Knits

Hi all,

Hope you're all wrapped up snugly from this bitterly cold weather.   Yesterday, I felt real icy cutting wind, for the 1st time this winter.  Every day this week has been a real struggle to find ways of dressing for the extremly cold weather.  In truth I find that the style stakes tend to lessen for me in these next few months, simply because I cannot even think about wearing shoes,  heels or no tights during these months, so it does restrict what I can wear.

              
Monday;  
                                      
Animal print peplum(Tu); Black waffle tube skirt(Tu);
Black fitted quilted Jacket(Mango);
Wellies (TKMaxx);
Tan Shopper(Zara);
Jewellery (Miss Selfridge)

Tuesday;

Oxblood elephant print T shirt (Zara);
Grey wool wide legged trousers (Zara);
Grey fringed Cardigan (Asda);
Black boots(River Island);
Jewellery (Dorothy Perkins)           






Wednesday;

Black frill wool skirt(Betty Jackson);
Black long sleeved T shirt(H&M);               
Black fringed cardigan (Tu);
Wellies(TKMaxx);                 
Jewellery(Miscellaneous shop, no longer in business)

Friday;

Black frilled cardigan(Wallis);
Grey cotton top(New Look);
Black A line wool plated skirt (Zara);
Wellies (TKMaxx);
Jewellery (French Connection/Miss Selfridge)






All through the week I've worn thermal layers beneath my clothing.  It really is the best way to keep warm.  As well as tights or socks I also wore ski socks to keep my feet warm.  I never go out doors without a scarf & a hat because I loose way too much heat from my head, as we all do.  I had a young lady laugh when I mentioned I had on a thermal vest once, until I asked if if she was cold, to which  she said 'yes.'  So I said "Well, I'm not".  Wearing a thermal vest is no different from wearing a normal vest under your clothing.  They sell them everywhere now, Primark, M&S, H&M the list goes on.  They actually make sense, unless you don't feel the cold. 



KNITS

  When trying to stay warm, it does not necessarily mean we have to do it in Dark knits.  There are some great colours out there to keep us a little uplifted during these grey dreary months. This one is from H&M at £14.99


If you are small in frame, this type of cropped jumper will look great with a long vest or a simple white shirt, you can team both looks with leggings or jeans for a smart casual look.  In one of my first blogs I did the same with a longer Jumper, but pulled a belt around it;  This one is from Top Shop at £30.00


 The one below already has contrasting arms built in. It's £35 from River Island.


Jumpers can be a problem for some, I struggle sometimes with the look I wish to create, due to the size of my bust, so have to be really careful when choosing them.  Just because they look great on one does not necessarily mean it will look great on you.

Which brings me to one of my "Pet Hates" ...... Shrugs worn by the wrong shaped woman.



I believe one of the aims of the shrug when they came out, was to help cover your arms,   However, if you have a large bust or back fat, (which a majority of us do), or you have bad posture, or you are not a small to medium frame, you might want to look in the mirror (at all angles) & ask yourself, whether covering your arms with this garment, doesn't just expose other parts of your body, that you actually don't want to expose. 
  There is a common misconcepton that has been made over the years, that it does what it says on the tin.  It may well do so, but it might also do other things, if your body type is not right for it.  The one in the photo above is how is should look.  If you have an hour glass shape & a normal size bust, it works great.  I have an hour glass body type, 'but' a large bust & rather than take the focus from my arms, it just says "Hey..... look at my bust".  As that part of my anotomy doesn't need any more attention than it already gets, I avoid the cardigan shugs of this shape.

  This Jumper is from Top shop boutique & is a little pricey at £65.00 but it is Cashmere.
This one is a little bit of fun; from Mango at £45.00


Dogtooth check is a sophisticated alternative to the season's love affair at £45. with heavy embellishment. It can be worn with anything black.


If you are into seasonal wear Geometric prints seems to be all over the high street
Next's toasty oversized Aztec print cardigan at £45.00 also.



  Teamed with leggings, or skirt & flat boots this is nice & comfortable for work rest or play.  It's from Tesco's at £45 & is lightweight, so great for layering to keep warm.  If you are going to layer, the trick is to do it with light knits, as thicker knits could make you feel a little uncomfortable & resticted in your movement, once you add your outer wear.  If you are one for covering up a body part you're rather not have on show, this jumper from Tesco's also has a Scarf attached to it for a little flare;

Lastly my favourite so far, but way out of my price range,  but that doesn't mean it is out of some of yours.


