Welcome to Goldivas.com, for women over 50 who are too young to be old.

 

Issue#25 (August, 2010)

Fall Fashion Trends

In the midst of the relentless heat of summer, it’s fun to look forward to fall dressing. For the first time in quite a few years, I’m seeing some trends I like (along with a few to gladly pass by).

 

I detect a return to restraint after many seasons of shocking trends. Clothes have some structure, without looking too tight. Many of the newest skirts are at or slightly below the knee, flattering lengths that we can comfortably wear. In fact, I think the fashion philosophy of most women over 50 is comfort first, fashion only when it feels good. And, this year’s trends have a lot we can embrace.  ( more...)

Issue#24 (June, 2010)

What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life

The author uses her own experience in waking up one day and realizing her body had changed but her closet hadn't. She had been in avoidance and denial until her mother, bless them, brought it to her attention. She realized that her needs had changed and her closet needed to change with her life the way she now lives it. Many of us are in that same situation and this book does give some solutions and a great deal of confidence that we greatly need.   ( more...)

Issue#23 (May, 2010)

Return of a classic

Prints are in style this year, and one type of print is an old favorite among those of a certain age – it’s paisley! Women over 50 may remember the flower-child days, when John Lennon had a Rolls-Royce painted in paisley.

 

But, paisley prints go back much further, originating in ancient Persia and India. The English term Paisley derives from the town of Paisley in central Scotland. Paisley prints were immensely popular in the 17^th century when they were imported by the East India Company.

  ( more...)

Issue#22 (April, 2010)

Hats

Coco Chanel believed that her haute couture was not complete without a hat.

Milliners scurried forward with the required topper for the mannequin, often chastised by Mademoiselle

for not crowning her design properly. A chapeau completed the look.

The hat began and the shoe ended.

But style was nothing without the woman to wear it.

 

Nana wore hatpins tipped with wee adornments to hold her pillbox on.

They were stuck in the rolls of her hair held in place by hidden mesh.

Her black coat had a tiny mink collar.

She smelled like Ivory soap and baby powder.

 

Sadie wore feathers on a silk turban. They fluttered softly against the veil

and got caught there in the wind.

  ( more...)

Issue#21 (March, 2010)

Fashion For A Professional Woman

More magazine featured a makeover for this woman in the February issue;

 

This litigator likes to wear suits, but she needs a style boost. Her clothes, which are too muted and too boxy, hide her shape and wash her out. “I need to update, but I don’t know how,” she says. “And whatever I wear, I must always look appropriate in front of a judge.”

 

Tim Gunn’s makeover put this woman in a scoop-neck dress, knee length with a wide black patent belt. And of course, black stilettos. You’ll have too look at the February issue of More to see this, but here are some comments from readers:

 

That black belt draws WAY too much attention to her bust and cuts her in half, making her look heavier than she is.   ( more...)

Issue#20 (February, 2010)

Time For A Wardrobe Evaluation

This is a good time of year to clear out the winter clothing you haven’t worn this year, and go through your wardrobe for the upcoming spring and summer seasons.

 

Try on everything, and divide the results into keepers, donations, consignables (or give to friends). The keepers are garments that fit well, look good, and feel good. Consignables may be things you bought on impulse (it was such a bargain!), garments in excellent condition that don’t fit or just don’t work. Donations are lower-quality but still wearable items.

 

You may want some help with this process. Consider a session with a wardrobe/image consultant such as Michele Benza - http://www.michelebenza.com/main.htm or Brenda Kinsel - http://www.brendakinsel.com/ Or, just enlist the services of a good friend whose judgement you can trust.  ( more...)

Issue#19 (January, 2010)

Don’t Be Afraid To Wear A Hat

Hats are back in style, and they can finish an outfit like no other accessory. But many women feel uncomfortable wearing a hat because they don’t know how to select a hat that is flattering.

There are some rules about this, but the best way to choose a hat is to try some on. You’ll want to try different styles and colors. Also – this is very important – try different angles. I have seen women putting on hats, and they usually put the hat on perfectly straight, or tilted toward the back of the head. These are the least flattering ways to wear a hat for most people.  ( more...)

Issue#18 (December, 2009)

ADVANCED STYLE

Proof from the wise and silver-haired set that personal style advances with age.

 

Women over 50 have the confidence to develop their own personal style. We feel free to adapt new fashion trends that suit us, and ignore those that don’t. for some excellent of examples, be sure to visit the blog:  ( more...)

Issue#17 (October, 2009)

Making the world a better place, one outfit at a time.

Welcome to the October issue of Tips & Teasers!

