{Gift Guide} GIVE fab wearable gifts, RECEIVE a stunning wrap sweater

Falalalala, FOF Fashionistas! Our panel of style gurus picks the wearable gifts they’d love to give and get this year.

Plus, one lucky FOF will win the stunning Aztec Wrap sweater  pictured below. To enter, tell us in the comments below: What’s the worst wearable gift you’ve ever received?

Thank you for entering. This contest is now closed.

Black and White Aztec Wrap Sweater, $20
“These bold wraps are made from wool remnants taken from designers such as Armani, Chanel and Loro Piana. They’re made by an FOF; each one can be worn three different ways and the price point is so good, you wouldn’t feel guilty buying a few.” -FOF Geri Brin

A nostalgic Skate Key Necklace from DFB Designs, $89
“I wear mine every day!” -FOF Geri Brin

A wear-everywhere Moksha Scarf, $100
“Unlike a Hermes scarf, you won’t see these gorgeous designs everywhere and they won’t cost you an arm and a leg.” -FOF Geri Brin

{Geri Brin is the founder of FabOverFifty.com}

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Dannijo Stingray Cuff, $300
“This stingray “Zuma” cuff, also available in purple and teal blue, is a cheerful, seasonless accessory, appropriate to wear with anything from jeans or a  summer dress to a wool suit.” -FOF Susan Grant

Rabbit “Infinity” Scarf by Jocelyn, $198
“Just the right touch of fur to capture the trend of the season. It can be worn long or doubled for a cowl effect. Available in brown, black or grey.” -FOF Susan Grant

{Susan Grant is merchandise manager for Muse, a full-service jewelry showroom.}

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Hooded Cashmere Poncho, $250
“This casual cashmere cape would work with leggings, slim jeans or narrow pants. I love the dark brown brown because it’s more universally flattering than black (especially as we age). It’s also a a great neutral when paired with black, navy and gray.” -FOF Sherrie Mathieson

Pearl & Rhinestone Shag Necklace, Champagne, $315
“A lovely pearl collar provides interest to any simple neckline and reflects light onto the face.” -FOF Sherrie Mathieson

{Sherrie Mathieson is a leading style expert and Random House author of Steal this Style and Forever Cool.}

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Carolina Amato Gloves, $33-$120
“I love all Carolina Amato’s gloves. They’re whimsical and the price points are great.” – FOF Linda Cohen

Embellised Clutch by Roberta Freymann, $95
“You can wear this with dark colors in the winter or white and colors in the summer.” -FOF Linda Cohen

{Linda Cohen is head buyer for the FOF shop, has her own fashion consulting and merchandising business and owned a clothing store for 27 years.}

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Restoration Hardware Monogram Cashmere Robe, $249
“A cashmere robe is the ultimate indulgent luxury. They run the gamut from pricey ($3000) to affordable ($300-ish). I’ll take the one from Restoration Hardware (when did they start making robes in addition to door knockers?) for $249. It’s a classic shawl-collared robe with patch pockets. And you can have it monogrammed for the same price. I would monogram it, ‘YAY.’” -FOF Gail Garramone

Tahitian Pearl Studs with Diamonds in 14-karat White Gold, $275
“Pearls are my jewels of choice. Whether milky white or midnight dark, I love the way they pick up the warmth of your body. My ideal would be a Tahitian South Sea pearl necklace with matching earrings, but for the same price I could get a mansion in Westchester. So instead, I’ll take Ross-Simons’ Tahitian pearl studs with tiny diamonds (hey, they’re still diamonds) for $275. I hope my husband is listening. I would wear them 24/7, except in the shower. Pearls do not like water.” -FOF Gail Garramone

{Gail Garramone is a veteran V.P. of Liz Claiborne Inc. where she traveled around the country with Tim Gunn producing fashion workshops.}

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Nars Bento Box Lip Gloss Kit, $125
“The packaging of this Nars lip gloss set is divine. Two pots of gloss–pink and red–both exquisite shades, and a beautiful Asian-inspired lip brush. I would LOVE to get this gift.” -FOF Terry Gibralter

Antipast Socks, $25-$38
“Antipast socks come in amazing patterns and colors; in short, long and even over-the-knee styles; and they are made in Japan from very high-quality yarns. They’re a lot of fashion bang for the buck!” -FOF Terry Gibralter

