Spring Colors: Snorkel Blue, Flash Green and Iced Coffee

March 29, 2016 by Amy Christensen in Dressing After 50, Layering, organization, Spring Colors, Women's Fashion

This week's color palate includes my attempts at Pantone's Snorkel Blue, Green Flash and Iced Coffee. I've noticed that Iced Coffee keeps showing up and I am thinking that color is like a good cup of coffee, great to have anytime and anywhere! You will see in these photos some of my pieces have been reused like the black chunky heel flats and the Lilac Gray bag.

My version of Green Flash really does not do the color justice. The color is much more vibrant than the top that I have on. That being said, I think the outfit would be better with a brighter version of that green.

I styled the outfit two different ways, so you could see a variation on a similar theme. The first outfit is styled with black crop pants that have a bit of a lacy texture to them. I like this look and would wear something like this to work. The lightweight leopard print scarf has an Ice Coffee background with black spots pulling in the black of the pants. For added depth and fun, I added a few green beaded necklaces over the scarf.

In the second look I removed the scarf and green necklaces and put on a silver and blue necklace as well as swapping the crop pants for a pair of floral Palazzo pants. I am not as fond of this particular look as it makes my hips and legs look wider. I love Palazzo pants as they are so comfy and fun, but you really do need to find a look that works for you. After viewing these photos I decided I am going to do a post or a series of posts, just on Palazzo pants, so we can figure out what works and what doesn't.

Hope you enjoyed this week's fashion post and that you are inspired to see what you have in your closet that might make an outfit using some of Pantone's Spring colors. Next week, I'll continue my Spring color line up.

Read on for this week's Closet Clean Out Tip.

Find the Look:

Jacket Ideas - Khol's $44, Macy's $79.50

Top Ideas - Chico's $79.50, Macy's $69.50

Black Pants - Saks Off 5th $99.99, Khol's $36

Palazzo Pants - JCPenney $34, Kohl's $36

Shoe Ideas - Kohl's $65, DSW $49.95

Scarf Ideas - Kohl's $20, Etsy $38

Necklace Idea - Kohl's $18, Etsy $17

Closet Clean Out - Tip 5: Accessories

I love accesories! Necklaces, bracelets, scarves....you name it, I love it and enjoy wearing it. What I don't enjoy is trying to figure out what to do with it all. As with all my Closet Clean Out Tips, it is important to go through your accessories and purge. Are you ever really going to wear that black scarf? What about that necklace you got at Disney World back in 1983? Or what about that charm bracelet you have had since high school? If a piece has sentimental value, then by all means hang onto it, but unless is has some sort of value, or it is something you love and actually wear, you can probably let it go!

I am going to show you a few of my own organizing "tricks". These are simple and cheap!

This is a simple, adhesive hook. There are tons of these available at Walmart and other stores. Here is one example. These hooks are easy to apply and remove and they hold quite a bit of weight as you can see from the following picture. These hooks can be applied anywhere. These three are on a book case right next to my dresser, but I have three more in my closet on the wall.

Yes! I have too much jewelry and I am due for a purge! Ha, ha.

This is a simple plastic hanger, but with a little tying ingenuity it becomes....

A scarf hanger! I use this for my infinity scarves, but you could take any other type of scarf and hang it by tying it onto the hanger. Some of my scarves I fold an put in a storage cubicle like this one and then set it on a shelf in my closet.

There are plenty of other options for storage of jewelry such as tiered trays, hanging organizers, and organizers you can slip into drawers.

I hope that gives you inspiration for organizing some of your accessories. Next week we'll focus on shoes and bags! Have a lovely Tuesday!

Check Out this Blogger's site: She is looking for other "Over 50" bloggers to collaborate with. She will choose and feature 50 bloggers to start with, and maybe more later. Just click on her link if you are interested.

Today I linked up with Catherine at Not Dressed As Lamb and Jess from Elegantly Dressed and Stylish. Be sure to check out their blogs.

Spring Colors: Rose Quartz, Serenity and Iced Coffee

March 22, 2016 by Amy Christensen in Layering, organization, Shopping, Spring Colors, Women's Fashion

Today I am stylin' rose quartz, serenity and iced coffee. My color palate is usually darker or brighter colors, but for the sake of showing off the Pantone color line, I paired this rose quartz blouse with a leopard print skirt. You might say the skirt whispers the iced coffee in its spots. I then added gold jewelry with just a hint of serenity in the form of bracelets and a necklace. The simple clutch is charcoal gray with gold trim.

