Month: March 2024

Whether going to a special event, enjoying a night on the town, or participating in a gathering with friends, the right dressy top can effortlessly encapsulate your essence of style.

1. I.N.C. INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS Printed Mesh Top – The top features a lovely animal print and delicate mesh detail, creating a harmonious blend of textures for a standout look. A classic crewneck design offers timeless elegance with a touch of contemporary style.
2. JM COLLECTION Boat-Neck 3/4-Sleeve Gauze Top, Created for Macy’s – Bringing a touch of boho-inspired charm, this gauzy top is a delightful addition to your wardrobe. It encapsulates a relaxed and free-spirited aesthetic.
3. JM COLLECTION Sequin-Trim 3/4-Sleeve Tunic, Created for Macy’s – This chic dressy top comes in various colors with 3/4 sleeves, split cuffs, and a V-neck embellished with sequin trim for a subtle touch of glamor.
4. STYLE & CO Textured Pintuck Ruffle Sleeve Top, Regular & Petite, Created for Macy’s – Style & Co® adds a captivating touch to this top with Swiss dots and front pleats, offering an intriguing finish, featuring long bell sleeves, a split neck, and imported exclusively for Macy’s—perfect for elevating a casual weekend date ensemble when paired with jeans.
5. Floral Tie-Front Shirt –Chico’s Tie-Front Shirt is a bestselling piece with a bold yet gentle print, flowy sleeves, and a flattering tie-front made from lightweight and ultra-soft woven fabric.
6. Mosaic Print Poncho – Perfect for day or evening, this top is a versatile style that pairs seamlessly with jeans or leggings for casual occasions and can be dressed up with pants for more upscale affairs.
7. Long-Sleeve Blouse with Crew Neck – this blouse ensures comfort and aligns with eco-friendly practices, given its biodegradable natural raw materials.
8. Whistles Speckled Shirred Top – Perfect for various occasions, this feminine blouse embraces both fashion and functionality, making it a versatile addition to your wardrobe.
9. Cinq à Sept Marbled Peonies Blouse – This colorful blouse has a classic shirt design with long sleeves, button cuffs, a classic point collar, and a button front closure. Easily dress it up or down, depending on the occasion.
10. Poppi Ruffle L/S V-Neck Lined Blouse – The sheer sleeve adds a touch of charm and sophistication, making it a perfect choice for both professional and evening wear. This lined blouse is easy to wear and effortlessly stylish.

Dressy tops quickly go from day to night, becoming a wardrobe essential for every modern woman. They bring sophistication and glamor to any moment, adding a refined touch to your personal style.

What to Look for in a Dressy Top

Choosing a dressy top involves considering factors that prioritize both style and comfort.

Luxurious Fabrics

Opt for sophisticated materials, such as silk, satin, or lace. These fabrics add an elegant and refined quality to the dressy top.

Fit

Look for a well-tailored fit that complements the body shape without being too tight or too loose. A flattering fit enhances comfort and confidence.

Neckline

Choose a neckline that suits your personal style and comfort preferences. V-neck or scoop necklines can be flattering, offering a balanced and elegant look.

Sleeves

Depending on individual preferences, consider sleeve lengths. Short, three-quarter, or long sleeves can provide options for different occasions and seasons.

Length

Select a length that complements the overall outfit and body shape. Longer tops offer extra coverage, while a slightly shorter length can be stylish and modern.

Color and Pattern

Choose colors and patterns that resonate with your personal style. Solid colors and subtle patterns are versatile and can be dressed up or down and paired with more bottom options.

Details and Embellishments

Consider tasteful details and embellishments that add interest without overwhelming the outfit. Delicate embroidery, beadwork, or small embellishments can enhance the overall look.

Comfort

Prioritize comfort in terms of both fabric and fit. Ensure that the dressy top allows for ease of movement and doesn’t compromise on comfort throughout the day or evening.

By keeping these considerations in mind, you can find a dressy top that not only aligns with your personal style but also meets the practical needs of comfort and versatility.

