Visible Monday # 78: Let's Close The Year Out Together

Welcome to Visible Monday #78! The last one of 2012! If you want to participate, it's so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the easy how-to.

I hope you have festive plans for New Year's Eve, unless of course you prefer low-activity plans like us. It'll be a casual dinner and a Netflix movie and a toast to another year together. Good times.

This last picture for 2012 was taken at the old cottage just before we moved, and it brings sweet memories. My outfit was colorful (for me!) and cozy: my cobalt knit pencil skirt, thrifted wrap sweater and thrifted vintage Hermes-wannabe scarf. I feel visible and pulled together and ready for new adventures. Bring on 2013!

That's not a colorful insect in the corner. It's a discarded cat toy. "You bore us."

Now, let's see what you're wearing, Visible Women!!

The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple!

1. Whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
2. Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post.
3. Go to the bottom of this post and click on this cute little link:

In the "Next Step", you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you're done!

I'm A Lazy Little Scarfer . . .

. . . but I can do most of these! Here's a useful roundup of scarf stylings, that I found at Tip Junkie. The same article contains instructions on how to sew scarves (yes! people do that!). These styles look do-able and are a step up from my usual toss-around-the-neck-and call-it-a-day scarves.

Source

Some of them look like duplicates, but I really like the pussy-bow idea in #2. The double wrap in #7 is chic and cozy, ditto #8. I'm not a fan of the point-in-the-front look (#1 and #9); it's too Country and Western for me. I'll often pull a #10 when taking a bike ride, for warmth, but it's a lovely look for work too.

These are not the artistic looks one finds at the Hermes site (fabulous slide show!) but they cover about 80% of my scarfy-needs. How about you? Are you elementary, like me, or more advanced?

Oh, hey, Visible Monday is back for Monday December 31st! Everyone is welcome to participate!

In Love With A (Suitable for Midlife) Pretty Dress

I don't go out "fancy" for New Year's Eve, at least I haven't for over a decade. But who doesn't love a pretty dress? As a woman of a certain age, I prefer my dressy dress to show my shape rather than a lot of skin. I like a hemline to the knee (your mileage may vary), a little detail and/or a luxurious fabric. Although I am devoted to black everythings, I like non-black for a special dress. And anything that calls out Mother of the Bride is out of contention.

Here are some of my favorites from a slideshow at Elle Magazine, "50 Musts: Holiday Party Dresses." There are so many just-plain-gorgeous choices, so take a look. None of these from the slideshow is in my actual budget, but they guide my eye.

I just swoon over the color of this Reiss emerald dress,
and the slim shape. It could be a day dress as well.

The embellishment makes this Moschino Cheap and Chic (so not cheap!) dress special.

This sparkly frock by Reiss is actually sage green. Love the neckline and waist detail!

This Tory Burch lace sheath has just the right amount of "floof" for my tastes.
Gorgeous color too.

And here are a few festive, age-friendly dresses that are affordable:

Fabulous neckline draws attention to your fabulous face. Xscape dress, $99

My guy did not like this one - too shapeless, he said. But I
like the change of pace, the rich fabric and the color. Jones New York, $94

No black, she said! But this sequined, wrap beauty by Michael Kors is too
pretty and classic to leave out. And just $90.

I'd love to hear what your fancy dress looks like!

Random Last Minute Plans, Wishes, Joys!

'Twas the Saturday before Christmas! We don't exchange many gifts or decorate, so we have lots of time to enjoy the quieter rituals of the season. For example, Like Pam wrote about yesterday, there's always a couple of shop clerks who have joy in their hearts and make the best of a crowded, hectic experience.

The delightful young man we buy our muffins from, at Java Surf, was wearing his Santa hat this morning. He's always got a warm smile and a kind word, and today we all added Merry Christmas.

Great muffins!!

At home, over muffs and coffee, we found an awesome version of Santa Claus is Coming To Town, by the so-soulful Lou Rawls. You must hear this jazzy tune:

Our favorite bartender, Jackie at Meg O'Malley's, treated us to cocktails last night and we treated her right back, as we toasted the season of Goodwill. We put aside our differences on gun control with some of our pub-mates, and hugged all around. (I do wish you all a gun-free Christmas!).

Our "local", Meg O Malley's

Today my mother and wonderful nephew are stopping by to see our new condo, and to join us for lunch at the Beachside Cafe, decorated with festive surfboards. Then we'll walk around our beautifully decorated Downtown and support the local thrift, antique and bookshops.

I gifted myself a fab new/old purse, from the Humane Society Thrift Shop, a black leather mini satchel that looks like this:

Mine's not a Furla, but it's fab nonetheless. And $11.

