hello thursday! here on the blog, thursdays are all about looking back through the archives to find topical posts from the past that are just as relevant and full of great ideas for recipes, fashion and home decor. in case you’ve missed any of my fall decor tours this week, check out my front porch or my living room, refreshed for fall. since we are fully into fall, i thought it would be a perfect time to revisit some of our fall tablescapes from last year. i love to set a beautiful table even if it’s only for two. especially this year as we are eating at home more often than ever, setting a pretty table is a gentle reminder that a dinner at home can be just as special as going out to a restaurant. enjoy today’s fall tablescape collection, i hope it gives you some inspiration for setting your fall table! 

 

dinner party prep | fridays with oscar

what? it’s friday? already? on one hand i’m  soooo happy the week has come to an end. but on the other hand where the heck is this year disappearing to? let alone this week? it’s funny but the blog keeps my inner clock running and i’m hyper aware when monday and friday roll around. thankfully, oscar is blissfully unaware of the week zipping by and is in his groove ready for his weekly gig. in fact, he’s helping, errr, watching me, prep for a dinner party this weekend. well, he did escort me to the herb garden to snip a few basil leaves for the bruschetta. a yummy appetizer which i’ll happily share at the end of the post.

 
 
 
 

 
 
 

the purrfect manhattan | skirt steak with chimichurri sauce

 
it’s friday gang!  time to take a deep breath and relax.  finally.  per usual, i’ve got a wonderful recipe and cocktail for you.  a perfect manhattan paired with a skirt steak with chimichurri sauce.  one of my daughter in-law’s, kelly’s, favorites.  you’re going to love it.
 
 

 
 
 
 

 

it’s chili outside | instant pot recipes

it’s friday gang!  it’s been a solid week over here on the blog.  in case you missed it, we did a deep dive into fall fashion aimed for the career woman (but also here).  we also officially introduced a new YouTube series fashioned squared over here on the blog.  definitely check it out, especially if you’re looking for outfit ideas.  i show you three ways to wear a white shirt.  video above.  but today is friday.  and i have a crowd over tonight—all of my sons are in town.  and of course we could go out to eat, but there’s nothing quite like a home cooked meal.   in the spirit of keeping it simple ya’ll—more time for laughs—i’ve got an instant pot turkey chili recipe for you.  time to kick back, relax, and pour a drink.

[read the original post…]

 

similar glass pumpkins | pumpkin cocotte | bee glasses

 

i hope today’s fall tablescape collection has given you some inspiration on how to set your fall table. it’s time to enjoy the season, the holidays are right around the corner! happy thursday, ladies. 

before we launch into brand new fridays with oscar fall content, i thought it would be fun to stroll down memory lane through fall 2019. this week fridays with oscar revisits favorite fall posts from the september, october and november of last year. so kick up your feet, make a cocktail and enjoy the best of fall fridays with oscar!

porch refresh | apple cider mojitos | kitchen gadgets 

it’s friday, gang!  summer is over, and fall is here.  out with the old and in with the new.  as an (adopted) southern woman, that means a mandatory refresh of my porches:  front and back. i love the gold undertones of fall leaves that give the oranges, the reds, and the yellows their subtle but unmistakable shimmer.   out go any remaining semblances of lazy summer days, and in come any and all combinations of this color palette: whether it be the fall harvest—pumpkins and cornucopias—or spooky, but always fun, Halloween skeletons.

[read the original post…]

 

 

 

low country boil | top classic movie

it’s friday gang!  another busy week here over on the blog:  we rolled out definitive denim guide for fall in case you missed it.  i’ve got a new episode of my friday fives on YouTube.  this week i’m showcasing my top 5 mascara picks.  be sure to check out the video below. and of course, oscar and i have a great recipe for you this week.  in honor of the low country, we’ve put together a sheet pan, low country boil for you.  super easy to make.  and unbelievably delicious.  you’re not going to want to miss it! 

[read the original post…]

 

 

 

french dip and five rules every woman over 50 should break

we’ve got a really fun fridays with oscar for you this week.  to kick things off, there’s a new installment of friday fives on our YouTube channel.  this week, we talk about breaking women’s fashion rules, namely five rules every women over 50 should break.  you’re not going to want to miss it, as it’s sure to bring a little fun, sass, and (a little) controversy to your friday. 

