Fashion Friday: Summer Dresses

95.  101.  91. 84. 83. 84. 81. 88. 88.
Temperatures for the near future here.


There's nothing more comfortable than a cool casual dress in this warm weather.  Nothing to bunch up.  Anywhere.  And as I've gotten older and wider, shorts don't flatter me as well.  So I really splurged and bought several dresses to carry me through these warm days.

The criteria for me, are as follows:
1.  Sleeveless.  [Did I say it's HOT??]
2.  No layering required.  [Did I say it's HOT??]
3.  Does not show panty lines.  [I know that there are women of a certain age who would GASP at the notion of a lady not wearing a slip but well...did I say it's hot??]
4. Wash-n-wear.
5.  Last but not least, modestly priced.  I'd even say inexpensive.

Hey, remember this post from last year about what to wear for the Fourth of July?  This is what I wore to watch the Fourth of July parade:

 

I was the red to my boys' white and blue:

It looks bit dressy, I admit, but it is really a simple take-off on the t-shirt dress.  Red cotton jersey dress by Andrea Jovine, gold and linen ballet flats by Ann Klein Sport, both purchased at Marshall's.  The dress is snug at the top, with an empire waist and a skirt that billows away from my body but is cinched with the band at the bottom to give it a modern twist.  The satin gold necklace is from Hallmark (yes, as in cards,) and gold drop hoops by JLo.


The next dresses are all in great patterns that do wonders for hiding problem areas and meeting criteria #3. 
What I wore yesterday:

 

Jewel-tone paisley dress by moa moa [sold at better department stores, but I got at a thrift store.] Handmade geometric earrings from a boutique, chain mail necklace from Charming Charlie's.  Jeweled "Nora" sandals by Mia.

Here are two more I got also from Marshall's:

And here are a couple of outfits I put together from Polyvore. They can be really simple [as long as they FIT well] and you can jazz them up with colorful sandals or even flip-flops and a fun tote:

Summer Dress Block by blackbeltoma featuring short heels

Fun summer backpack to go with anything! From Target.

Summer Dress Gray by blackbeltoma featuring rhinestone shoes

Summer Dress Green by blackbeltoma featuring rhinestone shoes

Whatever your style, you can find summer dresses to keep you feeling COOL and looking HOT!

What I Wore 5.23.12

I feel like I've been running ragged just running errands. I've been to functions that required me to get cleaned up, but all this ragged running has not left me the wherewithal to get my camera.  So all the Wheres will be "running errands."

What: So I wore this tunic top recently but found a better way to wear it.  I like it better with a scarf; I feel less bare.  It also allows me to show off my new Talbot's espadrilles.  Brown tunic top by Zara Collection over a fluorescent green cami.  Brown capri leggings from Kohl's, hand printed silk scarf bought at an artisan shop years ago.

What: White v-neck tee from Talbot's, denim A-line skirt by, black patent wedges by Me Too.  Mixture of gray jewelry.

My photo spot has a little to be desired.  This is much better, right?  I finally figured out another way to configure my camera and you can watch my garden transform through the season.

What: The Talbots tee again, but this time under a black knit jersey cardi with skinny jeans.  Black modified Mary Janes by Naturalizers Natural Souls.  Love my new vintage Bakelite bangle bracelet in pumpkin, with a handmade amber and gray beaded necklace.

See what other moms wore at The Pleated Poppy!

What I Wore Wednesday - 05.02.12

I don't have a lot of pictures this week.  My excuse this week?  My son has a Science Fair project due on Friday.  NEED I SAY MORE??

What I Wore: black and white patterned cowl-neck, bat-wing sleeve sweater from the clearance rack at Kohl's.  I love it because the cowl drapes gently creating a nice neckline for me, and the tails are long enough to cover some of my "problem" areas.  Black flare pants from at least a million years ago, which are a tad short for my bronze and jute platform sandals by Talbot's.
Where: Church.

