Dressing Our Age

Here is a terrific article in More Magazine about the twenty reasons it's so great to be dressing at our age.

My top 3 reasons...
1.  "Rocking an Old Trend"
2.  "Wear What You Want"
3.  "Ditch the Matched Sets"

National Umbrella Month

Did you know it's National Umbrella Month? I am more of a hood on my raincoat kind of person, but when I found out umbrellas had their own month I decided to do a bit of research.

First of all you can rent umbrellas for events...who knew? Bella Umbrella has a wonderful collection, especially for weddings. 

And there are quite a few websites about umbrellas...

Victorias Past tells a bit about how they became a fashion status for the rich. I love the part about how the locals carried colanders on broomstick to mimic the first umbrella fashionista.

Umbrellas.net carries designer umbrellas. 

There are even Armani umbrellas at European-Umbrellas. You also can find out more history and how they are made and the proper way to fold them up!

Ever wonder about the difference between an umbrella and parasol? Umbrellas are for rain and Parasols are for shade against the sun.

Fashion Question - If You Remember Flowered Pants the First Time They Were Popular, Are You Too Old For Them Now?

I remember patterned capris from the 60s.(The flowered pants in the picture are from Anthropologie) I thought patterned pants were fabulous then, not so sure now. What do you think? Are flowered capris stylish for baby boomers?

Spring Fabulous at Every Age

Harper's Bazaar has a terrific selection of Spring outfits for every age, including the suggestion of pink worn with gold for the 50s.

Fashion on the Amazon

Many years ago I traveled up the Amazon on a small fishing boat. (Think African Queen) It was kind of rough and hot. But I was younger and was photographing so was very happy. The Amazon is stunning. So beautiful. I also caught a piraña and the cook on the boat cooked it for my dinner. They are very boney!) Next time I want to cruise the Amazon in style. Cond´e Nast Traveler has a terrific article about Spring Fashions in the Amazon.

Ageless Style

I love this combination. I am seeing a lot of colored jeans and capris for this Spring and Summer. I wondered if I was too old. Then I saw this picture of  55 year old Inés de La Fressange. Easy Living magazine has a slide show of ageless style icons.

How to be Comfortable in High Heels

I still love wearing high heels but have zero tolerance for shoes that hurt. Ladies Home Journal has some good tips for making high heels more bareable. My favorite tip... Foot Petals cushions.

New Eyeglasses

Well, it's finally happened...I can no longer get by on $19.99 reading glasses. Tomorrow I have an appointment with an optometrist. If I am going to be making an investment in eyeglasses, I want not only to be able to see better...I want cute. Here are some suggestions from O...

Spring Color - Pistachio

According to InStyle Magazine it looks like the color Pistachio is going to be big this Spring, including this great top from J. Crew...more...

Lonny Magazine

Do you know Lonny Magazine? It is absolutely eye candy and full of decorating and fashion inspiration. You can see the latest complete issue here...

Vanity Fair's 2012 International Best Dressed List

Princess Kate leads off Vanity Fair's best dressed list for 2012. I love this turquoise dress with the sheer cap sleeves and the delicate belt. (Gown by Jenny Packman)

Vanity Fair's list also includes...
Actress Jessica Chastain (Her dress was my favorite at the academy awards.)
Alicia Keys (musician)
Matt Lauer (co-anchor the Today Shoe)
What???? No Michelle Obama?

more...

Upcycled and Recycled Jewelry

I love it when creative people recycle old things to make fabulous new items. Julia Vasic makes beautiful jewelry from discarded t-shirts and recycled metals. She also donates a portion of each purchase to the Endangered Species Coalition.

"Fashion is change and reinvention. Sustainability is just the next step.  Break the rhythm of fashion. March to a new drum."

Wish I had the shoulders and arms (and waist and hips and neck) to wear this Dior outfit. I love the 50s retro feel. I'm not totally sure I like the pops of red...what do you think?

For more "best dressed" celebrities from this week go to Harper's Bazaar.

THE BEST OF FALL 2012 COUTURE

The most glamorous 2012 fashions from Paris runways.

Still Talking About Kate's Red Dress

Did you know the Kate's Diamond Jubilee dress was designed by Alexander McQueen. The original was part of the pre-fall 2011 collection. And yes I'm still talking about her red dress. I thought she looked fabulous. So glad she didn't wear that black belt.

The Best Summer Dresses for Your Body.

Looking for a great summer dress? The Good Housekeeping site has suggestions for the best dresses for your shape.

Michelle Obama Hosts G8 First Spouses

Love this picture. More pictures of the FLOTUS showing G8 spouses around the white house. I love our first lady's purple dress with the flared skirt.

Best How to Tie a Scarf Video Ever! From Eileen Fisher

What They Wore to the Correspondents Dinner

Lots of glamour on the red carpet at the Correspondents Dinner.

25 ways to wear a scarf

I just couldn’t resist this cute young woman showing us 25 MORE ways to wear a scarf. I must say that we at COFFEE ON THE PATIO have certainly improved our style quotient since seeing all the ways our scarves may be tied. Fancy! Now we know what to do with those gorgeous scarves we received during the holidays. Megan