Showing posts with label Style at 60. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Style at 60. Show all posts

Friday, October 30, 2015

The Last Word by Karen

         FRINGE  BENEFITS







In Mesopotamia 300 to 300BC fringe adorned the two most basic garments worn: the skirt and the shawl. Fringe has been used for decoration at other points in human history, notably as a decoration on the leather clothes of Cowboys in the American West and as a brief fashion trend in the 1970's.

And lets not forget the roaring 20's, fringe was flying everywhere and they seemed to be having lots of fun.
                                                               
I remember watching the western shows that were television staples when I was a little girl in the 60's.  The male characters wore fringe jackets in addition to the native Americans who sported clothing with fringe and moccasins, remember those? For those of you too young to remember they were very popular.

Per an article written by the Gale Group, Inc. Fashion, Costume and Culture, Headwear, Body Decorations, and Footwear through the ages/2004, Native Americans of the Plains and elsewhere had long created garments with fringe, which served as a type of gutter that repelled rainwater from the wearer. Here's a thought, our eyelashes serve a similar purpose.

Easy Rider, a film in 1969 featured the stars wearing casual fringed suede jackets. The fringed jackets were really popular . Many Indian looks, including occasion boots and beaded belts became fashionable. Designer Giorgio di Sant'Angelo (1933-1989) copied Native American ceremonial dress for his fall 1970 collection. Di Sant'Angelo won the city American Fashion Award but backlash deemed the collection insensitive to native Americans.

Fast forward to spring 2015 where fringe made a strong showing.

Source: The Huffington Post/By Michelle Persad

You can add minimal touches of fringe to your wardrobe by  adding accessories.



 
Coat:    Rebecca Taylor "Artisan" Tweed fringe coat
Boots:  Giuseppe Zanotti fringed suede boots
Purse:  Silva Isla Fringe Gold
Gloves: Diane Von Furstenberg Fringe Leather Gloves



I now have fringe jewelry and shoes in addition to a skirt and jacket. I would love to buy a purse.  I will never wear them together, that would be too much of a good thing: I would consider that overkill.  Polyvore has contributors who have tastefully coordinated outfits which include fringed items.


Glasses: SEE 
Tee shirt: Target



Necklace: Baublebar


Chain Fringe Bracelet from Rowe Short North Columbus

The 2015 fringe is not much different than the 1970's offerings except for the fact that the designers have utilized more materials than the proverbial leather and seude.

Try it again, or for the first time.  You might find it interesting. Make sure your clear of anything that you might catch the fringe on, oh and be careful sitting, but enjoy!




One day at a time! Karen


other sources: www.fashionencyclopedia.com

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

The Last Word by Karen



 Button Down Shirts


Skirt:White House Black Market
Shirt:Macy's
Jewelry: Baublebar
Shoes:White House Black Market
Glasses:SEE Eyewear


The button down shirt is a must have staple for any wardrobe. Button down shirts can look utilitarian but they can also be very feminine. Many women feel that button down shirts are boring and conservative. I read an article complete with a slideshow written July 16, 2014 by Kristen Bousquet. Http:///stylecaster.com/how-to-wear-button-down-shirts/, that was very interesting.


I have several button down shirts in my closet in white and black and blue.  I have purchased button downs from many stores, but my favorite shirts are  sold at Banana Republic. Banana Republic shirts are no-iron and are made of a beautiful, comfortable material.

The shelf life of a white button down for me is usually about three months.  I try to wash them by hand and they can also be dry cleaned.



Shirt:Banana Republic
Skirt:White House Black Market
Shoes:Sam Edelman
Jewelry: Baublebar
Glasses: SEE Eyewear



Shirt: Caslon Nordstrom
Scarf: White House Black Market
Jeans: Kensie Nordstrom


aceshowbiz.com2013
Carolina Herrera: culturacolectiva.com

So when in doubt as to what to wear with "anything"  try a button down shirt, be it a casual or dressy piece. One day at a time! Karen.


Monday, August 31, 2015

The Last Word by Karen

Formal Wedding Attire

I was invited to attend the wedding of a very accomplished young man who was once a student intern. It was a pleasure to attend and be witness to the promise of young love and all of its possibilities. The wedding was formal per the invitation and since I like to dress appropriately, I wore formal attire.



Shoes: Sam Edelman
Jewelry: Bauble Bar & Jared
Glasses:Prada
Purse: Vintage 





I love it when I go to an all white party and all the guest have complied. Invitations with dress
suggestions are often hard for people. What do you do when you don't have all white, or formal gear and don't want to or can't buy an outfit befitting the occasion?

