Last year we posted an inspirational story of one of our readers Jill Knapp, who after finding out that she had Type 2 Diabetes, pulled herself together, lost 100 pounds and even entered and placed in a state beauty pageant!
Since last year, Jill has appeared on The Dr. Oz show and this week First For Women Magazine has a wonderful article on her and how she has changed her diet to a lifestyle that she can live with. Moreover, she is going to compete once again, at this years Mrs. Idaho International Pageant! Go Jill!!!
Jill's article can be found in the latest issue of First for Women, magazine!
JoJami recently interviewed Jill to see how she has been able to keep the weight off!
You can listen here:
Thanks Jill for keeping us inspired and thanks to all who sent in their questions!!
Dear Glam Gals,
I am really enjoying your blog and the information that you provide. I was just wondering why you continually use young models to display the clothes and styles you suggest women wear who are 40 and over? It seems counter intuitive to suggest that we embrace our age and aging bodies, yet all the styles are shown on young models, who have no bodies and are not anywhere near the age of 40! Of course we all know that clothes look better on models without curves, but doesn’t that just make it harder to embrace our age, our style, and reality? Just wondering…:-)
Thanks. I would love to hear your thoughts!
Sincerely, Wendy B
Hi Wendy,
We get this question all the time and we are frustrated too… you see to there are just no photos of “real women” out there in current clothes that you can buy! We want to be able to show you things that you can go out and buy, but all the stores insists on using ultra young and super skinny models!
A few years back, we were excited to start working with a NYC modeling agency for women over 40, but they went out of business!
That is why we try to find women on the street photos, but it can be frustrating for our readers, since most of the time the outfits the women are wearing was purchased a last season and can’t be found now.
One note, most of the styles that we suggest can be worn on most body types, it is just that they are being modeled by young, thin women!
If anyone has suggestions or ideas we would love to hear them!
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!
We know that we love to preach how NOT to buy black, but we could not help but share this Age-mazing Grandmother, who we saw shopping the other day with her over 40 daughter and grandson! The daughter was from NYC and so they had been shopping recently and bought the same shirt. Here is how they both took this simple black piece and made it age appropriate for themselves. Not only that, we have gotten many letters from you all that are asking the question, “Can I still have a more creative or funky look and not look silly?” We say,” but, of course” !!!
All black is easy to wear, when you off for a day of shopping
Here how theses gals got their hip and “funky” but casual looks:
Start with an good quality t-shirt dress, that hits above your knees. Notice that the sleeves are on the long side, so cover arms but will still keep you cool. Also, the v-neckline is wide and flattering. If it was a rounded neckline, it would not look as hip.
Did you go to see it yet? Please post your comments below!
Sex in the City II is out and I must say, these gals are all all looking Fabulous after 40!
I (JoJami) must admit… getting to see four stylish women tromping around in Dior, high heels and over the top fashion is one guilty pleasure that sure did enjoy!
One reviewer said it best, “We don’t watch Sex and the City for plot, unexpected twists or subtle characterization; it’s more like catching up with old friends, giving their clothes the once-over and plunging back into the giddy world of talking about sex and relationships.”
This is a giant powder puff of a movie, so you can totally wait until it comes out on DVD.
P.S. (To prevent any possible brain atrophy, I’m currently reading, Plato’s, Republic.)
Anyone else out there seen it or planning on going? Comment below!
Alicia Polak (on right) Founder of the Khaya Cookie Company, makes treats worth eating!
While I (JoJami) was recently at the MAC makeup store the other day, I noticed a youthful, gorgous gal that looked so chic that I had to stop her and tell her so! I do this on a regular basis and it is always the best part of my day!
When you tell a woman she looks gorgeous, two things usually happen:
1)The woman will instantly give you a huge smile.
2)You end up meeting tons of amazing women!!
This day, I hit the jackpot! Little did I know, that I had just complimented, Alicia Polak, the CEO and Founder of the Khaya Cookie Company.
Here is her story:
Alicia once worked as an international consultant specializing in logistics and project management in Cape Town, South Africa. Distributing wind-up radios in Sub-Saharan Africa brought her the realization that she wanted to create jobs for people as a means to make them self-sufficient.
Preparing fresh apricots that go into the Granola Fruit Krunchi! YUM!!
So next, she founded The Khaya Cookie Company, which provides previously unemployed women and men in South Africa with on-the job training as well as life skills training education. (<just look at that smile!)
This is all done simply through baking cookies and other fresh and natural treats! These are then exported to the U.S. and sold in stores like Whole Foods.
They further job creation efforts by working with local U.S. companies like their Distribution Center located in an economically disadvantaged region (EDR) in Philadelphia to help create American jobs as well.
So,I know next time I’m in Whole Foods, I’m going to pick up a bag!
If I’m going to splurge on a cookie, why not eat one that is super healthy and spreads the love around (and not just on my hips)!