Quote
“People are frightened by fashion.” Anna Wintour, the editor of Vogue magazine speaks this line in the opening of the must-see movie, The September Issue, in movie theaters now.

 

Spooked by the trends?

"Oh no, these new fashion trends are scary!” Is this what you’re saying when you peak in the store windows this fall? One of my clients said to me, “Blue tights?  ( more...)

Issue#16 (September, 2009)

Fall Fashion Trends

Ladies, whether you are loathing it or loving it fall will be here before you know it and the time has come to talk fall fashions. Luckily, I receive inside information on fashion, because I work for a company in Chicago that has been designing and manufacturing women’s clothing for over 50 years. We are constantly monitoring our customers’ wants and needs and capture the trends today’s modern woman will feel confident wearing. Recently, I had a sit down with our head designer, Lauren Smith, to discuss the top three trends for beautiful women over 50.

 

First Trend: Ethnic Influences

In our ever broadening access to the world and its many cultures, designers have fallen in love with African ethnic prints. The prints are bold, composed of beautiful earth tone colors like hemp, avocado, and popped with spicy colors such as orange and red.    ( more...)

Issue#15 (August, 2009)

The Dreaded Days of Bathing Suit Shopping

Summer is on our doorstep and for many of us in our fabulous fifties and then some, this is the only time our zeal for shopping wanes. One glance at the tantalizing bathing suits dangling from hangers makes us wince.   ( more...)

Issue#14 (July, 2009)

10 Tips on Reselling Your Used Clothes

Everyday someone comes into my store and says something like, "well, I guess you're doing well because I read that due to the bad economy, everyone is shopping for used clothes." The truth is, I'm seeing more people wanting to sell their clothes than shop for new ones. My calender for appointments is booked out a month rather than the usual week. And many are with new consignors who have never tried to resell their clothes before.  ( more...)

Issue#13 (June, 2009)

Summertime, summertime!

Summer dressing is fraught with perils for career women. We want to be fashionable, but we also need to avoid dressing in a provocative manner. We want to be comfortable without looking too casual or “frumpy”. Many women make the mistake of thinking that they will be judged on the quality of their work and wardrobe doesn’t matter, but that is just not the case. And it seems that fashion trends often work against women, especially in the summertime. I guess the designers think we spend our days at the beach and our evenings at fancy parties!

  

This year, we’re told not to wear nude pantyhose. Bare legs may be more comfortable when it’s 90° outside,   ( more...)

Issue#12 (May, 2009)

Hanging About the Bus Stop With Biba

By 60 Going On 16

Waking far too early this morning, I decided to catch up with the weekend papers. If I don't tackle them the week that they are issued, they grow into an enormous pile and start cloning themselves. At the back of the Sunday Times magazine is its longstanding A Life in the Day interview, which this week featured fashion icon Barbara Hulanicki, the founder of Biba, who still looks striking at 72.
 

In Sixties and Seventies London, if you were into fashion, you tended to be either a Biba or a Bus Stop girl  ( more...)

Issue#11 (April, 2009)

Confessions Of A Resale Junkie

My friend Lucille has an enviable wardrobe, and she always looks “put together”. But, Lucille doesn’t make very many retail purchases. Her main source of clothing and accessories is resale, be it consignment stores, resale boutiques, thrift shops, and even garage and estate sales.

 

Part of the secret to resale shopping is that you have to know your style, and don’t be tempted to buy things you won’t wear, just because they’re a super deal. If you don’t have confidence in your taste or sense of style, you may not be comfortable in a resale shop where you will be buying an item only because you like it, and you’re not necessarily concerned about whether or not it’s up-to-the-minute fashion.

 

You must be a good judge of quality as well, and have confidence in your judgement.   ( more...)

Enhance Your Image!

It takes less than five seconds to make a positive or negative impression. But, we do not see ourselves as others see us. Michele Benza is here to help!

 

Michele was born in Belgium, and is now based in San Francisco and is fluent in French and English.

  ( more...)

Issue#10 (March, 2009)

Spring Ahead!

It's that time of the year when many of us are dreaming of warmer temperatures, and heaving a weary sigh as we gaze upon the dark neutrals that comprise the bulk of our winter wardrobes. We're longing for something bright, something fresh to update our look, but may still have weeks of winter weather ahead, and an understandable reluctance to shop to replenish our spring wardrobes under current economic conditions. But there are some ways to give ourselves a little early shot of spring without spending too much, or having to wait weeks to enjoy.  ( more...)

