comfortable?.. perhaps, but ugly!
Here is another letter from one of our readers:
Dear Glam Gals,
Here’s the dilemma: I seem to have managed to pare my wardrobe down to good classics that fit me, an excellent assortment of accessories, jewelry and a few good purses…BUT…what to do about shoes? I find it hard to find ones that are comfortable!
Thanks for your help.
Laura
Hi Laura,
We do agree that it can be a challenge to find shoes that are both comfortable and have some style.
If you are trying to update your shoe wardrobe for fall, we have found that there are reliable brands out there like Naturalizers that have styles that can be both comfortable and stylish.
For a casual flat, try crocodile loafer under a pair of wide legged trousers:
Here is a two tone pump that would spice up your boring suit for work
Check out our contest this month for your chance to win a free pair Naturalizer shoes!! Like these cute boots!!
You could be the lucky winner of the boots!
Our friend, voice coach Nicki McClusky was on a recent trip to Italy and shared this fun photo with us!
She had read our post about age appropriate shoes with cutouts wanted to share with us shoe trends on display in Venice. Nicki said the Italian women looked fabulous! “Some of the Venetian women and an older blond gal in Lake Como looked beyond wonderful. You would have loved them and their outfits.”
Thanks for thinking of us Nicki and sending the photo! Looks like patent leather is going to be big this Spring!
Love the patent green half bootie heels, behind the green pumps on the bottom shelf…how stylish!
If you see something cool you would like to share, please send it toinfo@fabulousafter40.com.
We recently showed a little sneak preview of some Spring dresses that you will be seeing in the stores soon. When a reader, quickly wrote us…”I love these dresses, can you please show us the shoes that will go with them!” So to follow up on her question, here is our pick for some great new spring shoes!
Last year’s hot trend, the gladiator sandal, is back full force! That means lots of wide straps on everything from flats to heels. Here is a simple strappy brown sandal in a wonderful neutral color that would look good with almost any colored casual dresses, long shorts or even pants.
Bright colors are a great way to make your shoe closet more fun. Love this simple red patent leather ones from Kate Spade.
This snakeskin slingback is the perfect shoe to add a little “wowie zowie” to a simple white dress or pants.
You will be seeing colorful as well as artistic shoes that can add a lot of style punch to an outfit, without sacrificing comfort.
Welcome to part 3 of our Tweak Your Chic series, where we show you how a few small accessory updates can take you from Frumpy to Fabulous, instantaneously.
In part 1, we saw how to jazz up a plain brown shirtdress.
In part 2, we made a conservative black outfit look modern and hip.
Now in part 3, we show you how to Tweak Your Chic using a basic gray outfit. Let’s get to the before and afters.
The Look – BEFORE Tweak Your Chic:
This is a great example of how many of us are following fashion “rules” and still look don’t look our best. This gal is dressed basically in a column of color…She’s got a gray sweater, pants and top which is supposed to make you look very slim. Well it works only to a certain point. Her sweater may be gray but it makes her look old and heavy.
The Look – AFTER Tweak Your Chic:
The biggest change we made is we ditched her big bulky “momsy” sweater for a more stylish refined one. Now she looks much slimmer and up to date. Moving forward, let’s take a closer look at her accessories.
Necklace – BEFORE:
This pretty little necklace, is just too pastel and too dainty for this knit outfit..
Necklace – AFTER:
See how much better this bolder chain necklace works. The weight and size of the links is better in sync with the material and this gal’s bone structure.
Silver is more chic and appropriate for winter than peach.
Belt – BEFORE:
A beautiful belt, but not the best choice for this outfit. It would be a better belt for jeans.
Belt – AFTER:
To update this outfit and make it look more chic, we opted to go wider. Good news – a wide belt can really enhance your figure, and on the right body type will be very flattering! Also, if you can find a belt that sits down on your hips, it will create a flattering line, versus a belt that just goes straight across your middle. See how much more relaxed this looks below. The new belt complements the feel of this soft, stretchy knit.
