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!
Don’t you sometimes get sick of that blatant sexy look everywhere you turn….. Movie stars with dresses cut down to their navels, women in magazine ads with stilettos and skirts that barely cover their bums and, skin, skin and more skin with nothing left to the imagination.
Where’s the mystery? Mystery is sexy, especially after 40 when too much skin on a mature body can look downright desperate.
That’s why when we were shopping online we fell head over heels in love with these pretty, ruffled tops that are so feminine, yet seductive they made us melt.
Here’ s our vote for a classy and pretty way to look sexy this this Valentine’s Day.
| Hot Coral:
This color is pretty, and it will give you some life too. You’ll may want to pair it with a light neutral colored cardigan or wrap. |
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| Ruffles:
You can be covered up but still look very pretty and sexy. A great choice if you are self conscious about your arms. |
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| Form fitting:
If you’ve been working hard at the gym and you want to show that off, this is a great pick. The turquoise color is universally flattering. |
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| Causal and Cozy:
If you are planning on cuddling up at home this Valentine’s Day, or celebrating in a more relaxed way, then jeans and this soft ruffle top will be lovely. |
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| Elegant and pretty:
Nothing is more feminine than a pretty bow and this one is perfect because it it looks very grown-up up and elegant. The mint green is a flattering choice if you have cool skin (pink undertones). |
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| Poetic:
Be sure that if you are wearing soft ruffly tops like these that your hair and make-up are also soft, or you will ruin the look. All tops and blouses from Ann Taylor. |
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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!
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!
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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!
Getting dressed should not be a chore, but a lovely ritual
Hi, JoJami here, today and I have a confession to make. I tend to be one of those gals that is always on the run from one activity to the next, always, busy busy busy…
However, a few weeks ago, I decided to actually, slow down and meet a girlfriend to go to our local art museum, to go see lovely documentary film about the art of having tea. The film was all about how the Asian culture makes time for the precious ceremony of preparing, setting the table, smelling and slowly sipping tea. I left the theater feeling so peaceful and serene. Then I thought…
Why not apply it to getting dressed?
So, without delay Deborah and I put together some tips and wrote the following article for More Magazine on “The Art of Getting Dressed”
Enjoy!
Also, please share with us your rituals and tips below, we want to hear them!
Hi Deborah and JoJami,
I would love your opinion for this outfit I have chosen to wear to an informal class reunion at a bar/ restaurant next week.
Can Kathryn wear this look?
Do bear in mind that it is the middle of winter here. I was wondering if maybe I was a little to chunky to pull it off, what do you think.
Warm Regards,
Kathryn
Hi Kathryn,
Great to hear from you~
It is really smart to start planning your outfit, now and not wait to the last min!!
Here is our take on your outfit…
First off, we can see that you are very fashion forward with your sense of style. Layering and belting on the outside with black hose and boots are VERY much in style right now… however your outfit is good example, of what can happen when you put this type of look on a body that is not 6 feet tall and 99 pounds!
It is VERY hard to pull off this look on women over 40….since it is we tend to look bulky in all these layers, instead of chic.
So, our answer to you is that your gut feeling is RIGHT ON!!! We agree with you, that this outfit does not really flatter your cute figure (BTW, you are not “chunky”, you have a great figure, we just need to get it into clothes that make it look great!!!)
So what now????
It is always good to take a photo of yourself in an outfit, so you can see where your eye goes too first.
We think that the boots grab your attention and take it off the outfit. Because they have a lot of “scrunching” going on, they tend to make your legs look bigger than they are…and give your legs a bulky look. Those boots would look better on you, if you wear a longer skirt. You need the skirt to hit below your calf for it to be flattering.
Now, if your set on wearing that outfit, we think it would flatter your figure if you did not try to belt the outfit at all and let the dress hang.
The necklace does not work either, it is too dainty with the outfit. How about adding a colorful scarf?
This is a great attempt to look hip and chic, but with your body type it is hard to pull this look off.
