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Home / Archive: January 2008
The New York Times is reporting that “a meticulously tailored look that evokes the White House years of Jacqueline Kennedy” is what’s in store for Fall.
Sheath dresses, and smart matching suits, all signal a shift towards conservatism. We’re thrilled!
We’ve always loved that clean lined look and have many fond memories as children of our moms sporting smart, chic, little sheath dresses back in the 60′s.
They are just so tidy and modern. You slip one on, add a pair of gorgeous pumps and and you look like a million bucks. Plus, the look is great for women over 40 because, let’s face it, things have gotten soft and we need a little structure in our clothing to give us some shape.
These clothes create a beautiful silhouette.
There’s also no fussiness about them, which can make you look old.
These sleek Michael Kors designs, inspired by Hitchcock Blondes like Grace Kelly, are effortlessly elegant!
Give us a refined, crisp looking suit any day, over a flouncy ruffled boho skirt and overly deep cut top that screams for attention and leaves others embarrassed about where to look.
If your New Year’s resolution was all about working out and getting fit, then here’s a simple trick to make that stick. You’re sure to stay motivated while you sweating it out if you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror looking fab in a fresh, hot looking new workout outfit!
Workout fashions are always changing, so here are a few of the latest looks you might want to add to your athletic wardrobe.
A great workout look is all about layering…You can peel one layer off at a time, depending on how hard you are exercising.
Outerwear
On your way to the gym, why not wrap yourself up in this cozy fun fleece with flair! This Beyond Yoga Scarf Jacket in heather grey is a great example of how athletic wear has become multifunctional. It works as well for exercise as it does for coffee date at Starbucks.
Metallics
This season it’s all about metallic, so how about putting a little sparkle in your workout wear with this Zoot Ultra Softshell. This aerodynamic jacket has 3 layer technology offering insulation wind and weather protection. It also has fun features like a nutrition pocket and headphone grommet for your ipod.
Fitted Tops
Form Fitting Styles that hug your curves, but are stretchy enough to move with you are a lot hipper than a big old oversized t-shirt! Whether you are going to yoga, or weight training, its makes it feel more fun if you are dressed in a top with some color and style. This purple Zoot Tri-fit tank is a great example of that. It features a 360 bra and comes in pink, blue, aqua and white.
Lots of Color
Bright colors are the newest trend this spring, especially in athletic wear. You’ll feel energized in this Zoot RUNfit in-flight cami in this gorgeous pink jewel shade. It has a medium support built-in bra with ventilating mesh to keep you dry and comfy.
Beautylicious Bottoms
Shake your booty in these popular Lululemon Reverse no side seam pants. The wide colorful band atop of the form fitting black pants magically makes you look like you have a gorgeous bottom. Also, if you’re tall, you’ll love the fact that they come in extra long too. A personal favorite of ours, they are so comfortable you’ll never want to take them off!
Playing with Patterns
Target hits the mark as usual with this C9 by Champion Yoga Long Racer back tank. When you are sick of solids try this fresh, youthful pattern in lemon yellow.
Shapely Bras
Tired of workout bras that flatten you like a pancake then here are a couple to keep you looking perky. This sleek Nike high support full control bra has stabilizing zones in the shoulder straps. The cups are also lightly padded for a flattering shape. Zip it right up or a little down peeking out from under a tank for a sexy, sporty look.
Nothing worse than feeling some nagging little something irritating your skin while your doing your crunches. This Natori soft cotton blend underwire sports bra gives great lift and support but was thoughtfully designed to prevent hardware from touching the skin. No more rubbing or metal marks.
Latest Running Shoes
Stay motivated with these state of the art running shoes cheer you on like a coach. These Nike Women’s Shox RGN Remix+2 runners have a special chip that goes right in your shoe, so you can communicate with your iPod Nano. To read more about this modern marvel click here
Less high-tech and more fashion forward are these beautiful motorsport-inspired Puma wheelspin sneakers in black and baby blue. They’re beautiful for the gym or just to race around town in.
Accessories
No need to be dragging along a sport bag that drags you down. This bright and cheery athletic tote by Lululemon, could easily double as your everyday purse it is so stylish! The bag is locker compatible and the strap doubles as a yoga mat strap when not in use!
Something Extra
In this cold weather, its hard to want to leave the house, but now you can with a warm drink in tow! Try taking along one of these Zen like Tea Travelers to your next pilates class, to keep your muscles warm and working.
