once upon a time, in a galaxy far far away, we would regularly go to movie theaters. it was a favorite pastime as a child that lasted all through my teens, twenties, thirties, and beyond. there was nothing more than mr. style and i loved to do on date night than head to the movies. many times we would grab a bite to eat before or after the movie. when we lived in San Francisco we loved to walk to the Kabuki theater which was a good two to three miles from our apartment. then saunter back home taking our time deciding which restaurant to frequent that night. so, we’re going to do something fun this week: the gang here at style at certain age are going to bring you our favorite summer blockbusters. (don’t worry, we’re still going to talk fashion. in fact, we’re continuing my quest for the perfect summer dress today!)
my favorite summer blockbuster
my favorite movie memories seem to revolve around those blockbuster movies that were released come summer. way back in the day summer was not only a time to get your swimsuit bod in shape to lounge around the pool during the day soaking up those rays. but once dusk set in it was time to gussy up and head to the movie theater. so i thought it would be fun to visit memory lane this week and revisit a few of our favorites. movies that is. maybe we can’t drive to the theater purchase a ticket, popcorn, and a drink. but we can stream movies, rustle up our favorite snack and plop in a comfy chair for the evening. heck, i’m looking forward to watching the blockbuster musical Hamilton that’s now playing on Disney!
anyone remember what they were doing June 20, 1975? well, that was the premiere of a little movie that went by the name of Jaws. okay, okay it turned into a blockbuster movie that catapulted its director Steven Spielberg then twenty-six years old into the stratosphere of hollywood. but no one could have predicted that at the time. in fact, the crew on the set of Jaws nicknamed the movie Flaws for good reason. the movie was based on a popular book by Peter Benchley about a man-eating shark that terrorized a small summer beach town.
production commenced May 2, 1974 and was immediately plagued with problems. it was the first major movie production to be shot on the ocean. mechanical sharks were designed and created specifically for the movie but the prop sharks frequently malfunctioned causing delays. but there were other problems on set like the weather, sailboats drifting into scenes, and cameras getting soaked. original principal photography was scheduled for 55 days but in the end, the movie wrapped on day 159. Spielberg thought his fledgling career was over as no director had taken a movie 100 days over production.
the quest for the perfect summer dress
on my quest for summer dresses, i discovered this cute little number from J.Crew. the ribbon dress has pockets and also comes in black. it looks perfect on its own but the hot pink jacket also from J.Crew looks casually chic thrown over your shoulders.
dress | blazer | sandals | similar handbag here and here | similar earrings here and here | lip shade stimulant
anyone remembers attending Jaws in the summer of 1975? the movie came out the summer between my junior and senior year of high school and i went to the movie with my parents and my high school sweetheart. it was a tense two-hour experience that left me and millions of others deathly afraid of swimming in the ocean. and who could forget that screen score by John Williams? to this day da da. da da. da da da dum strikes fear in me.
a one-shoulder dress requires a strapless bra. summer outfits always need special lingerie so i stock up on nude or black racerback bras and strapless bras.
dress | blazer | sandals | similar handbag here and here | similar earrings here and here | lip shade stimulant
thanks for walking down memory lane with me today. and stay tuned all week long as all the members of Style at a Certain Age will share their blockbuster picks. and let me know what your favorite summer blockbuster is. wishing you a very happy Monday!
if you love bold, bright colors with a splash of pattern, then you are gonna love today’s post! ‘cuz summer is all about FUN, and pops of color just brighten your mood. i know, i know, neutrals can’t be beaten when it comes to versatility or that chic factor. but i’ve always thought fashion should be fun. and what’s funner (okay that’s not a word) that a bold and bright outfit?
bold and bright fashion for the summer
today, i’m partnering with Nordstrom, the retailer extraordinaire that’s my go-to for everything from makeup to skincare to clothes, and let’s not forget about their shoes. and, yes, they will be holding their epic anniversary sale this year although it’s moved from July to August. can’t wait! but today’s post is all about a Nordstrom made brand Halogen that i’ve been a big fan of for years. it’s a brand that’s affordable, offers lots of basics like crew neck sweaters or tank tops, and they partner with super blogger Blair Eadie from Atlantic Pacific fame several times a year. Blair is known for her preppy aesthetic, which i’ve been keen on for decades. but she has her own particular spin that’s infused with fun and femininity with a twist on classic style. let’s just say this girl won me over long ago. and i am in LOVE with the Halogen x Atlantic Pacific collection.
love, love, love the matching blouse and pants from Halogen x Atlantic Pacific. can you say adorable? but the best part about separates is that you can mix and match the pieces with other items in your closet. the blouse will look fantastic with a white skirt. and the bold patterned pants will look terrific with a casual wrap cardigan and white camisole. the mixing and matching are endless.