Lets keep this conversation going…can you send us your new updated photo of you after you try our suggestions?
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! |
What do you wear when you are the Mother of the Bride or Groom and the wedding is early afternoon, but the reception is not until the evening?
Is a dressy suit more appropriate or an evening gown?
The answer in this situation is, either is acceptable.
 Barb's Mother of the Groom outfit for the ceremony |
Some choose to play it both ways, like my friend Barbara. Barb’s son Andrew got married a few weeks ago and she decided she would wear one outfit to the ceremony and another to the party.
Here’s Barb at 1:00 in the afternoon at the church in a black skirt and stunning fuschia jacket. She’s a summer and the color was spectacular on her. |
 Barb at the reception |
After the ceremony and during the photo taking she changed into this dramatic black number (which she had made) and wore it to the 5:00 P.M. reception held at a posh supper club. |
| What did I wear? I went for two outfits too. I wore my favorite cream colored summer suit by Ross Mayer to the church. To the reception I wore this espresso sparkly teardrop dressy by Milly that made me feel like dancing. It’s available at Nordstrom.
In this very casual dress world we live in, isn’t it nice to have the chance to go to a wedding so you can play dress-up sometimes? |
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For more great ideas on what to wear as Mother of the Bride or Groom check out our ebook Tweak Your Chic-Mother of the Bride!
What a relief to see that those old misconceptions about how a mother of the bride – or mature woman attending a special event – should look, are finally changing. America’s biggest bridal retailer, David’s Bridal, is forging the way for moms and wedding-goers to look hipper, younger and cooler!
Here are some trends we have seen in the bridal industry in the past few seasons that give us hope!
1) Color
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It used to be that Mother of the Bride dresses only came in four colors: blah, boring, beige, and blech. Pastels and navy blue are only part of the selection nowadays! Finally, the industry is starting to show a spectrum of different colors, from spring greens to rich purples. Whether you love bold jewel tones or rich earth tones, there should be something out there for you. Since more saturated colors are better for aging skin tones, liven up your look, and go for something with pizazz! |
2) Bolero Jackets
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We’re sick of those boring, frumpy jacket dresses too, but with the rising popularity of bolero jackets, there’s finally a fresh new take on them! Designers finally addressed the need for a removable, arm-covering piece that is also fashionable. It’s a perfect combination of style (with different sleeve lengths, they can be very sharp), practicality (take it off when you’re hot, and you will still have a great dress underneath), and modesty (wear it to cover up during the ceremony – no one will guess you’re trying to cover those wobbly chicken wings under your arms!). |
3) Variety of lengths
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Say goodbye to floor length! We’re seeing plenty of different hemlines popping up, maybe due to the variety of different wedding styles and venues. We’re seeing plenty of cocktail-length, knee-length, handkerchief hems and hi-lo (high in the front, long in the back). Just stay away from anything above the knee – that’s way too short. All these new hemlines give you one more reason to wear some killer shoes! |
We love that David’s has come up with stylish, more age-appropriate ways to appeal to the new generation of boomers! To get more tips about how to dress for your son or daughter’s wedding, check out our eBook Tweak Your Chic: Mother of the Bride!
Last month, we blogged about tiered dresses and if they made sense for women over 40. Well, just the other day, we found a beautiful woman wearing a lovely dress that definitely fit the bill! Only problem was, we got the picture without getting her name! (If you’re out there…we loved your outfit!)
What makes this dress work is the fit (it’s body-hugging without revealing too much skin), a gorgeous color (that blue it beautiful on her!), rich fabric, chic hair-do, and elegant, understated accessories. We would have loved to see her in some great embellished silver heels, but the sandals give the outfit an easy feel.
Love this style? Then, GRAB THAT GARB! We found similar ones online – check them out!
This and many lovely styles available at Nordstrom. Do a search for “shutter pleat,” and check out all the options!
And for those bargain shoppers, here’s a steal from Kohl’s.
