Marjatta looking chic at the mall
JoJami and I were out to the mall last week and saw some great looks on gals who were out doing their Christmas shopping. The first fashionista we ran into was Marjatta who looked hip and elegant in her black leather jacket and fur scarf.
Then we ran into this gal, Laura Turner >> who looked so energetic and fun in her bright red jacket with black leggings, patent boots and mustard top. She really got us in the mood for holiday season.
Deb out shopping in a comfy outfit
Meanwhile I (Deb) was cruising around in my leggings, flat suede boots, thin leopard top and new leather coat. We stopped into Micheal Kors to ooh and ahh at all the sparkly clothes they had out for Christmas season. JoJami had on her cute floral cloth coat.
Now naturally you want to be comfy traipsing around a mall for hours, so that means no heels, comfy clothes that breathe and the lightest of jackets. But you also want to look good.
Deb and JoJami at Michael Kors
At this time of year with all the crowds, you never know who you may run into that you may not have seen for years. You certainly don’t want to be caught in sweats, a ponytail and no make-up your old boyfriend or school rival calls out your name and wants to say hello.
What are you wearing when you Christmas shopping this year? Send us a photo of you shopping and show us!
JoJami and I with host Annette Hamm of CHCH-TV talking fashion
What do you do wear when you have a Christmas party to attend, but it’s not such a big affair that you need to go out and buy an expensive, fancy cocktail dress? For example, when you’re invited to an after work office party, or an afternoon neighbourhood drop in?
Is there a way to dress up something you already own and make it look festive and glam? The answer is Yes! We recently appeared on CHCH-TV in Toronto to show how. JoJami and I wore simple day dresses in solid read and the other, a blue and green print. by adding sparkle, sequins, faux fur, animal prints, lots of jewelry and blingy accessories we transformed our day looks into party perfect outfits.
Add faux fur and leopard gloves for instant glam
The leopard gloves we put with Deb's red dress
JoJami's faux fur and feather handbag
JoJami preparing props for on-air
Here’s what we mean. My simple red dress — great for the office, but add a black faux fur collar, leopard print gloves, a sparkly pumps and I look like the star of the party. JoJami adds a faux fur blue stole and a feather bag and viola- instant drama!
Some other favorite things we picked up were gold sparkly platforms from Michael Kors, all sequin tanks tops and scarves, giant cocktail rings, sexy sheer patterned hose, long leopard gloves with zippers and enough bling to compete with the most decorated x-mas tree.
Sparkly gold shoes - Michael Kors, grogeous!
Happy Holidays!
I like the subtly of JoJami's snakeskin jacket
If you caught our recent post on snakeskin you saw what a big impact it’s making in the fashion world, but that it’s not for everyone.
I (Deb) must admit I’m having a hard time getting into this look. It feels a little too slimy for me, but I could try a touch here and there if I could find a toned down very refined, piece like a classy snakeskin belt or shoe.
Snakeskin mixed with a pop of bright!
JoJami , however, loves the edginess of snakeskin, is having a ball with it, and looks great! I asked her what she loved about it and she said, “I love snakeskin because of all the animal prints I find the classiest and even the sexiest! I love leopard but I have really overdone it in my wardrobe and I’m ready to move on. Snakeskin is subtler, like a snake.”
Her comments made dig a little deeper to see what’s really out there, as compared to the runways, and what may be worth a try. Here’s what I found.
Pretty in Python
This zippered trimmed Michael Kors pencil skirt is bold and exotic, but is definitely doable. The key is to wearing a large piece like this is to let it take center stage. In other words, wear the snakeskin print against a neutral backdrop like the black shown here. Simplicity is elegance when working with such an edgy print.(Nordstrom) |
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Off the Cuff!
Now, here’s one snakeskin find (also from Michael Kors) I would have no problem trying. This embossed leather cuff with its decadent texture is just enough to show you are in fashion without looking garish. This would look fab with a sleeveless shift dress. (Nordstrom) |
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Now you see Snake, Now you Don’t
This feminine Parker silk blouse tones down the tough look of snakeskin because it is 1) soft and drapes 2) tricks the eye. It looks like an artistic print, but at second glance, it’s really snakeskin pattern. Good for the gal who doesn’t want to be too obvious and whose style leans more towards romantic. (Nordstrom) |
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Sheer Style!
I’m warming up. I probably could go for this snake printed silk blouse by Equipment. I think it is the color. The warm tones make it closer to a leopard print (which I’m more used to). Also like the sheerness of this tailored top. It lightens up the heavy look snakeskin often has. (Saks) |
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Slip into snakeskin shoes!
