If you need a great basic twin set…now is the time to buy!

Final Days of Warehouse Closeout!

The Ultimate Twinset was featured last year and everyone who bought them gave them rave reviews!


Now they are now …
75% OFF
Quantities are extremely limited

To get the discount rate go to :   www.susanbigsby.com
Click on:  The Ultimate Twinset

Shell                                                            Cardigan
Was $79 Now $19.75                      Was $109 Now $27.25

Style:  Extremely flattering to most.  Excellent fit on those with broad shoulders

Fabric:  Silk Stretch -  it molds to your shape and gives room where needed
Care:  Dry Clean only
Best Loved Features:  Full coverage around the arm hole so nothing hangs out!   Youthful and attractive cut

Hibiscus Red Mediterranean Blue
Great on brunettes and olive skin               The perfect choice for business casual
- and those with blue eyes!

Ivory:  No photos available
Best on those with lots of color in their skin

What’s left??

XS:  All colors/ Both styles

S:  Shells: Blue only (very few)
Cardigans:  All colors

M:  Cardigans only in Red, Blue & Ivory

L:  Shells:  All colors (very few)
Cardigans:  Red & Blue

XL:  Shells:  Red, Blue & Black
Cardigans:  Red, Blue & Black

XXL:  Shells:  Black only

Please Note:  For multiple orders, or questions on size, contact Susan directly at susan@susanbigsby.com or call her at 561-969-9071.

The online order form accepts only one color at a time.

Need some swimsuit advice?

Hi Ladies,
This is a big challenge!  I need swimsuit advice.  I try to stay fit, but at 48 my abs are not as flat as I would like to be rockin’ a two piece.  What are your suggestions on looking sexy but age appropriate at the pool or beach?  Also, I will need to be looking good for a business trip to a beach resort which makes it extra difficult.
I checked out Victoria’s Secret and they have some great suits, but I am worried that I will see those same suits on tons of other women.  Last year I found the most awesome suit and one of the other wives had the exact suit in the exact color.  Bummer!
Thanks,
Ellen
Nashville, TN

Hi Ellen,

The word “swimsuit” to almost anyone over the age of 25, and definitely over 40, can send chills up the spine! However, we like your “rockin” attitude and think we can help!

Can you be sexy when you’re over 40…you bet!  You just have to know the right tricks!

First off, there are no rules about how old you must be to wear a 2 piece; you just have to have to be on the thin side…

However, to be honest, most women on the back side of 40 are starting to look better in a one piece. Never fear.. you can still look sexy!!

  • Show off  those legs with a high cut suit
  • If your legs are not looking so great either, you can always show a bit of  cleavage!
  • Go for a suit that has a medium large pattern. This confuses the eye and can hide bulges!
  • You can’t go wrong with a all dark suit like black, navy or chocolate brown!

Travel in cozy, comfortable style!

I (JoJami) am off again traveling and this time, the weather is cold and dreary. Last time I was at the airport, I found a stylish gal, that ended up being from my home town in Wilmington, Delaware of all things!  We have since had lunch together and I have been to see her daughter perform the lead in a local production of Carmen!

Since that was such a great experience, I wasn’t shy about stopping this gorgeous women and her husband. The only thing was that she could not speak a word of English!!!  However, with a little bit of sign language and giving her my business card, I convinced her to let me snap away! The bonus this time, was as the end of our mini “photo shoot,”  she was all smiles and  grabbed me and gave me a nice, European double kiss on both cheeks!  How sweet was that!!!

Here is our latest “on the street” inspiration from Northern Spain, looking Age-mazing™!

Check out how she got this look:

  • Let the focal point be the coat (investment piece)
  • Kept it simple, monochromatic, all one color for the top and pant
  • scarf (of course!)
  • Boots are nice fitting, hug her legs and come up right to the knee
  • Purse  over-sized and updated with handles and hardware instead of a shoulder strap.
This chic European is from Spain and is looking chic and comfortable~

This chic European is from Spain and is looking stylish and comfortable.

This bag had the right rugged but elegant feel to pull this outfit together!

This bag had the right rugged but elegant feel to pull this outfit together!

These boots were made of the coolest animal skin print! They were sort of a green color!

These boots were made of the coolest animal skin print! They were sort of a green color!

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…

These flat boots from Nordstroms will be comfy for those with foot problems!

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.

This flowered skirt from Boden makes fall dressing feel festive!

