When you have curves it can be tricky to find clothes that have some style to them. However, we have been chatting up the wonderful selections from Lola and Gigi for years and their on-line shop just keeps getting better and better!
Here is a video of their new Spring Collection that has it all from great daytime dresses to special occasion.
Enjoy!
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:
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
Click here to Buy NOW!
Don’t miss out on this Special first time offer!
We recently posted a letter from a reader who can’t wear heels because of foot problems and wanted to know if she could wear leggings with clunky flats.
When we mentioned that instead, she should try some flat boots, she ran out and found a pair at Nordstrom’s!
Now leggings and jeans are fine, but what if she wants to wear a skirt? Since these boots are very casual they will be look best with pants…
Flat boots like these will be comfy for those with foot problems
However, here is a skirt that will work with them too. You could also try a casual dress, like a sweater dress.
Colorful skirts make fall dressing festive
Don’t forget to make sure to find opaque hose (not sheer) or tights that match the boots. This will give the leg a longer look.
We went to Boden.com and Spiegel and found lots of great casual styles to choose from! At Boden, you can even “try” the clothes on a fantasy model and see what they would look like on a person!
Here is another combination we liked:
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This skirt from Spiegel, would be a good length and weight to balance this boot.
And, for extra comfort and support, don’t forget some Dr. Scholl’s inserts!
Hi, Deborah and JoJami,
I would love your advice on how not to look frumpy when I have to wear clunker shoes because of foot problems. Because of an old skiing injury, I have been unable to wear heels since I was in my 20’s, which makes it hard to look and feel sexy, or even professional, when I want to dress up. I’m limited to certain brands of shoes recommended by my foot doctor and orthopedic surgeon so it’s not just a matter of being able to wear flats.
For example, I’d love to wear leggings this Fall as shown in the photo on your website, but I can’t wear heels.
I’d appreciate any advice you can give me. Many thanks!
- Nancy
Dear Nancy,
We sure wish we could wave a magic wand with your problem, but it is not that simple. However, your problem is one that many women face. We get letters all the time from women that can not wear heels.
That being said, you can still look fabulous but just have to try styles that might not be the latest trends.
The good news for you is that with styles changing so often, almost anything goes when it comes to pant styles.
When you are stuck having to wear clunky shoes, there are several things to make sure you do not do. First off, is leggings will be out of the question for you. Since the style is really a “pencil” shape, no matter what you do, legging will just not look good with a clunky shoe. Instead, you will need to opt for any pant that has a wide leg and (or) has some flair at the bottom.
This will still be stylish, and you can wear almost any shoe. Also, there are some great brands of shoes out there that do sell some comfortable shoes that don’t look orthopedic.
Here are some styles from Zappos.com that we suggest:
 These Taryn Rose flats are comfy and stylish |
Actually if you can wear this type of flat shoe you could still wear it with a skinny jean and look great! |
 This is good with pants only! |
Once you have to start wearing more orthopedic looking shoes like these, you can easily see that style starts going out the window. |
 Another simple but elegant choice |
However once again, if you wear these with the right style of well-fitted pants, you will still look great! |
Is fear of flabby arms are on your list?
If you were to make the top 10 list of getting old what would they be?
We know many of you worry about how to deal with flabby arms. ( The Glam Gals suggest that you try a great shape wear product called Sassybax)
Bottom line is when you look at your fears face on, you might be surprised to find there are some ready solutions to many of them…
This is just one of the topics in this weeks Blogging Boomers Carnival #132, that you might find interesting.
To read more about this and other Boomer topics, you can check out at this weeks Carnival host, our friend Rhea over at the Boomer Chronicles.
Today we wanted to share another cute article from our guest bloggers at Writing without Periods. Here is Jenny’s saga of “if the dress does not fit, what then?”… ENJOY!
Adieu Perfect Dress, Until We Meet Again
by Jenny Archer
THE DRESS
Three years ago, I searched many department stores and boutiques, tried on many other dresses that didn’t measure up until I finally found it. When I slipped into it and looked into the mirror, there were no doubts in my mind. This was THE PERFECT ONE. It was love at first sight. We were made for each other. We complemented one another in every way — our shapes, our coloring. THE DRESS was simple and comfortable. Beautiful. I took a deep breath before I wrote the check. I had never paid as much for a piece of clothing. But I decided it was worth every penny.
