Plus Size Fashion that Flatters~

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!
Here is a video of their new Spring Collection that has it all from great daytime dresses to special occasion.

Enjoy!

Lola & Gigi’s New Fall Arrivals from Mike Realba on Vimeo.

Do you have a sweater dress?

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!

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!

For a sexier look, this flattering style would look great on most!

This boot is from Zappos.com

This boot is from Zappos.com

Click below for more styles that will fit your body type!


125x60 Fashions Fit and Flatter

Second time brides and special occasion dressing after 40

white-wedding-dress

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!

Mother Of The Bride

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!

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!

Not wearing dresses because of chaffing is a problem?

It is easy to feel frumpy after 40, especially when life in general is all about dressing casually.  I (JoJami) was out on a group hike over the weekend, and was chatting with a fellow hiker about her frustrations with her everyday dressing techniques.

Dresses are a summer great option to shorts or capris

Dresses are a great summer option to shorts or capris

Hiker Sue: I am petite and my middle has spread, even though I exercise and eat moderately. I am not interested in looking fashionable, I just want to dress age appropriately.

JJ: I understand how you feel, we hear the same story from our FAF readers all the time who write us and complain that they can’t find anything at the store anymore.

Hiker Sue: What I do now is wear the same “uniform” that works for me. I love khaki pants and simple t-shirts. I also find that I don’t wear heels much anymore, because I like to be comfortable when I walk around town.

JJ: Well, have your tried putting little dresses into your casual wardrobe? They are so wonderful, you feel more feminine and you can wear flats or heels with them.

Hiker Sue: You know, a lot of women have given up wearing dresses because of chaffing! Their thighs rub together and it makes wearing dresses really uncomfortable!

JJ: Actually, I have not really thought about that!!! Thanks for bringing it up!!

Oh my, chaffing thighs under dresses is a terrible problem.  But ladies, there is a solution!
bike shortsIf you find wearing dresses uncomfortable, we highly recommend that you wear some shapewear under your dress. The little “bike short” style is just perfect to go under any sundress and will totally eliminate the chaffing problem. We found a ton of these over at Bare Necessities in a variety of styles and sizes.  Make sure you grab the thigh slimmers that have a flat band around the leg opening so they don’t roll up, and long enough for comfort (probably right above the knee).  Not only will they stop your thighs from rubbing together, they will smooth out your legs and midsection too!

So we hope you will go out and try on a new dress and add it to your casual wardrobe. Find some cute flats and also some matching heels and see how you feel!

Then send it in and let us share it !!!

Style Tip – Try it on anyway

Have you ever looked at something in the store and thought, “Nah,I’m not going to try it on. It’s probably not for me..I don’t think?”…. and then you walked away?

Well, this summer I (Deborah) nearly walked away from two winners.

Looked kind of baggy on the hanger

Looked kind of baggy on the hanger

P1000593

Deborah in her new favorite comfy dress!

The first was a simple navy blue  Diane Von Furstenberg dress with a nautical feel. It had a cute scoop neckline, billowy sleeves and a darling rope belt. I liked it, but I was sure it would be too loose and billowy, and would make me like I was wearing a big old bag.

But then I thought…. what the heck, I’ll try it.

To my surprise, it was actually very fitted through the waist and hips and looked really cute on me. It’s so comfortable too, and looks great with my red canvas Ralph Lauren wedges.

I wasn't sure about this one

I wasn't sure about this one

P1000544

Deborah says, "You can still feel glam even going casual!"

The second near miss was another Diane Von Furstenberg dress…..this one had a simple cut and the material had a  wild colorful pattern.  Now, normally I don’t wear many patterns, but I was really attracted to the colors in this dress. I also like things that nip in at the waist and this looked more just a straight up and down style. It didn’t have the greatest rack appeal but, but I just had a feeling.

It’s now become my new favorite dress. It’s cute and comfy and I can dress it up and down. I have had a million compliments, and most important of all I feel fantastic in it. Here’s me on my way to my girlfriend’s new country house for a  casual summer dinner.

