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Dozens of Spring Trends Inspired by Fashion Week

February 5, 2018 by oldageisnotforsissies54 Filed Under: Fashion

Last September during Fashion Week, fashion designers, brands, and houses displayed their latest collections for buyers and the media. Their hope was to influence trends and markets for the upcoming 2018 Spring season.

So Spring/Summer 2018 is finally here, and online and in our stores are the latest fashions inspired by fashion week last fall. Below are examples of what I found, several of which are too rich for my pocketbook, but are beautiful examples.

Here’s What to Expect

Ice cream colors. Pick a pastel shade but do it up right from head to toe. Maybe a muted peachy pastel.

Tailored, polished denim. Does this mean it’s time to pack up those holy jeans?

Polished jeans from Talbots.

Wider shoulders, a la the 80s.

Pants legs all over the place. Skinny, wide, shorter, ankle, whatever you like.

Shorts, mostly short. Sorry, not something I still do, but it’s great for the younger women.

Vinyl–raincoats, boots, jackets, ponchos, even dresses, and skirts. It started last fall; but will it make it through the summer? I’m not even sure we can do vinyl down here in Florida in the summertime.

Here are three trends in one piece. The rainwear is vinyl, is cherry tomato red, has broad shoulders, and is a trench coat. Oops, that’s four!

Pencils skirts with pointed kitten heels for a touch of class. I would love a sailor blue pencil shirt to add to my wardrobe.

Styles

The trench coat reappears mainly in softer earth colors, especially warm sand. And trench details are in our blouses and dresses. Again with wider shoulders.

A trench coat with broad shoulders in warm sand.

Colors

Other than the all over pastel shades, there are bright colors. Especially worn together. Think a jeweled purple like ultraviolet and a chili red…or a neon lime mixed with a cherry tomato, though the latter seems a little Christmasy to me. All the same, be colorful!

Something for a formal wedding!

Think multi-faceted and very colorful. There’s a sunny yellow and a soft rosy violet. The reds are a cherry tomato and a chili hue. There’s an azure blue and a violet so deeply purple that it’s called ultra violet.  Expect to see this color in shades of nail polish and eye shadow.

Look for ultraviolet and the retro green shades in eyeshadows and nail polish as well as clothing.

There’s a green that’s somewhere between mint and emerald and looks like a retro color. There’s a muted peachy tone called Blooming Dahlia that will look great with Almost Mauve which looks more like it is almost white.

For a good foundation color, there’s a deep cognac brown. I need some new brown pants, and something in this color will be very useful. Or maybe some chili red ones.

Finally there is a fuchsia orchid and a neon lime.

Rounding out the foundation colors are coconut milk, harbor mist grey, warm sand, and sailor blue, a navy shade.

Prints

Prints include all-over checks and tartans; and there are stripes up and down, horizontal, and all directions including vertical candy stripes.

Wouldn’t this make a great Valentine’s Day gift for your young granddaughter or daughter? Or how about for yourself to your husband?

Lots of floral patterns–some soft romantic and airy, others like we had in the 60s, and some micro sweet and tiny. Florals are definitely in.

Rainbow patterns, black and white polka dots, and statement shirts that try to tell us how to think. Included are tropical and art inspired prints.

Trends I’ll Reject

One trend I’ll refrain from trying is the “in your face” nipples…all over the place—maybe in The Big Apple or Los Angeles, but goodness, not in out here in Realville.

Reminded me of the cool see-through blouse I brought back from Miami, while visiting my cousins in the early 70s. It was hard to see anything with its dark, dark fabric and large pockets strategically placed. Black and supposed to be worn with a black bra, that shirt didn’t last two days in my parent’s home. It vanished into thin air never to be mentioned again.

So that’s my take on what to expect. Go forth ladies and discover what’s out there in fashion for Spring, 2018!