Dressy Tops for Older Ladies

I.N.C. INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS Printed Mesh Top

The top features a lovely animal print and delicate mesh detail, creating a harmonious blend of textures for a standout look. A classic crewneck design offers timeless elegance with a touch of contemporary style.

This dressy top, created specifically for Macy’s, embodies the brand’s commitment to quality and fashion-forward pieces. Ideal for various occasions, it pairs well with tailored trousers for a polished look or jeans for a chic, relaxed ensemble.

JM COLLECTION Boat-Neck 3/4-Sleeve Gauze Top, Created for Macy’s

Bringing a touch of boho-inspired charm, this gauzy top from JM Collection is a delightful addition to your wardrobe. Imported with care, it encapsulates a relaxed and free-spirited aesthetic.

The top features 3/4 sleeves adorned with crochet trim, adding a hint of romantic detailing to the overall design. This thoughtful embellishment enhances the bohemian allure of the top, creating a unique and stylish look.

JM COLLECTION Sequin-Trim 3/4-Sleeve Tunic, Created for Macy’s

M Collection brings a touch of glamor to your outfit with its dressy top, which is available in multiple colors. This stylish piece features 3/4 sleeves with fashionable split cuffs, offering a contemporary and eye-catching detail. Imported and exclusively created for Macy’s, this tunic has a V-neck adorned with sequin trim, adding a subtle yet dazzling touch to your look.

STYLE & CO Textured Pintuck Ruffle Sleeve Top, Regular & Petite, Created for Macy’s

Style & Co® pays meticulous attention to detail in crafting this top by incorporating Swiss dots and front pleats, imparting an engaging and textured finish. The long bell sleeves and a split neck contribute to a distinctive design, making it a versatile and chic choice.

Imported exclusively for Macy’s, this top serves as a stylish option to enhance your weekend date attire when paired effortlessly with a comfortable pair of jeans. The front pleats add an extra dimension to the top’s visual appeal, providing a nuanced and fashionable touch to your ensemble.

Floral Tie-Front Shirt

Experience the effortless style of this Tie-Front Shirt with its bold yet gentle print. The top features flowy sleeves for comfort and a tie-front for a flattering fit—no wonder it’s among one of Chico’s bestselling styles!

Made from a lightweight and ultra-soft woven fabric, this casual-fit pullover offers easy wear and pairs seamlessly with pull-on denim for a perfect all-day look.

Mosaic Print Poncho

Ideal for day or evening wear, the Mosaic Print Poncho is an easy-breezy style with its soft, lightweight woven fabric. It features tacks under the arms for stability and side slits for movement. Dress it down with jeans or leggings for casual occasions or dress up the look with pants for more upscale affairs.

Long-Sleeve Blouse with Crew Neck

This top is made with EcoCosy(R), a fiber derived from certified sustainable wood pulp sourced from renewable and sustainably managed plantations.

With a versatile regular length, you have the freedom to tuck it in completely, create a chic front tuck, or wear it effortlessly over your favorite leggings.

Whistles Speckled Shirred Top

Featuring a flattering round neck, this pretty blouse extends its charm with long blouson sleeves, adding a touch of sophistication to your ensemble.

The back button closure, coupled with a keyhole design, provides a stylish finishing touch and ensures ease of wear. The shirred detailing throughout the blouse enhances its texture and creates a graceful drape, contributing to a flattering silhouette.

Cinq à Sept Marbled Peonies Blouse

Do you like colorful dressy tops? Then you might like this one from Bloomingdale’s. It has a classic shirt design with long sleeves, button cuffs, a classic point collar, a button front closure, and a shirttail hem. Easily dress this top up or down, depending on the occasion.

Poppi Ruffle L/S V-Neck Lined Blouse

This blouse effortlessly combines style with practicality, making it suitable for both professional settings and evening outings. The delicate sheer sleeve introduces an element of charm and sophistication, offering a versatile option for various occasions.