Photo Credit: Rebecca Trumbull, Makeup by Rachel Christensen

I like the clean look of black hose and black pumps with this outfit. It makes the outfit perfect for a night out with my hubby, a spring wedding or Easter morning church service.

Find the Look:

Top Ideas - Kohl's $30, Loft $59.50

Skirt Ideas - Macy's $49.50, Kohl's $36

Clutch Ideas - Kohl's $40, Lord & Taylor $48

Shoe Ideas - Kohl's $54.99, DSW $29.95

Jewelry Ideas - Kohl's Necklace $28, Etsy Bracelet $15

I hope you enjoyed viewing this outfit. If you follow me on a regular basis, I would love for you to show me your Spring outfit ideas. Find a light pink top in your closet and pair it with those crop pants you just picked up at the store. I'd love it if you picked colors from Pantone's Spring color line up, but any Spring outfit would be fine. Send me a pic on Facebook, or to my email and if I get a few pictures I'll post them on the Sylin' Granny Mama Facebook page.

Now for our next Closet Clean Out Tip.

Closet Clean Out - Tip 4 - Pants:

You might feel that I am being repetitive, but that is because I am. A huge part of cleaning is organizing. If you already have a system in place then you may not need much incentive to get your closet in ship shape. But many of us, just need a plan. I have found, for me, the best plan involves organizing as I clean.

I have my pants separated by style. I keep my pants folded in a bureau of sorts, but you may hang yours. I put my skinny leg jeans together in one cubicle; my boot cut or straight leg jeans in another cubicle, and dress pants in a third cubicle. Several years ago, I went through all of my pants. I tried on every single pair and got rid of many that didn't fit, or that I had a, "What was I thinking," response when I looked in the mirror.

Jeans and slacks should compliment, not draw attention to. Now, the world of pop and movie stars may disagree, but an actual woman wants to look nice, put together and once in a while sexy. A good fit will either lift and define or skim, depending on the look you are going for. If you have pants in your closet that make your thighs look like bumpy sausages, then put them in the donation box. Work pants should be appropriate for your job. I can wear many things because I work at a university bookstore, but we do have a dress code. If I wear leggings I have to wear a top or tunic that covers my behind (which is the only way I will wear leggings). I am sorry ladies, but leggings that look like skin may be comfortable, but they are not appropriate out in public. Do you really want everyone to know every curve of your bootie, where nothing is left to the imagination? If you want to be comfy that's great, but at least consider wearing something that covers.

As you go through your pants think about, where will I wear these? How many pairs of boot cut, straight leg and skinny jeans do I need to have? How many pairs of dress pants do I need to own? Think about colors as well. Will you really wear all seven pairs of pink crop pants or would one or two be enough?

Believe me, ladies, I am preaching to the choir. I love to shop and I am continuously paring down my closet. My method to the madness is if I go shopping and buy four things, I try to get rid of four items in my closet. It doesn't have to be match for match, skirt for skirt, but no less than four items.

I hope these tips are helpful and that you are getting a great feeling of satisfaction as you clean and organize.

Next week, Spring Outfit Number 4 and more Closet Clean Out tips. Enjoy your Easter!

Spring Colors: Serenity, Buttercup and Iced Coffee

March 08, 2016 by Amy Christensen in Dressing After 50, Layering, Spring Colors, Women's Fashion, organization

Here we are! Ready for Spring! I just can't wait for warmer weather. While I am waiting I thought I would try on some of Pantone's Spring color choices.

My outfit this week emphasizes Serenity. It is the perfect name for this light blue that reminds us of warm, sunny days and gentle breezes.

The light denim button up (similar here) is very close to the Serenity hue. Once again, I am layering and put the top over a summer dress (see Lord and Taylor version) that feels like a tee shirt. Underneath I have a pair of leggings that hit just about mid calf. The leggings are close to Pantone's Snorkel Blue. The outfit would be great without the leggings too. I opted for leggings as I currently have bad varicose veins. The boots (similar from DSW) and clutch (similar here), as well as the belt (seen below) are as close as I could get to Iced Coffee with what was in my closet. My choices really have more of a carmel edge than the Pantone color, but you get the point.

For my accessories I chose the color Buttercup. The vibrant yellow pulls in the yellow on the dress and adds a pop of sunshine to the outfit (Etsy option). Below you can see it all put together!

My hubby liked this outfit! Which says a lot! It would be great with sandals or flip flops for a causal beach vibe as well.

I hope you enjoyed this week's post. Be sure to check in next week for another Pantone inspired Spring outfit! And keep reading for this week's Closet Clean Out tip!

