We are sad and disheartened to say goodbye today to one of our generation’s most prominent fashion icons.
Pin up model, movie actress and Charlie’s Angel star Farrah Fawcett lost her 3 year battle with cancer at 62 years old. She was the face (and hairstyle) that defined an era in American pop culture in the 1970s, and won over the world with her beaming smile and bombshell beauty.
She was a true Boomer Babe, and she will be missed.
Sigrid Olsen, artist/designer
If you’re over 40, chances are you’ve bought at least one item of clothing from designer Sigrid Olsen.
Last night, I (JoJami) had a chance to met up with Sigrid, who was one of the speakers at the Smart Talk Series in Wilmington, DE.
Olsen (age 55) said she started out in her career as an artist and morphed onto the fashion scene 25 years ago, heading up her name brand clothing empire. She designed for “real” women, using bright colors and simple classic designs that became her trademark.
However, a few years ago that all changed. With the economy sinking, Sigrid left her business to start fresh. “My company had become so large that I did not get to do what I loved to do, which is creative based.
“I ended up just being the head of my company and doing meetings all day. I had lost touch with my roots and doing my passion which is art…. I am much happier now.”
ISLA beach house
So what does that “now” look like?
Olsen, who lives in Gloucester, MA, now runs a retail boutique, called ISLA Beach house, just a few steps down the road from her home, where she sells her sunny, beach-inspired art, pottery and other unique finds.
“I like to find new artists and help promote them”, she said with a twinkle in her eye. She is obviously passionate about her new venture!
Not to be one to sit still, Sigrid, found Yoga soon after her “retirement” and now runs her Yoga/Art fusion retreats all over the world.
A self professed “doer” Sigrid Olsen is living her passion and thanks to her creativity we can now bring a piece of her colorful world into ours!
Deborah (circa 2004) in her favorite Sigrid Olsen outfit
A cute story… Deborah tells me that back in around 2003 after having two babies two years apart, she was feeling rather frumpy. She went to Florida and discovered Sigrid Olsen in Burdines and bought a ton of her bright fun clothes.
Deb was so thrilled she even emailed Sigrid to tell her how happy her clothes made her feel, and what a perfect fit they were. Here’s Deb a couple of years later in those same Sigrid Olsen clothes that she wore and wore.
Doesn’t the robin’s egg blue and peach go beautifully with her Spring complexion?
We are not surprised that there is a site that is keeping track of what Michelle Obama is wearing. Check this out, Michelle Obama’s Look Book for an up-to-date photo gallery of what she is wearing.
You can learn so much from just studying this site, from what styles flatter her figure to what colors look best on her. Also, what styles are good for work as well as age-appropriate. Apply these tips to your own wardrobe and see how they work for you!
Here are some of our picks and why…
- In Paris: We have been saying how white is the hot color for summer and here is Mrs. O in Paris looking very fresh and pretty!
Photo by Yves Forestier/Getty Images
- Updated suit dressing : This suit is so updated, with the 3/4 sleeves and thin belt. Her black and white flower pins are so fresh and fun!
- Next up: Putting color into your look can bring some much needed life to your wardrobe. Also, the large pearls are a classy way to dress up any outfit! The simplicity and fit of this dress with the just right “v” neck makes it an easy style to try. This time she has paired it with a wide belt, also in fashion today!
- Finally, this pink gown was worn early in the campain, but has been one of our all time favorite formals that she has worn. We just think it is so feminine, simple and elegant. This spring, florals are still a popular choice and this large print is bold yet the monotone color combination keeps it subtle.
The cosmetic surgery debate continues…..
There’s a good article over at Entertainment & Showbiz.com that says filmmaker Cheryl Hines, who directed Meg Ryan in “Serious Moonlight”, says she has no problem with older Hollywood stars getting cosmetic surgery. “If it makes you happy, do it. I don’t care. Whatever works,” says Hines.
Now we’re putting that question to you……
How do you feel about cosmetic surgery?
Are you for it, or against it, and why?
Do you plan to have any cosmetic surgery in the future, and if you already have, did it change your life in any way?
Do you think Meg has had any cosmetic surgery, and how do you think she looks?
Do you think all this talk about cosmetic surgery is nobody’s business?
We’d love to hear from you!
