Wearing vintage after 40 can be tough because you run the risk of looking like you’re out of date or an old lady. It is fine to wear vintage when you are young, because it is obvious that you are hip, however when you look like you haven’t thrown out your clothes for the last 20 years, it can be tricky!
This gorgeous vintage piece is age appropriate! photo credit: Atlantis Home
Here is a great example of a lovely gray vintage dress that we found on Atlantis Home. This 80′s silk, jersey dress is super flattering with the way it ties at the hip. The way it drapes would hide the tummy area nicely and is a style that one can wear at any age.
Vintage pieces also tend to have pretty details, like these covered buttons on the sleeve.
Now can you tell the difference between this new outfit that she just bought?
This fabulous bright leather skirt and coordinating sweater from the latest 2010 fall Lyn Devon collection is classic and could be from any era. She has updated it with some super hip, thigh high boots. (This look might be over the top for some, but we think she can certainly pull it off!)
This bright skirt is from the new Lyn Devon collection photo credit: Atlantis Home
So the moral of this is… if you are going to try to pull off vintage, make sure you are going to update it with current shoes and accessories and that you can’t tell that it is vintage.
Do you love outlet shopping? If so, beware… you might think you are saving money, when in reality you are spending more and coming home with nothing that satisfies your urge to have something wonderful to wear!
Here are some of the top mistakes women make when shopping at an outlet or large discount store!
1) Shopping with no idea or goal on what you want to buy.
If you go to an outlet with no idea what you need to buy, it can wipe out wallet. Moreover, you will get to the store and probably feel totally overwhelmed. Instead, before you leave, go to your closet and see what you need. Then make a list and take it with you!
2) Getting off track.
Once you decide what you are looking for (e.g. Is it a new casual outfit? Or a new dress for an upcoming event?) go into the appropriate store, find the sales person and tell her what you are looking for. That will help you stay focused on what choose to take into the dressing room.
3) Buying ANOTHER black item!
Unless your goal is to buy something in black, we find most women over 40 tend to have way too much black in their closet already. Wearing less black is super hard to do, but the rewards are great! By avoiding buying anything black, it forces you to add something colorful to your closet which make you feel like a million bucks!!
4) Trying on all Colors
Beware that not all colors suit all skin types. You need to be aware which colors look best on you and stick with only those. If you stick with one “season”, then all your clothes will mix in match in the future! If you pick items from all sorts of different color categories, you will actually limit the outfits you will be able to mix and match in the future. (For more help with this, contact your local image consultant for a color consult! It will be totally worth it!!!)
5) Letting those SALE tags seduce you into buying!!
You may be tempted to buy things when you see all those wonderful “discount” prices…but don’t do it! Instead, really slow down and ask yourself these 3 questions:
~Do I already own something similar?
~Do I love the fit, color and style of it?
~Is it something that I will be able to wear and it makes me feel special? (this is the most important question to ask yourself!)
If you put limits on what you buy, it will help you make a better buying decision! Most women find that they buy “safe” items or just basics…like another pair of jeans or simple t-shirt. If you are going to an outlet, now is the time to find that special piece to add to your closet! Don’t blow your money on things that you can pick up just anywhere!
6) Not trying things on!
We’ve all done it. You are at the counter and you pick up that last little item and just throw it in the pile without even bothering to try it on, because of course the price is “just too good to pass up”! This is a big mistake. We have found more times than not, when we go and try it on, we really didn’t want or need it.
Please share with us your comments, frustrations or tips,we want you to join in on this conversation! (Just press the “Leave a Comment” button below)
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!
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!
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.
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.
Would you go to NYC and buy a “knock off” designer handbag?
We don’t think it’s a good thing to do, but we have friends who couldn’t resist the temptation and ended up buying a knock-off or two for themselves, or their teenage daughter who was dying to own a Coach or Gucci bag. These brands are being copied and sold on the “infamous” Cannal Street in New York City . Recently, the NYC cops have been cracking down on these “knock off” vendors.
To read about a first hand experience on of our Blogging Boomer friends had, and to readother Boomer related lifestyle stories, check out the Midlife Crisis Queen. She’s the host of this week’s Blogging Boomers Carnival!
Have you updated your handbag lately? Are you ready to step up your game and have a gorgeous designer bag?
Want something that if you invest in it, can be updated?
Well, you can do it right here!
We love this leather handbag by Kara James. The cool thing about this bag, is that the straps can be updated and changed.
We featured these bags a few months ago and got so many letters of women wanting to find out where to buy it that we are super excited to bring you our first Sample Sale!
First of all, Kara James is a hot new designer out of Canada who is taking the states by storm. Already seen on the arm of several celebrities,now you can get one for a fraction of the original price.
You will love this well made all leather bag and get lots of compliments on it!
We only have a limited supply of them, so hurry and don’t miss out!