Stitch Fix for Christmas

December 6, 2016 by oldageisnotforsissies54 Filed Under: Fashion



Disclosure:  I am now a Stitch Fix influencer.  I am so happy to be able to share my love of Stitch Fix with you, and if you sign up for a Fix through any of the links on this page, I receive $25 toward my next Fix and a commission toward any gift card purchased, as well.  

 

STITCH FIX FOR CHRISTMAS

I just got another Stitch Fix box, and this one was just in time for Christmas. It came while we were away during the Thanksgiving holidays, but an email from Stitch Fix told me that it was here at the house waiting for us when we returned.
Stitch Fix Logo
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Stitch Fix Time Again!

August 22, 2016 by oldageisnotforsissies54 Filed Under: Fashion

It is Stitch Fix time again!! There was a box waiting for me when Chuck and I returned from out west. I opened it this morning, and I wasn’t disappointed.

 

 

 

 

Here’s what I found. A soft pink dolman knit sweater by Papermoon is luscious. A black and white knit dress from Gilli will be perfect for day and evening. The lace-up back detailed blouse gives my wardrobe a cool vibe, and the Liverpool black skinny ankle pants goes with just about everything.

 

 

 

 

So let’s take a closer look.

 

First, my personal stylist got instructions from me that I have three big events planned for this fall. First, I have a class reunion to attend. Lord help me, because I’ve been on a diet all summer long. Second, Chuck and I are going to China; and third, my daughters, sister, and I have a blogging conference planned, too. So I needed just the right pieces.

 

My personal stylist Cindy did not disappoint! I tried on the lace-up blouse first and loved (LOVED) it. It will go with just about any color slacks I already have, but it is so light weight. Chuck and I just found out that we cannot have more than 44 pounds in our individual suitcases while traveling in China, so I have to take clothes that are lightweight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The skinny pants go with everything, especially this blouse that I already owned.  The shoes below were in the Fix, and I’ll review them later in this post.

 

 

 

 

 

 

and the knit dress. I thought it looked super underneath the dress for a night on the town—say in Shanghai? They tell me that Shanghai is like New York City.

 

 

 

 

The dolman top also goes with so much. I tried it with a black skirt to dress it up…and with a pair of jeans to dress it down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then I got carried away.  I just bought a new pair of camel colored pants, and the blouse goes well with them, too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then my daughter suggested something that wasn’t so matchy, matchy.  I liked it too.

 

 

 

 

Finally, I got a pair of shoes in this Fix; but I did not have a Cinderella moment. They are super cute, and my stylist did have a terrific idea. She suggested for the long 13 hour flight over or back that I wear them with a tee and cardigan. Then after the flight I could fold them up and fit them into my tote. Grand idea, but the shoes didn’t fit. They were too small.

 

Thankfully, though, my daughter Jamie loved them, so I gave the Yosi Samra Leather Toe Stud Flats to her. They fit her perfectly.

 

 

 

 

Here’s how it worked out financially. My entire fix this quarter was $332. If I kept every piece they sent, though, then I received a 25% discount of $83 and a credit for my styling fee which is $20. My new total for all five pieces is $229, about $45 a garment. I was happy with that.

 

If I had sent the shoes back, the total would have been $83 more, and the shoes cost $88. That is too much for these shoes for my budget, but it made sense for me to give the shoes to my daughter. She is pleased as punch.

 

So there you have it. My Stitch Fix reveal for the Fall season!  I kept every piece of this Stitch Fix!

Stitch Fix Does Summertime Right!

June 7, 2016 by oldageisnotforsissies54 Filed Under: Fashion

“Summertime and the living is easy. Fish are jumping and the cotton is high.” And that’s where I’m at right now. I’m in high cotton, since I got my latest Stitch Fix box.
I decided to keep all five pieces that my personal stylist sent me.

 

Love this Stitch Fix Skirt!

First, this little turquoise A-line skirt made by Margaret M is light, cool and comfortable, just perfect for our sweltering Florida heat.

 
Stitch Fix Skirt

 

It is also easy to style. Below I added a small scarf tied around my throat (a neckerchief) and some gladiator sandals for a little different twist.  I also pulled it up to my waist line for a shorter look.  It has an interesting waist that allows me to wear it longer or shorter.

