Chic on the Cheap
When you have curves it can be tricky to find clothes that have some style to them. However, we have been chatting up the wonderful selections from Lola and Gigi for years and their on-line shop just keeps getting better and better!
Here is a video of their new Spring Collection that has it all from great daytime dresses to special occasion.
Enjoy!
Glasses with evening wear is not easy to pull off!
We recently posted some amazing before and after photos of several “average” looking women who in 12 short hours turned into eye popping goddesses!
With that, several of you commented that some of the women wore glasses in their “before” photos and then had them off in the after!
Well, one of the reasons that none of the women were wearing eyeglasses in the “after” is that they all had on evening gowns.
Let’s face it, wearing your everyday glasses with a formal gown in not an easy look to pull off, unless you’re Sophia Lauren!
However, you can still be fabulous with glasses on a daily basis.
Here are our tips on this eye popping subject!
1) If you wear glasses on a daily basis, make sure you have a pair that is updated and looks good with your style of dressing.
2) Decide if you want your glasses to be a fashion statement or not.
You hardly notice that Sarah Palin is wearing rimless glasses!
Rimless glasses are a conservative choice and literally “disappear”. Sarah Palin is a good example of how to wear this style of eyeglasses.
3) If you are going to a formal event and have to wear your glasses, make sure to pick a dress that will be simple and not compete with your glasses.
4) If you have had your glasses for over 2 to 3 years, you should think about updating them.
Tina Fey looks chic and smart in these updated frames.
5) Glasses can be a way to express your creativity. If you are ready for a new pair, why not go out on a limb and try something that is colorful or a new style.
6) Know your face shape. Try on frames that will contrast with your face shape to balance you out. (e.g. If you have a long face, a more rounded frame will be best for you)
Just because you wear glasses does not mean that you can’t look chic or stylish. Just make sure that you have an entire look that is harmonious and that fits your lifestyle!
With updated hair, makeup and clothes, wearing glasses can be festive and fabulous!
We have Spring fever and if you do too then head on over this weeks Blogging Boomers Carnival where you can read some great tips on a variety of topics.
This week our host is the Midlife Crisis Queen with topics as varied as a new product for women, that allows you to go the bathroom standing up like a man! It is called, Go Girl and you will just have to see it to believe it!
Don’t miss hearing about this new invention and other interesting thoughts and ideas from some of the webs top Boomer Bloggers!
A friend just sent this and we had to pass it along. The photo below was taken at a competition in June 2008. The competition was between 9 women for best makeover.
They had every possible beauty treatment available to them over a period of 12 hours before the contest.
Look at the before and after photos.. Conclusion …Behind every frumpy woman is a goddess.
Click on the picture below to see the outcome:
OK OK…you ladies are sure passionate about your clogs!
We recently wrote a post to discuss whether clogs were in fashion and you left us lots and lots of comments.
Many of you wrote that you loved the comfort of a clog, while others thought they were “hideous”!
Well, after causing so much fuss, I (JoJami) thought I would take a look around and find out if there were any clogs that I might actually wear. I happen to be out in Aspen right now and it is amazing how different women dress when the weather is really messy most of the winter. I definitely have been seeing more boots, but I’m sure as the snow melts many of these women are going to be sporting clogs since this is such a casual environment.
Here is an interesting article on how to wear clogs that show a few of the new “fashion” clogs. As you can see, even these skinny young girls do not look all that great in them, so can you imagine us over 40 gals!
However, if you still want to try to wear the clog as a fashion trend this Spring, then here are some of my picks! (Deborah says she has yet to find any clog she finds attractive! )
These clogs are from Zappos.
Tassels are everywhere this Spring, so why not try them on your clogs!
The nude color and simple design makes this clog a good choice
These clog inspired shoes would work well with both pants or a skirt!
When you feel fabulous after 40, there is no need to hide your age, since we like to celebrate life after 40!
But this week over at the Blogging Boomers Carnival, you can read how some people are finding creative ways to do just that!
