Cincinnista-Over 50 and Fabulous in Cincinnati

The Surge of the Espadrille!

Whether it’s strappy wedges or closed toed flats, espadrilles are back in with a vengeance. This completely occurred to me while shopping in Denver last week on vacation at the high end Cherry Creek Mall. I was looking for comfy black flats and what did I fall in love with? My first pair of Chanel shoes….black espadrilles with a black metallic fabric and, of course, the stitched Chanel logo in leather at the top….yes, I know, not the cheapest espadrille around. However, while later stuck on a long road trip back, these shoes proved so comfy in addtion to being haute couture. Perfect for a mild, casual, spring day. After that purchase, I keep noticing them everywhere. From less expensive teenage brands to Gucci, that straw woven base and fabric/leather upper is all the rage. I just hope they don’t go out of style before I get my mileage out of my Chanels!

Off the Shoulder: Back in Style

Remember that off the shoulder ruffled bridesmaid dress you wore in the 90’s? The one you swore you’d never wear ago unless it was too a bridesmaid dress party? Well, that look is back ….kind of like those bell bottom jeans

So here a a couple reasons I like this look:

-It’s sexy, in a shoulder bearing way…especially is you don’t feel comfortable showing your cleavage. My thoughts on cleavage? If you’d got it, show it, but only appropriately in a classy “non-cougar” way.

-It’s flattering to your shape as it gives the illusion of broad shoulders even it you don’t have them. Broad shoulders are slimming as it makes the rest of your body appear narrower.

-It’s can be forgiving. Most of the off the shoulder tops and dresses are looser and flowing in fit….So If you are having a “fat day” give yourself a pass to wear this sexy but comfortable look!

As I look for dresses on my big day, I’m certainly keeping this look as an option!

NMTBVKS_ak — Love the clean lines a sexy back of this runway number by Milly. Also comes in black and oh so comfy!

Screen Shot 2016-03-30 at 11.58.18 AM — This periwinkle number by Ella Moss is flowing and versatile. Wear it to anything from a wedding to a night out. And it won’t break the bank!

alice_and_olivia_NAYATIENECKBLOUSONPEASANTTOP_BLACKWHITE_888819253615_PRODUCT_01--146257045 — I just bought this 70’s looking tie top from Alice and Olivia. Love the graphic pattern and peep hole tie area, which allows for a bit of cleavage if you want it! The loose fit is comfy and flattering.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! My Obsession with Green…

Don’t ask me why, but I used to hate the color green….perhaps it was all the green paint I used in my artist days painting golf courses (yeah, that’s another story). I obsessed about the various shades in trying to portray the perfect fairway or tree.

But no more! With St. Patty’s tomorrow and Spring in full bloom….yes the tree’s are finally blooming….I’ve come to love Green.

It first hit me when I became obsessed with the emerald as a beautiful jewel stone….hence my engagement ring from my fiancee Tom. Then, check out April’s cover of InStyle Magazine: Lupita Nyongo totally rocks in deep green cold shoulder knit dress!

Keep the green coming, because the grass and trees have just begun!

Where have I been?

So this Cincinnista has been a bit AWOL the past few weeks….my bad! I’ve been crazy busy with work not to mention recently moved in to an amazing condo in Hyde Park with my

Yes, pure entertainment! Our outdoor sofa didn't fit through the door as expected. Our crafty movers devised this fun pulley system. Ahh..the joy of physics! — Yes, pure entertainment! Our outdoor sofa didn’t fit through the door as expected. Our crafty movers devised this fun pulley system. Ahh..the joy of physics!

fiancee, Tom. While I know this blog isn’t about moving…let me tell you, ladies…haven’t had any time nor money with this move to shop or look good! After merging my past place with two kids, Tom’s place, and some key items from the showroom (yes, our place is much bigger now…so have needed more stuff!), I’m finally settling in with still details not to spare. Our place was in great condition, just not our personal style. We’ve repainted every wall, molding and ceiling and added much needed overhead lighting to the space. While it’s looking great, we still have several furnishing items coming in…so patience is a virtue, right? When it’s completed, it will be professionally photographed and added to the Amy Youngblood Interiors website portfolio. Stay tuned as it is going to look great!

Before: Our main living room. Blank as a canvas and painted vanilla all over.

After: Our main living room...just about done:) — After: Our main living room…just about done:) professionally photographed and added to the Amy Youngblood Interiors website portfolio. Can’t wait! In the meanwhile, here is a sneak peak….

Valentines Day Anyone? Check out Jewels by Jules Boutique!