my love for pink runs deep, so it was a no brainer to snag these darling pink kitten heel sandals from the Halogen x Atlantic Pacific collection.
add a belt to this little number, and it will look like a jumpsuit without the hassle.
the blouse has covered front buttons, bracelet length, and back box pleat. the pants have a zip fly, breathable fabric and subtle pleats. it runs small so order one size up.
there were sooooo many cute items in the Halogen x Atlantic Pacific collection that i purchased several more items you’ll be seeing in future posts. but i’ve rounded up my favorites so you can see for yourself just how Blair hit this collection out of the park.
a big thank you to Nordstrom for this sponsored post. and thank you lovely readers for supporting the brands that allow me to bring you fresh ideas.
it’s hard to believe the fourth of July is headed our way. and fast. this year might look a bit different than years gone by. fireworks have been canceled. large outdoor gatherings too. but thankfully here in Georgia we can still have a family barbecue in the backyard. so i’ve scoured the archives for a little fourth of July inspiration whether it’s a delicious dessert or cute tablescape. so sit back and relax ‘cuz we have you covered for the 4th! join me and see my favorite outfits from the fourth of July.
my favorite outfits from the fourth of July
read the full post stars and stripes
read the full post easy to make fourth of July dessert
how to decorate for the fourth
read the full post blue stripes
read the full post red, white, and blue
read the full post patriotic palette
and don’t forget Talbots is holding their annual Red Hangar Sale. lot’s of cute items to be had for a song.
i took the plunge and got a new haircut! but before we get into that, it’s why i love summer dresses this week on the blog. on Monday, we featured a maxi dress and yesterday a shirtdress. with so many different types of dresses and prints, it’ll be impossible to get through them all. but i think you’re going to love today’s OOTD: we’re giving you a glance of my new haircut and a shift dress for summertime.
why i love summer dresses
it’s hard to find a single item in my closet more feminine than a dress. and when summer roles around, you don’t really need an excuse to wear one other than, well, it’s hot outside. it’s hard to say what type of dress is my favorite, but the shift dress is hard to beat—it’s a classic. what’s your favorite type of dress to wear during the summer months?
floral shift dress | suede sandals | crossbody bag | wicker bag | wicker bag 2 | bangles
a ruffle shift dress
i’m loving this floral shift dress from Ann Taylor. we feature floral prints a lot on the blog. that’s because they’re always on trend; they never go out of style. flowers are such a part of my personal aesthetic. (my hydrangeas have taken off this year!) whether you’re wearing a floral print shirt, pants, or a dress, you really cannot go wrong. i’ve paired this dress with a pair of suede sandals. (who loves sandal season as much as i do?) easy. peasy. a perfect summer outfit.
floral shift dress | suede sandals | crossbody bag | wicker bag | wicker bag 2 | bangles
a glance of my new haircut
over the past few months, i’ve received a lot of questions and comments about my hair. i grew it out during quarantine—i think many of us did—but i finally got a new cut! i’m loving the look and feel of it and wanted to give you a quick glimpse. something totally new and different, because who doesn’t need to change things up right now.
floral shift dress | suede sandals | crossbody bag | wicker bag | wicker bag 2 | bangles
we’re continuing our series why i love summer dresses, and we’re focusing on the mighty shirtdress. what a fun and flexible dress: it comes in so many shapes, styles, and colors. i’m particularly excited today, because i’m going to take a shirtdress i wore in the fall and show you how how to wear a shirtdress for summer. they key, ladies, is in the accessories: a simple sandal swap here and a bag swap there can breathe new life into an old favorite.
why i love summer dresses
this week we’re talking about dresses. yesterday, we featured a satin maxi dress on the blog. it’s the perfect dress to dress up for an evening out (or in) depending. today, we’re focused on the shirtdress. i’ve got on a denim one (similar here and here). there are so many different styles of shirtdresses, though. i’ve put together some i love, ranging from a button-up one to a flutter sleeve one.
similar shirtdress | similar shirtdress 2 | linen-cotton shirtdress | button-up shirtdress | flutter sleeve shirtdress | midi shirtdress | similar sandals | similar belt | similar bag | similar bag 2
the same dress last fall
in our post how to wear a denim dress, i showed you a denim shirtdress i first featured in the fall of 2018. it’s one of my favorite dresses, not just because it’s denim, but because of how well it pairs with accessories. the dress came with a self-tie sash that i swapped for one of my favorites – a classic braided belt. these suede booties are seeing a lot of action lately. they’re a great transition item that’s helping to ease my wardrobe from summer to fall. the mid-heel height is perfectly comfortable, and the gold grommets add just enough detail to give them some oomph.