A couple of weeks later, I wore THE DRESS to a ceremony where I was a finalist for a writing award. I required no Spanx that night. The PERFECT ONE fit like a glove. I didn’t win the award, but I still looked and felt like a winner, thanks to THE DRESS. I went home, had it cleaned, and put it away in the back of my closet to await another occasion worthy of its class.
That event occurred last month in Washington D.C. I packed THE DRESS carefully for the trip, treating it with the reverence it deserved. I packed my Spanx, too, since I was pretty sure I had gained a pound or two over the last 3 years.
On the night of the event, I wiggled into my Spanx, took THE DRESS off the hangar, slipped into it. Reaching behind me, I pulled the zipper up to my waist — that’s where it stopped. I needed help. I asked my roommate to zip it the rest of the way. She tugged the sides of the bodice together in back, tugged harder, said, “I’m afraid I’m going to break the zipper if I pull it hard enough to close it.” Another tug, then she added, “I don’t think it WILL close.”
The "other" dress
“Ohmygod!” I shrieked. “Have I gained weight in my back?” Reality check: If I couldn’t zip up while wearing the Spanx, I had gained more than a couple of pounds over 3 years time. That didn’t bother me as much as the realization that I would not be wearing THE DRESS that night. I hadn’t brought another dressy frock, so I had to wear this one, which is funky and fun, but I was a bit casual for the occasion.
Oh, well. When I was 14, my junior high homemaking teacher taught me that when it comes to fashion, a woman can get by with just about anything by following this simple rule of three: “Sit up straight, hold your shoulders back, and stick out your personality.” So that’s what I did.
My perfect dress and I will share another special night. That is a promise. I love it too much to let it go forever. (Besides, it was too damn expensive to only wear once!) I read an article today written by somebody supposedly in the know who said it’s a fallacy that women gain weight as they age because of hormonal changes. Said person in the know claimed that the weight gain is due to the fact that we become less physically active, and that by exercising and eating sensibly, middle aged and older women can maintain their slim figures.
I’m putting the expert to the test: I found that Yoga video and pulled it out, dusted it off, and soon it will make its way into the old VCR. And I’m trading in my almost-nightly glass of red wine for Mary’s Mellow Mellow.(Find recipe here) When I am able to zip that zipper again, I’ll post a photo of me in the dress, but please don’t hold your breath. It might take awhile!
Thanks Mary and Jenny for your fun take on another common fashion dilemma! Also be on the lookout for more of their witty antics, since they are now officially members of our weekly Blogging Boomer Carnival!
Welcome aboard!
JoJami and Deborah
It is easy to feel frumpy after 40, especially when life in general is all about dressing casually. I (JoJami) was out on a group hike over the weekend, and was chatting with a fellow hiker about her frustrations with her everyday dressing techniques.
Dresses are a great summer option to shorts or capris
Hiker Sue: I am petite and my middle has spread, even though I exercise and eat moderately. I am not interested in looking fashionable, I just want to dress age appropriately.
JJ: I understand how you feel, we hear the same story from our FAF readers all the time who write us and complain that they can’t find anything at the store anymore.
Hiker Sue: What I do now is wear the same “uniform” that works for me. I love khaki pants and simple t-shirts. I also find that I don’t wear heels much anymore, because I like to be comfortable when I walk around town.
JJ: Well, have your tried putting little dresses into your casual wardrobe? They are so wonderful, you feel more feminine and you can wear flats or heels with them.
Hiker Sue: You know, a lot of women have given up wearing dresses because of chaffing! Their thighs rub together and it makes wearing dresses really uncomfortable!
JJ: Actually, I have not really thought about that!!! Thanks for bringing it up!!
Oh my, chaffing thighs under dresses is a terrible problem. But ladies, there is a solution!
If you find wearing dresses uncomfortable, we highly recommend that you wear some shapewear under your dress. The little “bike short” style is just perfect to go under any sundress and will totally eliminate the chaffing problem. We found a ton of these over at Bare Necessities in a variety of styles and sizes. Make sure you grab the thigh slimmers that have a flat band around the leg opening so they don’t roll up, and long enough for comfort (probably right above the knee). Not only will they stop your thighs from rubbing together, they will smooth out your legs and midsection too!
So we hope you will go out and try on a new dress and add it to your casual wardrobe. Find some cute flats and also some matching heels and see how you feel!
Then send it in and let us share it !!!
Meet the Blogging Boomers!
We have had a great time participating, hosting and blogging in the past year, with a group of expert bloggers, better known as The Blogging Boomers Carnival.