Per the Huffington post article on Wedding Etiquette: The Do's and Dont's of Being a Guest you should dress as the style of the invitation suggests. Emily Post says the proper wedding attire for a formal wedding is a cocktail or dressy afternoon dress for daytime. For evening a long evening dress or dressy cocktail dress; gloves optional. So again, if you don't have a dressy cocktail dress what do you do? I say you can't go wrong with a black dress, add some interesting jewelry and black strappy shoes/sandals.


One day at a time!

Karen

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

The Last Word by Karen

Earring Jackets, Cuffs , Crawlers and Doubles
Ear Art
Earrings and cuff from Baublebar

     I have several pairs of earring jackets that I inherited from my mother.They are gold and elegant yet simple, a far cry from the more edgy jackets and cuffs we wear today. In the 70's earring jackets were worn with the jacket appearing on the front of the ear lobe and were a way to "dress up" diamond earring studs.  Today we wear the earring jacket on the back side of the ear lobe giving it a much different look. Doubles, where there are two decorative sides to the earring front and back, are becoming more prevalent.  The trendy new earring jackets, are not my mothers jackets.

Old School vs New School:  Top row my mothers earring jackets from the late 70's early 80's Bottom row new trend.
     

I have seen many women in the media working the new versions of earrings but not many women of a particular age or those who dress conservatively.  I am a fan and have several pairs of jackets, doubles, crawlers and cuffs.

photo source


My daughter Kristin wearing doubles purchased from a gift shop in Dover, Ohio.


photo source


Try a pair of one or all four styles, experiment.  If you have old jackets wear them the trendy way with the jacket on the back of the ear. They add interest to your accessories and  are works of art!





1. House of Harlow 1960 Goldstone Warrior Ear Jacket
2. Cuffs with Lips Betsey Johnson 
3.Vince Camuto Silver Tone Pave Stud and Spike Ear Jackets
4.Betsey Johnson Something New Flower Ear Cuff
5. Nadri Pave Ear Crawlers
6. Rental Jules Smith Camden Ear Jacket
7.Shaun Leane Silver Talon Earrings
8.Assad Mounser Neon spike crystal pave
Ear crawler from Nordstrom

One day at a time!

Karen

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Style Crush




Hello! It's Kristin! We have not posted as consistently as we should, again our sincerest apologies. There hasn't been a 'Style Crush' since May. I am happy to bring our readers a new crush. This 'Style Crush' is very special because she is the woman who brought me into this world. She is brilliant. She still never lets me get away with bad grammar. She is beautiful and I am happy to share her genes. She is the bravest person I know. She has battled and beat cancer twice. The last battle ended earlier this year. She is a survivor. She is a leader. She is my mommy! I am proud to know her and be a part of her life. She has taught me so much about life and style. She is the reason I am the fashionista I am today. She is thorough in life and in style. Her attention to detail is impeccable. She has shown me the importance of accessories and looking the part. Her style was even referenced in her Citation of Recognition when she retired this year. This post also comes just days before her 59th birthday this Sunday. Wish her Happy Birthday with me, but first enjoy this special edition 'Style Crush'. Happy Birthday Mommy!

Karen Nolan-Mitchell. 59.Columbus OH.Retired

My take on fashion...

I believe that everyone has a sense of style whether or not others consider their style good or bad.  I grew up in the sixties when everyone dressed and dressed appropriately.  I never saw my mom in a pair of jeans until I was a senior in college.  

I always tried to not look like everyone else.  In High School I embroidered my jeans with my horoscope sign, symbols and other things.  When friends asked me to do their jeans I did, but I stopped wearing mine.  

I have always like color but I prefer to wear black and white.  I wear whatever I feel comfortable in and I mix trends with classics.




Where I have been...

Going to an HBCU in Atlanta, Clark Atlanta University, was a cultural experience for me coming from Columbus, Ohio.  I have never seen so many beautiful black folk!


I lived in Florida for 12 years.  I was flabbergasted the first time I saw people in the grocery store in swim wear! I now reside in my home town, Columbus.  I had two beautiful girls, with my first husband,  I'm now remarried to a wonderful man. 

I have fought and won two battles with cancer.  Obviously there is something else I am supposed to do.

 



I am passionate about...

I am passionate about family and art. In my next life I am going to be an art dealer!

 




You can find me...

I have two favorite places, my home and Easton Mall. At home I find peace and love. Easton Mall provides a feast for the senses,lots of color, diversity and good food . And let's not forget , at the Mall I can buy beautiful clothing and accessories.






If you or someone you know would like to be featured as our next Style Crush, please contact us at: christinakristin1@yahoo.com

Until Next Time,
Be Blessed! Be Free! Be Fashionable!

Kris,

Mom's Citation of Recognition from City of Columbus