Well, as you might have heard, I, (JoJami) was in NYC last week when the rain totally blew my plans to visit the Botanical Gardens, however… not one to complain, I decided to check out the shopping!
When in NYC I always love to check out Bergdorf Goodman for just the plain decadence and to check in on what the creme de la creme of society is buying. With classic labels such as Chanel and Armani surrounding you on one side and the hottest newcomers on the other, the entire experience can really get your creative juices flowing and have you seriously contemplating getting a second job!
Anyway….I digress… what I wanted to share with you was the highlight of my BG experience was chatting with one their sales associates. She was super friendly and looked so gorgeous I had to ask her if her dress was a Missoni!
How old do you think she is?
YES it was but she got it last year! (BTW, She is 52 and a grandmother). She had updated it with a big chunky necklace from Anthropology and the shoes are from Zara.
Did you happen to read our recent blog on where Sigrid Olsen is now?
I (JoJami) recently interviewed the beautiful fashion designer so you can hear her story on how she has re-invented herself now that she no longer designs for her namesake label.
After 25 years of working “like a mouse in a cage” and never having time to take a vacation or a yoga class, Sigrid now runs her boutique/art studio only a few steps from her home in Massachusetts.
Moreover, not to be missed is her upcoming Yoga/Art retreat that she will be teaching with her Yogini sister in Tuscany. We have heard that her retreats are first class and life-changing!
She had read our post about age appropriate shoes with cutouts wanted to share with us shoe trends on display in Venice. Nicki said the Italian women looked fabulous! “Some of the Venetian women and an older blond gal in Lake Como looked beyond wonderful. You would have loved them and their outfits.”
Thanks for thinking of us Nicki and sending the photo! Looks like patent leather is going to be big this Spring!
Love the patent green half bootie heels, behind the green pumps on the bottom shelf…how stylish!
We love watching these beautiful photos from the Paris Spring Haute Couture shows roll in.
Sure, these gowns are pure fantasy for 99% of us who could never afford such outlandishly priced creation… but what wonderful eye candy to inspire and uplift us during this cold, drab winter!
These dresses are from the Christian Dior Spring Haute Couture Collection. The detailing and colors are exquisite!
Chic in Paris has a great post that takes you up close and front row to some of the top shows in Paris.
Michelle Obama wore a white ballgown by Jason Wu on Inauguration day. Now we’ll probably see other high profile women and celebrities turning out in white too thanks to the new Chanel Spring Couture collection by Karl Lagerfeld. His mostly all white (with some black) paper theme was designed to show you that you can have luxury without the bling; that luxury is in the details, and that this collection expresses a “new modesty.”
There were a lot of A-line dreses, classic cropped Chanel jackets,detailed beading, applique floral detail , lace and frills. It’s a very fresh and feminine collection but created for “the very rich,” not the “nouveau riche.” Still, the idea of white with gorgeous detailing is bound to trickle down to more affordable styles.
White is a beautiful option, but after 40, can look a little stark against aging skin, so be sure to choose a soft white, or even something slightly creamy if you have yellow undertones. Aren’t the headpieces wild? Works of art! To see more of the collection click here.
Karl Lagerfeld’s new “white” couture collection for spring 2009 left us wondering what’s in the stores in white for us regular gals. Here’s some cute things we found that are modern and age appropriate.
Liked this simple shift from Caroline Hererra.
Milly (one of our favourites) is showing this cute dress. This dress looks a little short in the photo, but it may be that the model is so tall. Nevertheless, you’d want to have good legs to wear this one.
Lida Baday is a Canadian designer. This spectator dress would look great on a number of body types, except for gals who are big busted. You need something more open at the neck.
David Meister is another favorite of ours. He’s showing a classy one shoulder Grecian inspired dress.
Finally, Here’s one from Kay Unger for those who prefer black with white.
Well, as much as we have enjoyed the first lady’s fresh approach to dressing, the Glam Gals are both disappointed in Michelle Obama’s dress for the “BIG DAY”!
Jo Jami’s take… “Actually from the waist up, I think the outfit photographed very well. She looks absolutely royal and very pretty….but when I saw her in full length, the fabric was so bulky that it certainly was not figure flattering and oh boy, the shoes absolutely did not fit with the dress… just too plain and (were they really green???? YUK!)”
Deb’s take… “My heart sank when I saw her. I adore Michelle’s style and was expecting something exciting and modern. She made a bold, confident choice, however, I thought this heavy sparkly dress made her look rather matronly and old. The dress may have been gold, but it read pukey green , and the jacket wasn’t as flattering as it could have been considering her lovely figure. She’s a beautiful woman, yet all I could think was the only thing missing was a big fluffy hat, and she would have looked like she was channeling Queen Elizabeth.”
O_n a more positive note, her girls look absolutely delightful in their outfits from J. Crew.