Are you back in the dating game again?
The Glam Gals have some tips for you, so you don’t make these top 4 fashion mistakes on your first date!
1. Avoid over or under dressing! Dress appropriately for the activity. Most first dates you will be going out to eat. Do your homework and go online to find out the type of restaurant you’ll be going to. You don’t want to feel over or under dressed!
2. Make sure your wardrobe is up to date. Now is the time for a reassessment of your “look”. If it’s been awhile since you have been on the dating scene, make sure your hair, makeup and clothing are up to date. Don’t go crazy. Just be yourself, but the best and classiest, you can be.
3. Avoid dressing too sexy. This might sound obvious, but it actually can be tempting! Remember, you want him to like you… not just your cleavage!
4. Don’t wear a drab color! What color looks best on you? Try wearing a top or dress or sexy shoes in a lovely fun color! You will feel pretty and that way you can stop worrying about how you look and concentrate on being your charming self!
For more tips on dating after 40 and to read lots of other great articles on current Boomer topics, visit the Blogging Boomers Carnival #113. This week’s host is The Baby Boomer Entrepreneur!
I’ve got dressing my age (52) down. I’m a pretty good dresser, not frumpy, thanks to my teenage daughter. And, no, I don’t dress like I’m 16!
My problem is that I am getting married this summer in a 10 acre backyard in a rural setting in Texas. Most guests will be wearing blue jeans. It’s going to be simple and fun. What do I wear? I don’t want to look like Ellie Mae Clampett wearing a dress made by Cousin Pearl, nor do I want to look like the girls from Hootersville (what a funny name looking back on it now). I am 5′10″, wear between a 6 and an 8, small chested, Norweigian heritage, pale skin and blonde and silvery hair. It’s not bleached! What can I wear just to look memorably pretty?
L
Hi, L! My, my – you sure are a tall drink of water, and slim too! Lucky you – you can probably pull off a sleeveless style, which you will be thankful for outside during a hot Texan summer! Shopping for styles might be difficult, since you’ll see a lot of fussy, frilly junior dresses out there with big bows and high hems! Stick to simple lines, lighter, flowier fabrics (nothing too heavy or satin-y), and V-necks to bring the attention up to your face. Stay away from anything too heavily beaded or embellished, or anything too short! To the knee should be the highest your skirt should go.
As far as color, you still do want to designate yourself as “The Bride” in pictures and to your guests. After all, you’re still a bride – you can allow yourself to go a little glam an stand out in the crowd! Therefore, we do recommend a lighter color. We understand that once you get to a certain age, wearing white to your own wedding is considered passé (sometimes even taboo!). But it you’re a traditionalist at heart, why not go for an ivory or white?
The empire waist and V-neck is very flattering
If you don’t dare do white, then choose a light blue or green. (With your skin, stay away from pale pinks and beiges — they could wash you out!) Soft pattern would also be nice, as it has a more casual feel.
Lace insets give this a demure wedding feel, but the silky fabric keeps it casual.
Solids colors are pretty too, as long as you spice it up by putting some flowers or an embellished comb in your hair.
Chiffon will keep you cool.
We found all these dresses on Nordstrom’s website. Good luck, and best wishes!
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!
Your body may have changed a bit and you’re face isn’t as perfectly unlined as it used to be, but you still feel sexy and want to show it. What’s the best way to do that? Don’t try so hard. No need to shout when a whisper will do the trick. Here are 3 great ways to look sexy after 40.
Too much
Better Choice
Too much 
Better Choice
Too Much
Better Choice
Too Much
Better Choice
Too Much
Better Choice
In summary, try this little trick to look sexy after 40. Instead of thinking, “I want to look sexy” and then going overboard by trying too hard, think, “I want to look gorgeous”, and you will end up looking sexy in a tasteful, age appropriate way.
Want more tips on how to ramp up your style in 2009. Then pick up a copy of The Glam Plan: 12 Easy Steps to take you from Frumpy to Fabulous.