Easy peasy to wear, these Reva snakeskin flats by Tory Burch can be considered a great neutral shoe to go with jeans, leggings, a cute dress, just about anything. And, here’s what is kind of interesting about them, look closely..they’re actually leather and calf hair – a unique spin on embossed snakeskin. (Saks) |
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Don’t Let this one slither away!
O.k. You may not wear it this way, but you could pair this Aiko Sleeveless Snake-print shirtdress with black skinny pants/leggings and boots or ballet flats. A fabulous belt that is not tight and sits slightly below the waist would look fab. (Saks) |
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Punctuate with Python!
The easiest way to incorporate this trend is to punctuate your outfit with a snakeskin purse. Love the shade of this terrific tote by Michael Kors. It goes with everything. Just don’t combine it with any other animal print or you will look too zany. (Nordstrom)Have you bought any snakeskin yet? Email us a photo and let us see! Cheers! |
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Deb: I’ve probably owned about 6 Safari dresses in my life, starting with cute brown cotton one with matching belt my mom bought me in grade 3, right up to the the taupe Torch Burch shirtdress I bought this summer and am wearing in this photo here.>>>
I’ve had Safari dresses in linen, I”ve had them in silk, I have them in colors like tan , orange, and white. I’ve have them with buttons, zippers, rope belts, leather belts, and in mini and maxi lengths. So why do I keep on going back to this same fashion look? …Because it’s a classic..kind of like a trench coat, it always look crisp and fresh, the shirtdress style suits my body and it’s so easy and comfy to wear. Plus, they are very forgiving if you have a few pounds you want to hide here or there.
This summer the Safari dress is as popular as ever. Add some strappy sandals with chunky high heels or a pair of gladiator flats in brown, tan or gold and you’ve got a fashion hit on your hands. A couple of wide wooden bangle bracelets or a chunky tribal/ethnic style necklace with big stones and a rough metallic finish also enhances the look. Here’s a few great Safari dress options we found in the shopping jungle out there:
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This Michael Kors Safari Shirt Dress with snap flap cargo pockets and self belt is similar to the one I have on. Her natural wedges are a great shoe option for this look, but if you find the dress too short on you then try flat gladiator sandals. ( Saks)
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Here’s one by Tahari with roll tab sleeves and a cute rope weave belt.The off white makes it a little dressier than the dress above. Also the nice long line of buttons on these shirtdresses create a slimming effect. (Nordstrom)
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You don’t often see Safari dresses in Navy and that’s why this one is so special. It is softer than black and really flattering on 40+ gals who may find black washes them out. This Safari dress by Shelli Segal of Laundry. (Nordstrom)
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Love the modern feel of this Zip front Safari dress by Pink Tartan. Classic with a twist. (Saks)
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Some of you may prefer shorts over dresses so this pair of slim fitting Bermuda shorts and linen safari top by Tori Burch would be a great alternative. Can’t you see your self running around town in these shopping, stopping by your friends, sightseeing while on vacation? (Saks)
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With this summer’s extreme heat we thought this sleeveless, wide notched collar safari dress by Eliza J was a good choice. It’s black, which can sometimes work, but you may need to pump this one up with some colorful jungle jewelry. (Nordstrom)
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You may want to prowl around in linen pants this summer and this chic Safari pair with matching jacket is classy and cool. (Saks)
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It’s only February and we’re getting Spring Fever!
We’re just dying to get out there and buy something fresh and light.
This season’s Florals are at the top of our list.
They looked gorgeous on the runways when they previewed a few months back; now we’re wondering how they’ll translate when they hit the stores?
So far, we’ve managed to find only a handful, but soon the shops will be flooded with them. Here are a few that got us excited:
| GO Green!
Love this tiny leaf print dress by Michael Kors. It’ s simple, sophisticated and for once we’re seeing a decent length that will work for mature gals! (Saks) |
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China Blue
This Bianca inverted pleat dress (by Milly) is classic, but powerful. Only problem… we can’t tell if the dress is really this short, or if this model is really tall?
Milly has always produced great styles, but in the last couple of years we found the dresses seemed to be getting shorter and shorter, so we stopped buying Milly. Just recently I ( Deborah) purchased a Milly dress that was just above the knee and looked perfect, so maybe this designer is wising up.
You’ll have to try this dress on yourself to see how short it is. There’s no rule your skirt no must come to the top of the knee, but we’d like to see this dress at least a tad longer on a 40+ Glam Gal.(Saks) |
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| Wrap it Up!
You know how we love wraps. They’re great for creating curves and oh, so comfy in jersey. You can’t go wrong in a dress like this, and the nude shoes let the print dress take center stage.This dress from Etro. (Saks) |
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| Neutral Knockout!
Pink Tartan is the label behind this abstract, floral, retro inspired dress. The fitted bodice highlights the waist. The full pleats give it some sexy swing.
