Browse >
Home / Archive: 2009
The Glam Gals (Deborah and JoJami) would like to thank all of you wonderful ladies out there for reading our blog, writing in with your comments and for getting out there and trying new styles and products!
Cheers to you and hoping you have enjoyed all our tips and tricks to keeping looking Fabulous!
We are excited about the new year and will be bringing you lots more ideas and ways to update your style!
Here are our New Years Eve tips you can try tonight:
- If you plan to wear black, find some way to bring some color to your outfit! A colorful necklace, pin, scarf or shoes will do the trick!
- Keep your lipstick handy! Make sure to stop in the middle of the night and refresh those lips. Bare lips can make you look faded and older!
- Make sure to wear your shapewear! No matter what your size, don’t leave home with out your Spanx. Shapewear will smooth you out and keep pantylines at bay!
- Instead of clear hose, try some nude fishnets! Your loved one will find it super sexy if you pull on the fishnets instead of the plain old panyhose!
- Make sure you hair is shiney! Run out to the drugstore and find a can of spay shine (we are not saying “sparkles”, just shine). Nothing like a healthy looking head of hair to make you look fresh!
Have fun!
Is it just me who does this…you know, especially around this time of year when you are suppose to be out shopping for others…well, I confess, I end up finding lots of goodies for me!
Now, this is something that I would ever admit openly at a social function…however here between “us girls” I feel like I can air my wayward ways.
So, when I read one of this weeks articles from our gang of super bloggers, I was eager to continue this conversation.
Feel free to comment below and don’t miss more on this hot topic and others at this weeks Blogging Boomers Carnival #143 which is being hosted over at So Baby Boomer!
There’s been lots of buzz about Demi Moore on the net lately. First there were nasty comments about her Age defying, wrinkle free ads for her new perfume, “Wanted”.
Then, A Twitter controversy about her possibly airbrushed hips for W magazine.
and just recently she got a cruel response to pictures she posted of herself on Twitter. Demi was told that she looks old.
The gloves are off and she’s fighting mad! ” I’m 47, How am I supposed to look?” she angrily twittered back.
Do you think Demi should have even bothered to respond to comments about how she looks for her age? Has she set herself up for all this by trying to stay so youthful, or are there just a lot of jealous people out there? Tell us what you think.
Felicity Huffman is one buff 40+ gal
You must check out the photos of the Fit and Fabulous over 40 celebrities posted in the NY Daily News.
These gals look Age-mazing, even though we all know that many of them work out like crazy, and have even had cosmetic surgery to help.
Still, we can’t help but look and think, that with some hard work, we might be able to do the same. It got us wondering….
Do you look as fit and fab after 40? If so, how have you managed to do it? We want to hear from you!!
If you’re proud of your 40+ body, please let us in our your secrets for looking so great so we can share it with our readers. We’d love to feature you.
Just send us an email with your photo; tell what you eat, how much you exercise, and anything else you want us to know, and you can be our inspiration for 2010!
What’s worse than dressing too old and frumpy? …Dressing like you’ve shopped in your teenage daughter’s closet! There’s a fine line between looking fabulous or foolish. Here are some Christmas cocktail dresses we found to illustrate the point. (All dresses are from Nordstroms)
| Example |
Don’t |
Do |
| Red satin is a bold and dazzling choice so be sure to wear it with class.
When you are young and firm you can get away with most anything, but after 40 more coverage up top and a longer length skirt will ensure you don’t end up looking like aging cocktail waitress. |
 |
 |
| Baby Doll dresses have been popular in the last few years but on a grown up gal will make you look like you are playing dress-up.
You can still enjoy the ruffle look by wearing a dress with simple clean lines and no cutesy short or puffed sleeves. |
 |
 |
| The draped look can be very elegant if it’s not overdone. Less is more if you are 40, 50, or beyond. |
|
 |
| We love these big collar dresses because they can put beautiful emphasis up by your face.
