Garcelle Beauvais’ Green Zebra Sweater in Lake Tahoe

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 11 Episode 2 Fashion

Although I’m not much of a planner, Garcelle Beauvais green zebra sweater with neon trim in Lake Tahoe has me thinking about next winter. I’m not convinced I will ever need a sweater this warm in Austin again (as someone who has lived 39 years being cold AF for like 8 months a year, thank the lord), but it definitely would be super fab for our trips back up north. And after all, it is on sale …

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to Shop her Rag and Bone Sweater

Originally posted at: Garcelle Beauvais’ Green Zebra Sweater

Lisa Rinna’s Black Leather Slip Dress

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 11 Episode 2 Fashion

While I think Lisa Rinna could totally rock her leather slip dress sans turtleneck for a sexy night out look, layering it  made it the perfect piece for a girls night in Lake Tahoe. And while I always like to tell the truth, I’d be lying if I told you this piece was still in stock.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to See her Theory Bedford Slip Dress

Originally posted at: Lisa Rinna’s Black Leather Slip Dress

Garcelle Beauvais’ Multi Colored Fur Coat

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 11 Episode 2 Fashion

While the weather is getting warmer and most of us probably aren’t in the market for warm clothing, Garcelle Beauvais multi-colored fur coat in Lake Tahoe was hard to overlook. When I see a piece this bold I have to track it down even if just for personal reference and this bright and bold coat wasn’t quite as much of a challenge to find as I would have expected. But long story short, you can get your hands on a more cropped version and start planning your next trip to Lake Tahoe with the ladies ASAP.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to See her Kirin Abstract Fur Coat

Originally posted at: Garcelle Beauvais’ Multi Colored Fur Coat

In a conversation with Sixty and Me founder Margaret Manning, style expert Jodie Filogomo gives this advice about this year’s spring fashions: “Don’t follow the rules.” As a mature woman, you really have a lot of freedom to wear what you want and just enjoy looking your best.

Embroidery – an Old Trend with a New Life

Embroidery is back this year! This style adds fantastic details to the simplest of fashions and can even replace jewelry. Embroidery can be bold or subtle and looks great on women of any age. Those of us who remember the 1960s may feel right at home with this very bohemian look.

Get the look with these offerings:

Dillard’s

NYDJ

Talbots

Talbots accessories

Bring on the Bouquet – Floral Fashions Are Growing Again

As more green and spring colors appear, we automatically think of flowers. As the days get longer, it’s time to step out into the sunshine in this season’s floral prints.

Think floral designs are boring? There’s more to this fashion than the usual tiny flowers sprinkled over a light background. Choose an interesting abstract watercolor design or a more modern pattern with a dark background for a sophisticated look perfect for the fashionable mature woman.

Get the look!

Macy’s

Bloomingdale’s

Talbots

Explore a New Look with Interesting Sleeve Designs

Flared and angel sleeves give the woman over 60 a chance to feel like a princess again. This very feminine look can be really fun, though some women may find that the sleeves get in the way. By shortening them to ¾ length, you can have the look without the aggravation.

Bloomingdale’s

Shoulder-baring designs are also very big this spring. There are a number of variations on this look, from small holes with shoulders just barely peeking out, to completely off-the-shoulder tops.

CHICO’S

Macy’s

For those of us who don’t appreciate a strapless bra, adding a tank top or cami to the more extreme versions of this look can let you enjoy the fashion without the fuss.

The Colors of Spring – Sorbet Colors, Pink, Blush, Yellow, and Green

Pink and blush are making a comeback this spring – great news for the budget-conscious older woman who may already have several items in these colors in her wardrobe.

Dillard’s

For those of us with lighter complexions, pink can make us look pale and washed out. If this is the case, try a darker rose to make your skin glow and your eyes sparkle. Hot pink is everywhere this season!

Talbots

You’ll also see a lot of yellow and green this year. These colors will fit right in with the new leaves and delicate flowers. One of the real advantages of fashion after 60 is that you often don’t have to buy new items to be in style – you already have what you need.

Talbots

Yellow handbags are also a great trend this season.

Zappos

Get some blue accessories, like hats and scarves, to put a final touch on your great outfit.

Amazon

Sassy Sneakers in Spring Colors

What can be better than a practical pair of sneakers? Sneakers that sport metallic pinks, bright green, or floral patterns! With their considerable purchasing power, this practical and fun trend may be inspired by fashions for older women.

Zappos

Anthropologie

Fashion Isn’t Just for the Young

As older women, we sometimes feel we shouldn’t bother to follow fashions trends. Not true. While we certainly don’t want to be slaves to what’s in style, trying new things keeps us young at heart.

We’ve put together some Spring outfit ideas that you can wear well into Summer as well.

What does spring fashion mean to you? Do you have pieces that you bring out spring after spring? What stores do you go to for inspiration? Tell us what you think!

Since the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a global pandemic, there has been an increase in online attempts to steal personal information or engage in fraud. According to new TransUnion research, 38% of consumers said they have been targeted by digital fraud related to Covid-19. Fraud attempts have as much as tripled during the Covid-19 Crisis, according to the ABA Banking Journal.