The thoughtful design, including a V-neck, ensures a fashionable yet timeless appeal. The lining enhances comfort, providing an easy-to-wear and effortlessly stylish garment that complements your wardrobe with grace and versatility.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you like to wear dressy tops? Where do you wear your dressy tops? Which one on our list is your favorite? Tell us about it in the comments below.

These are my 10 rules of online dating based on tons of hours spent online with clients for over 25 years. As you read over them, note down how many of them you follow, then score yourself at the bottom.

Here we go:

Fake It Till You Make It

Self-confidence is attractive. So, you’ve been widowed or divorced and not been on a first date since your 20s or 30s? No time better than the present.

Practice Makes Perfect

You won’t get it right the first time around, but that shouldn’t surprise you or wipe your motivation. It’s tough to find yourself online, staring at the 318 potential men that showed up in your search. Instead of being overwhelmed, spend 30 minutes, choose 5 people, and send 5 messages.

Your goal is to get used to sending messages, not to try to attempt to recognize which profiles would score a “10.” After all, how do you know from a dating profile what a man (or anyone) is really like? It’s a message, not an invitation to marriage. It’s an opportunity to see how they respond and what type of info they may not have included on their online dating profile. No commitment involved!

If You Always Do What You Always Did, You Always Get What You Always Got

Change it up. Be bold in your messaging. Think quirky (not weird) and unique. Take this Dating Quiz as it may show where you are going a bit in the wrong direction.

Do a Photoshoot with a Friend When Going Out

Have a friend snap a few new photos of you this weekend when you’re out at dinner, golf, pickleball, cocktails, etc.

Then use this as the primary photo. You’ll be shocked – the people who scrolled by you in the past, may take another look at your refreshed photo. And always date your photos – men will appreciate knowing what you’re going to look like when you show up on your first date with them.

Below is a photo of a client who had a friend snap the shot last Friday night to celebrate her 60^th birthday. Of course, I added it to her online dating profile and men have commented how fun and happy she looks. And yes, it’s led to two upcoming dates.

Take a Goofy Picture (Not a Selfie)

This makes people laugh. Also, instead of writing in your online dating profile, “I have a great sense of humor,” let your photo show it.

You would be surprised at some of the goofy photos that have helped my clients pick out potential dates. For instance, what would you say about a Harvard-educated 64-year-old attorney juggling 5 pomegranates with a zany look on his face? Of course, the rest of his photos were more “corporate,” but my client immediately messaged him, and it resulted in a fun date.

No Doomscrolling

This is dangerous to your mental health – seriously! When you go online with a negative attitude, what do you think you’re going to get? Nothing.

As an aside, here’s a text I received on Valentine’s Day which made me happy:

Commit to Three Months Online

Put a three-month limit to your first online dating try. Why? Most clients want to quit after week one or two. And guess what? The magic starts around week three. I’m not kidding. I’ve been doing this for over 25 years and over 65% of my clients are now in relationships. Did it happen the first two weeks? Rarely.

Keep It a Secret

What? No, you don’t need comments from the peanut gallery. Your friends, family and acquaintances can be a major negative force. And, what do they know about dating in the 2020s? It has changed so much from the 1980s!

Your Mantra: You Are Not Too Old to Date and Be in a Happy Long-Term Relationship

You all know about 2^nd Acts in business. Angel Cornelius started Maison 276, a skin care company, at age 60, and by age 63 was featured in Oprah’s magazine. The founder of Sixty and Me, Margaret Manning, started this successful publication in her 60s. All entrepreneurs hit some bumps in the road – just like you will in dating. But if the bumps lead to something lovely, it was all worth it!

It Only Takes One

It doesn’t matter if you live in densely populated NYC or in the middle of horse country in Montana – there are good singles in every part of the country. If I had a dollar for every female client who asked me “Aren’t all the good men taken,” I’d start a new charity.

It doesn’t matter if you are on a dating site/dating app and there are 200 men meeting your criteria or 20 – you only need one. And from where I sit, objectively, I see this happen every single week. So, refer back to number 7 and give it a go with 3 months, 2 hours per week and don’t make this your full-time job!

