fashion over 40

Capsule Wardrobe

November 10, 2020 By kelley 68 Comments

If you are asking what a capsule wardrobe is and how do you build one; well you have come to the right place.

A capsule wardrobe is a term coined by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called “Wardrobe” in the 1970’s. A capsule wardrobe consists of essential items of clothing that stands the test of time, never going out of style.

As time has gone on the term “capsule wardrobe” has grown to refer to “a collection of clothing that is composed of interchangeable items only, to maximize the number of outfits that can be created. The aim is to have an outfit suitable for any occasion without owning excessive items of clothing. This is usually achieved by buying “staple” items.” – Wikipedia

This capsule includes 2 pairs of pants, 2 skirts, 2 dresses, 2 pairs of denim and a few tops mixed with casual and dressy options.

Here at 50 Shades Of Style I like to add my spin on things. So with that said I have decided to curate a capsule wardrobe for you ladies and added to this 2 options for outerwear, 2 belts and 3 pairs of shoes topped off with 2 bag options!!

So here is my capsule wardrobe for you to shop and be inspired by! Remember too that these pieces can all be augmented with a few seasonal options to carry you through as the seasons change.

Sunday Best and Holiday Dressed!

November 8, 2020 By kelley 77 Comments

Do you plan to get “dressed up” this Holiday Season?

I sure do!

I know this Holiday Season will look a little different for most of us. I want to help you and myself keep things as “normal” as possible or help you lift your spirits.

The best way to do that is…Getting Dressed Up!!! Experts have found that the clothes we wear actually affect our mood. “People love certain clothes as they make them feel good. When you look good, you feel good” – Daily Hunt

My dear friend Barbi of Southern Blonde Chic and I are back and wanted to continue our Sunday Best Series with a little Holiday twist! We will be sharing our love of getting all dressed up on Sundays, but geared more specifically on Holiday Inspired looks. Doesn’t Barbi look absolutely gorgeous in this all black outfit?! She is ready for any special holiday event coming up. Make sure to read Barbi’s post today to get all the details of her gorgeous outfit. We hope you love this series as much as we do, and find some looks you love, if so, please share them with Barbi and I. Just drop us a comment and let us know!

One tip I want to leave you with is that getting dressed up, especially for the holidays doesn’t have to be expensive. Most of the time when shopping for the holidays we tend to pick up pieces to create a look we probably only wear once. My tip…rent your clothes.

Yes rent them, I do!

I rent a lot of clothes not just for the holidays, but for other special occasions from a clothing rental company called Armoire Style. Armoire is a clothing rental subscription that gives you access to thousands of high-end styles for one flat monthly price. They offer 3 different options and I am sure you will find one that works for you. Sign up today and get started planning your holiday looks for less!

This dress I am sharing today is from Amoire Style. I just love it and it is the perfect dress to wear for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Living in Florida our weather is rarely cold enough for me to be buying sweater dresses only to have them sit in my wardrobe used but maybe twice in a year.. It just doesn’t make sense to buy them. So that is why I rent them all the time from Armoire Style.

Another fun tip that I want to share that helps you not break the bank when shopping for the holidays is Thrift Shopping! I found this bag at my local thrift shop. My daughter and I love thrift shopping. You can find some of the best pieces and looks for less!

I also want to leave you with a Kelley Style Tip – Add tights! When wearing dresses this coming season add tights that have color and texture to give a little more to your looks. It is also a great layering piece that can help add a layer of cozy to your look!

Xo,

Kelley

Fall Chic With Peach

November 3, 2020 By kelley 211 Comments

“Comfortable never looked so Chic – Peach is back with new transitional pieces loaded with style!!! You won’t find another brand out there that is as chic and comfortable as Peach. I promise!

So with that said let’s jump into these two new pieces from Peach’s Fall 2020 Collection.

I selected this gorgeous Palermo Blazer – in Black made from an ultra-comfy stretch, faux leather. This is a great layering piece that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. This blazer instantly elevates any look!

That is why I chose to pair it with the Mendoza Dress – in Deep Blue Gray. It is such a cozy sweater dress, yet lightweight enough I can wear it here in Florida!