Our host is Life Two and they have lots of interesting Boomer related articles you can read to feed your “inner geek”. Head on over and feel free to comment!
Normally we just talk fashion here, but how can you think about looking fab when your having “one of those days”..
E is the author of a new book on M (menopause) called Shmirshsky, Think Inside the Box.
We came across this quick read and it had us chuckling out loud, as well as helping to demystify common symptoms of PM and M (e.g. Am I the only one that can’t remember things anymore?) without making it all so serious!
“Don’t hide your shmirshky under a bush! ”
Shmirshky empowers women to take charge of this often mysterious topic.
Do you know what some of the symptoms of PM and M are?
E helps her readers learn how to interpret the symptoms of PM&M, research and interview doctors, understand the necessary tests, and reach out to loved ones for support.
How can you treat them?
Treating the symptoms of PM&M is not a one-size-fits-all situation. As E says, “Too bad they can’t administer hormone therapy through a pair of heels.”
Hey, E. that is not a bad idea!!!
We know that this whole M. thing is no laughing matter, but E. has a “take charge” attitude with a nice touch of humor!
For a 20% Off when ordering the book, use this Discount Code: FABAFTER40.
If you know of any other books you liked on the M. subject, please comment below!
This woman has ABD!
Who doesn’t love black? It’s chic and sexy; makes you look thin, and you can wear it anywhere. But when it comes to building a fabulous wardrobe, are you stuck in a “black” hole?
We think so! Abundant Black Disorder (ABD) is a common wardrobe dysfunction that’s rarely spoken about. It can occur anytime in a woman’s life, but usually peaks at midlife. The symptoms: a closet full of black clothing and accessories, the irresistible urge to “buy it in black”, no matter what, and the feeling of being too fat or too visible if you wear anything other than black, black, black.
What women who have ABD don’t realize is, that an abundance of Black seriously cramps your style and makes you look old. How? After 40 too much black is notorious for draining the color from your already lighter, aging skin. Black hides your fabulous 40+ personality, while constantly dressing in black signals, ” I’m old. Don’t notice me. “…Sad!
We compare having ABD to going to an ice cream store and always ordering a single scoop of low-fat vanilla ice milk. It’s basic and practical, but it will leave you feeling bored and unsatisfied, sucking the joy from your life, and your looks.
How can you cure ADB? STOP being so terribly predictable. Perk up your looks and liven up your soul with a dash of color. Promise yourself not to buy anymore black for a very long time.
If that’s too drastic a change for you right off the bat, then look for outfits that combine black with a bold color. Here’s a few examples to ease you slowly out of black and into color:
| Flower Power:
Floral prints are a huge trend this spring. Sheath dresses look polished on everyone. If you are bottom heavy try a sheath with a slightly wider A bottom. (Saks) |
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| Black on Top:
Black makes you look smaller. So if you have a large bust or big shoulders and a small bottom, wear black up top and a brighter pattern/and or bright color on your bottom half to balance you out. If the black washes out your face a bit, add a touch of jewelry such as cute earrings to put some color by you cheeks. (Saks) |
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| Color Block
Wear two blocks of color ( black and a bight) for a dramatic effect. If you are short and heavy, be careful as a horizontal line can chop you up making you look shorter and wider. Go for a monochromatic ( all one color) look instead. (Saks) |
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| Trick the eye:
Patches of black at strategic spots such as the waist can create a waist where there is little. (Saks) |
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| Add personality:
A simple pattern in a bright color adds life and personality to a black wrap dress, where there was none before. (Saks) |
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| Modern way to wear color:
Even though this jacket is bold fuschia, the style is sporty and plain. Mix it with a plain black skirt the outfit would look deadly boring. Pair it with this contemporary pop art patterned skirt and the look is spirited and fresh. (Saks) |
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You usually see teal in the fall, but it seems to be everywhere this spring. That’s great news because it is one of the four most universally flattering clothing colors.
