This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will make a commission at no cost to you.

We spent 4th of July weekend with extended family at Lake Conroe, north of Houston. Temperatures hovered around 100 and we spent lots of time in the pool. The perfect time to break in my new MiracleSuit.

 

This is their Oceanus Tummy-Control One-Piece Swimsuit.

It has ruching across the front, non-removable soft cups and adjustable straps.

I felt modern, covered and confident in it. So confident that I can’t even believe my almost 64-year-old self posed for a picture in my suit.

I’ve had several MiracleSuits. They are not cheap.

However, you can’t beat them for fit and quality. And they last.

My previous MiracleSuit (similar) is at least 5 years old and I will still wear it.

 

MiracleSuit

MiracleSuit is known for their custom technology that “takes off 10 pounds.” Their cuts and styles are flattering to any body type.

When looking at these styles, keep in mind they come in different colors and prints. So if you like the style, click through to see your color/pattern options.

Click the photo for more information on each suit.

 

These MiracleSuits can be purchased at Macy’s.

If you go to the MiracleSuit website, they have a sale section. I didn’t include those suits in this post because they are out of a lot of styles and colors.  But take a look. They may have just the thing for you!

 

Swim Solutions

Swim Solutions is a new to me brand that I discovered while I was shopping for swimsuits. They are not as pricey as the MiracleSuit. But I found that the tummy control, construction and styles were just as nice.

 

 

Land’s End

Land’s End used to be my go-to place to get swimsuits for the whole family when my kids were growing up. I hadn’t thought about them until I saw some of my other blogger friends posting about their cute Land’s End swimsuits.

The prices are great. The selection is wide. So many color, pattern and style choices.

If the bathing suit has 2 pieces, you can buy the top and bottom separately.

They have swim shorts, swim skirts and dresses.

Their suits are made from fabric that resists breakdown from sunscreen, chlorine and sweat.

Most of them are made of fabric that provides UPF 50 sun protection.

They are having a big sale, so now is the time to take a look.

Not all of these suits are on sale. So before you buy go to their site and see if they have one that you like that is part of the sale.

 

Are you in the market for a new swimsuit? Let me know which ones you like the best!

Did you know that My Side of 50 is a small business? When you purchase through one of my links, you support that business!

Another way you can support My Side of 50 is by sharing the posts. A friend recently asked me how to do that.

In the top left hand corner of each image you will see a red “P” or red box that says “save”. If you are on Pinterest, you can click either or those and save to a board on your Pinterest account. If you don’t have a board that you use to save fashion posts, you might make one that’s named Fashion Over 50.

In the top left hand corner of each post is a column of buttons. If you click on the blue “f” you can share it to Facebook.

Thanks for reading, sharing and supporting My Side of 50.

 

 

The Anniversary Sale is Nordstrom’s BIGGEST Sale of the year.

It gets LOTS of HYPE and for good reason….there are incredible deals on SO MANY THINGS.

But shopping the Anniversary Sale can get a little overwhelming.

• What do I buy?

 

• Is this really a good deal?

 

• When can I shop?

 

• How can I get the most bang for my buck?

 

 

What do I buy at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

Most of us shop sales to save money.  And in this economy people are really watching prices and trying to save.

 

Do an Inventory

So before the sale….. do an inventory of your closet:

• Is there anything that I want to add to my summer wardrobe?

 

• What will I need for fall and winter? Boots? Coats? Sweaters?

 

• What wardrobe basics need to be added, replaced? Long and short sleeved tees? Cardigans? Athletic shoes? Denim? Lingerie? I always replace my Wacoal bras during the sale.

 

• Do I need to replenish makeup or skincare?

 

• What about household basics like sheets and towels?

 

• Is there a splurge item that I’ve been waiting to go on sale like a piece of jewelry or a designer bag?

 

• Is there a special occasion like a trip or a wedding that I need something for?

 

• What gift giving occasions do I have coming up?

 

Make a list

After your inventory, make a list of the items that you are shopping for and set a budget for what you want to spend on each.