This would be a terrific dress to help give a woman who has an athletic, rectangular shaped figure some curves. (Saks) |
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| Arsty Floral
We get a lot of creative types who say just because they are getting older they don’t want to abandon their hip style of dressing. Here’s a good example of how to wear the floral trend in a slightly edgy way.
This relaxed chiffon shift by Diane von Furstenberg is made of textural silk. Not only is it an interesting looking dress, but it is quite forgiving if you have a few extra pounds to hide. See how the cool shoes complement the trendy look. Pumps wouldn’t do it justice.(Saks) |
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| Ladylike!
If you are the traditional, elegant type this soft, feminine frock from Carolina Hererra is sensational.( Saks)
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Florals that Pack a Punch!
Let your personality be your guide when choosing the right floral. Soft, sweet florals may make you feel wimpy. A big,bold floral print that wows may feel more like you. This dress is from Milly. (Saks) |
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Floral Compromise
If you are not big on florals, but want to be current, here’s a good way to do it. Wear stripes or a graphic print that combines some florals–this one by Kay Unger.(Saks) |
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JoJami and I got chatting about what clothes work for us and what we buy.
Here are some of our recent purchases.
Deborah: Mainly…. Elie Tahari, Pink Tartan, Diane Von Furstenberg, Tory Burch,Theory….also David Meister, Trina Turk, Teenflo, Akris Punto, Michael Kors (my splurge)
Where Debs shops-90% department stores- Saks, Neimans, Holt Renfrew, Bloomingdales, Macys, 10% Boutiques for accessories.
JoJami: Mainly…DKNY,Yoana Baraschi, Diane Von Furstenberg, Etc., IIsli, Rozae Nichols, …also Tibi, Velvet, Occasional finds at Loemans.
Where JoJami shops-99% Boutiques, 1% department stores
So you see the Glam Gals shopping habits are quite different. I (Deb) like that boutiques offer one of a kind things. However, whenever I shop in a boutique, I fall in love with something… they don’t have it in my size and then they try to convince me to buy the size or color they have because this brand fits small or this color is hot right now or some other excuse. I don’t like that pressure. At least at the big stores, if I want another size or color or I want to return something, there is no problem.
I asked JoJami if she has experienced this and she says that this can be a problem unless you frequent these boutiques.
If you develop a relationship with a boutique owner she will be on the lookout when your size comes in and actually shop with you in mind when she is ordering for the new season. Find a boutique you like and it’s like having your own personal image consultant and you’ll always look very original.
The New York Times is reporting that “a meticulously tailored look that evokes the White House years of Jacqueline Kennedy” is what’s in store for Fall.
Sheath dresses, and smart matching suits, all signal a shift towards conservatism. We’re thrilled!
We’ve always loved that clean lined look and have many fond memories as children of our moms sporting smart, chic, little sheath dresses back in the 60′s.
They are just so tidy and modern. You slip one on, add a pair of gorgeous pumps and and you look like a million bucks. Plus, the look is great for women over 40 because, let’s face it, things have gotten soft and we need a little structure in our clothing to give us some shape.
These clothes create a beautiful silhouette.
There’s also no fussiness about them, which can make you look old.
These sleek Michael Kors designs, inspired by Hitchcock Blondes like Grace Kelly, are effortlessly elegant!
Give us a refined, crisp looking suit any day, over a flouncy ruffled boho skirt and overly deep cut top that screams for attention and leaves others embarrassed about where to look.
There must be something in the air because the tide seems to be turning. Our image of the perfect body is shifting and suddenly it’s o.k. to have some meat on your bones.
First there was the news from Spain that underweight models had been banned from the runway. Next we started seeing curvy Dove pro-aging nude grandmothers popping up on billboards in Times Square. Just recently, we all went wild cheering on full-figured singing sensation Jennifer Hudson, who has since landed the gold stamp of approval and cover of Vogue.
Now, this just in…Michael Kors and Calvin Klein are finally jumping on board this “bigger is beautiful” bandwagon and have begun to produce designer clothes for plus size gals. The lines are being sold sold at Macy’s, Bloomingdales and Lord and Taylor and run from $50 for a blouse to $250 for a trenchcoat.
It’s a godsend for boomer women who still want to look stylish and chic despite some extra menopausal pounds. After all, 62% of American women are a size 16 or over. It’s unrealistic to think that we are going to stay our high school weight forever.
Trying to find high quality, fashionable goods for those of us that are over size 16 has been a struggle for years. The high end fashion designers have thumbed their noses at the plus size market for far too long. We salute those designers and stores that are finally waking up to reality.
Women of all ages and sizes still want to look and feel fabulous!!