Susan Boyle
So, of course you have seen Britain’s newest, hottest talent Susan Boyle?... We did too, and we’re cheering on this 47 year old, Britian’s Got Talent, vocal sensation!
Still, there’ no denying that although she’s a fabulous singer, Ms. Boyle is a little behind the times when it comes to her fashion sense.
Recently, The Fashionator from iVillage asked the Glam Gals, “If you could make over Susan, what would you do?”
Here’s how we’d help Susan look Age-mazing™ ( Amazing for her Age):
When we saw Susan we just wanted to throw our arms around her and give her a big hug! She has an adorable, frisky personality, but it does not match the way she dresses. If she wants to be a performer and a star, she will need to class up her act. We would LOVE to be the ones to do it!
- She is dressing too old and matronly and we would like to help her in this area.
- We would give her an outfit that is age appropriate, elegant and stylish.
- Then of course her hair needs color and style (We would work with the over 40 hair expert, Christopher Hopkins, The Makeover Guy, on this project)
- She seems to like to wear blah beige. We would like to brighten her up in a dress with some color to it, to fit her sassy personality!
- Also, she has a cute figure that we could show off better and we need to get those breasts into a good bra!
- She does not wear makeup and we would like to see her made up naturally, not too heavy.
- And last but not least, we would take care of her bushy eyebrows!
photo-iVillage
SUSAN needs to get rid of the Frump! To read Ysolt Usigan’s (aka The Fashionator) full story on Susan Boyle and other makeover tips go to iVillage.
This week over at the Three Tomatoes we found a great article on what Michelle Obama wore on her recent trip to London.
She had some hits and some misses…so we wanted to put our spin on this. WHY does an outfit work or not!
Let’s all learn from her hits and mistakes together….
1.This is the best look of the week. WOW! The bright yellow color looks great on her. It is very today. The simple black overcoat gives the illusion of thin. Simple pointy toed shoes look elegant and elongate her beautiful legs. Look at how simplicity works, no extra jewelry needed. Also, the dress length is perfect on her, not too old, not too young, but just right.
2. This cream and mint green outfit was from J.Crew. It looks great in this photo, but not so great on the news. One problem was the skirt was made of a shiny fabric that showed all the wrinkles.
Remember, fit and fabrication is very important and you always want to play down your tummy area. Normally, Michelle can really rock a pencil skirt when she wears it in a darker fabric that is not shiny.
3. Oops. Lots going wrong here! First off, let’s talk style. Gathered skirts make hips look bigger! This is just not a flattering style on Michelle who has a lovely shape. Preppy meets cocktail?
When dressing you should stick with one theme. If you’re going preppy, you should be at a casual outing, not in London with the Prime Minister’s wife! P.S. Sarah Brown could have used some SHAPEWEAR with that tight blue dress or better yet, a totally different dress. This did NOT flatter her at all!
Anytime you are going to be photographed, try a test shot at home and see how your dress looks on you. You will be shocked at how you look in person vs. a photograph!
4.Here we go again, this time not as much gathering in the skirt, but still not so flattering.This black and white outfit is way too safe and boring. We agree with the Three Tomatoes on this comment… ” The queen, looking lovely in pink, outshone her here!”
5. When your bow is bigger than your head, you can be sure you have gone overboard with the accessories! Subtle is better, if you think your dress or outfit is overpowering you, then try something else.
6. Yeah, we love this dress! The design is perfect. Not too sexy, with the wide straps on the top and perfectly placed ‘V’ neck. Nice and fitted around the waist and hips. Just feminine and classy.
People
Valerie Bertinelli, 48, is on the cover of People Magazine and looking Age-MAZING!
It’s exciting to see that with some willpower, a good diet and lots of exercise, you can get your bod back even after 40! Of course, she’s been paid to do this, but still, it is inspiring!
On her blog at Jenny Craig, Valerie attests to feeling better than ever about herself, and obviously looks very healthy.
Have any of you had this type of success?
We want to hear your story! What diet and fitness tips can you pass on that can help us all look fabulous after 40?
Looks like Meryl Streep has had some help to tweak her chic! She looks Age-mazing™ in this red satin number and the belt is a knockout! Quite a glamorous change from her usual laid back hippie style.
Meryl, who was once on Mr.Blackwell’s worst dressed list has found out it’s never too late to make a change.
