Wearing vintage after 40 can be tough because you run the risk of looking like you’re out of date or an old lady. It is fine to wear vintage when you are young, because it is obvious that you are hip, however when you look like you haven’t thrown out your clothes for the last 20 years, it can be tricky!
This gorgeous vintage piece is age appropriate! photo credit: Atlantis Home
Here is a great example of a lovely gray vintage dress that we found on Atlantis Home. This 80′s silk, jersey dress is super flattering with the way it ties at the hip. The way it drapes would hide the tummy area nicely and is a style that one can wear at any age.
Vintage pieces also tend to have pretty details, like these covered buttons on the sleeve.
Now can you tell the difference between this new outfit that she just bought?
This fabulous bright leather skirt and coordinating sweater from the latest 2010 fall Lyn Devon collection is classic and could be from any era. She has updated it with some super hip, thigh high boots. (This look might be over the top for some, but we think she can certainly pull it off!)
This bright skirt is from the new Lyn Devon collection photo credit: Atlantis Home
So the moral of this is… if you are going to try to pull off vintage, make sure you are going to update it with current shoes and accessories and that you can’t tell that it is vintage.
Is there a time in life when jeans are no longer appropriate to wear?
I am 60 and am a size 14 pear shape with a very casual life style.
~Sharon B.
Hi Sharon,
Great question! We think you can wear jeans forever, however you really need to keep them updated.
When you are a pear, that means making sure you get the style that fits!
You probably will need to still take them to the tailor to get them to fit.
These jeans are updated and look great, but will not work for a pear shaped body!
Here are some ways to update your jeans:
Wear a cropped jacket with a casual t-shirt
jeans with rips and faded wash are “iffy” for women over 40.
Darker wash jeans are classy and updated!
Wearing jeans with traditional clogs is comfortable, but tend to age women over 40 unless you wear the new high heel version of a clog. (*if you disagree with this comment, go to our past post about clogs)
For fall, boots are the way to go with jeans. Flat ones for casual, heels for a dressier look.
For those that are pear shaped, you can tuck in and wear a belt…so those with other body types, try them with a longer top and belt at the hip or for go the belt all together!
After 40, we find we are all wearing jeans more than ever. Make sure yours fit well and you are wearing the right shoes with them.
Do you have a dress or top that just feels like it is showing too much skin?
Here is a quick tip on how to fix that and feel confident and fabulous after 40!
You can find a similar necklace and more at our fabulous Stella and Dot store!
The other day, my Aunt Mary called me to ask me a question on what to wear to an upcoming wedding. She mentioned that this was an evening summer wedding and she wanted to be cool and comfortable, but still look classy and fabulous after 40!
Here were here choices:
A light yellow linen suit
Blue sleeveless cotton pique dress (lined) with self belt. (bought on sale!)
This dress has a "self" belt
I asked her bring over the 2 options. The yellow suit was just too boxy looking and looked a little too casual for an evening wedding. The blue dress was really pretty, but there were 2 issues.
The thin belt that came with the dress was not flattering
She would need to buy a sweater to wear with it.
The first advice I gave her was to try the dress on with NO belt. How many of us feel that, just because a dress comes with a belt, we HAVE to wear it! As we age, our middle thickens and tiny pieces of fabric around our waist does not look so great on many of our middle age bodies! So, we got rid of the belt and the dress looked a million times better on her.
Next, she felt she needed a top or sweater to wear over the dress to hide her arms. I took one look at her arms and said, be proud of your arms! They look fine! Sometimes we are too hard on ourselves!!!
However, she did want to get a sweater, since the evenings are starting to get cool in our area back east. The neckline on this dress is wider than normal, so not every sweater will work.
Here were her marching orders:
Find a sweater that is not too long, best if it is shorter.
Make sure to take the dress with you when you shop, so you can try it with the sweater.
Make sure the sweater is a thin fabric and does not compete with the neckline
Find a pair of nude shoes to go with the dress.
Do not try to wear a necklace with this type of dress. Instead, just wear earnings and a cuff style bracelet.
It ended up that Aunt Mary, went out to find a sweater and and ended up with a new suit, instead for the wedding. Bottom line is, when buying a dress on sale, make sure you LOVE it!
