Are you working out on a regular basis?
It seems the popular advertising tag, “You’re not getting older you’re getting better”, is actually true if your one of those people who are exercising at least 30 minutes a day to stay fit.
To see some eye popping statistics on this topic and read other boomer related topics, check out this weeks Blogging Boomers Carnival, being hosted at Life Two.
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
Do you exercise enough?
Many of us after turning 40, have experienced yo-yo dieting — losing pounds only to gain them back again after a short while. Since we get so many of questions about weight, especially during the summer months, we wanted to pass along an article posted at Hole in The Donut – the blog that is hosting this week’s Blogging Boomers Carnival.
What is a Blogging Boomers Carnival? It’s a group of expert bloggers that write on a variety of different Boomer Lifestyle issues. It’s our way to share with you some of the top blog stories and keep you up to date on not just fashion, but some other interesting topics.
Let us know which stories you like!
You may remember our friend Jill Knapp, who lost 100 lbs and entered a beauty pageant at the age of 40. Jill was kind enough to share her inspiring story with us in our last teleseminar, and helped motivate us to “get up and get moving!”
But motivation will only get us so far. How do we actually go about shedding that midlife bulge? That’s where a personal trainer comes in!
We asked our friend, fitness trainer Lisa Crisalle, if she would share with us some tips and techniques that women over 40 need in their regimen to keep them on track to a healthier, fitter lifestyle. Lisa, herself, underwent a lifestyle transformation that made her an award-winning Figure Competitor… at age 45! She has developed the program Over 40, Fit & Fabulous, which helps women over 40 work towards their fitness goals. In her program, Lisa breaks down mental barriers and provides her clients with the best workout and nutrition strategies to achieve their best bodies.
Lisa is going to share a few tips with us next week in our new teleseminar “Take the Pounds OFFF: How to be Over Forty, Fit and Fabulous!” This is a free teleseminar – all you have to do is sign up! We will provide you with the number, your code, and the specified call-in time.
Click here to sign up and join us for our chat!
If you have any questions for Lisa, please email us at info@fabulousafter40.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Dear Glam Gals,
Actually, my biggest fashion challenge is the everyday one of going to the gym. Now, I realize that I go there to get into shape, and that there never seems to be anything that I can wear wrong…it is just so depressing the way people dress. And the fact that 99% of what is out there to buy to where is either black or grey.
I want to look good now and to have bright, happy colors to wear!
Also, I wear mineral makeup, and natural as possible mascara. So how do I look good while being sweaty..and all my makeup is running off. Not to mention those God-awful florescent lights!
Thanks for caring,
Jennie
Hi Jennie,
Great questions!
You are right on track realizing that black and white is oh so common and BORING! Besides, bright colors give you the energy you need to power through a work-out.
- One great tip is to drop the t-shirt and go for a nice workout top in a festive color! When you put on a cute top, it will bring up your spirits and make you feel like working out.
- Style is important. Over 40 women tend to look better in tops with wider straps vs spaghetti straps.
- Have fun layering. If you don’t have a lot to spend, just get a colorful workout bra to wear under your existing top. Play with color. I recently bought an orange-red bra and wore it under my lemon yellow top with my black 3/4 length pants! You can do the same with pastels if you like to wear them.
- Update those sneakers! Don’t forget that support is really important. Depending on how often you work out, make sure your tennis shoes are fresh and not worn out!
- Black sneakers and black socks are slimming! If you like to wear black workout pants, I love this look! Pair it with a colorful top and you will look sleek and chic!
- Don’t overdo the makeup. I find that there is no need to wear mascara if you have dark lashes already. If you are blond, consider tinting them!
- Moreover, foundation is a no no, when working out. Even if it is mineral, it will still clog pores. Better to just use a little concealer if you feel the need and just apply a sheer natural lipstick or gloss and a swipe of blush to give you a little glow!
- Try out a sport skirt. They’re colorful, comfortable, and totally cool.
- Find a fun way to wear your hair! I love to use a clip and “poof” the top just a little to give me a fuller look.
- Wear a colorful bandanna for another way to keep your hair off your face!
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?
If you think losing a bunch of weight is going to make you look younger, then you’ll be interested in a new study on aging that focused on identical twins.
The good news is you might just might be able to have that extra piece of bread!
We are all busy working out and keeping our bodies fit, but what about our brains?
Want to learn more? Then check out this week’s edition of the Blogging Boomers Carnival is being held this week at So Baby Boomer.
Are you going on a cruise or somewhere warm for the holidays? Have you started thinking about a New Year’s resolution that would require dieting…?