[read the original post…]

 

 

well gang, this closes our walk through of best of fall fridays with oscar posts from 2019. get ready because next we are getting into a fall groove with new fall outfits, recipes, seasonal decor and so much more! have a wonderful weekend from oscar, ollie and me!

all week we have been looking at classic wardrobe items that pull double duty. the items perfect for spring and fall. these are the transitional pieces that will work year after year. well worth the investment; items like denim dresses, patterned pants or utility jumpsuits will be on trend for the foreseeable future. as you can expect on thursdays, i have rounded up posts from the archives.  today’s collection illustrates the power of classic wardrobe staples. 

 

a tweed jacket for fall

a tweed jacket is an absolute classic. perfect for spring and fall. tweed jackets are perfect when paired with a matching skirt or pants. but it will also turn up the sophistication on a pair of dark rinse jeans. 

[read the original post…]

 

 

 

what’s on trend? florals for fall

we all know florals for spring isn’t groundbreaking news. florals for fall? yes, please. especially since florals for fall are on-trend. that’s right, florals big and small are here to stay for the duration of fall. 

if the new arrivals at my favorite retailers are any indication, this trend is still going strong.

[read the original post…]

 

 

 

i wish that i knew then what i know now (fashion confidence)

today, i’m showcasing my go-to style:  modern preppy.  it’s a fashion sense i’ve developed over 50 years.  nothing says “bold” and “confident” more than a blazer and a clean pair of denim.  i trust in the style i’ve worked my entire life to develop, whether i’m headed to a meeting or just grabbing drinks with my daughter-in-law after work.

[read the original post…]

 


a blazer will always be a classic wardrobe staple. the cuts and styles may change through the years, but the template is classic. not only that but, herringbone, houndstooth, glen plaid and tweed will always be on trend, year after year. 

 

here is a round up of updated links to complete your transition wardrobe. remember, the power of classic wardrobe staples will make choosing your outfit as easy as 1.2.3.  have a great thursday ladies!

 

we’re continuing on with our new series now & then.  in case you’ve missed where all we’ve been this week, make sure to check out the first two installments of this new series: how i wore a jumpsuit and how i wore a denim sheath dress.  i have to admit, though, i’m most excited about today’s post, because we’re featuring my favorite pant of the summer.  as my regulars know, sometimes i just like to go big and bold:  color pops and pattern drops.  i first wore these pants a little over a month ago during my vacation to Tybee Island.  they’re making their second appearance on the blog today to show you how easy it is to transition summer clothing into fall.   so without any further ado, here’s how i wore my favorite my favorite pant of the year in both the summer and fall.

then 

first up is an ootd (outfit of the day) that’s as comfy as it is chic. and what’s better than a drawstring waist? especially when you’re on vacation. and y’all know i love a bold patterned pant. this pair is from J.Crew who always delivers one or two silk pants each season. since this pant has a multitude of colors splashed across it pick a color any color to add to the mix. but if you want to play it safe a white tee is the way to go.

[read the whole post]

silk pants | white tee | similar sandals herehere, and here

now

i love, love, love this pant—my favorite pant of the year actually.  it’s just so darn fun.  and who doesn’t need a little fun in 2020? it’s not animal print per se but rather printed animals .   and we all know you can’t get any more comfortable than a pair of silk pants.  and to prove to you just how easy it is to transition them into fall:  just swap the tee for a fall sweater.  and. there. you. have it.  obviously this look won’t work in deep fall when the temps really drop, but if you live in a climate like Athens, GA where we still have a few high 70s/low 80s days ahead of us, you’re good to go.  

silk pants | sweater | sandals | bag

 

 

this week, we’re launching a new series now & then.  the idea is simple:  every day we’re going to feature an outfit i wore this spring and restyle it for fall.  if you’re like me, fashion reusability is a must, and given that spring and fall are both transition seasons, outfits that work in the spring often work perfectly in autumn.  my hope today is to provide you a little inspiration to go back to your wardrobe and put a fresh take on an old outfit.  so, here’s  how i wore the same outfit this spring & fall:  the mighty jumpsuit.

then 

it’s an open secret that i love jumpsuits. i first wore this utility jumpsuit from Everlane earlier this spring after my knee surgery.  i paired it with a striped tee and sandals.  i think there’s a feeling that there’s not much we can add to a jumpsuit to spice it up a bit.  not so.  both the tee and sandals give an otherwise spartan outfit some visual interest.  (i always love a pop of color.)  

