Accessories Make the Outfit

Aldo – A Great Find!

Never Underestimate the Power of Accessories -They Take an Outfit from Good to GREAT!

On a recent shopping trip, Julie and Lori popped into Aldo to look for hot pink sandals to accessorize an outfit for Lori.  To our delight, she found the perfect pair AND many more great accessories. Julie has been on a mission to find a blue and white tasseled scarf – SCORE!  She was also looking for trendy cat eyed sunglasses in white (which have been huge hit everywhere she goes) – SCORE!  They were $16 – DOUBLE SCORE!  She wasn’t looking for a purse but SCORED an awesome summer bag too!

Lori SCORED the hot pink sandals!   She also SCORED a great blinged-out headband,  2 great necklaces and stackable rings – TRIPLE SCORE!  Mission accomplished!

Aldo is now one of our favorite stores!  The staff is super helpful. They have all the latest trends to help complete your outfit at prices that can’t be beat – shoes, purses, scarfs, sunglasses, headbands, and jewelry.  At these prices you can afford to go wild and not break the bank!  

Shopping is hard work.  After six hours of non-stop shopping we dropped and popped a cold one!  Note we are still smiling – it was a great day!

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Accessories!

 

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Aldo’s

Stackable Rings

 

 

Shopping Trip to OZ in Barnstable MA

Shopping On Vacation – This Is Sightseeing Too!

If you follow us on Facebook, you know that we recently had a girl’s getaway to Cape Cod.  This is what happens when 4 friends, 2 who are fashion bloggers, go on vacation.   LOL

car packing

Psychologists say that the act of shopping someplace new can dose the brain with dopamine, a natural chemical that provides deep satisfaction and that often starts to flow when we confront something novel and exciting….

We love science!

So to dose our brains with dopamine, we did some shopping at OZ in Barnstable MA.  Visiting Oz is a trip I look forward to each season.  I was so excited to take my girlfriends here during our recent trip to Cape Cod.

OZTRIP1

While the shop is small with many rooms, you can spend a good couple of hours there (just ask my husband, Craig, who sat waiting for me for 3 hours last year!)  There is so much to see. I love this store because you are getting one of a kind pieces and their styles are for all ages.   Part of the fun is seeing what other customers are trying on as well.

We met Sue during our visit.   Sue is getting married.   Congrats again Sue!   Take a look at how stunning she looks in this great coat from Cupcake!

Sue fashion

So what did Julie and I buy??

Julie:

I bought a super cute graphic Tee with a picture of Big Ben and a red bus.  I loved the pop of color of the bus!  Of course, no outfit is complete with out accessories.  I found a totally cool necklace with the same colors.  It is so unique, and I felt as though it was almost architectural in design.  The colors of the necklace not only compliment the colors in the T but pop on the gray.  I purchased two bracelets to layer on my wrist.  The minute we walked in the store my attention was grabbed by the white loop necklace with matching earrings.  I love big statement pieces that catch your eye.  I fell in love with the cute hot pink top covered with white daisies.  I plan to wear it over white leggings.  I’m sure it could also double as a swimsuit cover up.  It’s super light weight and loose fitting. Such a fun summer look!

Cindy:

Because I don’t like wearing shape wear in the summer (unless I have to) I bought this white and mint Cupcake top.  I’ve purchased other Cupcake tops here in the past and I’m always asked “where did you get that top”.   The lightweight cotton fabric (that is not clinging) is perfect for Tucson summers.   This style looks good on all ages, shapes and sizes.   Cupcake also has a line of handbags.   I snatched up this black straw purse.  I recently saw this handbag trend in InStyle magazine but didn’t want to pay over $100.   It was only $50 at Oz.

I love, love their cashmere wraps!   Last season I bought 3 of them. They are great for all of the traveling I do.  Those airplanes get cold! Oh, did I mention they have the BEST selection of Bernie Mev shoes!   I bought these black loafers this trip.   So comfortable!  It’s a bit hard to see but they have a hand stitched rose embroidery on them.   So cute.  I Wore them home and received several compliments.

OZ TRIP 2

oz cape1

 

So if you are on the Cape, make sure to check out OZ.  Plan to spend some time. It’s worth the visit.

http://ozcapecod.com

 All opinions are completely our own.  We were not asked by anyone to do a QZ review, and did not receive any compensation for it.