We sure admire Faith Hill. Can you believe she has 3 kids? We are not saying that we all have to look this perfect, but it sure is fun to see someone over 40 looking this hot! (Or as we like to say…looking Age-mazing!) This photo of Faith on the cover of Shape Magazine, is the perfect thing to print out and put on the fridge for inspiration to stay on track!
If you need a new fun way to work out , we love using our Mark Lebert Equalizer. You can check it out here!
Mark Lebert on the Equilizer
A recent FAF reader wrote to us and asked, “What are the best ways to stay healthy and fit?”
We all know that if we can get our bodies looking at least “fit”, than buying and looking good in clothes will be a lot easier! So we passed off the question to our favorite Health and Wellness Guru, Lisa Crisalle, (owner of www.OverFortyFitandFabulous.com) and here is her answer:
After 40 we generally find it more challenging to “stay on track” however here are a few quick tips to help you feel and look great (at any age)!
1st – Stay active, keep moving and choose activities that you LOVE! So, next time you go to the mall, park farther away and walk! Choose the stairs over the elevator and take advantage of the summertime and plan more outdoor activities (like hiking, biking or power walking). In fact, next time you plan time to get together with your girlfriends – meet them at a park or hiking trail with a bottle of water (instead of meeting and sharing a bottle of wine). If you have children (or a dog), take them to the park and throw a Frisbee (when is the last time you did that?) How about joining a Zumba class (never heard of it – check with your local YMCA or gym).
The key is – Have Fun!!
2nd - Choose what I call an 80/20 clean eating meal plan. What do I mean by that? Simple – 80% of the time stick to fresh produce, and unprocessed foods. Lean proteins such as chicken breasts, white fish, and lean fillet mignon, or low-fat cottage cheese. And, always combine a protein with a complex carbohydrate (rice, yams, oatmeal, multi-grain bread) and fresh vegetables. Keep your fresh fruit to mornings and lunch and avoid fruit juice.
Since it is still summer time, take advantage of your local farmer’s markets and have fun with color! Stay away from sodas at all costs, and processed foods – they will gunk you up and slow you down. That means that 20% of the time (each week), allow yourself some freedom with a nice glass of wine, a special desert, or an extra slice of bread with butter.
The key is to plan for the 20% (if you have a special event, or get-together with friends). Plan for it and you won’t “fall off the wagon.” Be sure to get right back to your 80% and you will feel amazing.
3rd – Your mindset is key. Set a goal of where you would like to be and what EXACTLY that would look like. What clothes or outfit will you be wearing, how will you feel, and how will you carry yourself? Remember, you have choices every day. Make the best choices at least 80% of the time (I truly recommend pushing it to a 90/10 split if you are truly on a mission), and that will leave you a little “fudge factor” for your special times. Use pictures as reminders and visualizing techniques are truly effective.
Most importantly, KEEP IT FUN!! Because when you feel great, you feel empowered and it is a beautiful upward spiral. ~Lisa Crisalle, CFNS
Have you looked in the mirror lately and said, “Yuck, when did that happen?”
We’ve been talking to fitness expert, Lisa Crisalle about how to be fit and fabulous after 40! On the call Lisa, gave us tons of her tips on how to get rid of our tummy pooches, among other things.
She’s created a new fitness program to help midlife women set a goal and stay motivated to reach it! It’s called:OVER 40 FIT AND FABULOUS!
This 12 week program combines:
- group and private conference calls
- nutritional counseling
- goal setting
- and MUCH MORE…
To see Lisa’s transformation take place right before your eyes! Click Here.
Did you know that wearing a heart rate monitor is one of the best ways to keep you motivated during exercising?
Tired of carrying around a clunky heart rate monitor at the gym? To eliminate this less-than-glamorous accessory, Numetrex has created a line of clothing that contains tiny sensors which track your heart rate and relay it to a heart rate monitor watch.
Wow! Its built right into the the jogging bra, so it makes it easy!
If you need more motivation, be on the look out for our next FREE Tele-seminar, with fitness guru, Lisa Crisalle! More info to come soon!
We came across a GREAT blog recently, to help those who are trying to lose weight and just need a little support.
Over at Slim People In Progress, you can be part of an inspiring group of people from all across the country who are dieting and exercising, while staying in touch via email.
Our friend Denise Wakeman and founder of The Blog Squad, just 2 years ago, found herself in her mid 40′s with about 30 pounds to loose. Knowing that she might really stick with it, she convinced a friend to do it with her and they both signed up for Weight Watchers!
Denise is a blogger in real life (www.buildabetterblog.com) and so started up Slim People in Progress, to document and help inspire others like herself to share tips, trials and successes.