 

What I Wore: Yes, I did.  I wore gym pants in public.  Even though I wasn't at the gym.   Or even exercising.  CHAPS polo style top to match Adidas gym pants in slate and marigold.  Large silver stud earrings.  Love my Sally Hanson Salon Manicure (c) polish called Good to Grape.

Where:  Running errands.

Check out the other styles at The Pleated Poppy!

Things I Love Thursday - Talbot's

This is not a fashion post.  In fact, it's not Friday, the day of the ubiquitous Fashion Friday posts.  Which I love. But today, on this Thursday, I love Talbot's because they've done a bold thing:

They are showing women who are... real women. You know, sorta like you and me.  Looky here:

OK so they're still thin and they're probably NOT poor, but look - wrinkles and NOT ridiculously stick thin!  Woohoo!!   Hey check out this brief video:




I don't know if Talbot's is pandering to the demographics of America. As far as I know, they're still trying to make a buck and so I know their first priority is not necessarily for the betterment of society.  I don't expect it to be and I really don't care.   In fact, I don't think they're the first ones to do this.  But every one that does, and stops women [and girls] from feeling inadequate, gets a Kudos from me!

Small steps.

What I Wore Wednesday 04.11.12

What I Wore: Black empire-waist tee - my new favorite! with a black/gray/white silk scarf; tan boot-leg chinos by Mossimo for Target, and denim jacket by Arizona Jean Co.  [I have a dark wash denim jacket, too, but I thought this wash better balanced the tan pants.]  I wore black flat slip-on shoes. 
Where: Meeting with my pastor, and daily running around - errands, pick up child, etc.

What I Wore:  I know, isn't this an exciting outfit?  Hey, what's important is what I DIDN'T wear: sweat pants and an over-sized hoodie! [Didn't want someone to shoot me.] Again the tan chinos, with brown Privos, a pea green top and turquoise fleece jacket.  And make up.
Where: To a county park with my 9-year old son - to go down the playground fire pole - for him, that is! watch people fish, skip stones, walk around the lake.

What I Wore: Ann Taylor wool slacks in charcoal, with Aigner pumps, Talbot's  classic navy double-breasted blazer and Talbot's orchid classic shirt.  Bunch of silver jewelry, including my "dogwood" set.  [Hmmm - I think my jacket's too long.]
Where: Church on Easter Sunday

"Dogwood" earrings

What I Wore: Pinwale cord skirt by Old Navy, rust tee from Talbot's, animal print cardi by Rafaella.  Saddle color sling-backs by Karen Scott, silver tote by Tignanello, "dogwood" jewelry from TJMaxx.  It was a blustery, chilly day so I went a little Fallish.
Where: To chaperone my son's Chess club

Visit the other mom stylistas at The Pleated Poppy!

What I Wore Wednesday 04.04.12

I am always surprised when it's Wednesday again!!  I don't have a lot to show you.  But I've put some Polyvore outfits together of the kinds of things I've been wearing.

What I Wore: It was one of those unseasonably warm days we had recently, so I didn't have to wear a jacket or sweater.  Banana Republic khakis, black silk blouse, a bunch of shiny silver jewelry and my lace-up wedge sandals by Moda International.
Where: Pre-theater party, before seeing a terrific local production of "Toys in the Attic" by Lillian Hellman.  It was a casual group at a friend's beautiful home in the country - something like 80 acres, 2 barns and a stream...  I didn't have to walk through the yard so, hence, the ridiculously high wedges!

Stuff I've been wearing, sorta, the basic jeans, tee and denim jacket.  I love me my denim jacket!

04.04.12 by blackbeltoma featuring a pima cotton tee

And on those warmer days, I got my shorts out.  I love navy and I especially love it with yellow.  I'm going to have to go shopping and get more!

WIWW 04.04.12 by blackbeltoma featuring denim shorts

Fashion Friday - Growing Old - the Ajumma

There's a subtle change in my header.  I've added "over-50" to it.  But it's not a subtle change in my life.  It looms over me every day, aware of my mortality.