{Terry Gibraltar is the founder of Bespoke Custom Shopping Tours, carefully-crafted shopping “vacations” and a self-proclaimed, “fashion-obsessed” FOF.}

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Anne Fontaine “Lea” Blouse, $295
“There’s nothing like a crisp white top with just about any type of bottom. Ann Fontaine’s white blouses are works of art, from the very simplest “Lea” ($295.00), a short sleeve satin blouse, to the most ornate. “Luca’s” feminine neck and cuffs are great for day or night ($250.00).”  -FOF Sandra Soich

“Linda” earrings from Gemma Redux, $198
Gemma Redux features modern costume jewelry with a twist. Gems can be pricey, but you can purchase, the “Linda” earring ($198.00) to give the Anne Fontaine blouse a modern and sophisticated look. -FOF Sandra Soich

{Sandra Soich is a highly sought-after celebrity and commercial stylist who offers personal wardrobe consulting through her website, YourFashionTherapist.com}

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Enter to win a stunning Aztec sweater wrap by telling us in the comments below: What’s the worst wearable gift you’ve ever received?


{Style Expert} “Geek Chic” pieces for FOFs

It started with big geeky glasses. This year, we spotted them on everyone from Madonna and Demi Moore to our very own trendsetting founder, Geri Brin. The streets of NYC are teeming with nerdy accessories, from scuffed Oxford shoes and schoolboy blazers to skinny suspenders. Here, our favorite items for introducing a little “geek” while keeping things chic:

1. Madonna rocks out in Buddy Holly “Nerd” glasses.

2. A tailored take on a teacher’s sweater: Wool Leather-Patch Cardigan from Ralph Lauren, $84.99.

3. Glasses that are a class(y) act: Jill Glasses in classic tortoise from Amy Sacks, $90.

4. A plaid shirt with no place for a pocket protector: Soft Surroundings, $49.99

5. A sexy take on the schoolboy blazer: “Rory” Two-Button Blazer from Theory, $375

6. A clever clutch: Book of the Month Clutch from Kate Spade, $325

7. Shoes for studying in style: Melanee in Cognac Leather by Steven, $79.20

And while we’re on the topic, who’s your favorite famous geek?

Image of Madonna via Geek Eyewear

{Style Expert} Goodbye, Granny Glasses!

Guys will make passes at FOFs who wear these glasses.

Fifteen years ago, FOF Felice Dee bought her first pair of reading glasses. Her young daughter took one look and said “Oh, mommy, you look just like grandma!” Horrified, Felice searched New York for more flattering frames and couldn’t believe the lack of options. Soon after, she left a successful career as an interior designer (“I was ready for a change…”) and opened her eponymous eyeglasses shop. She’s since developed a cult following among Hollywood stylists who trust her to fit their stars with perfect spectacles. “It’s most important to me that all of my clients leave looking great,” says Felice. “Even if it means telling them they can’t buy a frame they love, because it doesn’t fit right.”

Here, Felice offers tips for fitting the perfect pair, and five of her fave frames for FOFs.

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Arum Frames, $565: “Instead of ‘readers’–which can age you–look for regular frames that you can wear on the bridge of your nose but have a flat top, so you can peek over to see far away. Love these Swarovski embellished frames!”
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Zero G Astoria Leopard Frames, $450: “Your glasses should be adjusted to fit your face perfectly–just like you tailor a dress–so that they don’t slide down your nose, pinch or feel heavy. This super-light, titanium pair gives your nose a vacation.”
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Felice Dee Downtown Frames, $445: “Make sure your eyes are centered in the lens. Glasses should frame your eyes just like a picture frame frames a portrait. These are the perfect accessory for your LBD.”
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Kirk Originals Martha Purple Frames, $440: “If you have gray hair, stay clear of warm tones and opt instead for navy, purple, burgundy, black. These saturated colors can take years off your look and still be age appropriate. If you are blond and fair-skinned, tortoise is always a classic and classy look.”
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Red Rhinestone Computer Glasses, $39.99: “These readers are handy to have all over the house – in your night table drawer, near your makeup kit, in your kitchen for reading recipes, in your travel case, etc. For some strange reason, reading glasses never seem to be where you need them when you want them, so finding a pair affordable enough to stash in different places is a very justified convenience.”
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{Style Expert} What do you think of this look?