But at midlife you need to keep this look understated. Not too bright, short or exaggerated. Caution: don’t even go near this look if your arms aren’t in good shape! |
 |
 |
| What gal can’t resist a bit of sparkle, but this mini on the left with it’s winged shoulders will make a woman 40 or better look like an desperate fashion victim.
We prefer the shift on the right with only a hint of shimmer peaking out from behind some sheer material. You can have fun with this trend, but not in a garish way. |
 |
 |
| Grrr.. need we say more? If you like animal prints you might as well be a sexy cougar, rather than a baby cub. |
 |
 |
| Pretty in pink? You can be if you choose to express the color in a sophisticated way.
Keep the cut clean, lean and modest. Stay away from the prom queen look. |
 |
 |
| Bows. They’re tricky but they’re in style.
Forget the strapless, mini style and go for the regal Jackie O style. The tailored bow on the model on the right gives you much more presence and power than a floppy satin one. |
 |
 |
| There’s a lot of green out there and it looks fabulous this Christmas.
Thin dress straps look lovely on a gal with perfect shoulders and decolletage, but after 40 they are too harsh. Also, avoid youthful fashion statements like these heavy black hose paired with a cocktail dress.
Opt for a dress like this one on the right with its stunning portrait neckline. It flatters most figures, especially 40+ ones that have experienced a little middle age spread because it balances out hips and shoulders. |
 |
 |
| If you want to go sheer, do it in a tasteful way. Just a hint will do you. Be sure the rest of you is well covered up. |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Do your clothes feel safe and easy but make you look boring?
Have you lost your sense of identity and style?
The biggest problem we see is that many of us are dressing unconsciously. We’re schlepping around in the same old uninspired “uniform” (the black pants and boring top, the sweatshirt and jeans, whatever!), as if we were on autopilot.
Ladies, this doesn’t make us look Fabulous! It’s absolutely no Fun, and it’s definitely no way to begin 2010!!!!!!
The problem is much deeper than what to wear, as our good friend, Image Consultant Ginger Burr, well knows. It’s rooted in being dissatisfied with your body and your beauty.
Ginger is out to change all this with a fabulous new product we just love called: Who Taught You How to Dress?
Who taught you how to Dress? is a wonderful style system that incorporates a 177 page book, 4 audio CDs, a fashion journal, and support calls, all designed to help you “undress your old beliefs about yourself, recycle your inner beauty and create a fashion statement that is truly your own.”
This is a must read if you want to truly make some changes in the New Year, no matter what your age!! And it makes a super gift for that friends, sister, daughter or mother who has everything. Best of all Ginger has offered it to our readers at a special $15 OFF over the holiday season. Just click here to order and use the code Fabafter40 to get your discount!
Be the stylish woman you were meant to be in 2010!
Shopping for our Christmas cocktail dresses we couldn’t help but notice that Black Lace is a huge trend this holiday season. Here’s a few of our favourites:
| For pear shapes:
This beautiful neckline broadens the shoulders and balances the hips making your bottom look more in proportion with your bust.
(Nordstrom) |
 |
| Tiger Lace:
If you want to look a little more chic than pretty..Love this simple sexy look. The lace is actually underneath the sheer netting that is draped to look like tiger stripes. (Nordstrom) |
 |
| Elegant:
She almost looks like a ballerina! This is very ladylike and alluring with the lace just at banded waist. Don’t try this look if you are shortwaisted or you will be all band!(Nordstrom) |
 |
| Romantic:
Very pretty but make sure this isn’t too short on you or it will look like you are wearing a nightie. (Nordstrom) |
 |
| Pink and Black Lace:
A flirty hinit of pink underneath this easy to wear sheath is great if you wory that all too much black lace will wash you out.(Nordstrom) |
 |
To accentuate your waist:
The scalloped edging is a gorgeous detail, and we like that the band and bow are not overpowering. (Nordstrom) |
 |
Stretching is good for you, now you can do it even better!
