Today I’m joining four blogger friends to talk about the Best Fall Accessories for Women Over 50. Links to their websites are at the bottom of this post, so make sure you stop by and see what they’re featuring.
Isn’t it interesting to think about how much we’ve changed over the years? Not just the ways we’ve matured and how we see ourselves, but how we dress.
For most of my adult life, my idea of an accessory was the camera I had around my neck–a 35mm, panorama, or underwater–and other than a small purse I took to dinner, my only bags were for my cameras. Now I find it surprising that my beloved and battered Nikon is on a shelf in my library, while the others are packed away in a box in the garage.
It’s also surprising that I now own more than one purse, and I’ve actually bought myself accessories like scarves, bracelets, and brooches.
Tote bags are iconic and will never go out of style, but most tote bags are plain-Jane bags with no pizzazz. I love this Sofia Mini Tote from Bolinder in rich cognac leather with their Manhattan square pattern on the outside, a vibrant orange lining inside, a zipper pocket, and two small interior pockets for mobile phones and keys. They also have a gorgeous Sofia mini tote in soft grey leather with an orange lining. Both totes are also available in a larger size.
One of my favorite brands for bags is Loeffler Randall. I love their Mallory Timber Brown Woven Crossbody Bag. Loeffler Randall is a less expensive version of Bottega Veneta’s classic, Italian woven bags.
This isn’t a fall accessory, but it’s too beautiful not to share with you. Earlier this summer, I bought this same bag, the color is Desert Sand, and I get so many compliments on it.
Like purses, for most of my life, I wasn’t interested in jewelry. I know. Shocking, isn’t it?
In the last ten years, I’ve bought several statement necklaces. While they’re not cheap, most of them are what my mother would have called “costume jewelry,” but they dress up any outfit, including a white shirt and blue jeans which remains a great look at any age.
My jewelry is a mix of high/low. Here’s what I wore to see Diana Ross at the Wynn in Las Vegas. If you haven’t read this post, Miss Ross called me up to the stage because she loved my dress! So fun!
Julie Vos is one of my favorite less expensive jewelry designers. I realize “less expensive” is a relative term. It’s more expensive than you’d find at Target but way less than something from a department store. Julie’s Marbella Bangle is $95. It’s chic and streamlined and will look fabulous as one of several stackable bracelets and will be at home with other Julie Vos bracelets, or a real gold bracelet with diamonds in it.
Another less expensive jewelry designer whose classic pieces look more expensive than they are is Susan Shaw. I can imagine this Double Link Chain Bracelet with any fall or winter outfit.
And Susan’s $72 Coin Stud Earrings remind me of an heirloom piece. Very classy.
My recent Style Inspiration interview with 80s supermodel, Nancy Donahue, inspired me to look for a pair of sunglasses like the ones she was wearing. I’m guessing they could be Ray Ban’s, but the highly mirrored ones like Nancy’s didn’t look as good on me as the dark lenses. Here’s the pair I bought.
And lastly, I love this Reflected Chevron Check Cotton Scarf from Burberry. Yes, it’s pricy for a scarf, but it’s big enough to wear over both shoulders as a wrap, folded around the neck, or draped over one shoulder for a more dramatic look. Pair it with either fall bag, I’ve featured, and the gold jewelry and even black jeans and a white shirt will become an elevated casual look. A sure fall showstopper.
Head on over to my friends’ sites and see what they have for Fall Fashion Accessories for Women Over 50. One of the things I love about this group is we’re all so different. Clockwise from left to right, we are:
Mary Ann Pickett, Classic Casual Home
Annie Diamond, Most Lovely Things
24 Comments
I love it when you do these Brenda. You have such good taste. Is that something you can teach me?
Thank you, Carol. You’re sweet. I don’t know about teaching someone good taste. It’s such an individual thing. Once in a zillion years, I wear something with a pattern in it; I think one color, maybe two looks best on me, and I like one WOW factor in an outfit and that can be a statement necklace. Any more than that and I feel like I’m wearing a costume. xoxox, Brenda
Wow…LOVE everything. Brenda…especially the coin earrings and the Mallory Timber Brown Woven Crossbody Bag!! Thanks for doing this with us.
Thank YOU, Mary Ann, for asking me. I’d love to do this again. xoxox, Brenda
Hi Brenda
Great minds think alike. I have had my eye on that Loeffler Randall bag. I wish it came in dark brown. I too love anything woven or textural because like you I don’t wear a lot of pattern, unless it is a scarf! I have got to go back and check out your links. I often like many of the same things you do! Just read your Diana Ross post. Love the outfit you wore. I have a similar skirt that I love! It looks great with a biker jacket too if you want a little edge! Thanks so much for joining us. I know you are busy!