#vacationshopping #ozcapecod #summerfashion

To Spend or Not to Spend That is the Question…

I tend to have a general rule of thumb. If I become obsessed or love a trendy item, I tend to try not to spend a lot on the item – plus I look for sales and try to find coupons. This is mainly because I know that I’ll only wear that item for a season due to the fact that I know I’ll want the following season’s trends. Therefore, for me, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to spend a lot of money. Don’t get me wrong! I still like something that is well made and looks great! On the other hand, I am willing to spend more money on classic items that I know I’ll keep in my closet for a longer period of time and wear season after season.

The summer trend that I recently became obsessed with was a flamingo scarf, which I thought was adorable! Ironically, I was attending a retirement party and was stopped in the parking lot. I was asked if I was the one with the flamingo scarf the week before. I was sad to report that it wasn’t me, but I’d love a flamingo scarf! I was told that the “girl with the scarf” said you could no longer find them. You can imagine my excitement when I opened a recent email from Charming Charlie’s to see a flamingo scarf. I went shopping as soon as I got off of work!

Here are some of my inspirations:

flamingo-summer (1)

Here are the items I purchased…All four tops are high/low tops. I particularly like this style as it tends to flow away from my body, minimizes my large chest area as well as hides my large derriere. The top on the far right is a cold shoulder top-a current trend. The aqua/blue top is also on trend both in color and style.  I couldn’t resist the star top since I’m born on the 4th of July!

tops

Lastly, I purchased a flamingo pin and flamingo bracelet!  Now it’s time to find some hot pink sandals…my quest is never done, but I LOVE IT!

SHOP THE LOOK…

Flamingo Scarf ($15.00)

Flamingo Pin   ($24.00)

Flamingo Bracelet ($10.00)

Sheer Sleeved Top (on sale for $12.99 – originally $29,00)

I See Stars Top  ($19.00)

to buy or not to buy selfies (1)

The gray and white high low top is also from Charming Charlie’s.  My sunglasses are from a recent shopping adventure with Lori and were purchased at Aldo’s.

Can No Longer Wear Daisy Dukes but Still Want to Wear Shorts in the Summer – Talbots to the Rescue!

We all have things about our bodies that we like to highlight and those we’d like to minimize.  I was blessed with my mother’s legs.  My dad always said her legs were what first caught his eye.  I think my legs look pretty good, but I am a 55 year old woman and time has taken its toll.  I can’t wear short shorts anymore but I don’t want to be resigned to Bermuda shorts the rest of my life either.  You can imagine my delight when I stumbled upon Talbot’s line of shorts that come in lengths 5, 7, 9, and 13 inches!  You can buy the length that gives you the coverage you want. Nothing short of brilliant – way to go Talbots!  It gets even better – they come in a variety of colors and patterns.   My favorite is the 5 inch length. They are just long enough to hide the top part of my thigh and yet short enough to show some leg!  They have slanted side pockets that come sewn shut which allows you the option to keep them that way for a flat smooth line or to open them up.  They also provide a great fit with a generous cut in the waist and thighs. I’ve bought them in khaki and white.  As you can see I am getting my money’s worth  – I’ve been wearing them everywhere!

#shortsbythelength

#talbotsshorts

Note: All opinions are completely my own.  I was not asked by anyone to do a Talbots review, and did not receive any compensation for it.

Shorts! (2)

 

 

Sandals with Nothing Between the Toes!

Many women can’t stand the feeling of having something between their toes so open toed sandals are a must!    The challenge can be that selection and variety are sometimes hard find.  So FTF went to work and found 50 pairs all of which are fantastic and the bonus is that many of them are on sale!  So Happy Shopping!  Oh, and by the way, while you’re here subscribe to our blog so you can automatically receive an email when we post something new!

#opentoedsandals
#nothingbetweenthetoes

Tips to hide your stomach and muffin top with the right clothes

Cabi

Cabi

Nothing like a little pooch or muffin top to make you self-conscious.  Right?  While my mid-section never was a problem for me, I’m finding I’m experiencing weight gain in this area due to going into perimenopause.   Ugh!  I now have to shop more strategically for the right clothes to cover my mid-section.

