Fall Wardrobe ’09–Part 1

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Many of you have visited my new blog, What to Wear Over 40. One of the reasons Istarted composing outfits for over 40s is because I searched the web for wardrobe ideas for myself and all I found was a lot of outdated advice on how to dress after 40.  I wanted some ideas! Some fodder for my sewing inspiration. So, I decided I just better do it myself. Most retailers cater to younger women (HELLO merchants…who has the income for this expensive clothing?), finding contemporary clothes when you’re older is a matter of weeding out what’s inappropriate (or just plain ugly). (more…)

Suiting Picks for Fall ’09

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At this time of the year number one on my fall wardrobe list is a great suit; it becomes the backbone of my wardrobe. Luckily, nice looking suits can be had at any price point, but this is where it pays to be able to sew it yourself and have the out of reach designer looks and beautiful fabrics.

Here are my fall 2009 suiting picks:

Akris at NM#1  The Splurge–if money were no object, I’d go for this suit by Akris. It’s structured without being boring, the red and burgundy combo has a creative flair and nothing is more flattering than a fitted jacket with a belt–instant hourglass figure! If you’ve ever purchased Akris, you know that their fabrics are sumptuous (this jacket is cashmere/silk) and their tailoring is soft, but finely executed. (more…)

Project Runway Episode 1

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Fug Girls: Minor Changes, But It’s the Same Old Runway to Us

I’d love to share my thoughts on the first episode of the new Project Runway season, but I fell asleep within the first half hour. That may be because it was  a bit of a yawn because it was just like previous seasons, except that it took place in LA instead of New York. Or, more probably it was because I was working out of town and had a long, hard day and then collapsed in my hotel room.

I’ll watch a rebroadcast and review it from a sewer’s point of view. In the meantime, here is an entertaining review from one of the Go Fug Yourself bloggers, posted on the New York Magazine/Fashion site:

Fug Girls: Minor Changes, But It’s the Same Old Runway to Us

What to Wear Over 40–Shopping the Summer Sales III

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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:

DKNY on sale Bloomies (more…)

What to Wear Over 40–Shopping the Summer Sales II

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Akris at SaksMy 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) (more…)

What to Wear Over 40–Shopping the Summer Sales I

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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 goMilly at Chickdowntown

Theory 2 at Chickdowntown
Trina Turk at Chickdowntown

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What to Wear Over 40–Casual Summer Wedding

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Foley + Corinna at ChickdowntownThe 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)Donna Karan at Zappos with heels that won’t sink into the grass, a little sweater (Talbots.com)Talbots for some coverage and one piece of statement jewelry–a gemstone necklaceNovica 8

Project MyWay #27–Lavender Silk Top

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PMW 27I 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.Simplicity 3874 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:PMW 27-2

TTFN!

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