To finish off my look I chose to add several, different style pearl necklaces, my snake skin heels and a black beaded clutch for some texture. I actually styled this look for a Sunday. It was styled in a series I am doing called “Sunday Best” take a peek here if you would like.

Next I wanted to show you how versatile the Mendoza Dress is. In doing that I took this look to a low key vibe, you know just running around town doing some errands; and the Mendoza Dress is perfect.

Just add a ball cap, some tennis shoes and you are good to go!

Also, one more look using the Palermo Blazer I came up with is this fabulous OOTD by pairing it with a simple black tee and these cute plaid pants. You also can’t go wrong when you have a vintage Prada purse and patent leather shoes too!

Be sure to check out Peach and stay tuned for their Winter 2020 Collection…

Xo,

Kelley

Sunday Best Series!

October 17, 2020 By kelley 268 Comments

“Fashion has always been a repetition of ideas, but what makes it new is the way you put it together.” ~ Carolina Herrera ~

A great example of this ideology is The Leather Jacket…

The leather jacket is a wardrobe icon!

This iconic piece known as the leather jacket has been lended to several different styles and subcultures over the years. It has been transformed again and again but it is a classic and it never goes out of style, even when people keep reinventing it…that is what fashion is! What makes it new is how one styles it and puts it all together like Carolina Herrera said.

Normally when I think of getting dressed up on a Sunday, leather necessarily does not come to mind. However, last week Barbi of Southern Blonde Chic inspired me to mix things up. Take a look, I know you will love Barbi’s dress too! Can we just talk about how GORGEOUS Barbi looks today in this beautiful shade of green!! I have shared with you all before how important it is to find colors that compliment your skin tone and hair color as it will totally enhance your true beauty! Barbi certainly has done that by selecting this amazing color. I also love how she added this gold chain belt to put her own touch on this outfit. Be sure to check out Barbi’s Post for today so you can get all the details of this beautiful outfit!

When styling my look I started first with this simple and beautiful deep blue gray Mendoza Dress from Peach. Believe it or not Peach is an athleisure brand. I am sure it is hard to tell, but my whole look is from Peach! Isn’t that fabulous?!

It is one of the reasons I love Peach, they always come out with pieces that can be styled more than one way. I knew I wanted to elevate my look and then it hit me to pair it with the Palermo Blazer also from Peach!

The dress and blazer combo is a great blank canvas that I popped with icy tones. The necklace is a bundle of a few different pieces that I have collected over the years. I found a similar one for you to shop!

To finish off my look I added a pair of snakeskin pumps and cute little beaded clutch. My accessories are no longer available…to be honest I bought them both on clearance a while back, but good news…

Here are similar items to shop: Shoes & Bag.

Stay tuned for another Sunday Best post with Barbi as we continue with this series!

Also, later this month I will be sharing more about Peach & how their looks are great for the Gym & Everyday Life!! I am excited to show you how to dress the Mendoza dress down for a more casual look!

Xo,

Kelley

Sunday Best!

October 10, 2020 By kelley 102 Comments

“Take time to do what makes your soul happy.” ~Unknown~

Do you make time to do things that truly bring your soul joy? Leave a comment and let me know! I started 50 Shades Of Style to share my love of fashion and hopefully inspire you with new ideas. All of those things truly brings me joy! But what brings me the most joy has been the most meaningful connections with some amazing ladies that I have made on Instagram. One of them being Barbi of Southern Blonde Chic. Barbi is so fabulous & I just adore her, be sure to check her blog post today with all the details of her Sunday Best!

Look how gorgeous she looks today! Her beautiful smile certainly brings me joy and she just radiates positivity!

So, Barbi & I are back with our second installment of our Sunday Best series! As I said before, we both love to get dressed up, especially on a Sunday!

There is just something about wearing a beautiful dress on a Sunday that makes me happy and know that it is a special day. It brings back such fond memories of my mother.

How gorgeous is this dress from the White House Black Market?!

I recently had my colors done with Color Guru. It was a no brainer when I was shopping and saw this beautiful dress especially now that I know what my color palette is. I can’t recommend her service enough. Use my Code Kelley10 for 10% off if you decide to have your colors done.