She says that the site has helped her stay motivated and loved hearing other’s resources.
"I’ve lost 30 pounds since I started and work out now more than ever, and I have even trained for a 1/2 marathon!", says Wakeman. "I have it all documented on the site!"
What started off as a weight watchers support group, has now morphed into a weight loss and fitness site!
We think its great, so check it out! www.slim-people.com
P.S. If you want to be a guest blogger on the site, just go to the site and check out the “Why this Blog Started” article!
Are you going to be going on a cruise this summer?
Do you want to make sure that when your on the dance floor at your next wedding that your moves are "with it" and current?
Do you need to spice up your next girls night out party?
We came across a fun video that is a great alternative to traditional exercise!
Check it out… it just might spark a new hobby for you!!
www.learnclubdance.com
If you have thought that you would like to learn to dance, this is your chance.
Have FUN!!!
Are you ready to get that Fabulous After 40 body into shape, but not so excited about spending hours and hours at the gym?
Well we found this awesome new workout trend created by Sheila Kelley. It’s called the S Factor and it’s a class that mixes ballet, yoga, pole dancing, and striptease to create a full body workout. Sheila Kelley’s workout promises to empower, enlighten and improve the lives of women everywhere.
Still skeptical…
she has been featured on Oprah!, Dancing with the Stars, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and The View.
Teri Hatcher, star of ABC’s Desperate Housewives says “It’s about empowerment…it’s about finding this place of comfort and confidence in your own body”.
To try it out in the comfort of your own home check out this new DVD, Sheila Kelley S Factor 1: The Beginning
. Enjoy!
If your New Year’s resolution was all about working out and getting fit, then here’s a simple trick to make that stick. You’re sure to stay motivated while you sweating it out if you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror looking fab in a fresh, hot looking new workout outfit!
Workout fashions are always changing, so here are a few of the latest looks you might want to add to your athletic wardrobe.
A great workout look is all about layering…You can peel one layer off at a time, depending on how hard you are exercising.
Outerwear
On your way to the gym, why not wrap yourself up in this cozy fun fleece with flair! This Beyond Yoga Scarf Jacket in heather grey is a great example of how athletic wear has become multifunctional. It works as well for exercise as it does for coffee date at Starbucks.
Metallics
This season it’s all about metallic, so how about putting a little sparkle in your workout wear with this Zoot Ultra Softshell. This aerodynamic jacket has 3 layer technology offering insulation wind and weather protection. It also has fun features like a nutrition pocket and headphone grommet for your ipod.
Fitted Tops
Form Fitting Styles that hug your curves, but are stretchy enough to move with you are a lot hipper than a big old oversized t-shirt! Whether you are going to yoga, or weight training, its makes it feel more fun if you are dressed in a top with some color and style. This purple Zoot Tri-fit tank is a great example of that. It features a 360 bra and comes in pink, blue, aqua and white.
Lots of Color
Bright colors are the newest trend this spring, especially in athletic wear. You’ll feel energized in this Zoot RUNfit in-flight cami in this gorgeous pink jewel shade. It has a medium support built-in bra with ventilating mesh to keep you dry and comfy.
Beautylicious Bottoms
Shake your booty in these popular Lululemon Reverse no side seam pants. The wide colorful band atop of the form fitting black pants magically makes you look like you have a gorgeous bottom. Also, if you’re tall, you’ll love the fact that they come in extra long too. A personal favorite of ours, they are so comfortable you’ll never want to take them off!
Playing with Patterns
Target hits the mark as usual with this C9 by Champion Yoga Long Racer back tank. When you are sick of solids try this fresh, youthful pattern in lemon yellow.
Shapely Bras
Tired of workout bras that flatten you like a pancake then here are a couple to keep you looking perky. This sleek Nike high support full control bra has stabilizing zones in the shoulder straps. The cups are also lightly padded for a flattering shape. Zip it right up or a little down peeking out from under a tank for a sexy, sporty look.
Nothing worse than feeling some nagging little something irritating your skin while your doing your crunches. This Natori soft cotton blend underwire sports bra gives great lift and support but was thoughtfully designed to prevent hardware from touching the skin. No more rubbing or metal marks.
Latest Running Shoes
Stay motivated with these state of the art running shoes cheer you on like a coach. These Nike Women’s Shox RGN Remix+2 runners have a special chip that goes right in your shoe, so you can communicate with your iPod Nano. To read more about this modern marvel click here
Less high-tech and more fashion forward are these beautiful motorsport-inspired Puma wheelspin sneakers in black and baby blue. They’re beautiful for the gym or just to race around town in.
