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) |
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| 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) |
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| 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) |
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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) |
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| 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) |
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| 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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Pictures don’t lie! It is amazing how many of us imagine ourselves one way and in reality look another! Nothing like a reality check!
Take for example one of our readers Janet O. who thought she might have to give up this dress…
Hello Glam Gals,
When is short too short? I have several dresses that hit me above the knees. I am not a fan of my knees (I call them “thnees” – thighs that merge into my knees with no definition) but these dresses are so comfy I continue to wear them.
What do you think? Time to hang them up?
~Janet O
HI Janet…LOL..love your new term! However, you don’t have “thnees”, you have nice knees and you look great in your dress!!!
Keep on keeping on! Your wedge shoes, long necklace and bangles, really look updated too!(so does your hair, the little that we can see of it!)
Your dress is much better than a boring pair of khakis and a polo shirt yet you look totally comfortable and chic.
Thanks for sending us your photos!
The Glam Gals
Can Janet pull this dress off? She thinks she has ugly knees!
Yes, she can! Her legs are beautiful!
This Glam Gal has an updated look and great style!
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!
Look beautiful for the family wedding photos!
As wedding ceremonies and receptions become more highly personalized, doesn’t it make sense that your Mother of the Bride gown should be more personalized too? Why not make it a true reflection of you? Let your personality shine through with these 5 ways to be a Stylish Mother of the Bride:
1) Find a Signature piece of Jewelry A great way to put your own personal stamp on your mother of the bride gown is to add a little glam with jewelry. If you have a favorite piece, or an antique with some family heritage, make that a focal point of your outfit. Unique jewelry will add glamour and meaning to what you’re wearing. Note: We said ONE piece! Don’t “guild the lily” by layering on the accessories! You’ll detract from your dress, and your natural beauty!
2) Add Pattern and Texture A big trend in mother of the bride gowns is to use pattern somewhere in the outfit. For an informal wedding, a mother of the bride could wear a linen skirt suit with a patterned scarf. Trés chic! For a more formal affair, you could try a wearing a vintage lace shawl over your mother of the bride gown. This will add some depth and interest to your outfit, and cover up your arms at the ceremony in a fashionable way!
3) Focus on your feet What mother of the bride gown is complete without a fabulous pair of shoes? We can’t overemphasize the importance of comfort when you’ll be on your feet all day and dancing all night. However, comfy can be stylish. Choose a shoe that inspires you, that you feel stylish in, and that feels good on your feet. Heels are always preferable to flats for style and sophistication, and avoid heavy clunky shoes no matter how “in” they are. A safe bet is always a neutral shoe or a metallic. Stay away from white or black Mother of the Bride shoes as they look too heavy. The one exception to that rule is wearing black shoes with a black dress.
4) Wear Make-up This seems obvious, but there are many women who normally don’t wear make-up, even on their child’s wedding day. The result: They end up looking washed out in photos. To look like a stylish Mother of the Bride you really do need some make-up so you’ll shine those photos. Hire a professional if you are uncomfortable applying make-up yourself and test drive your look a couple of times prior to the wedding so you don’t feel artificial on the big day. A professional make-up artist knows how to walk the fine line between overdone and underdone.
5) Choose an Interesting Purse Another great way to express who you are is via your handbag. Choose something that says you, but still suits the formality of the affair. Instead of matching your purse to your shoes, have them blend instead. This could mean choosing a bag with the same tone beads as the metallic on your shoe, or carrying one with a coordinating print. Even if your outfit is a neutral shade, you can really pop it with a brightly colored clutch! Just keep in mind formality – the smaller and glitzier the bag, the more formal it will appear. Follow these tips for Looking like a stylish Mother of the Bride and you’ll wow your family and friends. Don’t be surprised if you overhear them say “Oooh, I love her outfit. It’s just so her!”
There are so many ways to spice up your wedding day outfit. Find out more by checking out our newest eBook, Tweak Your Chic: Mother of the Bride.
