Stella and Dot is the answer to perking up blah basics!

When you want to perk up basics solid pieces, all you need to add is a pretty necklace.

Check out our jewelry line from Stella and Dot to find the perfect piece that will work for you!

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Fashion Inspiration! How do I wear those half booties?

We recently had a question from a reader:

Dear Glam Gals,

I love those little half booties that were so popular last fall. I see that they are coming out again this year and would love want to buy a pair, but just do not know what  or how to wear them? HELP!

Karen G.~ Minnesota.

Hi Karen,

Your timing is perfect! We just saw this add for the DKNY and here they are showing the same shoe with lots of  different looks!

This ad from DKNY is an excellent example of how to look updated!

Here is why we like them:

Layering with cropped straight pants:

Great casual look, could do it with flats too! (DKNY)

Add a vest! (try one, you might like it!)

Simple white blouse (untucked)

Flat front straight cropped pants

vest. (Might want try to find one longer, if you want to hide hips)

.(DKNY)


Cute for work or out to dinner:

Back again, this layered look was popular last fall thanks to Michele Obama.

Try a skinny belt and make sure you have a pair of those opaque tights. (the ones with patterns can make your legs look fat, so keep it simple with solid colors unless you have super skinny legs)

(DKNY)


Slim Balloon pant:
We are seeing a huge comeback this fall with the balloon pant. Beware this style does not work on all body types. However, if it is well cut, on the slim side, like this one, it might look great on you! Can be a fun style to try. Not so great with flats though…. (DKNY)
Scarf Action!:

Adding a long skinny scarf is an easy way to go from drab to fab! These tight, just to the ankle jeans have a little “poof” at the ankle that can actually be flattering! (DKNY)

This soft jacket  pulls the entire look together:

For a modern twist on the navy or grey blazer, try one that is made of a soft fabric. Both comfortable and chic it will knock you up on the style scale! (DKNY)

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More options to wear to the beach…

Beach in GreeceBeach in  reece by Empress229 featuring J Crew top
We recently posted some lovely coverups to go to the beach, but here are is a great “look” to use as inspiration for something more casual. Here are some more ideas that might help:

  • Love the color of the one piece, no need for black when a deep purple will be just as flattering!
  • This white coverup from J. Crew is both chic and affordable!
  • The wedge sandle is perfect to give your leg a little length with out looking too sexy. It is also the updated version of the “kitten heel”.
  • The hat is a must, to keep the sun off our delicate face!
  • Bangles, bangles bangles…how fun! Mixing up the textures and thickness makes them work.
  • The only thing missing is some oversized sunglasses!
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Sundresses with Tropical Punch

Here’s a question from one of our readers…

I would love to see a post about cute and age appropriate sun dresses. Usually I am not a dress person, but I would like to throw something on which is not too short , but really comfortable at these temperatures right now.

Thank you so much. Nicole

Hi Nicole,

It’s only July but sundresses are being snapped quickly. Our advice to to get out there and take advantage of those sale racks. We shopped online and found a strong tropical punch theme was everywhere, so here are a few of our favorites to make you look fabulous after 40.

Cute and Flirty:Love the modern combination of brown, red and blue which adds sophistication and maturity to this pretty summer dress. It’s nice to find a dress with a hemline with a grown-up length, and the flirty edge gives it that soft touch of summer romance.    (Nordstrom)

Tropical Temptation :
Pink with Orange is a juicy combination for this cotton sundress. Look very closely at the neckline and you’ll see the tiny white tassels along the v neckline that give it it’s magic.(Nordstrom)


Tropical goes Graphic :A modern twist on the tried and true tropical print. Love the vertical off centre drawstring and cool bordered hem on this artsy summer shift. If you want to look slimmer, then this is the dress because the flower pattern running from shoulder to waist creates the optical illusion making your waist look narrower and more nipped in. (Nordstrom)

Palm Perfect:
A great dress that is easy for anyone to wear, especially pear shapes. The scoop neck draws the eye upwards to highlight the face. Wear it with a cute pair of flats. Boy, that looks cool and comfy! (Nordstrom)

Looking fresh and cool!

Here is a photo of one of our readers, Donna from N.J. (looking fabulous after 45) in her version of the tropical sundress, that she bought at Cache! Wow, she looks terrific! Just goes to show, that if you have great legs that you can and should show them off!

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What are the rules for co-ordinating your purse and shoes?