[read the entire post…]

jumpsuit | sandals | similar tee

now

now here’s the same jumpsuit styled for fall.  notice that i removed the tee, but added a similar belt and a (similar) pair of wedge sandals.  i also cuffed the pants, which creates such a different feel, right?  a little more sassy.  a little more classy.  a little more fun.  you can imagine wearing this outfit out to happy hour or dinner, but as we saw above, it can be styled a bit more conservatively when necessary.   it’s amazing the different looks you can create with the same outfit and transition seamlessly into fall.  

jumpsuit | similar belt | similar wedge sandals | similar wedge sandals 2 

 

jumpsuit | similar belt | similar wedge sandals | similar wedge sandals 2 

 

we’re back from vacation and easing our way into fall.  per usual, we’ve got a Sunday roundup for you, and we’re talking all things black denim.  an easy way to transition your wardrobe from summer to fall is with a neutral color scheme. neutrals will ease the shift between seasons and set the tone without adding a fur coat or sweaters into the mix just yet. although in a month or two we’ll happily add extra layers and i love, love, love sweaters! but before i break out in a happy dance let’s get back to today’s post and neutral color schemes. white denim is worn 365 days a year, but black denim is typically reserved for fall and winter. i don’t know about you, but my black jeans typically go on hiatus during the summer months, but they are a welcome sight once september rolls into town. and they look fantastic with a denim shirt. black and blue is a chic color combo that will serve you well in the coming months.

with a suede blazer

(similar) black jeans have that slimming effect we all love. which is why i always have one pair of black denim in my closet. pair the (similar) black jeans with a (similar) black turtleneck for a monochromatic look. add a (similar) brown blazer into the mix for a polished and sophisticated outfit that will keep your winter style game strong all season long. but wait. a pair of (similar) snake print pumps are on trend and add a little edge, which keeps us looking fresh and modern. 

[read the entire post…]

new year, new you, and new denim

similar jeans | similar turtleneck | similar blazer | similar pumps

new year, new you, and new denim

 

with a denim shirt

today’s ootd starts with (similar) cropped black jeans. this particular pair has limited sizes but check out a similar pair here and here. this (similar) denim shirt was last seen here worn with a pencil skirt. this week it’s making an encore appearance. if you’re not quite ready for long sleeves a (similar) short sleeve chambray shirt is an excellent substitute without changing the color scheme. (similar) leopard flats seemed like the perfect footwear choice. and leopard print is on-trend and seen everywhere this fall. if the first thought that leaps to mind is peggy bundy when it comes to this wild pattern leopard shoes or a belt are two ways to integrate this trend into your wardrobe without going over the top. sometimes, baby steps are all that’s needed. accessories are an easy way to board the trend train if you’re ever in doubt. options, ladies, there’s always lots of options when it comes to fashion.

[read the entire post…]

denim shirt, cropped black denim, leopard flats

similar jeans | similar shirt | similar flats

denim shirt, cropped black denim, leopard flats

denim shirt, cropped black denim, leopard flats

denim shirt, cropped black denim, leopard flats

denim shirt, cropped black denim, leopard flats

 

with a black sweater

today i went with monochromatic black. but i punched it up with a colorful scarf as a tie belt. black jeans can dress up or down. i kept it casual as usual today with (similar) sneakers. but if i wanted to dress it up a bit, a pair of ballet flats would go well, or even pointy toe flats to add even more polish. wearing all black with oscar and ollie is an exercise in lint rolling! i keep a lint roller handy.

[read the entire post…]

cashmere v-neck  | button jeans | (similar) sneakers | similar scarf

 

black denim roundup

here are some of my favorite pairs of black jeans from some of my favorite retailers. 

happy sunday, gang! can you believe it’s Labor Day weekend? i know i’ve said it before but where has summer 2020 disappear so quickly? it’s been the longest of summers and the shortest. but before long my favorite fashion season will be knocking on our door. so it’s time to think about transitioning our outfits from summer to fall.  today, i’m sharing 5 easy pieces to transition from summer to fall. but i will also share three style tips that keep us looking stylish on the shoulder season.

5 easy pieces to transition from summer to fall

here are five pieces that transition with ease from summer to fall.

