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“Get Fab for Fall!” Fourth Annual Fashion Show by the Co-Op

So Cincinnista’s,  to continue my writing about Fall Fashion,  you don’t want to miss the Co-Op on Camargo’s 4th Annual Fashion Show next Wednesday,  September 12 for 6-9pm at Unwind Wine Bar in Hyde Park.  I myself had the honor of modeling one year in this event, which takes place on the picturesque outdoor patio of one of my favorite wine bars in Cincinnati.  All types of fashionable clothing, accessories and jewelry will be on sale and at great prices.  In addition,  you can enjoy complimentary wine and snacks with your friends while the models strut their stuff!  See you there!

 

 

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Fabulous Over 50? I think so!

In front of the late Rodrique’s Art Gallery in New Orleans. His paintings start at about 100K. Man, I sure didn’t make that kind of money as an artist….and he painted dogs!  Say La Vie!

Ok,  so I know it’s been way too long since my last post,  but this Cincinnista has been grappling with the big 5-0, swamped with work, and just frankly a bit distracted.  I know a lot of friends that have struggled with this big birthday for obvious reasons, but my first and foremost issue was that my father died suddenly from a heart attack in his 50’s, hence my paranoia started months ago.  Like why can’t that happen to me, right?

However,  the reality is that unlike my father,  my blood pressure is great, my cholesterol is good and frankly I’m tired of worrying about it.  While I’m working harder than ever to keep the pounds off, and yes,  I’ll confess I use botox and other tools of the trade to look good  (no plastic surgery though to fend off the post baby flab…yes, they were worth it:), but I think I naturally look and feel pretty damn good.  Now,  please note that, this is is in no way narcissistic.  I guess I’m just basing this upon comments I’ve received from others and my highly complimentary husband.  (Yes, he’s 53 and tells me not to complain!)  The best was last week while walking in to a bar I got carded by a bouncer and I said “really?!”  He replied “I’ll bet I can beat you,”  took one look at my idea and said “Ok,  you win!”. Too funny.

Now, don’t think I have the stamina of a 30 year old, which sometimes I feel like I’m supposed to have being a busy mom of two, running a growing business, active in the community and socially, and trying to spend quality time with my wonderful hubby.  But despite being 50,  I still love to drink wine, have fun, wear hip clothes and annoy my kids with my “embarrassing” sarcastic humor.  However,  the drinking wine part might need to slow down because I sure can’t do it like I used to, as proven on my recent trip to New Orleans. I mean,  how does one drink all day and night?  Probably best I don’t find out….after all I am 50, right?!  The one thing that isn’t changing, however,  is the name of this blog.  It will remain “Over 40 and Fabulous.”  After all,  this hip 50 year old can still teach a few things to my youngster friends, right?  Cheers and enjoy the wisdom!

Lunch on the big day at Trio’s. And no, I didn’t eat this whole desert by myself!
Post lunch crew at the bar…shocking!
The party continues the following weekend in New Orleans with just me and Tom. In the hotel bar watching the Derby!
Yummy brunch The French Quarter. Love the atmosphere and food!
Gourmet oysters….Tom’s favorite food.:)
Finally, the vintage shops on Royal Street the best I’ve ever seen!

 

 

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The 2018 “Bloom” Junior League Fashion Show. A great success!

Once again Cincinnista’s, this past weekend’s Junior League Fashion Show was a sellout and huge success.  Next year I will write BEFORE the show to give a heads up but I’m a bit behind schedule.:)  Hosted again at the downtown Cincinnati Club, the event started with a lovely luncheon, followed by cocktails, a raffle and auction, shopping from top boutiques in Cincinnati, and finishing up with the Fashion Show in the historic ballroom.  Emcee’d by WLWT morning Anchor, Megan Mitchell,  the show showcased not only women’s apparel, but men’s and children’s as well.  Participants included fahion’s from Sloan in OTR,  The Pink Box,  Alligator Purse, Trevor Furbay, Monkee’s in Madeira and Castle House, just to name a few.  Here’s a sneak peak of what went on!