So even for a non-Christmas-y family, there are so many joys this week. I wish a peaceful, blissful, healthy and unforgettable holiday to all of you, dear readers.

Note: We are taking a week off from Visible Monday on Christmas Eve! VM will return on Monday, December 31st, with all our New Year delights.

What I Wore: Megan's Obi Belt Is Fab

I scored this obi belt from Megan Mae at a great sale price, and it's called the "Lynne", after another favorite blogger. Pretty cool. Megan designs belts, buttonflowers, and fabulous sketches too. Check out her creativity!

I wore a pleated maxi-skirt and basic black tee, to show off the belt. The shoes are actually peep-toe wedges that lace up, very awesome, and thrifted in NYC.

The art is not on the walls yet! Help me.

 
I also wore a necklace made from paper beads, gifted by a friend. These beads don't look anything like paper! They're wrapped and glazed and have a real-jewelry appearance. Here's a link to a how-to, and here's a close-up of some completed beads:

Aren't they amazing?

I'm so lucky to have friends like Megan and Janice to help me look fresh and stylish. Are you wearing anything hand-crafted today, and feeling great about it?

Holiday Wishes

Image

I'm far too advanced in life to have a list of wished-for presents, although I remember those days fondly. My husband and I don't exchange gifts now, as we try to "gift" each other all year-round with loving surprises and planned-for trips. We stopped exchanging gifts with adult family members about ten years ago, too. We all have everything we need!

We've simplified the holiday to a few meals with loved ones and old friends, one fabulous office party, and some treasured time away from the pressures of work. (Sandy owns his own software business, though, and is always subject to a Christmas Eve phone call.).

My holiday wishes are simple and extravagant at the same time. For my family, continued good health. For our home life, another year of peace and enjoyment of each other's company.

The tragic murders in Connecticut make my "wish" for my country rise up to the top: fewer guns, saner gun laws, more easily-accessed help for troubled minds.

Being a fully normal and mostly-conforming American consumer, sure I want new boots too! I'll write about those things later. For today, I'm wishing for healing, and a rational change in how we think about guns. Like President Obama said on Sunday, "Surely, we can do better than this."

Visible Monday #77: Blast of Color

Welcome to Visible Monday #77! If you want to participate, it's so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the easy how-to.

I hope you are all enjoying the goodwill of the holidays and staying safe/sane. The senseless murders in Connecticut last week have cast a pall over the spirits of so many. Hug the ones you love, and what the heck, hug somebody you just barely like, to remember that life is fleeting.

I look rather Christmas-y in this work outfit. I wasn't planning that, but I like the results. It's a black GAP tee on top, a thrifted Banana Republic wool skirt, and a teal cardigan. I saw that the combo was nice enough, but a bit like an egg without salt. So I added a super-colorful scarf I bought on eBay. Better!

Festive and simple for the office.

Not bad, but it needed some extra love.

Now, let's see what you're wearing, Visible Women!!

The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple!

1. Whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
2. Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post.
3. Go to the bottom of this post and click on this cute little link:

In the "Next Step", you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you're done!

What I'll Wear: To The Most-Fun Office Party

My delightful boss hosts a Christmas party at his home every year. It's one party I'd never miss. All my work buddies will be there, with their S.O.'s. We play a raucous round of gift exchange that goes on for hours, and brings out the beast in our usually pastoral therapist natures.

Dress code is casual, casual, casual. One could wear a dress or suit just for fun, but one would be alone in that choice. It's jeans and sweaters, and holiday jewelry. And punch!

I'm going to wear this, because I like to dress up a little bit for the event, and not wear a work outfit:

Office Party!

Straight leg dark jeans are the base. I added a lacy ivory top and cardigan with some embellishment (mine isn't this heavily sequined, but it's festive). My new leopard booties and colorful earrings finish it up. I do have a cute black clutch that I'll carry instead of my big honking bag.

Any parties for you this weekend? Formal, semi, or jeans-y? Enjoy, whatever the attire.


Visible Monday reminder!

Too Much Stuff? I Lost My Jeans and I Didn't Even Know It

I've been all patting myself on the back for downsizing my wardrobe. Smaller closet, fewer but better choices, etc. Feeling pretty good about myself!

Last night the new owner of our previous home came by with some mail that had been delivered there (such a nice person! she deserves our beloved cottage). She also had a tee, a pair of sweatpants, a corduroy skirt and what I thought were my favorite pair of jeans. She'd found them in a closet. I thanked her warmly, then asked myself: how come I didn't miss my "favorite" jeans? Too much stuff, or just too much confusion. It's the latter, right?