Issue#9 (February, 2009)

Artwear at Artemisia

A visit to Taos, New Mexico wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Artemisia, the creation of Annette Randell (see Goldivas June, 2008 issue). This boutique is a visual feast! Annette caries wearable art in the form of clothing and accessories, some of which are her own designs, others are from various artists that Annette selects.

Artemisia is located at 115 Bent Street, Taos, NM 87571
Contact Annette at 575-737-9800, or email artemisia@taosnet.com
  ( more...)

Reach Back Into Your Closet

If you don’t know about Bill Cunningham, you’re in for a treat! Mr. Cunningham has spent his life in the fashion industry, and clearly loves his work. He produces a feature in the New York Times, “On The Street”, where he goes out and videotapes people in New York, to illustrate various fashion trends. I always enjoy his productions because it is so obvious that he is loving what he does – you can hear the joy in his voice!

  ( more...)

Issue#8 (January, 2009)

Let It Snow…

If you live in a cold climate, you know that enjoyment of the winter wonderland depends on being warm & comfortable, especially if you plan to be outside for an extended period of time. Actually, it took me years to figure out that there is a very wide range of cold tolerance, and that I’m on the low end.

If you live in a warm climate, and will be visiting a colder area, you’ll want to prepare yourself. Good winter gear is not inexpensive, January is the time to look for sales.  ( more...)

Issue#7 (December, 2008)

Looking Good for the Holidays With Shapewear

We all want to look especially nice for the upcoming holidays and other special occasions. Ideally, we would get back to our ideal weight and having worked out like maniacs for the past several years, we would be in absolutely tip-top shape, so can wear anything we want. (Of course, aging has no effect in this ideal fantasy-world, either).  ( more...)

Issue#6 (November, 2008)

Update Your Wardrobe With A New Coat!

Coats are looking good this season, we’re seeing more color, some interesting details, and nice proportions. Pant length coats (usually 31-33 inches long, above the knee to mid-thigh) are back in force. The longer length is warmer and more versatile than a jacket, but not as bulky as a long coat. They go well with jeans as well as with dressier looks.

  ( more...)

Issue#5 (October, 2008)

Boots!

This is a great year for boots! The variety is there, many colors and styles to choose from, with interesting details. I’ve selected a collection from Zappos for your viewing and shopping pleasure. Remember, Zappos offers free overnight shipping, and free return shipping. Their return process is a breeze, you just go online and print a return label. Typically, I order several pairs, then keep one or two. You’ll find a much better selection than you would in a physical store.

All of the boots I’ve selected below have leather uppers, and I’ve picked a variety of prices to fit our budgets, with a few splurges tossed in.   ( more...)

Issue#4 (September, 2008)

Everyday Fashions for Women Over 50

I laughed when I saw this posted on a forum at MORE magazine:

Terrymph, posted on MORE forum
No offense, and MORE power to them, but my life is so much more varied than that of women who sit at an office computer or take meetings all day. Been there, done that. If I have to look at yet another fashion shoot of CEOs and TV hosts wearing dry-clean-only- with- heels, the ambulance report is going to say “expired of ennui.” Can we see some stylish and appropriate outfits for grocery shopping? School field trips? Funerals? Yoga class? Church? Little League practice? Attending a gardening seminar? A quilt guild meeting? Extended family events?  ( more...)

Issue#3 (August, 2008)

Une Femme D’un Certain Age

On living a stylish, adventurous, balanced, delicious life after 50.

Words to live (and dress) by...

• A little bad taste is like a nice dash of paprika. - Dorothy Parker



• Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury. - Coco Chanel



• Whoever does not visit Paris regularly will never really be elegant. - Honoré de Balzac

  ( more...)

Issue#2 (July, 2008)

Style Rx

Bridgette Raes is a style expert and former designer. She is founder and President of Bridgette Raes Style Group, an image and style consulting company based in New York..

Bridgette’s book, Style Rx, covers various body part types such as short neck, long neck, short waist, long waist, and she gives instructions for determining which type you fall into. The models in the book are normal people, not professional models, so the illustrations are realistic. In addition to various body part types, she covers other aspects of our appearance (intensity, texture, movement and necklines) that we can take into account when making decisions on putting our wardrobe together.   ( more...)

Issue#1 (June, 2008)

Beautiful Fashions for Us

Exquisite fabrics, sophisticated styling, and meticulous workmanship are the hallmarks of the Annette Randell’s creations for ARTEMISIA Artwear in Taos, New Mexico. These beautifully colored jackets, vests, dusters and tunics are truly works of art, but are comfortable to wear as well. In addition to her own original designs, Annette carries clothing and accessories by other carefully selected artists.  ( more...)