From head…

To toe…

I am dressed in my colors and I feel confident and put together. I can’t tell you the difference it makes when you wear colors that compliment you the best. Everything from head to toe is from WHBM and I have linked them for you. Shop my dress and these fabulous teal pumps that add the perfect unexpected POP to this outfit as well as this beautiful gold headband. GOOD NEWS!!!! WHBM is having a SPECIAL SALE and these pieces are currently 30% off!

This bag is from ages ago, but I found one similar for you to shop!

Happy Sunday & Happy Shopping!! Hope to see you back here next Sunday!

Xo,

Kelley

Discover your colors with the Color Guru!

October 5, 2020 By kelley 74 Comments

Why should you have your colors done? I will give you 3 reasons…

Wearing your ideal colors enhances your natural beauty.
Knowing your colors makes shopping more efficient.
Buying colors in your palette means clothes coordinate easily.

Not every color looks good on every person. The wrong colors can make you look washed out, overwhelmed, tired, and older. No one wants that right?!

Have you ever had your colors done? I did so recently and I am elated with the results and want to share the process with you!

Meet Jeannie of Color Guru. Jeannie is the creator and genius behind this MUST HAVE service.

Jeannie offers 3 different packages. Be sure to take a look as there are options for everyone. I chose the Premium package which consists of the following:

YOUR COLOR CARD (your best shades!)
- digital (for your phone)
- laminated (for your bag)

YOUR COLOR RADIANCE REPORT
- exclusive color tests performed on your photo
- identification & description of your seasonal type
- how to shop like a ninja with your color card

PLUS…

MAKEUP CARDS
- digital (for your phone)
- laminated (for your bag)
50 MIN Q&A ZOOM CHAT with Jeannie (founder of Color Guru)
CELEBRITY INSPIRATION (celebrities of your type wearing the palette colors!)
SILK/CASHMERE PASHMINA, hand-selected for you by Jeannie

Jeannie breaks it down for you in such a simple manner and makes it easy to comprehend and follow. I don’t know about you, but I have always struggled with knowing what makeup to wear. I would get sucked into the makeup counter and buy blindly. Not any more folks! Now I have my color card and know what colors are going to work for me and I feel confident when selecting makeup! Oh, and I am saving so much money!

When I told you Jeannie knows her stuff I meant it. Take a look at one of the tests she performed for me. It is called the Warm vs Cool Metallics test.

I had no idea that silver or gold could make such a big difference. You can see for yourself though that warm-toned metalics have a brightening and warming effect. As where the cool-toned metallics are not as flattering.

There are several more tests that Jeannie of Color Guru does to narrow down what your palette is. It turns out that I am a Twilight Autumn. I have always loved “fall” colors. I was super excited to find out that was my ideal color palette.

I use to always think that pink was NOT my color, but it turns out that pink has a soothing effect and is flattering on me if it is the right tone.

I also found out that red is a great color on me! I was afraid at times to branch out into red…not anymore!! I also love wearing yellow, but I learned it needs to be a marigold yellow not bright yellow.

My laminated cards of my colors for clothes and makeup are a staple in my bag like my wallet is. I literally don’t leave home without it. Finding out what my ideal colors were also helped me to do a much needed purge and weed out those not so flattering colors.

I highly recommend this service. With the holidays coming up it makes a great gift. It is something everyone should do just once. It is so valuable for anyone you know who struggles with colors, and trying to shop and put looks together. Like I said earlier there is a package for everyone. Luckily enough Jeannie was kind enough to offer a code for you all.

It is Kelley10 for 10% OFF!! Be sure to give me a shout if you are inspired to find out what your ideal colors are. I know you will not regret it. Jeannie is very kind, super fun and an authority on color!!!

Be sure to check her out at Color Guru

XO,

Kelley

Sunday Best!

October 3, 2020 By kelley 55 Comments

Sunday:

A day to reflect
A day of respect
For all you have been blessed
Let your joy be expressed.

There is something about getting all dressed up that I just love. Some of my fondest memories revolve around getting dressed up for church every Sunday as a little girl.

