Another week in my wardrobe.

Hi People,

Hope you're all wrapped up warm today, and don't have to venture to far outside. As weeks go, it's been pretty good, the end still threatens to be rather full as I'm out with the young crowd tonight celebrating a 33rd birthday, & it's great to be alive. 

Monday

On Monday I fancied wearing flats so opted for brogues, a black trouser suit by Tu at Sainsbury's, & added a simple cream blouse with black lace collar.







The following day, I was back in heels, so went for my favourite wide legged trousers, and a white wrap shirt, which I accessories with some shocking pink fringe earrings and a pink neck piece.  Both very simply but effective. I took a close up, so you get a better look at the Jewellery.

Tuesday's Jewellery

Tuesday

Wednesday

So on Wednesday I decided to try & stay warm, as the office was beginning to get a slight chill.  I go for a wool skirt, which is around 15 years old, but one of my winter favourites.  It's a Betty Jackson, & was one of those pieces I paid that little extra for, which was well worth it, as it's seen the test of time.  I teamed it with a black vest, Colbait blue cardigan & a blue & white scarf to keep my neck warm.  I do have a thing about scarfs,  I have too many to count, in all different prints, fabrics & colours  They do two things, brighten up an outfit & keep me warm, the later is very important to me in the winter.  You probably all own them yourselves, but for those of you who don't, they sell them everywhere. Some stores are a little pricey, but I usually don't buy them full price if they are, I just wait for them to go down in the sales.  They always do.

This Thursday evening, I was off to the Theatre Royal Bar, Stratford, where my Daughter was singing on Press night for Martina Cole's, Dangerous Lady's production.  I used it as an opportunity to catch up with friends, & family as it's a cool setting, while supporting and listening to her dulcet tones with the lovely Andy Black on acoustic guitar.  If you're ever looking for a chilled out evening & want to hear beautiful intimacy to soaring soul diva, with Andy a guitarist with a strong creative ear, & a unique style & sound that complements Reese's vocals perfectly. check on line @Stratford East.com, or Google; Reese Robinson & Andy Black.

Statement jewe

Day & Night Thursday

As I had to go to work first I still needed to be appropriately dressed for the office, so I choose a textured Peplum top, with a bubble effect pencil skirt with lots of lycra in it, to allow for free movement; both from Tu.  I team the outfit with pointed heels, & bold Silver Jewellery. (photo, right)  Both pieces were really inexpensive, & in stores now.  Peplum tops are a great way to hide a tummy, if you have one.

Friday Dress down day

Posh Wellies

The best day of the week.... Friday & it's dress down day, so I think ease & comfort. I go for an animal print blouse, with a vest for warmth & cover underneath, thick materiel, black Leggings with a faux leather strip down the leg & Wellies.  Although they may not look like wellies, they are.  The label actually said "Posh Wellies" (hummm).  They were £70 in Debenham, but I found them for just over half the price in TKMaxx,   As they fulfill three jobs, I figure that a steal.  They keep the rain out, they don't look like wellies as they're not all rubber, and they're on trend with the studded straps around the ankle.   The straps can simply be removed, when the trend ends. 

Keeping warm & feeling good

For outdoor wear I borrow my daughters Jacket, which matches my floppy hat and scarf.  All the ingredients to keep the cold out, while still feeling great.

So that has been my week. I'm currently in my dressing gown and having a lazy Saturday, but have to run now, as I need to find a warm, comfy but stylish outfit for my night out in Shorditch with the birthday girl later. 

Have a great weekend guys.

Until next week.


Stylish At50







Stylishat50@gmail.com.

Bag Lady

Hello readers,

This week hasn't stretched me too far in having to find daily outfits, as for two of the days I was in uniform.  As I failed to take the pic last week, I have made a concerted effort and taken a snap for the blog this week.

Uniform

Everyone ties their scarves loosely around their neck, but I tend to tie mine in a bow.  When you have short hair, you tend to make everything around your neck area a little more vocal and feminine. 

On Thursday I kept it simple with a blue boxed top with Zip detailing at the back.   I teamed that with a simple black skirt, and a black fitted jacket. Then accessories with a blue skinny belt, a black beaded necklace, bracelets, feathered earrings, Black court heels and a Large Black bag. (see below)

 Zip detailed blouse -Tu for Sainsburys

 

Large bag- Zara

Although, I am not holding a bag in the photo's, it is essential to every outfit.  Most ladies never leave the house for work without a hand bag.  I am a lover of Tote's and large handbags.  I love a bag that makes a statement too.