The pandemic has created a perfect storm for increased fraudulent activity. Many people, including bank personnel, have worked from home, possibly not with the same type of security measures that are available in the workplace.

Millions of people are out of work. Much business is being conducted online, and many retail establishments have not seen numbers recover since the pandemic started. More people are banking online and are increasingly anxious about their financial situation.

Scammers are trying to get a hold of bank information to steal money from the accounts or order goods for their own benefit. Many of these scams target Boomers. However, you can take action to combat these financial scams. Here is everything you need to know about this issue.

What Is an Online Banking Scam?

Online banking scams use fraudulent methods to obtain a person’s online banking information. Once scammers unlock personal information for personal and commercial bank accounts, they may make unauthorized transactions for their own benefit, take over the account entirely, or use confidential information to steal victims’ identities.

What Tactics Do Fraudsters Use to Take Advantage of Boomers?

Fraudsters often commit online financial scams through sending a phishing communication through text message or email. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that American consumers lost nearly $2 billion to phishing schemes and other fraud tactics in a recent year.

The fraudster may create some type of ruse to try to get you to send them your Social Security number, online banking credentials, or other personal information. For example, the scammer might claim that they are your bank’s representative and are contacting you to:

• Update your account information;
• Check that you have authorized a transaction;
• Notify you that your account has been compromised;
• Tell you they are trying to speed up the processing of economic impact payments.

The message may either contain a link to a webpage that tracks every stroke of your keyboard, or direct you to call a fake support number where the agent on the phone will ask for your personal information.

You may have heard of vishing, which is simply voice phishing by phone. It is a similar tactic but uses voice calls instead of text or email.

Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated methods to try to trick consumers into giving away their private information. For instance, they may use information gathered from a prior data breach or publicly available on social media to confirm certain details about you and make you believe a legitimate person is calling you.

Scammers like to target Boomers because they believe they are more vulnerable to identity theft due to less sophistication regarding technology and being more likely to share sensitive personal information.

How Boomers Can Protect Themselves

Baby Boomers can avoid many financial scams by being proactive about protecting themselves. Some ways to do this are to:

Get Familiar with Common Scams

Try to familiarize yourself with common scams. Since phishing/vishing is one of the most common types of scams, be sure that you are on the lookout for the following signs:

• An unsolicited message from someone purporting to be your bank that you receive via email, text, or phone.
• A bank representative asking you to give out your complete Social Security number, pin number, or online credentials.
• Messages with typos.
• URLs that are close but not exactly the same as the bank’s legitimate website.
• Messages that ask you to click on a link to update your account information.
• Generic email greetings.

Phishing scams sometimes lead to account takeovers in which the scammer changes the account login credentials, essentially locking the owner out. Thus, the scammer can make unauthorized withdrawals and purchases.

You can also sign up with the FTC for email alerts about the latest scams you should look out for.

Think Before You Click a Link

Phishing scams often involve links that contain malware, so be certain you know who is sending you an email before you click on a link or download an attachment. It’s always a better strategy to log in directly to the bank’s website that you type in your browser instead of clicking any link contained in a message.

Control Access to Your Account

Avoid giving out your account information to anyone. Only verify the least amount of information possible when calling into your financial institution. Set up a unique password when establishing financial credentials and avoid using the same passwords for multiple websites.

Use two-factor authentication where you receive a one-time-use code via email or text before your account will allow you to log in. Also, periodically change your password.

Use Secure Wi-Fi While Banking

Avoid using public Wi-Fi while using online banking. Instead, wait until you get home or set up a virtual private network (VPN).

Use Reverse Email Lookup Tools to Check Who Is Emailing You

A reverse email search tool lets you type in a user’s email to see who is really writing to you. This can help you discern if a scammer is contacting you.

Guard Your Personal Information

Be careful with your personal information. Shred any document that contains your Social Security number or other private information. Avoid giving out or sending your information via unsecured electronic channels.

Put Your Phone Number on the National Do Not Call Registry

You can add your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry by calling 1-888-382-1222 or calling donotcall.gov. Doing this will stop sales calls from real companies. It will not block calls. However, receiving a call from a company after you register may indicate that they are a scammer ignoring the registry.

Monitor Your Credit

Regularly review your credit, credit card statements, and bank statements. Report anything that looks suspicious.

What You Should Do If You Are a Victim of a Scam?

If you are a victim of a scam, take these protective steps:

• Order your credit report;
• Close any unauthorized accounts in your name and file a dispute with each company;
• Check your computer for viruses;
• Place a fraud alert with a National Credit reporting Agency;
• Complete an FTC theft affidavit;
• File a complaint with the FTC;
• File a police report;
• Keep records of your communications.

The pandemic brought many consequences, and easier access to personal banking information is one of them. However, by being vigilant and taking proactive steps, you can avoid scams and protect your finances.

Have you received a scam email or text that looked legit but wasn’t? How did you recognize it? Which signs gave it away? If you are a victim to online banking fraud, why do you think you fell for the scam? What did you do to mitigate the damage? Please share your tips and stories with the community!