If I (JoJami) had to pick on 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 fashion jewelry 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!
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.
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!
Don’t you sometimes get sick of that blatant sexy look everywhere you turn….. Movie stars with dresses cut down to their navels, women in magazine ads with stilettos and skirts that barely cover their bums and, skin, skin and more skin with nothing left to the imagination.
Where’s the mystery? Mystery is sexy, especially after 40 when too much skin on a mature body can look downright desperate.
That’s why when we were shopping online we fell head over heels in love with these pretty, ruffled tops that are so feminine, yet seductive they made us melt.
Here’ s our vote for a classy and pretty way to look sexy this this Valentine’s Day.
Hot Coral:
This color is pretty, and it will give you some life too. You’ll may want to pair it with a light neutral colored cardigan or wrap.
You can be covered up but still look very pretty and sexy. A great choice if you are self conscious about your arms.
Form fitting:
If you’ve been working hard at the gym and you want to show that off, this is a great pick. The turquoise color is universally flattering.
Causal and Cozy:
If you are planning on cuddling up at home this Valentine’s Day, or celebrating in a more relaxed way, then jeans and this soft ruffle top will be lovely.
Elegant and pretty:
Nothing is more feminine than a pretty bow and this one is perfect because it it looks very grown-up up and elegant. The mint green is a flattering choice if you have cool skin (pink undertones).
Poetic:
Be sure that if you are wearing soft ruffly tops like these that your hair and make-up are also soft, or you will ruin the look.
We are proud to present a brand new handbag, hot off the press… The Ellen Allen Bag!
When you want to carry a bag that is a great value and be the first one on the block with one, check this out!
Wow, what a great look for Spring!
When handbag designer, Ellen Allen talks about her navy striped Murray Hill bag, she can hardly contain herself. “It’s big, organized, and sleek. It’s a sexy way to schlep.” Ellen’s enthusiasm for this tote is warranted, considering her name is on the silver logo plate that has women all over Annapolis talking. As an interior designer and a parent of two young boys, Ellen found herself constantly looking for a multifunctional bag to suit her on-the-go lifestyle. But she wasn’t willing to sacrifice style. “It was most important for me to have a bag that was chic yet practical,” she said. “Women have been choosing between fashion and practicality for years. Why can’t we have both?”
You can’t go wrong with this festive roomy bag, that has a couture look at a fraction of the cost.
Best of all, you won’t be seeing yourself coming and going.. this exclusive bag is new to the market! Either color just $180.00
Buy it here and you will get FREE SHIPPING in the U.S.!
Listen into this special interview with author, Robyn Okrant
First there was the Julie/Julia Project, then came Living Oprah~ My One-Year Experiment to walk the Walk of the Queen of Talk.
Yoga teacher, Robyn Okrant, aka LO (short for Living Oprah) is a self proclaimed, “average” almost 40 year old, who set out to find out what would happen if she put her life in the hands of televisions’ most influential personality.
The result was a full year of watching the Oprah Show (everyday), reading O Magazine, and going on line to the website as well. What happened is a fun ride down a slippery slope. Not wanting to be sponsored, Robyn chose to buy everything that she could afford that Oprah reccomended for a full year… even if that ment having to give back a freeKindle that the producers of Oprah sent her! OUCH!
JoJami read the book (Loved it!) and got a chance to interview Robyn this week to ask her some upclose and personal questions about how the whole thing went!
Listen here for this juicy chat with the author and find out if LO has worn out the cute ,age-appropriate, lepeord print flats she was instructed to buy!
Meryl Streep is looking Fab, in her new movie, It's Complicated photo credit: Universal Pictures
With the new hit movie It’s Complicated out, we were recently called upon by Rita Truschel of The News Journal, to get our input on the subject of dressing women over 40.
The author states, ” For women of a certain age, chic and fashionable hits a fresh line between matronly and too youthful.”
Deborah and JoJami were asked what they thought of Meryl Streep’s style of dressing in the movie.
We loved it! They gave her an upscale bohemian style. She wore lots of scarves and flowing, fabric in lovely muted colors that really flattered her.