It’s barely spring and the flowers are already blooming.. in the stores at least!
I (Deborah) just got back from Florida and was overwhelmed by the abundance of floral pattern dresses in all the stores. Sheath dresses (Michelle Obama’s signature look) are everywhere, which is great news because they’re timeless and absolutely perfect for over 40 fashionistas! Sheath dress are elegant, not bold, but also very fresh, modern and youthful. They’ve always been my personal favorite!
Here’s what I’m seeing in the garden of fashion ……………
| Painted Roses:
The elegant mix of colors and the painterly quality to the pattern makes this dress divine! (Nordstrom) |
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| Blurred Watercolor Floral:
Another very artistic expression in bold black and white softened by watercolor brush strokes and rusched side seams.(Nordstrom) |
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| Fresh and Feminine:
This dress is a knock-out in cream and coral-red. I tried it on, but hesitated and now I’m kicking myself. Time to order online! (Nordstrom) |
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| Touch of Floral:
If the idea of wearing all floral is overwhelmig to you, try this cool summer shift with a floral border.(Nordstrom) |
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| Beautiful Blue:
Blue ( especially deep blue) is a one of the most popular color choices this spring. It’s a nice warm change from black because it is softer looking against aging skin. In other words, it doesn’t wash you out, like black can.(Nordstrom) |
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| Not your Grandma’s Florals:
One thing you’ll notice about all these floral prints, especially this one, is that they are very modern looking. This one has a unique graphic twist that makes the dress look fresh and youthful. If you still have a waist, don’t be afraid to belt your shift.(Nordstrom)
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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!
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!
Check out their site for more samples of their Spring Collection that covers all the basis from festive daytime dresses to sexy special occasion ones.
Enjoy!
Listen into this special interview with author, Robyn Okrant
First there was the Julie/Julia Project, then came Living Oprah~ My One-Year Experiment to walk the Walk of the Queen of Talk.
Yoga teacher, Robyn Okrant, aka LO (short for Living Oprah) is a self proclaimed, “average” almost 40 year old, who set out to find out what would happen if she put her life in the hands of televisions’ most influential personality.
The result was a full year of watching the Oprah Show (everyday), reading O Magazine, and going on line to the website as well. What happened is a fun ride down a slippery slope. Not wanting to be sponsored, Robyn chose to buy everything that she could afford that Oprah reccomended for a full year… even if that ment having to give back a free Kindle that the producers of Oprah sent her! OUCH!
JoJami read the book (Loved it!) and got a chance to interview Robyn this week to ask her some upclose and personal questions about how the whole thing went!
Listen here for this juicy chat with the author and find out if LO has worn out the cute ,age-appropriate, lepeord print flats she was instructed to buy!
Here is a great fashion question from one of our readers: Dear Glam Gals, Wondering what handbags you would consider “old lady” and which would be considered more youthful…..thanks! L. C. Vandercook Hi L.C. We had fun looking for some good examples to share with you. Here are our Do’s and Don’ts
Meryl Streep is looking Fab, in her new movie, It's Complicated photo credit: Universal Pictures
With the new hit movie It’s Complicated out, we were recently called upon by Rita Truschel of The News Journal, to get our input on the subject of dressing women over 40.
The author states, ” For women of a certain age, chic and fashionable hits a fresh line between matronly and too youthful.”
Deborah and JoJami were asked what they thought of Meryl Streep’s style of dressing in the movie.
We loved it! They gave her an upscale bohemian style. She wore lots of scarves and flowing, fabric in lovely muted colors that really flattered her.
Her hair was on the long side, and we liked it on her that way. Her make up was clean and fresh looking too!
Read more….
The Glam Gals (Deborah and JoJami) would like to thank all of you wonderful ladies out there for reading our blog, writing in with your comments and for getting out there and trying new styles and products!
Cheers to you and hoping you have enjoyed all our tips and tricks to keeping looking Fabulous!