I still love to get dressed up on Sunday’s for church! Do you like getting dressed up? Leave me a comment and let me know!

I love it so much that when I started 50 Shades Of Style I decided to dedicate every Sunday’s post to a pretty dress! As time has gone on, it has become a “thing” and I really enjoy it! I found out I am not the only one who loves to get all dressed up in their Sunday Best, so does my girlfriend Barbi of Southern Blonde Chic

Barbi is a fellow influencer and fashionista friend who I just adore and I know you will too! We have teamed up to create a series for you all where we will be sharing our Sunday Best! We hope you find some style inspiration and have fun shopping our looks while following along with this fun series!

Barbi is such an inspiration to me! She is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. I LOVE that she is wearing this stunning hot pink dress as she is a breast cancer conquerer and just finished her last round of treatments this past month! As she was going through her cancer treatments her faith never wavered, in fact she was always lifting up all of her friends with beautiful scripture and words of encouragement! It was such a special day when shared with us that she had just completed her last round of chemo! We all jumped for joy. You can read about her cancer journey here.

Look how gorgeous she is in this beautiful Sunday Best dress! I love how flattering this silhouette is and the neckline makes such a statement. Make sure to head over to Barbi’s blog post so you can get all the information about her entire look.

As for my dress today..

It is from one of my favorite stores, Versona. They have everything from dresses to shoes, bags, accessories and great gifts for all your lovely ladies in your life! I highly recommend shopping online at Shop Versona or in store if one is located near you. This is definitely one place I can go to find my Sunday Best dresses!

This dress has a bit of a “prairie ” vibe and I am not mad about it! It is called the “Tied For First Dress” .

It has a tie around its waist but I opted for this wide brown belt to give me more definition. The belt I am wearing is sold out so here is one similar to mine.

If you have been following me you know that jewerly and accessorizing is my absolute jam! I found my passion for fashion via my mother. She is why I love dresses, she always laid out the most beautiful dresses for me to wear on Sunday’s for church.

I continued to carry on this love and I am always reminded of how much my mother also enjoyed getting dressed up. In fact this cameo necklace was once hers. I had it repurposed into something more current, yet still reminiscent of my mother’s original piece. How cool is that?! I had this done through a lovely friend and jewerly designer here in Orlando, Florida. Ansley has done several of my mother’s pieces and given them new life!! Check her out over at Dora Mae Jewelry you will be blown away her stuff is amazing. My earrings are pretty old, but I found a similar pair!

I love to mix colors, prints and patterns. I took this rather neutral colored look and popped it with my jewelry and the color of my bag and heels! The bag is from amazon. I bought one in brown too. It comes with a strap, but for Sunday’s I like to use a clutch.

Last but, not least how about this ring?! It is a freshwater pearl and gemstone ring from Lobeilia! I love wearing costume jewelry too. Especially when it looks high end, but doesn’t break the bank! Make sure to use Code 50shadesofstylebykelley30 for 30% off any of their beautiful pieces.

Thanks for sticking around…hope to see you back here next week for another Sunday Best with myself and Barbi!

Xo,

Kelley

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2020

August 8, 2020 By kelley 286 Comments

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is almost here!!! Nordstrom cardholders can shop starting at 12:59pm ET on Thursday, August 13th! (see more explanation below). This will be my second #NSALE as a full-time blogger! I am so excited to share with you all the amazing things you need to know to make the experience FUN, help you look as CHIC as possible, and most importantly SAVE YOU MONEY on some great pieces!!

For only a few weeks each summer, Nordstrom makes shoppers’ dreams come true by offering BRAND NEW ARRIVALS (for both summer and fall) at unbelievable sale prices for a limited time. This popular event is what shoppers know today as the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Key Dates

Early Access: 8/13 – 8/19

During Early Access, Nordstrom cardholders get to shop the Anniversary Sale a FULL WEEK before it opens to the public. In order to shop Early Access this year, you MUST be a Nordstrom cardholder. If you are not currently a cardholder, you can apply for a Nordstrom Credit Card here to make sure you score the best deals before Public Access.