I am obsessed with them & have way too many, so when I see them in the shops, I try to walk away.  When I say I have too many, I mean to store/fit on the top of my wardrobe. I literally have no more room for storage.

As well a what you wear, your bag can make a statement.  I've found in the last 6 years, when I view women, their shoe is the first thing my eye is drawn to, the second thing is their handbag.  That for me is because they are the two items that make or break an entire outfit.

There are many different types on the market right now, and the latest trend appears to be the Bag in a bag. Which is a great idea.  It means you can have a simple clutch or messenger inside your bag, which can allow you to go from Day to night in an instant (most come with an attachable strap). 

Large bags are everywhere.  For me they are great for work, as I carry all the usual things a lady does, as well as my shoes, breakfast, fruit, & lunch, all in one bag, so they save me carrying two bags everywhere. 

Here are a few that caught my eye.  Some may be designer, but you can use them to inspire any that might be out there, in copy form.  As most of you know, everything in a high street (not incl. High end) is usually inspired by a designer somewhere.  They are copied, changed mainly to avoid copyright, and so that they are practical for everyday wear and placed in your popular high street store. that the ordinary woman like myself can afford and use.

Classy Lady's bag - River Island

Studded Shopper - Zara

Plaited Shopper - Zara

Two tone Shopper- Zara

Large Red Tote

 lambskin Tote - Chole

Cream Anabita Tote Bag - French Connection

I own 4 of these bags, and yes like most women into fashion, I'd love to owned them all.  Like the rest of my wardrobe, l love colour in bags and shoes also.

Michael Kors Hamilton Bag

If you want to give your wardrobe a kick for this winter season, start shopping around for your statement bag.  Everyone's will be different, as we have different tastes.   It doesn't have to be in the bright colours as above, but in sharp contrast it also doesn't need to be the plainest bag in the store.  Are you ready to make a statement with your, bag even if you don't feel ready yet to change the way you think about your clothing wardrobe?.

Remember my pet hates; well my one on bags is; grown woman with bags that only an 8 year old girl, would get away with.  If any of you watch Eastenders and remember Heather Trott.  Well she was a prime example of why for me, it looks strange.   She was a lovely character with a big heart, but I'm guessing she was not supposed to be your average woman either, so the Wardrobe/producers giving such a grown woman, a bag fit for a child, kinda makes sense.   Unless you are going out for an evening, I personally don't get it.  In my opinion and it is only My opinion, it does nothing to make your wardrobe look the best it can be. 


TKMax is a good store to look for bags, and they always have a large range.  Lots of stores like Zara, Accessories, M&S, Debenhams, Mango, River Island, French Connection, Top shop, Aldo etc have a good selection of great bags.  If they are slightly outside of your price range, then remember Xmas is coming and if anyone wants to buy you a gift, ask them for a bag only if they know your tastes though, or gift cards from the store where you saw our dream bag.  The black one above from Zara was purchased with a gift card from my wonderful team last Xmas, & the Tan one with the purse from RI, was a gift from my beautiful family, for my 50th birthday last month.  That way, your loved one or friend etc, doesn't have to wreck their brains thinking of what to get you.  Then you just make up the difference to purchase your statement bag.  If you find the right one, you should be able to use it for years, as it should not date.

Anyway its a Saturday so still lots to do.

Until next week people, be safe





Stylish AT 50

A week in my world

Hi Readers,

Hope you are all well this Saturday afternoon.  This time around I am going to take you through my week. Lots on so it needs to be an easy one, so I've decided on the easy option.....dresses. 

I start on Monday morning with a red dress from Tesco's, platform heeled court shoes, with red, black & white accessories.

Monday

On Tuesday I go for colour in motion.  My dress is from Sainsbury's, last seasons Gok Wan collection, purchased at 1/2 price in the sales, green platform heeled court shoes from Primark & green accessories.

Tuesday 

Wednesday, I opt for another Tesco's number in Oxblood, which I match with a Grey Cardigan from H&M, Grey suede heeled shoes, and a bag, within a bag from TKMaxx. 