Divide your list into “must-haves” and “would be nice to have”

 

 

Shop the preview

This year the preview starts June 29, 2022. Shopping for Nordstrom Cardholders starts as early as July 6, depending on your cardholder status.

Shopping for everyone runs from July 15-31.

 

Pre-Game Strategies to save you more:

 

Join the Nordy Club for FREE

• Earn points toward Nordstrom Notes that you can spend on future purchases.

 

• Nordstrom Notes can be used on-line or in-store at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack or Trunk Club.

 

• Members-only access to sales, offers and events.

 

Download the Nordstrom App

• Things sell out FAST during the Anniversary Sale. However, lots of those items get re-stocked before the sale is over. With the app, you’ll get notifications when items from your wish list, cart or saved items are back in stock.

 

Become a Nordstrom Cardholder

• Early access to events like the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

 

• Earn double points per dollar spent toward Nordstrom Notes.

How My Side of 50 will be covering the sale

I’ll have twice a week posts through July 31 on great deals I find at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

To stay up to date on my great finds, subscribe to the My Side of 50 newsletter and get those posts straight to your inbox.

Thanks for reading!

Will you please pin this post so that others can learn my money-saving strategies?

 

 

 

Have you heard of the Ditsy Floral trend? It’s everywhere – clothes, home textiles, dishes…

When I first heard the term and that it was a “thing” for Spring/Summer 2022, I thought it had such a negative connotation.

After all, when I was growing up, if you described someone as “ditsy”, they were kind of a scatterbrained airhead.

But after I did a little research I discovered that a “ditsy” design has two major characteristics – small and random.

So a ditsy floral design has small flowers placed at random on the fabric.

I can live with that.

And I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this Cece Ditsy Floral Top!

CeCe Ditsy Floral Top

In addition to the ditsy floral pattern, this top features two more modern trends.

Smocking – just a little on yoke. It’s kind of hard to see in the picture.

And flutter sleeves. So cute.

I’m wearing and XL. A Large fit just fine, but the top is kind of short and I wanted to be able to do a front tuck.

 

This was the perfect summer outfit to wear out running errands on Saturday.

I styled the top with my light wash denim shorts, belt, metallic sandals and straw bag.

Top | Shorts (Size 18 – size up)| Belt | Sandals | Bag

That long red line you see on my leg is not sunless tanner gone wrong. It’s from when I took a tumble and fell flat on the sidewalk at my daughter’s house a few weeks ago.

The worst part is when I asked my daughter for some hydrogen peroxide to clean it, she accidentally brought alcohol!

I don’t think I’m going to choose this daughter to care for me when I’m old and infirm…but I digress.

 

Belts for Women Over 50 who have a tummy

I was not excited about this trend. It had been years since I bought a belt. At that time the only ones that would fit me were XL and not all the time.

 

Then in my Outfit Formulas group, someone mentioned this set of 3 Leather Belts from Amazon. And they come in waist size 26″ – 54″.

You can also get them in sets of two in different colors and prints.

More Colors

The CeCe Ditsy Floral Blouse comes in two more colors – Saffron Yellow and Ocean Blue.

 

 

Which color is your favorite?

 

More Floral Options

 

Floral Summer Tops for Women Over 50

Embroidered Ruched Sleeved Top

Thanks for reading!!!

It would be so great if you would PIN this post. That helps me share style tips with more 50+ women!

 

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will make a commission at no extra cost to you.

Do you like to wear Red, White and Blue on the 4th of July?

You don’t have to.

But it’s nice that red, white and blue are great colors to have in your wardrobe year round. So unless you purchase something that specifically says “4th of July”, you can get lots of use out of your red, white and blue items.

 

Styling a Red, White and Blue Kimono

I styled this red, white and blue kimono from Cato Fashions for Memorial Day. Something was off and I finally figured out it was too big on me.  I was wearing my usual size – Large. But this kimono is so oversized, I exchanged it for a medium and I like it much better.

I’m wearing it with a navy tank from Cato Fashions (Size Large). Super soft, great price and lots of colors.