If it comes with a self belt, throw it away and use a leather one or not one at all!
At the beginning of Spring this year, I (JoJami) decided to give away all my old summer casual skirts that I have been wearing for the past few years. They were the soft , flowing kind, that have been popular, but I felt it was time to move on and update them!
Here are a few ideas on how to update you casual skirt wardrobe and what to give away:
Just right, this bold print, stiff cotton is Age-mazing!:
Just bought one like this at the J. Crew outlet! What I love that I can dress it down with a casual t-shirt or up with a nice blouse! Flat or strapy heels work just fine! Love these nude shoes they are showing with it, here!
This skirt from J.Crew is a great one to update your skirt wardrobe!
Too Young Looking :
Do you have a skirt like this? It might be time to give it away. The gathering will cause your middle to appear larger than it is and it is too short for most gals over 40, unless you are wearing it as a coverup for the beach. P.S. Make sure your not “tucking” in your top, it can be aging as well! (Nordstoms)
This is too young and short
Beware! The Long Hippy Skirt can be aging:
If you are still trying to wear this look, be careful! There are a few problems with trying to look like a hippy. First of all, if you want to do long, you should go one of the newer long dresses not a skirt. Next, this look is one that has circled back from our past and our daughters might be wearing it. We over 40 gals, if you want to look more sophisticated should try something more a-line or pencil style, depending on your body type. (Nordstrom)
If you tend to shy away from bright colors like orange because you think they are too loud and youthful, think again.
No color is off limits after 40. It’s simply a matter of whether it suits your skin tone.
For example JoJami and I both have warm skin ( yellow vs. pink undertones).
JoJami is an autumn and I’m a spring, so we both look good in orange.. and with a tan… watch out! It’s one of our best colours.
If you have warm coloring you might want to give orange a try this summer. We’ve found some fresh fabulous selections out there in the stores:
Regal Orange:What a showstopper! The jeweled banded collar is enough on it’s own. Some diamond studs and you’ll look like a knock-out.
One Shoulder Sensation:
Watch out Tarzan. This “me-Jane” wrap dress is super sexy, but oh so elegant. (Nordstrom)
Burnt Orange:
Tone down this satiny orange dress with red and black for a smokey, alluring look.(Nordstrom)
Flirty Orange:
This sophisticated silk sheath dress by Kate Spade has softly fringed ruffles adorning the neckline a thin belt for waist definition. (Nordstrom)
Flowing Orange:
Looks like a halter at first glance, but much better because you can actually wear a bra -important consideration after 40 when “the girls” are heading south. (Nordstrom)
No mater what your style: elegant, funky, traditional or dramatic, one certain way to look more youthful after 40 is to inject a little sportiness into the way you dress. What is sporty dressing and how can you borrow from this style, but still be true to who you are. Let’s take a look
Short and Bright is Sporty:
Trenchcoats are a wonderful staple in any wardrobe, but as they are quite traditional and conservative, they can sometimes make you look old boring after 40.
That’s not the case with this one!
What keeps this trench looking young and hip?…. The bold blue color (primary colors are sporty), the short length (shorter is sportier than long) and the youthful knotted belt, instead of typical flat belt. A great addition to any 40+ wardrobe! (Nordstrom)
Linen is sporty :
Sporty people are active (active=young) so it’s natural their clothes are lightweight , loose and comfy. If you want to add that dash of youth to your look try a pair of casual, linen pants with a sporty drawstring waistline.(Nordstrom)
Rolled or pushed up Sleeves are sporty:
Any kind of sleeve rolled up or pushed up adds a dash of sportiness to your look. It send the message, I’m ready for action, which = youthful.
Some women who have always been the traditional or elegant types may find it hard to incorporate sporty into their wardrobe because it’s too casual compared to what they are used to.
This dress is great for those women because, although it is sporty ( shirtdress style, bright color, woven natural belt and rolled up sleeves) it still looks very “neat and tidy”. (Nordstrom)
Totes are Sporty:
One way to add a dash of sporty is with your choice of handbag. Totes symbolize sporty.