Public Sale 8/19- 8/30

For non-card holders, the Anniversary Sale opens to the public on Wednesday, Aug. 19 and wraps on Sunday, August 30th. Nordstrom historically restocks items that have sold out during the Early Access window, so be sure to keep an eye out!

Top Brands to look for!

Unlike previous years, this year there are no brand restrictions during the Anniversary Sale! Hooray!! Here are some of the projected Top Picked Brands to look for in this years sale!

Halogen
BP
Vince
Leigh
Zella
Barefoot Dreams
Uggs
Madewell
Topshop

Cabi Spring Style Statements

April 29, 2020 By kelley 2,347 Comments

I am back again with another blog about one of my favorite brands cabi!!!

Today I am excited to share with you my take on a capsule wardrobe I created using 15 pieces from cabi’s spring 2020 line. What is a “capsule wardrobe” you ask?

A capsule wardrobe is made up of a few essential items of clothing that will not go out of style; which then can be augmented with seasonal pieces. It includes everything from outerwear, tops, pants, shoes and accessories!

Using the 15 pieces from cabi I created what I like to call a “chic” capsule wardrobe that breaks down into 3 different categories of “chic” creating a total of 9 different looks. The first mini capsule I want to share with you is what I dubbed “Spring Chic” let’s take a look…

“Spring Chic” Mini Capsule Wardrobe

Look 1

The base of this look is the Grace Trouser A pair of high rise, cropped length, pencil leg shape pants. This is a great work pant and fabulous for a nice luncheon too! Then I added the The Handy Cami This elegantly simple cami puts a fun spin on a wardrobe staple with the flutter cap sleeve. I paired it with the gorgeous Shrimpton Scarf a great addition to any outfit and the styling options are endless! To complete this look I added the Siren Sandal – which has an ankle strap with a 2 inch block heel design done in this irresistible red skin print! Don’t be afraid to mix colors Navy, Pink and Red go beautifully together!

Look 2

Again with the base being the Grace Trouser I paired it with the Go-To Button-Up with a darling floating flower print against a navy background, this swingy, oversized blouse will leave you feeling easy & breezy. You can dress this blouse up or down, stay tuned for other ways I styled this scarf! To finish off this look I added the Bow Kitten Heel – Slip right into a high-fashion shoe, minus the high heel for a dressed up look that saves your feet!

Look 3

Starting again with the lovely Grace Trouser I am wearing The Handy Cami underneath this gorgeous Headline Topper this is a fun multi-stripe pattern and easy shape jacket! It features a printed lining and matching buttons that are unique to each jacket. Hit the headlines in this unique piece! I ended up pairing this look with the Bow Kitten Heel because beauty is not always pain, these heels are proof!

“Classic Chic” Mini Capsule Wardrobe

Look 1

The base of this next mini capsule is the Cinch Skinny white jeans. Everybody needs a pair of white jeans in their wardrobe! Fear not, these jeans are opaque enough for full coverage, yet light enough for the warm weather – just one reason why they are the perfect addittion to your wardrobe! I then paired the cinch skinny jeans and the Bow Kitten Heels with the Reef Knot Blouse – perfect for summer with its nautical rope and anchor print! I topped it off with the Harbor Jacket – This playful topper hits at the high hip and has a boxy shape. The drawstring tie at the waist will cinch you in for a flattering finish.

Look 2

The base of this look is the Cinch Skinny jeans along with the versatile Handy Cami and the gorgeous and comfy Siren Sandal. Remember the Shrimpton Scarf and the endless ways you can style this? I decided to use it as a belt this time! How cute right? Perfect for date night!

Look 3

Starting with the Cinch Skinny jean I added the Go-To Button-Up blouse, but this time I didn’t tuck in. Instead, I left a few of the bottom buttons undone and tied it into a cute little knot. A simple style edit like this can change an entire look. It can take it from dressed up to casual in a snap! To complete this look I added the Bow Kitten Heel I love a good bow!