And my Style & Co. Curvy Fit Skinny Jeans (Size 16).

For shoes, I chose these FABULOUS red sneakers from Taos. These are my most fun purchase of the summer. I wear an 8WW. But since these don’t come in WW, I ordered an 8 1/2 W and they are very comfortable. Comes in lots of colors.

For accessories, I wore this initial layering necklace from Amazon. I am wearing this ALL THE TIME this summer.

 

And I added this long Gold Fan Circle Necklace from Ann & Grace Boutique.

Ann & Grace Boutique is owned by my friend Melanie Kendall (melaniekpersonalstylist on Instagram).

Use this link and get 10% off your first purchase with the code ZYGRREF.

Take a look – she has so many cute clothes, accessories, shoes and bags at great prices.

In this photo I added a white sling back crossbody bag.

 

This can be worn as a fanny pack. Both are good options if your out in a crowd.

I’ve included this picture so that you can see how roomy it is with compartments for your credit cards, phone, cash and other items.

This is how you’ll see me wearing it if I’m outside on the 4th! With a pair of shorts! These are my Tommy Hilfiger shorts in size 16. I love them so much I bought 2 more pairs in light denim and in white.

And I switched to a red tank.

I styled this outfit with a Kendra Scott necklace I’ve had for years and these cute rattan earrings. They come in a set of 4 on Amazon.

The sandals are my super comfy SAS sandals in Golden Cork.  They are cushioned, shock absorbing and adjustable across the vamp, toe and heel so you get the perfect fit. I’m wearing 8WW.

 

I added this straw crossbody bag and am set to go.

 

More Red White and Blue Looks

Tee Shirt (XL) | Shorts (16) | Sneakers (8WW)

 

Maxi (XL) | Platform Sandals (8 1/2 M)

 

Tank (XL) | Jeans 16 | Sandals

Denim Jacket  | Tank (XL) | Crops  | Wedge Sandals

Which look do you like the best?

All the wreaths are from my daughter’s ETSY Shop.

 

Thanks for being here! Will you pin this post to Pinterest or share it on social media? I’d be so grateful!

 

Shop my LTK Shop!

 

I was gifted Tamsy apparel in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

Beat the heat with Tamsy dresses and kaftans

It’s summer. It’s hot in Texas. And I find myself reaching for casual dresses more and more to keep cool.

And have you noticed kaftans making a come back?

It takes me back to the 70’s and my mom wearing them while she entertained in our dark wood paneled den.

I have been noticing some of my midlife  Instagram friends wearing beautiful clothing by Tamsy recently.

The prints are vibrant and gorgeous. The designs are so feminine.

So when Tamsy approached me about trying their products and reviewing them for my readers, I was thrilled.

 

Tamsy Gives Back

Then came the icing on the cake.

Tamsy is a company that gives back.

 

Tamsy Floral  Print Umbrella Dress

Sleeveless.  Flattering Scoop Neckline. Gorgeous floral print.

This gorgeous dress is one size fits all S-2X. I usually wear a size 14 dress.

 

It’s the kind of dress that makes me want to twirl.

I styled it casually with flat, sparkly sandals.

But this versatile style could be worn in a number of ways.

Dress it up with some wedges.

Add a hat or shawl.

Change up your jewelry or bag.

The possibilities are endless.

This umbrella dress comes in 3 floral prints.

 

 

Tamsy Botanical Digital Print Kaftan

This short kaftan with wide sleeves can be worn on it’s own or as a beach cover up.

It is so silky. It feels like a luxurious nightgown.

I can see myself coming home after church and changing into this kaftan to relax in all day.

It has a tie at the waist that you can cinch in, which is what I did here.

Or you can wear it flowy and loose.

One size fits all.

Comes in several different prints.

 

Tamsy Floral Short Embroidered Kaftan

 

This kaftan is light and flowy and pairs beautifully with jeans or capris.

The embroidery is on trend this season and it is gorgeous.

It has a high/low hem, giving you plenty of coverage in the back.