So what’s the lesson here? If you’re not sure, try it on anyway. It sure worked for me! Oh, and do check out Diane Von Furstenberg. She’s on of my favorites. Saks carries a lot of her clothes.

Mother of the Bride and Groom Dresses for afternoon and evening

What do you wear when you are the Mother of the Bride or Groom and the wedding is early afternoon, but the reception is not until the evening?

Is a dressy suit more appropriate or an evening gown?

The answer in this situation is, either is acceptable.

Barb's Mother of the Groom outfit for the ceremony

Barb's Mother of the Groom outfit for the ceremony

Some choose to play it both ways, like my friend Barbara.  Barb’s son Andrew got married a few weeks ago and she decided she would wear one outfit to the ceremony and another to the party.

Here’s Barb at 1:00 in the afternoon at the church in a black skirt and stunning fuschia jacket.  She’s a summer and the color was spectacular on her.

Barb at the reception

Barb at the reception

After the ceremony and  during the photo taking she changed into this dramatic black number (which she had made) and wore it to the 5:00 P.M. reception  held at a posh supper club.
What did I wear? I went for two outfits too. I wore my favorite cream colored summer suit by Ross Mayer to the church. To the reception I wore this espresso sparkly teardrop dressy by Milly that made me feel like dancing. It’s available at Nordstrom.

In this very casual dress world we live in, isn’t it nice to have the chance to go to a wedding so you can play dress-up sometimes?

Picture 091

mob_cover_sampleFor more great ideas on what to wear as Mother of the Bride or Groom check out our ebook Tweak Your Chic-Mother of the Bride!

Where to shop for lovely mother of the bride dresses

What a relief to see that those old misconceptions about how a mother of the bride – or mature woman attending a special event – should look, are finally changing.  America’s biggest bridal retailer, David’s Bridal, is forging the way for moms and wedding-goers to look hipper, younger and cooler!

Here are some trends we have seen in the bridal industry in the past few seasons that give us hope!

1) Color

david's bridal - color

It used to be that Mother of the Bride dresses only came in four colors: blah, boring, beige, and blech.  Pastels and navy blue are only part of the selection nowadays! Finally, the industry is starting to show a spectrum of different colors, from spring greens to rich purples.

Whether you love bold jewel tones or rich earth tones, there should be something out there for you. Since more saturated colors are better for aging skin tones, liven up your look, and go for something with pizazz!

2) Bolero Jackets

david's bridal - bolero

We’re sick of those boring, frumpy jacket dresses too, but with the rising popularity of bolero jackets, there’s finally a fresh new take on them! Designers finally addressed the need for a removable, arm-covering piece that is also fashionable.

It’s a perfect combination of style (with different sleeve lengths, they can be very sharp), practicality (take it off when you’re hot, and you will still have a great dress underneath), and modesty (wear it to cover up during the ceremony – no one will guess you’re trying to cover those wobbly chicken wings under your arms!).

3) Variety of lengths

david's bridal - hem

Say goodbye to floor length! We’re seeing plenty of different hemlines popping up, maybe due to the variety of different wedding styles and venues. We’re seeing plenty of cocktail-length, knee-length, handkerchief hems and hi-lo (high in the front, long in the back).

Just stay away from anything above the knee – that’s way too short. All these new hemlines give you one more reason to wear some killer shoes!

We love that David’s has come up with stylish, more age-appropriate ways to appeal to the new generation of boomers!  To get more tips about how to dress for your son or daughter’s wedding, check out our eBook Tweak Your Chic: Mother of the Bride!

mob_cover_sample

Summer dresses on sale

It’s amazing how many places you can find to wear some of this summer’s best dresses!  We found a ton of great styles at Nordstrom’s, all under $150!  Check out how you can wear them to all your summer destinations.

summer dress 4 At the beach.

Accessorize with: A wooden beaded necklace and sunscreen.

summer dress 6 To a barbeque.

Accessorize with: Flat, embellished sandals and a sauce stain.

summer dress 7 As a bathing suit cover up.