similar shirtdress | similar shirtdress 2 | linen-cotton shirtdress | button-up shirtdress | flutter sleeve shirtdress | midi shirtdress | similar sandals | similar belt | similar bag | similar bag 2
how to wear a shirtdress for summer
i love how swapping out a belt and booties breathes new life into the dress. i’m loving strapped sandals this summer, and there’s nothing like a simple leather belt to contrast against denim. i said it once, and i’ll say it again: you can breath new life into any old favorite through accessories.
similar shirtdress | similar shirtdress 2 | linen-cotton shirtdress | button-up shirtdress | flutter sleeve shirtdress | midi shirtdress | similar sandals | similar belt | similar bag | similar bag 2
last week, i told you why i’m still dress obsessed this summer. it was so much fun to go through the archives and pick out my favorite summer dresses from last summer, that we decided we’d make a whole week out of it. we’re launching dress week here on the blog, and all week i’m featuring my favorite dresses from this summer. today, we’re talking why i love summer dresses: the maxi dress.
why i love summer dresses
in Athens it can get hot. although we’ve had a mild summer so far, there are days where pants—whether they be jeans or slacks—are just too hot. shorts are an obvious alternative, but not every woman of a certain age loves shorts as much as i do. that’s where the dress comes in. there are so many styles and fabrics to choose from. from sheath to a-line; tweed to denim; the possibilities are endless. what’s your favorite type of dress to wear during the summer heat?
dress | clutch | clutch 2 | sandals | sandals 2 | sandals 3 | belt | bracelet | earrings
the maxi dress
i’m loving this new satin ruched maxi dress from Banana Republic. the fabric is divine. and i chose the muted olive green because of my skin tone, but the dress is also carried in a golden yellow which is quite striking. add some metallics for some subtle class; or add a patterned scarf for visual interest. there are so many interesting ways to elevate a summer dress.
dress | clutch | clutch 2 | sandals | sandals 2 | sandals 3 | belt | bracelet | earrings
dress up when you’re feeling…
earlier this spring, we talked about dressing up when you’re feeling down. it’s such a good way to get out of those ruts which seem to be more prevalent these days. and there’s no easier way to get dressed up than in a, well, dress. the maxi dress is one of my personal favorites: so airy, making it perfect for those warm summer days. but also so classy and chic—perfect for evening drinks on the patio.
dress | clutch | clutch 2 | sandals | sandals 2 | sandals 3 | belt | bracelet | earrings
what a spring it was—one like we’ve never really seen. but we’re still here, together. kinda amazing, really. as a little distraction, i thought i’d do something a little different today. for my regulars, you know that every fridays with oscar, we put together our favorite meal and cocktail of the week for you. so today, i thought i’d round up my top 3 favorite cocktails and outfits from this past spring. ’cause sometimes everyone just needs a drink. so here’s to you, and here’s how to make a damn good cocktail.
classic negroni
much like the recipes today, my outfit is simple and comfortable. casual at its best. i love graphic tee shirts and this one is fun with colorful typography. to play on the colors of my tee, i have a bright orange cardigan and my orange-y suede d’Orsay flats are back in action to add symmetry to my pop of color.
t-shirt | sweater | shoes | jeans
Classic Negroni
- 1/3 Gin
- 1/3 Campari
- 1/3 Sweet Vermouth
-
Stir the ingredients together with ice and strain into a glass, or serve on the rocks.
Garnish with an orange peel.
the greyhound
i am dressing for the occasion today, forgoing my typical casual friday ootd for a shirt dress. even though i am staying put, how nice it is to wear a neutral spring dress. it’s a sunny warm spring day. i have the doorway to the porch open and there’s a lovely light breeze flowing in and my easter decor brightens up my home and table.
poplin shirt dress | sandal | bracelet | earring
The Greyhound
- 2 oz Vodka
- 4 oz Grapefruit Juice
- Lemon or lime wedge
midori margarita
today’s outfit is all about casual comfort. favorite outfits are like comfort food to me and y’all know i love a graphic tee! a few weeks ago, i wrote about how to style a graphic tee. this graphic tee (old similar here) sets the stage with its pink elephants. but i like to elevate my look by pairing it with something like a blazer or cardigan. so today i couldn’t resist pairing it with a navy sweater blazer (old similar here) with pink piping.
similar tee | similar tee 2 | similar tee 3 | similar tee 4 | similar tee 5 | similar blazer | similar blazer 2 | similar blazer 3 | similar jeans | similar jeans 2 | similar jeans 3 | similar shoes
Midori Margarita
- 1 1/2 oz Tequila
- 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
- 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 1/2 oz Midori
-
combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice. pour into ice filled, salt rimmed glasses.