Here’s a great style question from one of our readers:

“It now seems to be the style to not have your shoes and purse match.What and how do you determine what to match them with?The old way was to have back,brown,navy,or red if you where feeling wild and they always matched your purse..Some pointers on what is in now.”

~Barbara P.

Your purse and shoes do not have to match but they should blend in style and weight.

Deciding what purse to go with your shoes can be tricky. Some women buy only one purse and wear it with everything. Others collect purses and change them around all the time. It all depends on your needs and lifestyle, but in general your purse  needs to be of  high quality and the size should fit your style and personality.

This is a photo of fellow blogger Susan Tabak who always has great fashion sense!  See how the colors all blend and her purse does not stand out, but pulls her simple outfit together!

Here are a few basic rules to remember:

Play with mixing colors, but keep one color neutral :

If you have gray shoes, you can have fun with a colorful bag. This look is more for work because of the stiffer, dressier bag. The slouchy bag in front  with the gladiator sandals are better for a casual look because they are both less formal.

An outfit made up of  solid colors will get a lift from a purse with some color or texture :


This simple outfit is perked up with these purple flats and a snakeskin clutch.

Don’t do a stiff purse with a casual outfit:

If you like to wear casual or soft flowing clothes your handbag should match the look. This purse is too boxy and stiff for this sporty outfit.


This softer,relaxed hobo style purse is much better with this outfit~

Soft look with a soft style purse
Even a formal purse can work with casual  shoes.

This formal channel style bag works with these flats, since the flats are shiny and have a dressy look to them.

Coordinate your hardware:

It will be  easier to make choices and you will feel more pulled together if you keep your shoes, jewelry and handbag hardware all the same finish. (e.g. silver jewelry, silver, buckles on shoes, silver zipper on purse)

3 bags 1 shoe


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On the Street… What to Wear Shopping to Look Chic and Comfortable

We know that we love to preach how NOT to buy black, but we could not help but share this Age-mazing Grandmother, who we saw shopping the other day with her  over 40 daughter and grandson! The daughter was from NYC and so they had been shopping recently and bought the same shirt. Here is how they both took this simple black piece and made it age appropriate for themselves. Not only that, we have gotten many letters from you all that are asking the question, “Can I still have a more creative or funky look and not look silly?” We say,” but, of course” !!!

All black is easy to wear, when you off for a day of shopping

Here how theses gals got their  hip and “funky” but casual looks:

  • Start with an good quality t-shirt dress, that hits above your knees. Notice that the sleeves are on the long side, so cover arms but will still keep you cool. Also, the v-neckline is wide and flattering. If it was a rounded neckline, it would not look as hip.
  • Add leggings (see or post on leggings)
  • and fun flats, like these pretty pewter ones.
  • Don’t forget a dramatic light weight handbag.
  • If you have a thin figure, you can belt the shirt
  • Add tight straight legged jeans, and the latest flats.

Here is a step by step look:

Updated pewter flats
This handbag is lightweight and makes a statement!
Her glasses are updated and hip
This is her daughter, in the same shirt, but belted with jeans.
(The daughter is also over 40)

Thin double belt.
Love her cool boots, so comfy and updated.
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Get it before it’s HOT…Stella and Dot, just in time for Summer, on Sale now!

If you have not updated your jewelry “wardrobe” in a while, now is the time to try out a few of this years hottest, bold and colorful pieces from Stella and Dot!

Some of our favorites necklaces and bracelets are on sale with selected pieces up to 50% off~

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Casual style~ perk it up with stripes!

Stripes are a hot trend this summer and can still be age appropriate! photo credit:The Satorialist

With an upcoming trip to Paris on the books, I (JoJami) am beyond excited to be able to report to you all, first hand, how women over 40 are dressing in one of my favorite places on earth! (Check back in May for pictures and updates!)

From what we’ve been reading in all the fashion magazines, it looks like the classic blue and white stiped t-shirt is going to be a hot trend this summer! So I’m planning on making sure to pack one in my suitcase!

One of my guilty pleasures is reading a blog called Habitually Chic, that is written by an interior designer who loves to travel.  Here she has put together some great pictures that might help inspire you to re-invent this classic look into your wardrobe!

I LOVE the way the woman on the left  has layered her stripes with a mustard jacket and baby blue scarf. (Don’t miss the wonderful orange watch she has thrown on for another pop of color and the hip aviator sunglasses!) I’m imagining that this woman has on nice flats or loafers with her kakis and she’s totally comfortable and feeling FAB! However, beware of this high waisted tucked in look for those who have wide hips. See how the jacket is hitting her right at her waist. You could do the same look, but keep the top untucked and then make sure the sweater is longer.