We might not be able to get to the gym as much as we want, but here is something that you can do at home or when traveling!
NEW PRODUCT ALERT! The Lebert Stretch Strap™! 
We have found a wonderful new fangled gadget that we think many of you will love! If you like to work out at home or just stretch at home, you will want to try the new Equalizer Stretch Strap!
The Lebert Stretch Strap™ was developed with the assistance of two-time Olympian and Master Yoga Instructor, Ann Green. The Lebert Stretch Strap is a simple, yet innovative tool that will assist you in reaching positions more comfortably that may have been previously not possible and, in addition, allow you to hold the stretch longer! Comes with 2 Stretch Straps, carrying pouch, stretch poster and instructional DVD by Ann Green for just $29.99 (USD plus applicable taxes and shipping). It was the editor’s pick on Realage.
To find out more or order, Click Here!
When running around town, we want to make sure that we Glam Gals are super comfortable, but chic too.
Great way to put a little color in your day out!
The answer is simple. A sweater dress, leggings and a pair of boots!
Here is our recipe to pull this look together.
- Find a simple straight sweater dress.
- Add a nice wide hip belt
- Layer it with a scarf or loose long sweater (like a Cozy)
- Make sure to wear dark opaque tights or legging
- Find some nice fitting boots that are either flat or have a short heel. (Zappos.com)
- If you want a smoother look, try a full slip from Spanx
Both dresses shown are from Newport News.
 For a sexier look, this flattering style would look great on most! |
 This boot is from Zappos.com |
Click below for more styles that will fit your body type!
Do you dress to express your personality?
Every Monday, we share with you some out of the box topics from our friends called The Blogging Boomers. This week we had so much fun reading about a couple from Florida who has taken the word “whimsical” to a new level!!
Here is their home, fondly known as the Bowling Ball House, since it all started when they were at a flea market and took home a pile of free bowling balls!
Do you agree, there is a good chance that the owners are probably just as colorful?
This might be an extreme example, but it got us thinking on how so many women have forgotten how fun it can be to dress in a way that is more colorful and festive!
Today, we challenge you to look in the mirror and ask yourself, do I dress in a way that really expresses my personality?
Please comment with your thoughts below.
This weeks Blogging Boomers Carnival #142 host is Wendy Spiegel, at Gen Plus,where you can read more wild articles on sex, business, and science.
Madonna, the queen of reinvention! photo: Ron Galella/Wireimage
We say it all the time, “reinvent yourself.” But that is no good unless we can give you actual tips on how to do it!
This month’s issue of Harper’s Bazaar magazine has a wonderful article on it (page 63).
Here are a few quick tips that you can start you at least thinking about trying something new.
- Try a new updated hair cut
- Get into shape!
- Try shopping for something that is a little more fitted than you are used too!
- Try NOT to buy black!
- Try on something that is very sleek and simple
- Buy some black eyeliner
- Try a new lipstick in a softer color
Please write us and tell us of what you have bought recently to update your wardrobe!
Out at a restaurant the other day I saw this lovley women sitting by herself enjoying a cup of soup reading her Kindle. What is a Kindle? It is the new way to store books and have them ready to read via a small little screen you can take with you!
Nothing like a well dressed women who is up to date with her electronics!
We were inspired to share with you this latest tip from an article we saw on this weeks Blogging Boomers Carnival #141, hosted by none other than our 2 favorite wild and witty women over at Menopause Musing!!
Click below on the box and see a great video demonstrating the Kindle!
How about those matching oven mitts! photo: www.washingtonion.com
In a recent story from www.washingtonian.com , they showed this age appropriate outfit as “What to wear to a Christmas cooking party”
They also suggest, “For a casual meal at home, stick to comfy flats, cozy cardigans, and cheery kitchen accessories [those cute oven mitts!]. Short sleeves will stay out of your way in the kitchen, a tweed skirt adds both texture and a touch of class to the ensemble, while a cranberry-based color palette keeps the whole thing holiday-oriented.”