What’s Your Score?

So, I invite you to score yourself – how well do you follow these dating rules?

Scores:

9-10: You are rocking it and on the precipice of meeting the right person.

7-8: You are making an effort – keep it up!

4-6: You are half in, half out. Re-commit.

1-3: Take a break. Or hire help. You need some serious accountability.

Oh, you might find this article interesting from Kiplinger this week on online dating: Read Me!

Have a lovely week and don’t give up. I know the saying is corny, but there is a lid for every pot.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How did you score on the 10 Online Dating Rules quiz? Are you lacking in motivation, accountability, persistence or something else? Have you given up on online dating?

Click Here for Additional Stock in Her Swimsuit

Click Here for Additional Stock in Her Sunglasses

Originally posted at: Danielle Olivera’s Pink Ruffle One Piece Swimsuit

My husband and I are 11 years apart. The first thing he ever asked me was If I would be open to dating an older man. It was not the first marriage for either of us.

We hit it off right away, and our life began.

Then he started to feel bad. We were only engaged at that point but pushed up the wedding because we knew it was serious. We had no idea how serious, though.

Suddenly, we go from making wedding plans one day to talking about death the next. I guess we decided to do the “In sickness” part first.

We were young, with dreams and plans for the future still unfolding. Instead of a honeymoon, we had a hospital visit instead.

I was committed, though, and in for a challenging ride.

That was nine years ago. He was diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF) while still at a young(ish) age. Our lives were irrevocably changed from the moment of that diagnosis.

Suddenly, our dreams were overshadowed by the reality of hospital visits, medical terminology, and an ever-present uncertainty.

Our entire life just switches paths overnight. How long would he have? How long would we get with him?

The stability we once took for granted was replaced by a new normal that included ambulances in the driveway and a constant undercurrent of fear.

Facing the Reality of a Terminal Illness

For nearly a decade, we’ve lived with the shadow of terminal illness hanging over us. We were lucky to have that many years together. Some don’t get that blessing.

Initially, denial was a comfortable refuge, but reality has a way of insisting on being acknowledged.

I was still too young to retire. I was supposed to be in the prime of my life. Once he could no longer work, the financial burden became a brutal reality.

I juggled a second job to manage the mounting medical bills while the financial burden weighed heavily on my shoulders. It was challenging and a lot of hard work.

The stress and pressure were relentless, but they became companions in our new normal. My tolerance for it has grown.

My reality was facing a life of dreams, hopes, and goals alongside planning for my husband’s shortened life.

Adapting Plans and Expectations When a Spouse Is Ill

Our life plans had to be redrawn, and goals shifted to accommodate our unwelcome companion, CHF.

The reality of medical appointments and treatments replaced dreams of travel and leisure. We also had to change how we did things, like checking the altitude of a place before visiting to make sure everyone could enjoy it.

Yet, amidst this upheaval, we found moments of peace and adaptation. We relied on a lot of Faith. We have a very powerful and loving God.

The hospital became a familiar landscape as the years passed, and the sight of medical equipment in our home lost its initial shock value. The oxygen machine has become like a white noise machine in our house.

Our lives continued, marked by resilience and a determination to find joy during the struggle.

I could not stop living. I could not put my life on hold for myself or our children.

It caused some guilt because while I was busy dreaming of where I would be in 5, 10, or 20 years, my husband wondered if he would be part of those dreams.

Self-Care and Support for the Caretaker

I have not always been good at self-care. I had to learn how, honestly. I inherently am a caretaker – just not always for myself.

The journey has taught me the importance of self-care, though. It was a lesson learned through trial and error.

I try to indulge in massages as often as possible; meditation music is my lifeblood.

The weight of caregiving, working two jobs (and a few businesses), and maintaining our home life was overwhelming.

I learned to carve out moments for myself, brief escapes where I could gather my strength and face the challenges ahead.

Two-hour baths were my normal. It was a getaway I had to allow myself.

The support from friends and family became a lifeline, offering emotional solace and practical help. Especially when reality started knocking harder, and the Hospice program came into our lives.

