Oh So Fancy Francie

White Jean Sale

I rarely promote a sale on items I don’t personally own, yet. However, I know my denim as I have owned, tried-on, and sold many styles. I’m posting here so you can get an idea of how this stuff fits and get in on the sale pronto!

All designer denim are from Bloomies 25% off sale.

Frame Le Crop Flare. My favorite style are cropped flares in any brand Frame has lots of compression so if you like a snugger, stretchy fit, this is a good way to go. I tried these on in the store and found them to be true to size. Usually, I size up in white as the weave is tighter, but this one, a little too baggy.

Seven for All Mankind High Rise Flares. 7s have a generous stretch and are always so comfy. The label has come around over the years so I have become a fan again. Because I know 7s to stretch out, I ordered my normal size. If you’re not sure, just order two sizes.

AG Vintage Fit Jeans. I liked this style for a more traditional denim look. I know from experience, AG runs a little snug, but it holds it’s shape well. However, I’m following my white denim rule on this one and ordering a size up.

Madewell. Two Styles here. A cropped wide-leg and a demi-boot. The jeans I’m wearing in the post are Madewell from three years ago. If the designer jeans above are not on sale enough, here are some alternative styles. In my experience, Madewell stretches a lot. So, I’d go your normal size, but again, if you’re not sure, order both sizes.

Good luck! You’ll look fab.!

Five Cute Swimwear Looks

If you are like me, it’s been two years or more since hitting the refresh button on swimsuits and coverups. There are great colors and styles to choose from that will step up our game. As an empty-nester, there’s no more choosing a suit for function, but fashion. YAY! But act fast! Tons of people are taking beach vacays and snatching up EVERYTHING!

Fashion Alert: I subbed in close-to styles for the sold out items pictured here.

For a more upscale look, I had good luck with Everything But Water and I have to say, their online survey, helped me easily select suits that were flattering and affordable. I stuck to slightly sexy one-piece styles, as that is my most comfortable look. I chose a cover up to match my color picks.

I’ve gotten braver with the two-piece scene. Target had a great selection in current colors at great price-points, but the one I picked is sold out! GRR. So, I found a better quality version at Everything But Water, and based on the one-piece experience, I’m certain it’s a winner. I found a cute cover-up at TJMaxx, which is sold out now, but I did my best to find a link to a similar look. The cover up was my inspo for choosing a bikini in hot pink.

To shop this post, click on items below. I do make a small commission at no cost to you. It helps support my efforts.

10 Makeup Essentials For A Fresher Look

Get out of a makeup rut. That was me. I was comfortable with my routine and didn’t want to bother even though I knew there were things that were not right.

My makeup looked fine when I first put it on in the morning, but an hour later, it was as if I never touched my face. I notice this more and more as I took picture after picture for Instagram I saw more wrinkles and a dark circle under my left eye. Where are my eyelashes? What is going on?

After multiple trips to bluemercury and Nordstrom, I found good products that last. While I can’t stop the aging part, I can look fresher despite the ongoing battle. Below are my tried and true.

ohsofancyfrancie makeup essentials — My Face.

Trish McEvoy Eye Lift. This is my most favorite new item, replacing my concealer. I use it under the eye, inside corner and a touch at the brow line. Game changer!
Chantecaille Eye Pencil. Goes on like butter, smooth and soft. It lasts and lasts. Color is Earth.
MAC Eye Shadow. Matte eye shadow is the best look for the more mature set as it does not attract light to the crevices. I like this collection as it gives me lots of options.
Tweezerman Lash Curler. A MUST! Curling the lashes opens up the eye and shows the mascara better. Otherwise, only the tips really show. A makeup artist highly, highly recommended and she is correct.
Lancome Idole Mascara. LOVE! This is a volumizer and lengthener. This is by far and away my most favorite mascara I have ever used.
Trish McEvoy Eyebrow Pencil. A MUST! Shaping and darkening my brows helps frame my face. The pencil come with a brush to help push the eyebrow up, and more open.
Nars Blush in Orgasm. My favorite color blush of all time. It’s a pinky-peach that brightens up my cheeks and eyes.
Dior Addict Lacquer Stick in Underground. Awesome color for most complexions. Glides on and shines the lips. I get compliments on this lip color all the time.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. BEST foundation EVER! Amazing coverage and natural look. It’s written up in beauty magazines year after year.
MAC press powder. Light weight powder to remove shine.