So let me introduce you to my new “best friend” – Cabi Clothing.  For those who haven’t heard of Cabi, it is a line of clothing that is sold by independent consultants (think Pampered Chef for fashion).

Let me start by telling you I’m predominantly an online shopper.  I had been on Pinterest and saw a top I loved and saw it was from Cabi.   I remembered that a client of my husband sold Cabi, so I contacted Dawn to see if she could order it for me.   As it turned out she was hosting a Cabi party with her friend Renee.  They asked if I wanted to attend.

Boy am I glad I went!  Not only did a meet some great women, I think I tried on clothes for two hours straight!   Everything fit! One outfit was better than the next!   What I love about the line is that it was on trend and so easy to mix and match.   Think “Garanimals for grown-ups”.  The clothing comes in sizes XS-XL or 0-16 and from what I found, many pieces are stretchy and most seem to run large.  Got to love that!

Ok…. let me talk about specific items.    Can I start with their awesome tops!   Most are designed to be worn out or tucked in.   I’m not kidding when I tell you that I could have bought at least 10!  In trying to hide my mid-section I found that many of the Cabi tops hit below or at the hips so my legs look slimmer and my stomach was covered.

Unexpectedly, I found white jeans I could actually wear!   I haven’t found white jeans that looked good on me for at least 5 years.   The truth is, I always felt white jeans made me look heavier than dark jeans.  Because the Cabi jean is thicker fabric they don’t show every lump and bump and you don’t have the problem of the pant pocket linings showing through.   Plus, I love that they are slightly slouchy with a tapered leg.  The fabric has some spandex, so they fit around my stomach and tuck it in a bit.

If you are interested in taking a look at the Cabi Spring/Summer Line, click here https://rdeeter.cabionline.com

My tips to hide your stomach and muffin top

Play with proportions – As I mentioned above, choose a top or blouse that hits below or at the hips so your legs look slimmer and your tummy is covered. Bonus points for fabrics with movement, which are forgiving, not clingy.  There are so many wonderful tunics and longer tops to choose from right now that you will look great. No one will notice your mid-section!

Layer with long cardigans, jackets and kimonos – Layering is very effective to disguise your mid-section. It creates a nice line which will lengthen you and distract the eye from your stomach or muffin top. The longer your cardigan, the longer and leaner you will appear.  Right now long vests are very popular which are perfect for creating long lean vertical lines.

Try asymmetrical tops – Asymmetrical tops create vertical lines that are great for disguising your stomach.

Cabi pieces

My Cabi pieces

Note: All opinions are completely my own.  I was not asked by anyone to do a Cabi review, and did not receive any compensation for it.

What’s in My Bathroom? Here Are Julie’s Top 10 Items and Why She Loves Them:

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Here’s my Top 10 in Alphabetic Order: (If you’re interested in a product, you can either click on the name of the item in blue or the link below the description.)

1.  Got2B Fat tastic Thickening Plumping Mousse:

I like this product mainly because it gives my short hairstyle nice control and lift while I’m trying to blow dry and style it.

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod3560145

2.  Living Proof. Amp2 Instant Texture Volumizer:

I think this styling cream is fantastic because it can be applied to dry hair for instant volume, touchable texture and flexible hold that is revivable for up to 48 hours. I can simply run my fingers through my hair and it instantly provides volume and texture.  It works well on fine to medium hair with layers.

http://www.livingproof.com/buy/amp

3. Mary Kay Satin Hands: Fragrance-Free Satin Hands® Pampering Set:

This three-step process makes my hands feel amazingly soft!  Fragrance-Free Satin Hands® Pampering Set is an easy, three-step system that helps keep hands feeling renewed, soothed and pampered.

www.marykay.com   

4.  Maybelline Rocket:

This is my newest find with regards to makeup products! It is my go to mascara on a daily basis because it gives my lashes unbelievable length and thickness with minimal coats. As the aging process continues, my lashes are thinning and turning gray. Using Rocket keeps them looking full and long!(As you most likely already know, I also love Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes mascara for big, dramatic lashes…see more under “Current Obsessions”.)