It's not anything deep, really.  It started out with the number of white hairs I'm getting. I still have mostly black hair, but the sprouting of white hairs in my hairline is becoming more prominent.  Then, as I sat at my vanity with the magnifying mirror, I noticed now different my skin is.  Suddenly.  Sags.  Bags.  And the full-length mirror?  Flat where it used to be pert.

I heard a comedian late one night on TV riffing on being east Asian.  He said that Asian women look exactly the same for decades - then BANG! they get old.  It's true.  I know a lot of Asian women accept this "mature" status - of becoming the "Ajumma."  That's what a young person calls an older woman.  Ajumma is permed hair and ankle socks.  Ajumma is a floral dress and shuffling steps.  Ajumma is the lady selling noodle dishes at the stand.  It's the "Ma'am" of Korean.  That word makes me shudder.  All my life, I looked young for my age.  Now, I actually look my age.  And I don't like it.  One bit.

Some of you may think it's alright, even laudable to see those Hollywood types get filled, plugged, sliced and spliced to look young.  To me, it's slightly ridiculous to hold onto your youth when that train left the station a loooong time ago.  When I do my Fashion Fridays or What I Wore Wednesdays, I'm always wondering how not to look ridiculous, if I'm trying too hard.

Now, as the weather turns warm and we have these unusual high-70s weather, I wonder -- can I wear shorts?  Cuz the latest thing?

My KNEES are wrinkled.

Maybe what I should do is stop looking at my knees and get ON my knees.






*grandma in Korean

What I Wore Wednesday: 3.21.12

What I Wore: My fave Calvin Klein denim jacket over a Land's End classic poplin shirt in a pale orchid pink, and black skinnies.  Silver accents: large stud earrings, circle link necklace and Old Navy kitten-heels.  And my orange purse.
Where: Out to dinner at our fave hang-out!

 
What I Wore: Fuschia jacket from Christopher & Banks over a Talbot's lemon yellow v-neck tee, and black skinnies.  Silver, yellow & blue earrings & necklace set from etsy, and spectator flats.  And "Greycian Goddess" nail color by L'Oreal  [I was wondering if I was too matchy-matchy but I was running late and had to just go!]
Where: To my son's chess club.

You know where to click to to see the others!

What I Wore Wednesday, Pi Day 2012

It's Wednesday, the daffodils are out and the birds are singing! This is my favorite time or year when I don't have to bundle up and I can run out with a denim jacket, which I was able to do this past week!

What I Wore: Trina Turk wrap-front cotton poplin shirt [here's a better view] over skinny jeans.  Cap by Nine West, two-toned jewelry by J.Lo.  Patent black, round-toe wedges by Me Too.  The orange bag is by Tignanello.  Which I love.  LOVE.  I remember my 5th grade teacher telling me you love people and like objects.  Well, in this case, she was wrong.
Where: to my son's school for a meeting.

What I Wore: Flutter-sleeve empire-waisted tunic top from H&M over a chartreuse cami, wide leg trouser jeans by apostrophe (Sears.)  Two-toned jewelry by J.Lo.  Patent black, round-toe wedges by Me Too.  Yeah, and my orange bag.  Yumm!
Where: We were in Baltimore recently, which allowed us to visit dear friends for a delicious meal at their home. Double-yumm!

What I Wore: Talbot's classic navy double-breasted wool jacket over a cotton poplin shirt in celery and Ann Taylor gray wool slacks.  Farragamo aqua wool scarf and Etienne Aigner cut-out pumps.  Two-toned jewelry by J.Lo.
Where: HH (Handsome Husband) gave a presentation at a local church on the explosion of diabetes and its affect on our ministries.  And yes, we still have poinsettias in our hall!

What I Wore:  YAY denim jacket weather!  Calvin Klein over-dyed fitted jacket over a bright melon scoop-necked tee by Ann Taylor and skinny black jeans.  Simple silver-stud earrings and link necklace.  Modified Mary Jane shoes by Naturalizer.
Where: out to dinner at our local hang-out on a Tuesday night

Check out the other mom styles at The Pleated Poppy!

What I Wore Wednesday 2.15.12

Really.  Honestly.  I have several serious posts I'm working on.  Just not coming together.  I hope my clothes came together better!  So.  Fashion isn't that serious.  Really.  So why do I do so much about fashion?  Read this.

