Really, I don’t need to try it on….

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!

Do you have the Spring shopping itch?

Oh my gosh…when you live back east like we Glam Gals do, you get pretty tired of all the snow and dreary weather, SO when the sun starts peaking out again, like it has this week, we sure get the itch to get out and go buy something new for Spring! (Good to know that you are not the only one, right!)

I (JoJami) did just that this week and let me tell you what I saw.

THE BIG MISTAKE!!

Beware of the Sale rack!

Here I was at the department store, and all this gorgeous new merchandise was hanging there while, ALL the women were over at the Sale rack of old tired, picked over junky tops, pants, dresses….

Ladies, DO NOT MAKE THIS MISTAKE!

Beware of the SALE rack!  You will be tempted to bring home, yet again, something to hang in your closet that is just mediocre.

Always buy something you love and adore, don't settle!

INSTEAD… just go window shopping and try on things that are fresh and new for Spring. Then you can see if you want to splurge on a new jacket or top that is actually updated, new and FUN!

Here is my 1 purchase over the weekend.

This colorful BCBG jacket!  I have already worn it 2 times and have felt great in it.  I have satisfied my shopping craving, and have a new piece for my wardrobe, that I should enjoy for the next few years.

Instead of buying something that you just “sort of like”, be super picky and try buying something that you really need and love.

THEN send us a photo and tell us about it!!!

Holiday shopping, for better or for worse?

Is it just me who does this…you know, especially around this time of year when you are suppose to be out shopping for others…well, I confess, I end up finding lots of goodies for me!

Now, this is something that I would ever admit openly at a social function…however here between “us girls” I feel like I can air my wayward ways.

So, when I read one of this weeks articles from our gang of super bloggers, I was eager to continue this conversation.

Feel free to comment below and don’t miss more on this hot topic and others at this weeks Blogging Boomers Carnival #143 which is being hosted over at So Baby Boomer!

Boots for those with foot problems

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:

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!

The Military Jacket, is it for over 40 women?

Hi Ladies-

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.

Let us know if this is helpful, comment below!

Cheers!

The Glam Gals

Over 40 Style Lessons learned at the Emmy Awards

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!

Our new e-book, Chic on the Cheap…get it now!

What is your burning fashion question? We asked and you told us…

How can I look updated and chic and NOT spend a lot of money.

Deborah and I didn’t know if it could REALLY be done… so we  went out and put it to the test.

Here am I (JoJami) with one of my lovely clients Linda S.  Linda is over  40, a wife, mother of 4 kids, and a nurse.  She told me she loves to see her teenage daughters looking hip and felt like those days were over for her. She rarely takes the time to shop for herself and when she does she never knew what to buy that was age appropriate.

So we let her read our new e-book… Chic on the Cheap~How to Update Your Wardrobe on a Budget and then sent her out shopping!

Client Linda and JoJami looking to dress chic on the cheap!

Linda realized that her first problem was that all these years she never really had the tools or plan she needed.

“One of the best part about the book was the chapter on Finding your Style Personality” says Linda. “That helped me keep my focus and opened my mind to try new things!”

Linda also confessed…

“I had a great leather skirt that I bought on sale last fall and never wore it because I didn’t have the right shoes.

After reading the book, I learned so much!!  You, Glam Gals put in so many strategies that I could start using right away, and I had no idea of how many costly mistakes I have been making all these years!”

"Get Chic on the Cheap, it change my wardrobe, Yippee!"

Are you ready for Fall?  Do you have a plan on what pieces to add or how to update your wardrobe?

Here is how you can start building your new dream wardrobe and save hundreds (for some thousands) of dollars, not making the same old mistakes!

Don’t wait, Click HERE now!

Never before did I think I could enjoy shopping or afford a great wardrobe, I feel so empowered now!~LBS

Chic on the Cheap at Kohl’s

Here is a great offer… free shipping on purchases over $75.00 at Kohl’s.  We recommend this cute sundress from the Elle collection, and it’s under $40!