Accessorize with: A big floppy straw hat and shades.

summer dress 2 To a summer wedding.

Accessorize with: Metallic heels and dangly earrings.

summer dress 3 To an outdoor party.

Accessorize with: Pearls and a cardigan.

summer dress 5 To a cocktail party.

Accessorize with: Big gold bangles and a slick up-do.

summer dress 8 A night out with the girls.

Accessorize with: A black leather clutch purse (with ballet flats inside!).

summer dres 8 To work.

Accessorize with: Button earrings and sensible pumps.

summer dress1 Anytime!

Accessorize with: Gladiator sandals and a colorful handbag.

Can Colorful Shoes Make You Look Young and Modern? Part 1

It’s been a long time since shoe buying has been so much fun. This spring’s shoes are colorful and crazy and many of you have told us you want to buy a pair.

So what’s holding you back? Are you unsure about whether colorful shoes are age appropriate after 40?

If you’ve come close to buying a pair, but turned back from the cash register counter at the last moment because you thought you’d better stick to something neutral and safe, then read on.

Here’s our take on this season’s rainbow of shoes, with ideas for what to wear them with so you look hip and chic!

WEDGES

red-patent-shoes

When you want to go high, but be comfortable, wedges are a good bet. This cute red patent shoe with its striped wedge has a slightly nautical feel to it. So why not pick up on that theme?

yellow-sundressThis wedge shoe would look great with a navy, black, white or a cheery yellow sundress like this, that is lighthearted and summery.
blue-washed-snakeskin

Electric blue is popular this season, but can be hard to wear because it sometimes comes off as heavy and harsh. This shoe captures the color trend without being overpowering. Love the combination of blue washed snakeskin and a rope wedge which makes this shoe modern and interesting.

linen-blend-scooped-neck-drOne of the easiest and prettiest ways to wear the new blue is to pair it with something white like this tidy linen blend scoop neck dress by Elie Tahari. Add jewelry, like some chunky blue and silver beads, and you are all set.

What To Wear as a Casual Bride?

I’ve got dressing my age (52) down.  I’m a pretty good dresser, not frumpy, thanks to my teenage daughter.  And, no, I don’t dress like I’m 16!

My problem is that I am getting married this summer in a 10 acre backyard in a rural setting in Texas.  Most guests will be wearing blue jeans.  It’s going to be simple and fun.  What do I wear?  I don’t want to look like Ellie Mae Clampett wearing a dress made by Cousin Pearl, nor do I want to look like the girls from Hootersville (what a funny name looking back on it now).  I am 5′10″, wear between a 6 and an 8, small chested, Norweigian heritage, pale skin and blonde and silvery hair.  It’s not bleached! What can I wear just to look memorably pretty?

L

Hi, L!  My, my – you sure are a tall drink of water, and slim too!  Lucky you – you can probably pull off a sleeveless style, which you will be thankful for outside during a hot Texan summer! Shopping for styles might be difficult, since you’ll see a lot of fussy, frilly junior dresses out there with big bows and high hems! Stick to simple lines, lighter, flowier fabrics (nothing too heavy or satin-y), and V-necks to bring the attention up to your face.   Stay away from anything too heavily beaded or embellished, or anything too short!  To the knee should be the highest your skirt should go.

As far as color, you still do want to designate yourself as “The Bride” in pictures and to your guests.  After all, you’re still a bride – you can allow yourself to go a little glam an stand out in the crowd!  Therefore, we do recommend a lighter color.  We understand that once you get to a certain age, wearing white to your own wedding is considered passé (sometimes even taboo!).   But it you’re a traditionalist at heart, why not go for an ivory or white?

The empire waist and V-neck is very flattering

The empire waist and V-neck is very flattering

If you don’t dare do white, then choose a light blue or green.  (With your skin, stay away from pale pinks and beiges — they could wash you out!)  Soft pattern would also be nice, as it has a more casual feel.

Lace insets give this a demure wedding feel, but the silky fabric keeps it casual.

