The Midlife Fashionista

New Year's outfit with a twist

With 2016 right around the corner, I'm thinking New Year's Eve outfits! If you are looking for something different to wear to a party, check out this spectacular skirt from C/MEO Collective sold at La Mia Moda Boutique in Andover, MA.

Like most women my age, I struggle with the mid-section. Clingy skirts can be difficult for me to wear, yet this skirt is super flattering because of the high waist and the heavy weight of the fabric. It literally sucks you in and keeps everything in place!

I love the movement of the fringe when I walk!

We shot this set at Gianni Interiors in North Andover, MA.

This beautiful model bedroom was the perfect spot to stage "getting ready".

I wish my bedroom looked this good!

I paired the skirt with a simple cream silk blouse (similar here) and a few long strands of pearls.

Ring is by David Yurman (one of my treasured pieces).

Why do so many of my shoots include alcohol? Don't answer that one!

Although fringe is a trend this season, I have a feeling this skirt will be in style for years to come.

It's different, but not one of those "fly by night" designs. I call it "classic with a twist!"

I felt like this outfit called for a "solid" shoe to balance out the weight of the skirt. Here I'm wearing a wedge pump, which is very comfortable. Check out these Bandolinos for under $65 in comparison to a similar Lanvin wedge pumps at $595.00! If you decide to go with a "bare leg" as I have, try this leg bronzer by Caudalie--it's fabulous.

For my bag, I chose a simple black clutch with a silver edging.

The goal was to keep to the black and cream theme going which is super elegant.

2015 was a tough year (another blog) and I am so ready to ring in the New Year.

Cheers to 2016!

Thanks to my photographer Cathleen Trainor, the best friend a girl could have!

Also thanks to La Mia Moda Boutique for the beautiful skirt and Gianna Interiors for providing the stunning space to shoot.

Are you ready to update your wardrobe?

I do distance coaching too!

www.agreatnewlook.com

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Disclosure:
Affilianate links in this post may generate a small commission. However, the content of my posts are based on my own honest opinions and are not influenced by partnerships.

Sunday, December 27, 2015
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What I wore on Christmas Eve

Bittersweet Designs

For the past 30+ years, it's been my tradition to host a Christmas Eve party. It's always a mix of old friends, new friends and family--whoever is around is always welcome. We eat and drink all night and at some point the guys congregate to the family room and the girls sit

and gab in the dining room. Funny how that happens!

This year, "mother nature" gave me a huge present---70 degree weather!

As I get older, I have less toleration for the winter. I dislike the snow more and more every year and absolutely despise being cold. Last night, it was so warm in my house we had to turn on the air conditioning. Yes!!

Because it was so warm, I chose to wear a sleeveless chocolate brown leather dress. I haven't worn it in quite a while and actually wasn't sure if it would fit (I've got the menopause middle thing going on). But with the "sucking in" power of a good shaper, I was able to get it zipped! I paired the dress with a fabulous chunky pearl necklace from Bittersweet Designs (love their jewelry!) and black suede pumps.

Here are some of my soul sisters who are all Christmas Eve "regulars"--from left to right Betsy (sitting), me, Fran, Cathy (my photographer!), Diane and sitting in the front right is Dayanne Danier who is a fashion designer. Her gorgeous line is Bien Abye.

Wishing you a very beautiful Christmas Day filled with love and laughter.

XO Susan

Are you ready to update your wardrobe?

I do distance coaching too!

www.agreatnewlook.com

For more style inspiration follow me on:

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Thank you to Bittersweet Designs for providing the beautiful necklace.

Disclosure:
Affilianate links in this post may generate a small commission. However, the content of my posts are based on my own honest opinions and are not influenced by partnerships.

Friday, December 25, 2015
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Holiday heatwave outfits

Christmas Eve outfit

Who would have "thunk" it....70 degrees on Christmas Eve in New England? The high temps are definitely causing me to re-think the outfit I had originally chosen for our house party---a sweater dress and high boots. Forget it---I'll roast! Here are some ideas for lightweight party outfits that will work for this crazy holiday weather. Click on photos for details.