One recent outfit of Michelle’s we did love was this Narciso Rodriguez camel/black number. Very chic! She wears his clothes well.
Also several of non-designer dresses she has worn have been her best picks to date!
Look how lovely she looks here!!! This dress was only $34.00 from H&M!!! It just goes to show, that its not about how much money you spend, its all about, how it fits your body, the fabric and how you put an outfit together from top to bottom.
Michelle Obama has the potential to be a Style Icon. She’s under a lot of pressure, but as Lucinda O’Sullivan from the Independent points out, it’s just going to take a little time for her to find her own way. To see more pictures of our new first lady, go to Yahoo Lifestyle.
Talk about keeping hip and chic after 40, fashion designer, Donna Karan is still fabulous, now that she is turning 60, according to this weeks Blogging Boomers Carnival #91. Her line of DKNY clothes have always been one of my (JoJami’s) favorites, in that they are comfortable, chic and age appropriate.
Wondering where can you find them? First check out her string of DKNY stores across the country. They can also be found in the top retail chains such as Neiman Marcus, Sacs, Bloomingdales, and Nordstrom’s to name a few.
To find out who else is having a birthday in Oct., go to this week’s Blogging Boomer’s Carnival, hosted over at
We got a a chance to meet Isaac Mizrahi, best known as the designer who revolutionized the fashion industry by teaming up with Target to launch a collection of chic, but reasonably priced clothing and accessories.
Isaac (who is pretty cute in person!) was on stage at at the MORE magazine Reinvention Convention and was the hit of the day!
He was frank, funny and full of great advice. When asked…….he said…..
Q. How do you know when You are dressing too Old?
A. ” The minute you no longer feel sexy”
Q. How do you know when you are dressing too Young?
A. “When people start looking at you funny like something smells bad.”
………..Doesn’t that just sum it all up?
Isaac was at the MORE convention to promote his new bookHow to Have Style. He says having great style starts with inspiration and the way to do that is to collect pictures of things you love, put them up on a corkboard and suddenly a picture will emerge of who you are and how you should dress.
It’s a great idea. Kind of reminds us of what you you do when you want to decorate your home.
What other tidbits of wisdom did the Style guru dish out?
Style is 70% confidence! Have the confidence to make yourself the authority of your style.
Style starts with a passion. Then add tailoring and high heels.
Don’t buy on sale. Only a very trained eye can find a bargain. (wholesale is different)
You can check out Issac’s new web show coming soon at www.watchisaac.com
Saw some great sexy, very wearable Anne Klein clothes at a recent fashion show at Verity in Toronto and wanted to share the pictures with you for inspiration.
Here’s what was coming down the runway for Fall/Winter 2008. << Isn’t this sweater darling?
Grey definitely seems to be the color of the season! Notice the hat>>
We wrote about this kind of hat in our last newsletter>
Always love a simple sheath! Also, gloves everywhere.
Grey can be hard to wear if you are warm skin toned, but you could pair grey pants or a grey skirt with a purple jacket like this. >>
I (Deb) bought this purple jacket>>>
Brown was also hot and we love this coppery shade of brown, below. Big jewels are also in.
Here’s a trench with a similar finish. Nice for the holidays.
These are beautiful, no nonsense clothes that make you look look fab.As the late Anne Klein, herself, neatly put it, “Clothes won’t change the world. The women who wear them will”.
Tibi is a fabulous contemporary line we discovered when we were on the lookout for a couple of dresses for a recent TV interview.
JoJami found this smart pumpkin military style dress, and I picked up a chic Kelly green shift. These dresses are super comfortable knits and look perfect with dark tights and boots, or platform pumps.
Amy Smilovic is the designer behind Tibi. Her motto is “casual chic”. Amy’s influences comes from childhood. Her father was an artist and that comes through in her clothing, as she is know for her brilliant use of colour.
Tibi is showing at New York Fashion Week. Check out what they’re showing for Spring 2009.
drapy lines, lots of fabric and balloon-like harem pants
high waisted pleated pants and bubble skirts
This is what they’re showing for Spring 2009 at New York Fashion Week.
Doesn’t sound too wearable for us gals after 40!
Just finished listening to a great report from two AICI colleagues who are covering the shows, including this (at Catherine Malandrino, and we agree with their take on it all).
They’re saying that if these voluminous styles make a six feet tall, 100 pounds model look big in these can you imagine what the average woman would look like in them?
Wearing vintage after 40 can be tough because you run the risk of looking like you’re out of date or an old lady. It is fine to wear vintage when you are young, because it is obvious that you are hip, however when you look like you haven’t thrown out your clothes for the last 20 years, it can be tricky!
Aren’t the headpieces wild? Works of art! To see more of the collection 
Tibi 
This is what they’re showing for Spring 2009 at New York Fashion Week.
To hear their behind the scenes N.Y. fashion week report, check out their 