Interesting post at Newsweek about a new trend happening with models. It seems there’s a swing away from serious looking pencil thin young glamazons to more real looking models -everyday people of all shapes sizes, who exude their own unique kind of personal style no matter what they are wearing.
Apparently, it’s all because of bloggers like Scott Schuman, who we’ve written about before, from The Satorialist. His candid person-on-the street fashion photos have inspired the fashion industry to make the change.
First it was the Dove Pro-age ladies… now this. Looking forward to seeing many more magnificent midlife mamas and boomer babes!
(Let’s hope these real models smile and laugh a little. We’re sick of looking at photos of teenage girls with sucked in cheeks and sour faces. Life is too short to be frumpy and too short to be so serious!)
Dove Pro-Age Ad
JJ: Every week my 17 year old daughter and I love to curl up on the couch together and watch Project Runway. Now there’s news that Tyra Banks has the go ahead on another fashion reality show that sounds like a winner.
She has plans to film 8 episodes of a TV series that’s they’re calling a cross between The Devil Wears Prada and The Assistant.
It’s a show about young assistants at a fashion magazine who are out to prove their talents as aspiring fashionistas.
Deborah and I loved Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada.
Wondering who the real life devil will be in this series, and if she is over 40, will she be as chic and wicked as Meryl?
Deborah found these gorgeous photos of the latest couture gowns from Versace at Style.com, and we both started drooling!!!
JJ: “Oh, my gosh, aren’t these just gorgeous!!!”
DEB: “To die, for! Can’t wait to see which celebrities turn up in these!”
Can’t you just see Elizabeth Hurley in that sexy blue gown? How about Michelle Pfeiffer in that nude, jewelled waisted one?…(even though she is loyal Armani fan)
Lots of bold color, curves, ruffles, Grecian Goddess looks. They’re the ultimate in femininity!
We know that most of you won’t be running out the door to purchase one of these ultra pricey designer creations, but we still thought you’d enjoy this little taste of glamour.
Do you have a special event that you have to buy a dress for? Study the color and style of these gowns and look for something similar if you want to look updated and fabulous!
Have a chuckle, enjoy yourself, learn something new and interesting at this week’s Blogging Boomer’s Carnival.
If you are not familiar with an online Carnival, it is simply a round up of some of the best boomer related posts on the net. This week it’s our turn to host and introduce you to some of our friends highlighted below. So be sure to check out their blogs! Here’s what’s in store for you:
American Boomers are bombarded with the message that high levels of bad cholesterol lead to an early grave. But a dirty little secret of modern medicine is that many drugs work in only a minority of people. Check it out at So Baby Boomer.
And, as if that’s not enough….Guess What? The New York Times and Wall Street Journal are reporting that the effectiveness of popular blockbuster aniti-depressant drugs has been vastly exaggerated. Yikes! For the full scoop visit LifeTwo.
What does the idea of becoming fearless in your 50′s and 60′s conjure up for you? Check out what becoming fearless means to the founders of 2young2retire over at Contemporary Retirement.
Our friend Rhea says You can’t make her buy books online if she doesn’t want to. Browsing her bookstores is her thing. Maybe Yours Too? Then check out The Boomer Chronicles.
Some memories transcend generations. Today’s I remember JFK reminisecence is one such. Odds our parents enjoyed the game of Monopoly before we boomer kids ever came along. But we’ve also certainly enjoyed it ourselves, as did our children and now our grandchildren.
This week at Don’t Gel too Soon, Cynthia pens a virtual baby shower gift for a friend Julie at Mother Goose Mouse ,who’s just had a boy after two girls. Don’t miss this fun post that describes the wonders, vagaries and joys Cynthia had raising her little guys.
Finally, how will presidential candidates address the growing needs of boomers in the job force andin the virtual marketplace? The survey on careers and virtual business that Wendy at Gen Plus co-developed with Amy Zuckerman is getting some attention.
Have a great week!
Planning a trip down south and wondering what to pack?
Banish your winter blues and update your vacation wardrobe with some gorgeous new styles from the 2008 cruise wear collections. This year we’re seeing florals of every imaginable kind, vibrant hues, as well as geometric and exaggerated prints that pop. Look out for paint splatter patterns, transparent fabrics, and ethnic everywhere, plus crisp khakis.