Lace insets give this a demure wedding feel, but the silky fabric keeps it casual.

Solids colors are pretty too, as long as you spice it up by putting some flowers or an embellished comb in your hair.

Chiffon will keep you cool.

Chiffon will keep you cool.

We found all these dresses on Nordstrom’s website.  Good luck, and best wishes!

Tiered skirts – Are they for women over 40?

vera-wang-tiered-dress

tiered dress

Q. Hi Glam Gals, You just wrote about peasant skirts but, what do think about other tiered skirts on women over 40 provided they are knee length or longer? I am seeing so many out for summer.

Thanks,

Jenelle T., FA.

Hi Jenelle,

Yes, there is another kind of  tiered skirt that is popular for spring.  Stores ares showing  flirty layered  skirts and dresses  and they look very fresh and modern compared to peasant skirts. Can a woman over 40 wear them?

Yes!  Here’s how…

These dresses look so fun you might want to run out and get one, but be forewarned that a dress with lots of layers or ruffles like this is going to visually add weight, so if you are pear shaped  (heavy hipped)  don’t waste your time on this look – you’ll only look bulky.

Also, if you are petite, a dress like this can overwhelm you with too much fabric.

If you have a pretty balanced figure you may want to try this look, but even then we’d suggest a more streamlined version where the layers lie flatter. You’ll look sleeker and more elegant.

layered-silk-dress

colorful, streamlined, elegant

Avoid mini tier dresses which look babydoll & little girlish and opt for this classier version on the right.

strapless-coctail-tiered

too young

tiered-silk-chiffon-sheath

attractive neckline for 40+

Wide straps will look much better than teensie spaghetti straps on a mature woman. See how attractive this neckline is? The tiers start below the bust.

kay-unger-tiered-silk-chiffong-gown

fabulous after 40

Bright colors abound, but a black or a dark color like midnight blue will tone down this look and make it more wearable. If you are over 40, a tier dress is best as an evening look.

tiered-and-beaded-silk-dress1

too bright, strapless, fluffy and short!

cheta-b-shutter-cocktail-dress1

subtle tiers

If you choose a tier style skirt  make sure your top is fitted.

If you’re going to try this look, make sure to pair your dress or skirt with dainty heels and nothing too clunky as this is a feminine look.

marc-jacob-sunset-ruffle-dress1

frightening after 40!

If it looks like something your teenager daughter would wear don’t dare event think about it!

(All dresses from Saks)

How To Wear Spring 2009 Fashion Trends -Part 1

Spring Styles are starting to pop up in stores and there’s plenty of choice out there. What are this season’s latest trends, and how can you wear them without looking too old, too young, but just right?

Here are 7 Spring Fashion Trends and our take on how to wear them age-appropriately!

1. Asymmetrical Dresses and Blouses

Michelle Obama led the way by wearing a white crystal one shoulder dress by Jason Wu at the Inaugural Ball. Now this trend is everywhere. One shoulder dresses are an easy way for women over 40 to look sexy without having to reveal too much skin. Just make sure your arms are toned and you’ll look great.

Too Young

Steer clear of styles like this one that are more cavewoman than classy. This dress is just too short for a gal over 40, even if you do have good legs. Unattractive extras like the wide blue strap on the opposite shoulder also detract from the elegance of the dress and the chunky sandals are too extreme for a grown-up gal. This look needs to be cranked down a few notches for anyone over 40.

Age Appropriate

This David Meister one shoulder sheath is just the right length to be elegant but sexy. The dramatic shoulder cutout draws the eye upward and towards the face (and away from any other parts of your midlife body, you don’t want people to tune into). Notice how when the dress has sculptural simplicity you really don’t need to wear much jewelry. Some earrings, perhaps a cocktail ring and you are good to go. Keep your shoes very simple too so you are not competing with the details up top. Don’t forget to wear shapewear with this dress!

The Maxi – How To Wear It When You Are Over 40!

Time flies when you’re having fun! After a while, fashion hits a wall and has to start recycling itself …so here we go again with the maxi dress!