We are excited about the new year and will be bringing you lots more ideas and ways to update your style!
Here are our New Years Eve tips you can try tonight:
- If you plan to wear black, find some way to bring some color to your outfit! A colorful necklace, pin, scarf or shoes will do the trick!
- Keep your lipstick handy! Make sure to stop in the middle of the night and refresh those lips. Bare lips can make you look faded and older!
- Make sure to wear your shapewear! No matter what your size, don’t leave home with out your Spanx. Shapewear will smooth you out and keep pantylines at bay!
- Instead of clear hose, try some nude fishnets! Your loved one will find it super sexy if you pull on the fishnets instead of the plain old panyhose!
- Make sure you hair is shiney! Run out to the drugstore and find a can of spay shine (we are not saying “sparkles”, just shine). Nothing like a healthy looking head of hair to make you look fresh!
Have fun!
When running around town, we want to make sure that we Glam Gals are super comfortable, but chic too.
Great way to put a little color in your day out!
The answer is simple. A sweater dress, leggings and a pair of boots!
Here is our recipe to pull this look together.
- Find a simple straight sweater dress.
- Add a nice wide hip belt
- Layer it with a scarf or loose long sweater (like a Cozy)
- Make sure to wear dark opaque tights or legging
- Find some nice fitting boots that are either flat or have a short heel. (Zappos.com)
- If you want a smoother look, try a full slip from Spanx
Both dresses shown are from Newport News.
 For a sexier look, this flattering style would look great on most! |
 This boot is from Zappos.com |
Click below for more styles that will fit your body type!
How about those matching oven mitts! photo: www.washingtonion.com
In a recent story from www.washingtonian.com , they showed this age appropriate outfit as “What to wear to a Christmas cooking party”
They also suggest, “For a casual meal at home, stick to comfy flats, cozy cardigans, and cheery kitchen accessories [those cute oven mitts!]. Short sleeves will stay out of your way in the kitchen, a tweed skirt adds both texture and a touch of class to the ensemble, while a cranberry-based color palette keeps the whole thing holiday-oriented.”
What a great idea…first off, we love that is it NOT Christmas themed.. PLEASE …we women over 40 and have had enough of those darn ugly Christmas sweaters! AMEN!
Also, this printed t-shirt is a bargan at $48.00 from Torn Cristy.
The Tory Burch flats (Zappos.com) could be any brand and still look nice!
One note, we usually DONT like the tucked in look on most over 40 bodies..so beware of that!
That being said, how about tucking it out with a nice hip belt and some tight jeans!
Get inspired…what a great mix of neutrals and color!
Moreover, you can have fun looking in your closet to see if you can pull a classy, but casual outfit together!
Cheers!
The Glam Gals
P.S. Those oven mitts are from Anthropology.com!
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:
- Finding the right dress for your body type
- How to pick the perfect accessories
- Where do I start?
For all of December, when you buy our e- book, we will be happy to answer up to 5 style questions (via e-mail) that you might have. Just write and e-mail us photos for us to review to: info@fabulousafter40.com
Click here to Buy NOW!
Don’t miss out on this Special first time offer!
We recently posted a letter from a reader who can’t wear heels because of foot problems and wanted to know if she could wear leggings with clunky flats.
When we mentioned that instead, she should try some flat boots, she ran out and found a pair at Nordstrom’s!
Now leggings and jeans are fine, but what if she wants to wear a skirt? Since these boots are very casual they will be look best with pants…
Flat boots like these will be comfy for those with foot problems
However, here is a skirt that will work with them too. You could also try a casual dress, like a sweater dress.
Colorful skirts make fall dressing festive
Don’t forget to make sure to find opaque hose (not sheer) or tights that match the boots. This will give the leg a longer look.
We went to Boden.com and Spiegel and found lots of great casual styles to choose from! At Boden, you can even “try” the clothes on a fantasy model and see what they would look like on a person!
Here is another combination we liked:
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!