What we like about this tote is it is not boring-sporty. Instead of just a plain neutral colored tote this one has some personality. It’s great for someone who is on the creative side, but wants to inject a little sportiness ( youthfulness) into their wardrobe. (Nordstrom)
Sporty Stripes
Just as certain materials spell sporty ( cottons, linens, natural fabrics, knits) so do certain patterns and prints, likes stripes. This fitted top with the deep v is on the sexy side. The stripes + the shorter sleeves add a definite sportiness (youthfulness) to the look. The result is sexy/sporty. (Nordstrom)
Denim is sporty:
The ultimate in sporty is denim. This shirt sends the message sporty, but not in rough teenager way.
The smooth soft wash on this shirt, plus the streamlined fit give it a much more refined grown-up look. The metal jewelry also kicks it up a notch.
Jennifer Aniston is a great example of a gal who eptiomises sporty.
With her sun streaked hair, natural make-up, sporty aviator glasses, jeans & tees or short and sexy minis she looks like the ultimate California gal.
Welcome to our Fabulous After 40, community!
We are The Glam Gals, Deborah Boland (the blond) and JoJami Tyler (the brunette), over 40 fashionista’s and image consultants here to help you “tweak your chic™“. We talk fashion here and try to keep it light and fun while encouraging and educating you on how to find flair after 40!
We hope you will sign up for your bi-weekly newsletter and come back often to share your comments and insights with us! We look forward to hearing from you!
Pictures don’t lie! It is amazing how many of us imagine ourselves one way and in reality look another! Nothing like a reality check!
Take for example one of our readers Janet O. who thought she might have to give up this dress…
Hello Glam Gals,
When is short too short? I have several dresses that hit me above the knees. I am not a fan of my knees (I call them “thnees” – thighs that merge into my knees with no definition) but these dresses are so comfy I continue to wear them.
What do you think? Time to hang them up?
~Janet O
HI Janet…LOL..love your new term! However, you don’t have “thnees”, you have nice knees and you look great in your dress!!!
Keep on keeping on! Your wedge shoes, long necklace and bangles, really look updated too!(so does your hair, the little that we can see of it!)
Your dress is much better than a boring pair of khakis and a polo shirt yet you look totally comfortable and chic.
Thanks for sending us your photos!
The Glam Gals
Can Janet pull this dress off? She thinks she has ugly knees!
Yes, she can! Her legs are beautiful!
This Glam Gal has an updated look and great style!
It is always a great opportunity to be interviewed for an article or to appear on TV, but if you are not 100% prepared, your 5 mins of fame can be a huge waste!
One of our clients was very excited that she was going to have an article written about her for a local paper. She had hired a PR person to get her the press and the big day for her photo shoot was just 2 days away.
She called at the last minute to get some feedback on what she should wear. One of the first things you should always do before any photo shoot is take the time to do a test shoot. That means putting on the entire outfit you plan to wear and then practice sitting or standing in different ways to find your best angle.
Our client is a very stylish interior designer , but as we soon found out , her outfits just did not photograph well. They looked great in person, but on camera they just did not translate the image that she felt she wanted to project.
Here are the 2 outfits she was considering wearing. (remember, this was just a test shoot, she did not have her hair or make up done for these)
Too short:
This was her first choice, but we realized quickly that when she sat down the dress rode up and looked too short!
Also, the neckline was not as flattering and the gold studs tended to make her appear wider than she was!
This dress rode up and looked too short when she sat down.
Too Dressy:
This dress is such a pretty color, but it ended up looking too formal for a kitchen.
Once again, the dress rode up and became too short.
This dress looks too dressy and short too!
We had her go back to her closet and pull a black skirt and top and layer it with this animal print cardigan. Here is the final shoot:
Just Picture Perfect!
Our client was smart to get some help from an expert and was so happy with the results. IF you need some help on how to get on TV and what to wear once you do, check out our CD program , TV Image, Live! ~ How to get on TV and perform like a Star!
We had an idea the other day as to why so many women are having problems developing their over 40 style.
It could be as simple as “been there, done that”
If you’ve reached midlife you’ve been shopping and enjoying fashion for a long time now and it may seem like there’s really nothing new. As a result it is easy to get stuck in old ways.
JoJami and I were talking about some of the negative things women say to themselves when they shop..
things like…
Oh, it’s teal green, I wore that years ago and look terrible in it.
