of course, dating Hollywood rake Jack Nicholson). Her basic look remains unchanged: the raven hair, red lips and those cheekbones. Her style has been classic and elegant for a couple of decades, featuring solid brights and black, all of which work so beautifully with her features and her vibe.

She was recently quoted about the aging process, "I'm shocked every time I look in a mirror or pass a shop window. I had no conception that one got older. You go, 'Oh my God!' Even my birthdays always shock me, but in a positive way. I can't believe that I've spent all these decades on this planet. It's a beautiful thing,"

Brava, Anjelica, for your graceful and non-plastic look at age 60!

From a photo shoot in the 70's. Those eyes!

Menswear, but unmistakable feminine.

Cool, classic, elegant, in simple lines and bright color.

 

Fabulous in emerald green, as she accepts her Oscar in 1985

Still gorgeous at 60, sticking to classics.

Visible Monday Link-Up Reminder:  Monday December 12th is Visible Monday, a group posting for anyone who'd like to participate. The simple guidelines are here. Basically, just post something that makes you feel wonderful/visible, and link to it via my Monday post. Easy and fun.

What I Wore: Not Quite Sure About This!

I like to leave the house feeling fully calm and confident in my attire. Life will throw us enough interesting curves throughout the day, and one thing I can control is the thread on my back!

I kind-of love this bohemian dress, but I have second thoughts too. It might be that the color is a shade too bright for my preferred palette. The shape is great - I love the empire waist and the knee length. Perhaps it’d be better with the sleeves off (or “off-ski”, as Thrifty Mrs. said today). Or skip the necklace and do cuff bracelets instead. The boots are OK, I think, as are the textured tights.

Can you fab fashionistas offer any advice, including “send that dress right back to the thrift store!”? We can’t hit home runs every time we take the plate, right?

You can tell my smile is not as wide as usual -- what's wrong?

Does the dress have more potential sans the sleeves?

Thanks for any feedback and Happy Thursday!

My History in Lipstick

I am inspired today by the always-inspiring Serene of The Elegant Bohemian. Serene wrote about her history in fragrance, and it was a lovely walk down memory lane. We mid-life women have shared many fragrances, and each one evokes a period in my life, from pre-teen to fully-grown woman.

Serene's post got me thinking about a similar history: my life in lipstick. Such a simple little object, but it meant a lot to most of us as young girls, then young women, just starting out in our quest for "femininity". Here are some of my own milestones, and I would love to hear about yours:

• At age 10, trying on my grandmother's Coty red lipstick, that she kept in a drawer next to her Coty loose powder. It was so exotic and forbidden to little girls, so of course I reveled in it, until grandma found out.

So elegant in its gold tube. Not so elegant on my 10 year old face!

Memories! And what messes I made.

• My first very-own lipsticks were by Yardley. I treasured the off-white frosted Yardley that I thought made me look just like Twiggy. My lips were probably rather ghastly in retrospect.

• During my college years, I wore virtually no makeup. I was a Serious Student, with no time for such frivolities. Short, curly hair, jeans and turtlenecks every day, Chapstick on my lips and books under my arm.  If Clearasil counts as makeup, that was my brand.
• As a young professional I did lots of experimenting with every color imaginable. I loved to drift by the cosmetics counters at all the big department stores and try the latest shades. Dark violet is in? I want it. No-color lips? I had them. Because I was enjoying spreading my fashion and beauty wings, I bought the "better" brands, like Estee Lauder and Lancome.

A French Vogue cover from February 1981. I'm sure I had that lipcolor once.

• Since about age 45, in my happy, self-accepting middle years, my lips are treated to mainly rosy pinks. I have just a few true favorites by Revlon (I'm back to the drugstore!), with an occasional trip to Sephora or Ulta for fun. But nary a fuchsia nor a nude will touch my lips again. It's good to know oneself, and the journey has been fun as well.

What's your lipstick story? Please share.

Visible Monday #24: Crazy Legs and an Almost-Suit

Welcome to Visible Monday #24! If you want to participate, it's so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the simple how-to.

It's still warm and sunny here in Central Florida, so I am trying to combine comfortable fabrications with Fall-ish colors and patterns. This ruffled blouse is all silk, and it layers nicely under a jacket or cardigan. The skirt is vintage 1980's, recently thrifted for 50 cents! I know, ridiculous, less than a pack of gum. But I like the shape, and the hand of the fabric.

The jacket is a recently thrifted find, a cotton/linen blend that is just the right weight for our climate. The peace sign scarf is an oldie but favorite accent. And of course, I insist on wearing boots or booties -- these are by Sofft.

The picture on the bookshelf is my dad holding me as a baby, circa 1956.
It's my favorite picture ever.

I like the look of an almost-suit for work. The scarf-as-belt and blue legs keep it from looking
too corporate or stuffy for my style.

Now, I can't wait to see what you are wearing today!


The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple!

1. Any Monday, whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
2. Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post.
3. Go to the bottom of this post and click on this cute little link:

In the "Next Step", you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you're done!