So, lessons learned: don't be so smug, Missy, and check all your closets twice before you declare yourself moved out.

Here's another quickly-assembled outfit for work days. Behold the clutter! Baby steps. I love the swingy black skirt, thrifted recently and paired with a nautical top, suede belt and bright bangle.

Bookshelves are on order.

Have a fabulous Thursday, and stay safe/sane if you're out shopping for the holidays.

Rules, Schmules - I'm Not Dead Yet

My darling baby sister (age 42) sent me this article yesterday: 59 is the Age Women Should Stop Wearing Red Lipstick, Heavy Makeup, Study Finds. Not because she thinks I need to follow the "rules"! She and I have a blast shopping online together and we try to break a rule every day. She's thinking about a Carrie Underwood concert tee right now, to wear with her grown-up dark jeans and boots.

No, my sis knows I'd relish picking apart the results of the "survey" conducted by a skincare company. I think you will too:

• Apparently, age 59 is to be a turning point! I only have 18 months to go before I'm supposed to give up high heels, red lipstick and tight clothes. High heels have been relegated to the back of the closet for a decade now, but red lipstick? Out of my cold dead hands. 
• "Miniskirts and leather pants are off the rack at 41, knee-high boots and even conservative tight tops should be retired by age 45. And tattoos start to look bad by the mid-50s." This one has me laughing and scratching my head. Miniskirts banned after 41? Hello Paula (girlfriend is over 50), Ariane, Adrienne, the ever fabulous Wendy B. Knee high boots retired at age 45? Surely you jest. Check out Lynne. And the tattoo thing -- should one prepare to have them surgically removed at age 54?

Tell Paula not to wear mini-skirts. I dare ya.

Mini and graphic tee. Gorgeous Wendy B risks going directly to rule-breaker jail.

• "Some looks expire much earlier than 40—such as braids (only in your earlier 20s), maxi skirts, pants that say "pink," or anything, for that matter, on the butt, certain light, short, flimsy dresses as the upper thighs...change...with age." Maxi skirts are a no-go after 30? Harrumph to that, I'll wear them with pride. OK, got me on the butt-messages, but I don't like that look on anyone over 12. 
• The very good news from the survey: "Women surveyed seemed to agree that they felt beautiful at any age, with 74 percent saying they were happy to let nature take its course without resorting to extreme anti-aging measures." Well, hoorah for this. We are beautiful at any age.

I think I know where most of you stand on these arbitrary rules, but I look forward to your input. The key word for me is "arbitrary". I do have rules for myself, of course, including nothing "too short, tight, or low-cut" for work. I don't do ankle socks, stilettos, revealing tops, or heavy make-up - those are not my style.

What say you all? Rules are helpful, or meant to be bent/broken? No wrong answers, of course.

Visible Monday #76: A Spot of Animal

Welcome to Visible Monday #76! If you want to participate, it's so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the easy how-to.

I took advantage of a rare cool day to wear my heavy cotton leopard skirt. It was thrifted in NYC, therefore has sacred standing in my closet (kidding, mostly!). I really do enjoy its thick fabric and cool print, and love the shape/length.

On top is a simple black GAP tee and a super-soft ivory cardigan by Nurture. I wish it would cool down so I could wear it more. Black tights and black Aldo boots, recently re-heeled and re-soled, finish the look. Can you "spot" (heh) my new ring?

I feel Visible and sassy, what more could a woman want?

You can see my ring here, getting cozy with my skirt.

Now, let's see what you're wearing, Visible Women!!

The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple!

1. Whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
2. Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post.
3. Go to the bottom of this post and click on this cute little link:

In the "Next Step", you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you're done!

Pantone Color of the Year 2013 (wait for it . . .)

 . . . is Emerald! Here's what the honchos at Pantone have to say about it:

Emerald, a vivid verdant green, enhances our sense of well-being by inspiring insight as well as promoting balance and harmony.

Most often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious. Since antiquity, this luminous, magnificent hue has been the color of beauty and new life in many cultures and religions. Also the color of growth, renewal and prosperity, no other color conveys regeneration more than green. For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity.

Alrighty then. No objection from me, I love this color for scarves, jewelry, bags and more. I am not sure it's ever inspired insight, but I have been inspired to action whilst gazing at the un-mown emerald lawn. And "green" has long stood for prosperity, and more recently, environmentally sound policy. So it's a good thing. Let's appreciate emerald!:

Tory Burch Pom Pom Scarf - love this to brighten up a neutral look.

Classic necklace to likewise enliven any neckline.