Accessories
No need to be dragging along a sport bag that drags you down. This bright and cheery athletic tote by Lululemon, could easily double as your everyday purse it is so stylish! The bag is locker compatible and the strap doubles as a yoga mat strap when not in use!
Something Extra
In this cold weather, its hard to want to leave the house, but now you can with a warm drink in tow! Try taking along one of these Zen like Tea Travelers to your next pilates class, to keep your muscles warm and working.
Did you know that when it comes to exercise DVDs the reigning Queens of fitness are not sweet young little twenty- somethings?
They’re strong, vibrant women 40+.
There’s Kathy Smith, Denise Austin and many more. Find out who tops the list of Fitness Boomer Babes and how old these women really are, and we think you’ll be quite inspired!
This story and much more can be found at the Blogging Boomer’s Carnival # 47. This week it is being hosted by I Remember JFK.
Even if you’ve never had to worry too much about your weight before, Bam! You hit midlife and the pounds start to mysteriously pile on.
Admittedly, it’s a drag and it can be frustrating to figure out how much you should now be eating to keep at your current weight.
That’s why we got all excited when we heard about a personalized calorie calculator that makes it dead simple to figure out how to keep your weight stable.
To find out more about the Personalized Calorie Counter and to read other interesting Boomer related posts, visit The Blogging Boomers Carnival. This week’s carnival #40 is being hosted by Contemporary Retirement.
Patsi Krakoff of The Blog Squad (our blogging coach) hit on a very important point about looking fabulous after 40 when she responded to our post Long Hair on Older women – Sexy or Silly?
She said “Hi gals! I’ve had long hair all my life and it wasn’t until 60 that I started wearing medium length hair-same style only shorter. I’m 63 this week and I still get compliments on my hair. The trick is to stay healthy through exercise and diet-your hair is evidence of your health inside. Shoulder length hair seems to work best for me these days, or slightly above.”
Can you believe she is 63? She looks more like 36! As much as we love fashion and beauty and take great joy in helping you to dress to look your best, there is nothing we can do to really make you look fabulous after 40 if you don’t put the time and energy into taking care of yourself.
A tube of lipstick or the latest handbag and shoes can never make-up up for dry skin, dull hair lackluster eyes and a tired overweight body – all signs of too much junk food and lack of exercise.
Make-up artist Bobbi Brown, who is about to turn 50 put it best when she said, the key to looking beautiful as we age is not what you put on your face, but rather how you care for your body. It’s about (how you’re) eating,” she says. It’s about exercise more than anything else.”
Another of our subscribers who positively glows is further proof of this.
Donna from New Jersey sent us this picture of her with her beautiful long dark hair and wrote:I am 43 and I don’t have any real secrets for looking Age-mazing™.
I walk religiously, am conscious about what I eat, wear sunscreen, and stay away from cigarette smoke.
Again, all good healthy habits to keep you looking vibrant. Then being fashionable after 40 is the icing on the cake!
Do you have a pooch? (And we don’t mean a dog!)
That’s what we call that flabby loose skin, that little pot belly, that goes south over your pants like a saggy pillow. (Ahhh, gravity!)
It’s the number one concern of gals our age. If you’ve been dragging yourself off to ab classes to fix the problem, then check out this article by our friend, fitness trainer Marc Lebert. It sound like you may be wasting your time.
So, how do you get the nice flat tummy you once had, short of lipo?
Marc has invented a new fitness gizmo that will help do the trick. It’s called The Equalizer and it’s getting rave reviews.
We tried it and it’s kind of fun …almost like playing on monkey bars. (We love anything like this that makes us forget we’re exercising!)
After few workouts on the Equalizer, those low rise pants you’ve been eyeing might just be an option!
We all know that too much chocolate and greasy foods can make a mess of your skin, but did you know that sugar can speed up aging?
According to an article we just read called “How What You Eat and Drink Affects your Skin,” eating refined carbs like white bread, rather than whole grains, causes blood sugar spikes that leads to glycation (sugar breaking down). When sugar breaks down it bonds with protein molecules which reduces the elasticity of the collagen and leads to tough wrinkled skin.
I guess that means no more cookie binges for us! However, on a good note, bring on the Green Tea and Red Wine…..
“Wrinkles are caused by a loss of three things: collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Green tea, red wine and water can help increase the levels of thee three substances.” 2-4 cups of green tea a day is recommended as well as 8 glasses of water a day, and red wine in moderation.
To find out what other vitamins and nutrients can help keep your skin youthful, check out this article for the full scoop.