This Vera Wang jacket is a great transitional piece from summer to fall, especially for petites!

And, if you need a pair of new shorts before the summer ends, these Vera walking shorts are cute and on sale.  

In fact, all these items and many more are on sale now at khols.com!

These are just a few money-saving suggestions.  Right now, we’re working on a new e-Book “Tweak Your Chic: Chic on the Cheap,” to get you looking great on a budget!

Updating your skirt wardrobe

In a recent post, I (JoJami) mentioned that my colorful skirt was a few years old and “not that in style any more.”

So that being said…you are probably asking the question, so what is in style?

Although we’ve seen a ton on pleated, circle skirts with a lot of volume that usually hit above the knee, that’s a style best left to younger ladies. As far as skirts go, if you’re ready for a new one, go with a pencil skirt or one that is a little straighter. The knee-length classic pencil or slimmer A-line skirt is flattering on most body types, and has been around for a few seasons now.  The popularity is growing, so not only are they all over the place, but pencils don’t come in just black or gray anymore! Even though they have a more streamlined look, but you can go for fun colors and jazzy prints to liven them up a little.

Here are a few that we suggest: What we like about these are that you can start wearing them now with sandals and then as we transition into fall, you can add some tights and boots!

	Here’s one from Boden. It’s a slimmer A-line skirt with a bold pattern that can be worn with neutral wedges, or boot like in the picture.  We love the colors in this, and it’s a great example of how you can transition from summer to fall with boots.
	This skirt is from Nordstrom’s. In the picture, it’s dressed up with heels, but pair it with gladiator sandals for casual or brown knee-high boots in fall!  The fact that it has a brown pattern in it makes it a no-brainer for choosing matching shoes.
	Here’s another example from Nordstom’s. We usually find black and white to be a little boring, so make it more fun with a bright top! We’ve been seeing a lot of plaid in stores this season, so make sure you wear plaid in a sophisticated and feminine way (not those shrunken flannel shirts that are all the rage among teen girls).

Putting color in your wardrobe.

Oh we Glam Gals LOVE color! When we go out shopping, we look for those pieces to add to our wardrobe that will make us feel happy.

JoJami in her colorful skirt!

Here is a fun homework assignment you can try in your own closet.

Find something in your closet that you own that is a pretty color and wear it!

Here is an old skirt that I (JoJami) had hanging in my closet. It is really not in style, but I like to put it on when I am just going to be very casual or have to run to the grocery store.

I was having a bad hair day, so I threw on this fun hat!

Now, I can get dressed in the morning, feel VERY comfortable, throw flat shoes on or a heel and be ready for any adventure the day might bring!

Do comfortable shoes have to be ugly?

comfortable?.. perhaps, but ugly!

Here is another letter from one of our readers:

Dear Glam Gals,

Laura

Hi Laura,

We do agree that it can be a challenge to find shoes that are both comfortable and have some style.

If you are trying to update your shoe wardrobe for fall, we have found that there are reliable brands out there like Naturalizers that have styles that can be both comfortable and stylish.

For a casual flat, try crocodile loafer under a pair of wide legged trousers:

Here is a two tone pump that would spice up your boring suit for work

Check out our contest this month for your chance to win a free pair Naturalizer shoes!! Like these cute boots!!

You could be the lucky winner of the boots!

If you don’t have the style “gene”, can you learn how?

Some women just have a knack at pulling great outfits together and always looking chic.

So if she can do it, why can’t most women?

How is it that women have been shopping for their entire lives still can walk into a store and feel totally overwhelmed , not knowing where to start? What to buy? What if you don’t want to look trendy, but pulled together? Bottom line, you just want to look “tasteful”.

Can taste be taught? We have found that… yes, we can all learn from a good example.  Too many of us just run to the discount store when we need a fashion fix. This ends up being the “band aid” approach to spicing up our wardrobe. Really what you need is a good plan on how to up date your style.

We are going to try to explore this idea and see what you all think.