Closet Clean Out - Tip 2 - Trim the Socks and Underwear

Have you ever noticed how full your sock and underwear drawer are? I have a drawer for socks and a drawer for underwear? Why? I mean I only wear one pair of socks per day and one pair of underwear. If I do laundry once a week that would mean I should potentially have seven pairs of socks and seven pairs of underwear. Heck, I could fit them all in the same drawer. But I don't! I have a whole drawer dedicated to socks and a whole drawer dedicated to underwear.

Okay, I get the need or let's say want, to have a variety of underwear. Casual, comfy, pretty, sexy, cotton, polyester blends, various colors, bikinis, boy cut, on and on the list goes, but a whole drawer? So let's trim down.

Dump out the underwear drawer and immediately discard anything with holes, fraying rubber, torn lace and so on. Next get rid of anything you cannot fit into, or that you do not deem comfortable enough to wear for more than a few hours. Of course it is okay to keep a few sexy items that might only stay on for a few minutes, but get your spouse/partner's input for what they like. The majority of us are wearing those items for them, not for ourselves. I know there are exceptions and many of you may like a lacy thong as your go to underwear. You decide what you want to keep....same rule as last week...try to get rid of ten items.

This goes for bras as well. Some of you girls collect bras like others collect purses or shoes. Do your self a favor, get rid of those ones you cannot wait to take off! If you have a little (or a lot) of excess weight like I do, buy a few new bras that have larger back straps that help smooth out and conceal bulges. Don't buy bras off the clearance racks unless you try them on. And don't be too proud to step up a size. For years I was a 36 B, now I get a 38 C, not because I am so much bigger in the cup, but because they fit better all the way around.

Once you have gotten rid of those items you no longer want, spend a few minutes deciding on a way to organize and keep your items looking neat and easily accessible. Bras really should be kept so the cups are out, not squashed together, which leads to wrinkles and pock marks in the cup area. A bra is supposed to make you look smooth, not like your boobs have indentations and bulges. Underwear is a little more versatile, so feel free to roll, fold, or toss, if that is your preferred method of organization.

Use the same method for your socks. Dump out your drawer and get rid of any socks with holes. If you have two pairs of sock that are exactly the same and only one pair has a hole, keep the one sock without holes for a replacement for the other pair when one of them gets worn. Sort through your styles and colors. Obviously in the winter you will want a few pairs of thicker boot socks. In the summer you may only use a few no-show socks and the rest of the time be in sandals. Also, think about the colors of socks you have. I usually pair my sock color with my pant color, so most of the socks I wear are blue, because I am a jeans kind of girl. I seriously do not know why I have so many other colored socks. Maybe I am saving them to make sock puppets with my Grandson! Seriously, get rid of what you don't use.

Here you will see a few links for organizers that look cool. Personally, I do not have anything in place yet, but I am hopeful that someday utopia will be reached in my home and I will be organized.

Next time we will talk about dresses and skirts! Stay tuned!

*All Photos By Rebecca Trumbull, Makeup By Rachel Christensen

Layers of Fun: The Outer Limits - Week 2

February 24, 2016 by Amy Christensen in Dressing After 50, Layering, Winter, Women's Fashion, Menswear inspired outfits

Here is the conclusion of my first photo shoot. Remember, I am not normally a photogenic person, so it took some gentle direction from my photographer daughter to help me know when to smile, when to walk, how to tilt my head and so on. I am a work in progress, a living, breathing testament to Philippians 1:6 - "...He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."

This is one of my favorite outfits. It was classy, but comfortable. A perfect outfit for my job as an assistant manager at local university bookstore. I paired the tunic and narrow leg trousers, both from Christopher and Banks (see similar pants here). The tunic is no longer available. The vest and shoes were thrift store finds. The vest gives the outfit an edgy vibe and the shoes shout menswear oxfords. The necklace was probably clearance at Kohl's (bought a few years ago).

I like this outfit too. I am most comfortable in jeans and these skinnies are easy to slip into my taller boots. As I said from last week's post, I am not real fond of the vest worn by itself as the pattern tends to widen my already wide middle. But putting it under the fitted jacket works. The raspberry shirt adds a pop of color. Now if I could just find my horse!

Thanks for checking out this week's fashion post. Next week (and month) we'll be looking at Pantone's Spring colors and I'll be searching my closet for outfits that work the color scheme. We will also be doing a "closet clean out" with tips for slimming down our bulging closets. I hope you will join me.