Most stores will take back makeup if the product doesn’t work out. Hopefully I’ve given you enough direction to avoid returns. I love ALL of these items!!!

I do make a small commission off each item at no extra cost to you. It helps support this endeavor to bring you curated products, streamlining your shopping experience.

The Great White Tee

Here it is! A shortlist of The GREAT WHITE TEES that offer fantastic coverage and fit at a reasonable price. White tees, in my opinion, should be replaced every season because no amount of bleach is going to erase underarm stains. Besides, nothing feels fresher or looks crisper than a new white anything.

I tried six different brands, mainly crew neck, because in the cooler months, I want warmth! I narrowed down the list to three: Two Crew and One Vee. The two crew are very similar, but the quality is a little better with Michael Stars. Can’t lose with either.

You can shop any of the tees by clicking on the small pic. I do receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

ohsofancyfrancie michael stars tee — Michael Stars for the W!

Michael Stars Crew Neck: My favorite for style, slightly angled shirt sleeve that creates a slimming look. The fabric is a little thicker and stretchier. Available in several styles: v-neck, short, long or sleeveless. or long sleeve. I have all three crew neck styles if that is saying anything. $58 for short sleeve. ($58) One Size. Click below to shop the tee.

ohsofancyfrancie three dot — Three Dot for Best-All-Around.

Three Dot Crew Neck: Best All-Around for style and price. The fabric is slightly smoother in texture and will layer nicely under blazers. ($42) Click below to shop the tee.

ohsofancyfrancie madewell crew — Madewell Crew Most Economical.

Madewell Crew Neck: This made the cut for fit and price. The whisper fabric makes it ideal for warmer months but is significantly more casual–especially the ribbed collar. ($19.50) Size down. I ordered small. Click below to shop the tee.

ohsofancyfrancie madewell — Madewell Best V-Neck!

Madewell V-Neck: Best All-Around. This is my g0-to v-neck tee, especially in summer. I like the loose fit and cool vibe. The whisper-cotton fabric is lightweight but not too sheer. For the price, I can easily refresh anytime. ($19.50) Runs TTS (true to size.) Click below to shop the tee.

Banana Republic for Honorable Mention. The reviews are great and one came from a friend. The fabric is silky and dressy enough for the office or a more formal affair. The fit didn’t work for me. I think it is best suited for narrow shoulders. ($45) Size up. Click below to shop the tee.

Holy Chic Graphic Tee. I love this tee. I ordered it from Etsy and wish I sized up, but it’s shipping from faaaaar away and returns are tricky. ($25) For reference, I’m wearing a medium in the photo. Click below to shop the tee.

Yummy Winter Soup!

Soup is the best on a dreary day. It’s comforting to make and eat. I love a recipe that’s both healthy and filling; this potato and kale soup fits the bill.

My friend @suzeverly introduced me to this recipe by halfbalkedharvest.com. It’s packed with flavor and nutrition, with or without the chorizo. It’s even better the next day.

The instructions include multiple cooking methods: I used an Instapot and it was ready in eight minutes. Instapot is my new BFF! If you don’t have one, you can get the one I have here. (It’s currently on sale at the time of this posting. By using this link, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you and it helps support my efforts.)

I tweaked the recipe a little for my tastes. I used 2% milk for a little richness and color. I also added one extra medium Yukon gold potato as some of the potatoes are pureed for richness. Also, you do not need to peel the potatoes.

The recipe link to halfbakedharvest.com is here.

Free Coat From Athleta

Free coat. Free athleisure pants. All of these closet additions came from Athleta.

Now that I got your attention, I’ll tell you how to get the same deal.

By cleaning out my closet and bagging up my items to send to ThredUP, I earned store credit to spend at Athleta. Thredup is a consignment service that resells your items and pays you a commission on those items. You can choose to get a cash payout or, work through one of the Gap affiliates: Athleta, Gap, or Banana Republic. You’ll receive a 15% higher payout in gift cards vs cash, per the website.

