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!
This belt is not flattering and the bow is too cutesy for my taste!
Here is a dress that I (JoJami) have had in my closet for a while. I love how comfortable it is, but the self belt made this dress look too cutesy pie, looking for me. Also, it sort of made my tummy look fat. So I tried it with a wide leather with stretchy in the back belt that I bought recently and it updated the dress immediately! It is also much more figure flattering!
So, why not go in and see what dresses you have that you can change out the belt and look better!
I love those little half booties that were so popular last fall. I see that they are coming out again this year and would love want to buy a pair, but just do not know what or how to wear them? HELP!
Karen G.~ Minnesota.
Hi Karen,
Your timing is perfect! We just saw this add for the DKNY and here they are showing the same shoe with lots of different looks!
This ad from DKNY is an excellent example of how to look updated!
Here is why we like them:
Layering with cropped straight pants:
Great casual look, could do it with flats too! (DKNY)
Add a vest! (try one, you might like it!)
Simple white blouse (untucked)
Flat front straight cropped pants
vest. (Might want try to find one longer, if you want to hide hips)
.(DKNY)
Cute for work or out to dinner:
Back again, this layered look was popular last fall thanks to Michele Obama.
Try a skinny belt and make sure you have a pair of those opaque tights. (the ones with patterns can make your legs look fat, so keep it simple with solid colors unless you have super skinny legs)
(DKNY)
Slim Balloon pant: We are seeing a huge comeback this fall with the balloon pant. Beware this style does not work on all body types. However, if it is well cut, on the slim side, like this one, it might look great on you! Can be a fun style to try. Not so great with flats though…. (DKNY)
Scarf Action!:
Adding a long skinny scarf is an easy way to go from drab to fab! These tight, just to the ankle jeans have a little “poof” at the ankle that can actually be flattering! (DKNY)
This soft jacket pulls the entire look together:
For a modern twist on the navy or grey blazer, try one that is made of a soft fabric. Both comfortable and chic it will knock you up on the style scale! (DKNY)
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)
Beach in reece by Empress229 featuring J Crew top
We recently posted some lovely coverups to go to the beach, but here are is a great “look” to use as inspiration for something more casual. Here are some more ideas that might help:
Love the color of the one piece, no need for black when a deep purple will be just as flattering!
This white coverup from J. Crew is both chic and affordable!
The wedge sandle is perfect to give your leg a little length with out looking too sexy. It is also the updated version of the “kitten heel”.
The hat is a must, to keep the sun off our delicate face!
Bangles, bangles bangles…how fun! Mixing up the textures and thickness makes them work.
The only thing missing is some oversized sunglasses!
Carrie and the girls from Sex and the City 2 - our inspiration
Hi Glam Gals,
I would love your advice on how to dress age-appropriate to go to the beach and for swimming too.
Thank you!
Liliana.
Hi Lilana,
Nothing beats a big hat, a pair of gorgeous sunglasses, metallic sandals and a fabulous coordinating swimsuit + cover-up to look chic lounging by the water.
This year we took our inspiration from the latest Sex and the City movie set in Abu Dhabi (and shot in Morocco). Did you see Sex and the City 2 with Sarah Jessica Parker and the girls?
We loved all the colorful, flowing, and draped outfits and when we went shopping online for beachwear that’s what we were attracted to.
Take a look at these gorgeous finds:
Goddess on the Beach:
OOOh the drama! Here’s a great way to make a statement without having to put on a eensy teensy bikini!
This knotted scarf cover-up is simple & elegant and the vibrant colors and modern graphic pattern add a youthful zest. This has a matching strapless bathing suit. (Saks)
Peasant Jewel :
Do you have a bohemian side? This pretty Diane Von Furstenberg Zenya cover-up is more on the rustic side, but still very classy and grown -up because of the deep rich burgundy color.
The empire waist nicely hides any flabby tummy.(Saks)
Sassy Caftan:
If you’re legs still look pretty hot, then show them off in this eye catching kimono sleeved caftan from Trina Turk.
We like this cover-up because it’s ” cute”, (sometimes you want something cute), and yet it’s still rather sophisticated and grown up. (Nordstrom)
Elegant Seduction: Helloooo Mrs. Robinson! Don’t go near the sweet young pool boy in this number, or you may get more than your pool cleaned! (Saks)
Animal Appetite:
Grrr. It’s a jungle out there and you’re the Tigress in this lush and electrifying jungle cover-up by Diane Von Furstenberg.