Dear Glam Gals,
Please advise what to wear to a charity ball if you are plus size and 60+ years old. The theme this year which may or may not be an issue is Golden Age of Hollywood. Would it be appropriate at my age and size to wear a shiny fabric such as gold or silver? Also, are halter type tops out of the question? Also, style is an issue – I don’t want to look like a mother of the bride or an aging prom queen. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you!
S.A.
Dear S.A.,
Here are some good rules for women of your age and body type to follow:
(Thank you Nordstrom’s for the styles shown above)
Another New Years Eve, another “What am I going to wear?”
After 40, that’s an even harder question to answer because what once worked
before, mysteriously doesn’t seem appropriate any more. If you’re
fretting about what to wear so you don’t look too young, too old, but
just right then here are:
1. Do Stick to Sophisticated Colors
As much as we love color, bright evening wear can be hard too pull off after 40. Against mature skin it can look loud, harsh and frankly, not chic. One suggestion is to stick to neutrals like soft black, navy, brown, gold or taupe. You can never go wrong with these classic colors as they are a beautiful canvas against which to show off your face, skin and hair. Neutrals are also work as a fabulous backdrop to splashes of color, so if you want to add a bright evening clutch, necklace, pashmina or pair of shoes then goes right ahead!
If you are really tired of neutrals, an all over color is still an option but keep it toned down.
The color you choose should blend in with your skin tone, rather than scream I’ve arrived. When you walk in a room people should notice you not your bold, bright dress. Rich Jewel tones like royal purple, ruby red, and emerald green are hot this season and are a great choice because they are always regal. One caution though- Stick to one solid color for a more elegant look and accent with neutrals only. Bags, shoes and jeweler should be in black, gold and or silver.
2. Don’t Over Dazzle Them
Yes, it’s New Year’s but too much flash will make you look like a hardened Las Vegas Showgirl. Glitz is great, but go sparingly on the sequins and sparkle. Touches here and there are more tasteful than head to toe. Same with jewelry-put them emphasis on a stunning necklace, a great pair of earrings, a wonderful cocktail ring or fabulous bracelet but don’t all of these pieces all together or you’ll look like an overdecorated Christmas tree.
3. Do keep it Clean and Simple
When it comes to the style of dress that works best for Women over 40- here’s the simple truth. Frilly, Fussy, Busy, is old. Clean, simple, more tailored is modern. Be sure to stay away from dresses with too many busy details, complicated patterns, and crazy hemlines and necklines that are just there for shock value. Steer clear of cheap trendy fabrics and avoid dresses with too much “stuff “hanging off them, as if they are made for gypsy fortune tellers. Do keep it clean and simple. You only need one major beautiful focal point like a gorgeous slit up the side or a fabulous jeweled collar neckline. Less is always more.
4. Don’t Overdo Your Hair and Make-up
Just because New Year’s is the BIG event of the Year doesn’t mean the message here is to have BIG hair. On the contrary, big, puffy, sprayed hair that doesn’t move is dated. (We know you know that, but another shot of hairspray is so tempting isn’t it) Same for make-up. This is not a costume party. Don’t automatically apply your make-up any heavier than you would normally do any other night out on the town. But a smokey eyeliner and false lashes will give you that extra party punch you are looking for.
5. Do make sure you look Sexy
If you think the definition of sexy is spaghetti straps, deep necklines, short skirts and showing off showing off as much skin as you can, then think again. Over 40 sexy can be as simple as body skimming clothes that show off your silhouette, and not necessarily your skin. If you want to take it a step further then, find your own hot spot and play it up. Great legs? splurge on a decadent pair of high heels. Beautiful bust? Don’t hide it. Make sure to find a top or dress with a tasteful V neckline and wear a great plumping bra to make sure you are looking perky! As the costume designer, Rosemary Ponzo says, “ Buy the right dress and the party will come!”
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