One size fits all.  I usually wear a 14 or Large on top.

Comes in 10 different color options.

 

Tamsy Layered Kaftan Top with Tank Tee

This lightweight, V-neck top has a handkerchief hem and a tank top sewn right in.

Pair it with denim or jeggings.

Comes in sizes S-3X and has 3 color choices.

I’m wearing an XL.

 

Great Value with Tamsy

 

 

 

 

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will make a commission at no extra cost to you.

This month’s theme for the Ageless Style Group is sleeveless.

A lot of women in our age group have opted out of sleeveless styles because they don’t like how their arms look anymore.

My arms don’t really bother me. Thank goodness because the Texas summers can be brutal.

But I do understand being sensitive about parts of us that are going through the natural aging process.

That part for me is my tummy. I have always carried weight there.

At almost 64, I realize that no tunic, column dressing, all black outfit, or even a burka can totally hide it.

So while I don’t get too uptight about it showing, I sure don’t do anything to try and call attention to it.

So let’s dive in and see what we think.

 

Sleeveless Blouses

 

Do you ever find a top that you like so much you buy it in every color?

That’s how I feel about this Vince Camuto Pin Dot Crepe de Chine Sleeveless Blouse. (I’m wearing a L)

Thank goodness it only comes in 2 colors.

Black with white dots and Ivory with black dots.

I love polka dots in the summer.

This is a blouse is super versatile.

The colors are neutral.

You can wear it with slacks or a skirt.

Jeans or shorts.

Add a blazer, denim jacket or cardigan for warmth.

Which even though it is hot as blazes in Texas right now, it’s always a good idea to have that 3rd piece for the strong blowing AC in all our buildings.

I am wearing the navy with white dots over a pair of Style & Co High Rise Straight Jeans. (I’m wearing size 16)

And for a bit of fun, I added my red Taos Sneakers. This is my fun little splurge purchase for the summer!  (Size 8.5 W – I usually wear 8 WW, but these don’t come in WW.  8.5 W fits great.

 

Top | Jeans | Sneakers | Necklace | Earrings (similar)

 

All the Tucks

 

After years of tunics over skinny jeans and leggings, we are now in a season of tucks….

For people like me that don’t want to call attention to their tummy, this can be challenging.

There is the front tuck, front tuck with belt, half tuck and just about every kind of tuck you can imagine.

Sometimes I like one of these on me and sometimes I don’t.

I’ve found that it depends on the style of the top – if it’s long, short, fitted or boxy.

And the style of the pants – high waisted, at the waist or lower.

In other words, you just have to experiment with what you have on and see what you like.

Here is the white top with skinny jeans (Size 16) 4 ways.

Out over the top of the jeans.

 

 

Half Tuck

 

Front Tuck

 

Front tuck with belt

Which do you like better?

 

Top | Jeans (similar)| Earrings (similar)| Necklace | Belt | Sandals*

*Sandals shown in Golden Cork

 

 

Thank you for being here! Would you pin my post to Pinterest so that others can discover My Side of 50?

 

Sleeveless  Styles with the Ageless Style Ladies

The Ageless Style group is a wonderful variety of women who can give you inspiration. Pop over to their blogs to see their sleeveless  styles.

Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits

Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |

Bo ~ Bo’s Bodacious Blog

Blog / Instagram /Pinterest / Bloglovin’

Cathy ~ My Side of 50

Blog / Instagram/ Pinterest / Facebook

Joanna ~ My Slice of Life

Blog

Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style

Blog | Instagram | Facebook |

Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle

Blog /Instagram

Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom

Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |

Rosemary ~ Distinctly Southern Style

Blog / Instagram / Pinterest / Facebook

 

 

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links I will make a commission at no extra cost to you.

 

Last month I attended a comedy show (John Crist – clean and hilarious. Watch his special here.) at a performing arts venue with a friend and my daughters.

Prior to the event, I went on the venue’s website and saw that bags larger than 4″ x 6″ would not be allowed.

4″ x 6″?  Do you think it was a man who came up with that size?