The magazines are full of inspiration, but there’s always that problem – how do you know if what looks great on a twenty something, will look as good on a woman like you, who may be twice that age?
Here are 3 cruise wear trends you CAN wear after 40, guaranteed to make you look hip on your holidays.
1. Gladiator Sandals
Stylish, not sensible...
Don’t let these over the top, sky high sandals that you’ve been seeing on wild child celebs and long legged super models scare you away from this hot new trend. Grecian inspired sandals are the “it” resort footwear this year and if you are over 40 you can easily wear one of the many more refined offerings out there.
Pella Moda Vixen
High White – Low White
Leave this tall,funky white pair to jr. fashionistas and instead try this classy, wearable version from Pelle Moda Vixen at $112.
Frye Lola Gladiator Thong
Gold Gladiator Sandals
Metallics continue to be the hot new neutral. A chic pair by Manolo Blahnik made for the jet set is a great choice to go with most anything from pants to shorts and dresses. You can also never go wrong this less expensive version from Frye. They’re a classic and a great price at $55.00!
2. Mini Sundresses
Thigh high sundresses are everywhere you look, and how cute they are! But try one on after 40 and you’ll look and feel you are missing your pants! Unless you have great slim, toned legs (and you pair your mini with flats) this too short style will make you look little girlish instead of chic.
Color Block Dress
Not Too Short Mini
The key is to take a close look at the hemline that suits your particular legs. We’re talking vacation wear here so you can definitely go a little shorter than normal if your legs are o.k., but absolutely not more than 4 inches above the knee or you’ll look desperate. Also keep in mind that spaghetti straps can be harder to wear after a certain age because the arms are much softer and fleshier, so if that is the case look for dresses with wider straps or have a little shrug on hand to cover up a touch.
In some instances if the dress is very short, loose and flowy like this Vince Sundress for $195, you can pair it with leggings. It takes confidence to wear this look without having that deja vu feeling that you are wearing maternity clothes.
VonFurstenburg Sundress
Two Good Longer Options
The best idea is to just keep looking because there are other options out there besides the baby doll mini. Here’s one in pink by Lily Pulitzer for $268.00 and another by Diane von Furstenberg at $365.
3. Very Sexy Bathing Suits
You’ll have no problem finding racks of brightly colored, and metallic sparkly bikinis, microkinis and racy monokinis out there (one piece swimsuits with revealing cutouts), because most manufacturers cater to the college crowd. Even if you still have a pretty great body, you’re best to go for something that signals sexy instead of screams it all the way down the beach.
Glamorous Red Bathing Suit
Old school Hollywood glamour is a big trend. It’s a sexy sophisticated option for women over 40.
Color Blocked Swimwear
Color blocked swimwear is also hot this year. It’s a godsend when you want to play down a not so favorite part of the body but emphasize your best assets. Wear the dark half wherever you want to camouflage and the light half whatever you want to highlight. This suit would be perfect for someone who is heavier on the bottom but wants to play up her bust. ($212)
Juicy Halter Swimdress
Cute Brown Bathing Suit
Here’s a similar look by Juicy Couture. The rusching on this suit is a great way to hide a tummy.
Art Deco Print Swimsuit
Swimwear with Patterns
Solids are always slimming but don’t think they are the only way to go. Patterns like this art deco themed swim suit are big ($172), as well as exotic ethnic prints. This fun Africa motif bathing suit from Great Lengths does a great job of drawing the eye away from the thick part of your waist and tummy and up towards your face.($94)
Plunging necklines also abound but think twice if you are too big busted, you’ll look saggy if the v is too deep. Better to opt for more support on top and go for a slightly higher V.
Today at the Blogging Boomer’s Carnival we are celebrating a one year milestone!
We have had a great year joining our fellow Boomer Bloggers to keep up to date on what’s hot, and other Boomer targeted related info.
Do you remember what you were wearing when you watched Gunsmoke?
Ever wish you could go on a job interview at NASA?
To find out more and to check out this weeks special celebrations, go to: Life Two!
Your nails “Tips” you won’t find in fashion magazines
I don’t know why, but fashion magazines don’t talk about how long or what color nails should be!
That being said, who needs an article when all you have to do is look at the celebrities being featured. For example, while your in line at the grocery store, check out Jennifer Lopez’s nails on the cover of the Feb. Bazaar magazine.
Here are a few more…
Can you see these, nice short red nails on Nicole Ritchie? That is “IN”, so go for it!