The big question is, when would you wear one? You really don’t want to take this look too seriously.  Wear one with:

  • a pashmina out to dinner
  • as a bathing suit cover up
  • when hosting a dinner party at home

Don’t try to wear fancy high heels with this look.  These dresses aren’t meant to be dressy.  Just pair one with a pretty low sandal, that may have  rhinestones or not, or with a simple wedge if you still want to get some height.

Here are some  maxi dresses we like and why:

This Donna Rico dress is really flattering and won’t make you look like you are trying to hide something!

maxi-dress-black-and-white

Donna -Ricco- maxi

This  Matty M twist top has nice wide straps to hide your bra. Also, the neckline plunges just enough that it would be perfect for showing off a nice  big, bold signature piece of jewelry!

Matty M Twist top

Matty M Twist top

You can never go wrong with a simple all black dress by Karen Kane, or this wonderful bright  floral version paired with some fun jewelry, or worn by itself.

Karen Kane

Karen Kane

So, have some fun and think out of the box. A dress like this is a wonderful, updated alternative to a dress or pants.

Karen Kane Knot dress

Karen Kane Knot dress

Look Sexy After 40 with These Top 3 Tips

Your body may have changed a bit and you’re face isn’t as perfectly unlined as it used to be, but you still feel sexy and want to show it. What’s the best way to do that? Don’t try so hard. No need to shout when a whisper will do the trick. Here are 3 great ways to look sexy after 40.

1. Steer Clear of Cleavage Catastrophes

cleavage_250 Too much
A little mystery is always sexier than letting it all hang out, especially after 40 when everything is suddenly starting to head a little bit south. While Nigella still has a beautiful bust line, her dress leaves nothing to the imagination and looks like she’s serving herself up on a platter for a feast. With her ample assets, she would have been better off in something a little less low-cut that emphasized her figure rather than just her enormous breasts.
one-shoulder_250 Better Choice
This glamorous silky brown jersey gown is bold and striking and would make Nigela look like a Greek Goddess. It’s still very sexy, but in a more refined way. (Lauren by Ralph Lauren Donnie One-Shoulder Dress with Ruffle)

 


 

 

 

blue-satin_250Too much
If your bust is more in proportion with the rest of your body and you do want to play it up, then do so by all means. But, do it in a grown-up, not girly way. This satin blue top with its pretty bow is too sweet and baby-doll-like for a mature woman.
pink-satin_250Better Choice
Here’s something still feminine and romantic but so much more grown up and figure flattering. The gal in this Diane VonFurstenberg ‘Marla” Slipper Satin Wrap Top isn’t that busty but even on a medium busty gal, this would look fab. Choose something with a little less flounce if you are super busty.

 


 

 

 

2. Trade Thigh-High for Knee-High

turtle-neck-dress_250Too Much
Super short skirts with bare legs like this knit mini may have looked fabulous on you before the big 4-0 but even if your body is in good shape, they are going to make you look desperate to be noticed after 40. (Rampage Women’s Belted Sweater Dress)
sweater-dress_250Better Choice
This length of this cable knit sweater dress is much more appropriate for a midlife gal. We suggest just above the knee to at the knee depending on how you feel about your legs. (Below the knee will make you look old) Pair the skirt with matching tights and boots or shoes for a long lean look. What we want to emphasize here is that you do not need to show off a lot of skin to look sexy. You will actually look sexier showing off your shape and this form fitting knit dress does that beautifully.

 


 

 

 

3. Avoid Clunky or Junky Shoes

snakeskin-platforms_250Too Much
A clunky shoe like this may look great on Jessica Simpson, Nicole Ritchie or other twenty-something starlets …but on a grown-up gal, you will look like you raided your daughter’s closet. A thinner platform can be quite lovely, but these giant clunkers with their snakeskin detailing are just too trendy to work.
snakeskin-pump_250Better Choice
Our pick would be these sophisticated pumps by Stuart Weitzman, still snakeskin but much more elegant, and very sexy with the open toe.

