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Over 50 Fashion That’s Artistic and Fun-Artful Home


I began blogging as a means to chronicle the completion of our vacation rental and to promote the Paso Robles area.  My original blog was called Villa Cantinas. I quickly found that my readers were most interested in the design aspect of the blog and spun off Rough Luxe Lifestyle. I am 61 years old (how did that happen?).  A few years ago I let my hair go grey.  I covered my decision to go grey on the blog here

                                          

In 2014 I began doing sporadic posts about fashion and beauty for women over 50. I quickly found there are so many women  my age that still want to feel and look the best they can. Those posts have become some of my most popular. My two most popular Pinterest Boards are If I Had a Style and Beautiful Grey Hair. As bloggers we are approached many times to represent products and or brands.  I personally don’t want to promote any brand or item that doesn’t reflect the interest of myself or my readers. I recently was approached by a small company (30 total employees) that reflects my style and supports independent artisans and fashion designers from North America and made in North America. Artful Home began over 30 years ago as a publishing company that helped artists sell their work to designers and architects. In 1999, it was transformed into a successful website and catalog offering fine works of art for the home.

             Patterned Stoneware: Sandwich and Entree Plates in Black Dot and Gold Stripe by…:                   Swimmer by Ayn Hanna (Fiber Wall Art)
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             Fibonacci Square by Ayn Hanna. Inspired by the Fibonacci sequence, this 18 x 18…:                     Striped Bowl by Kelly Jean Ohl: Ceramic Bowl available at www.artfulhome.com:
           source                                                     source

In 2007 Lisa Bayne  (who previously held senior executive positions in marketing, merchandising, and design at J. Jill, Gymboree, Smith & Hawken, and Eddie Bauer) joined the Board of Directors.  In 2008 she was hired as CEO. Lisa began her career as a fashion designer and with a love of all things textile, has expanded the apparel line.  I view Lisa as the Jenna Lyons of Artful Home. She has really stepped up their game. She also is debuting her own line in this fall’s catalogue. When Lisa called I jumped at the opportunity to get involved.  I am not much of a “big brand” shopper. To be honest, most of my wardrobe is purchased on Ebay.  I love Etsy and anything artsy,upcycled or vintage.  The older I get the more I realize the importance of buying a few quality pieces rather than purchasing a bunch of “stuff” from the usual suspects.  Artful Home is my online go to when I am looking for that special piece.  Check out their fall catalogue here.

Fall 2016 apparel collection

In the coming weeks I will feature some of my personal favorites. Right now I am loving things that can transition from Summer to Fall.  Our weather here on the Central Coast does not cool off much until the end of October.  I am a huge tunic and legging fan.  I am about 5’4 with a long torso and short legs.  Most dresses are either too long or too short waisted.  I do miraculously still have a waist but do have a little excess baggage below the waist.  Big flowy shirts or tunics only make me look shorter and rounder. I look best with something slightly fitted at the waist and not too flowy. Anything asymmetric is also a personal favorite. This Whirlwind Tunic from Spirithouse, with it’s asymmetric hem and neckline, and the fit to flare shape fits the bill. I’m not a huge pattern fan (you won’t catch me in any florals or bows) but this graphic pattern creates just enough interest without overwhelming. 

Whirlwind Tunic by Spirithouse. With its flowing shape and geometric print, this…:
source

I think the neckline should be the star of this piece so I would wear a chunky bracelet or big earrings, and stear clear of anything at the neck.

Silver Cuff Bracelet 001 by Diana Widman (Silver Bracelet): Hoop Earrings by Patty Schwegmann (Silver Earrings):
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You could always wear a simple black tank from your own closet but if you invest in more than one of these wonderful Spirithouse numbers you might want to invest in the Crescent Tunic

Crescent Tunic by Spirithouse. Defined by a crescent-shaped hem and deep scoop…:

If you love cydwoq caracal sandals but can’t bring yourself to spend the bucks now is your chance these babies are on sale for 60% off!

Caracal Sandal:
And of course the icing on the cake would be to get the hubs to buy this little Princess Ring for his princess!  A girl can dream, right?

Princess Ring by Dagmara Costello (Gold, Silver & Stone Ring):

My plan is to do a design post every Monday and a Fashion/Beauty post on Friday.  I have loved hearing all of your great suggestions on your favorite beauty products so I hope to revisit that with some of your suggestions soon.  Next Friday I will show you some of my favorite cheap chic fashion picks. Do you choose clothes with an artistic flair or do you prefer a more tailored look?

Disclaimer: I was compensated by Artful Home for this post, all opinions are own

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. beyondbeige says

    Well I am on the chunky side and short sigh. Leggings look absolutely horrid on me. I do love the tops and dresses from Artful Home though I do wish the prices weren't so umm pricey. Eileen Fisher clothes look cute but I find they don't work with my lifestyle so much. I guess I'll be a jeans and tailored shirt gal forevuh.