Oh, jumpsuits – wore them in the 80′s
Oh, that will show off my 40+ veiny legs
Oh, these pants will make my menopausal stomach look big
These remind me of something I wore when I was in my 30′s
The problem is you become so nit picky and critical after 40 that you pare your choices down to nothing. You leave the store without buying a thing, and you run the risk of falling into a style rut.
It’s that old lady JELLO syndrome- ever noticed how old people become so LIMITED in their food choices. They like the same foods over and over- no variety. Meals become routine and they end up eating bland fare like toast and tea, mashed potatoes, deviled eggs and JELLO.
Maybe your wardrobe is starting to look like JELLO???
Don’t shut down your style by being closed minded to what’s out there in in fashion. Take a deep breath and start fresh, as though you’ve never shopped before. Be positive.
Open your eyes, get excited about dressing again. You don’t need to experiment like a teenager, wearing crazy trendy things, but you do need to take a fresh look if you want to stay modern, hip and fashionable after 40.
Need a kick start to some style inspiration, check out our e-book, The Glam Plan!
Let Deborah and JoJami get you out of your style slump, get The Glam Plan!
We have found a new book that we think can be an excellent tool for finding what type of style you should be wearing.
Carol Tuttle, author of Dressing Your Truth
Carol Tuttle’s “Dressing Your Truth: Discover Your Personal Beauty Profile”
The book is based around her breakthrough Beauty Profiling™ system that identifies four main “Types” of women based on their physical features, personality and psychological profiles.
The profiling process helps awaken women to their “inner truth”, thus enabling them to express the true nature of who they are – bringing a deeper understanding of their true personal style and a more authentic sense of their own beauty.
The four Types are:
Type 1: The Bright, Animated Woman (think Ellen DeGeneres)
Type 2: The Subtle, Soft Woman (think Julia Roberts)
Type 3: The Rich, Dynamic Woman (think Michelle Obama)
Type 4: The Bold, Striking Woman (think Demi Moore)
Once you’ve identified your Type, you can take a series of online courses at DressingYourTruth.com to help you learn how to personalize your style to what truly suits you.
We found that this book to be very different than an ordinary fashion book, in that it is more focused on what your structural features say about you.
What a great tool for those who feel like you need to dress more authentically. We give it a thumbs up!!
Enter today to win this month contest featuring items from Lilli & Van
Ladies don’t miss out and sign up for this months contest!
This months give away is featuring a bonanza of Lilly & Van merchandise!
This new line loved by celebs who are Fabulous After 40, like Gossip Girl’s Kelly Rutherford—that’s affordable and perfect for summer.
A sportswear collection that celebrates the spirit of eternal summer, Lilly & Van exudes a sunny chic vibe that’s reminiscent of Palm Beach.
Tangy tropical colors define each design and punch up your everyday casual look. Designed by husband and wife team Lilly (god daughter of Lilly Pulitzer) and Barry “Van” van Gerbig, (grandson of Douglas Fairbanks Jr.) the line offers bold and colorful prints, all of which are Van’s original designs. From dresses to shorts to tops to jackets, the line was designed to inspire happiness.
“Van’s artwork is unique. It’s bright, beautiful colors. He likes to hide little details in every print,” Lilly mentions.
The duo’s inspiration comes from Lilly’s godmother, designer Lilly Pulitzer, who set the pair up on a blind date.
The collection evokes a lifestyle of leisure and luxury while still remaining affordable.
“Everything we wanted in the line we got,” the Florida designer says of the partnership with QVC. “It’s hard being a designer; there are restraints put on you. You can’t always do what you want to do. They totally embraced our vision.”
You can also tune-in to check out Lilly & Van’s newest looks when they return to QVC on
The most frequently asked question by a Mother of the Bride is “What color should I wear?” Choosing the right color is stressful and scary. There are many things that need to be taken into consideration such as the time of year, the formality of the event, how the color photographs, the color of the bridesmaids dresses and the color of the wedding flowers, not to mention what looks good on you. How can you be certain that you are choosing the right color?
Here are 5 tips for deciding what color to wear when you are Mother of the Bride:
Monotone
One option is to wear a mother of the bride dress in the same general color family as the bridesmaids. This is a classy way to coordinate, but still be a little different. For example, if the bridesmaids are in lavender, the Mother of the Bride is in eggplant.
