Happy Independence Day!

We celebrate American Independence Day on the Fourth of July every year. We think of July 4, 1776, as a day that represents the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. This is all well and good and I love America more than anyone else, but right now I’m thinking, “Can you believe the year is half gone?! The fourth of July always sends me a signal that summer is flying by. Before you know it the stores will be filled with fall fashions and Halloween decorations! Ugh! I’m not ready, I haven’t worn all my cute summer sundresses yet!

Today I am going to make the most of my day by spending it with family and friends. My husband’s Aunt who lives in the same town as us is throwing a Fourth of July Extravaganza! I so look forward to spending time, celebrating, laughing, eating and eating (lol) with the people I love! I also can’t wait to wear my new blue and white maxi dress (check it out on my insta-gram account today). I am baking a Key Lime Cheesecake to bring to the celebration. I am going to include the recipe below, this cheesecake is just too good.

Wishing you and your Family a Lovely and Fabulous 4th of July and Thanks to all who serve this great Country!

Key Lime Cheesecake

For the Crust

2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 stick melted butter

For the Filling

2 pounds of cream cheese (room temperature) , 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract,  4 extra large eggs, 2 Tablespoons of corn starch , 3/4 cup lime juice, 3 Tablespoons of lime zest, 1 cup sour cream

Preheat the oven to 350

To make the crust, combine the graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter until moistened.  Pour into a 9-inch springform pan. With your hands, press the crumbs into the bottom of the pan and about 1 inch up the sides.Bake for 8 minutes. Cool to room temperature.

To make the filling, cream the cream cheese and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Reduce the speed of the mixer to medium and add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well. Scrape down the bowl and  beater as necessary. With the mixer on low add the corn starch, lime juice, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly. Take bowl off stand mixer and fold in lime zest and sour cream. Pour into the cooled crust.

Bake for 1 1/4 hours. Turn the oven off. The cake will not be completely set in the center. Allow the cake to sit in the oven for 45 minutes. Take the cake out of the oven and allow it to sit at room temperature for another 2 to 3 hours, until it is completely cooled. Wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Remove the cake from the springform pan by carefully running a hot knife around the outside of the cake. Leave the cake on the bottom of the springform pan for serving.

You can garnish the cheesecake with fresh whipped cream and a slice or two of lime.

Cooks Note: I put the springform pan on a baking sheet before putting in oven to catch any leaks.

Always remember, you are Fabulous at every age!

-Deborah

 

Happy Father’s Day

This Father’s Day I would like to recognize the three most important men in my life, who are fathers:

My first recognition goes out to my husband, Raymond:

You’re so much more than just a “husband”. You’re a partner in my life that I value more than you know. You’re the father of our two beautiful children, whom I watched you love so very much. You’re everything I hoped for to help in raising a family. You’re my husband, my friend, and love that I’ll always need.

My second recognition goes out to my Dad:

My Dad passed away in September 2011, two years after my Mom. It is especially hard for me on Father’s Day, since I don’t have my Dad with me anymore. I was the youngest of his three daughter’s and his favorite. LOL  My Dad brought his family from Scotland to America In 1965, He said we were going to live the “American Dream”

My Dad and I would always be together. When I was younger he would take me to the Armory to watch the boxing matches, he always said I was the son he never had. We enjoyed many sporting events together, He always told jokes that put a smile on my face. He also had a great fashion sense, always buying and wearing the best of suits, hats and shoes. He taught me to always look your best and buy the best quality you could afford. As an adult I still live by his lessons. I miss him everyday and wish we could have one more day together. I love you Dad!

My third recognition goes out to my father-in-Law, who I consider my Dad:

Back in 1987, when I first met my husband, I knew he was the man I was going to marry ( I guess I do believe in love at first sight). We had dated for two months and he decided to invite me to a family affair. I was so nervous going to meet this big Italian family. When I arrived, I was greeted at the door by the most charming man I had ever met. He kissed me on the cheek and said “welcome”. From that day forward he was a second Dad to me, always treating me exactly like his other two daughters. When My Dad died he took over the role as my full time Dad, always being there for me when I needed him. He is a great man and I love him very much!