  2. Joanne Castello says

    I am looking forward to your expanded blog, Cindy. While I am always interested in your interior design ideas and have learned much from you in that area, I have also admired your personal fashion style. I, too, am of petite stature ( 5' 2" with a stretch) and I have taken notice of how you choose clothes to best compliment your height. Sometimes it can be a challenge to find pieces in the right proportions. Thank you for sharing the Artful Home catalogue. The clothes are impressive and I am happy to have a new online fashion resource. The unique home decor items are a bonus! Joanne

  3. home before dark says

    I'll be 67 next month (how in the hell did that happen) and like you decided to go grey. I always had long hair, but in my "new life" I've gone pixie because my new hair is, indeed, a wild hair. Love Artful Home. I just received my order of a Meiko Metz vest. It is spectacular. It's going with me on a trip to Lyon next month. Perfect for travel. Coming from a family of women who loved hand work and sewing, I've always been drawn to the artistic expression in clothes. If you haven't looked at Peruvian Connection, you might like that, too. Love their jackets and coats.

    ps A waitress at one of our favorite place asked who colored my hair. I replied time. We both agreed time might be more expensive!

  4. Unknown says

    Cindy, This catalogue is great. Thanks for the introduction. The clothes are great, but I was thrilled with many of the home decor items. I truly appreciate a company that values the arts. The variety offered by this company is amazing. I can't wait to see your upcoming blogs featuring some of their items. Your special "touch" highlighting certain items (clothing, accessories, design, etc.) always makes us want to go out as quickly as possible and buy them! Thanks for keeping us abreast of new things coming your way. Cheryl

  5. Pat Huber says

    Thank you for this source for fashion. I recently ordered 5 dresses from my regular source and had to send them all back. I, like you, want something with a little shaping at the waist and it is so difficult to find in a sophisticated style for women over 50. Everything is high waisted (long torso is out-of-luck) or no waist at all. Thank you for the new source!

  6. Leslie Harris says

    Cindy I really appreciate your fashion posts and I'm so glad your adding regular features. I love your selections here and willl definitely check out the catalog –I'm 5'2! and finding a good fit in pants can be a pain so I love leggings too.

  7. Marilyn S. says

    I have had the grey hair conversation so many times with my stylist. I would be 100% if I didn't color every 4 weeks. Thank goodness for a magic spray I can use for touch ups if it goes any longer than that. I have a friend who lost all her hair to chemo treatments, and it grew back the most beautiful grey. She kept it cropped very short and it looked fabulous (she recovered, too, which was the best part of all!) and it has always been an inspiration to me but I'm just not quite there yet. Soon!!
    Love the fashion blog-the cute local boutique caters to much younger clientele and I get tired of Nordstom so it's great to have a new place to look for appropriate clothes. I do NOT want to look like I'm trying to look like my daughters, or a grandma, so it's slim pickin's out there. Excited to see more ideas on your fashion blog — love your decor blog already so I know it will be great!

    • Cindy says

      Thank you so much Marilyn. I know you will find some things you love at Artful Home. I don't want to look like a grandma either even though I am old enough to be one!

  8. La Contessa says

    WHAT DO YOU THINK????
    ARTISTIC………
    I do get their catalog and LOVE looking!HAVE purchased a couple of items over the years……..
    LOVE that BLACK TANK!

  9. Anonymous says

    I'm approaching 60 and enjoy these types of posts. I was excited to see a new on-line site for clothing but gasped at the prices. Cute stuff tho! Like you, I'd rather have a few nice things I love rather than more "stuff". But I've also discovered spending more doesn't necessarily mean better quality and that really irks me. I guess I've been burned on that enough that it's turned me into a real skeptic.

    Karen

    • Cindy says

      Karen you are absolutely right. One of the high end manufacturers buttons fall off every time I order something. I like to gather things from unlikely sources as well so I can save my money for something I love…

  10. Jenna says

    Great post. I love the pattern on the tunic and the ring and sandals you picked out too. I can't wait to see more. You do an incredible job of staying fashionable and showing of your style and impeccable taste at 61!

  11. Jenna says

    Great post. I love the pattern on the tunic and the ring and sandals you picked out too. I can't wait to see more. You do an incredible job of staying fashionable and showing of your style and impeccable taste at 61!

  12. Karen says

    I'm a fan. I love these posts since I too am 60-something. 🙂 It's so much fun to see what you find for us, especially since I admire your taste and would wear most of the styles you've shown.
    I'm looking forward to more.
    Karen

  13. Katie Clooney says

    Cindy… great post and I look forward to your future ones! I love leggings and tunics and long sweaters. I am height challenged and need all the help I can get. Will definitely check in with you next Fri. Have a wonderful weekend!!

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