 


 

 

 

zipper-heels_250Too Much
Junky shoes, as in too much hardware or junk hanging off them, can easily make you look trashy not classy after 40. Plastic and zippers may look cute, and fun when you are young and being experimental with your style, but they look cheap and hooker-ish on a boomer woman.
silver-heels_250Better Choice
These flirty pumps in sexy silver from Chinese Laundry would be a much better choice. The t-strap adds sexiness but not in a vulgar way.

 


 

 

 

In summary, try this little trick to look sexy after 40. Instead of thinking, “I want to look sexy” and then going overboard by trying too hard, think, “I want to look gorgeous”, and you will end up looking sexy in a tasteful, age appropriate way.

Want more tips on how to ramp up your style in 2009. Then pick up a copy of The Glam Plan: 12 Easy Steps to take you from Frumpy to Fabulous.

Dior Haute Couture 2009

We love watching these beautiful photos from the Paris Spring Haute Couture shows roll in.

dior-spring-2 dior-spring-4

Sure, these gowns are pure fantasy for 99% of us who could never afford such outlandishly priced creation… but what wonderful eye candy to inspire and uplift us during this cold, drab winter!

dior-spring-3 dior-spring-1

These dresses are from the Christian Dior Spring Haute Couture Collection. The detailing and colors are exquisite!

Chic in Paris has a great post that takes you up close and front row to some of the top shows in Paris.

What’s Age Appropriate In White?

Karl Lagerfeld’s new “white” couture collection for spring 2009 left us wondering what’s in the stores in white for us regular gals. Here’s some cute things we found that are modern and age appropriate.

Liked this simple shift from Caroline Hererra.

caroline-herrera-white-dress1-262x350

Milly (one of our favourites) is showing this cute dress. This dress looks a little short in the photo, but it may be that the model is so tall. Nevertheless, you’d want to have good legs to wear this one.

lily-white-dress-262x350

Lida Baday is a Canadian designer. This spectator dress would look great on a number of body types, except for gals who are big busted. You need something more open at the neck.

lida-baday-spectator-dress3-262x350

David Meister is another favorite of ours. He’s showing a classy one shoulder Grecian inspired dress.

david-meister-one-shoulder-dress-262x350

Finally, Here’s one from Kay Unger for those who prefer black with white.

kay-unger-balck-and-white-dress-262x350

Style Trends: The Little Dress….Do You Know Which One Fits Your Body Type?

Spring Fashions for 2009 are showing up in the stores and it looks like a little dress is going to be one wardrobe staple you’ll need to look updated! That being said, it can be hard to find a dress that really looks great on us after 40, when our tummies area tends to be a little thicker and harder to fit.

We like to visit Nordstrom’s website, because you can browse styles according to your body type.

Here are a few good dresses we found that are age appropriate, and will suit your particular shape. We actually found that some dresses looked good on several types…so here are a few that will flatter most of you!

Straight: This Maggy London stretch print dress would go great from work with some heels to even weekend casual with some flats.

straight-dress_325

Straight or hourglass can wear this!

Pear Shape:If you are bigger on the bottom than top, this red wrap dress will sure flatter your figure!

Wrap dresses flatter most figures

Wrap dresses flatter most figures

Hour Glass: You lucky gals with the Marylin Monroe figure can wear almost anything. This dress is certainly an easy one to throw on and look chic!

Great on most figures

Great on most figures

Apple: If you are more rounded in the middle, it is tricky to find a great dress, but most apples have great legs, so this is an easy way to show them off!

Works on most body types!

Works on most body types!

How do I cover flabby arms?

Dear Glam Gals,

How do I find clothes like the dresses Raquel Welch wears that cover flabby upper arms???????

Help!….. Rita

raquel-welch

Hi, Rita! Raquel is certainly known for her voluptuous body, and wears off-the-shoulder dresses and body hugging cuts with lots of pattern and color to show it off.  

To help disguise flabby upper arms, look for tops or dresses that have elastic across the top, and can be pulled down over the shoulders.  Boat necks are great too, as they show off the decollatage without revealing any arm (see below). 