Hi Cindy, This was great fun. Please ask me, again, and I’ll get some photos taken. This just fell during a crazy busy week. You and I often like the same things, the elevated casual approach where there’s at least one piece that has that WOW factor. Love the idea of a tulle skirt with a biker jacket. It’s like turning Sandra Dee into Rebel Without a Cause. xoxox, Brenda
You’re so classy Brenda. I just love all of the things you’ve chosen and love it when you model them.
Callie, I don’t know what to say to that except thank you! It’s been since the summer and the Contessa’s yummy pale blue caftan that I’ve had photos taken for the blog, so I’m due for another one. I appreciate you, sweet lady! xoxox, Brenda
Brenda – I love the items in this post, especially love your Julie Voss bracelets. A few years ago, I bought two Susan Shaw necklaces from Zulily. People always compliment them. I have coin earrings similar to the Susan Shaw but mine are Ben Amun. I discovered Ben Amun at TJ Maxx. TJ Maxx and Zulily often have Kenneth J Lane jewelry. Can you tell I love a bargain? Now if only I can find a Julie Voss bargain bracelet.
Hi Colleen, Those are all beautiful pieces by great designers. You might subscribe to Julie Vos’s newsletter. From time to time, she may alert subscribers to a sale. xoxox, Brenda
Brenda, I’ve noticed you don’t just pick “stuff.” You thoughtfully choose items based on quality and good design. I’ve learned so much from you. Xo, Barb
Hello Friend, I appreciate the kind words, and I’m particularly glad you learn things here. You’ve made my day! xoxox, Brenda
That’s the cutest photo of you! You posted it before and I seem to remember it was your mother’s coat. Only you could do that! Just love your sense of humor. When will your book be published?
Thank you, Betsey. Great memory. Yes, it was Mother’s mink coat, and I almost turned it into mink pillows. Then I saw her name embroidered inside and thought about the poor little girl with only two dresses to her name who never believed she would own a coat like that. I may never wear it, but I would have dishonored how far she’d come if I had chopped it up into pillows. My book… Thanks for asking. Nothing concrete to tell you, yet, except it’s been an interesting journey. Fingers crossed. xoxox, Brenda
Hi Brenda,
Oh WOWIE what a memorable and wonderful moment you had. What a great way to remember your 70th birthday. I really like that you said, “you dressed for her.” I would think that made her feel so special.
Brenda, you really stood out in the crowd, the way you dressed was unique and beautiful, and you looked so glamours and radiant. You are full of life and lots of fun.
I wish you continued good health and a joyful year to come.
Hey, we have something in common, both are 70, except I’m turning 71 next month.
Happy belated happy birthday, you wear it so well.
Hugs, and smiles
xox
Thank you, Katherine! It was a fun, unexpected moment, and I did dress for her, and I’m so glad I did. Wishing you a Happy Birthday as well. Dress up and do something fun! xoxox, Brenda
Love Julie Voss have three sets of her earrings. so beautiful and classic. Enjoy your posts so much.
Hi Beth, Thanks for stopping by and reading my posts and for telling me you enjoy them. I’m glad. I have one pair of Julie Vos earrings and have thought about buying another pair, but one of my pierced ears closed back up over Covid. It’s always given me problems, but I didn’t wear earrings when for the two years we were isolated, so that made matters worse. A month ago, I had a girlfriend “push on through”… yes, it hurt… but it re-pierced that ear. I haven’t taken the earrings off and have been dabbing the holes with hydrogen peroxide. I want to make sure they “take” this time. Come see me, again, Beth! Brenda
You really are hilarious! Even when writing something like this fashion post, you have this sky way of turning a phrase that makes me laugh. Sometimes I go back and read your older posts again because they’re funny and I like how you write. Thanks for all of them Brenda
You’re welcome, Harper! I’m happy you enjoy them and they make you laugh. We could all use a dose of laughter these days. Be well. xoxox, Brenda
Kudos!!
Is that how you spell it?
I had a friend a very dear friend who dropped her daughters off at school only wearing a full length coat‼️Nothing underneath‼️
Your photo reminds me of that♥️
Xoxo
I once picked my husband up at the airport wearing only a coat. In this photo, I was wearing pantyhose! xoxox, Brenda
Brenda, you have the best adventures and taste. I loved the Diana Ross story! And the outfit. So many beautiful pieces, the bags, the jewelry. Thank you for sharing .
You’re a love, Elizabeth! Thanks for reading and leaving me a comment. How’s your fall going? xoxox, Brenda