I want to wish all the great Dads out there a very Happy Father’s day!

Have a Fabulous Day!

-Deborah

 

Orange Is Back, Shop This Citrus Shade

Orange is officially the new black for summer, shop this citrus shade for your wardrobe and you won’t be disappointed. Orange is shaping up to be one of summer’s standout shades, as seen in floral prints in blouses and splashed across summer maxi dresses. One great thing about it (outside of its ability to turn heads) is that it can skew both autumnal and summery, depending on what you pair it with. That means these are investment pieces that you can wear year-round, though I’m voting for crisp white cottons to pair it with for the months to come.

My orange utility shirt comes from Chico’s, I purchased it more than ten years ago. Some summers I work it into my wardrobe, some I don’t. That’s what is so great about it! Today I wore it with a pair of crisp white pants and a colorful Trina Turk silk scarf. I finished my outfit off with yellow sandals from Anne Klein and a straw tote from Cole Haan. This outfit makes me feel happy and isn’t that what fashion is all about!

I also want to remind everyone that “Orange is The New Black” is back this weekend. Who else will be binge watching the show this weekend when Netflix releases the new episodes! I’m getting my Father’s Day shopping done today, so I can watch away today and tomorrow! It’s a great show!

Always remember, you are Fabulous at every age!

-Deborah

The Tassel Necklace

The tassel has almost always been a symbol of power and prestige. The word for “tassel”originated from “tassau”which, translated from Latin, refers to a clasp at the neck of a garment. In the beginning tassels served as a weaving knot in garments to prevent unraveling. Then, over the course of time, they took over a more powerful significance.They were worn by ancient priests and military officers as talismans that warded off evil spirits. I’m not looking to ward off evil spirits but feeling powerful is kinda nice.

The hottest jewelry trend …. the tassel necklace ….. is as flattering as can be (hello, elongating effect) and super easy to wear. My tassels are on steroids, I am a go big or go home type of girl. LOL!  I am wearing an effortless, white button up shirt and a black skirt, (pretty boring) until I embellish it with this powerful tassel adornment. I feel Fabulous!

Always remember, you are Fabulous at every age!

-Deborah

Girls Night Out

Oh yes it’s ladies’ night and the feeling’s right……

If your looking to get away for the night and make memories with your very best girlfriends, you should try a girls night out. Get on the phone and call your Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda (I was a big Sex and the City fan in the 90’s, lol). Only invite the gal pals you know will make this occasion rock. Leave out anyone likely to spoil the night by acting spoiled, pining for their male counterparts, or over obsessing about their children. Get dressed up, put on those new heels you just haven’t  had the occasion to wear. Wear something out of the ordinary for you, maybe leather pants, a big statement necklace or the color red. Reserve an Uber or have a designated driver, don’t ever get behind the wheel after drinking. Be confident and have fun. It is meant for you to have fun so make the most of the experiences the night has to offer, after all at midnight we will all turn back to Cinderella……lol!

I went out last night with my girlfriends for sushi and drinks, we had a blast, laughing till we cried. I wore a black long tank top dress with a black and white fringed cape over it. I accessorized with Asian inspired jewelry, with red accents in it. I finished my outfit off with a Cole Haan red patent leather clutch, Kors, by Michael Kors  black patent leather peep toe heels and my Prada glasses. I must admit we all looked fabulous.

Always remember, you are Fabulous at every age!

-Deborah

The Cold-Shoulder Blouse

While you can wear whatever you like, especially if you feel great in it, there are certain articles of clothing that feel better suited for younger women. Think about it, chances are you’re not wearing the same clothes at 50 as you did in your 20’s. But then again, there are universally appropriate trends that work at any age ……. black boots, knee length skirts, and now cold-shoulder tops. The cold-shoulder trend is incredibly flattering for all women, because everyone’s shoulders looks great. It’s so true ……. what a beautiful part of your body to show off.

