spring | Fab Over Fifty Style Blog

04May

This spring, FOF Shelley Zausmer is turning over a new leaf -- she's trading in her beloved high heels for comfortable, stylish flats. Since it's been years since she's shopped for anything below a 3-inch heel, she sought advice from our FOF style gurus on the new "Ask an FOF" section of FabOverFifty. Here are their picks for comfy-chic spring kicks, (almost) all for less than $160:

FOF Style Guru Linda Cohen: "The Cole Haan wedges are made with the same Nike 'air' technology used in their sneakers. They're cushion-y with a modern wedge heel. The ballet flats have a rubberized sole. The slight heel makes them more feminine."

Left: Air Talia Wedge 40 by Cole Haan, $119.95.
Right: Cece leather and canvas ballet flats by J.Crew, $128.
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FOF Style Guru Terry Gibralter: "The fact that loafers, spectators and brogues are in style this spring is great news for those seeking comfortable footwear!"

Left: Spectator oxfords by Candela, $158
Right: Keyman by Stuart Wetizman, $325
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FOF Style Guru Lisa C.: "I've had good luck lately with Sperry, the same company responsible for Topsiders. Also, ballet flats are still in style this season, you should be able to find hundreds [of pairs that] are adorable and comfortable."

Left: Simple by London Sole, $165
Right: Madaket Slip On by Sperry, $67.99
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FOF Style Guru Linda Cohen: "The designers must have been listening to real women who want to be stylish without wearing a 5-inch platform! The 'Thimble Clover' by Clarks is a perfect example. The rubberized bottom and foam foot bed make them comfortable and the embellishment will make them your season's favorite sandal."

Left: Nasy by Corso Como, $159
Right: "Thimble Clover" by Clarks, $89.99
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FOF Style Guru Sandra Soich: "Toms are my weekend walking shoe this season. They are so comfortable. Neimans now sells exclusive styles of Toms with a sturdier sole and in fantastic tones such as a low-key pewter colored shoe I bought and wear everywhere."

Left: Bennet Metallic Slip-On by Toms, $85.
Right: Air Bacara Ballet by Cole Haan, $148.
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5 comments

02March

{The Look for Less} Gail Garramone’s Suit-Free Spring Officewear

"Since returning to office work, I'm looking for suit alternatives such as cardigans in flowy silhouettes and luxe fabrics or tailored clothing with a feminine touch," says FOF style expert Gail Garramone. "I love color and always wear a bright touch somewhere. I also really believe in the perfect accessory to compliment a monochromatic outfit, and I have just invested in a handbag that looks like a giant piece of jewelry." Check out Gail's glam spring office wear, below. Then, discover some easy-on-the-wallet alternatives.

Tory Burch 'Simone' cardigan/Jamin Puech 'Anatoli' handbag/Alexis Bittar 'Zanzibar' bangle/Akris 'Karla' Pants

Gap v-neck cardigan/Rafe 'Carolina' clutch/Alexis Bittar bangle/Soft Surroundings 'Tencel' pull-on pant

9 comments

02March

{The Look for Less} Sandra Soich’s Fabulously Feminine Spring Picks

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"I am loving creams and light pinks for the spring...so feminine!" says FOF style expert Sandra Soich "The racer-back silhouette is definitely in this season, and even though our backs may not be perfect, FOFs can wear this silhouette with a soft cami underneath." Sandra's fabulously feminine spring picks are below, followed by thriftier versions of the pieces.

Cosabella 'Talco' long camisole/Rag and Bone racer tank/Eileen Fisher organic linen trouser/Eileen Fisher scoop neck dress/Via Spiga 'Dolmen' pump

Soft Surroundings long scoop cami / Madewell perfect racerback tank/Soft Surroundings 'Palagiano' pant/Calvin Klein pleated jersey dress/Anne Klein 'Pipa' heels

4 comments

01March

{The Look for Less} Sherrie Mathieson’s Sporty-Chic Spring Picks

FOF style expert, Sherrie Mathieson, is eying Prada's collection this spring. "I love nylon windbreakers and anoraks like this one in tan from Prada," says Sherrie. "They are my sporty alternative to sweaters." A Bakelite-inspired necklace in caramel is "a complexion-enhancing neutral," and a pair of patent slides are "a sleek, comfortable basic that will work with most slacks." Check out Sherrie's picks and FOF's bargain version:

Prada contrast-trim jacket/Prada link necklace in light tortoise/Prada patent leather wedge slides/Prada cropped Pants

Chico's Zenergy jacket/Adia Kibur links necklace/Soft Surroundings p eep-toe espadrille/Coldwater Creek capri pants

2 comments

01March

{The Look for Less} Terry Gibralter’s Practically Perfect Spring Picks

Practical perfection is FOF style expert Terry Gibralter's mantra this spring. Topping her wish-list: A lightweight tote ("for everything I carry, like my iPad"), super-stylish, comfortable flats ("I'll wear them like crazy through the summer") and wide-leg jeans ("a welcome change from the super-skinny jeans I’ve been rocking all winter!") And to jazz it all up? A necklace in an eye-popping shade. ("To add pizazz to my neutrals.") See her picks below, then find out how to get this look for less.