Her hair was on the long side, and we liked it on her that way. Her make up was clean and fresh looking too!
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.
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)
How about those matching oven mitts! photo: www.washingtonion.com
In a recent story fromwww.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!
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
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
So, how can you pull off this falls biggest fashion trend, like these slouch leggings from Nordstroms?
Read our article over at More Magazine, and find out some of the do and don’ts of this fun and easy look!
Do you have any guidelines for Halloween costumes? Some of them are very sexy, risque, or silly. I have a Star Trek dress which is like those worn by the women in the old Captain Kirk Star Trek TV show. (Think Lt. Uhura.) It’s modest except for the skirt length being mid-thigh. Am I too old for this look now (I’m 46)?
Dear Ms. Star Trek,
Personally neither of us Glam Gals would think of dressing in a mid-thigh sexy skirt for Halloween and have not done so since around age 40. However, it really depends on the crowd that you are in and what message you want to send. If you have great legs and will be wearing dark hose, it might be alright. The best rule of thumb in dressing however is…IF YOU ARE HESITANT, DON’T DO IT!
Your inner gut is usually your best gauge and it is always better to err on the side of tasteful, than over the top. That way, you don’t have to feel self conscious and wish you had worn something else.
All that being said, having fun is the main point, and if you want to wear a short skirt or be extra sexy on Halloween, go for it! It’s the one day of the year that really anything goes!
Here at Fabulous After 40, we’ve been reporting about upcoming Fall fashions for the last few weeks. What if you want little bit of something in every category, and don’t have the time to shop around? We’ve found one designed that has it all!
Tory Burch’s new Fall collection includes pieces that are so trendy and age appropriate, you can’t go wrong. Here is a re-cap of our the Fall trends reviews in the last few weeks, and Tory’s take on them.
There’s a hard edge vibe this fall and much of that is coming from all the leather we’ve been seeing out there. Leather is extremely popular this season, especially black , because it signifies a strong independent woman.
If you want to buy into this trend, but worry it’s too rock and roll for a grown-up gal like yourself, you have a point! Black leather can look tough harsh and tacky after a certain age, so you have to be mindful about how you incorporate it into your wardrobe.
Here’s a few tips on how to do it without looking like an worn out old biker chick:
Avoid Head to Toe Leather:
Head to toe leather looks tough and flat. Instead pick one leather piece to be your focal point and mix it up with a dress or skirt in a different material. An all black look always comes across as chicer when you combine varying textures. (Saks)
A single leather piece is more elegant than head to toe leather
Ruffles
If wearing leather makes you feel too tough, then try adding a feminine detail like ruffles like this great coat is from (Nordstrom)
Ruffles take leather to new feminine heights
Pair with a Flowy Blouse:
a soft flowing blouse adds softness to hard edged leather.(White House Black Market)
A silk blouse brings a ladylike touch to hard edged leather
Use Leather as an accent:
If you just can’t get your head around leather, but want to look fashionable, why not use it to accent a part of your body such as your waist. (Saks)
A touch of leather is all you need to be in style
Don’t choose leather cliches: Do we have to say it? No black leather mini skirts
no...
No fringe…..
no!
Nothing plain weird!!!!
no!!!!
Choose Modern Shapes and Styles:
Think elegant, not rock and roll and you’ll get it right. This beautiful quilted, rolled collar jacket is classy, but still very cool.(Saks)
This quilted jacket with rolled collar is all class
We can’t believe that Gwen Steffani is all grown up and now is getting ready to join the 40 club. It seems like just yesterday she was the young up and coming rock princess and too youthful to be counted in the ranks of us Fab after 40 gals… and what do you think, does she have a tattoo?
Personally we, know that many of our over 40 friends have been “inked” for years and some that are contemplating it now, just for fun.
So you might be interested to read more about what the allure of this popular trend is, in this weeks Blogging Boomers Carnival #133 being hosted this week over at the wonderful Midlife Crisis Queen!
I am so glad I found your wonderful website. I have a question that relates to what is “age-appropriate”. I am 43 and very petite. I am in love with a trend jacket that is big for the Fall, although I usually stay away from trends. The jacket I am talking about is the Alice + Olivia shrunken military jacket, a picture of which is attached.