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 flat boot from Boden.com has a more classic look and can be dressed up or down. This shirt from Spiegel, would be a good length and weight to balance this boot

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!

Going away for the holidays? Read these do ahead travel tips!

Are you ready for your next trip?

Are you ready for your next trip?

Holiday travel is right around the corner and besides buying what you need and packing, there are lots of other little details that if you take care of ahead of time can reduce stress in case of an unexpected emergency.

For instance, have you thought about making copies of all your documents and prescriptions?

To read a full travel tips list of what you should have in order before packing for a trip and a variety of other topics, go to this weeks Blogging Boomers, held by Contemporary Retirement.

Godis Sweater special!

godis sweater

The Godis Sweater is a great way to update your casual wardrobe!

Fall is the time for warm knits and cardigans! We fell in love with this variation of a cardigan from one of my (JoJami’s) favorite stores, Houpette Boutique in Greenville, Delaware. It’s called a “Godis Sweater,” and it’s so easy to just throw on! It’s very drapey and goes over anything.

I’m going to be  dressing it up with a pair of colorful corduroys and a white button up blouse.

And for a more casual look, I paired it with some jeans, boots and a long-sleeve tee shirt.

In fact, I find that I am working this sweater into tons outfits these days! It’s totally hip and the silhouette is so in this season.

The ladies at Houpette are offering our readers a discount on this sweater. Originally $175, it’s now priced at $140 for our ladies. That’s a 20% off savings. I hope you love and wear yours as much as I do!

Sizes

What to wear in Europe

At Versailles

At Versailles in Vivienne Tam

There’s still a few weeks left of summer, so if you are traveling to Europe and wondering what to wear we have a suggestion for you.

Deb At The Louvre

Deb At The Louvre in Diane Von Furstenberg

Make your life easy and just pack dresses!

When I was in France this summer with my husband and three children traveling around Provence, and then up to Paris for a few days, I found dresses were the perfect travel wear.

It was far too hot to wear pants,and shorts would have felt wrong, so I opted for dresses which took up hardly any space in my suitcase, made me feel feminine and were cool and comfy.

For a twelve day trip I packed 8 dresses:  7 casual, 1 slightly dressier. (You could get away with 5-6, but I like to have a few extras to choose from depending on my mood that day.)

In Provence

In Provence wearing Trina Turk

During the day I wore these cute sundresses with flat gold or black sandals and a carried a large black tote (to carry souvenirs I was buying along the way!).  At night I added jewelry, scarves and small heels for a dressier look.

At  Jardin du Luxembourg

At Jardin du Luxembourg

Now, we were on a family sightseeing trip. We were driving through the lavender fields and visiting the the quaint French countryside towns in Provence. In Paris we were doing the typical tourist things – The Louvre, The Eiffel Tower,Versailles, Le Concierge, the Seine River Cruise etc.

Deb in Eli Tahari

Deb in Eli Tahari

It was not a romantic couple’s vacation where we were slipping off to fancy Parisian restaurants and night clubs. If so, I would have packed differently and brought some dressier date night things.

But for this kind of day tripping, my summer dress wardrobe worked beautifully.  What a relief to open my suitcase, slip on my dress of the day and walk out the door.

If you’re looking for a cute summer dress, Nordstrom’s and Saks carries all of these favourite brands!

Do comfortable shoes have to be ugly?

comfortable?.. perhaps, but ugly!

comfortable?.. perhaps, but ugly!

Here is another letter from one of our readers:

Dear Glam Gals,

Here’s the dilemma:  I seem to have managed to pare my wardrobe down to good classics that fit me, an excellent assortment of accessories, jewelry and a few good purses…BUT…what to do about shoes? I find it hard to find ones that are comfortable!

Thanks for your help.

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:

crockadile- loafer

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

shoes orange

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!

You could be the lucky winner of the boots!

How low should you go when showing off your cleavage over 40?

How low is too low? What is age appropriate when trying to dress and be a little sexy when you are over 40?

We ran this photo of a lovely woman in her late 40’s recently, wearing this overall conservative outfit, except the blouse was low cut.

Is this outfit age-appropriate?

Is this outfit age-appropriate?

In the comment section one of our readers wrote in, “…can you please address the question, how low can you go when it comes to dressing after 40?”

O.K. you are right, we have not addressed the issue of how much cleavage is too much cleavage. This is a tricky one, since  there are a lot of things to factor into that equation.