Wednesday

On Thursday, I was in uniform, (part of the job) which I didn't photograph, simply because I forgot, so my apologies. 

Yesterday, I had a well earned day off and was meeting a friend for lunch.  I went for comfy & casual & decided on black leggings, a black polo neck jumper, a light coat, wedged boots and matching accessories.


 

My Vision Board

Friday Lunch date

Above is a vision board of how I put my outfit together.  I started with the bag.  On the right is the finished product.  Just before leaving the house the sun began shining, so I pop on a pair of shades to block out the brightness of the sun.

Dresses

If your time is precious, dresses are really simple to wear.  All you have to think about is, footwear, accessories & an outdoor jacket or coat. 

As well as stores like M & S, & Debenhams, if you don't have the money for expensive clothing for work, supermarket stores do a great range of dresses that are reasonably priced & fashionable.  All the ones I own, are also wash & hang, so save on ironing.  If you are a busy woman on the go, then you might consider them.  In addition to comfort, dresses make me feel feminine.  Having short hair means I tend to keep my look as soft as possible, so dresses do a great job of that.  There are lots of different styles. So no matter what body shape or size you are, there will be one or two that flatters your shape. 

Tesco's Military Style dress

Tesco's studded shoulder dress

Here are two examples of dresses appropriate for the office that can be purchased at reasonable prices. My Monday & Wednesday choices above, are both at least 5 years old, so they are pretty good value for money, and will last you a few years.  You will notice that both of these dresses have dark panels on the sides, which give the illusion of making you appear slimmer and more shapely.  Hence the name Optical illusion dresses. The one on the right also has the added detail of gathering along one side, which is great for hiding a tummy as well as anything else, we might want to cover up.  They are both on line now, so try them out if you feel like a change.

I will leave it there for this week, and hope you enjoyed the read.  Have a lovely evening and enjoy the rest of your weekend. I'm off for a lovely glass of Processco and a night in front of the box.

Take Care 

Stylish AT50

 

Day 5.5

Hey readers,

As promised here's a pic of my chosen ensemble last night.

My dress is from French Connection's summer sale.  My black heeled shoes are from Zara, I stole my daughters Navy blue feather earrings, wore a large black bracelet, and a small Dinny Hall Silver wishbone pendant around my neck.  A gift from my darling daughter many years ago.










That was the only pic I took all night, and I really should  have taken one with my bag and coat but forgot.  Still getting used to this taking pics of myself.  Anyway I wore a faux fur shrug, and a Red Quilted hand bag; Both from French Connection  








 Here's a pic of the bag so you get the idea;




I will admit I was a little conscious of having 'a cleavage', which  I admire on other people, but I'm never usually comfortable about my own. I guess in my day, having anything larger than a B cup was abnormal, now it's totally the thing to be proud of.   I asked my Daughter if she thought it was too much, and she looked at me like I was crazy. 

As you can see, In owning my hours glass body shape, I took the plunge and wore it. Those of you who think Carol Vorderman is too old, so shouldn't wear body con dress's, I have to say I disagree. Firstly, they say 50 is the new 40. Are they wrong?.  Are we anything like our mothers were at this age?  I know I certainly am not.  The world has changed so much since their day.  I believe woman should celebrate her curves regardless of their age.  Like me she spent years in a body she didn't really like, so when she got it to a place she liked, she celebrated it.  I took much much longer, I know.  what a waste eh!  She is not the stick thin woman that the media happily tell us is how a woman should be, and that is why I like that she has a shape, and is happy to show it.  If she did not have the body for it then, I might disagree.  but we are all different, so everyone is entitled to their opinion on Fashion and what works for them.


So there you have it.  Too much to do today, so I will leave it there.  Oh and Yes the party was 'great'.

Have a great week ppl.

Stylish AT50

Day 5

Hi Readers

Hope you are all well, this bright Saturday.

Yesterday was 'Jeans for Genes" day.  Since moving office & being informed that we were not allowed to wear jeans to work anymore, (approximately 5 years ago), I was forced to hang mine up.  Which thinking about, it is what made me have to think about how I wanted to dress for work every day.  It is also when I started to build my wardrobe.  Although I constantly tell my daughter that she has way more clothes than me, I actually know that it is a lie. I try lying to myself on a daily basis, but the truth is... here we go, 'I need to own it', I do have a 'healthy' (that's as far as I'm prepared to go) wardrobe. That is mainly because I buy a lot of classic bits that never really date.  (Well that is my excuse anyway...) Truth, is I just love clothes!