This deep blue-green shade highlights all skin tones. It goes well with neutrals, darker browns and blacks and is a good transitional color between winter and summer. Here’s a few teal outfits we saw and liked:
| Basic and Beautiful:
We love the simplicity of this dress. Its clean lines are slimming and the belt highlights a nice wait. What this dress does cry out for is some great jewelry (maybe some wow earrings) and some fun, sexy shoes to liven it up. If sleeveless is not for you, try a cute fitted jacket overtop. (Nordstrom) |
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| The hottest color in Handbags:
One of the biggest trends in accessories this Spring is purses in shades of Teal, electric blue and turquoise. This boho bag is relaxed and casual, just perfect for bopping round the mall or out with some friends for lunch. ( Nordstrom) |
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| Poolside Teal:
Brown and teal give an exotic animal look to this swimsuit and cover-up combo and really play up her tawny skin. At the beach, in a sea of loud brightly colored bathing suits, you will stand out as cool and sophisticated in this teal shade. |
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| Cock-”teal” Wear:
Teal is popping up in cocktail wear this Spring too. It’s a deep, rich color that works well for weddings, parties and other more formal special events . This faux wrap dress is great if you are pear shaped. The wide neckline will balance out your hips and make you look more proportioned.(Nordstrom) |
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| Teal as an accent:
If you are not a big on wearing head to toe color, but want to bring a bit into your wardrobe, then thsi teal flat is a great way to do it. The cool snakeskin texture and multiple zippers give it just enough edge to make this elegant shoe most interesting!.(Nordstrom) |
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| Traditional + Teal:
We know, we know..just a few posts ago we said we weren’t mad for plaid, but we accidentally came across this plaid shirt that we were happy to see had a little pizazz. Perky in teal with some ruching for better fit and cute cuffs, this would be a good choice for all you more traditional ladies who just love this tried and true print. (Nordstrom) |
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| Eccelectic:
A splattering of teal mixed with blue, green and cream give this dress the feel of teal without the weight. Refreshing. Check out the other shift dresses we we love this spring. (Saks) |
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| Grecian Teal:
Soft draping is a classic and always looks elegant on 40+ bodies. The teal shade gives it a bold, contemporary twist. (Nordstrom) |
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Never say never!
Just when Jane Fonda said she would never get cosmetic surgery again, she sneaked in and did it. ..I guess it’s that new boyfriend she has!
You don’t see a lot of difference at first, until you look down at her neck. She looks pretty good!
You know our stand on all of this; it’s such a personal thing. There’s no right or wrong. It’s all up to how you feel. We know some of you may disagree and that’s why we throw this post in. It makes for lively conversation.
We’d love to hear your views and experiences, pro and con. What do you think of Jane’s decision to have more cosmetic surgery at 72?
Is there anything wrong with wanting to be a “Glamorous Grandma”, as Jane calls it?
For all of you who have written to us agonizing over whether you should let your hair go grey, take a look at this.
Kate Moss (36) is suddenly silver streaked, and she thinks it’s chic. No, it’s not natural; it’s FASHIONABLE. She has purposely dyed her hair this way. Find out what she was thinking, and whether you think this new trend will will last. Read on..
It’s probably thanks to Michelle Obama that cardigans have become so popular, coming close to replacing jackets in many cases.
<<Remember her famous sparkle one, or
when Michelle wore a cardigan to meet the Queen?>>
We like cardigans for many reasons:
1) they’re comfy
2) they’re a great cover -up for our arms which are chilly because of all the sleeveless tops out there
3) cardigans hide any arm flab
4) they brighten up a plain outfit by adding texture, color and interest.
There are frumpy cardigans out there, for sure, but there are also so many cute ones to choose from… long, short, fitted, loose, in all kinds of knits.