First off, let’s look at Stacey (seen here). She is dressed fashionably, yet conservatively (long skirt and long sleeves, nothing too tight, fabric is not clingy or form-fitting). She is not extremely busty, and so even though she is wearing a low cut blouse, your eyes are not going to her bust because  she has filled the chest area with a bold necklace that draws the eye up. She was also on vacation and traveling, not at work, so we think this look on her is totally appropriate. Moreover, she just happens to be single as well!!!  So, we feel she is dressed just fine and age appropriately.

Now, take that same outfit and put it in a corporate work environment and we would say that she should consider changing the blouse to one that is not as sexy.

Here are some things one should consider before going too low:

  1. Are you busty? (If “the girls” are bigger, make sure you’ve got them into a good fitting bra and you will have to be a little more careful on how much to show.)
  2. Where are you going? (Are you on play time or work time?)
  3. What is the fabric you are wearing? (Is it thin, clinging fabric, or one that is stiff?)
  4. How do you look overall in the outfit, what part is drawing the most attention? (Are you showing bulges in your stomach or waist and how much of your bust is hanging out?)
  5. Where do you live? (Are you surrounded by flashy, sexy women or would you stand out if you showed a lot of skin?)
  6. Are you going out in a social setting? What message are you trying to send?

There is no easy answer to this, but if your gut is telling you you’re showing off too much, then you probably are.

However, we do see many women who have great figures that are hiding behind safe clothes and feeling frumpy.

There is a balance to all of this, and there is not an easy one-size-fits-all answer.

So, if you have a question about how you look, feel free to write in with a photo.

Lets keep this discussion going…please comment below!

Don’t miss out on Susan Bigsby twin set sale!

Hi Ladies,susan-bigsby-ultimate-sweater-set

Last week we shared with you a fantastic SALE on Susan Bigsby’s Ultimate Twin Set.

We were sure you would LOVE Susan’s sweater set because it fits so nicely, and it made up of the  2 ” must have” classic pieces every woman needs to have in her wardrobe.  Not to mention, we have found Susan’s sweaters to be the best fitting and best looking ones on the market!

Looks like we were right. Since then some of you received your sweaters and have been sending us letters with rave reviews!

Hi Susan and Glam Gals-

I wanted you to know I got my order and I love my twin sets!!  In fact, I love the shell so much (I wore it today) I ordered two more of the shells in black, this way I can actually “wear them to pieces” and not worry!!

Thanks again!!  Rhonda

One more note, we want to encourage you not to play it safe…we think the cream and blue and red ones are FAB, to add some much needed color to your wardrobe! Susan spent hundreds of hours choosing just the right shade of blue and coral that is universally flattering to all women.

She is now is closing out her stock, so don’t miss out on this great SALE on these high quality twin sets! (Feel free to write us with your photo and we will help you pick out the right color for you!) info@fabulousafter40.com

Here we are in our twin sets…(don’t forget to let Susan know you found them here on Fabulous After 40!)

JoJami has on the Susan Bigsby cream cardigan

JoJami has on the Susan Bigsby cream cardigan

Deborah in her Susan Bigsby black shell

Deborah in her Susan Bigsby black shell

Click HERE to see or buy Susan Bigsby’s Ultimate Twin Sets

How to wear the wrinkled linen look and pull it off

Linen, it’s such a great fabric. It’s all natural, breathable and cool, but the thought of looking wrinkled in it has given it a bad rap!

This Age-mazing woman is looking classy and feeling comfortable her linen outfit

This Age-mazing woman is looking classy and feeling comfortable her linen outfit

Have you ever thought to yourself, “I’d love to wear linen but I can’t because it wrinkles so much.”  We spotted this Age-Mazing© woman, Stacey Inglis at the airport recently traveling with her daughter and could not take our eyes off her. Wow… in the sea of hurried travelers this woman was looking radiant in what seemed to be a linen outfit. Could this be? We stopped her for a quick chat!

Stacey, do you wear linen often?

Yes! I have had this jacket for several years and it’s one of my favorites!

Where did you get it?

It’s an Anne Klein…so probably at Macy’s.

What about your skirt and blouse and shoes?

The skirt is Carole Little and this blouse came from Express! (the blouse is a halter wrap around, so you you don’t have to tuck it in!)

The shoes are Via Spiga…they are so comfortable!!!

This Fab statement piece is by Stephanie Greenfield

This Fab statement piece is by Stephanie Greenfield

Your necklace really makes your outfit! Is there a story behind it?