If you have already tried these cookies, please comment below!
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.
As wedding ceremonies and receptions become more highly personalized, doesn’t it make sense that your Mother of the Bride gown should be more personalized too? Why not make it a true reflection of you? Let your personality shine through with these 5 ways to be a Stylish Mother of the Bride:
1) Find a Signature piece of Jewelry A great way to put your own personal stamp on your mother of the bride gown is to add a little glam with jewelry. If you have a favorite piece, or an antique with some family heritage, make that a focal point of your outfit. Unique jewelry will add glamour and meaning to what you’re wearing. Note: We said ONE piece! Don’t “guild the lily” by layering on the accessories! You’ll detract from your dress, and your natural beauty!
2) Add Pattern and Texture A big trend in mother of the bride gowns is to use pattern somewhere in the outfit. For an informal wedding, a mother of the bride could wear a linen skirt suit with a patterned scarf. Trés chic! For a more formal affair, you could try a wearing a vintage lace shawl over your mother of the bride gown. This will add some depth and interest to your outfit, and cover up your arms at the ceremony in a fashionable way!
3) Focus on your feet What mother of the bride gown is complete without a fabulous pair of shoes? We can’t overemphasize the importance of comfort when you’ll be on your feet all day and dancing all night. However, comfy can be stylish. Choose a shoe that inspires you, that you feel stylish in, and that feels good on your feet. Heels are always preferable to flats for style and sophistication, and avoid heavy clunky shoes no matter how “in” they are. A safe bet is always a neutral shoe or a metallic. Stay away from white or black Mother of the Bride shoes as they look too heavy. The one exception to that rule is wearing black shoes with a black dress.
4) Wear Make-up This seems obvious, but there are many women who normally don’t wear make-up, even on their child’s wedding day. The result: They end up looking washed out in photos. To look like a stylish Mother of the Bride you really do need some make-up so you’ll shine those photos. Hire a professional if you are uncomfortable applying make-up yourself and test drive your look a couple of times prior to the wedding so you don’t feel artificial on the big day. A professional make-up artist knows how to walk the fine line between overdone and underdone.
5) Choose an Interesting PurseAnother great way to express who you are is via your handbag. Choose something that says you, but still suits the formality of the affair. Instead of matching your purse to your shoes, have them blend instead. This could mean choosing a bag with the same tone beads as the metallic on your shoe, or carrying one with a coordinating print. Even if your outfit is a neutral shade, you can really pop it with a brightly colored clutch! Just keep in mind formality – the smaller and glitzier the bag, the more formal it will appear. Follow these tips for Looking like a stylish Mother of the Bride and you’ll wow your family and friends. Don’t be surprised if you overhear them say “Oooh, I love her outfit. It’s just so her!”
There are so many ways to spice up your wedding day outfit. Find out more by checking out our newest eBook, Tweak Your Chic: Mother of the Bride.
Raquel Welch is speaking out on dressing age appropriate. The former actress has a new book out that we think is going to be an interesting read!
Here is a recent interview with Ms. Welch, she comments that woman are living longer than ever and gives her take how mature women need to make sure they are walking out the door looking classy, not trashy!
Beyond the Cleavage, is her new tell all book and should certainly be an interesting read, from this actress turned entrepreneur!
When packing for a trip, it is smart to "try out" the outfits first!
When you are off to a trip, it can be mind wracking trying to plan what to wear!
So when packing for a trip it is great to make your outfits up first and then see how many different “looks” you can create.
We found that interior designer, Heather Clawson from Habitually Chic® has done just that with impeccable taste as she prepares for an upcoming trip to LA.
To see more wonderful outfit choices, you can visit her site, here!
Thisis dramatic and stunning! Don't forget the black scarf that tops it off!
Notes:
Flat shoes are comfortable and stylish
Love the oversized white tote
Simple colors all mix and match
Heather has expensive taste, however you can achieve these looks for much less and use them as inspiration!
Layering is always a good idea when heading out west, since you can never be sure it it will be hot or cold!
We always get a kick out of hearing from you and finding out what you do to stay Fabulous after 40…. Karel wrote us with this story.
Hi Glam Gals,
Looking for energetic women over 40 who are still active? I have been ice-skating with my pal, Valerie for over 30 years and we continue to teach! I will be 48 this year! With the Olympics around the corner, we encourage adults to get on the ice! We look forward to hearing from your readers!
Karel Zubris
Diamond City Figure Skating Club, Wilkes-Barre, PA
P.S.
Right now, I am oldest coach in the group. (48) Here are some photos of me teaching.
This FAF reader still ice skates and help with the Special Olympics!
I even had the honor of presenting an honor to 2002 Olympic Figure Skating Champion Tara Lapinski for her charitable works when she first performed in Wilkes-Barre back in April 2002.
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!