5.  Periobrite:

Periobrite is a low abrasive toothpaste, and it does more than clean teeth. Dentist formulated Periobrite contains soothing wildcrafted herbs well-known for their cleansing action, while CoQ10, Folic Acid, Oregano, Cinnamon and Clove promote tissue and gum health. PerioBrite naturally whitens teeth while leaving your breath fresh and clean. It naturally whitens and brightens! I especially like it for my sensitive teeth. It’s also great if you have dry mouth.

http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Answer-PerioBrite-Natural-Toothpaste/dp/B002LMBFEK

6.  St. Tropez Self-Tanning Bronzing Mousse:

I love to have a bronze, deep dark tan especially during the summer. I’m trying to go in the sun and tanning beds less than in the past. This tanner is a mouse that applies easily with a mitt. The mitt keeps your palms from turning orange. I enjoy the slight smell. It doesn’t run, or smudge or get extra dark in your elbow, knee areas. I feel as though I have a sun kissed look without looking fake and too dark.

7.  Stila Eye Liner:

You can easily control the thickness of the line you create – thin or thick! I purchase the waterproof, which comes in handy during allergy season when my eyes tend to water.

8.  Tarte Creaseless Concealer:

This concealer offers crease-free, creamy coverage with skinvigorating™ skin care benefits. Powered by nourishing maracuja and rich antioxidants, the multitasking formula reawakens a dull complexion while it smooths and improves the look of your skin’s tone and texture. This waterproof concealer expertly hides redness, dark spots, and discolorations while imparting a brightening finish that minimizes the look of dark circles for a flawlessly radiant complexion.

9.  Tarte Eyelash Curler:

I can’t say enough great things about this eyelash curler; and believe me I’ve tried many over the years! In one curl, your lashes are done and stay put! This eyelash curler gives your lashes amazing curl and staying power! Additionally, I like the fact that I don’t have to put my fingers through a loop. The finger grips are padded.

10  Unique’s Lash Comb/Brow Brush:

I like this combo comb/brush because it’s well constructed. The comb really separates any clumped lashes even after the mascara dries. I use the brush brow on both my brows and lashes. The brow bristles are made out of boar hair and very soft.

https://www.youniqueproducts.com/LSuffi/products/view/US-51031-01#.VzPgE-YrLBI

Do you have a favorite item or product?  Leave us a comment and let us know what product/s you can’t live without!

Cold Shoulder Tops – A Trend That Looks Good on All Ages

How to cover your upper arms while staying stylish and cool this summer…

We don’t know about you, but we at FTF are finding that we tend to want our upper arms to be more covered up as we get older. If you are a woman like us, who is self-conscious about her upper arms, a cold shoulder top is a terrific way to cover up. Lets face it, no one has bad shoulders! Right now this is a HUGE trend so this is the time to stock up on these kind of tops.  The great thing about Cold Shoulder tops is that they can be worn dressed up or casual.   Take a look at how we are wearing them.

Cold Shoulder Trend
The bottom line is that a cold shoulder top is great way to hide your upper arms and stay cool during the summer months. Cold shoulder tops are pretty, mature, sophisticated looking and look great on all ages. We’re sold, are you?

Here are some cold shoulder tops we like that are in stores right now.  Just click on the picture and you will be taken directly to the retailer site.

Kimono Inspiration on Trend for Spring/Summer 2016…

I love the ease and comfort of this trend and think this look is actually perfect for all body types especially if there is something about your upper body that you want to camouflage. It’s free flowing, easy to wear and ultra comfortable. Here were some of my inspiration pictures:

Kimono jpeg blog

Here is how I put the look together… I’m actually wearing a navy blue lace trimmed cami and a white short-sleeved top under my kimono. However, you don’t necessarily need all of those layers. I’m wearing a dark wash pair of jeans that I cuffed. I loved the detail of the necklace with the tassels – so cute and trendy!

kimono blog 2

 

Kimono, Cami and White Top: http://www.maurices.com/

Tassel  and Earrings:  Charming Charlie’s

Dark Wash Curvy Jeans: Style & Comp. Macy’s

Navy Wedge Sandals– similar here

 

 

 

It’s Time for White Summer Dresses

It’s that time of year to bring your white clothes out of hibernation. If you are looking for some inspiration check out these beautiful white summer dresses!

 

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