 
Stitch Fix Skirt Ensemble

 

 

The Stitch Fix Blouse that Goes with Everything

They also sent a little white blouse by See U Soon with an embroidered yoke. I tried it with two different pairs of slacks. And it should also be great with a pair of standard wash jeans or a yellow crocheted skirt that I bought last summer.   With all the different colors in the yoke, I should have lots of pants and skirts to pair it with.

 
Stitch Fix Embroidered Blouse

 

I guess you can tell that I love colors in my wardrobe. Years ago when every one was wearing all those black and grey clothes and other muted tones, I just continued wearing colors. Why would I want to act like the world is monochromatic when it is so beautiful. God gave us all these colors to celebrate.

 

But so much for my soapbox.

 

The Dress I Almost Returned

 
The next item was an Izabella Knit Dress by Maggy London.  Initially, I liked the color and shape but definitely not the print. I made up my mind to send it back.

But I always try on every piece no matter what, and that’s how I got hooked. I loved the fit, style, and length of this dress; plus it was so comfortable. I took it off. Then I put it back on the next morning. I had plans for a luncheon that day and kind of wanted to wear it. But I put it back in the box and didn’t.

 
That evening I got the dress out of the box and put it on again. This time I was sold. It just took me over 24 hours to know it.

 
Stitch Fix Dress

 

Above, I styled the dress with some silver gladiator sandals and a silver necklace and bracelet. I kept the accessories to a minimum, though, because this is such a busy print to begin with.
By the way the necklace looks like some type of sea creature, but it is really just a sterling fork heated and reshaped. Chuck and I stumbled across it while we were in Stockholm this past fall.

Also, I used to wear dresses by Maggy London years ago, but I haven’t seen one in years.  Maggy London always fit me well.  I’m happy to have another one back in my closet.

 

Crochet is so In!

 

Stitch Fix also sent a very nice blush shrimp blouse with crocheted sleeves. Have you noticed that crochet is everywhere for 2016? They are adding crocheted fabric to just about everything.
I first tried the Eden Society blouse with a pair of light wash jeans, but it was my flaired white jeans that added the styling I was looking for, especially with a pair of light pink metallic patent leather heels I already owned. This will be perfect to wear at The Florida Chamber Environmental Shortcourse held in Orlando this July.

 

Stitch Fix Crochet Blouse

 

I told my stylist about this casual conference, and she made sure I received the right pieces for the events, which include classes and some dressier evening dinner parties.  And I may sneak over to the theme parks with my grandbabies, too!  Also, Chuck and I have plans for a road trip later this summer, and many of the pieces were casual enough for this vacation, too.

 

Pants that Fit Perfectly Every Time

 
Finally, the last piece was a pair of black and white Liverpool floral skinny jeans. I loved them instantly, and they fit perfectly as every pair of slacks I’ve ever received from Stitch Fix always fit well.

 

Stitch Fix Print Jeans

 
I first dressed them down with a magenta blouse and the same little scarf around my neck. By the way my girlfriend Susan Rissman hand painted this scarf. You can find her work at the Jefferson Arts Gallery in Monticello, Florida on West Washington Street within a few blocks of the courthouse. I also added a strappy pair of sandals. This will work perfectly for my classes or for casual wear.

But I have this great flowy black tunic blouse that I tried next for a dressier look.  I loved it, and it will be perfect for dinner one evening. I also found this as the perfect compliment to the artsy silver necklace that Chuck gave me for my birthday this past winter.

 

Stitch Fix Dressier Print Jeans

 

So there you have it. I kept every garment they sent and got the 25% off for keeping the entire box. What a great deal!

 
If you are interested in trying Stitch Fix, click on the photo below. I love it; and hopefully you will, too.

