What to Wear Over 40–Shopping the Summer Sales III

This is a great time of the year to purchase fall clothes, shoes and boots that are on sale from last year. I’m looking for great deals on not-too-trendy pieces that will jump start my fall wardrobe. I don’t want to spend too much though, because I want to save the bulk of my fall budget for things that are starting to hit the stores.

Here are my picks for fall deals and steals:

I wanted to buy this DKNY (at Bloomindales.com) last winter, I can’t believe I have another opportunity–at a great price! With it’s cropped length and 3/4 sleeve, it still looks fresh:

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What to Wear Over 40–Shopping the Summer Sales II

My after July 4th shopping philosophy:

• buy staples like T-shirts and jeans while they’re on sale
• buy warm weather clothes in classic silhouettes that will still look great next year (see my last post, Shopping the Summer Sales I)
• splurge on a designer piece or two that I couldn’t possible afford at full price. One caveat–I have to LOVE it for 10 years and it has to be something that fits into my wardrobe–no sequined T-shirts or chartreuse stilettos, no matter how great a deal!
• hunt for great deals on the fall/winter clothes left over from last year (that is the subject of my next post, Shopping the Summer Sales III) Read more

Fashion After 40

Don’t wear sleeveless, don’t wear pink, don’t wear low waisted jeans, bla, bla, bla.

I say, wear what looks good on YOU! I’ll show you options, you decide if they’re for you.

Click on the “Fashion After 40” tab at the top for more ideas.

What to Wear Over 40–Shopping the Summer Sales I

The scene:  It’s time to start planning a fall wardrobe and to stop buying summer clothes…UNLESS… great deals can be found on clothes that will still look fresh next summer

The outfits:  some great outfits to wear to work, with dark pallets that will seamlessly take you into fall

#1  Unbelievable that this gorgeous basic can be had for a great price–Trina Turk black wide leg slacks (Chickdowntown.com) paired with a sweet but sophisticated silk blouse that you can wear all year long (from Milly at Chickdowntown.com). Or, if your workplace is more serious, how about a flattering little shirt-jacket with these slacks. (from Theory at Chickdowntown.com) The proportion is perfect–short and fitted over long and loose. Add some smokin’ black heels and silver jewelry and you’re set to go

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What to Wear Over 40–Casual Summer Wedding

The scene:  A casual summer wedding, in a garden or on a patio or a bridal shower, brunch or other daytime summer celebration

The outfit:  A floaty garden party dress (Foley + Corinna at Chickdowntown.com) paired with whimsical shoes (Donna Karan at Zappos.com) with heels that won’t sink into the grass, a little sweater (Talbots.com) for some coverage and one piece of statement jewelry–a gemstone necklace

Project MyWay #27–Lavender Silk Top

I generally don’t like loose fitting tops, they remind me too much of the maternity tops I wore during 3 pregnancies. This top however, is not too floaty and because it’s fitted under the bust it skims over my midsection and is very flattering.

I used Simplicity 3874, view A and shortened it into a top. Instead of using the tie to pull through the casing, I used elastic. I think elastic makes nicer shirring than fabric would. I saved enough fabric to make a bow for the front that I can tack on, but that’s a little too foufy for me. I lined the top, to the edge, with China silk.

I like this top because it’s cool, but not too bare (bra straps don’t show!). I wore it with white wide leg pants and heels; it was a nice outfit for a dinner party in our back yard.

I love this medallion print:

TTFN!

What to Wear Over 40–North woods Summer Vacation

The scene:  A mountain or north woods vacation where it’s warm during the day and cool at night

The outfit:  Perfect fitting straight leg khakis (Banana Republic.com) and a chambray shirt (J.Crew.com) pulled together with a rugged Cole Haan tote  and Ralph Lauren belt (both at Nordstrom.com), Minnetonka moccasins(Nordstrom.com) and a beautiful turquoise cuff(Novica.com)

Project MyWay #26–Another Orange Dress

This orange dress was made with some of the salwar kameez fabric I brought back from India…we’ll have to plan another trip, I’m using my Indian fabric up fast! I used Style 1012 which, obviously, is discontinued. In case any of you have this pattern in your stash, it fits well and is easy to make.

I made the trim for the neckline with the border of the fabric. I just stretched it and molded it with the iron to make it hug the curves. I lined this dress with the piece of fabric that comes with a kameez bundle that is meant for the pants (I think). I was kicking myself for not lining my orange linen dress. It’s so simple to do and really makes a dress hang better and you don’t have to worry about show through.

If it ever gets warm in Chicago (it’s 64 degrees here now) this will make a great sundress for a barbeque or casual dinner out.

TTFN

What to Wear Over 40–Casual Work Wear Summer ‘09

The event:  Causal Friday or causal office appropriate clothes

The outfit:  A comfortable pull-on skirt (DKNY.com) with a fitted T in an “urban color” to give it some authority (Banana Republic.com), a casual pair of heeled sandals (Born at Zappos.com) and some fun, naturalist jewelry(Novica.com)

Project MyWay #25–Orange Linen Dress

I’m in a crazy orange phase…it started last summer–I covered my patio furniture in an orange print, then I bought an orange bathing suit and then I made Project MyWay #9, a Diane von Furstenbeg knock-off top in an orange print. Read more

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