All that yellow and warm green tends to look great on gals with warm coloring -peach or golden skin, or on anyone with a great tan.(Saks)
Fun and Flirty Moroccan:
A little glitz always looks fab at the beach, or by the pool. That’s why we like this Lily Pulitzer, pearly, beaded tunic with it’s asymetrical hemline. Nice and easy, loose and breezy, and 100% pure cotton, so very comfortable!!
The neutral gold sandal is the perfect choice (white sandal would be a little too matchy matchy with the white beading, so not as modern.(Saks)
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)
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.
We recently did a post about leggings and we are still getting more questions! Leggings are so tricky because they come in so many types of fabrics and colors.
Here is a photo that one of our readers gave us permission to comment on and share with you. She asks,” Is this outfit o.k.?”
White leggings are hard to pull off...
While this gal certainly has a perfect figure and terrific toned legs, these white leggings do look skimpy with that top.
These white leggings are really almost an opaque footless tight, so the fabric is too thin to wear as “pants”.
We like the top, but think it would look much classier with long shorts or flat front pants or capris.
This top is too short to wear with leggings, it will need an actual pant, shorts or skirt to go with it.
The sandals are very cute, but they would look better with a sundress than with these leggings.
Another option for shoes is, if you were to put a longer top or dress with these leggings would be a ballet flat.
One more idea is that you can certainly pull of leggings that are 3/4 length too. That way you can be cool and yet covered.
Leggings need to be used in layering outfits, not on their own. That is why using leggings in the summer is not as easy as using them in the fall/winter.
It is tough to get all these “rules” and tips straight, so we are happy that you sent in your photo to help clear things up! The biggest challenge for women after 40 who have great figures, is how to show it off and still be sexy! This gal can wear shorter shorts and probably mini’s too, but will need to make sure she is pairing it with nice fabrics and classy styles.
Please comment below with your thoughts! Or if you have a summer outfit you are wearing please send us a photo with permission to use it and we will share it with our group!
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
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.
While it was obvious that they were still getting the pool all spuced up for summer, their “Botanicl Art of Wellness” center was crisp, clean and ready for business!
It was so pretty and smelled oh, so good, that we were tempted to ditch our shopping trip and book an appointment on the spot!
Head to toe Talbots and looking polished and professional!
While checking out the facility, I spotted a woman looking so proffesional and polished that I had to stop her and ask her about her outfit. It turns out she is the Inn’s, Event Planner.
“You won’t believe it, but I’m head to toe, Talbots!” Even my purse and shoes are from there!”
I was certainly impressed that her look was so stylish and effortless from all one store! Moreover, the Inn should be happy to have such a well dressed, Event planner, that looks the part and would make anyone at ease with her polished appearance!
Talbots has been trying to update their image and reach out to a younger crowd and from the looks of things, they are doing a great job of it!
JoBee, looking Age-mazing for a date out for dinner with friends!
I can’t help it, but I’m always blown away when my (JoJami’s) mother sends me a photo of herself.
My mother (JoBee) has always been an inspiration to me and as well as a great example to always try to look your best and stay fit!
However, when she decided to get out more and try the dating scene (she was widowed a few years ago), it was a very scary and confusing time for her.
She called and ask, “What should I wear, so that I look youthful and classy?”
So after reviewing her wardrobe and making a few updated purchase, here is the Age-mazing™ JoBee,with her date, dressed in casual chic , all ready to go out to dinner with friends.
Boy, she LOOKS SOOOO HOT and she is over 70!!!!
Do you realize that all she has on is jeans and a casual top? That is right… if you buy an updated version of simple staples and then accessorize you will find that you too can start turning heads and look chic!
You can steal this look at any age, and here is how:
Step 1: Start with a colorful LONG top with a low neckline. (secret: Top must not be baggy, it should skim the body.)
Step 2: Find a great hip belt. It needs to have some streach in it. (secret: Suzi Roher belts from Nordstoms are wonderful)
Step 3: The jeans are stretch and very straight!
Step 4: Long fitted jacket. (secret: This one from Zara was not expensive)
Step 5: Long scarf, colorful, to pull the outfit all together.
The KEY is to have updated pieces that have some style and fit to them.
Yes, you can dress fab after 40, 50, 60 and even 70!!!
Please send us you favorite out to dinner look and comment below!
If you are going to be in NYC to see the shows and shop, you might be tempted to hang out up in mid-town Manhatten, but if you really want a unique adventure, you should definitely head on down to SoHo for some of the best shopping ever, no matter what your age.
In SoHo you will find more boutique type shopping mixed in with some amazing bargainsThere’s also many a cute tiny restaurants every few blocks that are perfect to pop into for a quick bite or drink~
Recently I (JoJami) got a tip that I should visit the new Crosby Street Hotel for tea in The Crosby Bar. So, after the uptown museum, I headed downtown to enjoy a wonderful treat for the eyes and tummy!
This low key boutique hotel (there is no name out front…just the bellman and a flag) is done up in what I would describe as funky-contemporary-cozy.
Here are a few photos of the decor.
Here you can come in, relax (the staff was super friendly)…and no need to feel like you have to hold out your pinky finger while sipping your tea!
The Crosby Bar
Yes, this was as yummy as it looks!
JoJami says," Loved the entire experience, would definitely come back again!"
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.
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!
It’s probably thanks to Michelle Obama that cardigans have become so popular, coming close to replacing jackets in many cases.
<<Remember her famous sparkle one, or
when Michelle wore a cardigan to meet the Queen?>>
We like cardigans for many reasons:
1) they’re comfy
2) they’re a great cover -up for our arms which are chilly because of all the sleeveless tops out there
3) cardigans hide any arm flab
4) they brighten up a plain outfit by adding texture, color and interest.
There are frumpy cardigans out there, for sure, but there are also so many cute ones to choose from… long, short, fitted, loose, in all kinds of knits.
Here’s a few we discovered that are only slightly different from the classic 1950′s type, but look totally modern today because of a simple tweak.
Sweet Sweater:
It’s called the Diamond disco sweater, and we agree this “disc go really well with dis skirt!” (LOL).. Just enough glam without being over the top. What a pretty complement to the floral skirt which is so in this spring. (Nordstrom)
Grrr..eat!
A sexy animal print and we love the modern color combo……… O.k. Here’s the “dump the frump” lesson for today.. the style of this sweater alone may scream old, but the mix of the brown and turquoise with a touch of yellow is what zips it up and transforms it into a hip and updated great find. (Nordstrom and Saks )
Ruffle:
Ruffles are in right now and this cardigan has just the right amount to look pretty but not baby- girlish on a grown up gal. Love this color! (Nordstrom)
Rosy touch:
Soft and romantic this feminine cardigan stand on it’s own with jeans or be dressed up with jewelry and a pretty skirt for a night out. (Nordstrom)
Modern Mix:
Coral and turquoise combine in modern floral pattern that brings warm skin tones to life. (Nordstrom)
Honeycomb:
Simple and elegant.Now isn’t this nicer than wearing a big old sweatshirt around the house? (Nordstrom)
Are you sick of winter? We are, and there’s hardly been any snow yet!
It’s that time of year when JoJami and I look out our windows into the cold gray landscape and think, “We’ve got to get out of these heavy, dull winter clothes, or we’re going to suffocate.”
So, what does one wear to feel happy and alive, when it’s still freezing out there, and wearing bare sleeves and bare legs would look absolutely ridiculous?
Color… for one… something lightweight, but not silly thin.. and sleeves, preferably…. if you can find them!!! ( near impossible these days)
Enter Spring’s new bright, bold and graphic jersey shift dresses. Wow, did we get excited when we saw these online! They’re bursting with color, are in fun happy prints, and they have sleeves..yes!
Never mind that they’re showing them worn with bare legs and sandals. Just throw on a pair of dark tights and cute flats and you’ll be good to go.
And they’re so comfy…… the perfect thing to wear when you’re still working on shedding those few extra pounds left over from Christmas, so you can be ready for bathing suit season. Here are a few of our favorite picks from Nordstroms:
Paisley gone crazy:
A modern update on an old fashioned pattern makes traditional look hip. Brown with white is an ideal color combo to transition into Spring. (Nordstroms)
Edgy:
Black and electric blue give this one cool sharpness. You don’t need jewelry. This dress does all the talking.(Nordstroms)
Caribbean:
Can’t you just feel that tropical breeze? This one reminds us of an island getaway at March break! (Nordstroms)
Arsty:
Looks like someone took the kid’s Spiro Giro to it. The rounded neckline is flattering to all. Graphic and gorgeous! (Nordstroms)
60′s vibe:
Never say never! It’s short, but if you have long shapely legs this Tory Burch dress worn with thick, dark tights and flats or cute boots, will make you look chic.(Nordstroms)
On the Border:
Beautiful Bordering at the V neckline, sleeves and hem give this an extra punch. For those who don’t like boatnecks, the V is a great option. It makes any neck look longer and your body look leaner!(Nordstroms)
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.