What a great idea…first off, we love that is it NOT Christmas themed.. PLEASE …we women over 40 and have had enough of those darn ugly Christmas sweaters! AMEN!
Also, this printed t-shirt is a bargan at $48.00 from Torn Cristy.
The Tory Burch flats (Zappos.com) could be any brand and still look nice!
One note, we usually DONT like the tucked in look on most over 40 bodies..so beware of that!
That being said, how about tucking it out with a nice hip belt and some tight jeans!
Get inspired…what a great mix of neutrals and color!
Moreover, you can have fun looking in your closet to see if you can pull a classy, but casual outfit together!
Cheers!
The Glam Gals
P.S. Those oven mitts are from Anthropology.com!
FAF reader, Cindy Mellow, in her recent wedding on the beach
Where do you turn to for advice when you are getting married for the second time and you want to make sure you look age-appropriate? Call on the Glam Gals, of course!
Looking Age-mazing™ for a wedding or any special occasion can be a challenge when your over 40 and want to make sure you not trying to look too young or too old.
With our e-book, Tweak Your Chic™, Dressing for the Mother of the Bride, we have a plan on how to approach shopping for any special occasion not just weddings! This e-book is packed with tips and a worksheet to make shopping a breeze for any upcoming event.
Here is are just a few of the issues we solve:
- Finding the right dress for your body type
- How to pick the perfect accessories
- Where do I start?
For all of December, when you buy our e- book, we will be happy to answer up to 5 style questions (via e-mail) that you might have. Just write and e-mail us photos for us to review to: info@fabulousafter40.com
Click here to Buy NOW!
Don’t miss out on this Special first time offer!
How long can you make your pedi last?
One of our readers, Rose Girroso, wrote in and shared an easy tip to keep your pedicure fresh for an extra week!
After your first week or two of your pedicure, just apply a fresh coat of clear polish to clean and dry toes.
Your pedi will look brand new and last longer!
Do you have any other nail tips? What is your favorite toenail color?
Please comment below!
One of our readers wrote us recently that she was really depressed that she had nothing to wear to an upcoming Sunday afternoon Christmas tea. Her budget was very limited and she didn’t want to have to buy an entire new outfit.
We suggested that she go out and find a new blouse to spice up what she already had in her closet!
She was thrilled and went out and found a gorgeous new blouse for $49.00 and when she got it home, she realized that it was going to be able to make up to 5 new outfits with it!
Here are a few suggestions that we think would be great additions to your winter wardrobe! The secret is finding a blouse with an interesting neckline that will add some flair!
This type of neckline is always flattering!
Under a suit jacket or on its own, this pretty blouse looks good on all body types! (from Nordstroms)
This animal print is soft and romantic! (from Spiegel)
This off the shoulder is hard to find, but easy to look good in!
We like this ivory blouse that is off the shoulder, because it can be sexy with out showing cleavage! (Nordstroms)
Life is too short not to try something new!
We love to hear about women who are Age-mazing™ and doing things that are adventurous! In the past we have written about women getting into modeling after 40, riding motorcycles across country and even loosing 100 pounds and then winning a beauty pagent!
This weeks Blogging Boomer Carnival #140 is full of adventure, and it is being hosted by one of our wonderful Blogging friends at VaBoomer!
P.S.
We would are curious to hear your story! Just email us with a photo and description and we will put your name in our montly drawing for a chance to win this months prize! (info@fabulousafter40.com)
I (JoJami) am off again traveling and this time, the weather is cold and dreary. Last time I was at the airport, I found a stylish gal, that ended up being from my home town in Wilmington, Delaware of all things! We have since had lunch together and I have been to see her daughter perform the lead in a local production of Carmen!