Contrast
Another idea is to choose a Mother of the Bride dress in a color that is directly opposite on the color wheel to the bridesmaids’ dresses. You’ll definitely stand out, but the bridesmaids will still look great next to you in pictures. For example, the bridesmaids might be in orange and the Mother of the Bride in blue.
Our Ebook will help you celberate the big day in Style!
Tonal
You could also wear a color in the same color palette as the bridesmaids’ dresses. For a seasonally themed wedding, this can nicely pick up different aspects of the season, and look very classy. Bridesmaids may be in pastel blue and mom can be in soft, butter yellow.
Pattern
Wear a patterned Mother of the Bride dress with a color in it that echoes the bridal colors. This adds some personality to the bridal party and pictures. For instance, if the bridesmaids wear pink, the mother of the bride can be in pink and green watercolor wash.
Neutral
When in doubt, neutrals go with everything! Just be careful to get a more saturated color so it doesn’t wash you out. For example, if the bridesmaids are in chartreuse with magenta sashes and fuchsia bouquets, the Mother of the Bride can still wear a dark, silvery gray.
Of course, you can always take the bride with you for a second opinion! She will certainly have a vision in mind as to how she wants her day to look, and will probably be the best person to go to for advice. With this in mind, picking out a color to go with the bridal party will be a cinch. Now what about the style? We have many more tips to make sure you look fabulous and appropriate at your daughter or son’s wedding.
If you have more questions and want to make sure you are making the right choice, Check out our new eBook, Tweak Your Chic: Mother of the Bride.
Lucky me, (JoJami) was off to Paris for Mother’s Day and just got back!
My mother JoBee and JoJami in Paris!
Paris is one of my all time favorite cities and I have not been back in a few years so I was super excited to see what women over 40 were wearing these days!
Here we are…my mother in her new Cop Copine jacket and me in my orange, BCBG jacket that I bought last month (see post)…This jacket ended up being my everyday go to piece.
Even though it was May, it can still be cold there, so everyone was usually bundled up the entire time and layering and throwing on a scarf for warmth and style!
We found a charming and colorful scarf shop called Mandalas, and picked up a few there! (JoBee has her new scarf on!)
One morning, I stopped these two Fashionista’s for a quick photo shoot.
Ended up they were from Seattle, WA on a girlfriends trip to shop vintage. (The gal on the left was on a quest to find a weddingdress, Marilyn, on the right is a jewelry desinger!).
Gals on the street!
These two gals were looking stylish for being past 40 and 50! I was so surprised to find out that they were not French but Americans!They were sporting the all black look,that is so prevalent over there!
Vintage Prada
I saw shiny metallic shoes, handbags and tops, all over the place…on the young and not so young!
Talent and Style:
Chunky statement jewelry! Bigger is better on the streets of Paris. This is Marilyn’s own design, from her wholesale company, MB Beads!
Sequins go from day to evening:
It is hard to see in this photo, but under her lightweight ruffled jacket,she had on a gorgeous black sequin top that she had layered with a black long sleeved t shirt. It was one of their vintage finds…
Leggings and low heels:
How FAB are these little low heeled shoes with her leggings!
Dark skinny jeans and comfy flats:
Paris Hilton flats look perfectly great on her with her skinny dark jeans and sparkle top!
The best accessory is always a pooch!:
I could not believe all the women running around in high heels… This wonderful, Age-mazing gal came into the restaurant with her Burberry trench, oversised handbag, high heeled black pumps, large sunglasses, leggings and a dog!
She had just had her hair done at a local salon, it was short and very sassy! JUST LOVE the entire look!
Even the food is dressed up!
The women were lined up in all the pastry shops.How they stay so thin is a mystery to me!
This yummy cake was topped with sweet, wild forest strawberries.
It’s embarrassing…. mature women who are so addicted to”cute” that they don clothes and accessories that make them look like middle aged moms playing little girl dress-up.
Now most of us love “cute” to some degree, but you really have to be careful after 40 that you don’t go overboard with what you consider cute, or that too much “cute” begins to define your look. Clothes and accessories that are too junior will not make you look younger; they will make you look older than you, are and rather silly.