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What makes Raquel’s style works is that she knows how to find clothes where the top is looser, and the body is more fitted across her waist and hips. Bloomingdale’s has a few good selections, but make sure you don’t fall into the rut of buying things that are loose all over.

Also, try finding clothes with 3/4 length sleeves, like the Tory Burch dress below.  These can be worn all year round and give great coverage.  Once again, the sleeves are looser, but the fit of the dress is flattering.

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Top 5 Tips for Looking Casual but Stylish on the Weekends

It’s difficult to find that middle ground when you want to look fashionable, yet still feel relaxed. Here are our suggestions.

1. Wear a Dress with Leggings

Short flowing mini dresses worn with bare legs and heels look great on twenty and thirty year olds, but that doesn’t mean they are off limits to us ladies over 40. Many of these dresses look an awful lot like long tops, and so they look fantastic on if you pair them with dark leggings and ballerina slippers, or flat boots. Now before you cross your arms and say, “That’s not me”, give it a try. This is a chic and very comfortable look and once you try it, you’ll be hooked. Here are two examples of dresses that would look great with leggings.olive-dress1

This olive green peasant dress would look fabulous with brown leggings and a brown suede flat boot.

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This black sweater dress is also a great option. Sweater dresses come in all fabrics, wool or cashmere, and are super cozy. We’d pair this with a big chunky necklace, opaque stockings and a fun pair of flats.

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Finally, here’s Janine…JoJami’s sister in the complete dress/leggings/flats look!

2. Add a Wide Belt to your Outfit

The quickest way to go from boring to brilliant is to add a wide belt to your casual weekend outfit. A wide belt at the waist, or slung down lower on your hip, will instantly add a touch of the wow factor, kicking casual up a few notches. Our favorite belt designer (and you’ve heard us say this before) is Suzi Roher.

Roher belts can be found at high-end department stores and small boutiques. What’s so special about them? They stretch! This makes them super versatile. This is a belt that you will have to grit your teeth and buy, as it is on the expensive side; but once you do, you’ll find that it will transform your wardrobe and you’ll wonder what you had been doing before you had one!

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See how this beautiful Suzi Roher belt makes this all black outfit look so much hipper and classier, while still looking relaxed? And, don’t you just love how it camouflages the tummy so well?

On a budget, but looking for something similar? Here’s another great stretch belt that does wonders to create an hour glass figure. One note here, if you are very short waisted then you’ll want to go with a slightly narrower belt, or you’ll end up looking like you are all belt.

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This brown sash belt is also easy to wear. You can adjust it so it makes a “V” in the front, which is always figure flattering.

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3. Splurge on a Sweater Wrap

Transitioning into Fall has never been easier or more fun, than owning a sweater wrap. Just putting it on will make you feel like you have more flare and sophistication. Sometimes the wrap is just something bright and cozy to toss around you like this Sayami cashmere wrap shawl.

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Other times it’s part of a sweater set that cascades down the front like this Sutton Studio metallic tank set, and the Jones New York long sleeve cascade front cardigan on the right.

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Sometimes it is more like a poncho. Anyway, it is a powerful and sexy way of wrapping up! When worn with a pair of jeans, a sweater wrap adds chic, grown up style to a very casual look.

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4. Find some Fun Flat Shoes

If you love to wear your jeans on the weekend, update them with a great pair of flats. Check out these simple pairs of Arche flats for women. These are so comfortable you’ll never want to take them off.

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Don’t they look great with JoJami’s skirt and dark brown hose? Want to look more playful? Try this look with a snakeskin flat!

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5. Top it off with a Hat

Weekends bring a welcome change from having to do our hair. What better way to step out with bad hair and still feel great than to hide it under a stylish cap! This year men’s wear is big.

We were recently in NYC and saw the Fedora everywhere!Here is a simple black Fedora hat from DKNY.

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We also love this French Beret from Nordstroms. With a great scarf and t-shirt and jeans you will have some fun with this nod to French chic. The black wool beret will also look very nice with your jeans.
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