Here’s a few we discovered that are only slightly different from the classic 1950’s type, but look totally modern today because of a simple tweak.
| Sweet Sweater:
It’s called the Diamond disco sweater, and we agree this “disc go really well with dis skirt!” (LOL).. Just enough glam without being over the top. What a pretty complement to the floral skirt which is so in this spring. (Nordstrom) |
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| Grrr..eat!
A sexy animal print and we love the modern color combo……… O.k. Here’s the “dump the frump” lesson for today.. the style of this sweater alone may scream old, but the mix of the brown and turquoise with a touch of yellow is what zips it up and transforms it into a hip and updated great find. (Nordstrom and Saks ) |
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| Ruffle:
Ruffles are in right now and this cardigan has just the right amount to look pretty but not baby- girlish on a grown up gal. Love this color! (Nordstrom) |
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| Rosy touch:
Soft and romantic this feminine cardigan stand on it’s own with jeans or be dressed up with jewelry and a pretty skirt for a night out. (Nordstrom) |
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| Modern Mix:
Coral and turquoise combine in modern floral pattern that brings warm skin tones to life. (Nordstrom) |
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| Honeycomb:
Simple and elegant.Now isn’t this nicer than wearing a big old sweatshirt around the house? (Nordstrom) |
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It has almost been a year ago that we received a very special letter from one of our readers, Jill Knapp. She reached out to us to share her story of how after having kids, she gained 100 pounds and then got type 2 diabietes.
After she realized that her health was in jeopardy, she took it upon herself to lose the weight.
Since then, she lost 100 pounds, won top 5 in a beauty pageant and has started a blog, called Get Up and Get Moving, that has been an inspiration to others.
Jill on the set with Dr.Oz!
Now the fun news…she has even gotten the attention of Dr. Oz!
That’s right, the Dr. Oz Show found Jill’s website and then contacted her to be a mentor to 3 overweight woman on a journey to lose weight and get their life back. Through their journey she will be their mentor to give them tips help them through the rough spots and keep them motivated.
“We all live on different sides of the state but I am in contact with these ladies every day. They all 3 did beauty pageants when they were younger, Through the years all 3 of them have let their selves go and have put on lot’s of weight. We will back to the show midway through their journey and then at the final show. It’s been such a exciting week.”
Wow, it is amazing how far your story has gone since your first interview with us!!!
We are so proud of you Jill and happy that we could help spread your message that it is really possible to regain a healthy body after 40!
Good luck and we will be watching!
Should you just be gym free and guilt free?
Are you one of those people who think they need to go to the gym and then feel bad about it when another yet another year goes by and you realize that you barely ever went?
Then you will enjoy this weeks Blogging Boomers Carnival #150, where you can read more about this and other boomer topics!
We are excited to welcome this weeks host and our newest member of the Carnival, It’s All About Aging, written by Anne Maxfield.
P.S. Don’t forget to leave a comment on any of the stories you like!
It might be time to get rid of some of those old clothes!
Have you noticed some of those little pesky moth holes in your favorite sweater yet this winter?
Thanks to one of our readers, who sent us a recent article in the New York Times our antennas went up when we realized that it was that time of year when our closet are susceptible to being eaten my moths!
“They reveal themselves in the form of small, irregular holes in your cashmere sweater, or as a ghostly apparition flitting from the pantry shadows, or perhaps most disturbing, as tiny larvae cocooned in the cuff of a wool coat.
It’s those larvae, not adult moths, that damage your winter wardrobe. Adults merely lay eggs, preferably on a dark, undisturbed surface where animal fibers — wool, perhaps, or in less politically correct closets, fur — will provide food for their young. (The current prevalence of cottons and synthetics has meant rough times for baby moths.)”
Even Oprah is getting her closet cleaned out and selling her cast offs to raise money for her girls school in Africa. She might have done so a lot sooner if she knew what keeping all those old clothes could be dangerous!
To get lots more tips and tricks on how to get started and get super motivated to clean out your closet, check out our DVD, The Ultimate Cure for the Dysfunctional Closet!
Were are spreading some sunshine, today!
This week it is our turn to host the Blogging Boomer’s Carnival #149!
