This week’s Blogging Boomers Carnival has real “doozy” of a story that you will want to check out, especially if you have a sense of adventure and want an out of the box, exotic retirement idea!
Read on to find out how, after 5 years of research, one amazing couple, discovered the secret to retiring and seeing the world on a shoestring!
Enjoy this story alog with other interesting blog posts at this week’s Blogging Boomers Carnival . Nancy Mehegan at VaBoomer.com is this week’s carnival host.
If I (JoJami) had to pick one type of item to update my jewelry box, I would pick a cuff style bracelet.
Here are a few ideas that are Glam Gals approved from our new collection of Stella and Dot jewelry! We have priced this jewelry and compared the style and quality to other brands of and can confidently say that we think this is the best value out there!
Have fun and try a cuff. We think you find that they are an easy way to add some pizazz to your wardrobe!
This silver cuff is so simple and lightweight, you can wear it everyday!
This beautiful cuff will make a statement weather you dress it up with a pretty dress or wear it with jeans!
This airy style is says, "Spring/Summer"
This cuff is a great basic and will be able to transition you from winter into Spring!
Have you ever been shopping and said these fateful words: “I DON”T NEED TO TRY IT ON?” Of course some times that might be fine, but I have found that more times than not, those are words I have lived to regret!
Well,I (JoJami) forgot to take my own advice and I ended up buying this top back in January.
This shirt was a big mistake! I should have tried it on!
Here is the story…
I had gone into the store with a friend and tried on lots of things. Nothing fit or seemed right, so I was walking out the door of the store (empty handed) when I spotted this rack of colorful tops!
Oh, this one looked just great, and I mentioned to my friend, “Boy I could sure use another top, my wardrobe is low on tops right now”.
So she held it up to me and I decided that the size would be fine and there was no need to try it on. (HA!)
Here is a photo of my new shirt. YUCK, what was I thinking!
What went wrong?
Yes, the color is nice but it ended up being a size too small!
The way that the seams hit me on the bust area, flattens my already smallish boobies!
The fabric looks cheap when I put it on.
The style is not at all flattering.
The worst part is that the store has a strict return policy, and now I am stuck with it.
So remember, ALWAYS try things on before you buy, so you won’t make the same mistake I did!
Oh my gosh…when you live back east like we Glam Gals do, you get pretty tired of all the snow and dreary weather, SO when the sun starts peaking out again, like it has this week, we sure get the itch to get out and go buy something new for Spring! (Good to know that you are not the only one, right!)
I (JoJami) did just that this week and let me tell you what I saw.
THE BIG MISTAKE!!
Beware of the Sale rack!
Here I was at the department store, and all this gorgeous new merchandise was hanging there while, ALL the women were over at the Sale rack of old tired, picked over junky tops, pants, dresses….
Ladies, DO NOT MAKE THIS MISTAKE!
Beware of the SALE rack! You will be tempted to bring home, yet again, something to hang in your closet that is just mediocre.
Always buy something you love and adore, don't settle!
INSTEAD… just go window shopping and try on things that are fresh and new for Spring. Then you can see if you want to splurge on a new jacket or top that is actually updated, new and FUN!
Here is my 1 purchase over the weekend.
This colorful BCBG jacket! I have already worn it 2 times and have felt great in it. I have satisfied my shopping craving, and have a new piece for my wardrobe, that I should enjoy for the next few years.
Instead of buying something that you just “sort of like”, be super picky and try buying something that you really need and love.
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.
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!
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!
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!
If you know of any other books you liked on the M. subject, please comment below!
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!
Here is a recent news story on Jill’s and a clip from her on the Dr. Oz Show!
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 theCarnival, 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!
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.
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!
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!
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?
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.
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:
If you are wearing clogs, then you will need the appropriate outfit. That means you are wearing bootcut jeans or pants and are very casual. Never wear them with a skirt or dress!
If you hate to part with them, have a good look in the mirror when you put them on with an outfit. Does it make you feel updated?
They might be comfortable and easy to wear, but there are other options out there that will make you look much younger!
The clunkier and chunkier the clog, the more matronly the look
Clogs with the wrong outfit, can tend to make you look older than you are!
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.
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.
Are you holding onto a hairstyle that went out many years ago?
The flip may have been wildly popular back in the 60’s, but wear it today and people will peg you as an old lady with an outdated way of thinking.
If you’d love to move beyond this tired look, but feel scared and stuck, then we suggest you take a trip down memory lane to realize just how long ago it was when this style was hot.
Visit the BloggingBoomers Carnival #148, over at Contemporary Retirement. There, you’ll find a fun post on history of the flip, as well as many more fascinating lifestyle posts of interest to boomers. Unlock the past and move on to the present with style!
We recently posted a photo of Meryl Streep looking Age-mazing™ in her recent film, It’s Complicated.
It led to this email…
Hi Ladies:
My husband and I recently went to see the movie It’s Complicated. Loved everything about it. Loved Meryl’s fashion style. But really noted her Jewelry . Would you ladies have any idea who makes it? Would love something similar.
Susan F.
Hi Ladies,
This is a big challenge! I need swimsuit advice. I try to stay fit, but at 48 my abs are not as flat as I would like to be rockin’ a two piece. What are your suggestions on looking sexy but age appropriate at the pool or beach? Also, I will need to be looking good for a business trip to a beach resort which makes it extra difficult.
I checked out Victoria’s Secret and they have some great suits, but I am worried that I will see those same suits on tons of other women. Last year I found the most awesome suit and one of the other wives had the exact suit in the exact color. Bummer!
Thanks,
Ellen
Nashville, TN
Hi Ellen,
The word “swimsuit” to almost anyone over the age of 25, and definitely over 40, can send chills up the spine! However, we like your “rockin” attitude and think we can help!
Can you be sexy when you’re over 40…you bet! You just have to know the right tricks!
First off, there are no rules about how old you must be to wear a 2 piece; you just have to have to be on the thin side…
However, to be honest, most women on the back side of 40 are starting to look better in a one piece. Never fear.. you can still look sexy!!
Show off those legs with a high cut suit
If your legs are not looking so great either, you can always show a bit of cleavage!
Go for a suit that has a medium large pattern. This confuses the eye and can hide bulges!
You can’t go wrong with a all dark suit like black, navy or chocolate brown!
The print tricks the eye and will hide small bumps and bulges (www.Soma.com)
Black is always slimming. We like the plunging neckline and wider straps (www.Soma.com)
This cover up can hide thick legs, but still has a peek a boo slit! (www.Soma.com)
With the dark contoured sides, this colorful suit still flatters. (www.Newport News)
Here is a great way to feel great and not show off so too much thigh!(www.Newport News)
This black suit is so pretty and looks good on all shapes! (www.fashionbug.com)
This is just 1 of 9 luscious Sue Devitt products you could win!
Every month we give away prizes and this month is no exception…however we want to introduce you to a new make up line that we are super excited to share with you!
Sue Devitt is a make up artist with a twist…all her makeup is natural and inspired from nature! It is so beautiful and will make your skin radiant!
For all you true blue fashionista’s out there…we had to share this wonderful video by one of our favorite bloggers, Susan Tabak. This Age-mazing™ woman certainly lives life in the fashion fast lane…always off to Paris fashion shows, hobnobbing with the designers and shopping in NYC.
Here is her latest adventure:
The Dior, Spring 2010 Haute Couture fashion show… pure fantasy, but fun to see!