Here is our day 1 of our series, Can Taste Be Taught? Read on:

Step ONE:

Getting your taste buds back in shape.

First we have to get your creative juices going. How about starting off  by  just going  exploring and start taking notes.

Day 1: Go window shopping!  Keep your pocket book at home, you won’t need to be buying anything yet!

This is the fun part…go online and browse through your favorite high end store, Neiman-Marcus or Nordstomes  come to mind.  Do not look at the price tags, just have fun seeing what catches your eye and enjoy!

• Cut out photos of the looks you like (do you see a new pattern or are you still picking out the same old looks?)
• Take notes on what you see other women wearing and write down what you love
• Go to the shoe department and see what new styles catch your eye
• See what colors  and styles they are showing in handbags
• Look at the mannequins to see creative new outfit ideas

Next, you need to find something to add to your wardrobe that is unexpected!  It can be anything from a colorful handbag to interesting scarf or belt!  Sometimes just  finding  a few ideas you can now go to the store with a goal in mind and try to add something new to your closet!

Stay tuned…We will have more on this soon!

Does your over 40 hairstyle make you look old?

Does your hairstyle make you look old?

We recently posted a lovely picture of an over 40 gal looking hip and chic.

After seeing this, one of our readers asked:

“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.

So M.N. we took your question to who else, but The Makeover Guy, Christopher Hopkins!

Here is what he said…

“Dear 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!

Have you ever borrowed your daughter’s clothes?

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!

Be sure to pick up a copy of Steal This Style.

See what Michelle Obama is wearing…everyday

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.

Where can you find age-appropriate clothes on line?

We recently read an article in which the author was complaining that the “over 40″ market has been ignored by retailers.

True, there are not that many choices out there, however one of our blogging buddies, Dina at This Marriage Thing has found a few sites she likes and has reviewed them!

To read her review and many other great articles on a variety of  boomer topics, head on over to The  Blogging Boomer’s Carnival hosted by our  friend, Rhea at The Boomer Chronicles.

Check out this amazing product, it is a facelift in a box

Things got a little heated up this week when we asked your opinion about and feelings about plastic surgery.
So, for those who are on the fence about it, we found a great temporary solution. 
It is called Bring it Up!
They have lots of cool products for aging skin that will help lift what gravity wants to keep pulling down!! It is a special clear tape that you can use on any part of your body that you want to lift. The eye and neck are especially easy to use and the results are remarkable. It really does pull up the loose skin for a smoother look.

Here is a video about it.

We also have a Fabulous After 40 Special discount!!! (discount code: FAF)

When checking out just put in this code: FAF

and you will get $10.00 off your entire purchase!

Also, if you buy their breast shaper, you will get free shipping on your entire purchase.

If you have used this product, please comment below! We want to hear your feedback!

How to Stretch your Spring Wardrobe Dollars: Recyle…

We came across some good tips over at Chic Galleria on how to spruce up your Spring wardrobe with just a little tweaking.

Here are some of our tips to add to it:

1. Get a “fuzz” zapper and clean up sweaters to look like new.
2. If you can buy one item, make it a pencil skirt, pair it with your old twinsets or cardigans and you will look updated and fresh.
3. Layer a dress by putting a thin sweater over it and belt it.  It will look like a new outfit.
4. Get those scarves out and wear them. You can put 2 pretty solids together and add a scarf and have a colorful new outfit!

For more inspiration check out our DVD, The Ultimate Cure for the Dysfunctional Closet, a MUST have to get the motivation and fun ideas to get your closet clean!

Real women, real fashion – for less!

You asked for it!

We got such a great response from our last post, we can’t wait to show you more real life, really fabulous women!

You may remember my (JoJami’s) very recent trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show. Not only did I see some beautiful flowers, I also saw some great fashion! (It just proves you can find inspiration anywhere!) It was a pleasure to meet Anne, who gave me some great tips about where to shop to get good deals on designer clothes. Thanks, Anne – you look great!

