Cincinnista-Over 50 and Fabulous in Cincinnati

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.

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!

Happy Fourth of July! Here are some of my Fav’s…

While it’s big time sales in summer fashion, on this special day one question I ask is: “What do I wear?’ As this Cincinnista has a party to attend, I want to be at least a little festive. Even if it’s not red, white AND blue. I plan to wear a ruffle silk top with white shorts…..sorry no blue sandals in my closet. Wait, I need to start the hunt for those!?

Well, forget my hunt for blue sandals, but here are some of my favorite red, white and blue fashions:

Love the color forward direction of these Christian Louboutin sandals.

This jersey dress with ruffles by Gucci is a classic black with red, white and blue ruffle detailing.

These high waisted trousers by Johanna Ortiz are so festive. Just wear with a simple white top!

Again, Gucci leads the pack with these comfy yet fun sneakers.

Fringe and Flared Jeans: What you need to add to your wardrobe

So after many a post about off the shoulder and cold shouldered tops, it’s time to talk about our lower half. While enjoying this comfortable 70+ weather, I have pulled out my cropped jeans, and realized I’m missing this great addition to my Cincinnista wardrobe: fringed and flared jeans.

To clarfify I mean fringed and flared cropped jeans, the perfect transition from summer to fall. Available in a mix of washes from dark to distressed, the higher hem shows off your lower leg for gladiator style flats or heals, as well as offers comfort in this summer heat.

Check out these styles I just found! And it’s not just jeans!

These flared ombre flared jeans by Derek Lam add comfort and style to any outfit.

Just purchased these fringe jeans by Joe’s. Anyways, a “go to” denim designer.

Demin on boots? Why not? These demin studded booties by Jimmy Choo are now 60% off at Neiman Marcus. Hurry!

These denim fringe sandals by Rebecca Minkoff are comfy and hip at the same time

Tickle me Pink! But What Shade?

Well, it’s no secret, that pink is all the rage this summer season. From fuchsia to barely nude that almost substitutes for white, pink is a great way to express a Cincinista’s femininity….especially at our mature age:)

However, pink can become a quick “no-no” if you you don’t select the right shade for your coloring. For example, a barely there pink can simply drowned out those of us whom are fair, yet pop on a woman of black or olive skin color. And speaking of darker skinned women, they win big here as both light and deep pink work for them. As for us lighter Cincinnistas, a deep fuchsia or coral can make a great contrast for an outfit. So unless you are a 5’11”, skinny Nicole Kidman on Oscar night, but I truly believe that one big canvas of nude, just isn’t for us all.

Here are some examples:

Like I said, think fuchsia Trina Turk number looks fabulous with darker skin…..but will still work on the fair or medium toned.

Yes, this dress by Elizabeth and James is really considered pink! Thank God I’m not wearing it….you trip over me on the street!

I love this cold shouldered number I bought by Shoshanna. The deep coral is a unique twist on pink.

Gucci’s always on the cutting edge. However, you gotta really love pink the invest in these footies!

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.

The Countdown is On: VIP Trunk Show at Amy Youngblood Interiors!

The countdown is on Cincinnista’s! Join us this evening from 4-8 at Amy Youngblood Interiors, as we host The Wardrobe’s beautiful and fashion forward apparel, jewelry and footwear. I personally visited The Wardrobe last week, and was not just impressed, but excited for Lesley Herm to bring some of her fabulous wares to our offices. Not to mention, shop with a glass of champagne or wine and enjoy 20% off your entire purchase. Also, register to win a $300 Design Consultation with yours truly. I hope to see you tonight! Cheers!

Amy Youngblood Interiors and The Wardrobe invite you for a night of spring shopping!

So mark your calendars, Cincinnista’s! On Wednesday, April 26th, from 4-8pm, Amy Youngblood Interiors will be hosting and Evening of Shopping at our hip, newly renovated studio in OTR. We couldn’t ask for a better partner, The Wardrobe Cincinnati. Lesley Hern and her team will be bringing in her latest and best spring and summer fashions, shoes,and accessories. Shop The Wardrobe’s beautiful, sophicated collections, while sipping wine and enjoying lite bites. In addition, The Wardrobe will be offering a 20% discount on your entire purchase that evening! Amy Youngblood Interiors will also be be raffling off an interior design consultation with Amy worth $300. So join us for an evening of fun and beautiful things!

Friends and Family Sales!

While the deals aren’t wow right now with spring fashions, the larger stores and online retailers are starting to offer up some full-price relief!

Take the Friends and Family Sale at Saks, which officially kicked off today. 25% off most full-priced items….sorry not Louis Vuitton! Neiman Marcus countered as well today with their Chic Week Sale, again another 25% off. Not to mention, DVF is having a Friends and Family Sale. Perfect timing for those of us getting ready for Spring Break! So stock up this week while the first round of deals begin. Perhaps our local boutiques should do the same? Just a thought….:)