Here’s how it works:

Grab a closet-cleanout bag from one of the Gap affiliate stores or request one online.
Fill the bag with unwanted clothing items in clean and good condition.
Register the prepaid postage sticker on the bag through email and drop off at the post office for shipping.

ohsofancyfrancie thredup — Good for a lot of reasons.

That’s it. You will get an email confirmation when the bag is received and a few weeks later, another email with a gift card amount to spend at your chosen store. Any items that can’t be sold are either donated or recycled, zero waste.

I’ve always selected Athleta because I love the Brooklyn pant for travel or running errands. This winter, I invested in two winter coats, one for really cold events like football games or trips to the snow. The other coat, I’ll wear to run errands or to the movies or some casual event.

I actually posted about this opportunity months ago. Since I was just getting started with ohsofancyfrancie, I don’t think it made the impact. In talking with my friends, I could tell they somehow missed the post or it didn’t seem meaningful at the time. One friend was moving out of state. She couldn’t bear the thought of watching her clothes go for a few dollars at a neighborhood garage sale. Since she was moving in a hurry, the ThredUp bags made the move easy and quick.

Another friend was shopping with me when I picked out my free coats.

“Wait! How are you getting those coats for free?” A month later, she earned $60 for her first bag!

When you know you can make money cleaning out your closet, it’s a lot more motivating to do a tedious task. With dreary weather out there, it’s even more motivating to stay indoors and pull out all those things you just aren’t wearing or rarely wear.

For the higher-end items, you can make a little more money at your local consignment stores. It takes a little longer, but it’s a nice surprise when that payout check arrives. My friend Maureen, owner of ReChic, says it’s best to just get rid of things instead of holding on to something for years. The quicker you get it out of your closet, the more money you can make on consignment.

ohsofancyfrancie rechic — A classy consignment store that feels like a first-hand boutique.

Technically, I got the Sam Edelman boots I’m wearing in the photo for free, using the money I earned from reChic. The boots are weatherproof, comfy, and cool. They are hard to get, Nordstrom is sold out. Head to Amazon instead. Link here.

ohsofancyfrancie atheta coat sam edelman boots — Free coat and boots!

Make a closet-cleanout one of your goals for 2022. In fact, put down a closet clean-out in your calendar with each new season, or at least spring and fall.

Looking Into 2022

Happy New Year!

Over the last six months, I’ve learned a lot about fashion-over-fifty posting. It’s not as easy as it looks, that’s for sure. It takes a lot of planning, as much in advance as possible. It’s not just the outfits, but where to take the photos and from which angle? When it all comes together, it’s really magical and it makes me so happy when followers tell me they scored on something I suggested!

That was my plan, to inspire the over-fifty, and really the over-forty, because we can all wear the same things and look age-appropriate and not grandma. When I described my mission to a friend that recently retired, she lit up!

“I don’t want to look like a grandma! First of all, because I’m not a grandma!”

That’s my goal, to keep us looking current, whether we are grandmas or not! I’ll share what I know about fashion, fitness and, nutrition, because who doesn’t need a fresh take.

Thanks for supporting me while I try to figure out what being an influencer is all about. One of the things I learned is how to make catchy videos on TikTok and IG. Below is a year in review, the top ten looks in 2021 as selected by followers on IG.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Francie (@ohsofancyfrancie)

Nordstrom Shacket and Hoodie Sale

Fashion news flash! DEALS!!!! In shopping around for gifts, I bumped into a couple of sales that are worth posting about. If you are looking for gifts for or you, your sister, sister-in-law, or your son’s gf, both are great options and oh-so-affordable.

Cashmere Wool Hoodie

This gray wool-cashmere hoodie! To me, it’s a layering piece to wear under a cool moto jacket, blazer, cargo jacket, or over a tank or tee. It will carry me from winter to spring to chilly summer nights with white denim. It’s 40% off and comes in several colors. I chose gray as I have a ton of black coats and prefer contrast. Sizing is kind of in-between. I went for a medium as it felt better in the shoulders and oversized is kind of a thing. I could have gone small, but it wasn’t as comfy.