Catherine Zeta-Jones always tries to look her best!
Here is an inspiring headline we saw recently:
Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones doesn’t dress down – even when she does the food shopping.
Catherine Zeta-Jones commented: I owe it to my fans to wear my best when I go to the supermarket.
The Glam Gals have chatted endlessly about what to wear to the grocery store and we feel the same way as Catherine does; there is no reason not to try to look your best when you go out.
That being said, you can still look great and be comfortable, but it takes some strategy.
First you need to have your “going to the grocery store” outfit all ready.
This outfit should consist of:
cute but comfortable shoes or flat boots
stretch pants or stretch dress
coordinating stretch top
if your having a bad hair day, then you will need a cute cap
The fun part is gathering all the pieces, and then finding a special hook or spot where the entire outfit is always ready to go.
Most women don’t need more than 1 going to the grocery store outfit per season, since you rarely run into the same person when you’re out.
However, If you shop a lot ,you may want to have a 2 or 3 slightly different versions of your shopping outfit. So instead of creating one going shopping outfit you would create a going shopping module. Modules are a way of dressing that save you tons of time and money while giving you more versatility. To find out more about how to create your own wardrobe modules you can read our ebook Chic on the Cheap- How to create a wardrobe on a budget.
We recently asked you all to share your stories and inspirations with us, we love hearing from our readers and wanted to share with you some of the gals that have sent in photos looking fabulous after 40!
You ladies all ROCK!!!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Laura from Florida:
This Mother of three changed her diet and now does weight training.
Hi:
My name is Laura and I am a 43 year old mother of 3 beautiful children. Hitting 40 was a turning point for me. My body started changing. I had fat in places I never had it before. My skin started to change and my energy level was very low. I was not feeling too good about myself. I was addicted to sugar and even thought I may be hypoglycemic.
It was time for a change. I went back to school and am now a Nationally Certified Personal Trainer. I just competed in an NPC Figure Competition and came in third place in the open age division. I will be doing more competitions this year and plan on winning first place!!!
I recently spent the day with Jennifer Nicole Lee from the AB Circle! What a great experience. I always learn something new to share every time I meet someone new. I enjoy sharing my love for health, exercise and nutrition with others. My goal is to help other women and moms be the best they can be!!
Laura Eckstein
Florida
Pam:
A U.S. army soldier for 20 years. You look fabulous!!!
Hi,
I started perusing your site when it was mentioned by a couple of members on a forum I belong to. I saw the piece on regular Glam ladies over 40 and I figured …why not? I thought I would submit a few photos of myself as a Glam Gal over 40 who looks and feel Age Amazing. I’m a mother of 3 lovely kids, whose a US Army Soldier (20 years and counting) and I love fashion. I love dressing up I hope you think I’m age amazing as well.
Description of clothing: Blue jewel top and boots are by Calvin Klein, black jeans are by the Gap. Jewelry is by Silpada.
Grey cashmere ruffle sweater by Gap (2 years ago).
Donna from New Jersey:
Sleek and sexy. What a figure!
Interesting to note: All these gals have long hair and look great which disproves the silly theory that you can’t wear long hair after 40.
This FAF reader is looking red hot at age 42! Read on to find out how...
Hi ladies,
I lost 23 lbs, four years ago and at 42 years old I am in the best shape of my life. I keep fit by eating a healthy diet consisting of lean protein, lots of veggies, whole wheat grains and nuts. On weekends I eat and drink whatever I want.
My quest for fitness started after reading a great book titled, Body for Life by Bill Phillips. It was then that I started eating healthy. and implementing an exercise program incorporating weight training for the first time in my life. Weight training is very important for us over 40 girls. It sculpts your body like nothing else, revs up metabolism and helps with bone density health.
My workout consists of weight training twice a week, kickboxing classes and gym or outdoor cardiovascular activity five times a week.
Thanks for a wonderful informative website, keep up the good work!
Sandy Roffe
Thanks Sandy, you have certainly inspired us, wow, your body looks absolutely terrific!!!
After reading your letter, I (JoJami) called a girlfriend and sent her your story and photo and she flipped. So now, we have a date to go to the gym on Thursday to start our first weight training workout. She has “the book” and did Fit for Life about 4 years ago with great results and is ready to get back on the program again! I do not need to loose weight, but I am looking forward to toning up and eating better!
I hope I can post a photo like yours one of these days!
We asked you to send in your thoughts and ideas about what you are doing and thinking and what kind of new products you are developing…
Here is the first in a series of posts we will do to feature, YOU… are Fabulous After 40 ladies!!
We think Lauren Traub Teton who is the founder of www.Twifties.com was the perfect gal to start things off . Lauren came up with the name “Twifties” to describe people in their 40′s, 50′s, and 60′s (and plus!) who are fit, fun, feeling good, and enjoying life.
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!
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.
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