 

I'd definitely wear this full midi skirt and mix it with some tougher boots.

Don't forget the official mug!

What's your take on emerald? Already own and love it? Looking forward to its Official Year?  : >


Have a joyous Saturday, and don't forget: Monday, December 10th is Visible Monday. Everyone is welcome to participate!

What I Wore: Familiar Favorites In A Time Of Change

As you probably know, we recently moved house. That means (I think I'd forgotten this) every single Q-tip from the old house has to leave and find a place in the new house. That goes for shoes, tights, scarves and earrings too, who knew?

To steady my nerves, I have relied on old reliables and simple looks. My workplace is casual and friendly and there's no need for corporate attire. So I reached for these pieces:

Even the wooden cats had to go! They were more amenable to the
move than the actual cats.

My sequined Old Navy skirt has had dozens of wears. It doesn't wrinkle, it's hand washable, and dries in a few hours. That's the kind of basic you need when everything is in bags, boxes and trunks! A cozy ASOS tee, good for work and weekends, gets polished up with a suede belt. A scarf can be tossed in my bag. Red lipstick is in the purse already, and away we go. Not the chic-est look I've ever pulled off, but it's neat and deliberate.

How do you dress amidst physical uproar? Have a very favorite knit dress, or ponte trousers, or reliable dark jeans?

LBS (Little Black Skirt) Three Ways

Believe it or don't, I have less closet space in our modern condo than in our historical cottage! Ohs noes, I shall have to edit the wardrobe yet some more. And the old one-in, one-out rule will still apply unless I can find a way to freeze-dry my clothing and then just add hot water to revive it! (Remember freeze-dried coffee? So cool at the time).

This week's fun challenge will be: can I wear the same LBS three times and make it look different, and stylish, each time? I used Polyvore for these looks, but all the items are similar to ones I have in the closet. Jewelry, hose and scarves don't hog any space, so I'm liberal with those.

Look #1 includes a casual but still work-appropriate Breton striped tee, calf boots and a signature colorful bangle:

Look #2 incorporates my light blue cotton shirt, striped hose, and brown belt/booties. I love a long cardigan like this one, and just splurged on one similar from Nordies:

Look #3 has me wearing a colorful cotton tunic (mine is from MarketPlace), flats and the same red bracelet:

These all resemble pieces I already own, except for that exquisite D & G scarf in look #2. But a woman's reach should exceed her grasp, or what's a Wish List for? (Apologies to R. Browning).

My ever-smaller closet is helping me multiply my basics. Do you do this too?

Visible Monday #75: The Aunt of The Groom Wore . . .

Welcome to Visible Monday #75! If you want to participate, it's so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the easy how-to.

Well, Aunt of the Groom isn't a very prestigious title, but we had a wonderful time at Daniel and Gina's wedding. The bride and groom were gorgeous, naturally, and the food and wine flowed. There were sweet dances between the bride and her dad, and the groom and his mom, then crazy dancing by all. We don't care that line dancing is passe!

You all helped me accessorize this Calvin Klein sheath. I chose the vintage rhinestone earrings (although my hair hides them) and a couple of simple bangle bracelets. My Wendy B "G" ring is a go for all occasions. I had the toughest time choosing shoes, and in the end decided on simple black low-heeled pumps by Franco Sarto.

Because the wedding was outdoors and the temps threatened to plummet to as low as 65 degrees (the horror!), I added a teal Calvin Klein scarf for color and warmth. It hit the floor when the dancing began. Thanks for all your help in putting this look together! I will most definitely be wearing this dress again, with casual accessories like tights, boots and cardigans.

The G-ring goes everywhere. This time, for "Gala."

Oh yes, I wore hose. It's been a long time!

A most appropriate, and enjoyable, afternoon wedding look, imho  : >

Now, let's see what you're wearing, Visible Women!!

The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple!

1. Whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
2. Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post.
3. Go to the bottom of this post and click on this cute little link:

In the "Next Step", you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you're done!

Caught My Eye: Plaid Jackets

I'm loving these plaid jackets featured in the New York Times "Shopping Snapshots" section:

Bristol Jacket by Steven Alan $525. This one is nostalgic for me; I wore this plaid back in
college. I think it would look smashing now with jeans or a pencil skirt.

A great classic here too, Laveer Double Breasted Plaid Jacket, $595.

And in the back-to-earth price range, Curio Tweed Knit Moto Jacket from Nordie's,
$112. More trendy than classic, but hand-washable and very cute.

Have a gleeful Saturday, and don't forget: Monday, December 3rd is Visible Monday. Everyone is welcome to participate!