The vegan moto jacket is one I picked up at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and it’s back in stock! It’s a great jacket that can withstand a few sprinkles and goes with anything! Size medium, so I can layer!

Link here.

ohsofancyfrancie blanknycjeans moto jacket — Cool and warm!

Sherpa Shacket

This cute Sherpa Shacket is stylish and versatile. Camel is the color of the season and pairs fab with black. I wasn’t sure if I could make room in my fashion budget, but it’s currently 65% off or $45! Done! Runs true to size. I’m wearing a medium.

The jacket is made from recycled water bottles! Sanctuary is doing their part to lessen the carbon footprint. Yay!

Link Here.

ohsofancyfrancie sherpa shacket — Warm and Fuzzy!

Affordable Holiday Tops From Amazon

Holiday tops can be hard to find and pricey. I found two, super cute tops on Amazon for around $25 each and delivery is fast! I actually ordered five options. Two made the cut and a third, hasn’t arrived, still!

*The links to products will result in a small commission for me at no extra cost to you.

I LOVE this top! The sleeves are pretty and cool! The style is timeless and can be worn almost year-round. (Not sure I’d wear it in the hot, hot summer.) I paired it here with AG velvet skinnies from two years ago and added a belt with pearl accents. You can shop the look in two places. The exact top on the blog (link below) and the pants at LTK here.

Runs true to size. I ordered medium and wear small at BR and Antrho.

Lace chiffon top

Pearls and black are trending right now. I love the subtle placement on the mesh sleeve. I paired the top with coated denim to break up the black and texture. I tried it with shiny faux leather and velvet, neither worked. Denim would work too, but I wanted a more holiday-focused look. To shop, the exact top is here on the blog and the pants at LTK, here.

Top runs true to size. I ordered medium but usually wear small at BR and Anthro.

Black Pearl Sleeve Top

Holiday Looks with Anthropologie

One of my favorite places to shop for unique holiday looks is Anthropologie. I have a few things that have survived the test of time that I can pull out to this day, even years later. I’m kicking off the holiday season with several looks, new and old.

If you happen to catch this post before the end of the day Sunday, 11/28, Anthro is running a sale. If not, their items are soooo cute, they are worth even full price.

I recently was accepted to a shopping platform called Like To Know It, or LTK. It’s kind of a big deal as you have to post for three months to show your commitment to fashion with snazzy photographs and I finally did it. This is great for both of us because it makes it easier to shop an entire look and I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Win-Win!

I found two Anthropologie sweaters I LOVE! I honestly haven’t decided which one to keep. It might be both. (Don’t tell Hubby!)

Shout-out to Haven, a home decor shop in Laguna Beach! Mara, the owner is just like me, just starting out and using what she knows to make people happy and the world a more beautiful place. Haven ships nationwide. Follow on Instagram, @havenlaguna. She could not have been nicer to me while photographing, offering tons of help.

Also, my dear friend shot most of my holiday photos in Laguna Beach. She is a professional photographer and has a huge following on Instagram. @jaymemaxwell.

!The raspberry, nobby sweater is soooo soft and can be dressed up or down. I paired it with the soft ruffle top by Vince Camuto and AG Alexxis vintage high-rise denim and heels. A link to the entire look here.

ohsofancyfrancie anthropologie red sweater — Timeless!

My other Anthropologie fave, this cream studded cardi with pearls and teal faux gems. While I was photographing in Laguna, I kept running into this lady staying at the same hotel. She literally wanted to take this sweater off my back! Just sayin’.

Paired the same way, AG vintage denim and Vince Camuto top with the killer boots from SilentD. I picture this outfit at a cookie exchange, but the pearls can dress up any look. Link here.

ohsofancyfrancie anthropolgie gem closeup — Royal Gems!

My third look from Anthro is a velvet top I purchased last year, when we went almost nowhere because of Covid. The blue-green version is not available, but I posted a couple of options. This look I think is worthy of drinks at the bar with friends, cool Christmas! Link here.

ohsofancyfrancie anthropologie velvet top — Cheers! (I drank mine before the photo, ooops.

Let the holiday fashion begin!