Texture is a strong theme for Fall 2008. That’s pretty clear judging by these purses we found that are most unusual.
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What do you think of this Valentino fango nappa petale handbag? |
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If money were no object would you buy this Miu Miu Matelasse Long Tote? |
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Is this Christian Louboutin Layered Leather Hobo Bag something you’d love to own? |
We’d love to get your opinion. Are these bags Foolish or Fabulous for Women over 40?
We’d love to hear your viewpoint!
1. A Sexy Bra
Granted, after 40 your breasts are typically heading south, but that doesn’t mean you should cover them up with a boring, stretched out beige bra up and forget about them. The quickest way to feel good about your changing boomer body is to Perk up your girls with a gorgeous, sexy new bra. Splurge on something a little more feminine and pretty. We are seeing some gorgeous options out there like two toned bras in ice cream colors of lime sorbet and lemon ice, rich chocolates and strawberry pinks! Or for the holidays go bold with jewel tones of ruby, amethyst or emerald. How fun to run around all day knowing that underneath it all is a sexy woman!
2. A Cape
The trick to looking fabulous after 40 is not to try and look young, but to look modern. A cape is a great way to do that. Fashionable and fresh, a cape is a sophisticated way to show you’ve still got flair! Not only that, but they are really comfortable, since they are not as restrictive as a coat and warmer than a pashmina. It’s the newest look in stepping out in style! Go for a grey or deep chocolate color for a versatile look that can go day into evening. If you go off to a black tie affair, of course a black velvet one can be quiet gorgeous and very formal.
3. Sleek High Heeled Boots
A simple formula to look boomer chic is to stick to simple classic looks, (a crisp shirt, flat front pants and fitted cropped jacket, for example) and put the emphasis on the accessories. One of the most important details this season is boots. Finding a wow pair to personalize your look is key. Nothing can date you faster than an out of style, worn our pair.
Opt for a boot that is finer in style to ooze sophistication. Not too round or square toe and keep the heel thinner or go for a wedge. Too clunky is funky and better left to the younger crowd! If you’re looking for comfort and style, try some of Cole Haans new boots that have Nike air cushions in the toe. As we age, our feet get drier and the pad on the bottom of the foot can become tender after walking all day. This pair allows you to have fun in heels and still feel comfortable.
4. Smart Handbag
Enough of teensy weensy bags that barely hold your lipstick and ridiculously oversized purses that let you lug around everything you own and make you look like a bag lady. For Grown-Up gals it’s time for something stylish but smart. There’s a whole new line of luxury bags out there that look gorgeous but also keep you organized. We think the Butler Bag is a great choice because it is fashionable on the outside, but the inside stays absolutely organized!! The new exotic fall colors in spicy ginger and olive martini are just the thing to add some zing into your wardrobe!
5. Gorgeous Gloves
If your coat is neutral and you want to jazz things up, try a new pair of fresh gloves. Snakeskin and extra long leather is all the rage this season. Bold colors and exotic skins are easy to pull off, especially if you’re only wearing them until you step inside. Look for soft supple leathers that aren’t too bulky. Sure you have the ones you walk the dog with but for going out change them out. Don’t go for the practical black or brown ones; find something that sings your personality. Dare to be wild. You will have fun soaking in all the compliments!
Are you gearing up for the holiday parties? Are you starting to think about what you are going to wear?
In last week’s newsletter, about the importance of the “little black dress”, we mentioned that accessories are one way to show off your individuality. But buying the latest it bag can be expensive, and not to mention wasteful, if your only going to use it for a party or two.
So why not just rent one? There is a great site out there called Bag, Borrow or Steal. www.bagborroworsteal.com
Here you can have fun fantasizing what it would feel like to carry something a little more wild, or expensive than you’re used too!
How would you like it if you could just get on-line and for between $60 to $120.00 , you can have a genuine Channel clutch in your mailbox a few days latter!
They even have a section that shows what the stars are carrying and then you can search to see if they have one for you to borrow!
For example, here is Terri Hatcher with a pretty little purse from Moschino. Yes, it’s for rent too!
They also have expanded their site to include jewelry as well, but we think they do purses the best!
We think, why fake it, when you can have the real thing.
7 Little Luxuries to Keep You Looking Young!
What makes some 40+ women look so chic and sexy while others wind up looking like fashion victims or frumps?
It often comes down to the quality of their clothes. Let’s face it, when you’re young and fresh faced you can almost get away with almost anything. A crisp trendy little knock off shirt for only $20, made to last a single season can make you look like a million bucks.
But, take that same shirt and try wearing it when you’ve got a few wrinkles and some midlife curves and it will make you look harsh and cheap.
Quality counts especially after 40. Beautifully made, luxurious clothes and accessories are Timeless and will make you look Timeless too.
If you’ve been saving your high end pieces for some special occasion that never comes, pull them out from the back of your closet and put them on! If you’ve never thought to treat yourself to something a little more upscale, now is the time to indulge. At this stage of the game, you’ve deserve a little luxury!