Layers of Fun: the Outer Limits - Week 1

February 23, 2016 by Amy Christensen in Dressing After 50, Layering, Winter, Women's Fashion

We finally got to the outer layers. Outer layers can include jackets, sweaters, vests, and coats. Follow those with other accessories such as jewelry, scarves, bags and shoes. The pictures below show you some of my final outfits. I did not focus on coats, other outer wear, or bags as we will focus on those in a different post at a later time.

You can see with the above outfit I added a sweater, skinny belt to give me a waist and a scarf. Even though it is print on print the scarf pulls together the black in the shirt and pants as well as the raspberry color of the sweater. The ensemble is completed with a pair of heels.

All the pieces in this outfit except the necklace were thrift store finds. The fun necklace was from H & M a few years ago. As my blog evolves, I hope to be more tech savvy and give you links to possible similar outfit pieces. Right now I am still learning. Thanks for being patient.

Tomorrow I will post Outer Limits: Week 2, as we will be starting a Spring theme next week. Be sure to check out my last two outfits from our first photo shoot tomorrow, then put next Tuesday on your calendar for Spring colors and tips for weeding out your closet. Until next time, keep stylin'!

Layers of Fun: Middle Earth

February 16, 2016 by Amy Christensen in Layering, Women's Fashion, Dressing After 50

We talked about our foundational layers in last week's post which you can see by scrolling down to the bottom of the page. This week we'll look at a few images of clothing that can be worn over the bedrock or under layers. A lighter weight option is a simple button up shirt. The gingham choice is a looser fit, whereas the other is fitted.

Another option is a lighter weight turtleneck sweater. This black, thrift store find is made of silk. Wearing this with black leggings makes me look sleek, but I would not be caught dead in a pair of leggings without a tunic or dress that covers my behind, so I top the turtleneck and leggings with another thrift store find, the leopard print dress.

Other middle earth layers can include tunics and vests as seen below. I do not like the way the vest makes me look heavier, but when you see it under the jacket I chose for next week's post you'll see why it works.

Finally, we need to have a few bottoms. Slacks, leggings (as seen above) or narrow leg trousers are just a few of the options available to cover our lower selves when the weather is cold. I love to dress in skirts as well, and we'll talk more about those in a future post.

Thanks for peeking in as I learn more about how to dress myself for a stylin' granny mama look.

Next week, the Outer Limits!

*All Photos By Rebecca Trumbull, Makeup By Rachel Christensen

Layers of Fun: Bedrock

February 09, 2016 by Amy Christensen in Women's Fashion, Layering, Mid-west, Winter, Menopause

Since it is still winter in the midwest, I thought it would be beneficial to start our fashion walk with layers. I am a layer fanatic and I will give my daughters Rebecca and Rachel the credit for teaching me about layering and all things fashion. What is more fun that being able to wear as many of your clothes as you can at one time, and still look fashionable?

In today's post we'll start with the under layer or what I call the bedrock. This is your foundational layer. This layer should lay close to your skin. This will include your underwear. Now what sort of underwear you wear is entirely up to you. This blog is meant to help you feel comfortable and fashionable in things you are already used to wearing. If you wear cotton panties, by all means keep wearing them. If you wear a thong, you go girl! There are so many options out there and you are in charge of you. In addition to your underwear you can also consider hose, tights or leggings as well as slips and shape wear part of the bedrock.

After we have all our under layers on, we can think about actual clothing. I usually wear a tank top, but any type of cami or even a thin tee shirt will do. What you wear, might be determined by how you wear it. If you are layering a button up blouse over a long sleeve tee and want to coordinate the pattern on the blouse with the color of your tee then you might be wearing a crew neck. Maybe you are looking for simple practicality and just want to be warm, then a cami or tank top that doesn't show is appropriate.

The real trick to the bedrock is layers without bulk. If your under layer is too thick or covered in buttons or embroidery, etc. the over layers may look wrinkly, or, God forbid, make you look heavier. So always think layers without lumps. Think of layer cake. A beautiful cake will have frosting free of crumbs or blobs of unnecessary decoration. As we dress, we want to appear smooth, light and beautiful.

Obviously layering is not for everyone. I am a post menopausal woman and while I still have micro hot flashes I was one of the fortunate women who flew through the change easily; that's not true for everyone. My mother-in-law was thrown into menopause after having a hysterectomy and likens her hot flashes to panic attacks with your skin on fire. During that stage of her life she would not be found in the amount of layers I am used to wearing in the winter. If you are in the throes of the change then layering can be as simple as a short sleeve blouse under a cardigan. That way, when you are flashing you can take the cardi off and still look polished. No sweat! (Pardon my unforgivable pun!)

Next week we'll explore Middle Earth!