What’s that you ask? It is a group of the top Bloggers who are discussing all sorts of Boomer issues and we have a little taste of some of them here:
Barbara Weibel at Hole In The Donut shares a great tip about driveaway companies, services that match drivers with customers who want their cars delivered to distant destinations, providing travelers with a way to drive cross country in someone else’s car for free.
Do you sometimes feel like you’ve missed the boat? Why not ask the Midlife Crisis Queen if you’re too old to pursue your dreams.
Andrea Stenberg over at The Baby Boomer Entrepreneur is feeling a little cranky about some people’s behavior on LinkedIn. As a result, she wrote Don’t lie to me on LinkedIn.
SoBabyBoomer tells us that it isn’t pure chic that moves clothes. It’s how the celebrity wearing the clothes relates to you. Among this year’s Academy Award nominees, the “best seller” award is likely to go to a nominee whom few in the fashion world are discussing: Sandra Bullock or Meryl Streep.
The Boomer Chronicles reveals what we learned at the family reunion.
Stymied by social media? Janet at Gen Plus has created a great FREE
webinar demystifying (and actually understanding) how social media can be
used to develop your online footprint. Make sure to move on this one — the
webinar is on February 15th!
It’s All About Aging’s blog is about a great event, Hike 4 Hope to raise money for cancer research:
Ann at Contemporary Retirement shares her top 10 tips for making the ‘Routine’ phase of retirement a little less routine:
At Writing Without Periods Mary searches for a purpose in her life-after-retirement…by making Christmas napkins in February. See her napkins and feel her pain in her post Merry Flippin’ Christmas!
LifeTwo tells the incredible story of the married homemaker who typed her husband’s name into Google her comfortable world disappeared with a single keystroke.
And this week at Fabulous After 40, The Glam Gals know women are attached to their clogs, but still dare to ask the question, are clogs a fashion statement or fashion mistake?
–
We always get a kick out of hearing from you and finding out what you do to stay Fabulous after 40…. Karel wrote us with this story.
Hi Glam Gals,
Looking for energetic women over 40 who are still active? I have been ice-skating with my pal, Valerie for over 30 years and we continue to teach! I will be 48 this year! With the Olympics around the corner, we encourage adults to get on the ice! We look forward to hearing from your readers!
Karel Zubris
Diamond City Figure Skating Club, Wilkes-Barre, PA
P.S.
Right now, I am oldest coach in the group. (48) Here are some photos of me teaching.
This FAF reader still ice skates and help with the Special Olympics!
I even had the honor of presenting an honor to 2002 Olympic Figure Skating Champion Tara Lapinski for her charitable works when she first performed in Wilkes-Barre back in April 2002.
Karel on the ice with Jason
This basic clog should be updated with a boot
Hi Glam Gals,
Are clogs a fashion do or don’t for women 40 +? Thanks …..Nicole
Hi Nicole,
Deborah and I had an interesting chat about clogs today. I (JoJami) was commenting on how many women in the states (especially back east) seem to really like to wear clogs. Deborah, who is from Toronto was shocked! “Nobody ever wears them here!”
So then, of course, came the big question…. Are clogs fabulous after 40?
We know this is going to be a controversial topic, but we are standing by our opinion…
This is just too clunky to look fabulous
NO! Clogs are not fabulous, unless you wear them for teaching, nursing, gardening, or inside as slippers. You might get away with them when you’re off to Yoga, but even then it’s “iffy”. (PLEASE NOTE: THOSE WITH FOOT PROBLEMS ARE AN EXCEPTION!)
Why? It was hard for us to pin down exactly what we don’t like about them. … they are comfortable, easy to slide on and off, but yet neither one of us would be caught dead in them.
Looks like clogs will be coming into fashion this Spring, and we want to warn you that they have the potential to make those who are over 40 look frumpy.
You can wear these under jeans, but why not wear an entire boot that will have you looking more up to date!