Even my evening bags weren’t even that small, so I ended up putting my lipstick, credit cards and other necessities in a quart zip lock bag.

The rest of the girls just took small bags.

We were greeted by an official in the parking lot who had a 4″ x 6″ template to measure bags.

Everyone but me was told that they had to leave their bags in the car because they were too big.

My friend’s bag was just 1/2″ over!!!

When we got to the door, our bags were measured again and searched.

I understand about the security concerns we have these days, but a tiny 4″ x 6″ bag seems a bit like overkill.

 

 

Different Venues | Different Sizes

When I got home, I did some research on what size bags were allowed at the different venues in Houston.

We have 3 major sports venues. All will allow different size bags. Most want them to be clear.

Most of the other arts venues don’t have size requirements…yet.

So I put together this post with different sizes and types of bags for events.

Keep in mind….no one sent me anything when I purchased my tickets that there was a size limit on bags. If I had not looked at the website and ran across that information, I would not have known until I arrived.

Moral of the story:  check your venues website for their bag requirements before you go.

 

 

Small Bags for Big Events

 

Small Zip Wallet

 

 

This small zip wallet by A New Day at Target is the only one I found  that was small enough for the venue that had the 4″ x 6″ size requirement.

Comes in 5 colors.

Dimensions: 3.5″ x 4″  x .88″

Big enough for your credit card and maybe a lipstick. I guess you need to put your phone in your pocket.

 

Vince Camuto Convertible Leather Travel Wallet

 

 

 

This is so cute!

It has a removable strap so you can wear it as a cross body or wristlet.

4.5″ x 8.25″ x .75″

 

Crossbody Cell Phone Purse

 

Cute and functional. Has a clear window so that you can see your phone for messages & notifications without taking it out of your purse.

Comes in  5 colors.

8.2″ x 1.1″ x 4.5″

 

 

Clear Bags for Big Events

 

Clear Stadium Approved Crossbody Bag

 

 

My daughter is borrowing this one from me for the Backstreet Boys Concert this week. It’s at an outdoor venue that requires clear bags.

10″ x 9″

Big enough for cellphone makeup and wallet.

Frosted inner pocket for things you want to keep private.

 

Stadium Approved Clear Tote

 

 

12″ x 12″ x 6″

Big enough to hold everything you would take in your purse.

Comes in 15  colors.

Thanks so much for reading my blog! I love writing it and sharing about fashion, faith and fun.

Pin this post to share with others!

 

 

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will make a commission at no extra cost to you.

What do you think of the wide leg pants trend? I believe we used to refer to them as “bell bottoms”.

I remember my bell bottoms being as wide and bell shaped as possible at the bottom.

Long enough to drag the ground.

Sitting super low on my hips with a belt.

And styled with a crop top, tube top or a top that was tied up in some way.

What do they say? Everything old is new again!

This summer’s variation includes wide leg crops.

Wide Leg Crops – It’s All About Proportion

 

I tried on several pair of wide leg crops before deciding on this pair from Macy’s.

It’s their INC brand. High waisted with some stretch. I am wearing size 16.

The leg flares gradually from the hip and it’s not super wide at the bottom.

From the styles I tried, I found that the length, where the flair started and how wide it was at the bottom varied greatly.

You will have to try several pair to see which one is right for you.

Pants | Top | Sandals | Necklace (similar)

Tops for your Wide Leg Crops

Since your crops are wider on the bottom, it’s important to balance that out with a more fitted top.

I am wearing a fitted tee and and tailored denim jacket.

Top | Jacket | Pants | Kicks (similar)| Earrings

If you are wearing a looser or flowy top, you can try a front tuck, half tuck or tie it up to give your waist some definition.

With this top, I looped it through my belt loop then tucked it up under my shirt.

Top (Stitch Fix*- shopped my closet) | Pants | Sandals | Earrings

Shoes to Wear with Wide Leg Crops

To add length to the leg, I opted for neutral shoes in all of these looks.

