Geezer garb is the new black
As a self-proclaimed "elder-phile," I was -- to borrow a phrase from my grandmother -- beside myself to learn that the handbag the Queen carried to Kate and William's royal wedding has fashionistas a-flutter. Handbag sales at Launer of London, who designed the Queen's one-of-a-kind bag, have jumped 60 percent, with the accessory hungry devouring similar styles.
Its popularity is somewhat surprising, considering the bag is -- even by old people standards -- pretty fugly. It's cream, it's boxy, and, well, that's about it. But like I said, I love anything that makes me feel like I should be playing pinochle and sipping a Tom Collins, so here are five trends that'll have you running out for the Early Bird Special in style.
More from The Stir: Mom Who Gives 8-Year-Old Botox Injections Speaks Out
The Grandpa Sweater: It's cozy, it's frumpy, it reminds me of going bowling. Not just because my grandpa was in a bowling league, but because of The Dude. The Grandpa Sweater Jeff Bridges wore in The Big Lebowski is being auctioned off later this month, but if you don't have $4,000-$6,000 to spend (that's the starting bid range) on used outerwear, the company that made the original sweater for the movie -- Pendleton Woolen Mills -- is making a tribute version, which will be available in September for $188.
Suspenders: Technically they're for holding up pants, but they're also great for posing for pictures (thumbs on the inside, pushing the elastic out, big smile) and jazzing up a plain white tee. A pair with buttonholes is more classic, but finding pants with suspender buttons is as easy as trying to find a phonograph. Urban Outfitters keeps clip-on versions in stock for $18-$24.
More from The Stir:Wedding Dress Showdown: Kate Middleton vs. Princess Diana
Sensible shoes: Hallelujah for a shoe trend that doesn't involve potential face plants. Oxfords make me want to tap dance in the country club ballroom after the buffet, or swing around a light post. But I'll settle for just walking through the farmers' market to pick out peonies -- they're the bee's knees, as my grandma would also say. The Hannah Oxford by Bloch retails for $175 on RevolveClothing.com.
Fancy swim caps: Summer is almost here, which means (hopefully) lots of pool time. But if you're like me, your swim style is more Esther Williams than Michael Phelps, which means putting on a swim cap that's all bright colors and ridiculous embellishments. This fluorescent flower-adorned number is available via the Luxury Divas Amazon storefront for $14.99.
More from The Stir:How to Choose the Right Pair of Sunglasses
Giant glasses: Mr. Magoo and George Burns rocked them, but old men shouldn't get to have all the sizable specs fun. The bigger the frames, the more I want to read something from the Large Print section of the library. These face-filling frames from Prism's London collection are about $290.
Written by Jessica Sick for CafeMom's blog, The Stir.
Images via: Chris Jackson/Getty; Working Title Films; Urban Outfitters; Bloch; Amazon; and Prism
More from The Stir:
Pippa Middleton Gets Second-Best Dress Award at the Royal Wedding (PHOTO)
4 Ways to Instantly Make Your Bare Legs Beautiful
How to Get Big, Wavy Hair With Lots of Volume in 5 Minutes Flat
Some Guys Really DO Prefer 'Fat Chicks'