Since that was such a great experience, I wasn’t shy about stopping this gorgeous women and her husband. The only thing was that she could not speak a word of English!!! However, with a little bit of sign language and giving her my business card, I convinced her to let me snap away! The bonus this time, was as the end of our mini “photo shoot,” she was all smiles and grabbed me and gave me a nice, European double kiss on both cheeks! How sweet was that!!!
Here is our latest “on the street” inspiration from Northern Spain, looking Age-mazing™!
Check out how she got this look:
- Let the focal point be the coat (investment piece)
- Kept it simple, monochromatic, all one color for the top and pant
- scarf (of course!)
- Boots are nice fitting, hug her legs and come up right to the knee
- Purse over-sized and updated with handles and hardware instead of a shoulder strap.
This chic European is from Spain and is looking stylish and comfortable.
This bag had the right rugged but elegant feel to pull this outfit together!
These boots were made of the coolest animal skin print! They were sort of a green color!
We recently posted a letter from a reader who can’t wear heels because of foot problems and wanted to know if she could wear leggings with clunky flats.
When we mentioned that instead, she should try some flat boots, she ran out and found a pair at Nordstrom’s!
Now leggings and jeans are fine, but what if she wants to wear a skirt? Since these boots are very casual they will be look best with pants…
Flat boots like these will be comfy for those with foot problems
However, here is a skirt that will work with them too. You could also try a casual dress, like a sweater dress.
Colorful skirts make fall dressing festive
Don’t forget to make sure to find opaque hose (not sheer) or tights that match the boots. This will give the leg a longer look.
We went to Boden.com and Spiegel and found lots of great casual styles to choose from! At Boden, you can even “try” the clothes on a fantasy model and see what they would look like on a person!
Here is another combination we liked:
This skirt from Spiegel, would be a good length and weight to balance this boot.
And, for extra comfort and support, don’t forget some Dr. Scholl’s inserts!
Have you checked your upper lip lately?
Lip hair (the dreaded mustache).
Yes, the time has come or it will…I promise that you will get some.
It even happened to me (JoJami) recently…. the unexpected lip hair. It was just there one day. Oh good grief, how shocking and depressing, but most of all shocking. NOT ME… and how did it ever get to such a great length.
Now, that I have found one, I am obsessed, I went out and bought one of those super duper magnifying mirrors and I use it. I look into it, daily and go in for inspection..
If I happen to miss a few days, it could be bad…very bad, one might crop up again. They do that, when you least expect it.
So, if you haven’t been up close and personal with your top lip lately.. I highly advise you to go in and take a look. Female facial hair is just not necessary with all the tools that are available.
- Plucking
- waxing
- laser hair removal
- bleaching
However, bleaching as an option is really not that great, since you can still see the hair and why not just get rid of it while your at it, instead of trying to camouflage it.
This little detail can really make or break a Glam Gal.. when you think about it,
lip hair on women is like ear hair on men…nobody wants to have to look at it!
So, if you don’t have a good lighted makeup mirror (Drugstore.com), make sure you run out and get one! It is important to keep track of these things!!
Make sure you get one of these!
This over 40 model says, " I'm just running around doing errands today"..."Looking fab", we say!
We recently found a wonderful site called Atlantis Home that we wanted to share with all you more daring fashionistas out there.
The author (shown here) is over 40 and just so happens to be a former model. However, even if you are not tall and rail thin, you can still take some fun tips on how to dress a little more funky but still age appropriate!
What makes her looks so great?
- The jacket is updated with 3/4 sleeves and chunky buttons and is a good length on her.
- The gold necklace is bold like the jacket and softens the black top
- Love the neckline of that mini dress
- These jeans are slim all the way down, but not too tight, they give the legs an extra long lean look.
- Even though she is tall she is still rocking platform boots. Believe it or not, these types of heels can be really comfortable.
- She looks sexy with out having to wear tight clothes
Enjoy!
The Glam Gals (Deborah and JoJami) would like to thank all of you wonderful ladies out there for reading our blog, writing in with your comments and for getting out there and trying new styles and products!