Who says there’s an age requirement on models?!
The lovely ladies of Sloan!
Myself with Co-Op on Camargo owner, Rachel Hamilton. Great stuff!
Enjoying a cocktail with mu hubby.
Always fun to hang with a good friend!
Lots of ladies…and men!
A brief address before the show by President Vicki Marsala Cologne.

 

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St. Mary Party and Fashion Show!

Please join me and fellow Cincinnista’s tomorrow, Thursday, February 8th from 6-10pm at the chic Fueled Collective in Rookwood Commons. St. Mary Mom’s will be modeling fashions and accessories from the top boutiques in Cincinnati. In addition, great food, cocktails, raffles and shopping will be included.

Vendors participating are:

-Cycle Bar

-Alligator Purse

-Co-Op on Camargo

-J McLaughlin

-Trend

-Leeli & Lou

-Sloane

-Pink Tulip Club

-Kendra Scott

-The Wardrobe

-CQ Luxe

Note, that this is not a St. Mary event only!  We want all Cincinnista’s who appreciate the best in fun and fashion to attend. Cost is $45 a person. To register go to:

https://smchp.weshareonline.org/ws/opportunities/BNBSMSFashionShow

Here are some sneak peeks into the looks you’ll be seeing.

See you there! Cheers!

Love this sleek asymmetrical top from Co-Op on Camargo!
A great transitional sweater by Co-Op on Camargo.
The Wardrobe forecasts that neutrals paired with white will be big this Spring.
Love the combination of the red stripes with the creative patterned pants by the The Wardrobe!
Hip, transitional mules by Jill Haney of the Co-Op on Camargo.
A creative twist on the basic flat by Jill Haney of the Co-Op on Camargo!

 

 

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Happy New Year! What’s in for 2018

So fellow Cincinnista’s, I’ve blogged and and even been featured on TV about what’s hot in Interior Design for 2018, but now let’s talk about personal style and fashion.  It’s always true that what is trending in interior design and overall design transcends itself in to fashion and visa versa.

 

After much research here are my top 7 trends for 2018!

 

-Shine and gloss:  From metallics to now actual yes,  vinyl, glossy pants and tops, anything shimmery (well almost) is in.  Just make sure to not let your entire outfit be a reflective sign and mix and match the wow pieces with the  more subdued.

-Mixed prints.  Again,  we want to be careful of not becoming a fashion “mine field” , but the juxtaposition of different prints is very current. Don’t be afraid to mix those plaid jeans with an embroidered top for example if the colors work together.

-Fringe:  While I’m a bit of a bohemian haute couture dresser myself on my casual days,  fringe is still in!  From sweaters to handbags, the 70’s are still with us. Just a little moderation ladies!

-Nineties Influences:  Ugh sorry ladies,  I’m not advocating Alexa Carrington’s oversized should pads, but the windbreaker and “bomber style” jackets have come back but in a with more sophisticated and interesting materials.

-Haute Demin: While demin will never go out of style,  it’s time to leave your Levi’s and get more creative.  Many of us older Cincinnistas aren’t into the distressed, holely look but what about zippers and contrasting panels of focus?  Sounds kind of fun to me!

-Utilitarian and Camo style clothing.  While I still treasure the army green and lace Veronica Beard jacket I got on big time sale this summer,  this look isn’t going away.  Camo themed sweaters to pants with utilitarian outside military pockets are all over the run ways for the spring.

 

So cheers and Happy New Year and check out some of these looks!

 

These glossy polyertherline pants by RtA will the make the simplist outfit poop.

 

I’ve been fighting polka dots for years, but this mixed print polka dot versa dress for DVF is a wow statement.
Not cheap at retail, but the Balmain all wool sweater on sale is both chic and Bohemian!
Always love how Rag and Bone takes a creative trend on fashion. This  bomber style jacket has mix or satin and woven cotton/poly arm sleeves.
Balmain again. Love the mix or zippers and more detailed paneled leg areas!
Rich, saturated colors are shown through this edgy, metallic and animal print dress by Veronica Beard.
Did I say camo was in!? Love this fun, yet comfy pants but Kendall and Kylie.

 

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Creativity and Cocktails: A fun and great cause at Amy Youngblood Interiors!

