Dressing With a Dress!

I have recently observed a lot of women wearing dresses over slacks. It kind of looks like a tunic and, since I love the comfort and feel of a tunic, I thought I'd share this recent trend with you.

It is really popular in Europe and many women "of a certain age" are wearing this sort of ensemble street style, as well as formal wear.

I bought a cocoon dress earlier this year and realized that it is going to be very easy to wear with pants.

There doesn't appear to be too much of a rule on this look but based on the above images, one guideline is not to wear a dress with a waist band.

And the look is easier to wear with skinny leg pants (but as you can see above, boot cut or flair works, too).

From casual wear to dressy, this might be something to try in this new year. And let me know if you do!  I'd love to see a picture of you trying this fun new trend.  And I promise to post one of me in one, too.  

Until next week, I remain,

Stylistically yours,

Sooz

One is Silver and The Other's Gold!

I ran into a dear friend at Target today and we chatted, catching up on things. And she said she needed to ask me a question: is it okay to wear silver jewelry and gold jewelry at the same time?

I was able to reassure her. happily, that it is an old rule and you now can wear all kinds of jewelry together.



And I love that look! I have a dainty silver bar necklace that I wear every day with a small gold charm on a necklace chain.


The old rules were to match pieces...thank goodness that rule is over. Now you can wear pearls and brass, multi gems and chains, beads and leather, and several different necklaces all at the same time!





You don't have to wear pearl earrings while wearing a pearl necklace, nor do you need to wear a pearl bracelet. Mix your jewelry with confidence and variety.


And don't save your good jewelry for a special occasion. Wear it now, enjoy it, and make every day special.

Thanks, Marie, for this great idea for my blog! I sure hope it encourages other women to experiment with their jewelry....costume and good pieces!

Until next week, I remain,

Stylistically yours,

Sooz

Handbag Security!

The local news shows a creepy guy jumping out of a car, grabbing women's handbags and then jumping back into the car, as his accomplice (a female) races away. Really scary because I go to a couple of these locations often.

Not only would you lose a great handbag, but all of your wallet documents including driver's license which has your home address, credit cards, debit cards, photos, money; your cell phone; and the other items that you carry that are important to you. It bears thinking about with a mind toward protection and caution.

In an effort to being cautious (and I do know that the police are looking for them!) I started thinking about handbag security...and here are my ideas:

1.  Crossbody bag.




They are worn across your body, from one shoulder to the opposite hip, and are smaller than most shoulder bags.

Do not get the type with handles on top, because thieves can grab the handle and spin you around.


2.  Wristlets:


Small and you can put your arm through the "leash"

3.  Pocket purses:

These are about the size of a wallet and fit nicely in a pocket or on your key chain.

A lot of handbag thefts occur on women "of a certain age" because we are seen as safe, harmless and defenseless.

So don't be harmless! Learn some self protection moves.



Don't trust everyone you encounter out there -- not everyone is nice. And think protectively. Don't park far from the front door. Walk quickly and with purpose. Watch what is going on around you. If possible, walk to and from stores with others, even pace yourself to walk in with people near by.



Don't put your handbag in the shopping cart -- ever! I cannot begin to tell you how many times I stop ladies and suggest they put their bags in the bottom rack of the cart near to them.

 And when you go to unload your shopping bags, lock your purse in the car first.

Don't leave your handbag unzipped or open. You can't have your eyes everywhere. Just close your bag. It is a small easy effort.

Don't ever think you are safe out there. The handbag thieves here have struck mid morning! Just terrible!

Do you have any handbag security tips to share?  Please do. We don't want to be victims but smart capable women.

Until next week, I remain,

Stylistically yours,

Sooz