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!

 

 

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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

 

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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:

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.

There’s this new trend going around called “Coastal Grandmother”.  It’s a hashtag on Instagram and even a category on the Chico’s website.

Even though I am a grandmother of 4 and know many grandmother’s who dress is a way that is current, stylish and cute, any  fashion trend with the word grandmother in it conjures up images of snap up floral robes and stockings rolled down to the knees.

Maybe it’s just me….

 

Coastal Styles for Every Age

I prefer Coastal Styles for Every Age. Since have lived near the Texas Gulf Coast my whole life, I know a little about coastal attire.

It’s clothes that keep you cool in hot weather.

That are light and breezy and don’t fit too tight.

Clothes that just barely skim your skin that may be a little tender after a day in the sun.

Colors and designs that evoke the coast and the ocean.

This Coastal Style includes the Pima Fossil Finds Elbow Tee (on sale)  and the So Slimming Eyelet Hem Girlfriend Crops.

The sleeves on the tee come down to the elbow for ladies who like a little more upper arm coverage.

The eyelet hem detail on these crops is so unique. I so many compliments on these pants and they go with everything.

I’m wearing a Size 2 in the top and 2.5 in the crops and they are true to size. The crops have some stretch.

The hoop earrings I am wearing are sold out, but these shell shaped summer white seed bead clip-ons are a great option.

 

The Zip-Italy Espadrille Platform Sandal in stone is so cute.

The platform gives you a  little height while still offering the stability you need. It’s like wearing a flat sandal that is a little elevated.

There are a few wide and extra-wide sizes left in this color. I wear 8WW.

Topping off the outfit is this Straw Crossbody from Target.  So CUTE!!!!

Similar Coastal Style Options

Beaded T-Strap Sandals

Tommy Hilfiger Cuffed Shorts in White  (on sale |  Size  up)

Hyacinth Tote Bag

Disc Pendant Necklace

Aria Espadrille Wedge Sandal

Follow me on the LTK app. I’m there at my_side_of_50. Get app only content from me and other influencers you follow.

 

You may  also like:

Memorial Day Looks for Every Occasion

 

 

Floral Summer Tops for Women over  50

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 you.

 

What are your plans for Memorial Day? Backyard barbecue? Time by the water? Travel? I’ve been out of town the last two weekends, so we’ll have a pretty low-key time at home to rest and catch up.

Whatever you have planned, here are some great looks for you. Pick up a couple. One for Memorial Day and save one for the 4th of July!

Memorial Day Maxi

I haven’t worn a maxi since the 70’s,  so this was stepping out of my comfort zone a bit, but I LOVED wearing this!!!

It is so comfy – it’s like wearing a big nightie! I could lounge in this all day!

We had a debate in the family about whether to wear it tied up or not. How would you wear it?

This picture shows the pockets. I’m wearing and XL.

 

The platform sandals are surprisingly comfortable for an inexpensive pair of shoes. My usual size is 8WW. These are 8 1/2 M and fit great.

Maxi | Maxi Plus Size | Stud Strap Flatform Sandals

 

Star Tank and Jeans

You can’t go wrong with this cute tank and a pair jeans. I dressed it up a little with a pearl necklace. For cool nights you could add a denim jacket or cardigan.

I’m wearing XL in the tank. This comes in sizes up to 5XL in lots of different prints.

Star Tank | Jeans (similar)  

Sandals

Nautical Wreath

Shorts, Tank & Kimono

This is my first kimono. Can you believe it? I just never thought I was a “kimono girl”. Don’t you wonder where we get these ideas about ourselves?

I’ve paired it with a navy tank and white shorts. The tank is XL, but it is a little big, so I’d get a L next time. Kimono is L. Shorts run a little small so I sized up to an 18.

Here it is from the back so that you can see the length.

Kimonos are the perfect completer piece for the summer because  they are light & flowy. If you like to  cover your arms, they do the trick without making you hot.

Kimono | Kimono Plus  Size | Tank | Tank Plus Size | Stud Strap Flatform Sandals

Shorts

Tank, Crops and Denim Jacket

This outfit was so fun to put together!

It started with a tie-dye tank (Large) and white eyelet hemmed cropped pants (Size 2.5 Chicos). I like those pants so much, but wasn’t going keep them because I have 3 pair of white jeans already. But they go with everything I own – what’s a girl to do with a hem that cute?

I topped it denim  jacket (Large). If you look at my Instagram feed, you will know that I need another denim jacket like I need a hole in the head…but look at that ruffle detail!!! So feminine and modern!

And then those red wedges (8 1/2  W). I never buy shoes like that but they make this outfit!

Here’s the tank without the jacket.

Here’s what it looks like from the back.

Tank | Plus Size Tank | Crops | Jacket |  Wedges

Shorts & a Tee

Since we’ll be staying home this weekend, this  is  exactly what I’ll be wearing.

A graphic tee (XL), denim shorts (Chico’s 2.5 –  size up. I needed a 3), white kicks

Tee | Shorts | Kicks

So what’s your style?

Are you inspired to try something you don’t usually wear?

Let me  know in the comments.

And I’d be so  grateful if you would pin the post. I am eager to spread the word that women of every age, shape and size can dress in a way that makes them feel beautiful and confident.

 

This post contains affiliate links. I may be compensated for clicks  or purchases  made  through these links at no extra cost to you.  

Florals are EVERYWHERE for Spring/Summer 2022.

Traditional florals. Modern Florals. Big Florals. Small Florals. Whatever floral suits you, you’ll be able to find a piece that you love.

 

 

This super-soft  V-neck  Floral Tank from Amazon can be styled in so many ways. It comes in several patterns and sizes small – 3X. I am wearing and XL.

I styled it with  these super cute Brigitte So Slimming Eyelet Hemmed Crops from Chico’s. Size 2.5.

This top is blousy and would look great with a front-tuck. Since I carry most of my weight in the tummy-area, front-tucks are not the most-flattering on me. So I just tucked the tail in my pocket, giving the look a little shape.

LifeStride Tango 2 Espadrille Wedge Sandal – Taupe

I usually wear an 8WW, but this is an 8 1/2 W and fits great.

Comes in 6 colors.

Styled here with the So Slimming Brigitte 10″ Slim Shorts in Calypso Coral – Size 2.5

These shorts are pull on and so-comfy. 5 colors.

 

 

Baretraps Flossey in Soft Gold – 8W.

 

 

So Slimming Girlfriend 7″ Slim Leg Shorts – My usual 2.5 size was a little snug in the waist on these. I suggest sizing up.

 

Beaded T-Strap Sandals

So which is your favorite look? Crops? Bermuda Shorts or the Denim Shorts.

Will you please pin this post to help me grow my following?

Take a look at some other floral stylings with my friends a the Ageless Style Link-up

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 |

Leslie ~ Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After

Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | 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

Robin ~ Hello I am 50ish

Blog / Instagram / Pinterest / Facebook

 

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