Avril Lavigne and Mischa Barton know that rich dark colors are still “IN” and fun to try. Good news is that they are still age appropriate for us! If you don’t want to do your nails, try it on your toes!
TIP for those in the corporate world: This is a “fashion” look, so you might save this color for your off hours.
Here are some photos and common faux pas that we’ve been seeing out there in the real world.
Take our nail test to see if you are up to speed on the nail scene!
1. I love the convenience of tips. I go every two weeks and don’t have to think about my nails. In or Out?
Glam Gals say: OUT! Tips are NOT in style. If you must wear them, they should be short and painted a soft neutral color. If you have been wearing them for a long time, its perfect timing to give yourself a break and try having your own. You will save money and have new found freedom!
2. I have long natural nails and are proud of them. Are these, In or Out?
Glam Gals say: Out! Sorry, this is not a good look. Try shortening them up, especially if your not going to polish them.
3. I have this one favorite color that I have worn for years… I don’t care if it is In or Out, or should I?
Glam Gals say: This shiny pink says you are still back in the 80′s. Get OUT of the time warp and try something new! You just might like it!
4. I can’t help it, I think this snowflake is fun! Is this IN or OUT?
Glam Gals say: If your over 40, this might say “sassy” but it does not say, “I’m classy.” OUT!
5. How about this, short french manicure?
Glam Gals say: “IN!” ..Now this is what says, “I’m GLAM!”
WARNING: SALES are Everywhere!
If you have to go back to the stores for returns and exchanges, we know that you might be tempted to want to add a thing or two to your bags. Yes, those retailers are going for our feminine jugular! Those tempting prices that we all can’t resist are everywhere…
Here are a few tips to help you keep your head on straight and your wallet closed!
- Don’t Buy Another Purse: We all have too many of them, anyway…so this is not the time to go for one more! Save your money for one that you really want and love!
- Pretty Party Dresses. These can be really tempting… however, if you don’t have a party coming up, say “PASS!” and move on. Come on, you know deep down that it will just sit in the back of the closet!
- One More T-Shirt. Ladies…PLEASE….if we see one more drawer with t-shirts spilling out of them, (does this sound familiar?) Listen up…You don’t need one more t-shirt. Just say, “NO!”
- “Oh…its Sooo Last Season”. That saying is really a good one! And we agree with it! Soooo, don’t be tempted to buy last season’s suit, pants, jeans, etc… Just wait to see what the new Spring season has to offer. Save your money. You’ll be so glad you did!
- Don’t Be A Party Pooper! O.K. We don’t want to sound like a bunch of old grumps.. I (JoJami) just noticed that my favorite pair of flat black boots, really need replacing. So, if I see a great pair to replace them, (ON SALE!), yup, I’ll buy ‘em. However, Deborah insists that she would wait until next fall…hmmmm… I’ll have to think more about that…
Don’t you hate those pesky under arm stains?
If you have a gorgeous knit suit or cashmere sweater, after one or two wears, you’re tempted to take it to the dry cleaners. Well, we found a great new item to save your clothes and keep you feeling fresh! It’s called a Cami Crop. Its like a little thin, mini- t-shirt you can wear under your sweater to keep it cleaner longer!
If you really have a problem gunking up your clothes with with deodorant or perspiration, you can take it one step further. These tops come with a little pocket that holds a washable sweat shield that will wick away moisture, if a hot flash comes on!
Advantagewear has a full line of undergarments that can be worn with or without washable or disposable dress shield that you can wear under all your blouses, shirts, and suits.
These might not be one of the most glamorous items, but we think these are one of the best kept secret out there!
We love people that tell it like it is…
There’s no doubt what is inside Charla Krupp’s new book, How Not To Look Old.
Why do we like it? It gives you the Goldilocks version to dressing….with up to date photos and examples of dressing too old (too cold), too young (too hot) and just right.
Charla was on the Today show recently, with a few examples and models from her book. Click here to view the video.
In her book, she gives great tips and examples like:
- To look youthful and modern opt for golden blond rather than ashy blond highlights.
- Don’t wear dark lipstick. Instead try a shimmering pink color. It will look much more youthful. Also, if you want a flattering jean, try a dark wash boot cut style.
Dressing isn’t a fairytale, it’s hard work, however, with a few tweaks from Charla, you can start looking younger today!