While most of you Cincinnista’s have probably heard,  we are hosting an amazing event this Friday, October 6th at 6:30!  We are partnering with a local OTR charity called Indigo Hippo to raise money and/or collect gently used art and craft supplies.    Indigo Hippo is an art thrift store located on Main Street, which sells gently used art and craft supplies to those who could not normally afford it, supporting creativity in Cincinnati.  The store is filled with an amazing array of affordable finds:  from colored pencils,  to vintage finials, to pine cones.  Nothing is off limits in this creative haven!

For the event on Friday night we ask that you bring any type of art, office or craft supply. Be creative!  Not feeling creative?  A $5 donation is suggested.

In addition we will be serving wine from the Wine Merchant as well as other  beverages and yummy lite bites from Che, also located in OTR.

So please join us for an evening for a great cause and fun!

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Wine Country: The perfect Cincinnista Get-Away!

So this Cincinnista is finally back after a fabulous 1st Anniversary trip with my husband, Tom.  As Tom’s never actually been to wine country, I thought it was the perfect place for us that he’d appreciate.

 

Everything from the hotel to the food to the topography, and of course the wine was perfect.  A referral from a friend, we stayed in Sonoma at the Fairmont Mission Inn and Spa, a place of beauty yet with tons of history and character.  Despite, the long flight to San Francisco,  we were ready for two days of wineries in both Sonoma then Napa.  We selected only those wineries with good reputations and of course hired a driver!  It’s hard to say which was our favorite, but we did love the energy at Wellington, the amazing cabernet at Etude and the incredible view at Stag’s Leap. Not to mention, everyone working at the wineries was incredible nice and passionate about their jobs.  We also lunched at the famous Auberge du Soleil hotel.

 

After the wine tours,  it was time to change gears.  Tom went golfing at the scenic Sonoma Country Club  while I spent and afternoon at the Fairmont’s amazing spa.  The service was impeccable and the interior beautiful. (and we all know how much I care about that!:)  After my services, I sipped sparking wine by the private outdoor pool basking in relaxation.

 

Finally on our last day,  we hung at the lovely pool for a bit then ventured in to the actual town of Sonoma for dinner.  We stopped at an authentic Mexican Restaurant for a yummy, hand made margarita,  then off to the Girl and the Fig for an amazing main course.

 

Overall,  it was hard to leave and I can’t wait to go back.  Thank goodness this Cincinnista stocked up on some good wine that we are still drinking!  Cheers!

Downtown Sonoma. Tons of character. Notice Tom on his phone…I thought this was vacation?
On our way to downtown Sonoma in front of our hotel.
The “quiet” pool outside the spa.
I couldn’t help but photograph this water sculpture inside the spa.
At Stag’s Leap Winery in Napa. A breathtaking view not to mention amazing wine.
The view from the Auberge Du Soleil restaurant. Fabuous.
Lunch and wine tasting at the famous Auberge du Soleil.
Waiting for our driver outside the hotel.
An front view of our hotel, the Fairmont Mission Inn and Spa.
A view of the enchanted grounds from our hotel room.
Tom getting to know wine. Not easy for a beer drinker!

 

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The Jumpsuit: A Cincinnista’s Go To Piece!

Since it’s introduction to the fashion world in the 1970’s the jumpsuit has come back in style, and it is here to stay!  I recall buying my first neck-plunging black halter piece in 2010 and my collection has since grown.   From strapless to off-the-shoulder,  to wide legged to tapered leg,  the silhouettes are endless.  Not to mention,  the array of colors and patterns!  The jumpsuit is a way to “hip up” your wardrobe regardless of the occasion.  And what Cincinnista doesn’t want to accomplish that?  Here are some examples of my fav’s and ones I own.  Cheers!

 

From a girl’s trip to Miami Beach in early 2014. I couldn’t resist the aqua green jumpsuit with neck cut-out by Catherine Malandrino.
An elegant version by DVF with tapered legs. Love this rich satin red color with the sash belt!
Pre Ladies Night shopping event with The Wardrobe. I opted for a comfortable version in silk snake skin print by Haute Hippe. Perfect for a woman in flip flops who has just broken her toe!
The clean lines, flared legs, and stripes makes the jumpsuit by Michael Kors a classic.
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