Here are a few examples of ” CUTESY” things that, believe it or not, we’ve seen over 40 women wearing. Stay away from these!
Not “Charming” over 40:
Yes they are Marc Jacobs, but don’t let designer labels make you think that anything goes. On a grown up-gal these “cute” women’s sandals will make you look like you are wearing your grandaughter’s party princess shoes.
Furrrget these!
These kind of remind us of those feather earrings we all wore in the 70′s. Feathers, fur..they’re all frankly fads, and too tacky for a grown up gal.
Ugg..
There’s Ugg boots and now Ugg purses. This mini alpine girl tote is cute….if you are an eleven year old.
Bows, ruffles, flounce, cutesy sleeeves:
This dress has them all. Stay away from clothes that are too frilly or fussy, sweet and sappy. Check your mirror. You’re a mature woman!
Time to get rid of:
Watches like this…… in a cotton candy color or with a glittery baby doll heart. They belong in teen territory!
Cute and Cozy
on this sweet young thing,(who could wear a prison uniform and look good), but on a grown up gal these pancake flannel p.j.s will most likely make you look fat and frumpy. You deserve something with a little more sex appeal than bacon and eggs-right?
Stripes are a hot trend this summer and can still be age appropriate! photo credit:The Satorialist
With an upcoming trip to Paris on the books, I (JoJami) am beyond excited to be able to report to you all, first hand, how women over 40 are dressing in one of my favorite places on earth! (Check back in May for pictures and updates!)
From what we’ve been reading in all the fashion magazines, it looks like the classic blue and white stiped t-shirt is going to be a hot trend this summer! So I’m planning on making sure to pack one in my suitcase!
One of my guilty pleasures is reading a blog called Habitually Chic, that is written by an interior designer who loves to travel. Here she has put together some great pictures that might help inspire you to re-invent this classic look into your wardrobe!
I LOVE the way the woman on the left has layered her stripes with a mustard jacket and baby blue scarf. (Don’t miss the wonderful orange watch she has thrown on for another pop of color and the hip aviator sunglasses!) I’m imagining that this woman has on nice flats or loafers with her kakis and she’s totally comfortable and feeling FAB! However, beware of this high waisted tucked in look for those who have wide hips. See how the jacket is hitting her right at her waist. You could do the same look, but keep the top untucked and then make sure the sweater is longer.
The women on the right are doing the easy, edgier version of stripes… they threw on their skinny black jeans, boots or heels and headed out the door!!!
If you want to try this look, but don’t want to spend a fortune, head on over to Target or J. Crew and try one on. Both stores have a few styles at great prices.
If you’re the mother of the bride or groom you’ve probably been bombarded with advice from friends, family and “experts” about what you should wear for your important role on the on the big day. Don’t believe everything you hear! Misconceptions, about how a mom is supposed to dress on their child’s wedding day abound!
MYTH # 1 – I Shouldn’t Wear Black
False – Years ago if you wore black to a wedding, everyone automatically assumed it was a sign of rebellion, and that you wanted everyone to know you disapproved of the match. While some older, more traditional types may still cling to this belief, most people are over it. Black is elegant and chic, not to mention slimming, and with so many attractive and classy black dresses out there, it’s silly to dismiss an otherwise flattering dress based on color alone. If black suits you, it can be a good option for a mother of the bride gown.
Just be make sure that it is going to be a semi formal wedding or formal function. Black can be too heavy and serious for a casual wedding. Also, most importantly, make sure the bride agrees that black is O.K. before taking this route! It’s her day and she has the final word.
Other options for an elegant look are dark navy,charcoal grey and chocolate brown too!
Here are 3 age appropriate looks from Nordstroms that would look lovely at a semi-formal or formal wedding:
This style would flatter most body types.
This dress is flattering and will hide any arm issues!
This dress is versatile since you can wear it with the jacket our without the jacket.
We get so many questions about this topic and because every wedding and body is unique we have put together a tip and photo packed, e-book for you called,Tweak Your Chic: Mother of the Bride.
You can download this e-book now and get instant access to all your questions!
This e-book will give you a step by step system to make sure you are making the right choices about your dress and accessories so you can feel special and confident on that special day!