we’ve made it through another month. hard to believe we’re almost halfway through 2020. and what. a. year. it. has. been. but we’re still going strong over here on the blog. thanks to you, our readers, this was our most trafficked Mays to-date, and one of the most successful months in blog history. through thick and then, we’re committed to continue to deliver to you our best content. today, we’ve rounded up your favorite posts of May. so sit back and take a little breather—we’re going to need it—and enjoy the top 5 posts from May: a spring and summer fashion roundup.
a day in the life | my living room refresh
over the past few months, we’ve introduced our a day in the life series where we give you regular updates and tours of my home. we’ve walked you through everything from my kitchen to my downstairs basement. we love interior design and decorating over here on the blog, and given how much time i’ve had at home lately, i decided to tweak my living and dining room. i’m a big believer in change and mixing things up. and an easy way to implement change is to start at home and rearrange things a bit. it feels good, i promise. so join us today and take a tour of my living room refresh.
the perfect casual summer outfit
it’s always a privilege partnering with Ann Taylor. this brand represents the modern woman offering timeless classics with a modern twist. Ann is never dull with a bright color palette always in stock as well as subtle neutrals. if you’re in the mood for a feminine flirty dress, jazzy wide-leg paisley pants, or a pair of Bermuda shorts Ann has your back. but if i’m ever in need of a new pair of shoes Ann Taylor carries everything from sneakers to sandals to a sexy stiletto. Ann Taylor also offers sizing for Petites, curvy and tall. how’s that for catering to the modern woman? but today it’s all about casual summer ease. i’ve got the the perfect casual summer outfit for you.
top | pants | similar shoes
how to wear white
it’s memorial day weekend, and what says summer more than the graphic tee. they’re just fun, and let’s face it, we continue to need some fun in our lives. what i love about the graphic tee is that they literally go with anything: jeans, shorts, or pants. dress them up, or dress them down—there are endless ways in which you can pull one off. because it’s Sunday, i raided the archives and pulled out four of my favorite outfits from the past year styling graphic tees. in addition, i rounded up my 10 favorite graphic tees for this season. so sit back and relax: we’re talking how to wear a graphic tee on the blog today.
low skirt | medium skirt | high skirt
low jeans | medium jeans | high jeans
perfect shirt | popover | boyfriend shirt
blazer/pants | blazer 2/pants 2
walking with a spring in my step | life update
how to wear a graphic tee
top 10 reader favorites
- tweed jacket [Talbots]
- outdoor dinnerware [Pottery Barn]
- linen tunic [Talbots]
- safari jacket [Talbots]
- tie-dyed tunic [J.Crew]
- cleansing balm [Colleen Rothschild]
- poplin popover [Talbots]
- shift dress [Talbots]
- chinos [Talbots]
it’s memorial day weekend, and what says summer more than the graphic tee. they’re just fun, and let’s face it, we continue to need some fun in our lives. what i love about the graphic tee is that they literally go with anything: jeans, shorts, or pants. dress them up, or dress them down—there are endless ways in which you can pull one off. because it’s Sunday, i raided the archives and pulled out four of my favorite outfits from the past year styling graphic tees. in addition, i rounded up my 10 favorite graphic tees for this season. so sit back and relax: we’re talking how to wear a graphic tee on the blog today.
with a sweater
graphic tees go with anything, literally. i’ve paired mine today with a pair of girlfriend jeans and an equally fun sweater. it’s transition weather here, so layering is important. but depending on where you are, you may go sans sweater and, say, a pair of ankle jeans. or bootcut. or shorts. or whatever really. in a moment when fun can be hard to come by, remember, it’s the little things in life. and that’s what a good graphic tee is really.
similar cardigan | similar cardigan 2 | similar cardigan 3
with a blazer
since it was a long day going from the theater to a soiree, i wanted to dress chic but comfortable. so i chose a pair of high-rise jeans and a graphic tee. as i mentioned yesterday, fall days can be warm and evenings cool. that’s why it’s all about the layering. check out this fun tweed blazer.
similar blazer | similar blazer 2 | similar jacket
with linen pants
what did i wear to Atlanta? something comfy and easy to pull off and back on again. cropped green linen pants should do the trick along with a graphic tee with a pop of yellow. and we all know how departments stores blast the air conditioner during these hot summer months. so a ruffled denim jacket is a must. suede yellow sandals tie back to the tee and are easy to slip on and off. which leaves a bucket bag in a neutral shade and long strap that converts to a crossbody bag if i need to shop hands-free.
cropped linen pants | straight linen pants | wide-leg linen pants
just for fun
today’s outfit is all about casual comfort. favorite outfits are like comfort food to me and y’all know i love a graphic tee! a few weeks ago, i wrote about how to style a graphic tee. this graphic tee (old similar here) sets the stage with its pink elephants. but i like to elevate my look by pairing it with something like a blazer or cardigan. so today i couldn’t resist pairing it with a navy sweater blazer (old similar here) with pink piping.
memorial day sales
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