Wrap up warm on off-duty days with this Milary drape cardigan at £119.00.  It it is perfect for throwing over jeans & a long sleeved top or thin jumper. 

Well that is all for this week, but please be safe out there & do watch out for black ice whether you are walking or driving.  Off to make some healthy soup.

See you next week. 

Stylish AT50

Email;  Stylishat50@gmail.com

Facebook;  Stylish AT50 

Happy New year

Hi readers,

Happy New year to you all.   Hope you all had a fabulous break, although it probably feels like it was a lifetime away by now right?

Well it's 2013, and who's to know what this year will bring.  I'm not a new years resolution person, but i do promise myself one thing every year, and that it to live as positive as possible.   Spending time in the negative, takes way too much of my energy so it's just easier for me to stay positive, and fashion is one of the many ways I do that.

I met a few readers of varying ages over the past few weeks, who have told me that this blog makes you think a little differently about clothes & the way you dress.  If that is the case, it is doing its job.
  
When I'm not at work & just at home, I tend to spend a lot of my time dressed really casually.  Returning to work is always a challenge after 2 weeks off, especially during the Christmas period, because I always managed to indulged way more than I should have, so dressing for work is always a challenge.  

I'm one of those females who fluctuate constantly, so I tend to have clothes in different sizes,& the larger ones tend to come in handy at this time of year.  As I managed to put on a full 1/2 stone, which I lost again this week by returning to healthy eating, I had to find some comfortable, appropriate clothing that was fit for purpose. 

So..........Monday;

Black frill wool Dress(Great Plains); Black Blazer(Dorothy Perkins)
Black studded Slippers(New Look); Necklace (Dorothy Perkins); Earrings(Miss Selfridge)

                                 

                                


 Tuesday;

 Orange Dress(Tu); Shoes(Faith); Tan Shopper(Zara)
 Scarf(H&M); Belt(Tu);  Bracelets(Primark)    

 

Wednesday;

Black 3/4 trousers(New Look);  Tie sleeve top(River Island)

Waterfall Cardigan (TKMaxx);  Skinny Belt (Primark); Necklace (Miscellaneous shop that no longer exist)  

Feathered Earrings (Superdrug); Red platform courts(Top shop)

 Friday;

Black Jeweled Waistband Leggings(Portugal); Posh Wellies(TKMaxx)
Black Polo neck (Mango); Tan Shopper(Zara); Check Jacket(Tu); Necklace(Miss Selfridge) Earrings(Matalan)


All of my Choices this week were based around my expanded waistline,  The dresses were loose enough to still wear, even taking that into consideration;  The 3/4 trousers are usually way to big for me anyway, but I hang onto them & the leggings are full of Lycra, so they are both idea for days like this. 




I am guessing that I was not the only one who attended way to many Xmas dinners pre Christmas, then spent the entire time I was off indulging on food & drinks, which I never really eat in excess during the rest of the year.  How did you manage to get away with your first week back at work?   If you are still carrying that little extra weigh around, do you have items in your wardrobe, that can still manage to make you feel good when you put them on, despite the Christmas expansion.

Well....... wrap tops and Peplums are great for disguising that waistline.

Here are two examples;  Matched with trousers with a slightly larger waistband or tubular skirts, the likes of the ones that go for approximately £18 in Sainsbury's, are great as they do not have a waistband, so are really comfy.






This tee shirt under a blazer is also a good look;    
The Boucle Shift Dress here has no waistband, so works great at skimming your body;  matched with Opaque tights (coloured if you are brave enough) & boots its great for work;
As does this Shift dress which does the exact same thing;  

The 3 dresses above all come from Tesco's so are very reasonably priced & affordable. 

You may not need to go out and buy any of these items as you may well already have them in your wardrobe, but never thought of them in terms of camouflage for occasions such as this.  Take a look in your wardrobe, and see what you find that may be appropriate for disgusing your extremes, until your body returns to normal.

Good luck, I hope the next few weeks go quickly so we don't have the added worry of waistbands to contend with, in our Look good, Feel good quest.


Have a lovely week all. Wrap up well.


