The Midlife Fashionista: Boston style blogger

Winery style

I live near a winery...I mean does life get any more perfect?
Right down the street from our new home is a fabulous little vineyard called Willow Springs which is just lovely for taking photos.

This olive dress is perfect for a summer day or to easily transition to fall with the addition of a jacket and booties. It's great for wine tasting too! I found it in the Marshall's clearance section, but here are some other styles that I think you'll like HERE HERE and HERE

Similar neutral shoes HERE HERE and HERE look great with this color dress.

My camo bag was purchased at Uncommon Closet, which raises money for Uncommon Threads (by the way we are now on Instagram--hope you'll like us!). More camo bag options HERE HERE and HERE.

Hey my dress matches the grapes--totally unplanned by the way!

Cheers!

XO Susan

Hair by Robert Jason Salon

Photos by Chantal Kellerd

Links in this post may generate a very small commission. But rest assured that I only post what I love. Promise!

Tuesday, August 21, 2018
6 Comments

Embroidered dress

Boston style blogger

Oh those summer days when it's SO hot, humid and sticky!

Yuck!

It's been like a jungle here in Boston for weeks on end so I've been living in cool summer dresses. The less material next to my skin, the better!

I picked up this cute little embroidered dress at TJ's last month and although I scoured the internet to find it for you, the best I can do is to provide you with a similar style HERE (more at the bottom of the page too!).

I feel SO lucky that my new home has a community pool.

Although I can't really swim (random fact you might not know about me), I do love lounging poolside! If I'm feeling brave, I'll throw on a suit and do a bit of wading.

I love an easy breezy dress like this one because you always look cool and fresh, even though you may be roasting!

Scroll through my accessories below. On hot days I don't wear a ton of jewelry--it's just too sticky!

Here are some other dress ideas for you.

Thanks for stopping by! Stay cool!

XO Susan

Hair by Robert Jason Salon

Photos by Annie Rae's Photography

Links in this post may generate a small commission, but I only post what I love. Promise!

Monday, August 06, 2018
2 Comments

Chico's How Bold Are You

ageless

I'm on the train coming home from NYC as I write.

The past few days have felt like a wonderful dream.

And I have Chico's to thank.

Chico's #HowBoldAreYou campaign is so much more than clothes! It's about promoting women's empowerment at ANY age. Their message to women is to grow bolder with age, push limits and defy stereotypes.

We can be anything and do anything.

For age should have no limits.

I'm a prime example of this.

56 here. I'm doing things that I never would have attempted in my younger years. The older I get, the stronger I am and the bolder I become.

I want to share my "How Bold Are You" experience.

Here are the highlights:

The women

I follow these beautiful and inspiring women on social media, but meeting them was such a gift. They are all truly lovely inside and out...and yes, they are BOLD!

My dear friend Catherine Grace O'Connell, is the founder of Forever Fierce Revolution and poster woman for what it means to be BOLD and STRONG! I adore her passion for helping women--she has a huge heart.

Because of the snowstorm in Boston, my train was canceled. And as a result I had the chance to meet up with some of the most incredible bloggers who are all doing bold things in their 40's, 50's and 60's.

The company

Talk about bold! Chico's has shaken things up in a big way by promoting and empowering women who are midlife and beyond. Age is just a number and Chico's is a leader in setting the stage by showing the "over 40 woman" in a positive and powerful way.

The event

It all started at Joe's Pub for the #HowBoldAreYou launch party. I knew this would be fun, but I had NO idea of what the night would hold for me.

Red carpet treatment

On arrival at Joe's Pub, we were greeted by the press. The bloggers were photographed together, then separately (GULP). I could feel my anxiety rising as I was asked to step in front of what felt like 100 cameras. Was my hair ok? What if I looked goofy? What if I had a panic attack and froze up? But the words "be bold" were stuck in my head. Even if I wasn't feeling very confident, I think I looked like I was (fake it 'til you make it!).

The celebrity line-up

Lesley Jane Seymour (MC)

Tracee Ellis Ross (spoke about self-love)

Molly Ringwald (sang--she's amazing)
And yes I met all of them!

My photos were on the press release and look who I'm next to (Molly!) OMG.

But what's with that awkward leg pose (middle left)???

Dinner

SURPRISE!

We were escorted to our tables...I had number 7.

But how could that be? Table 7 was occupied by Adam Glassman, Tracee Ellis Ross, Lesley Jane Seymour, Chico's own Shelagh Stoneham (Senior VP of Marketing) and Diane Ellis (Brand President) and Andrew Bailey. Me, seated here? There must have been a mistake! I asked the hostess to check, but she assured me that I was at the right place. BIG GULP. Negative messages flooding my brain...

I don't belong here.

What will I say?

I won't fit in.

What if no one talks with me?

Negative self-talk can be brutal.

But I pushed myself. I sat down and started up a conversation.

Then I made a VERY BOLD move.

I got up, walked to the other end of the table and introduced myself to Adam Glassman and Tracee Ellis Ross and told them all about Uncommon Threads (the non-profit I started). I mean style and empowering women---it's right up their alley!