This SAS Marina Sandal is so comfortable. Velcro straps so you can adjust it for just the right fit.

Great arch support.

Tread on the sole for stability.

And the sparkly, metallic color is a fun way to update your look.

Comes in 8 colors.

Did you notice my earrings? This is my favorite Amazon find of the week. 4 pair of these raffia/rattan earrings for less than $15.

Which look is your favorite?

*As I’ve been shopping my closet more, I’ve noticed that a lot of pieces that look as good as when they were purchased are from StitchFix. I wear them year after year in different ways.

Wreath

 

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting this blog by shopping through my links!

Have you noticed more embroidery on clothes this season?

It seems to be a trend.

And I love this Embroidered Ruched Sleeve Top from Cato Fashions. (Comes in Plus Size)

I’m wearing a large.

The v-neck is flattering, the embroidered neckline is beautiful and the colors are ones that can be worn year round – not just spring and summer.

Which is good news for us Texas girls and those of you who don’t see real fall temperatures until around Thanksgiving.

I’ve only recently started shopping at Cato Fashions.  I don’t know how I missed this gem of a store – it’s less than a mile from my house.

They have a variety of styles and sizes. The price point is GREAT. And the quality is good.

When I am incorporating a new trend into my wardrobe, I like to start with something less expensive to try it out.

And less expensive does not have to mean poor quality.

I’m finding lots of retailers these days that are offering quality items and a lower price.

Straight Leg Pants

Wide leg pants of all kinds are EVERYWHERE. I fear our skinny jeans will soon be a thing of the past.

If you’re not quite ready to embrace the total wide leg, these Style & Co. Curvy Straight High Rise Jeans may be just what your looking for.

The leg is a slim silhouette that isn’t flared but isn’t skinny at the bottom.  The line is so flattering form hip to ankle.

They feel more like a chinos than jeans and seem to be just a little bit dressier. These will be my “go-to” white pants for the summer.

These are a curvy fit and I am wearing my usual Size 16.

Add a Cute Wedge Sandal

These Easy Street Stacy Wedge Sandals from DSW are so cute and comfy.

It has a 1 3/4″ wedge heel, comes in Narrow to Extra Wide Widths and 5 colors.

I’m wearing an 8WW.

Other Embroidered Tops

Looking for more reasonably prices embroidery pieces to add to your wardrobe? Check these out.

 

 

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

 

This outfit came together quite by accident and I love it.

I ordered a bunch of different pieces from a variety of retailers.

Pieces like this Lattice Neck Tunic, which is different from anything I usually wear.

I am trying to stretch myself in my fashion choices. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t.

I think this one works.

For size reference I am 5’7″, 195-200 lbs.

Top 12-14 or Large

Bottoms 16 or XL

Shoe 8WW

Dress it Up with a Black Tunic

The Lattice Neck Tunic is from Cato Fashions (also comes in Plus sizes).

I think the lattice neckline is a fabulous detail. And the designers cut it just right so your bra doesn’t show. I am not at all into strapless bras!

It’s shorter and flowy in the front which camflouges the tummy area.

But it’s not so voluminous that it just swallows me. It gently flows past my curves.

I’m wearing a Large.

The tunic goes really long in the back.

Add some white pants

The pants are Simply Vera Vera Wang Simply Modern Ankle Pants (yes that’s the name) from Kohls.

These pants are pull-on (YEA!) I’m wearing and XL.

They come in several colors and in petite, misses and plug sizes.

Neutral heels lengthen your leg

I’m wearing my Easy Street Alize Heeled Sandals.

These neutral sandals with a 2 1/2″ block heel.

The block heel lets me wear a heel while giving me some stability. These sandals go with EVERYTHING.

The sandal comes in 4 colors and wide widths. I’m wearing an 8 1/2 wide.

Shop your closet for some jewelry to add a finishing touch

I also added my Kendra Scott necklace and earrings.

I think this outfit would be perfect for an outdoor wedding, garden party, cocktail party or out to a play.

Super versatile and all the pieces are a great price.

What do you think?

Shop the post: