Quite possibly, because she really looked fabulous at Chelsea’s wedding!
We absolutely loved her choices. The sea foam green caftan she wore to the rehearsal dinner was feminine, chic and etheral. It was such a breath of fresh air to see her out of those pants and into something pretty and stylish.
Hillary’s raspberry Mother of the Bride gown was rich, but still soft..truly magnificent on her. The color made her complexion look creamy and angelic and that soft wavy hair….well, it only added to that classical Grecian goddess look. It looked like it was gently blowing in the breeze. A lesson to remember here- don’t have stiff looking hair. It will age you.
Now back to her dress choice–It really goes to show you that if you wear your right colors of clothing (and make-up) you will shine. Hillary is a summer – ash hair and cool skin and the colors she chose were perfect for her.
A wrong choice would have been if she had worn warm shades in stead of cool. For example, it would have been a mistake to wear a grass green dress ( grass green is warm – it has yellow in it), instead of the cool sea foam green.
It would have also been a mistake to choose a mother of the bride dress in a bright clear poppy (orangy red) vs. of the muted cool raspberry red. But Hillary got it right!
Both JoJami and I (Deborah), do color analysis, so if you are ever in our neck of the woods give us a call to set up a session.
Also we’re planning a Tweak your Chic day with color analysis included, and want to know where to hold it. Please let us know what area of the country you live in and if you’d be interested in a Tweak Your Chic day in N.Y. or L.A., Philadelphia or Toronto or wherever. We want to come to where you are!!
Finally, if you are going to be a mother of the bride of groom then you won’t want to miss reading our popular Ebook Tweak Your Chic- Mother of the Bride.It’s full of fabulous advice on what to wear on one of the proudest and most important days of your life. Those family wedding pictures are forever and you want to look your best. We’re happy to help.
They say rules were meant to be broken and we agree. Here’s a letter from a reader that drives home that point!
Hi Glam Gals,
Janet looks Fabulous at 55!
I enjoy your blog and glad there’s finally something for us over 40 women. I’m sending you a picture because I’m just not sure if puffed sleeves are too young-looking for a 55 year old woman. Should I donate this dress? What about the shoes– I thought they were cool looking but maybe I’m trying to look too young.
Thanks!
Janet
Somewhere along the line ( probably from us, as well as other fashion experts) Janet read that puffed sleeves were unflattering on a woman over 40 because they were too cutesy and also put too much emphasis on aging arms.
In general, that is true, but there are always exceptions to the rule! Here’s how we responded to Janet.
Hi Janet!
OH Wow, wow ,wow!! You are FAB!!! Thanks for writing us and sending us the photo! You are so fit and look fantastic in that dress and the shoes.
You should definitely keep them both! Your arms are toned and those puff sleeves are really not puffy at all. Plus, they’re on the long side which makes the sleeves look much more relaxed, so so you can totally pull them off! Love the shoes too.
Imagine if everyone followed all the fashion rules, then……
No minis
Jennifer Aniston really shouldn’t be wearing a mini (but doesn’t this dress make her look darn sexy at 41!)
Only show a hint of cleavage
If everyone followed fashion rules,then Halle Berry (44) shouldn’t be showing off so much cleavage (Silly! – it would be sad to cover up that beautiful bosom)
Opt for a one Piece instead of 2 piece swimsuit
If everyone followed fashion rules, then Helen Mirren (age 64) shouldn’t ever wear a bikini ( utter nonsense- she’s a boomer babe)
Steer Clear of Spagetti Straps If everyone followed fashion rules,then Lauren Hutton (age 61) should stay away from spagetti straps which are really for twenty-somethings. ( a crazy rule in Lauren’s case)
Forget Long Hair. It doesn’t look age appropriate.
If everyone followed fashion rules,then no woman over 40 should have long hair (Yah right! Any woman would die to have hair like Brooke Shields – age 45)
Do you see what we are saying?
We can give you guidelines for what’s age appropriate, but if you have the right body and attitude you can look Fabulous after 40 in just about anything.
Try some things on. Have a full length mirror. Listen to your gut. Be honest!
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
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!
Michelle Obama looked fab recently in L’Wren Scott. She’s been a teriffic fashion role model for women over 40. No dowdy politician’s wife’s outfits for her!
France’s first lady Carl Bruni has also been an elegant inspiration for how to dress at any age,
…and so has the very beautiful 41 year Queen of Jordan, Queen Rania - simple, modern and so graceful.
Glasses with evening wear is not easy to pull off!
We recently posted some amazing before and after photos of several “average” looking women who in 12 short hours turned into eye popping goddesses!
With that, several of you commented that some of the women wore glasses in their “before” photos and then had them off in the after!
Well, one of the reasons that none of the women were wearing eyeglasses in the “after” is that they all had on evening gowns.
Let’s face it, wearing your everyday glasses with a formal gown in not an easy look to pull off, unless you’re Sophia Lauren!
However, you can still be fabulous with glasses on a daily basis.
Here are our tips on this eye popping subject!
1) If you wear glasses on a daily basis, make sure you have a pair that is updated and looks good with your style of dressing.
2) Decide if you want your glasses to be a fashion statement or not.
You hardly notice that Sarah Palin is wearing rimless glasses!
Rimless glasses are a conservative choice and literally “disappear”. Sarah Palin is a good example of how to wear this style of eyeglasses.
3) If you are going to a formal event and have to wear your glasses, make sure to pick a dress that will be simple and not compete with your glasses.
4) If you have had your glasses for over 2 to 3 years, you should think about updating them.
Tina Fey looks chic and smart in these updated frames.
5) Glasses can be a way to express your creativity. If you are ready for a new pair, why not go out on a limb and try something that is colorful or a new style.
6) Know your face shape. Try on frames that will contrast with your face shape to balance you out. (e.g. If you have a long face, a more rounded frame will be best for you)
Just because you wear glasses does not mean that you can’t look chic or stylish. Just make sure that you have an entire look that is harmonious and that fits your lifestyle!
With updated hair, makeup and clothes, wearing glasses can be festive and fabulous!
You don’t see a lot of difference at first, until you look down at her neck. She looks pretty good!
You know our stand on all of this; it’s such a personal thing. There’s no right or wrong. It’s all up to how you feel. We know some of you may disagree and that’s why we throw this post in. It makes for lively conversation.
We’d love to hear your views and experiences, pro and con. What do you think of Jane’s decision to have more cosmetic surgery at 72?
Is there anything wrong with wanting to be a “Glamorous Grandma”, as Jane calls it?
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)
We recently posted a photo of Meryl Streep looking Age-mazing™ in her recent film, It’s Complicated.
It led to this email…
Hi Ladies:
My husband and I recently went to see the movie It’s Complicated. Loved everything about it. Loved Meryl’s fashion style. But really noted her Jewelry . Would you ladies have any idea who makes it? Would love something similar.
Susan F.
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.
Sometimes we meet women and tell them we write a blog called Fabulous after 40,they say, ” I’m well over 50, or I’m over 60, can I visit your blog?”
The answer is, “of course!” We’re here to encourage 40, 50, 60 and beyond to dump the frump and have some fun with fashion.
40 is just the starting point where your body starts to change, your lifestyle changes, it get harder to find places to shop and the role models get fewer and farther between.
So, just in case you gals over 60 may have been feeling left out.. take a look Helen Mirren here, and other inspiring celebrities from a great post we just ran across about the SAG awards, and looking
Makes sense…Just think of babies with their plump, round plump lips. Softer bigger lips are more youthful….but only to a point!
Your lips have got to match your face!
The problem is many women see their lips thinning and rush out and get lip fillers only to end up with “trout pout”…you know, those crazy lips that make you look like you’ve been sucking on a sour lemon and had an allergic reaction! Totally bizarre, unnatural and not youthful or attractive at all.
Just look at Nicole Kidman.
Daryl Hannah
Melanie Griffith
Cher
The list goes on… Can fillers like this ever work? Are we being unfair and just highlighting the bad cases?
If you’ve ever had your lips enhanced, let us know how they worked out. Did it work for you? Would you do it again?
Our feeling is, what’s so wrong with thinner lips? Just like, what’s wrong with smaller breasts? They’re beautiful and elegant. If you keep your lips moisturized and soft, use pretty lip glosses and soft lipstick shades, they’ll look beautiful.
This frenzy around having to have humongous breasts and lips the size of overinflated party balloons is actually gross. It’s bound to pass in a few years, and then we’ll all be looking back and laughing at how trashy and cartoon-ish women looked.
Bigger is not always better. Subtlety and elegance is the key to looking fabulous in Chapter 2 of 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!
There’s been lots of buzz about Demi Moore on the net lately. First there were nasty comments about her Age defying, wrinkle free ads for her new perfume, “Wanted”.
The gloves are off and she’s fighting mad! ” I’m 47, How am I supposed to look?” she angrily twittered back.
Do you think Demi should have even bothered to respond to comments about how she looks for her age? Has she set herself up for all this by trying to stay so youthful, or are there just a lot of jealous people out there? Tell us what you think.
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!
We are sad and disheartened to say goodbye today to one of our generation’s most prominent fashion icons.
Pin up model, movie actress and Charlie’s Angel star Farrah Fawcett lost her 3 year battle with cancer at 62 years old. She was the face (and hairstyle) that defined an era in American pop culture in the 1970s, and won over the world with her beaming smile and bombshell beauty.
She was a true Boomer Babe, and she will be missed.
“I [have a question] about the old lady hair problem…maybe you could follow up with some more hair thoughts? Techniques? Products? Pretty please?” M.N.
I am currently tackling this problem myself. (I am irritated that my grays are not as smooth as my regular brown).
But what I’m doing is taking medium hair and going back to the curling iron - Eva Longoriaish.
Also…the blonde on Desperate Housewives is sometimes straight sometimes curled…and that is a very relate-able current look for women over 40.
Long hair: Iffy. Even though that is not the popular sound byte, nor what women want to hear, so you don’t tell them because you want them to buy your product, it’s just true. Once hair is past the clavicles if your face isn’t young looking and your hair isn’t luxurious it is often just not flattering.
But extensions do help, and can make over 40 hair look a little less over 40.
The problem is the texture. Texture changes (as does face/weight/body proportions) and just blow and go hair isn’t as easy as it once was. So you kind of have to create the illusion of ‘blow and go’ with products that have protein in them (to strengthen the hair). I like Nigelle’s Blow Make Smooth Essence. This gives a little more strength and polish so you can style it easier.
Also, a reason why shorter hair tends to work better is because it not only looks like you didn’t have to work so hard, but it still looks good later in the day.
But if it is longer, making sure it’s shiny (using the curling iron, flat iron etc) helps. Can look sort of Farrah if you don’t’ start curling at the base first and click the hair through rather than pulling the curling iron to the ends and wrapping it up.”
Thanks Christopher, for your expert advice!!!
P.S. If you haven’t bought it yet, check out his book,Staging Your Comeback... it is one we keep on recommending, it’s that good!
Over the years, has your daughter ever “borrowed” your clothes or shoes? Well now the tables have been turned with our friend Sherrie Mathieson’s new book, Steal This Style ~Mom’s and Daughter’s Swap Wardrobe Secrets. We like this book because it is the perfect guide on how to borrow from younger generations (pieces that are hip yet appropriate) as well as past generations (classic items that are forever cool) – and attain great style in the process. Inside are lots of wonderful photos that make the tips easy to imitate!
Listen below for 3 quick tips from Sherrie’s new new book!
We are not surprised that there is a site that is keeping track of what Michelle Obama is wearing. Check this out, Michelle Obama’s Look Book for an up-to-date photo gallery of what she is wearing.
You can learn so much from just studying this site, from what styles flatter her figure to what colors look best on her. Also, what styles are good for work as well as age-appropriate. Apply these tips to your own wardrobe and see how they work for you!
Here are some of our picks and why…
In Paris: We have been saying how white is the hot color for summer and here is Mrs. O in Paris looking very fresh and pretty!
Photo by Yves Forestier/Getty Images
Updated suit dressing : This suit is so updated, with the 3/4 sleeves and thin belt. Her black and white flower pins are so fresh and fun!
Next up: Putting color into your look can bring some much needed life to your wardrobe. Also, the large pearls are a classy way to dress up any outfit! The simplicity and fit of this dress with the just right “v” neck makes it an easy style to try. This time she has paired it with a wide belt, also in fashion today!
Finally, this pink gown was worn early in the campain, but has been one of our all time favorite formals that she has worn. We just think it is so feminine, simple and elegant. This spring, florals are still a popular choice and this large print is bold yet the monotone color combination keeps it subtle.
Need some inspiration? There’s a great article at The Huffington Post with pictures of 6 of the world’s most beautiful women. Take a look and see if you would agree with their choices and let us know.
We’d like to add Diane Lane. She’s such a natural and always looks so happy and peaceful.
Diane Lane - a natural beauty
Diahann Carroll is another favorite. She’s classy and glamorous. Loved her in the TV show “Julia” in the 60′s and on “Dynasty” in the 80′s.
The second most important thing to think about when buying earrings is:
Bone Structure
Do you have:
Fine Bone structure – fine earrings
Small, fine bone structure? (Meryl Streep/Sharon Stone)Choose earrings that are thin, fine, flat and delicate. Imagine someone with fine bone structure like Sharon Stone in chunky wooden hoops. They would overpower her gentle beauty.
medium boned - medium size and weight earring
Medium Bone structure? (Terri Hatcher, Madonna. Liz Hurley)Opt for medium weight and thickness.
heavy bone structure- heavy earrings
Heavy Bone Structure? (Oprah, Donatella Versace) You can carry off heavy, chunky earrings.
Other things to consider when buying earrings…. Check out our next post.
Hillary’s raspberry Mother of the Bride gown was rich, but still soft..truly magnificent on her. The color made her complexion look creamy and angelic and that soft wavy hair….well, it only added to that classical Grecian goddess look. It looked like it was gently blowing in the breeze. A lesson to remember here- don’t have stiff looking hair. It will age you.
Both JoJami and I (Deborah), do color analysis, so if you are ever in our neck of the woods give us a call to set up a session.
There’s been lots of buzz about Demi Moore on the net lately. First there were nasty comments about her Age defying, wrinkle free ads for her 
We are sad and disheartened to say goodbye today to one of our generation’s most prominent fashion icons.