LOL… Well I just bought it on my trip and the funny thing is, I was reading Cosmopolitan Magazine on the plane just now, and here it is featured on page 65!

Oh my… is that a Lalique bracelet?

Well, I love Paris and last time I went I treated myself to one special thing… you know this bracelet probably cost more than my entire outfit, but I like to mix things up!

Lalique-bracelet

Lalique bracelet...a treat from Paris

One last question, do you always dress nice like this?

You know, I find that it is just as easy to put on something like this on than a pair of jeans, and I’m actually more comfortable. You don’t have to spend a lot on clothes to look nice!

Well you look terrific!

So ladies… the proof is in the pictures! By injecting some linen and wonderful accessories into your wardrobe, you may be a little wrinkled but you can still look FAB!

On the street in NYC…what to wear to be comfortable

view-of-NYC

NYC last week, looking very bleak!

Last week I (JoJami) took off to NYC for some culture and good food! After getting so many letters from you ladies on how hard it is to come up with outfits to wear that you can be comfortable in and not look frumpy, here is a quick peek into what some of your options might be!

First off, you have to really plan ahead.  We had planned on spending the entire day walking around the city. Our first stop was going to be the NYC Botanical Gardens and afterward we planned on visiting the Frick Museum. The next day we scheduled a walk in Central Park and were off to rent bikes in Chelsea. On top of everything, rain was in the forecast!

Lisa-richey-on-the-street-casual-dressing

My friend Lisa called me the week before and was worried that all she had was flip flops to wear. I told her to make a quick trip to the discount shoe store DSW and find some cute walking tennis shoes.

These Schetcher tennis shoes are comfy and cute!

These Sketcher tennis shoes are comfy and cute!

Meanwhile, I took my own advice and found some updated Converse that had a little more support than the normal flat ones.

on the streen June 09 JJ

JJ looking comfy (the rain had not started yet!)

Well, our plans did change since it started raining like crazy…but we did make it to the Frick and HIGHLY recommend it!  More over we walked our booties off all day and the next in comfort! (However, our hair didn’t do as well as our feet!)

Share with us your favorite photo of your “summer touring” outfit and we can share it with everyone!

Just write us at: info@fabulousafter40.com

Does your over 40 hairstyle make you look old?

old-lady-with-naughty-ooooooh-look

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 staging-your-comeback-Christopher-Hopkinsrecommending, it’s that good!

What To Pack When You Travel South!

HI, JoJami here, from beautiful Palm Beach, Florida!

florida

I live in the northeast, and planning to  travel south, to Florida….deciding what to pack, was a daunting task! When living in freezing cold and knowing that I would be basking in 70 to 80 degree weather  for a week, was something I had a hard time getting my head around!

Now that I’m down here, I thought you  might enjoy, some interesting tips on what to bring and what to leave home!

What to wear on the plane:

LAYER! Because it was so cold when I left, I wore a Bebe sport jogging outfit with 2 layers of tops. The first layer was a sleeveless tank top and I put a long sleeve t-shirt over that. Then I had the matching jacket. My shoes were short boots, but I had some flat sandals stuffed in my carry on, so when I got there, I could switch them out. Off  went the jacket and the long sleeve t-shirt as well!

What went in my suitcase:

  • Several flat sandals and some high heels and some tennis shoes.
  • Several little dresses for dinner
  • A wrap, that went with them
  • My Susan Bigsby twin set (my black top and red cardigan)
  • Sunglasses
  • workout clothes and a baseball cap
  • All my good jewelry (Lots of good jewelry is big down here, the more the merrier!)
  • 1 pair of casual shorts
  • Bathing suit and cute cover-up

What I didn’t bring and wish I would have:

  • A pair of white pants, jeans or peddle pushers.  (Yes, you can wear white after labor day down here… everyone does!) I had no idea that everyone still wore white… I sure wish I would have brought some because you feel so fresh and classy in white!
  • A cashmere cardigan or pullover in a nice bright color! I would have worn this at night out to dinner.
  • More bright colors…. everyone wears fun, bright, tropical colors down here!
  • Bring on the BLING BLING… if you have some  sandals with jewels , or bag or belt with some rhinestones, get them out and bring them…why not wear something sparkly..when you never get to at  home!!!

If you love to travel south or to the islands, please comment and tell us your favorite thing to bring!  Cheers!