Owner, Julie Lyon, with her beautiful jewelry on display

So, many of your know that I recently got engaged to my amazing boyfriend (well now fiancee, Tom:). We were looking for something beautiful yet fitting for both our second, and yes…last and forever marriage. We decided on an emerald stone as it was different and we both love the color green! Not an easy find when most newlyweds are looking for a diamond. Hence, we turned to my experienced, long-time friend Julie Lyon, owner of Jewels by Jules diamond boutique in the heart of Montgomery.

Founded in 2011, Jewels by Jules specializes in everything from high end, sophisticated engagement rings to fun, affordable costume jewelry….with the caveat that everything is high quality, yet fairly priced. While Julie didn’t have in stock at the time what we wanted, her connections are tremendous and was able to bring in within days several beautiful emerald ring options. The experience was both easy and fun!

And lastly, I cannot forget that Jewels by Jules Boutique was the recipient of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce “Small Business of the Year 2015” award. Need I say more? Have the man in your life check them out..especially with Valentines day around the corner!

William S. Olson Foundation Gala 2016!

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So while I blog a lot about fashion and beauty, let’s talk about the hottest upcoming event to brighten up these winter doldrums. My fiancee Tom and I are excited to attend the William S. Olson Foundation’s Gala 2016 on Saturday, February 13th, 6pm at the Cintas Center at Xavier University. So of course, this Cincinnista had to find a new dress, as it is “black tie optional”…which, by the way, some great deals are out there right now if you can find your size. But about the event. Starting at 6 pm, enjoy cocktails and silent auction in the grand halls of the Cintas Center, followed by an amazing dinner and live auction. The rest of the night is fun filled with great music, socializing and dancing.

Most importantly, your attendance goes towards a great cause. The William S. Olson Foundation, established in 2003 gives back thousands of dollars through events such as this to the Make A Wish Foundation. The Make a Wish Foundation, if you’ve never heard of it, grants the wishes (none to big nor small) to children with life threatening illnesses. It is one of the noblest causes out there.

We look forward to seeing you on the 13th! Cheers!

High Style Fashion Exhibit at Cincinnati Art Museum

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I have to say, it’s rare these days, to have “girl time” on a weekend with your 10 year old daughter. So, in the theme of that…..what better to do than lunch in hip Mount Adams and a visit to the Cincinnati Art Museum? As all Cincinnista’s would agree, being exposed to all types of culture is a must. Elle and I first toured the Modern section of the museum, viewing beautiful and colorful works anywhere from Matisse, to Picasso and Miro. Next, we moved on to the more Contemporary floor encompassing cool 3-D and video art…just to even further spur the imagination. Sorry no photos allowed!

We ended our tour by stumbling on the special exhibit, High Style: Twentieth-Century Masterworks from the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection. Sponsored by Macy’s, the exhibit traces the evolution of fashions from 1900 through 1980 with garments and accessories by the most influential European and American designers of the 20th century, including Chanel, Dior, and Givenchy, just to name a few. The exhibit was both well attended and interesting. I was amazed at how many dresses, fashion sketches, and shoes that I loved and have been recycled through the world of fashion throughout the last decade. I’m talking not just strapless and shirred gowns, but even platforms pumps! In addition the buzzing gift shop is selling an interesting book about the exhibit, not to mention a book called 100 Shoes (intro. by Sarah Jessica Parker) simply about the history of women’s shoes!! What a fun, total coffee table book! Should have bought it when I had the chance…worth every bit of $15.

Unfortunately the exhibit ended today, but keep your eye’s peeled for more “Cincinnista” winter outings until the Spring fashion scene truly emerges. Cheers.

The Doldrums of Winter Shopping

Ok, not to undermine my fellow Cincinnistas who are actively selling their fashionable goods, but let’s face it: January apparel shopping really isn’t worth your time. First of all, all of the best items went on sale as early as pre-Thanksgiving and are now gone…at least in your size. In addition, anything new out right now is resort wear which, unless you are doing that big winter vacation (yeah, I wish!), isn’t something you need…hence wait until the summer. I will say some major finds can be with some of the Haute Couture brands such as Valentino and Fendi (their own web-sites) where they have waited until the bitter end to mark fall/merchandise down. I know I got a fabulous pair of Fendi logo boots last January in Aspen but had to look hard! Other good deals can be found at some of our high-end local boutiques such as Alligator Purse and Soho who have slashed their prices. Again, just pure luck finding your size.

My advice overall: if you don’t stumble on it or need something desperately, don’t bother. Wait until the best of the Spring comes out in March and then some. Cheers!