I had to allow myself to go to dinner with friends and still work towards my goals and dreams.

Creating Lasting Memories

Despite the looming presence of illness, we focused on creating memories, capturing moments of laughter and love amidst the pain.

These memories became beacons of light, reminders of the love that sustained us through the darkest times. From corny jokes to ridiculous face filters that make you look goofy, I had to keep laughing. I had to keep living.

We learned to find beauty in the mundane, cherishing the simple act of being together. Date nights binging on a TV series or even watching nature videos of the history of whales. We just spent time together.

There were sacrifices, I will be honest, but they were worth it.

Navigating Daily Challenges on a Long-term Illness

Living with my husband’s illness for so long, the extraordinary became ordinary. Ambulances, doctor visits, surgeries, and hospital stays were just part of our routine.

Most of the neighbors knew it was probably for my husband if they saw an ambulance at my house.

We were regulars at the hospital, and they knew us by name. They are so genuinely amazing people in the world, and we were lucky to run into a few of them.

With each day that passes, he can do less and less. I have to pick up some things he can no longer do and still set goals for myself. Not to mention take care of the kids and keep the place running.

I often catch myself wanting to avoid talking about goals I have with him because it does not feel fair. The stuff you casually say in conversation, like I want to see the Grand Canyon or the Biltmore.

I had to face the fact that we would not be able to do those sorts of things. I had to grieve for the loss of the opportunity. It helped.

Looking Ahead to an Uncertain Future

Yet, when hospice care began, the reality of our situation hit home anew. It forced us to confront the inevitable and have the hard conversations we had avoided for so long.

In our eyes, we were relatively young. You aren’t supposed to have to think about death till you are like 100 years old or something. Yet we found ourselves discussing obituaries, last wills and testaments, and funeral arrangements.

Yet, these conversations were necessary, helping us to prepare for what was to come, even as they broke our hearts.

It was a stark reminder of the preciousness of time. Thoughts of death and our looming mortality defintely make you feel so many emotions.

It was difficult to discuss hopes and future goals when faced with the imminent loss of my partner. I had to keep doing it. For myself, with my children, and with my husband.

I think still having those conversations gave him hope because who were we to say when God calls him?

Advice for Others: 7 Things I Have Learned

If you find yourself walking a path similar to mine, navigating the uncertain terrain of a spouse’s terminal illness, here’s what I’ve learned:

Embrace the Present

Focus on the now rather than getting lost in the what-ifs of the future. Cherish every moment, even the mundane ones, for they are precious.

Seek Support

Don’t try to shoulder everything alone. Lean on friends, family, and support groups. Accepting help is not a sign of weakness but a necessary step in managing your well-being.

Communicate Openly

Have honest conversations with your spouse, children, and support network. Sharing your fears and hopes can bring comfort and clarity during turbulent times.

Prioritize Self-Care

Find small ways to care for yourself amid the chaos. Whether it’s a long bath, a short walk, or a moment of silence, these brief escapes are vital for your mental and emotional health.

Prepare for the Practical

Educate yourself on medical terminology, treatment options, and financial planning. Being informed can help reduce anxiety and make you feel more in control.

Document the Journey

Keep a journal or create a memory box. These memories will be invaluable in the future, both for you and your family.

Stay Flexible

Be prepared to adjust your plans and expectations. Flexibility can help reduce stress when faced with the unpredictable nature of illness.

To those just beginning this journey, know that you are not alone. It’s a road paved with challenges and moments of profound love and connection.

Allow yourself to feel, to grieve, and to hope.

Final Thoughts

Living with a spouse’s terminal illness for nearly a decade has been a journey of profound challenges and unexpected strength.

It has reshaped our lives, dreams, and understanding of love and resilience.

Through it all, we’ve learned to cherish every moment, to support each other, and to face life’s uncertainties with courage.

This journey is not one I would have chosen, but it has taught me about the depth of our strength and the power of love.