Last spring as I ( Deborah) was passing by the Furla store in Toronto I noticed a beautiful display of electric blue purses in the window and had to stop.
The color was so unusual for a purse, but so magnificent, that I had to buy one. The funny thing was, I didn’t use it right away. I waited until this fall when things got cold and gray, and then I brought it out to perk up my wardrobe and my mood.
Ever since, I’ve been getting tons of compliments, and now it turns out that, this spring, my purse is very in style. Blue purses in shades of electric blue, turquoise, peacock blue and more, are everywhere.
JoJami and I took a look at what’s in the stores and found a few favorites, and not so favorites:
Oh No!
This zippered mess looks like it has been through the washing machine.(Saks)
Oh yes!
Here’s a purse with the same zipper idea, but it’s streamlined look is classier for a gal over 40.(Nordstrom)
Doesn’t work for us!
The cutesy leather bow detail combined with the sappy sweetheart lock makes this purse too high school for a grown up gal.(Nordstrom)
Works for us!
Here’s a more grown up version that more sophisticated, yet it still has an edge.(Saks)
Heck No!
Do you really want to carry a blue velour handbag with “juicy” stamped across it, and a frayed rag hanging off it at your age? (Nordstrom)
Oh Yes!
A leather bag in blue, or any other color is much classier. This Cole Haan purse, with its understated studs, is right on trend without being gaudy. ( Saks)
Don’t go there!
Too shiny, too showy. What works for Paris Hilton will make you look like you are having a midlife fashion meltdown.( Nordstrom)
Go for it!
Same shape as above, but the pebbled leather and more sophisticated shade of blue give this Prada purse an upper class edge.( Saks)
And Finally………
A GREAT PICK…………………….
Here’s a great purse for shopping, going out with gals, going to a movie with hubby and just about everything else. Have Fun. Be Bold Buy Blue! (Saks)
It’s barely spring and the flowers are already blooming.. in the stores at least!
I (Deborah) just got back from Florida and was overwhelmed by the abundance of floral pattern dresses in all the stores. Sheath dresses (Michelle Obama’s signature look) are everywhere, which is great news because they’re timeless and absolutely perfect for over 40 fashionistas! Sheath dress are elegant, not bold, but also very fresh, modern and youthful. They’ve always been my personal favorite!
Here’s what I’m seeing in the garden of fashion ……………
Painted Roses:
The elegant mix of colors and the painterly quality to the pattern makes this dress divine! (Nordstrom)
Blurred Watercolor Floral:
Another very artistic expression in bold black and white softened by watercolor brush strokes and rusched side seams.(Nordstrom)
Fresh and Feminine:
This dress is a knock-out in cream and coral-red. I tried it on, but hesitated and now I’m kicking myself. Time to order online! (Nordstrom)
Touch of Floral:
If the idea of wearing all floral is overwhelmig to you, try this cool summer shift with a floral border.(Nordstrom)
Beautiful Blue:
Blue ( especially deep blue) is a one of the most popular color choices this spring. It’s a nice warm change from black because it is softer looking against aging skin. In other words, it doesn’t wash you out, like black can.(Nordstrom)
Not your Grandma’s Florals:
One thing you’ll notice about all these floral prints, especially this one, is that they are very modern looking. This one has a unique graphic twist that makes the dress look fresh and youthful. If you still have a waist, don’t be afraid to belt your shift.(Nordstrom)
I just LOVE your website! I was wondering if you can give some ideas for wardrobe for an upcoming trip to NYC. I will be traveling with my husband, mother and teenage daughters next Memorial Day weekend. We will be visiting museums, a broadway show, and LOT of walking around and window shopping…Please could you give me some advice? Thanks a lot!
~C. Capetta
Having just been to NYC recently, we can say that the first and foremost important item is your shoes! You will need to find a great pair of flats or cute tennis shoes and work your outfits around them.
We saw LOTS of leggings or tight fitting pants with nice flats, long tops and lots of scarves and a big, oversized purse. Black is the locals favorite color.
Wearing vintage after 40 can be tough because you run the risk of looking like you’re out of date or an old lady. It is fine to wear vintage when you are young, because it is obvious that you are hip, however when you look like you haven’t thrown out your clothes for the last 20 years, it can be tricky!