Nothing says luxury better than these 7 things:
1. Cashmere
Luxurious fabrics like cashmere will make you look sexy without having to expose everything. For example, we saw Barbara Walters on the View the other day and she looked sensational. She was wearing a tan deep neck cashmere sweater and a beautiful tan skirt. The style of sweater was youthful, but didn’t expose cleavage and the cashmere fabric was so soft and touchable that she appeared alluring but classy. It was hard to believe she is 75!
2. Pearls
Jewelry comes and goes but pearls are timeless. Tahitian and fresh water pearls are particularly popular now thanks to the stunning style of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Another beautiful look at the moment is pearls worn in long strands combined with varying lengths of gold chains or gemstone necklaces.
3. Silk
Nothing looks chicer than a gorgeous silk scarf around your neck, atop of your head,or tied to your handbag. Silk scarves worn as headbands are the fashion statement of the moment and of course a flash of silk lining inside your coat always looks rich and luxurious. Style is in the detail and silk is one detail that people notice.
4. Croc Handbag
Be it real or croc stamped leather, this is another fashion must we guarantee will make you look Agemazing. If you don’t own one treat yourself to this style necessity. We’re told Naples,Italy is the best place to buy the real thing.
5. High Heeled Quality Leather Pumps
Shoes have a language all their own. A gorgeous pair of leather pumps with a medium to high heel looks fabulous with everything and appropriate at any age.
6. Diamond Studs
Whether you are wearing jeans or you are dressed to the nines, diamond studs look right.Classic and cool, they are a 40+ gal’s best friend.
7. Beaded Detailing
A touch of sparkle makes you look youthful and glamorous. Too much can make your look like a Christmas tree. Less is more, so try a little beading on your accessories rather than your clothes. How about a pretty beaded clutch to go with a cocktail dress or some beading on your favourite evening shoe?
Have you been sucked into Handbag Status Hell?
The latest email from Neiman Marcus, shows this season’s newest look… the HUGE oversized handbag from designer Jimmy Choo. The price, $1,690. OUCH!! (and it’s ugly!)
Funny how no one really talks about it, but somehow we have been brainwashed into believing that if we are not toting the latest, greatest “it” bag, that we haven’t really made it. The pressure is on and every time you pick up a fashion magazine, there’s some writer making the justification for buying one of these much obsessed about bags that come with outrageous four figure price tags. The rationalization is that these hot luxury bags are after all, such amazing quality, and that when you really think about it they add up to only a few cents a day over many years, and best of all, you’ll have them for a lifetime!
But aren’t we fooling ourselves a little? Yes, we boomers have more money than our parents did, but aren’t we going overboard? You have wonder- How much quality do you really need? Are you actually going to use such a pricey bag a lifetime (boring), and isn’t the price slightly insane, especially when you are encouraged to buy another “it” bag every change of season.
We too, have felt the pressure to own an expensive status bag and confess that on one occasion we’ve both spent close to $1,000 on a single purse. (a special “treat” we told ourselves). But was it really worth it?
Yes, the bags we bought were gorgeous in our eyes, and yes, we could afford them, but after a couple of seasons they are now stashed away in our closets we’re on the lookout for something new and interesting.
So the question is: When it comes to buying a new purse how high do you go? Once you do buy a status purse are you hooked into forever buying expensive status purses? Do you become a purse snob? (We think it’s an easy trap to fall into)
If you find yourself going down this crazy road, one option is to at least test drive one of these purses first. BAG BORROW OR STEAL is a great site that allows you to rent a high end designer bag that you can carry around for a while and then take it back when you are done. That way 3 months from now when the new styles roll around, you have not sunk all your money into a purse that is suddenly out or that you are just tired of.
If you think you can somehow move past your “It’s only a great purse if I pay a fortune for it hang-up”, then we have a few suggestions for some classic handbags that are beautiful, high quality and won’t leave you feeling ripped off.
These purses, from:
Francesco Biasia, Stuart Weitzman, and Furla are all fabulous choices.
They’re classic with a modern twist, high end, but all under $500.
Expensive, but not totally outrageous. A good compromise perhaps!
Deb here, I just got back from Italy with my husband and three kids. We had a fabulous vacation, and the food ..well that’s another blog!
I was telling JoJami about this beautiful purse I bought for the trip.. A straw Burberry with burnished gold leather trim that was nice and big. The only problem was the inside quickly became a total mess!
If you’re a mom you know what I mean. My kids and hubby were always asking to put their sunglasses or their keys or pens, or souvenirs or their candy bars inside my bag and I ended up with this giant grab bag of stuff. Everything was all over the bottom of my purse and it was impossible to find anything!
That’s when JoJami told me about this cool new product. 
JJ: Yes, my good friend Jen Groover, a gorgeous gal and an amazing mom-preneur,
designed this innovative purse called The Butler Bag. I’m totally addicted to it! On the outside its a great looking purse, but what makes it so special is the inside! You see inside it has all these compartments, so once you put something, say your car keys or cell phone in it, it says put . So when your ready to take something out, (like your wallet) you can now find it with no searching! The funny thing is, most people I tell about this purse say to me.. “Why didn’t someone think of this idea sooner?”
Also, since I have been using the Butler Bag, when I have changed purses to the old kind, I feel like I have gone back to the dark ages and feel totally disorganized!
Deb: I want one!
JJ: Go check out: The Butler Bag