I have no idea what came out of my mouth. I may have blubbered, but I don't think so. And I have to say that it felt WONDERFUL being bold! Stepping out of your comfort zone is a fabulous thing and it's truly

the only way to counteract that critical voice. Just do it!

I think I did good. I passed out my cards, talked for a bit, and then sat down feeling very proud of myself.

I reversed the negativity.

I DO fit in.

I'm smart.

I'm interesting.

I'm fun.

I'm accomplished.

I'm worth knowing.

And yes, Tracee and I have the same earrings on!

Thank you Chico's for empowering ME! I'm so honored to be a part of this wonderful campaign.

My Outfit:

Chico's girlfriend denim jacket I love the unfinished hem!

Chico's Travelers dress I need 10 of these--amazing fit and no wrinkles!

Chico's Clara Chandelier Earrings --these are clips but super comfy and a nice change from heavy pierced earrings.

Taryn Rose ankle boots -on sale and amazingly comfy

Embroidered clutch

Travel outfit in first photo (can't say enough good things)

BE BOLD!
XO Susan

The Chico's outfit was gifted but I only post what I love. PROMISE!

BIG thank you to Robert Jason Salon for coming in to trim my hair during a power outage. They are truly the best!
(Go Helen!)

Wednesday, March 14, 2018
20 Comments

Camo scarf and OTBT sneaks

ageless style

This super easy outfit is perfect for shopping, city strolls, or a

casual day.

I photographed this look in Newburyport, MA--one of my favorite places to poke around. However, after Raeann and I took several photos, we realized that I was still wearing a wrist key to my room at The Essex Street Inn! So the bright red bracelet you see in some of these photos, really isn't an accessory!

I'm wearing Paige high waisted jeans (SO comfy!) with a loose knit sweater, similar here and here (50% off), and a fabulous camo print scarf that really pulls the outfit together. Very similar scarf HERE and under $20!!

These Normcore sneakers from OTBT are the BEST!

I love the subtle metallic color that goes with everything, and the thick sole provides amazing comfort! Use code MIDLIFEFASHIONISTA for 10% off!

Now you see the red key on my wrist.

And now you don't!

Keeping things casual with an olive green bucket bag (love this one too!) and a leather wrap bracelet. Almost the exact same bracelet HERE for $13--love it when this happens!

I'll be SO happy when the weather is a bit warmer!
Another major storm is coming our way tomorrow. Oiy.

XO Susan

Photos by Annie Raes Photography

Hair by Robert Jason Salon

The OTBT sneakers were gifted and some links in this blog may generate a small commission. However the content of my posts are based on my own honest opinions and are not in any way influenced by partnerships. I ONLY post what I love--promise!

Monday, March 12, 2018
2 Comments

A night at the Essex Street Inn

ageless style

Sometimes you just need to escape--and the best places to go can be right in your own backyard! I recently visited the lovely Essex Street Inn, located in the charming seaport town of Newburyport, MA (only 25 minutes away from where I live). This quaint family owned inn is right in the center of town--it's so convenient to shopping, eateries and beautiful places to walk From ocean strolls to hikes in the woods, there is something for everyone!

Essex Street Inn has three beautiful buildings--all with unique rooms (some even have a kitchen!). And then there's the room with a rooftop view of Newburyport...stunning!

SO "New England" right?

So here I am ---can't wait for a short "get-away".

I admit that I'm an "over-packer", but I was pretty proud of myself for bringing just ONE suitcase!

First stop, "check-in".

The inn has the cutest little nooks to take a break for "what else" but checking Instagram and emails....the story of my life!

And ok, one quick phone call.

Outfit details:

Paige high waisted jeans (super soft and comfy!)

Military inspired jacket --similar and and on sale for a GREAT price!

Cashmere scarf in basic black (a staple!)

Ray Ban foldable sunnies

Fabulous Bos & Co patent leather combat boots keep my feet warm and dry and are perfect for walking.

Time to head up to my room to relax!

First things first.

1. Throw on a cozy robe (this one is from Helen Thomas).

2. Find a comfy chair

3. Curl up by the fire

4. Grab a cup of tea

5. Relax and read a good book!

I can't tell you the last time I felt so relaxed.

And lucky me! My room had a jacuzzi!

Wine and candles, check.

Now this is the life!

After a fabulous night's sleep, I'm ready to explore Newburyport. The inn offers drinks and snacks and a wonderful light breakfast to start off the day.

Caffeine before I can function properly.

Bonavista sweatshirt from Soft Surroundings (on sale!).

General Manager Alexander couldn't be more accommodating.

He's fabulous!

In addition to 37 unique guest rooms, the inn also offers wedding accommodations (perfect for the bridal party!) as well as meeting space. We are talking about hosting an Uncommon Threads event here!

Having time to myself is such a luxury. I need to do this again soon. It's good for the soul!

Lots of outfits coming your way photographed at the lovely Essex Street Inn so stay tuned! Thank you to The Essex Street Inn for sponsoring this blog--I had a wonderful time!

XO Susan

Photos by Annie Raes Photography

Hair by Robert Jason Salon

Some links in this blog may generate a small commission. However the content of my posts are based on my own honest opinions and are not in any way influenced by partnerships. I only post what I love--promise!

Wednesday, March 07, 2018
4 Comments

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