The women on the right are doing the easy, edgier version of stripes… they threw on their skinny black jeans, boots or heels and headed out the door!!!

If you want to try this look, but don’t want to spend a fortune, head on over to Target or J. Crew and try one on. Both stores have a few styles at great prices.

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Can you wear head to toe, Talbots?

Last week, I (JoJami) was off to St. Michaels, Maryland with a girlfriend to do a little shopping.

While we were there, we decided to pop over to The Inn at Perry Cabin and check out their new Spa facilities, called the Linden Spa.

While it was obvious that they were still getting the pool all spuced up for summer, their “Botanicl Art of Wellness” center was crisp, clean and ready for business!

It was so pretty and smelled oh, so good, that we were tempted to ditch our shopping trip and book an appointment on the spot!

Head to toe Talbots and looking polished and professional!

While checking out the facility, I spotted a woman looking so proffesional and polished that I had to stop her and ask her about her outfit. It turns out she is the Inn’s, Event Planner.

“You won’t believe it, but I’m head to toe, Talbots!” Even my purse and shoes are from there!”

I was certainly impressed that her look was so stylish and effortless from all one store! Moreover, the Inn should be happy to have such a well dressed, Event planner, that looks the part and would make anyone at ease with her polished appearance!

Talbots has been trying to update their image and reach out to a younger crowd and from the looks of things, they are doing a great job of it!

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Low key, high tea in NYC…

If you are going to be in NYC to see the shows and shop, you might be tempted to hang out up in mid-town Manhatten, but if you really want a unique adventure, you should definitely head on down to SoHo for some of the best shopping ever, no matter what your age.

In SoHo you will find more boutique type shopping mixed in with some amazing bargainsThere’s also many a cute tiny restaurants every few blocks that are perfect to pop into for a quick bite or drink~

Recently I (JoJami) got a tip that I should visit the new Crosby Street Hotel for tea in The Crosby Bar. So, after the uptown museum, I headed downtown to enjoy a wonderful treat for the eyes and tummy!

This low key boutique hotel (there is no name out front…just the bellman and a flag) is done up in what I would describe as funky-contemporary-cozy.

Here are a few photos of the decor.

Here you can come in, relax (the staff was super friendly)…and no need to feel like you have to hold out your pinky finger while sipping your tea!

The Crosby Bar

Yes, this was as yummy as it looks!

JoJami says," Loved the entire experience, would definitely come back again!"

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Finally, life doesn’t have to be hell on heels!

Danna Davis had a problem. She was tired of  having of having sore feet after wearing her fashionable high heels.

That spurred the idea to start designing her own line of shoes that were so chic they are being worn by celebrities walking down the red carpet!

These shoes are not just pretty, they are as comfortable as anything you could buy  from Naturalizers.

Although these shoes are pricey, we are so glad to see designers are finally hearing our cries! Please design shoes that we can look good in and still be comfortable!

(selected shoes can be found at Nordstroms)


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Packing for a trip to LA

When packing for a trip, it is smart to "try out" the outfits first!

When you are off to a trip, it can be mind wracking trying to plan what to wear!

So when packing for a trip it is great to make your outfits up first and then see how many different “looks” you can create.

We found that interior designer, Heather Clawson from Habitually Chic® has done just that with impeccable taste as she prepares for an upcoming trip to LA.

To see more wonderful outfit choices, you can visit her site, here!

Thisis dramatic and stunning! Don't forget the black scarf that tops it off!

Notes:

  • Flat shoes are comfortable and stylish
  • Love the oversized white tote
  • Simple colors all mix and match
  • Heather has expensive taste, however you can achieve these looks for much less and use them as inspiration!

Layering is always a good idea when heading out west, since you can never be sure it it will be hot or cold!

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Have an itch to try something exotic and new?

Could this be you, enjoying life like this?

This week’s Blogging Boomers Carnival has real “doozy” of a story that you will want to check out, especially  if you have a sense of adventure and want an out of the box, exotic retirement idea!

Read on to find out how, after 5 years of research, one amazing couple, discovered the secret to retiring and seeing the world on a shoestring!

Enjoy this story alog with other interesting blog posts at this week’s Blogging Boomers Carnival . Nancy Mehegan at VaBoomer.com is this week’s carnival host.


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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.

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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!
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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!

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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!

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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.

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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
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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!

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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!

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