When it comes to FOF fashion, there are no rules but plenty of opinions. Check out what our Five Fashion Gurus have to say about this look, then tell us: Do you agree?

FOF Robin Mizrahi: “Love, love this woman! I admire her confidence (this outfit is not for the meek). I feel her “going native” with the vicuna-colored accessories; the way big soft unconstructed bag and her “I-am-a-nature-lover,” Flintstone jewels, topped off by the Park-Avenue-meets-safari zebra cardi. With all that said the proportions are not flattering for her bod. I would have preferred to see a simpler dress and the cardigan peeking out of her bag for a pop. The ladies luncheon shoe is too dressy. A cooler, anonymous flat or ballet shoe would have kept her more modern.”

Robin Mizrahi is co-owner of Pamela Robbins boutique, buyer, merchandiser and entrepreneur.

FOF Terry Gibraltar: “Love the look!  The black, tan and white color combo is great, as is the au courant touch of zebra print. I love how she modernized with footless tights, an over-sized bag and great ethnic-looking jewelry. My only criticism: The shoes; I wish they were less matchy-matchy and delicate. All in all, I think she’s an FOF who’s rockin’ it!”

Terry Gibraltar is the founder of Bespoke Custom Shopping Tours, carefully-crafted shopping “vacations” and a self-proclaimed, “fashion-obsessed” FOF.

FOF Susan Grant: “Too much is going on. The dress is the focal point and has prominent buttons, so it should be more simply accessorized. I like the necklace and touch of color in the bangles, but I’d prefer a solid black sweater and shoes. The bag is too large for a light-feeling outfit.”

Susan Grant is merchandise manager for Muse, a full-service jewelry showroom.

FOF Sherrie Mathieson: “This woman is trying to look youthful and artsy with leggings, her bold printed sweater and copper disc jewelry. However  her leggings are not worn age appropriately and her accessories overtake her look. The leggings do little for her legs. Pairing leggings with a flat shoe or boot and a 3/4 length sweater or trench about 1 inch above the knee would have been better. For accessories, her bag and shoes would have been enough. A black or dark brown sweater instead of zebra print would have been much simpler and chicer.”

Sherrie Mathieson is a leading style expert and Random House author of Steal this Style and Forever Cool.

FOF Gail Garramone: “This FOF clearly has a sense of exuberant style, which should be applauded. The colors are repeated nicely in the accessories; the shoes are wonderfully stylish, and zebra sweaters can be fun. But an FOF trying to recreate the look should be careful when piling it all on. I like that she only wore one animal print at a time and didn’t emulate a zoo.”

Gail Garramone is a veteran V.P. of Liz Claiborne Inc. where she traveled around the country with Tim Gunn producing fashion workshops.

Tell us FOFs: Do you agree with our style experts? What do you think of this outfit?

{Style Expert} Retro not ridiculous: How to achieve a “hippie chic” look

Two FOF style experts, Gail Garramone and Marilyn Kirschner, share secrets to looking hippie chic–not hippie dippy.

“The 60s had some great looks,” says Gail. “But it is important to know how to bring them back without looking like Joan-Baez-Gone-Bad or like you should be carrying around a lava lamp.”

Both experts agree that FOFs shouldn’t be limited to cliche fashion rules (“I am a firm believer that one can basically wear anything if one knows how to do it,” says Marilyn.) They offer these ideas–not commandments–for working Woodstock into your wardrobe.

6 Fab Hippie Chic Pieces and How to Wear Them


Examples:  Laguna Cuff by Soft Surroundings (left), $94.95 and Turquoise Buckle Leather Belt (right), $599 from Ralph Lauren

“Turquoise jewelry, whether in the form of a statement necklace or a cuff, makes for beautiful accessories.” says Gail. “Cinch a white button-down blouse with a turquoise belt. A big piece of jewelry slung low on the waist can make an unexpected statement–and hide a pooch!”

Foolproof pairings: A monochrome palette; shirt and pants or a dress in either brown, white or black.


Examples: Autumin in Philadelphia Tie Dye Silk  Fringed Scarf from Etsy seller, WarmFlashes (left), $29, Nepal Bag by Flora Bella from the FabOverFifty Shop, $412

“Tie-dyed accessories are fabulous because one piece can incorporate so many colors. A brightly tie-dyed pashmina shawl becomes a neutral that you can wear with just about anything,” says Gail.