A silk blouse is a much cooler alternative to a sweater. Depending on how dressy your event is, pair with black jeans or black pants...even denim will work!

A short sleeve dress--go with a simple black number or dress things up with lace. Animal print always adds sophistication.

Want to really add pizzaz? Major bling will do it!

Or wear simple accessories for a more low-key look--but add a little bling, after all it is Christmas Eve!

Finish your outfit with flats or heels.

And a clutch!

This weather is just too warm for a winter coat. A wrap or cape is perfect to wear inside or out. A leather jacket is also a lightweight alternative that will add a little "edge" to your outfit.

What are you wearing tonight? I'll be posting my outfit later on as soon as I figure it out. Off to cook now. I'm hosting 30+ people tonight!

Merry Christmas to everyone!

XO Susan

Are you ready to update your wardrobe?

I do distance coaching too!

www.agreatnewlook.com

For more style inspiration follow me on:

Thursday, December 24, 2015
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Fringe benefits

fringe

Fringe is one of this season's hottest trends. Although it's been around forever (remember the hippie days?--ok maybe I'm dating myself here) it's back in a big way. There are so many ways to wear fringe. You can go bold and daring with lots of long heavy fringe or if you're like me, you prefer a more understated look. But however you wear it, fringe is fun, cool and hip! Here are some of my favorite looks (click on the links for details).

Tweed and fringe sweater

If you prefer other ways to wear fringe...

Fringe bag

Fringe boots

Or even a fringe necklace

So think "strands" and put a little fringe into your wardrobe!

XO Susan

A gift certificate for my services makes a unique & special holiday gift.

I do distance coaching too!

www.agreatnewlook.com

For more style inspiration follow me on:

Tuesday, December 22, 2015
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The leg dilemma

black hosiery

So you're going to a holiday party and you have a fabulous dress, but what do you wear on your legs? I get this question all the time so here's my advice.

If you don't mind running from the car to your party without anything on your legs, I happen to love the bare leg look. Of course this time of the year our legs may need a bit of color, so I recommend a bronzer with a little sheen like Caudalie Divine Legs. I love this lotion that conveniently dispenses in a pump bottle. It does go on dark so I mix it with my favorite body lotion, which happens to be Amazing Grace by Philosophy This way I get more control with the color, a nice scent and lots of hydration.

Be sure to wash your hands well after applying!

If you are uncomfortable with your legs due to veins or other concerns, try a leg make-up such as Dermablend This incredible hydrating formula covers stretch marks, veins, tattoos and more.

It comes in a variety of shades and is suitable for sensitive skin. Many of my clients swear by it.

If going bare-leg isn't your thing, no worries! Hosiery is perfectly acceptable as long as it's super sheer and as close to your natural skin tone as possible. You don't want it to look like your'e wearing anything! Here are some of my favorite lines.

Donna Karan--the nudes --toe-less for open toe shoes and control top!

Wolford control top sheer

Wolford is known for their sheer hosiery with beautiful shape and control.

They cost more but are well worth it. If you carefully hand-wash them, they should last a long time.

The other alternative is to wear a very sheer black pantyhose. Black can be super sexy when paired with a fabulous pump. This control top style from Calvin Klein has a slight shimmer without being too shiny, perfect for the holidays!

If you really want to keep your legs warm, or just want a different look, try opaque tights.

Tights look fabulous with high boots or booties.

Here are a few of these looks.

Tights

Sheer black hosiery (from www.uk.co)

Bare leg (from www.brit.co)

Have a great week!

XO Susan

A gift certificate for my services makes a unique & special holiday gift.

I do distance coaching too!

www.agreatnewlook.com

For more style inspiration follow me on:

Facebook Twitter Instagram

Disclosure:
Affilianate links in this post may generate a small commission. However, the content of my posts are based on my own honest opinions and are not influenced by partnerships.

Sunday, December 20, 2015
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