While it certainly may not feel like Fall right now, October is just around the corner and temps will be falling! Here are some of my top trends for fashion this season:
1.Animal Instincts: Whether leopard, snakeskin or zebra, animal prints are still all the rage. From dresses, tops, accessories and to even footwear, this edgy trend still continues.
2. Mini skirts: Cincinnista’s, if you can pull it off, Do It! While we’ve been seeing tons of midi-length dresses and skirts, this trend is sexy AND classic!
3. Color Trend: Deep Emerald. While “Living Color” was considered the Color of 2019, it certainly doesn’t translate well in to the fall. Dark green is rich, elegant and looks good on almost any hair or skin type!
4. Low heeled mules: While this trend may not take you in to January, these shoes are a great transition in to the winter as they cover your cold sensitive toes AND are comfortable.
5. Large scale florals: Still here! While there are more smaller scaled prints out that look great on a jumpsuit let’s say, go with the larger scale florals for the smaller items such as a top or a scarf.
6. Finally Plaids: Still here as well. The crisp tailored look of an updated plaid looks professional and polished.
Check out these looks!
This leopard print sweater from Alice and Olivia is stunning especially with the fur sleeves!Fun snakeskin print booties from Veronica BeardAnother winner from Veronica Beard. This look combines a hip mini-shirt with a classic plaid.Can I say I’m obsessed with these Valentino mules? While the studs are a statement, there aren’t so many that it overwhelms most outfits.Love the rich colors and flared sleeves of the floral top by Alice and Oliva. Note the leopard print detailing! This rich deep emerald top by Veronica Beard can be dressed up or down. Again, note the animal print belt!
Memorial Day has become as much of a shopping deal week/weekend as much as a national military observance day. Starting as soon as a week before, the sales have started and it’s time to grab these bargains while the good stuff is still available. From large retailers, to local boutiques, many stores are offering anywhere from 25% off to 75% as the prime summertime shopping is rapidly passing. And with summer almost in full swing, now is the time to buy! Here are some examples of some great deals I found:
So how often does Gucci go on sale? Almost never! These blingy, silk green gems at on sale 50% off at Bloomingdales. Hurry….I didn’t and now my size is gone!
Love this hip yet professional DVF jumpsuit available on sale at DVF.com
Can you tell I like green?! This stylish yet classic looking top by Kopi Kalperin is deeply discounted at Neiman Marcus. And yes, I did scoop this up myself!
Animals prints anyone? I love the summer, neutral version of this hot trend by Joie. On sale at Bloomingdales.
Well, I know New Years Eve has obviously passed (I for one passed on an expensive party) but the beginning of the New Year is still in full swing. While the After Christmas sales are great deals to be found, there is not much in terms of selection and finding your size?! Hence, I’m turning to the future! After much perusing, here are some of my favorites new and continuing trends:
Rounded and square toed shoes: So ladies, don’t throw out your Christian Louboutin pointed spiked heels just yet, but there is still a trend toward more square toed and block heeled shoes which to me means more comfort!
Hippy style: from fringe to tie dye, we are seeing an interesting juxtaposition in previously casual looks mixed in more elegant ways.
Plaid and more plaid: While I used to consider plaid old and stodgy, it is frankly keeping Burberry in business! I’ll never forget when my black and red Rag and Bone leggings finally went out, I felt a big loss with this unique staple. Plaid isn’t just for shirts and jackets anymore! I finally took the plunge and yes, replaced them with a pair of Burberry leggings that I love.
Pleats: Now I often cringe at this one as my Cincinnista waistline isn’t what it was in the 80’s, and I honestly do better with the low rise pants if you know what I mean. However, more streamlined pleats that are more flattering than the ballooning pants of 30+ years ago not to mention skirts and even tops are back in.
Feathers, sequins and velvet: Basically anything glam is in! I must say I felt like a renegade nearly 5 years ago when I bought a Nanette Lepore black feather skirt. I wore it back then and now it’s even more “in.” And to answer your question: No, it can’t be cleaned. Just wear it till it all falls out!
Well, that’s it for now ladies. Here are some pics of examples. Cheers to an even better 2019!
These block heeled pumps by Gucci are classics AND comfortable!
Love this elegant cocktail dress by Naeem Khan that integrates fringe with elegance
Okay, not the more flattering picture of me, but these Burberry leggings are fun and comfy!
Veronica Beard has really taken plaid to the next level.
This pleated chiffon skirt by Vince is stylish and flattering.
The feather skirt is still going strong. Perfect for nights out on the town!
Glam meets plaid. Love this sequin top by Parker .
Velvet, sequins and yes, still some cold shoulders out there. By Needle and Thread.
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!
While it may not feel like fall right now, the kids are back in school and the official start of Fall is less then a month away. So it’s soon time to store those summer flip flops and shorts in exchange for boots and sweaters!
So you ask, what’s in and still in for the Season? Well, after much research and a well deserved shopping trip, here are my top Fav’s:
Still loving Plaids. I bought a great sleeveless Veronica Beard sleeveless dress over the summer and am looking forward to wearing my two wool plaid blazers this fall! What’s also in: other menswear inspired patterns such as herringbone and houndstooth. The classics: but worn in a more creative fashion!
Over-sized Outer Wear: Well it’s back to the 80’s, ladies. Oversized outerwear to easily slide over those thick sweaters are back in. And not just plain down coats, but all materials and patterns are in.
Florals in all sorts of twists. Whether it’s bold graphic florals or softer, more feminine prints, florals are here to stay. I’m even seeing them more in interior fabrics as I work with them so often.
Animal prints: To outwear, to sweaters and dresses, animal prints (again an 80’s twist) are everywhere for the fall..
Shearling coats in patterns or with appliques. While shearling has never gone out of style due to the incredible warming ability of the material, it’s become much more of a fashion statement.
Check out these examples:
This plaid dress by DVF is flattering with the bias cut and a perfect transition in to fall. Great with a black leather jacket too!
Love this bright blue animal print sweater by Rag and Bone!
So let’s talk about jackets. This shearling coat by Talitha Collection employs the use of embroidery to add tons of interest. Not your typical arctic warm” coat.
Who says plaids are only for jackets? Plaids are hip and unique on skirts and pants!
So let’s talk about outerwear AND animal prints. I love this Dolce and Gabanna shearling coat on sale now at Farfetch.com. Run ladies!
An over-size jacket by Alice and Olivia. I love the bright blue faux-fur which helps with the price point and it allows for a heavy sweater below.
More animal prints. This classy yet edge dress by Alice and Olivia will take you from day to night!
Another hit by alice and Olivia. The graphic floral pattern sends a feminine yet bold statement and love how the tie front adds a 70’s twist.
This graphic floral midi dress by Saloni is flattering and stylish. I love the fall plum color and off the shoulder silhouette: still very in!
So, we’ve been through the cycle of Friends and Family Sales offering 25% off spring merchandise. However, even though Summer has officially yet to start, the real sales are just beginning. Large stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks to online stores like StyleBob and ShopBop and local stores like The Wardrobe (in Mariemont) are offering up to 40% off haute couture lines that, yes, you can wear now! And with a long 3 day weekend, there is plenty of time to clean up on these deals. The bottom line, don’t wait too long as the size selections become scarce and the best items sell out. Here are some examples. Cheers and Happy Memorial Day!
Loving these fun woven sandals by Proenza Schouler found at StyleBob.
This flowing Red Valentino Bandana Dress can be found deeply discounted at ShopBob.
One of my favorite local boutiques, The Wardrobe, sports the Derek Lam dress now 40% off!
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!
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.