I'm in that time of my life when 'I'm doing me', and I need to step into my light and own it.  I however have a few people to Thank for that, firstly myself for finding the strength to accept my faults, and love myself anyway. My amazing daughter who is constantly inspiring me with her Strength, determination and encouragement, Zen & Mau.  The last two, you know why.

Anyway back to yesterday's  'Jeans for Genes" day.  This was probably the easiest pick of outfit for me, as all I had to do was chose a top, shoes and jewellery, that would still say office wear.

So here's what I chose

Jeans 4 Genes Day

Out door edition

Zara Nude heeled pump

        

My jeans are low slung, straight cut from New look.  I love the colour's nude and camel.  For me they have an element of sophistication and simplicity to them.  My top  which is nude & cream is from French Connection & has ruffles around the collar & arms,

As the pic of me yesterday isn't as clear, this is it worn last December at a birthday party,  

Geek chic by Brett J

My shoes (photo above) are from Zara (My absolute favourite shop & guilty pleasure) have a hidden platform and a flower made from the same leather as the shoe.  All items are a few years old, but I imagine most of you have similar items, that you can put together with a pair of jeans, which makes you feel like you are still dressed for the office, but with a bit of a twist simply because you have thrown in a pair of jeans.  My Jewellery I keep simple, faux pearled Studs as the ruffles of my collar has enough going on & I choose not to wear anything around my neck.  I finish with Cream bracelets.

The photo on the right is simply my outdoor garments added, to keep out the cold and the rain. My Camel floppy hat is from H & M last Autumn which I love, as it has the ability to change the look of an outfit in an instant.  The scarf from Primark & the Quilted Jacket is actually my daughters & from Dorothy Perkins. 

How many of you took part in  'Jeans for Genes" day?  Did you think out your outfit, in relation to the environment the you would be in?  Or did you think "oh Jeans, that doesn't require dressing up"?

Jeans have the tendency to make most of us think, we really don't need to make an effort, or think about our general appearance too much.  But the truth for me is, that you can dress jeans up and down & create different outfits that work for different occasions.  Wearing a pair of jeans, doesn't just say, sloppy, comfortable, baggy, or scruffy to me.  They say all that and more.  How many of you have jean that fit you properly?

Believe me, I know they are hard to find at times.  The trick is, 'if they don't 'fit' you' or 'make you feel great', leave them in the store.  Some tips are; All stores cut their jeans differently.  If you have heavy thighs like me try Dorothy Perkins, and don't just pick up your usual size, take the two sizes around your size into the changing room with you too.  You might surprise yourself.   We are all different shapes and sizes, so not all jeans are going to look good on all of us.  There are also lots of different styles out there, so decide which one suits your shape the best and if you don't know, take a photo of yourself in the mirror of the different types you try on, and be honest with yourself about which one actually looks better on you.  Don't worry if you don't look like Beyonce in your photo, you don't have the benefit of Photoshop, so you won't. Remember also be aware about what your buying your jeans for, weekend wear, evening wear etc?  As, if you buy jeans to wear with heels it will mean you will have to adjust it, if you want to wear them with flats.  You can turn them up, but you cannot extend them if they are too short. 

I am hour glass in body shape.  I'm also short, with heavy thighs and knees, so I struggle to get jeans that make me look and feel great, as much as the next person.  They can also be a bit of a nightmare, if you have on low slung ones.  I tend not to wear them if I am going to do a lot of sitting, as they will inevitable ride down when you sit, and expose way more than you wish for.  So think about where you are going to be,  or take appropriate stops to avoid exposure before you do so,  A long vest tucked into them works, as well as tops with long backs that are currently on trend now, like this one.  It disguises a tummy which we all have, as well as hiding any exposed part, we don't want on display.

Top from River Island

If jeans are not supposed to be cropped, don't wear them like that either.  Some have the ability to roll them up and make them look great, but most of us don't.  Make sure they are a good length on you, and they fit you.  The belief that if you wear clothes that are lose, they will make you look smaller, is something I believed for years.  How wrong was I.  It actually has the totally opposite effect.  It makes you look larger, and shapeless.  Believe me when I tell you, I only realised my hour shaped body around 5 years ago, but that is a whole other story, one that I can probably talk about for hours,  but will leave to another time.