Each week one of the members hosts and this week it is our turn to introduce you to our members. So here they are, the infamous BBC #126 and a short blurb about the topics they are discussing this week:
Bathing suits–let’s not kid ourselves says SoBabyBoomer–are underwear, but worse. For, unlike underwear, they do not work behind the scenes. Bathing suits are the whole show. Now, especially for boomer women, new innovation is emerging in bathing suit design.
Barbara Weibel at Hole In The Donut Hole travels to Chicago, the home town she fled oh so many years ago, and discovers that her toddlin’ town is an awesome city!
Can’t remember the last time you spent a day without your cell phone, email or even a clock? Janet Wendy at GenPlus found a day at Whistler, BC, really was a reminder of our need for connection to Mother Earth.
Yes, you can be 51 years old and still learn new things, like how to play the violin. This exciting news you can read more at the The Boomer Chronicles.
BLURB: Have you checked your brain plasticity today? The Midlife Crisis Queen says you had better get to it!
Vaboomer.com will NOT see the new movie “Orphan”, read why:
If the thought of putting your dog into boarding kennels is derailing your travel plans, Ann at Contemporary Retirement has a potential solution.
Mediation lawyer Laurie Israel tackles affairs, “training marriages’, marital mediation and a whole slew of other topics in her latest article on LifeTwo.
Midlife crisis has killed many a marriage. But what if there were a way to turn that crisis into an opportunity and save your marriage. Dina Eisenberg shares what happens when one wife ‘just says no’ to divorce and saves her marriage.
Andrea J. Stenberg at The Baby Boomer Entrepreneur asks “Doesn’t anybody follow up any more?” This little rant about lack of follow through should be a warning to business owners.
And here at Fabulous After 40 the Glam Gals post the question, Do comfortable shoes have to be ugly? You can see some good examples and you might win a free pair to!
Cheers for now,
The Glam Gals
JoJami and Deborah
Our reader Kathryn recently wrote us to ask what to wear to an informal class reunion to be held at the local pub, in the dead of winter (it is winter for our readers in Australia) .
Katherine sent this photo and asked, "Does this look good on me?"
The grey and black layered and belted look, shows that she is up on her fashion trends, however we felt that we could dress her cute figure to flatter it a bit more. So we sent her some homework and asked her to send us what she came up with.
Here are the other options she sent us, for round 2:
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Even though it is an informal event, we think this outfit is way too casual if Kathryn wants to dress to impress! The layers hide all her curves, and the checker shirt and clunky shoes make her look very masculine. The long, light colored top is the wrong proportion on the body, and makes her legs look very short in comparison. This is definitely not a look we’d recommend. |
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This look is much nicer! It looks classy and crisp, and the shapes flatter her figure. The only point we’d make is that it’s just too conservative! From the first outfit to this one, we’ve lost all Kathryn’s style sensibility. Where’s the funky trendiness we saw in the first outfit? |
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Finally, we think this outfit is a slam dunk! The black belt pulls in the narrowest part of Kathryn’s body, and the fact that it’s all one color makes her look longer and leaner. We have the boots again, however she had another pair in her closet that fit nicer and hug her leg, which adds a little sexiness to the outfit. She added back in some of her personal style with the necklace and bracelets. We believe this is the best outfit yet! Our only suggestion would be to add a little color into the ensemble. Perhaps wear a bright colored blouse instead of the white to give your face some color. Maybe try wearing a colorful scarf or holding a colored bag. Adding a pop of color will give her outfit some visual interest, and help her stand out! |
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Kathryn also sent us a picture of her coat. Isn’t it adorable? We love the winter white wool trench with the cinched waist and decorative vintage pin. The A-line is a perfect cut for her too. That just goes to show that even in sub zero weather, you can still look hot! |
Do you exercise enough?
Many of us after turning 40, have experienced yo-yo dieting — losing pounds only to gain them back again after a short while. Since we get so many of questions about weight, especially during the summer months, we wanted to pass along an article posted at Hole in The Donut – the blog that is hosting this week’s Blogging Boomers Carnival.
What is a Blogging Boomers Carnival? It’s a group of expert bloggers that write on a variety of different Boomer Lifestyle issues. It’s our way to share with you some of the top blog stories and keep you up to date on not just fashion, but some other interesting topics.
Let us know which stories you like!
Dear Glam Gals
Please advise. I’m a tall woman (1,76 m), inverted triangle with a little tummy. I was given some very long A-line skirts of good quality and would like to shorten them since they are my ideal skirt shape.