Foolproof pairings:  Dark jeans and a dark-colored top.


Example: Declarative Peasant Blouse from Anthropologie (left), $58. Julietta Blouse by Trina Turk (right), $73.99

“Peasant blouses are great way to show a little skin without having to show your arms,” says Gail.

“What you don’t want is for it to resemble a maternity top, worn loose and unbelted,” says Marilyn.

Foolproof pairings: Wrist jewelry or slightly dangling earrings. Sophisticated high-waisted trousers or skirt.


Example:  Suede Tassel Boots in Brown from Soft Surroundings, (left) $159.95, Tessa Fringed Boot by House of Harlow (right), $350

“Hippie-style, over-the-knee boots in brown are just a fabulous essential,” says Gail. “They can have a hint of fringe but don’t overdo it.”

Foolproof pairings: A skirt that just skims the top of the boots or pants such as cords in brown or black or dark jeans. A slouchy leather or suede bag.


Example: “Karelia Coat” from Anthropologie, $248

“If you are FOF-fearless, a patterned coat is the ultimate,” says Gail.

“If you opt to wear a statement-making patterned coat, make that the one thing that is special,” says Marilyn. “Keep everything else solid, lean, clean and simplified.”

Foolproof pairings: A neutral monochromatic palette; off-white pants or narrow cords, army green cargos or indigo jeans. A knitted cap or fur or faux fur hat, suede boots (either flat or low wedge), and a timeless tote, satchel or shoulder bag (that are more sporty or casual than dressy).


Example: Faux Fur Vest from Eddie Bauer, (left) $99, Fur vest from Ebay, (right) from $20

“Fur vests may be a bit funky but are also classic enough so that it’s easily workable into a wardrobe,” says Marilyn. “It could easily add pizazz to basic separates. While they are always in style, they are even more so this season.”

Foolproof pairings: Neutral-toned (off white, ivory, cream, camel, brown) underpinnings such as a chunky turtleneck and narrow jeans or chino-type pants. Tall, brown, flat- or low-heeled boots.

Marilyn Kirschner has been Editor-in-Chief of the Internet Magazine Look-on-Line since 1995. She has appeared multiple times in Bill Cunningham’s ‘On the Street’ columns in The New York Times, and in February 2000, she was the subject of an 18 picture profile. Marilyn started her career at Seventeen magazine before landing at Harper’s Bazaar, where she remained for 21 years. She collects vintage fashion and is a personal shopper and wardrobe consultant. For more information, contact her at marilyn.kirschner@yahoo.com.

Gail Garramone has 15+ years experience in the fashion industry. She is a veteran V.P. at Liz Claiborne Inc. where she traveled around the country with Tim Gunn producing fashion events and fashion workshops.

Image of Ali MacGraw via I’m the It Girl

{Street-Spotted} Lisa Feldmann

Bon voyage and bon ensemble! FOF Lisa Feldmann’s global getup hails from more countries than we can count. Japan, Italy, France… we are getting jet lag just thinking about it!

Name: Lisa Feldmann

How old are you? Over 50

Where are you from? Switzerland, but I have an apartment here in New York as well.

What do you do? Editor for AnnaBelle. It’s a Swiss magazine.

What are you doing today? I just left the Isaac Mizrahi show for Fashion Week.

Do you have a favorite designer? I think Celine is doing a great job. I love watching what Jil Sander is doing for Uniqlo as well.

On Lisa:
Blazer-
Uniqlo (Japanese designer)
Pants–
Céline (French designer)
Blouse–
Commes De Garcons (Japanese designer)
Bag
Chloe (French designer)
Shoes
Corso Como Milano (Italian designer)
Necklace
— From Dover Street Market in London

Images by Katherine McPherson for faboverfifty.com

{Street-Spotted} Marilyn Kirschner

Tell us FOFs: Who’s your style muse?

Your most fashionable friend? Your mother? A celeb style icon?

We commend Marilyn Kirschner, an FOF we met on the street, for her honest answer: “Me!” says Marilyn.

Name: Marilyn Kirschner

How old are you? 61

What do you do? I’m the editor-in-chief of LookOnline.com and a long-time fashion editor.

Do you have a favorite designer? I love Chanel. I love looking at what Balenciaga does. It varies each season. I like a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I love Michael Kors. I love Celine–what they’re doing there. I love bits of Prada. It really depends.