As it is Saturday, I still have loads to do, as well as get ready for one very beautiful ladies 30th Birthday party later, so I will say 'have a lovely weekend', (what is left of it) and see you in the week.  I will try to post a photo of my chosen outfit for the party later, if i remember to take a pic that is.

See you soon


Stylish AT50 

Day 4

Hi again,

I believe Winter is finally kicking in, but as it does, I'm not letting go of my love of colour.  In fact I am holding on for dear life.

On Sunday I had a sort out of my wardrobe, in the hope of making more room.  I pull out a few items, I no longer love.  Some I'll give to charity, and the rest I may try to get rid of on Ebay.  I'm told I'm behind on that front, so I figure I will give it a go.  While rummaging through, trying to fit everything in ready for the change in temperature, under duress, I decided to put some of my summer clothes away.  I came across a shirt I didn't really get the opportunity to wear more than once this year, and a blouses that matched perfectly, so decided that would be my Monday work outfit.

This was an easy one to put together.  See for yourself.

I add a black blazer, mustard coloured platform heels, black earrings and my faithful large black bag.  The photo on the right is my outdoor wear, (hat & scarf) and the other (minus the bag) is how I go through the day, once again, 'walking on air'.

In my rather large bag however, are a pair of flat black pumps, that I pop on while I walk the short distant from the car to the office.  Unfortunately, at my time of life my feet doesn't appreciate that walk, short though it may be in platformed heels, but it is an easy transition from pumps to heels once I am at my desk.  Once again, nothing I have on was expensive, as they were either purchased from popular high street stores, or at a sale. 

If like me you drive, don't drive in heels as driving ruins the backs of your shoe.  Keep an old pair of pumps in the car, or cover your shoes like I do when I'm feeling lazy, with the little blue foot bags that you get in the showers at the gym.  I'm sure most of you know this, so that tip is for those of you who haven't realized, why the backs of your shoes are scuffed.

Like most of you, I have pet hates, which I will share with you in my blogs.
 
My pet hate for today is, flat 'trousers boots' worn with pencil skirts/suits.  Flat boots that go pass your ankle like this example, are made to be worn with trousers and not skirts.  




ie;  



Below are the types of boots that can be worn with skirts. 

The pic of the shoe boot on the left, work with most other types of skirts, dresses, shorts trousers or leggings.
 
As you can see above in the pics of Rhianna and Ciara, there are many styles that go past your ankle, that can be worn rather stylishly with anything. 

As office attire 'the ones on the top right' you simple should not, for varying reasons.  When wearing a pencil skirt or suit, they just don't work (unless your pencil skirt has 'swag', as the youngster say!).  If in doubt, Google it, and if the style you have, isn't seen in the fashion pages for office wear, take them off.  In simple terms match your boot style with your dress/skirt style.  Think about it like this, try to keep your dress/skirt in the same style range as your boots.

With my outfit above, although dressed for an office, the shoe boots could work.  However, I would need to be very careful that they did not make 'my' legs look stumpy.  I could only get away with it, if I wore black opaque tights, which works much like wearing a court shoe, without tights. This is because it has the effect of making your legs appear longer, simply because there is no break in colour.  With a court shoe, you see all skin from the top of the shoe to the start of your skirt, so you legs appear longer.   If you are confused by this, try it for yourselves.

If you are correctly wearing trouser boots with trousers, here's another tip to remember...... If other people can see the tops of your trouser boots, while you are walking or standing, or you can see them in your full length mirror, (something no woman should live without in your home), your pants are too short.  The only section of this style of boot that should be seen, are the front of the boot, especially if you are wearing a flared trouser, (flared meaning, not fitted).

A final note; on Leggings and shoe boots. For the same reason as above..... 'do not' show skin between your leggings and your boot, it is not only unsightly, it also shortens the appearance of your legs,

Anyway, hope that helps, if you are one of those people who were unsure.

Remember, these are only my opinions. If you are happy wearing what you do and you feel good, continue doing so.  Only you will know if dressing to feel good, does what it says on the tin.  Hope you enjoyed reading

Bye bye for now.


Enjoy your week.

Stylish AT50