  1. cotton canvas jacket
  2. white denim
  3. neutral handbag
  4. denim shirtdress
  5. peep toe suede booties

 

style tip #1

go back to the basics. what are the basics? well, the basics aren’t glamorous. they don’t grab your attention when you step into your favorite store. there are no ruffles, bows, or sequins attached. but i promise, if you want to be well dressed or look effortlessly chic you have to build your wardrobe with the basics. and you can never have too many wardrobe staples. these are the pieces that easily transition from outfit to outfit and span the seasons. the more basics you have on hand, the more outfit options available. so think white tees, black sweaters, white denim, black pants, or chinos. 

when you take the time to invest in the basics, you are laying a foundation for a functional wardrobe that will prepare you for anything. and who doesn’t want that?

style tip #2

a neutral color palette will help ease your outfits from one season to the next. nude, black, grey, white, olive, navy or burgundy are all good choices. don’t get me wrong, i love pops of color all year long. but when it’s time to transition from summer to fall or fall to winter neutrals are your best friend.

style tip #3

add a third layer. while i love summer and lightweight clothes that are necessary to beat the heat when it comes to fickle temperatures a third layer will come in handy. whether you choose a lightweight jacket, blazer, or cotton cardigan a third layer will keep you looking chic and keep the chill at bay.

happy friday, gang! well,  here we are at the end of august, can you believe it?! we are beginning to transition to fall here in athens: the mornings are a little cooler and we’ve had so much rain that it looks a lot more like fall than summer. but with the temps still in the 80s, today i am sporting summer shorts and a sleeveless top.  we have a light appetizer and spicy, cool take on a margarita. 

 

outfit of the day: animal print for (f)all!

animal print is a year-round go-to for me. it’s so fun each season to see the new takes on this print every year. leopard, cheetah, giraffe, large or small – there’s an animal print for everyone.  if you think you can’t mix brown and black – think again! animals do it with aplomb. when you wear an animal print, nature’s most neutral color palette, you have endless combinations to create with your tops and accessories.

i love the big, bold pattern of these leopard print shorts. pairing them with a flowy white sleeveless top is an easy way to go. 

animal print shorts | sleeveless top | sandals 

 

and of course, metallic sandals will always go with animal print!  but you could always go with gold or bronze too. when you with animal print for fall, you have a ton of options for accessories.

 

savory Thai turkey lettuce wraps

these lettuce wraps are easy and delicious. a perfect appetizer or lunch, they are savory, spicy, and light. if you want something more substantial than a lettuce wrap, the ground turkey mixture would be great in a corn tortilla too. 

Thai turkey lettuce wraps

  • 2 medium bell peppers, seeded and diced
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup packed fresh mint, chopped
  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • lettuce cups and sriracha for serving
  1. In 12-inch skillet on medium-high, cook bell peppers in vegetable oil 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds. Add ground turkey and fish sauce. Cook 5 minutes, breaking up meat.

  2. Stir in cilantro, mint leaves, lime juice and sugar. Serve in lettuce cups with Sriracha hot sauce, if desired.

the turkey mixture itself is not spicy, but add sriracha as a topping to spice it up as much as you like. another great topping would be chopped peanuts. 

 

spicy cucumber margarita

you all know i love a margarita and there are so many varieties. this spicy cucumber version is spicy from the jalapeño, yet cool thanks to the cucumber. it’s a really nice combination of flavors. rim the glass with tajin and you get a nice spicy, sour pop of flavor.

spicy cucumber margarita

  • 3 parts tequila blanco
  • 1/2 part triple sec
  • 1 part lemon juice
  • 1 part lime juice
  • 1 part agave nectar (optional)
  • mini cucumber
  • jalapeño
  1. Muddle 1-2 thin slices of jalapeño pepper in the bottom of a cocktail shaker with the lime, lemon and optional agave nectar juices. Add the Tequila, Triple Sec and a handful of ice. Shake and strain into a margarita glass over ice. Garnish with thinly sliced cucumbers, and Jalapeño slices (optional for spice).

fridays with oscar

this is a wrap on another fridays with oscar.  as september approaches, we have been looking at summer clothes that transition to fall with ease and style. in case you missed it, tuesday’s post was all about going into fall with bold bright colors (and don’t forget animal print for fall!). it’s a sure way to welcome the new season with confidence and a smile. oscar, ollie and i wish all of you a gorgeous weekend!