Kind regards





Stylish AT50






Email; Stylishat50@gmail.com
Facebook;  Stylish AT50

Merry Christmas

Hi Readers,

Firstly, A very Merry Christmas to you all.  

It was the week when we wound down for the coming festivities.  It's Saturday evening & I usually do this on a Saturday morning, but after a heavy night last night, I have finally arrived home, so lets do this.

Monday;

Cream knitted Peplum(Tu); Brown Straight trousers(Miss Selfridge); Brown wedges shoe boots(Primark);

Tan Faux Leather Jacket(Topshop); Tan Shopper(Zara); Tan floppy hat(H&M); Animal Print scarf(H&M)

Jewellery; Earrings(Dorothy Perkins); Necklace(Miss Selfridge);

Tuesday;

Blue thin knit Keyhole jumper(Miss Selfridge); Black Wide Leg

trousers(H&M);

Black fitted Blazer(H&M); Black Platform boots(Zara); 

Scarf(Miss Selfridge)

Jewellery; Earnings(H&M)

Wednesday;

Black crepe shift dress(La Redoute); Frilled Cardigan(Wallis)

Shoes/slippers(New look)

Jewellery; Earnings(Miss Selfridge)  Necklace (Primark)

Tan Shopper(Zara);

Thursday;

Black Jumper(H&M), Black Faux leather stripped Leggings(Tu)

Platform Shoe Boots(Zara); 

Jewellery; Chain(H&M); Earnings(Miss Selfridge)

Friday;(Dress Down)

Leggings(Tu); Oxblood heart Jumper(New Look); Scarf(Primark)

Jewellery;  Earnings(Primark)  Necklace(Dorothy Perkins);

Oxblood Trainers(New Look)

Friday was my last day of work & I now have 2 lovely weeks off, so I can switch the Alarm off & just be.  But yesterday was my office party & I collated some great pics. to share with you.   

I chose a Black front pleat dress with an asymmetric hem(H&M). 

I added a Heavy gold snow flake necklace from (Top shop); my Red 

Quilted Channel lookalike bag(French Connection) & Red, nude &

Black Shoes(Zara)

           

                   

My girlfriend wore a stunning Red puffball dress which was specially made for her. 

The detailing at the top of the dress was stunning; As seen here.  

Here we are with another girlfriend, who wore a beautiful dress which draped at the front flattering her great legs;  She picked this up in H&M for £10. That's a bargain right there & she is pretty good at finding them.

The lady on the left is a fitness instructor & rocked a great black scope neck dress which looked great on the night too. 

This girlfriend chose a Dorothy Perkins Peplum with Faux leather lapels. 

It can be said that we all had an amazing time & finished off the evening partying till 4:00am at a Golf club in Chingford, where I ran in to lots of old friends who I haven't seen in too long, who all looked lovely in their Christmas finery, but unfortunately I wasn't able to get pic of them.

So there are only 2 shopping days left till Christmas & my last Blog post for 2012.  This year has been eventful.  I turned 50, lost lots of inhibitions & started this blog.  I can honestly say I've had a ball doing it & cannot believe it will be 3 months tomorrow since I started it.  It has been read by just over 2,500 of you, which is way more than I ever thought would be reading it, when my darling daughter told me to do it.  

Oh & taking of my daughter, remember I told you in previous blogs that body cons are 

not just for slim girls, well here's an example of my curvy girl, rocking a body con.  

So you curvy girls who wondered if you could, you can do it too it you have a great shape...., they really are not just for size 8 ladies. 

I would like to say a huge Thank you for your support.  I am still taken aback at the amount of you, who are still reading it & tell me you enjoy it & that it has made you think differently.  If that's what it has done, then it did it's job.  If it helps you, tell your friends, family & colleagues about it, it might help them too. 

I will be back next year ready to take on more & excited about what the January sales will bring.  I know which sale I'm going to, it's the only one I'm ever interested in & have all my gift cards ready to go.  If you're going, remember only buy it, if you will wear it.  If you are buying it to donate it to the Charity shop in 6 months, then leave it for someone else.  

My life will change next year in that I will be gaining a dressing room in my home, as my BFF has now flown the nest.  I plan to organise it, in my two weeks off work.  I've also decided to join my daughters choir in January. Start walking in the mornings with a friend as the mornings will still be dark till spring, along with weekly Zumba classes(which I know I am rather late at).  