 


 

 

 

The Perfect Gift for Mother’s Day

May 2, 2016 by oldageisnotforsissies54 Filed Under: Fashion

Don’t forget, Mother’s Day is literally days away! This post is just in case you still haven’t figured out what to do for her, yet.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your wife (or mom), give her the gift of her very own personal stylist with a Stitch Fix.

Give her a gift card from Stitch Fix. You can purchase it below.

Stitch Fix Gift Card

Most likely this is something she’d never do for herself, and I can tell you from my own personal experience that it is so cool when that little box arrives in the mail.

Christmas in a Box

A Stitch Fix Box

 

Here are two recent posts about Stitch Fix, in case you haven’t heard of it.   Fashion in a Box & Short{t} Style & Stitch Fix

But the concept is simple. It is an online styling service with well-fitting, fashionable and affordable clothing.

Dress

Stitch Fix Adira Dress

Best of all, though, everything fits super well. Very seldom do I send something back because it does not fit.

Where they really excel for me is the fit of their pants. My jeans fit perfectly. My garnet cords they sent last year, fit perfectly. I have never sent a pair of pants back.

Stitch Fix Pants

Pants are a perfect fit, every time!

So do yourself a favor! Check Stitch Fix out below.  Click on the picture below. She’ll be happy you did.

 

Fashion in a Box!  Stitch Fix

March 14, 2016 by oldageisnotforsissies54 Filed Under: Fashion

Chuck and I spent the weekend at the coast; and while we were gone, the mailman delivered another Stitch Fix fashion box. It is like getting a Christmas gift box every quarter. I am always excited, and as usual, it did not dis- satisfy.

Stitch Fix Box

Stitch Fix is an online styling service, and this quarter’s box was fabulous.  I love the garments they send. So let’s check out what was in the fashion box.

I set down first with the style cards and read the note from my stylist Meaghan.   These pieces, included in my quarterly fix box, were hand-selected just for me by Meaghan. The fashion box arrived with a personal note from her, and she gave suggestions for each piece in the box and explained why she selected these styles for me.

Just going by the style cards I liked every fashion that they sent me.

I don’t know if you are like me, but sometimes I don’t have time to shop. It takes time to find just the right pair of slacks with a good fit. Or maybe I have a wedding coming up and need help.  With Stitch Fix, I have a stylist who knows exactly which styles I like, what will look flattering on me, and which fashion trends I might like to try.

First,  I had requested a pair of black jeans; and there was a pair in this box. The style card suggested what to pair them with.

I loved the Gelsey crochet blouse, especially the color. Meaghan was right.  It does add a pop of color, which is such a fashion trend right now.

And the Adira dress looked really cute.  I loved the pattern and color.  I have a wedding coming up, so it should be the perfect fashion.

The Noella elbow patch detail cardigan looked cute, but I wasn’t so sure about the color white.

Finally, the Rebekah stretch crêpe blazer looked really cute, but I already have one very similar in my closet.  Still, I wanted to try it on anyway.

After reading my note from Meaghan, I couldn’t wait to try on what she selected just for me. It was time to pull out each piece and take a closer look.  The first item I grabbed was the Adira dress.

I like to begin by placing each piece out on the floor and pairing it with the suggested pieces from the styling cards and other pieces from my closet. I automatically loved the shape of all the pieces except the Adira dress. It looked boxy and shapeless to me. I wondered if laying it out on the floor made it look that way so I hung it up and took some more pictures. I still wasn’t sure about it, but I tried it on anyway.

So that is where I started–with the Adira dress. I loved the material, and I actually liked the way it looked on me. It has a tie in the back and that gives the dress shape once I put it on. I really wanted to keep this, but there was a fatal flaw. I don’t like dresses this short anymore. I am 62 years old and feel uncomfortable in them. I will have to return the dress, but I loved the material, the cut, the way it fit, and I loved the way it could be dressed up or down.  I styled it for the wedding I’m about to attend.

As suggested I tried on the cardigan with the dress; and surprisingly it was cute, though I didn’t care for the booties with it and it made me look shorter than I already am.  I would probably put on a pair of flats instead of booties with this dress.