 

we’re continuing (and ending) with our final installment of my top outfit picks of the decade.  today, we’re bringing you a yearly retrospective:  the top outfits for women over 50 in 2019.  2019 was a quite the year:  so many highs, and equally many lows.  as some of you might know, this is the year my oldest got married.  it’s also the year mr. style passed away.  this is also the year we brought on junior style and my daughter-in-law Kelly to work at the blog.  

impossible to put this year into meaningful words, really.  so i will leave it at this:  thank you, my readers, for all of your support over this past year.  the outpouring of love continues to sustain me.  we ended 2019 strong, and we have plans to continue to grow in 2020.  so without further ado, here are the top 5 outfits of 2019.  

crewneck, trench coat, and skinny jeans

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears an Everlane grey cashmere crewneck, high rise black cigarette jean, Tory Burch black ballet flats and a double-breasted trench coat

the first outfit up is taken from how to wear timeless classics: crewneck, trenchcoat, and skinny jeans. and it starts with a basic cashmere crewneck in a basic color – gray. this year i am loving Everlane cashmere sweaters.  the price point is great as is the quality. and i like the slim fit that isn’t snug. 

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears an Everlane grey cashmere crewneck, high rise black cigarette jean, Tory Burch black ballet flats and a double-breasted trench coat

denim | sweater | shoes | similar trenchcoat | tote| lip shade frenemy

the sweater is paired with a stretch high rise cigarette jean from Everlane. this straight leg jean features a hidden button fly and smoothing front pockets. it’s also made of an innovative fabric that has stretch yet has an authentic denim look. this is my first time wearing these high rise jeans. the fabric has some give but doesn’t end up looking saggy and baggy by the end of the day. typically, i wear size 8 or 29, but i sized up to a 30 for these jeans.

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears an Everlane grey cashmere crewneck, high rise black cigarette jean, Tory Burch black ballet flats and a double-breasted trench coat

mother of the bride or groom dress

destination wedding | mother of the bride

coming in second is are the dresses from the post mother of the bride or groom dress.  our oldest son was married in May. of course, i was on the hunt for the perfect mother of the groom dress. there were three dresses that made the final cut for my mother of the groom dress. the wedding party colors were blues and greens. so i stayed within that color palette.

destination wedding | mother of the bride

nandita green floral dress

another factor that played into my decision making was that the wedding was held outside in a rustic setting. short dresses are perfect for afternoon weddings. a jumpsuit would be a suitable alternative.
 
destination wedding | mother of the groom
 

wide-leg jeans

wide leg jeans, gray turtleneck, red handbag

the third outfit comes from the post wide-leg jeans | what’s on trend for fall.  i’m sharing wide-leg jeans that are on-trend for fall. if you are looking to update your wardrobe in a jiff, look no further than an updated pair of blue jeans.
 
wide leg jeans, gray turtleneck, red handbag
 
 
it’s an easy and inexpensive way to look modern and chic because we all know a great pair of denim will take you anywhere in style. personally, i’m loving wide-leg jeans and the high-waist. it’s a refreshing change from the skinny or straight jean.
 
gray turtleneck, red handbag

cashmere from head-to-toe

coming in fourth today is a recent outfit taken from cashmere from head-to-toe | thanksgiving gift guide.  it’s been all about J.Crew for me this fall and winter.  today, i’m sporting a matching camel cashmere sweater layered with a cashmere sweater-blazer

an easy way to break up this chromatic pairing is with a color pop.  i’ve chosen to do so with this silk scarf from Talbots.   i’ve been loving the silk scarves this year. and if you’re looking for some more ideas, this one from Talbots is one of our best sellers.

cashmere sweater-blazer | cashmere sweater | wide-leg pant | toby flat | scarf | tote bag  

how to wear a yellow raincoat

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a yellow slicker from Talbots, white denim, anchor sweater, polka dot and striped scarf, and striped flats

our last outfit comes from the first of the year: how to wear a yellow raincoat.  the month (and year) started with a bang with a Talbots collaboration how to wear a yellow raincoat. while January is anything but warm this is the month we start to think about spring. if you’re looking for the perfect yellow slicker this might be the one. not only does this raincoat have a hood it’s lined with stripes!
 
beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a yellow slicker from Talbots, white denim, anchor sweater, polka dot and striped scarf, and striped flats
 
 
beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a yellow slicker from Talbots, white denim, anchor sweater, polka dot and striped scarf, and striped flats

in case you missed it

the decade in review | favorite outfits 2015

the decade in review | favorite outfits 2016

the decade in review | favorite outfits 2017

the decade in review | favorite outfits 2o18

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