Fashion Over Fifty: Quilted Blush Jacket

Hello!  For this week's Fashion Over Fifty post, I want to show you a cute quilted blush jacket I bought from Charming Charlies this past November.  Awhile back in THIS POST, I discussed how older women like myself can fall into the habit of wearing two top garments;  usually a cardigan and blouse, or a button down shirt and a t shirt.  I called it 'the double shirt trick' in that post and explained that the reason most of us do that is to try and hide our ever expanding midsections.  Well, recently I was in a Dress Barn, which is known as an older women's fashion store, and I noticed how many different styles of short jackets they had and how attractive they were.  I thought to myself that it was a trendier, more fashionable way to camouflage those love handles and back fat, than the traditional 'two top garments' style.   Now I didn't buy any new jackets from Dress Barn that day, because I already own many different styles of short jackets, but I did keep the idea in my head for future reference.

And here I am, wearing one of my short jackets.  It was a bitter cold day, as most days have been this winter, so I wore this jacket inside and was never too warm.  I wore it with eggplant skinny jeans, tall dark boots, a tan button down shirt, and a scarf. 

 The jacket has a lot of visual interest despite the duller color because of all the quilting and zippers on the pockets and sleeves.

One of the interesting things I've been discovering in having my photograph taken wearing different outfits, is that it helps me see my outfits from a different perspective other than my reflection in a mirror.  The first thing I noticed about me wearing this jacket in the photograph, was that the color blush doesn't look good on me. I did not notice that when I stood in front of a mirror.  Now it may just be the photo, or perhaps the red wall behind me is playing tricks with the camera lens, but I do feel the color makes me look washed out.  I don't think that I will buy any more clothes in this color;  unless it's a garment that is not worn near my face.  It does break my heart to say that, because I really love this new fashion color.

Here are some detail shots of  my pants and boots.  They were both purchased last year.  I got the pants from Express and the boots from Famous Footwear.

 And here is a side/back view of the jacket so that you can see the quilted effect better.

I hope I have inspired you to try using a jacket instead of a cardigan or shirt for 'old double shirt middle aged fashion trick'.   It's always fun to get out of our comfort zone and try something different.

Have a great day! Amy

An Early Valentine

Hello!  I have an early Valentine to share with you today.  I like to do my Fashion Over Fifty posts on Fridays, which is also Valentines Day, so I'm posting a 'love' card one day early!  But since I've been seeing Valentine cards ever since Christmas ended, I think that's o.k. 

As always I was in a hurry when I made my card so I kept it simple.  Don't you love getting some quick and easy designs to case for a change?  I personally tire of seeing all the complicated cards on blogs that only take about three hours out of my day to make.  Geez, who has that kind of time?  And if you do have three hours to make a card, you need to get a life! LOL! 

To make my card, I took a pretty piece of very old designer paper from Crafty Secrets and covered a card base with it.  I had this pretty vellum quote in my stash and adhered it over the paper using vellum tape.  Then all I had to do was add some pretty ribbon and trim,  along with a heart brad and organza flower, and wa-la I had a lovely romantic card for Valentines Day.  I didn't have to spend hours on end coloring or using layers and layers of die cuts, and yet I still have something pretty, thoughtful, and hand made.

Have a wonderful, romantic Valentine's Day!  Amy

Thinking of You

Hello!  Today I have another of my furry felt critter cards to show you.  I love using pre- made felt images in my paper crafts.  I think they add such a special touch to any creation.  Now I usually buy these critters pre- made because I find them very inexpensive.  But you could also very easily make these cute little guys yourself with felt and a pair of scissors.  This raccoon was purchased in the fall at Hobby Lobby, so I'm pretty sure he is no longer available.

My interesting card sketch is from Splitcoaststampers (SC360).  I really enjoyed working with this sketch and ended up making several different cards with it that you will see in later posts.  I popped the dotted card panel up on dimensionals to give my little raccoon more room to snuggle inside.n The paper colors are Very Vanilla, Basic Grey, and 'Dots and Stripes' from DCWV.  I used a MFT die for the side border.

 I colored in the unknown sentiment stamp heart with a red gel pen.  I just love that extra pop of color in the sea of neutrals.

Have a great day!  Amy