“Sporty Chic” Mini Capsule Wardrobe

Look 1

The base of this look is the Spotted Jogger – Let me say Leopard Print will ALWAYS be on trend! These joggers are done in a slouchy jogger cut with a cuffed hem. Making them the perfect pair of lounge pants to take from day to night by just simply changing your shoes and accessories. For the first look of 3 I kept it real simple and added the Fold Pocket Tee – A classic white tee should be a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. This Tee has an origami pocket detail with a V-neckline and a high-low hem. I did a half tuck and finished it off with a pair of tennis shoes!

Look 2

I started with the Spotted Jogger but instead of going with a lounge wear look I wanted to create more of an edgy, street style look. So I added the All-Purpose Cami – This cami truly lives up to its name. Done in a sleek black with a lace overlay at the neckline, it offers enough coverage to be worn alone and can also be layered underneath your favorite sweater. To make this look edgy instead of adding tennis shoes or flats I added a pair of black patent leather heels and some simple jewelry. (Not pictured), But a great idea…you could add a jean or motto jacket to finish it all off!

Look 3

This last and final look is great for traveling in fact the Spotted Jogger is the ultimate pair of travel pants! I paired it with the Fold Pocket Tee and my tennis shoes. To top it off I added the Cropped Cable Pullover – This ultra-lightweight sweater features a boxy, cropped design, perfect for layering over your favorite tanks and tees. The neutral tone is ideal for easy pairing. It’s a great addition when you need to add a layer when chilly…perfect for traveling! I love to front tuck so that is the style edit I made to complete this look.

There you have it 9 different looks using 15 pieces from cabi’s Spring 2020 Collection to help make your “Chic Capsule Wardrobe.” Be sure to check out my instagram today for an IGTV video I did featuring these 15 pieces. Also, if interested please visit cabi to find a stylist to help get you started shopping!

Xo,

Kelley

Peach Spring 2020 Collection

April 13, 2020 By kelley

Peach “is designed to make you feel your best from morning ’til night, in style and in comfort.” Peach makes premium, versatile apparel for women’s daily wear. Peach is defined by high-quality performance and sports-inspired fabrics to make clothes you can take from day to night. As you can see I took this set from day to night by swapping my heels for a pair of converse tennis shoes and changing up my accessories!

Here I am wearing the Ponte Blazer in Indigo paired perfectly with the Sumida Crop pants! This is a polished look that can be deconstructed into something more casual. Both pieces work fabulously in my wardrobe as I pride myself on buying pieces that mix and match easily! That is one of the reasons why I am a HUGE fan of Peach!

I reach for Peach all the time when getting dressed, because of how it makes me feel and the versatility it brings into my everyday looks! I love Peach and wear a lot of their pieces even before we had the sudden change to our world. This is definitely a brand that is great to wear at home, work or the gym (when we resume back to our ‘new normal’ ).

Here I am wearing the Yumi Tye Dye Dress to make a quick run to my local Trader Joe’s. This dress will definitely be on repeat for me all spring and summer long. With ruching all along the sides this figure flattering dress is fabulous!

I have said many times before here on my Blog that I love to stand behind companies that are made for women by women just like Peach is. However, another reason I am so excited to be a Peach Ambassador is because of the integrity of the brand. They help serve their communities inside and out. Here is another wonderful example of how they are helping during this current situation. They are now making masks for personal use…

“We are excited to introduce Reusable (and reversible) Face Masks to help better serve our community during these unprecedented times. In light of the CDC’s recommendation to wear a cloth face covering in public settings, we have teamed up with our U.S. factory to upcycle our remaining, unused reversible legging fabric into personal-use face masks.” – Janet Kraus, Peach CEO & Co-Founder.

All consumer purchases of our face masks help fund our ability to donate masks to essential workers while supporting our network of independent stylists and our US manufacturer. Purchase larger quantities at a discount to distribute to friends, family and community members.

Discounts are applied automatically at checkout.

20% off 4 or more

25% off 10 or more

30% off + free shipping for 30 or more

Wishing everyone health and safety! Please reach out if you have any questions!

Xo, Kelley

fashion over 40

Capsule Wardrobe

Sunday Best and Holiday Dressed!

Fall Chic With Peach

Sunday Best Series!

Sunday Best!