So, in case you have a pair or two, we would like to share with you the Glam Gals top 5 reasons why you should put away your clogs:
Now we can’t give clogs a bad rap and not show you some examples what to replace them with. Here’s a fresh take on the clog:
| Suede Boot:
This boot is the perfect alternative to a clog. It is much more stylish because it is finer and more streamlined, yet still gives you a little height like a clog. The suede makes it super comfortable and warm and goes with jeans and casual pants. |
 www.shoe-store.net (style:blondecorina) |
| The Bootie:
These high style booties are all the rage, you will be totally updated in them! Great with a straight legged pant or jean and can even be worn with dresses and opaque hose. |
 These boots are from Nordstrom |
| Side Zip casual boot with low heel:
You can wear these like you would a clog. They are casual but still comfy. With the side zipper they are still easy to get on and off. |
 Found at Nordstrom |
| Pull on low boot:
This pull on boot can be casual or great for work. The leather makes it a little dressier, but the elastic makes it easy to get out the door in a flash. |
 These bots are at Zappos |
Don’t you sometimes get sick of that blatant sexy look everywhere you turn….. Movie stars with dresses cut down to their navels, women in magazine ads with stilettos and skirts that barely cover their bums and, skin, skin and more skin with nothing left to the imagination.
Where’s the mystery? Mystery is sexy, especially after 40 when too much skin on a mature body can look downright desperate.
That’s why when we were shopping online we fell head over heels in love with these pretty, ruffled tops that are so feminine, yet seductive they made us melt.
Here’ s our vote for a classy and pretty way to look sexy this this Valentine’s Day.
| Hot Coral:
This color is pretty, and it will give you some life too. You’ll may want to pair it with a light neutral colored cardigan or wrap. |
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| Ruffles:
You can be covered up but still look very pretty and sexy. A great choice if you are self conscious about your arms. |
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| Form fitting:
If you’ve been working hard at the gym and you want to show that off, this is a great pick. The turquoise color is universally flattering. |
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| Causal and Cozy:
If you are planning on cuddling up at home this Valentine’s Day, or celebrating in a more relaxed way, then jeans and this soft ruffle top will be lovely. |
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| Elegant and pretty:
Nothing is more feminine than a pretty bow and this one is perfect because it it looks very grown-up up and elegant. The mint green is a flattering choice if you have cool skin (pink undertones). |
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| Poetic:
Be sure that if you are wearing soft ruffly tops like these that your hair and make-up are also soft, or you will ruin the look. All tops and blouses from Ann Taylor. |
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Final Days of Warehouse Closeout!
The Ultimate Twinset was featured last year and everyone who bought them gave them rave reviews!
Now they are now …
75% OFF
Quantities are extremely limited
To get the discount rate go to : www.susanbigsby.com
Click on: The Ultimate Twinset
Shell Cardigan
Was $79 Now $19.75 Was $109 Now $27.25
Style: Extremely flattering to most. Excellent fit on those with broad shoulders
Fabric: Silk Stretch - it molds to your shape and gives room where needed
Care: Dry Clean only
Best Loved Features: Full coverage around the arm hole so nothing hangs out! Youthful and attractive cut
Hibiscus Red Mediterranean Blue
Great on brunettes and olive skin The perfect choice for business casual
- and those with blue eyes!
Ivory: No photos available
Best on those with lots of color in their skin
What’s left??
XS: All colors/ Both styles
S: Shells: Blue only (very few)
Cardigans: All colors
M: Cardigans only in Red, Blue & Ivory
L: Shells: All colors (very few)
Cardigans: Red & Blue
XL: Shells: Red, Blue & Black
Cardigans: Red, Blue & Black
XXL: Shells: Black only
Please Note: For multiple orders, or questions on size, contact Susan directly at susan@susanbigsby.com or call her at 561-969-9071.
The online order form accepts only one color at a time.