Purse – BEFORE:
We have all seen (or have) this type of purse. It’s nice. It’s very safe, but safe is old and boring. Your handbag is the perfect accessory to have fun with.
Purse – AFTER:
Give yourself permission to buy something colorful. Size matters. Today’s purses are oversized, and have more hardware. Croc is a popular choice.
Shoes – BEFORE:
Please don’t be caught wearing something like this! Sure, you may need low heels for your aching feet but don’t succumb to these clunky boring clodhoppers.
Shoes – AFTER:
Serious about wanting to look Fabulous after 40 and ready to take the plunge? Then, Tweak your Chic with a sexy shoe. Warning…this might mean being a little uncomfortable…but we think it’s worth it. You can also try some high heels with wedges or platforms. Try to stay away from thick straps which will definitely spell dowdy.
THE LOOK – BEFORE
THE LOOK – AFTER TWEAK YOUR CHIC
That’s how you Tweak Your Chic!
Wondering how to dress after 40 to look sexy and hip, but still age appropriate? Buy yourself a pair of tall boots! Be they high heeled or flat, boots that cover your calves and sit just below the knee are alluring, chic, and ageless.
Here are 9 Top Tips for How to Wear Tall Boots:
1. When wearing pants tucked into flat boots make sure the boot is tight enough around the calf, so there’s no gap. Any gaping will make your legs look twice as bulky.
2. Boots are most flattering to the leg when they go all the way up to the knee like these chic Croc boots. Be picky, don’t buy a boot that is 2/3 length, unless you will be only wearing them under pants.
3. A suede boot will always be the best choice for comfort.
4. If you have large calves, choose a pair of these Viva Spiga rouge boots with hidden elastic goring that adds stretch at the 15 inch circumference collar.
5. Avoid boots with too many straps or too much bling on them. A simple classic boot looks more elegant and age appropriate and won’t date as fast.
6. For comfort, a wedge heeled boot is a great option. You’ll be able to walk for miles in comfort and still look tall!
7. The newest style of boot has an asymetrical cuff at the top of the boot. It’s a very youthful look and is meant to be worn with a more casual outfit. If you want to give it a try, wear your flat cuffed boots with jeans. Don’t spend too much on these boots as they are super trendy and might not be the “in look” next year.
8. Don’t forget to pair your boots with tights for a modern look. Nylons are too lightweight and will make you look dated. Black tights (or leggings) would be great these gorgeous black suede boots. Your tights should match the color of your boots in order to elongate your legs and make them look lean and sexy!
9. The slimmer the outfit the slimmer, the finer the boot. For example, a slim skirt and chunky, heavy boot like these DON’T mix. Best to save these for pants.
Think you might be shrinking? You are. As we age everything decreases from our hair to our hearing, our memory muscles and even our height. In fact after 40 we lose a half an inch every decade, and even more after 70.
If you’ve always been on the petite side, that can really add up. So how can you dress to get back that extra half inch or more?
Here are 9 Fashion Do’s and Dont’s to Make you Look Taller:
1. DO Try Tone on Tone
Dress in one color family from head to toe and you’ll instantly appear taller. For example, an ivory top with ivory pants and ivory shoes will keep you looking long and lean. Worried all one color might look too bland? Be sure to mix up same color pieces in different textures to keep things interesting.
2. DO Create a Vertical Line
A great way to create the illusion of height is to create a simple continuous vertical line with your clothing. A long row of buttons, vertical stripes, zippers, a long scarf, ribbed patterns, pleats, an unbuttoned jacket with a solid color underneath – all allow the eye to flow from top to bottom.
3. DO Wear Heels
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This is an obvious one that many women avoid because they are concerned about comfort, but just remember that you don’t have to wear stilettos to get some height. Platform pumps are in vogue at the moment. Nike makes a fabulous air sole that is very wearable. Taryn Rose is another recent brand that is all about pairing style with comfort.