My only concern is the age-appropriate perception of this jacket due to the adornment? My idea would be to wear it with some nice fitting jeans, a simple white top underneath and simple sleek black or metallic heels. No excessive accessories. I have tried the jacket on and it fits beautifully.
Your thoughts on the age-appropriateness of this ensemble is greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Gail
Hi Gail,
We have been seeing this look around and we agree it is so FUN!… but here it the thing… this is definitely a trend and what we call a “statement piece”. That means that you really will not wear it all the time and if you do, people will definitely remember that specific jacket.
Also, we know that this piece is rather expensive and is in the price range that we would call an “investment piece”. We suggest that you keep looking and find one that is similar with the military look, but perhaps not so dramatic as this one.
Moreover, if you buy it, because it is so trendy you might get tired of it soon and wish you had put your money in a high quality coat that is still fun, but one that you feel good in and can enjoy for a long time. An example of this would be this one we’re showing by Tory Burch.
To answer your question if it is age appropriate, we say that yes, someone over 40 can pull this off, but it is almost “costume-like”… so you would really have to be in a funky, fun job or live in a very cosmopolitan city or environment to wear it enough to get your moneys worth.
BTW… we think it would great left open with a red plaid flannel shirt under it with blue jeans.
Deborah and I are big fans of award shows and we can’t help but enjoy the parade of glamorous starlets down the red carpet… but after checking out the photos of this years Emmy’s we realized that we can learn a lot from them as well! Moreover, we were pleased to see that this year’s show had lots of Age-mazing™ over 40 women to wow us!
Are you going to be going to a formal affair or on cruise in the next few months?
Here are some great examples of how to (or not to) dress for a formal affair and WHY we think so!
Chandra Wilson looking great! photo: www.WireImage.com/Steve Granitz
Trying to wear strapless after 40:
Here ya go… here is a women with curves that is just rocking this dress! Love the plunging “V” and bold design at the bottom of the dress. If you are going to wear strapless, make sure the dress is cut so that it is not straight across. Many strapless dresses tends to push the breasts up and squish them. She has kept her accessories simple with just a necklace and earnings and no bracelet. Great job!
Lesson: Curvy women can wear strapless!
Say No to the Bat Wings:
Let’s not put a number to age, but here’s a reality check. We don’t care when your birthday is or what the tag on your dress says, the bottom line is make sure to look in the mirror before buying a dress.
Here you can see that this dress is just not flattering with her skin bulging out under her arms.
Lesson: Look at yourself in the mirror front and back to make sure nothing’s pouring out!
This dress is just too tight!
This dress,Kyra Sedgwick, is just too much! photo: Wireimage.com/Jeff Vespa
You will always look elegant if you go simple:
Look what happens when you try to make the dress the star and not you. Black shoes, with that dress? Even though the heel matches, the black pump is way too heavy for this flimsy dress – a sandal would have worked much better. (And the red nail polish is clashing too!)
Lesson: Look for a dress that does not overpower you but plays up your best features.
Black can look harsh on aging skin:
Black can help make you look thin, but it can also age you… We actually think the style of this off-the-shoulder dress is quiet flattering and lovely, it is just that the color (or rather the lack of it!) makes Glenn look harsh.
Lesson: Black is too easy of an option. Take the time to try to find a dress that is a pretty color!
Glenn Close we love the dress, but not the color. photo: Getty Images/Jason Merritt
Sigourney Weaver , looking stunning in this simple, yet elegant gown! photo:www.wireimage.com/Jeff Vespa
Use color to stand out and have fun:
Sigourney rarely strays from dresses that are more streamline yet feminine. Yes, her body is a temple, but her taste is great too!
Lesson: Simple lines and simple accessories equal class and elegance!
Don’t forget the proper undergarments can make a huge difference, Shapewear from Sassybax or Spanx is our favorite secret weapons! If you need more detailed info on how to choose the right gown for a wedding or formal affair, get our eBook, Tweak Your Chic: Mother of the Bride!
