Living back east with the seasons so varied, it never ceases to surprise me how now that each time we approach a new season I get that shopping “itch” inside of me. I go through my closet and think, what do I need to update my wardrobe?
The questions that we are getting most from you are “what can I do to feel polished and still casual?”
So here are a few things that you might want to check and make sure you have on hand, so that you look chic and updated!
Don’t forget, before you begin, you should get rid of all your out of date, old tired clothes. For more inspiration, make sure to check out our popular DVD, The Ultimate Cure for the Dysfunctional Closet!
This DVD will put the "fun" into getting your closet organized!
Do you have a good fitting knee high boot?
You will not want to go through fall without at least 1 or 2 pair of boots, one that is knee high and one short for under pants.
The biggest factor for the knee high ones is fit and where they hit your leg. You will want to make sure that they come up to your knee and fit around your leg nice and snug. (Nordstoms) |
 A boot like this in brown or black will be a work horse in your wardrobe to wear with skirts or dresses! |
| The long cardigan
For over 40 ladies the long cardigan vs a pull over is a great update. This you will want to layer with a nice fitting t-shirt and possibly belt it. Now with the boots you have a great updated casual look! (Nordtroms)
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 This long cardigan is perfect to go from office to casual |
Flat front, straight legged pants:
Make sure you have a nice pair of flat front, straight legged pants to tuck into those boots. J.Crew has some of the most flattering ones we’ve seen and they fit is terrific. |
 This pant comes in lots of colors and has a great fit! |
Fitted Jacket vs Boxy Jacket
It is all about the fit this fall! Have you bought a new jacket lately? Don’t go out and get another boring boxy one… instead really shop around for one with lots of darts that make the jacket mold to your body.They are not easy to find, so be picky. You can really feel great when you throw on a wonderful jacket! (Bloomingdales) |
 This is a classic style that hugs the body nicely, from Ralph Lauren |
Is your overcoat overdue to be replaced?
Here is where it can really get fun! So many of us feel we have to play it “safe” and practical when it comes to our overcoat. If you have an old boring one, this should be your year to go out and find one that states your personality! (Nordstroms) |
 Even though the model is super young, this coat would still be age appropriate not to mention feminine and festive! |
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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!