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4. DO Put your Hair Up
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Sweeping your hair up and off your shoulders elongates your neck and makes you look taller and thinner. We’re seeing a resurgence of updos lately thanks to Sara Palin’s famous updo, so the timing is right for this look. Keep your updo slim at the sides and high on top. A wide hairstyle takes away from your height.
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5. DON’T wear Cuffs
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Cuffs on pants break the line of the pant and make you look shorter. Long flowing pants that touch the top of your foot elongate your legs and make you look more statuesque.
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6. DON’T wear Capris and Calf Length Skirts
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Why cut yourself off at mid-calf when you want your legs to look long and lean? Stay away from these.
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7. DO choose Tailored Clothing
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A simple clean lined shift dress is going to make you look taller than a loose, billowy blouse and tiered peasant skirt. Always keep the word streamlined in mind when choosing clothes like this tailored trench that will make you look a few inches above the crowd.
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8. DO avoid Thick Wide Belts
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Wide belts are in style, but you really have to be careful not to choose one that overpowers you. If you are short waisted then go for a slightly narrower belt. If you still think you look cut off at the waist, then choose a belt in the same color as your outfit so there is very little contrast. If that doesn’t work for you, just ignore this trend. It doesn’t work for everybody.
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9. DON’T wear heavy bulky fabrics and chunky knits
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Thick, textured fabrics like tweed and boucle, as well as chunky knits, create width and make you look shorter and heavier. Instead opt for smooth fine fabrics to create the illusion you are slimmer and taller. |
This year’s More Magazine Re-Invention Convention was a hot spot to be for inspiration to help you get out of your safe box and dream to do something new!
JoJami and Deborah at the Reinvention Convention
We go to a lot of events and we were super impressed with the way these ladies decked themselves out to look and feel fabulous! Here are some great examples of How to Look Age-mazing™ and their personal tips on how they feel about dressing.
Michelle Melville of Wachovia
Mildred Bean is a life empowerment coach with lots of confidence. We love the bright green jacket paired with brown pants and her stylish well groomed hair and make up!
Mildred Bean, life empowerment coach
Mildred Bean is a life empowerment coach with lots of confidence. We love the bright green jacket paired with brown pants and her stylish well groomed hair and make up!
Oh we don’t want to overlook the fab shoes…
Mildred's great shoes!
What a great example of looking the part of a successful, up-to-date woman!
Here is Lori Northcott using pattern to stand out in a crowd! We saw lots of boots, one of this seasons MUST haves. Once again, her hair is updated and looks so chic. Lori claims, “I eat healthy, exercise and am lucky to have good genes!”
Lori Northcott
Elizabeth Flavin is the founder/owner of www.GratitudeEtc.com. She really ‘wowed’ us with her classic elegant style. She says, “I buy what I love, and keep trying to re-invent myself!” Her jewelry is sure classic and elegant as well!
Elizabeth Flavin
Next up we met Janice Innis-Thompson who is presently working as a lawyer. She looks very professional, and pulled together, but look at the way she uses color! How fresh! She swears by, “Lots of sleep, exercise and Yoga!”
Janice Innis-Thompson
Kari Sciera is a gym teacher from Boston. This pretty blond, told us that she really worked hard to find the right dress to wear to this event. So she was rightfully proud of her new purchase of an Alice and Olivia dress!
Kari Sciera
She took it one step further and even changed out the belt so that it would look better with her boots. She is a “new” 40 and really showed her confident personality, with this chic look!
Bottom line: This group of ladies got our vote to be on the Glam Gals’ Best Dressed List!
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.
This olive green peasant dress would look fabulous with brown leggings and a brown suede flat boot.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Even if you were born with the “style gene”, it’s tricky to figure out what shoes to match with what. This summer put your best foot forward, as we bring young 7 of the hottest shoe styles, plus ideas for how to pull an outfit together around them.