You may find this article helpful, DON’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY TO A NEW CAREGIVER? HERE ARE 5 SUPPORTIVE THINGS TO SAY.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What is your experience with terminal illness? Have you cared for someone in this type of health situation? How did you take care of yourself? What did you learn in the process that you’d like to share with the community?

I had a dream trip planned for August of 2020, but we all know what happened that year. COVID put an end to everyone’s travel plans.

The Silver Lining

That summer, I had planned to take my oldest granddaughter to Prince Edward Island to celebrate her 12^th birthday. Sometimes a dream deferred brings a silver lining, and that is precisely what happened in this case. Whereas I had originally planned on taking just the one granddaughter, three years later I now had four granddaughters old enough to take the trip. I realized, “I have eight granddaughters. I am not going to take eight trips to Prince Edward Island.”

It made more sense to take them four at a time so in July of 2023, I headed out with the four girls, ages 8, 10, 11, and 15.

The Journey Is As Much Fun as the Destination

In case you are not familiar with the geography of it, it is a LONG way from west Michigan to Prince Edward Island (or “PEI”) off the eastern coast of Canada. Especially when you’re pushing 70. And you’re traveling with four kids. I swapped out some of the driving for the fascination and expediency of train travel by leaving my car in Pittsburgh (after picking up the second set of sisters) and choo-chooing from there to Providence, Rhode Island. I love train travel and the girls did too. For me, it proved the maxim about the journey being as much fun as the destination.

We took in all the beloved Anne of Green Gables sites. The girls heard the story of how their grandma (me) was responsible for having the book Anne of Green Gables translated into Hungarian through a visiting professor I met at my son’s school.

We had an outstanding sunset cruise and lobster dinner with the lobsters hauled on board right before our eyes. (We’ll never eat fresher!)

We also went on a buggy ride, spotted whales and seals, slept in an old school house, and collected sea glass. For two of the girls, it was their first time swimming in an ocean.

Bonding Is Important

As much as I would have enjoyed bonding with just my oldest granddaughter, the bonding that happened between the cousins was a joy to behold. It’s something I expect will yield benefits for years to come.

Did they get silly sometimes, especially the three crammed in the backseat? Yes. Was there some squabbling? That happened too. (God bless Jeanne Birdsall, author of the Penderwick series, whose audio books helped some of the more tedious miles fly by.) But the group experience – the laughs and stories and memories – combined to create a huge win overall.

What About the Life Lessons?

In June of 2023, Agnes Callard wrote an article for The New Yorker entitled, “The Case Against Travel.” To that, I simply respond, “Pooh, pooh!” I don’t have the space to debate her case here, although I would love to, but I observed so many important life lessons learned by my granddaughters as we traveled along. Things like flexibility and responsibility and teamwork, in addition to learning about history, cultural differences, and trying new foods.

But perhaps the most important thing we all learned was to persevere, to not let fear or discouragement or liabilities – real or imagined – keep us from seeing our plans through.

Three days before we left on our trip, I took a peek at the long-range forecast. Rain. I mean all day, every day, wherever we went. Up the whole coast of Maine, across all the Maritime provinces, back down the coast of Maine. I felt sick because I had planned and saved for this trip for so long, and it was a trip that needed to be enjoyed outdoors.

With a heavy heart I googled, “What can you do with kids on a rainy day on PEI?” and the number one thing that popped up was visiting a potato museum. I was so discouraged; I almost didn’t feel like going.

Working Together Is a Blessing

You may have noticed an “injured traveler” in some of the previous pictures. Two days before the trip, my 10-year-old granddaughter fell off her family’s back deck, fracturing both wrists and receiving a mild concussion. With one arm in an inflatable cast and the other in a sling, she still came along. We did everything for her: carried all her luggage, buckled and unbuckled her seatbelt at every stop, dressed and undressed her, and even brushed her teeth.

With us all working together as her support team, she did just fine, and we had a marvelous time.

Oh, and we had zero rain until the very last day!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How many grandchildren have you taken on a trip? What was it like? Have you done a repeat? Where did you go and what life lessons did you learn?