This over 40 model says, " I'm just running around doing errands today"..."Looking fab", we say!
We recently found a wonderful site called Atlantis Home that we wanted to share with all you more daring fashionistas out there.
The author (shown here) is over 40 and just so happens to be a former model. However, even if you are not tall and rail thin, you can still take some fun tips on how to dress a little more funky but still age appropriate!
What makes her looks so great?
- The jacket is updated with 3/4 sleeves and chunky buttons and is a good length on her.
- The gold necklace is bold like the jacket and softens the black top
- Love the neckline of that mini dress
- These jeans are slim all the way down, but not too tight, they give the legs an extra long lean look.
- Even though she is tall she is still rocking platform boots. Believe it or not, these types of heels can be really comfortable.
- She looks sexy with out having to wear tight clothes
Enjoy!
Have you tried something new lately?
Did you see the Oprah Show the other day, the one where she took 3 women who were all feeling down and out and made them do things that were WAY out of their comfort zone?
Seems the Glam Gals are not the only ones out there trying to get you over 40 gals to try something new! (check out our past posts on leather jackets or thigh high boots!)
If you need a little push out of the “plane” Jane syndrome, just go and take a peak this weeks Blogging Boomers Carnvial #138! The Boomer Chronicles are hosting and have lots of inspiration from some of the top Boomer Bloggers out there!
Wearing leggings can be tricky for women over 40!
Are leggings age appropriate for us ladies 40 and beyond? We say,YES!
So, how can you pull off this falls biggest fashion trend, like these slouch leggings from Nordstroms?
Read our article over at More Magazine, and find out some of the do and don’ts of this fun and easy look!
Is this costume age appropriate?
Dear Glam Gals,
Do you have any guidelines for Halloween costumes? Some of them are very sexy, risque, or silly. I have a Star Trek dress which is like those worn by the women in the old Captain Kirk Star Trek TV show. (Think Lt. Uhura.) It’s modest except for the skirt length being mid-thigh. Am I too old for this look now (I’m 46)?
Dear Ms. Star Trek,
Personally neither of us Glam Gals would think of dressing in a mid-thigh sexy skirt for Halloween and have not done so since around age 40. However, it really depends on the crowd that you are in and what message you want to send. If you have great legs and will be wearing dark hose, it might be alright. The best rule of thumb in dressing however is…IF YOU ARE HESITANT, DON’T DO IT!
Your inner gut is usually your best gauge and it is always better to err on the side of tasteful, than over the top. That way, you don’t have to feel self conscious and wish you had worn something else.
All that being said, having fun is the main point, and if you want to wear a short skirt or be extra sexy on Halloween, go for it! It’s the one day of the year that really anything goes!
Happy Halloween!
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
The ruffle trend that started this Spring looks like it has some strong legs and will be walking into our closets this fall!
But beware, this is not a trend for everyone and should be analyzed carefully before running out and getting one.
Being over 40, the idea of trying to wearing ruffles can be tricky for several reasons.
| 1. Ruffles add bulk to your front. If you have a large bust, you will have to be careful how much and where your ruffles are. |
- Too many ruffles for an ample bust!
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| 2. You will look sweet because ruffles are romantic and feminine. If you have a power job or are trying to project authority, you will want to stick to sharper lines, or stay away from ruffles altogether. |
- Tuxedo-style ruffles are a better choice under a power suit.
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| 3. Be careful not to over do them. Too much ruffle can be aging. |
- Minimal ruffles work better for us over-40 gals.
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That being said, you can still wear this trend, but you have to be picky.
This fall we are seeing a lot of leather and extreme shoulders. A little it of ruffle at the neck can soften this look and make it feel more feminine and updated.
Here is a sweet white blouse with just a touch of softness at the neckline. This will work perfectly to replace my old blouse that has started to look tired. I (JoJami) found it at one of my favorite local boutiques in Wilmington, Delaware called Ellie.
- white blouse, by Paper White availabe at Ellie Boutique