1. Ballet slippers
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Simple and chic, the ballet flat can be a great look great with walking shorts and even a nice flowing knee length skirt. Stick with neutral colored flats to help visually elongate your legs. Colored flats look great with straight leg jeans. Ballet flats are perfect for travel especially if you are going to be doing a lot of walking. Look for the elasticized fold up ones that slip easily into the corner of any suitcase. Stay away from bows and bright colors in this style, since it will come across as too youthful and silly for us gals over 40.
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2. Sandals
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The less dressed you are, the less shoe you need. That’s why airy flat sandals, sandals with tiny kitten heels (or even glitzed up flip flops) work best with full blown summer looks that says casual and relaxed. Pair sandals with breezy sundresses, shorts, or loose linen pants. Resist the temptation to wear them to the office no matter how comfortable they are as too much skin diminishes your credibility an authority. Steer away from boring brown or beige run of the mill sandals. Instead choose sandals that say “now”. Metallic colors, a little glitz or shine work with almost anything and take you beautifully from day into night. |
3. Summer Pumps
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For business, weddings or any other more conservative affair, choose pumps in keeping with the lightness and brightness of summer. That means navy, beige, cream or light colored shoes with finer vrs. chunkier, heavier heels. Shoes with delicate cutouts or sling backs also look professional,but summery too. Spectator pumps in black and white or cream and tan are a classic that will never let you down. |
4. Wedges
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The wedge is the perfect shoe to update your wardrobe with. It looks youthful and fresh and works with almost everything from shorts to skirts, capris and pants. Other combinations include patent leather paired with a cork wedge, canvas paired with a rope wedge and brightly colored leather paired with a lucite wedge. An added bonus- wedges are soooo comfortable to walk in! |
5. Platform
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Platforms are great, especially for shorter gals. They add height, yet are still relatively easy to walk in. Platforms can go from casual to dressy depending on the shoe. Stay away from platforms that are too heavy and clunky or you’ll end up looking like your teenage daughter. The thinner the platform the classier the look. (Some of the latest models come with platforms built right into the shoe so you don’t see them on the outside- a good option too). If you want to attract attention, just wear a platform with an A-line shirt, cotton shirt and fitted jacket, and enjoy the compliments. |
6. Dress shoes
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Never underestimate the power of a shoe-especially a dress shoe. Take a simple summer dress, match it with flip flops and you have one look. Then pair it with some killer summer heels and you totally change the feel of your outfit. This season you can bring out a touch of your wild side by stepping out in dressy, sexy animal print shoes. They are a great way to jazz up a monochromatic outfit or dress. Also popular are high heels in metallics and peek a boo shoes that tease you with a show of toes. Don’t forget to get a good pedicure!
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7. Sporty casual (running shoe)
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To look youthful, you’ve got to look current. So dump those boring heavy, white workout sneakers and experiment with trendier,sporty shoes. The sneaker is a great solution to being comfortable but can be hard to pull off. Check out some designer styles for some inspirations. Look for a pair that is lightweight and in your favorite color. Then you can wear them with walking shorts, khakis, a nice sweat suit or perhaps a lightweight colorful straight leg jean. |
For more help picking out the perfect shoes try Shoes-o-matic. Shoes-o-matic is a really fun tool. Just enter in your specifications, and up will pop an applicable suggestion. Click here to check it out!
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?
Diane Von Furstenberg is on a roll. She introduced the world to her famous wrap dress back in 1974 and now it’s back in a big way. You’ll find her bold pattern and vintage print wrap dresses in all the stores, including Diane’s new Manhattan boutique that just opened last night. (Can’t wait to check it out….)
The wrap is great news for women our age. Its figure flattering, waist singing, bust enhancing ability, has made it a modern classic, that even Barbie is crazy for.
We’ve both just bought one think it’s the perfect dress for most anything. Plus, it travels like a dream. It’s lightweight you can throw it in your bag and it’s always so comfy because it’s made of it’s soft jersey silk fabric.