Hi Glam Gals,
Is plaid is an option over 40 and how it is best to wear it? I am a 41 Stay at home mom with a 8 year old and 3 ½ year old. I am trying to build a wardrobe to last, but also want to add some fun pieces. What do you think? ……………..Thank you. Nicole
Hi Nicole,
We’ve got to admit, we’re not mad about plaid, (a little too sporty for our taste), however that doesn’t mean that you can’t love it, and that it won’t look great on you if you are more the traditional type.
Here are a few plaids to consider, and a few plaids to definitely avoid!
| AVOID!
…”But plaid is so cute” Please, please – don’t any of you tell us that top is cute or we will have to make you an honorary member of the frump society.(LOL) This is not Fabulous after 40 or any age, especially when your are carrying a few extra pounds. Plaids are busy. They make you look big, and the boxy fit, high neckline, drawstring waist, and tunic length of this top only add to the walking blanket look. |
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| “But, what if I’m thin?”
Baggy is baggy after 40. This boyfriend lumber jack shirt look may be hot right now but the oversize nature of it sends the message I’m a little girl playing dress-up. It’s babyish and sexy at the same time. At 40+ this trendy look is extremely hard to pull off, no matter how fit you are. |
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INSTEAD Go for Fitted After 40 your body starts to soften up and you need some definition, so find a plaid shirt that is more slim lined and nips in at the waist. Also, to look more modern, try a more lively color combination.Traditional plaid colors (navy, forest green, gold, black etc) are usually pretty drab and can make you look tired and old. |
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| AVOID
The Designer Trap: Yes, It’s Burberry and it’s a status symbol, but who cares, because in this particular case the shirt is too sloppy and edgy to look anything but silly on a grown up gal. Leave it for your teenager.
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| INSTEAD
If you are truly in love with the Burberry plaid, and not just buying it for the designer label, then think about just using a plaid scarf or handbag to pump up an plain outfit. Using plaid as an accent gives you a very chic look. If you like, and can handle more plaid, then try a modern twist like this fitted high contrast jacket which would look great with black jeans and a black top. It’s sporty, but elegant too, and just that little bit different to make it interesting. |
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| AVOID
Stay away from teenage styles: This top with it’s cutesy gathering and puffed sleeves looks like it should be paired with a pair of Daisy Duke cutoff jean shorts, and needs to stay right where you found it..in the junior department! |
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| INSTEAD TRY Pairing plaid with a sweater Try to get past this girl’s baby face (just cover her face with your finger-why do they use such young models??) Now, imagine this combo on you with a cute pair of jeans. The plaid top is simple, fitted and quite hip because of the simple ruffle detail, and it is an interesting shade of reddish brown. Paired with the chartreuse cardigan it looks fresh. Almost Michelle Obama inspired, wouldn’t you say? We know how she loves this green color. The sweater gives it some oomph and takes away from plaid overload. |
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| OR, TRY THIS
Painterly Plaid This is interesting and modern twist on plaid. It looks and feels more sophisticated. Pair it with a black cardigan. |
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| BE CAREFUL OF
Matching Plaids: This is a beautiful suit and would look lovely on most anyone at any age. But if you want to present as a little more hip and less formal you may think about breaking up this suit. You know, pairing the jacket with a single color pair of pants, or even with jeans for the weekend with a t-shirt underneath. When you look too perfect, it can be aging. |
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INSTEAD Break things Up: Here’s an example of what we mean. Plaid jacket and a black skirt gives this suit a less formal feel, but it is still very elegant. The 3/4 length sleeves are very flattering and allow you to have fun with some great jewelry. Oh, and don’t forget to smile. |
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| DO Classic with a twist Hope you don’t get sick of us saying this, but it’s true. What could be a boring beige plaid trench is now a modern, little bit funky purple plaid jacket. The best way to wear this is to let the purple take center stage and accessorize in black. |
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| EXPERIMENT
With something Dramatic Forget the boring country girl plaid shirt and try something daring and dramatic like this chic cape. It’s classy, but not snooty |
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