How To Wear Spring 2009 Fashion Trends -Part 1

Spring Styles are starting to pop up in stores and there’s plenty of choice out there. What are this season’s latest trends, and how can you wear them without looking too old, too young, but just right?

Here are 7 Spring Fashion Trends and our take on how to wear them age-appropriately!

1. Asymmetrical Dresses and Blouses

Michelle Obama led the way by wearing a white crystal one shoulder dress by Jason Wu at the Inaugural Ball. Now this trend is everywhere. One shoulder dresses are an easy way for women over 40 to look sexy without having to reveal too much skin. Just make sure your arms are toned and you’ll look great.

Too Young

Steer clear of styles like this one that are more cavewoman than classy. This dress is just too short for a gal over 40, even if you do have good legs. Unattractive extras like the wide blue strap on the opposite shoulder also detract from the elegance of the dress and the chunky sandals are too extreme for a grown-up gal. This look needs to be cranked down a few notches for anyone over 40.

Age Appropriate

This David Meister one shoulder sheath is just the right length to be elegant but sexy. The dramatic shoulder cutout draws the eye upward and towards the face (and away from any other parts of your midlife body, you don’t want people to tune into). Notice how when the dress has sculptural simplicity you really don’t need to wear much jewelry. Some earrings, perhaps a cocktail ring and you are good to go. Keep your shoes very simple too so you are not competing with the details up top. Don’t forget to wear shapewear with this dress!

Save money – shop at the drugstore!

Have you ever gone to the makeup counter at a department store to replace a mascara and 1/2 hour later the counter is covered with blush, shadows , etc…..and before you know it you’re  signing your credit card with $150.00 or more charge on it!

We all have our favorite “splurge” (like YSL lipstick in a gorgeous gold tube with a little mirror at the bottom) but who needs it at $24.00. Do you really need a $34 vibrating mascara when a $3.99 tube will get those lashes looking  just as good?

Well, here are some of our best finds for great drug store products that will save you money and keep you looking young and gorgeous!

L’Oreal Visible Lift foundation:

JoJami:A friend of mine has been looking pretty gorgeous these days. Her skin glows, so I asked her what she uses and she told me – Visible lift. I found a color that matches my skin tone, started wearing it, and love it! It’s especially made for women over 40 and it’s a great buy at only $14.00!

Almay Liquid eyeliner:

The packaging of this eyeliner makes it super easy to put on. It also fits nicely into a makeup bag. The black tends to look a little harsh on lighter skin tones, so if you have a fair complexion go with brown.  It costs about $7.49.

Maybelline New York Lash Stiletto Mascara: ($8.95)

Maybelline is hands down the best when it comes to mascara. Their famous Great Lash mascara (in the infamous hot pink and green tube) will always have a place in our makeup drawer. But their newest one, has such a fun name, we couldn’t resist listing it!  Mascara is one item that needs replacing often, so why bother paying for all the fancy packaging when this one works just fine.

Ponds Cold Cream: ($8.00)

Jojami: My mother swore by this and so do I.  Sometimes you just can’t fix what’s not broken. This works on all types of mascara and doesn’t leave any grease behind. Say no more…LOVE it!

Biotherm Boicils Eyemake up Remover: ($17.50)

O.K., If  the smell of Ponds is just too Grandma-like for you, Deborah has the next best thing.  She swears by this gentle gel remover that is great if you wear contact lenses, or if you simply have sensitive eyes. It gets every last bit of make-up off color off without stinging your eyes and leave the delicate skin around your eyes soft.

La Roche Posay  Anthelios Sunscreen ($23.00)

Last but not least, sunscreen. It’s one of the most important things you can put on our face everyday to help keep you from harmful rays that age you. This is our #1 choice out there in either the 40 or better the 60 SPF.  Deborah wears it all the time and it is also a favorite of  Dermatologists. We love that it works without leaving that greasy sunscreen smell. It is definitely Worth the Splurge!

Know of anymore great drugstore finds? Let us know.