I also liked the blazer but I already have one.   I tried it on with the dress anyway (picture above), and it looked just as cute.
Next came those great looking black slacks. This is what I like most about Stitch Fix. They always get the slacks right. These were no exception to the rule.  They were a perfect fit.

First, I paired them on the floor with the crochet blouse; and it was a very cute look. Then I added the cardigan for another look, and the blazer for a third look. I loved all of them.

So I tried on all five items that Meaghan selected for me, and they did not disappoint.

To recap, the jeans fit beautifully; and they looked great with the crochet blouse.  They are both keepers.

I was considering the cardigan, but I remembered that I have one very similar to it down at the coast. I bought it several years ago when we were traveling in Ireland, and it has that same Fishermen’s weave that this one has. It is also the same wheat color. This cardigan is a wheat color instead of white as I previously thought.  I loved the soft neutral color; the contrast of the brown elbow patches instantly added a sophisticated flare to this cozy sweater; but I will have to return it.

The styling cards always give me inspiration.  Chuck would say, though, that what they really do is inspire me to spend more money.  In this case, he is right.

First, I really liked the baby blue sweater (shown above) and how they paired it with the Adira dress. I pulled out my baby blue sweater and realized that it was not light enough blue.  I have a dress with about the same color print as the Adira dress, but my sweater is too blue.

Now I’ve just got to have a light blue sweater.  So I went to the Stitch Fix page, signed in, and left my stylist a note letting her know that I would like this sweater.

Next, I went online to Amazon and ordered a set of brown suede leather patches to sew on my sweater. I loved this look when I was trying the sweater on with the other pieces.  I have a sewing machine and will add them myself.

Finally the crochet blouse is really special. One of the styling cards suggested wearing an egg white skirt with this blouse. Instead, this inspired me to pair it with some white skinny jeans this summer.  I already have the jeans, and this outfit will be perfect for a conference in Orlando this July.

I have a great denim shirt that I want to try with the black skinny jeans.  And I have a moto jacket that I also tried.

So all in all I am keeping two pieces out of this box. It isn’t that I didn’t like the other three pieces; instead it is that I already have a couple of them and one is too short.

I was lucky last quarter when my Stitch Fix arrived, and I kept all five pieces.  They all fit perfectly, and I got a great discount.

By the way if you have trouble getting your slacks, pants and jeans to fit, then Stitch Fix is your place to shop. They absolutely get it right every time. They are so good that my daughter who blogs at The Uncoordinated Mommy got an entire Stitch Fix filled with nothing but jeans and pants. She said they were perfect.

So I went online and visited www.stitchfix.com to complete the survey.   I rated my items, confirmed payment for what I was keeping, and told them what I was sending back.  My feedback will make future shipments even better.

Since I am returning three items, I placed them in the enclosed, prepaid shipping bag and placed it in my mailbox.  I agreed to do this within three business days.

So that is how Stitch Fix works. I’m very happy with the two items that I decided to keep. I am also happy with the styling cards that gives me so many different ideas and ways to style the pieces that I did keep and the pieces that I already have.

 

HERE IS HOW THE STITCH FIX SERVICE WORKS

New customers can go to StitchFix.com and create a free style profile. There’s no commitment, and it only takes a few minutes to answer some simple questions about the type of clothing you like to wear.

Once you are done, you sign up for your first Fix. You can use the link here to begin.   www.StitchFix.com

For a $20 Styling Fee, a personal stylist reviews your information in your style profile to select 5 items that she thinks will be perfect for you.

I find that having a fashion-related Pinterest Board entitled “My Style” was the best way to let her know what I like. You can see my board here.. If you do not have a fashion Pinterest board like this, I strongly suggest that you make one with a couple dozen pins of looks that you really like.  It is easy and fun to do, and it really helps your stylist understand what clothes you like and what fashion trends you may like to try.