The beautiful thing about the wrap is that it drapes nicely on most figures. Even if you are not that slim, this dress will make you look sculpted and 10 pounds lighter.
Here are some tips for wearing a wrap dress:
- If you are not planning to wear hose, and want to keep things looking smooth. Try wearing Spanx to eliminate any panty lines, bumps and bulges.
- Some wrap dresses have a tendency to come open at the top. Make sure that you buy the correct size or wear a camisole underneath. We find that the non-lace ones look better with this tailored look.
- If you are not that busty, this is a great time to have some fun with a pretty padded push up bra!
- O.k. What about the shoes? The formality of the print and and the size of print will dictate the heel. The wilder the print, the chunkier you can go with the heel . That means you can do anything from a more delicate heel to a wedge. However, if you end up with a delicate pattern, as many of them are this season, keep your shoes simple. A lovely sandal or peekaboo toe looks great or you can wear a canvas wedge for a more casual daytime look. Do not wear mules or closed toe shoe, they just don’t work.
- With its plunging neckline a short or long necklace will finish off the look beautifully.
- Also, remember that you can wear a jacket over it for a more corporate look.
As Diane would say, “Feel like a woman, wear a dress!”
Anybody have a business trip planned in the near future? This week Deborah and I are off to the AICI conference (Association of Image Consultants International) in Minneapolis, MN and have been scrambling to put a few new outfits together, so that we look fabulous for all the other women that will be there!( not to mention the two of us are finally going to meet for the first time, after working together for over a year!)
Recently we shared tips from our latest newsletter with radio host Laura Mainella of Hot 89.9 in Ottawa, Canada. They were curious about what we re going out to buy for ourselves.
So here is what we plan:
A new spring suit in Cream- We love standing out in a crowded sea of black suits and this will surely do the trick! You can’t go wrong using cream as your neutral, since it is so easy to match with tops you already own.
Susan Bigsby’s Ultimate Twin Set – These gorgeous, perfect fitting tops are great for travel. You will need both the top and the cardigan and they come in several colors so you can mix and match. We couldn’t be without them.
Walking Shorts – Standing around all day can play havoc on your tootsies, so we have planned to wear some wedge heels. They help you balance better on your feet and we think they are comfortable as well as chic!
Sweater Wrap – What’s a sweater wrap. Think pashmina with sleeves. This is a fresh take on how to look chic if it gets chilly in and out of the conference room. Look for one that is thin and soft and a pretty color that is neutral so that you can wear it with most things. Try one of the new sleeveless ones for summer.
Layered Chain Necklaces – Accessories can tell the whole story. This summer we are seeing oodles of delicate chains that are being layered in different lengths. Perfect!
How do you look fashionable when you’ve got a mature body and the styles out there are targeted to svelte young twenty-somethings?
Image Consultant Diana Pemberton Sikes sums it up nicely with advice to remember the three C’s when you dress: Clean , Classic and Coverage.
But there’s one more C we think needs to be added to that “how to dress” list, and that is Comfortably! It’s especially true when it come to shoes.
Now, don’t for a minute think that just because we know that your baby boomer tootsies are starting to swell and ache, that we’re trying to get you in to granny orthopedics.
We love a sexy shoe and a gorgeous heel and never want to give them up. That’s why we’re thrilled with a few designers who realized the shoe worshiper’s need for a combo of comfort and style.
High end comfort brands from Thierry Rabotin, Anyi Lui, Jeanne Jarvaise and Tayrn Rose (a former orthopedic surgeon turned shoe designer) are selling like hotcakes. What shoe crazed women wouldn’t love this black and white patent leather pump by Tayrn Rose?
Then there’s Cole Hahn who’ve had a lot of press about The Dress Air Line that incorporate Nike air technology in chic shoes with 3 3/4 inch heels. The line has been so successful that it’s expanding to 14 designs this spring and summer.
So put your best foot forward and check out these shoes. As designer Tayrn Rose says, “Just because you love fashion, doesn’t mean you always want to be the victim.”
