How’s Your Swing?

I have always loved a great swing coat!

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The swing coat or topper became popular in the 1950s. I would never wear an A-line skirt because of my inverted triangle shape, but I have several of these A-Line jackets and warm coats in this style. I always wear them with a pencil skirt or slim-fitting pants.

This one is by IC Collection from ShopMyFairLady.com.

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The toppers were aptly named swing coats because they fall from the shoulders and swing as you walk. I gave the post this title because it was dark and rainy in Johnson City, so we stopped at a golf course in the next town to take these photos.

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I love to wear accessories, but I am careful not to add too many. Long silver earrings, a bold silver cuff, and an enormous antique dinner ring with a pink stone played nicely with the jacket’s fuchsia. The texture of the fun, over-sized clutch is reflected in the texture of the pants. I found the pants by Eric and the clutch at Stein Mart a few months ago. The jewelry pieces were gifts from Mr. Mickey over the years.

Wearing bold color means that I need to adjust my makeup accordingly. I wear much less makeup now than when I was younger. My eye shadows are almost always the same neutral cool tones, but my cheek color and lip color must always complement each other and my top color. By this, I mean reds require a neutral bronze color of blush and a true red lip color. This fuchsia jacket required that I wear a rose-tone blush and a rosy-berry lip color. This lip color is by Merle Norman, and it is called Cranberry. The creme blush called Blush Rouge is also from Merle Norman.

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I usually never wear suede shoes on a rainy night, but I knew I would be walking only a few steps from the car into the restaurant since they have a valet service. The shoes are old by BCBGeneration.

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On this Friday date night, we visited one of our favorite restaurants in the world. The Artisanal is located in Banner Elk, North Carolina, so it is a pleasant drive through Johnson City’s mountains. We eat first with our eyes, and the Artisanal never disappoints us.

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ShopMyFairLady.com is a small family-owned boutique located in California. I love to shop with them because they have many timeless pieces and all the lines I enjoy wearing. They agreed to give you a 15% discount on everything you buy this month with the code: Fall16.

18 Comments
  1. A question I have had for some time now is about your shoes. I know you keep your shoes for a long time and wear your favorite ones often. In your pictures they always look new. What do you do to maintain your oft-worn shoes in such good condition?

  2. The swing coat complements you beautifully and the pop of fuchsia is quite lovely on such a gloomy day. I recently bought a boxy topper in cocoa brown that ends right at the hip. I think I have found a style that complements my figure and it surprised me. Not a style I would usually try, but I was drawn to it by the color. A happy surprise! You have been such a help in showing me how to determine my style. And you have given me the courage to “kick it up a notch.” If I am the most dressed up person in the room, so be it. It makes me happy!

  3. You are the Diva of Details! Your manicure displays the excellent care that you take with the skin of your hands and your nails. The texture of the black pants makes the outfit—not just the fabulous fuchsia coat.

  4. California says Hi There Susan! Thank you for your wonderful fashion ideas and for reminding us that we are never too old to be stylish. Can you tell me if Shop My Fair Lady carries petites?? I have tried their website asking this question and still don’t have an answer. Thank You!
    chris

  5. Love this coat Susan and the bright colour is wonderful! It is so reminiscent of the light coloured one you had previously and which I loved as well. Looks like a wonderful Friday evening dinner.

  6. Gorgeous coat and fabulous color on you! It shows that you take tender care of your wardrobe…no jumble of shoes in your closet…I need to heed your advice on the care of handbags.

  7. As a recent follower (since summer),I wanted to let you know that I appreciate your hard work. This is really a beautiful blog. We share very similar tastes in clothes and colors, I have been mostly vegetarian for quite some time and I have your face shape and our hair and skin tone are quite close. I feel like you could be a very glam younger sister! (I’m 63)
    This is the first time I’ve ever commented on a blog. So happy to find someone I identify with.

  8. That coat is so cute. Love your posts, finally someone that understands what us “lady’s of a certain age” like to dress like. I look forward to your posts.

  9. What a happy, cheerful colour to see on a dull day here in Canada! The colour suits you perfectly and you wear it with absolute confidence. Your blog always surprises me, always fresh. Cheers one up no end

  10. Love this jacket on you and all of the details that make the overall outfit so special. Though I’m about 10 years your junior, if I saw you around town, I’d think “There’s one sharp lady! I hope I look that good at her age!” How do you find the fit of the Clara Sunwoo tops – are they true to size, particularly around the midsection? Keep up the great blogging!

    1. I buy my usual size which is a medium in these Clara Sunwoo tops. They are generous in size and midsection is usually a loose style to start with. I love that the fabric flows across my body instead of clinging to my jiggly bits.

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I share tips and inspiration for using what you already have in contemporary ways. Defining words include effortless, classic, refined, discreet, and elegant. My style is chic, minimal, and timeless with a bit of edge.