I have long, well-shaped strong, not skinny, legs with rounded calves and a tiny hint of X-leg. Which length should my skirts be to look good? I understand that long skirts are not really that fashionable right now and feel that shorter looks more modern.
Thanks in advance – you’ve been a great help since I discovered your site!
Best regards,
Sabine
Dear Sabine,
We agree that A-line skirts are the most flattering for every body type. They balance out a larger top half, and with the extra volume on the bottom, they even make your waist look thinner! Shortening the skirts to the knee is probably the best way to go. That way the thinnest part of your legs will be showing from underneath, and it’s not too short. You don’t want to go too far above the knee, because it will look too poufy, and too long not only shortens your body, but can also be rather dowdy.
However, if you want to try something new this season, you should definitely try a pencil skirt! With your height and figure, a pencil skirt will look really sexy, especially when it hits the bend at the back of your knee.
Good luck!
So now that it’s finally getting warm and we have to wear thinner fabrics to stay cool, it can be frustrating to look in the mirror and see those lumps and bumps! 
Not to fear, this week’s Blogging Boomers Carnival has great tips to fix that image problem and lots of others too…
This week’s host is John Agno from SoBabyboomer.com where you can read all sorts of interesting Boomer topics from getting more PR for your company to 100 ways to detoxify your mind, body and home!
Happy reading!
Why? …because there are all sorts of gorgeous long tops in style right now that you can wear over top. (Thank Goodness tucking out is currently in style!). These casual linen pants might look cute in the catalog, or on a model, but the reality is that you will have to tuck in your top or your stomach will really be emphasized.
This similar version from white house black market, is also a good option and it’s half the price.
Isn’t this much nicer than a pair of jeans or old shorts?
Wrap blouses and dresses are always a great way to hide the tummy.
Here’s a beautiful metallic wrap top, but it stops at the waist, so if you have a tummy this will NOT work!
Instead try something like this wrap blouse.The beautiful portrait neckline puts the emphasis up top by the face, while the shirt is nice and long to cover the tummy. As for the bow, play with it and see. It’s off to the side which makes it quite flattering but if your tummy bulge is quite prominent then you may just want to tie this top at the back.
Another option is a colorful patterned wrap dress. There’s lots to look at, meaning the eye moves around this pattern instead of focusing on your tummy, so don’t be afraid to try one. If you are going to wear a print try adding some chunky jewelry.
Long and loose over the tummy.
Tucking in is going to put emphasis on your tummy and make it look larger. Leaving out will help elongate your body and make you look thinner. Once again, make sure the top is not boxy, or you will not accomplish this goal! One great way to tuck out is to wear an empire top.
We love this deep V top with detailing at the bust that helps draw attention up to your face and away from your tummy.
For a more romantic feel, try a blouse. The top flows over the tummy and hides that bulge while the sash sits at the waist. This blouse has a lovely neckline and the flared sleeves that help to widen the shoulders, balance the body and take the eye away from the tummy.
Most of us have it… that darn donut! It’s right there in the middle between our bust and our hips and it’s hard to avoid after age 40 and a baby or two, short of liposuction. How can you dress to hide that stubborn midlife tummy that annoys you to no end?
Here are our 5 top suggestions.
If you’ve been resisting trying shapewear because you think it is like wearing an uncomfortable girdle, you need to try some on.
Shapewear is the best solution for over 40 tummy bulge. It’s stretchy and lightweight and the newest versions are ultra thin and therefore super comfy.
Whether your muffin top is big or little, shapewear will give your figure a flawless look! Here’s one from Spanx that flattens the tummy and shapes the thighs too. If your tummy bulge extends up above the belly button then you could add a shapewear camisole.
For years we’ve been asking why doesn’t someone make a high-waisted thong? Now Spanx has answered our call and more. Their new high-waisted
thong has a lace shapewear panel to hold you in at the same time. Grab these. They’re going to sell out fast!
Spanx…yes this panty is a thong!!!
We love tips on how to play up our best parts and camouflage our not so favorite parts … so here is another one….
We were recently guest bloggers on the site Yummy Mummy, where we found some fun fashion advice from writer Lillian Canini. Lillian has very practical and comical suggestions for dressing when your life revolves around your children. She urges us to laugh loudly and wear a plaid bra! Oh, and don’t forget the shapewear for that post-baby body!
The Yummy Mummy Club is the online destination for modern mothers looking for guilt free adult stimulation. The Yummy Mummy Club speaks to the woman in every mom.