Where do you shop? I am an ‘equal opportunity’ shopper but one place I would have to say is Ebay! I’ve been very lucky and some of my most treasured possessions were scored there. I have long been a vintage devotee and have been lucky at great thrift and consignment shops. I also love Uniqlo, the Gap, J. Crew and Banana Republic.

How do you describe your style? Classic but with a twist. I am really a classicist at heart (and the older I get the more important those amazing classic pieces become), but the they have to be distinctive with a lot of personality. I like to add playful, whimsical elements or an element of surprise. I don’t like to look like everyone else.

What style advice do you have for other FOFs? I don’t believe that just because you’re over a certain age, you cannot have a great fashion persona. Look at Iris Apfel!

On Marilyn:
Necklace-
– It was my mother’s
Pants–
J Brand
Shoes
— Vintage
Belt
— Vintage
Sunglasses-Chanel
JacketMarc by Marc Jacobs
BagDior

Images by Katherine McPherson for faboverfifty.com

{Poll} Which FOF celeb Halloween costume do you like best?

These FOF celebs got decked out in their best Halloween garb… which costume do you like best?

Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

P.S. Looking for the answer to last week’s poll “Which celeb does NOT have osteoporosis?” The answer might surprise you!

Images via Gossip Rocks

{Street-Spotted} Beverly Roseman

Gray is one of those colors that tends to fall into the, well… gray area. It can be a great classic neutral to build upon or it can totally wash a woman out. Not Beverly Roseman, a buyer for Filene’s Basement who declares it the color of the year. “I wanted to have some flexibility,” she says of her charcoal dress. “It’s appropriate for a business function but will make an easy transition if I go out to dinner after.”

Name: Beverly Roseman

How old are you? Over 50

What do you do? I’m a buyer for Filene’s Basement.

How do you describe your style? Classic with a twist. I like to add contemporary touches to update my look a little bit.

Where do you shop? I do a lot of consignment shopping and discount shopping. I’ll shop anywhere and everywhere, although I’m not big on department stores.

On Beverly:
Dress-
Ali Ro
Jewelry
Vintage
Bag
Longchamp
ShoesSigerson Morrison

{Poll} Which FOF celeb clothing line would you wear?

These 3 FOFs launched their own clothing lines… Which one would you wear?

Reba by Reba McEntire

FOF Reba McEntire was once referred to as the “Queen of Country” music, but is the 55-year-old the “Queen of Clothing,” too? In 2005 she launched her eponymous clothing line, which includes office wear, casual wear, novelty wear, sportswear and knit separates in sizes 4-14. She has recently expanded the line to include footwear and luggage. The pieces range in price from $48 to $289 and are sold at Dillards.

“Women should feel terrific and confident about how they look each moment of their lives, and the clothes that we wear play a huge role in evoking these feelings,” Reba says. “I created ‘Reba’ to help women achieve this.”

ClorisLine by Cloris Leachman

You know her from ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,’ ‘Rhoda’ or ‘Dancing with the Stars, you know that this 83-year-old Academy Award winner is over the top. Now FOF Cloris Leachman has an equally over-the-top clothing line. The collection includes straw hats and tunics in animal prints and vibrant florals. She announced the line last spring but it has yet to hit stores or the online marketplace.

“Women of a ‘certain age’ (for instance mine) have difficulty finding things to wear that are affordable, appealing and have some little air, some touch of individuality,” said Cloris. What you wear is how you announce who you are and too many American women look like members of a penguin community.”

Betty White for HoodieBuddie by Betty White

First Golden Girls, then Saturday Night Live, now a clothing line featuring 88-year-old comedian, Betty White. Betty and entertainment apparel company Jerry Leigh have collaborated on the line, which was released this summer.  It’s unclear how much say Betty has in the designs, which include hooded sweatshirts ($48) and tees ($28) with Betty’s face on them. But one thing is for certain, Betty will be compensated for the apparel adorned with her likeness, available at Hoodiebuddie.com. A portion of proceeds from the line will benefit one of Betty’s favorite charities, The Morris Animal Foundation.

“I don’t know what will happen if I ever see someone walking down the street with my face on their chest,” jokes Betty in a video on HoodieBuddie.com.

Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

Images via Reba, Million Looks, and Hoodie Buddie