Finally the box arrives direct to your door so you can try your new clothes on in the comfort of your home with clothing and accessories that you already own.   Shipping is free.
You have three days to make your selections and check out online. Once you check out, simply return any unwanted pieces in the pre-paid shipping envelope that is included in your Fix. Return shipping is also free.
If you choose to keep any items in your Fix, the $20 styling fee you paid initially will be deducted from the price of the clothes.

The best part, though, is that if you choose to keep EVERY item in your Fix, you get a 25% discount on your entire Fix!
During the checkout process, you will be asked to give feedback on each item in your Fix. Your stylist will take that information and use it to select pieces to include in your future fixes.
HOW MUCH DO THE CLOTHES COST?

According to Stitch Fix’s FAQ page, the average price per item is $55. Each customer, though, can suggest their own price range for specific types of fashion garments such as sweaters, dresses, outerwear, jeans, etc. in their style profile of clothes.

Customers are always asked to rate the prices of each item included in their Fix during the checkout process. This helps to ensure that you are comfortable with the price of each item included in my future Fix.

STITCH FIX ADVICE

If you want to get the very best clothes in all of your fixes, read tips for communicating with your stylist written by Maria Gavin at Crazy Together.  She wrote a post called, How to Get the Best Clothes from Stitch Fix.  She gives great advice.

Also, her last post has a give-away.  You can read it here.

 

WHAT DO I LIKE BEST ABOUT STITCH FIX?

It is the fit. Everything fits super well. Very seldom do I send something back because it does not fit. Where they really excel for me, though, is the fit of their pants. My jeans fit perfectly. My garnet cords they sent last year, fit perfectly. I have never sent a pair of pants back.

If you have trouble with getting pants that fit well, then give Stitch Fix a try.

What is a Stitch Fix?

March 3, 2015 by oldageisnotforsissies54 Filed Under: Fashion

I spent a couple of weeks ago with my daughter in Atlanta helping with the kids; and while I was there, she received a box in the mail.  It was from a company called Stitch Fix, which offers a personal styling service.

Tracy opened the box and began trying on the clothes.  I was impressed with the selection and the fit.  The price was about right, but with all the great sales going on in the stores, I didn’t bite…at the time.  I thought to myself how useful this would have been especially several years ago during my productive years, when I didn’t have time to shop.

Well, guess what.  I tried Stitch Fix, and I’m hooked.  Things fit perfectly, my personal stylist figured out my likes and dislikes using their carefully selected questions designed just for that purpose.

Here is a blog post that Tracy did about her experience.

Below are two of her favorite pieces that she kept.  Can you tell that plaids are in!

if you are interested in giving Stitch Fix a try, click on the name in this line

 

Great Gifts for the Easter Basket

February 20, 2015 by oldageisnotforsissies54 Filed Under: Fashion

Wouldn’t these make a great gift for our grandbabies?  So cute!    Mickey Mouse Monogrammed Shirts

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Are You Ready for Halloween?

October 27, 2014 by oldageisnotforsissies54 Filed Under: Family Life, Fashion

Well, actually, I am.  I’ve been planning a Malicifent costume since the beginning of the month.  It depends mostly on make-up, but I have a great cape of black tulle that I bought from Target that will be fun to wear.  We’re planning to trick or treat with the grandchildren on Friday night.

My youngest daughter’s blog “The Uncoordinated Mommy” has a wonderful “how to” post for making a baby’s Olaf costume.  The link is below.

No Sew Olaf Costume

Gina Renee

If you haven’t seen the movie “Frozen”, then you’ve missed one of the cutest Disney characters ever.  Olaf is a little comical snow man.  Like most snow men made by children, he is small and has a misshapen head and body.  He comes apart and pulls back together again.  He says the funniest things.  He stole the show.

So check out how easy the girls made an Olaf costume for the youngest member of our family.  Here she is with her older cousins, who dressed as the Elsa, the Snow Queen and her sister Princess Anna, also from “Frozen”.

Savanna & Hannah

Resort 2015: Jenny Packham

June 17, 2014 by oldageisnotforsissies54 Filed Under: Fashion

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