Dear Glam Gals,
I will be attending 2 bridal showers this spring and have no idea what to wear. Please help. I am overweight, an apple shape with excess weight in the tummy. Please give me some options, since I’m clueless about looking stylish.
Thanks!
JMC
Dear JMC,
Style is all about finding what looks good on your body type and what type of look you want to project. Are you preppy? elegant? fun? trendy? or chic?
Start with finding the style that will flatter your figure. You need to balance out your apple shape by wearing a pencil skirt and sweater set on top. No belt. Some nice pumps will make you look taller and leaner.
You can also do a top with a “V” neck to make you look thinner. Keep the top out, and make sure it is form fitted. Too much loose fabric will only make you look top heavy. For tummy control, we highly recommend some shapewear from Sassybax. If you have never worn shapewear we promise it will be your new best friend!
 Solids make you slim |
 For the wild at heart |
 Elegant and sexy |
We also love the full figure flattering dresses, above, from the site Lola and GiGi. Here are a few that would be great for this occassion: a cute green wrap dress , a giraffe print style and an elegant brown frock.
Good luck!
Spring Fashions for 2009 are showing up in the stores and it looks like a little dress is going to be one wardrobe staple you’ll need to look updated! That being said, it can be hard to find a dress that really looks great on us after 40, when our tummies area tends to be a little thicker and harder to fit.
We like to visit Nordstrom’s website, because you can browse styles according to your body type.
Here are a few good dresses we found that are age appropriate, and will suit your particular shape. We actually found that some dresses looked good on several types…so here are a few that will flatter most of you!
Straight: This Maggy London stretch print dress would go great from work with some heels to even weekend casual with some flats.
Straight or hourglass can wear this!
Pear Shape:If you are bigger on the bottom than top, this red wrap dress will sure flatter your figure!
Wrap dresses flatter most figures
Hour Glass: You lucky gals with the Marylin Monroe figure can wear almost anything. This dress is certainly an easy one to throw on and look chic!
Great on most figures
Apple: If you are more rounded in the middle, it is tricky to find a great dress, but most apples have great legs, so this is an easy way to show them off!
Works on most body types!
Dear Glam Gals,
How do I find clothes like the dresses Raquel Welch wears that cover flabby upper arms???????
Help!….. Rita
Hi, Rita! Raquel is certainly known for her voluptuous body, and wears off-the-shoulder dresses and body hugging cuts with lots of pattern and color to show it off.
To help disguise flabby upper arms, look for tops or dresses that have elastic across the top, and can be pulled down over the shoulders. Boat necks are great too, as they show off the decollatage without revealing any arm (see below).
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What makes Raquel’s style works is that she knows how to find clothes where the top is looser, and the body is more fitted across her waist and hips. Bloomingdale’s has a few good selections, but make sure you don’t fall into the rut of buying things that are loose all over.
Also, try finding clothes with 3/4 length sleeves, like the Tory Burch dress below. These can be worn all year round and give great coverage. Once again, the sleeves are looser, but the fit of the dress is flattering.
Now that a lot of us might have that holiday pudge around the middle, what is a girl to do? Invest in some fine shapewear!
What is shapewear? Well, its the modern day version of the girdle, but much better! You see, even those women in the finest shape after 40 start feeling uncomfortable, that there are certain little lumps and bumps here and there.
I recently met, Susan Ledyard, designer and founder of Cass Luxury Shapewear. Ledyard started her company five years ago, after feeling frustrated at how her body looked in clothes after she had her second child.
So she developed and engineered “Invisupport®”, which is the invisible support that comfortably lifts and enhances the bust while slimming and smoothing the torso – no bra necessary! With her line of shapewear, Cass’ tops and dress slips visibly slim and smooth the back area.
I (JoJami) recently tested the “V” Neck top on a recent ski trip and found that it was really comfortable! I wore it on the plane and on the slopes and loved not having to wear a bra! I also wore it out to dinner, under my sweater. How freeing!
So where can you find these?
Look for Susan on Shop NBC:
Verizon FIOS channel 157
Comcast channel 283
Direct TV channel 316
DISH channel 316
or online at www.shopnbc.com
Here are some ideas on how to wear shapewear:
• Motivate your diet and exercise with shapewear by looking 5 lbs lighter before you even begin.
• Gives you a little extra slimming under your body hugging clothes
• Wear it to the office under a jacket and even after hours
• Great for travel – comfortable, versatile
To see the full line, go to www.cassandco.com
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