Today I am wearing a brown cold shoulder blouse, layered with island wooden jewelry, my motto is “more is more” when it comes to jewelry. I have on brown ankle pants to create a monochromatic look, so my jewelry pops! I am finishing the outfit off with my very favorite Tom Ford sunglasses. I am ready to face the day and be Fabulous!

What do you think of the cold-shoulder trend? Will you try it out this season? Let me know in the comments below.

Always remember, you are Fabulous at every age!

Check out my instagram styleat50plus

-Deborah

 

The All American Denim Jacket

If jeans are as American as apple pie, then denim jackets are the vanilla ice cream on top …… cool, classic, and always appealing. The denim jacket has been trending for, oh, just 130 years or so. The first denim jacket was created circa 1880 by denim legend and Levi’s founder Levi Strauss. Strauss is credited with designing the first-ever jeans in 1870 as a durable, breathable utility garment for cowboys, railroad engineers, and miners to wear during the gold rush out west. Soon after the runaway success of jeans, he gave the world a top to match and dubbed it the Triple Pleat Blouse.

While the Levi’s denim jacket has evolved since then, the functionality and innate coolness of the piece has stayed on trend through the years. From James Dean’s iconic denim-jacket clad character in Rebel Without a Cause in the 50’s to Rihanna’s deconstructed versions today, jean jackets buck convention, express individuality, and epitomize anti-establishment cool.

Today, I am wearing my denim Jacket with a dainty white eyelet maxi dress. I have put on a bold pin and matching earrings from the Elizabeth Taylor jewelry collection from the 90’s. This collection is fabulous, look for pieces at tag sales and EBay , I can’t stop collecting it. To finish the outfit off I grabbed my Kate Spade white tote, and white gucci aviator sunglasses. I am ready to face the day and be Fabulous!

Always remember, you are Fabulous at every age !

-Deborah

The Statement Necklace

Add a WOW factor to your wardrobe with a bold statement necklace, it’s the fashionable women’s best friend. Necklaces are the perfect versatile accessory, whether you’re looking for a statement or a pop of color on your LBD (little black dress). I personally rely on them to jazz up my outfits, since I find myself mostly buying solid color clothing….(I need to work on that) LOL.

The thought of turquoise jewelry immediately evokes images of summer to me. It’s my go to stone for summer accessorizing . With it’s soothing blue-green hue and status in Native American Indian folklore as a spiritual “fallen sky stone,” it isn’t surprising that we equate turquoise with the hippie counterculture movement. But, if you need proof that turquoise can be as elegant as it is earthy, look no further than my blog, showing it on a simple black cold-shoulder dress. The turquoise bib statement necklace I am wearing brings my dress to life. You girls in your twenties go ahead and wear it to Coachella with your denim, I am going to rock it with a simple black dress.

Always remember, you are Fabulous at every age !

-Deborah

Who am I ?

Hello, I’m Deborah, I am a fashion lover and collector. I have been in the retail game for 25 years now, deciding what women should wear to look their very best! It is so easy when you’re twenty, beautiful, and the words, “my problem area “, is not a part of your vocabulary. I Have created this blog to help women 50 plus look fabulous! We all need to celebrate ourselves, and our individual style, and beauty.We all are FABULOUS !!

I am a wife for 26 years, and have two beautiful children. My oldest is a boy, (really a man) Cory, who is 24 years old, and just starting his career . My daughter, Sydney, who is 22, and is also interested in fashion. She will be graduating college this coming January with a fashion merchandising degree. You will see her input now and then on the blog.

This is a new endeavor for me, so please be patient. Let’s all have fun discovering our personal style and realizing that we are all FABULOUS !!