I hope you'll all be ready to continue reading in 2013 & wish you all a very merry Christmas.  Eat drink & be Merry.

Look after yourselves People till 2013.

Signing off for 2012

StylishAT50 

Email;   Stylishat50@gmail.com

Facebook:  Stylish AT50   

 

Bags of fun

Happy Saturday people.

Hope you've all had a great week.  One week left & so looking forward to not having to wake up to an alarm. What a week it's been.

Last weekend was full & lots of fun, I attended my team meal on Friday, a Christmas Special at Da Scalzo's Italian restaurant with Reese Robinson, Andy Black & Singology Choir on Saturday which was awesome & really got me into the spirit of Christmas & finally the engagement of one of my heartbeats on Sunday.  After that weekend, although lots of fun, knowing what I had coming up for the coming week, I was truly grateful to be in uniform on Monday.

But from Tuesday onwards, it was all about pacing myself, warmth & comfort. I opted for a black Polo neck, black frilled skirt & black Shaggy Cardigan.  Outside it was -2, so I was going to make sure my body temperature didn't match it.  To brighten myself up I wore Oxblood tights & shoe boots & a necklace with colour.              Here's a closer photo of the neck piece.

On Wednesday I attended a family funeral & didn't think to take a pic of myself.

As Thursday was going to be spent in a training room & later that day, I was on the door at my daughters Singology Christmas concert taking ticket sales, I went for warmth again, so wore a red Jumper with zipper detailing on the sides from Zara. black leggings & flat boots.  I matched it all with a large red messenger bag & multi coloured scarf from Tu & wore two hats to keep my head & ears warm.  Obviously there are pros & cons to everything & having a shaved head means I have no hair to fill out hats.  As the red hat is a little big, it means I can put it on top of another, killing two birds with one stone.









On Friday I was going out from work with my colleagues, so was getting in by tube.  So I went for loose trousers, with a black polo neck jumper for the day & took my heels, trousers & a blouse with me to change into.

I also had to think about my outta wear as although it wasn't as cold yesterday, they reported high winds, so wore a black biker jacket & added a black & grey cape on top as I knew the jacket by itself wouldn't keep me warm.  

I later changed into black waxed Jeans with zipper detail at the foot from H&M, a floral blouse with built in vest from Gok Wan's current collection for Tu & black boots.  I added Blue accessories & off I went to the 02 to meet up with my colleagues.

                                                So that was my week in a nut shell.



Clutch Bag heaven


The one thing all women need to complete their outfit when going out for the evening, is a clutch.

If you are not into latest fads then finding them in the sale would probably be right up your street.

Wristlet Tassel clutch by Very sale £11.00

This one is on-line & is great because it has a section for your hand which makes it feel more secure when holding it.  The same bag can also be found at Littlewoods for £14.


                                             



Here are some of the many studded clutches around which are on trend right now.

Asos, studded £22.00

Black faux fur £20 Fashion Union

Nude Faux fur Union Jack studded Clutch 

£25.

There a lots of inexpensive clutches around, you just need to look everywhere for them.  Sometimes you can find them in the least likely place.  Make sure they are comfortable to hold all night, once they are full.  The one on the left is great, but will probably only hold a few small items.  If you have a large set of keys, a large mobile phone & the rest, it is probably not the one for you.




If like me you like things that are a little edgy, here are two clutches that are not your average clutch on the market.    They are little more costly so an investment.            

Steven Harkin bag

Steven Harkin Bag

 These two are also a little higher up the price bracket, but a girl can dream. 

Mulberry clutch bag

Burberry Clutch

Small clutch bags suit demure outfits, like the LBD, but I prefer a larger clutch bag.  The advantage of a large clutch is you can carry more in them &...... they make you look smaller.

If you are one of those ladies that have an insecurity about part of your body as we all do in some way shape or form & wish to distract from people noticing that 'thing', use your bag as a fashion statement.  People usually focus on the unusual, whether they love or hate what they are seeing.  That way you'll feel that their concentration is as far away as possible from your "Thing'.

Anyway, as there are only 2 weekends left for shopping, I need to go get some presents, so I'll leave you to get on with yours.

Have a great week people & see you next week



Stylish AT50




Email;    Stylishat50@gmail.com
Facebook;    Stylish AT50