Want to see what makes me smile?  This!

I have been looking and looking and looking for the perfect purse.  A perfect purse for me goes like this:

1. Has to go over my shoulders.  None of this Queen Elizabeth over the elbow thing.
2. Leather.
3. Simple, structured, stylish but classic.  Not flopsy mopsy bangly.
4. Separate interior compartments in addition to the little side pockets.
5. Can't be more than my food budget.

And here, in the Tignanello Perfect 10 Studded Shopper, I have found it!  As a bonus, I love that thethe buckles and details are the same on both sides.  If you wonder how I'll make an orange purse go with all my outfits, well let me tell you.  I will just SUFFER through it!  I do believe I did it yesterday, for my son's Valentine's day party at school:

Look!  I'm doing that "look down as if my husband isn't taking a picture of me for the internet!"

Black Willi Smith drape cardigan over a magenta Ann Taylor satin ribbon trimmed t-shirt.  Vintage black jeans by Gloria Vanderbilt that I converted to skinny jeans, pewter ballet flats by Me Too, somewhat like these.

I'm loving the hematite/ dark gray tones of jewelry: bracelet from Talbot's, necklaces from (top to bottom) Silpada, Boscov's and Greece (the country.)

That's all I got forya!  Check out The Pleated Poppy, who posts what she wore in INDIA!  (I know!!)  and the other What I Wore Wednesday posts.

"What I Wore" Wednesday Carnival - 02.08.12

If you haven't figured it out yet, this is not about what we wore on Wednesday, but what we wore this week and sharing it on a Wednesday.  Got it?  Okay!

I wore this Zara Collection brown empire-wasit tunic over a lime tank.  I wore it with olive leggings and brown suede boots by Style & Co.  I threw on this fun bangly-fangly scarf the color of a new penny.  Bright gold accessories.  I can't remember what day it was or where I was going! Oooh, I could have used a bracelet or two!

I have always loved the rust, russet and saddle range of colors.  I've been wearing outfits that will go with these two vintage pieces: Liz Claiborne leather saddle bag and Joan&David suede oxfords.

Here are two I wore to run errands - grocery, bank, going to Boo's school.  Green half-zip fleece by Sahalie, which btw, I LOVE.  LOVE.  Extremely modestly priced, soft and wears well! Worn over a GAP layering tee.  Brown straight-leg pants by Ralph Lauren CHAPS.

Same pants but this time with a chunky wool sweater by Club Room...I know, it's a man's sweater.  Worn with a new fringed scarf:

Hey look!  I even match my house!

Here's a close-up of the scarf, though the colors aren't quite right.  There's no actual rust on there - it's various weaves of red and pale olive green.  There's no brown either - black along with weaves of black and the pale olive that make it look brown:

Last but not least, I wore this outfit to the opening of the Pediatric unit at the local hospital.  Talbot's animal print skirt from a long time ago, topped with a brown knit top. "Chanel red" leather satchel by Nicole Miller, gold jewelry from all different places.

Check out other WIWWs at The Pleated Poppy!

Happy Hangers

I have found a new love: FLOCKED HANGERS!

They are really the best things since sliced bread. They have a thin plastic profile which is flocked with a velvety material giving a soft texture and firm grip on your clothes.  {Think "The Last Supper" hanging in the dining room at your Aunt Mary's.}  Especially these days with such plunging and/or wide necklines, my clothes were always sliding off their hangers.  And being slightly OCD-ish {what architect isn't, right??} I couldn't stand seeing 5 different kinds of hangers in my closet, depending on the neckline and fabric of my clothes

These ultra-slim flocked hangers come in all sorts of great colors, shapes and accessories, available almost anywhere, including online.  The kind I bought are actually supposed to be hung on each other in a cascading pattern - see the little hooks?  But I'm going to use the hooks for matching belts or scarves.  They are also very reasonably priced; I got 18 for $9.99 at TJMaxx.  See?

It's balm to my OCDish soul!