Over 40 Fashion – Would You Wear a Wedge Sneaker?

October 18, 2012 | By Deborah Boland | 20 Comments

Today our guest writer is Etiquette Expert, Lisa Taylor Richey.

Leather pants and simple sweater is updated with these cute wedge sneakers. (outfit: Net-a-Porter)

Over the past few seasons I have become a big fan of the “wedge.”  I love a wedge sandal and a closed toe wedge pump.  Being petite, it gives me the option of being casual but with a bit of a lift.  I love the ballet flat on everyone else but it is not my best look.  That’s why the wedge has become my best friend.

A few weeks ago, one of my fashionista friends (yes, she is fabulous and over 40) mentioned she just ordered the Nike wedge sneaker from Net-a-Porter.  Sure, I have seen the wedge in a sneaker but always passed it up thinking it was for the younger generation….not exactly my style.  I must admit, her excitement over her recent order sparked my curiosity.  Now I am seeing them everywhere.
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What to Wear Over 40- The Maxi Dress, Perfect for Casual Outings like Shopping or a BB-Q

September 1, 2012 | By Deborah Boland | 4 Comments

When it comes to making the most out of your wardrobe and having to transition from one season to the next, there’s a little trick you can try that can be easy to implement.  But first you have to have the right ingredients.  We Glam Gals like to create new outfits the same way you would look up a recipe for cooking.  You look in the “pantry” (aka your closet) and check to see if you have the right ingredients.  If so, you can put together a yummy outfit!

Today we are going to take this summer’s blockbuster trend, the maxi dress and see how to wear it when you are over 40, for a casual outing, like shopping or a poolside BBQ:

Poolside BBQ

 

Here we go…this maxi has a lot going for it.  First off, most of these types of long dresses usually have spaghetti straps that bare too much arm but here the 3/4 sleeve is perfect for cooler evenings and you won’t need a wrap.

Try layering , turning your maxi dress into a maxi skirt:

If you already have a maxi but it doesn’t have sleeves, you can still wear it now that we are coming into fall.  It’s easy; you just add a layer.  Do you have a thin, long v neck sweater or a jean jacket?   You can layer one or both of these pieces to create a new look.  Just throw the sweater over your shoulders or wear it with a stretchy hip belt.  This will make it look like you’re wearing a maxi skirt instead of a dress. Then if you like, you can add the jean jacket over that.  Voila, now you have created an entire new look and no one will know you are wearing the same dress twice!

Keep the shoe casual:

The wonderful thing about a maxi dress is that it can be worn with a flat or low wedge shoe so you can feel comfortable but still look classy.  For many of us that are of shorter height, it can be hard to dress casual when you like to wear a heel.  The maxi with it’s long vertical lines will give you the illusion that you are tall and lean, even when wearing a flat.  You can have fun with a sparkly sandal or just keep it simple with a flip flop.  But don’t be tempted to wear a kitten heel or pumps; it will look too dressy for a casual outing.

Large Accessories will balance out the look:

Your accessories need to be a little bolder with a maxi, because of the long billowing fabric.  Tiny little earrings or a dainty necklace will get lost so make sure you go with accessories that will stand out.

This book will save you oodles of money and save you from picking the wrong things.

So, if you have a summer maxi dress in your closet, get it out and have fun trying to layer it for a casual look that you can wear shopping, out to dinner or to the movies this weekend.

More great Maxi dresses for a pool party

 

 

 

 

 

Maxi dresses even work for summer weddings!

Make sure to comment below, we want to hear your thoughts and if you would wear this look.

If you’d like to have more tips like these, check out our popular e-book,Chic on the Cheap!

Timeless Styles for Your Over 40 Wardrobe ~ Irving and Fine

August 30, 2012 | By Deborah Boland | 5 Comments

Sponsored Post

For all their cool and hip elegance, designers Carolina Irving and Lisa Fine’s new line of  clothes, Irving and Fine, are just the type of clothes we pine for.

As seen in Town and Country & Vogue, textile designers Carolina Irving and Lisa Fine bring their taste for travel and textiles into your closet!

We have forever been chatting about the importance of collecting  timeless pieces to add to your wardrobe and we were so excited when we came across this gorgeous line of colorful tops and jackets. These are pieces that are going to get you the “Wow” factor. When you step out the door, be prepared to get complements.

Here are some tips for choosing a classic item:

1) Choose a color that will look best on you.  An animal print like this one will look best on those who have warm tones in their skin and hair.

2) Keep what you wear underneath simple.  The wonderful thing about wearing a print is that it will take center stage and you can easily put all black or white underneath, so you don’t have to buy anything new to go with it.

3) Make sure to keep your shoe simple.  Black or nude will work best.  Don’t be tempted to put a colorful one with it, you will spoil the outfit and it will look clownish.

We think any of these pieces are special and would spice up a wardrobe since they are so versatile and can go from casual to dressy with just a change of accessories.  They are also perfect travel pieces, so you can pack less since you can create several outfits with just a few pieces.

Never a victim of fashion, Irving & Fine tunics, blouses and coats are timeless and have become a must for even the trendiest.  They are worldly and  exotic without being ethnic, a perfect combination of quality  and incredibly well priced with the 50% off sale going on now.

Known for flattering colors, original embroidery and embellishments and shapes that flatter, these unique pieces are ones that will certainly be worth the splurge!

You should check out these looks, that are 50% off for a limited time:

Amanda Ross in a Kutch Coat for LIpstick Jungle

This Seville tunic in silk are flattering and can be dressed up or down:

We love how you can play with these tops…it can be worn in the summer with shorts or jeans and move into fall with leather pants!

 

Cotton Tunics can be worn into fall:

Lucknow Tunic: on the left is playful and versital.

Irving & Fine caftans, tunics, peasant blouses and coats have been featured in Vogue, Town & Country, Departures and Elle, among others.

 

The Best Over 40 Foundation and How to Get Full Lips…

August 27, 2012 | By Deborah Boland | Leave a Comment

pink lipsHappy Monday and welcome to the Fashion Flash, our weekly update of the hottest over 40 fashion, beauty and health tips.

This week our host is Fit and Fabulous Over Forty.

Here are some of the topics we are discussing:

  • In this article you will learn about ‘no excuses’ when it comes to exercising.  Learn more on common sense fitness and fat loss issues.
  • Five Fab over 40 beauty finds!
  • Get a sneak peek of a new foundation.  It just might be complexion perfection for the over 40 woman!
  • Who wore it best?  Find out more with the over 40 fashion challenge…
  • Going to a fund raiser or special event?  Arm yourself with these basic shopping tips!
  • Depression is more common for women than men.  Are you suffering from clinical depressionor a depressed mood?  Check out the signs and symptoms.
  • Don’t pout, there’s help for lips!  Get the info you need to restore your lips to their youthful beauty.
  • Take a look at the anti-aging  power of onions.  Seriously?
  • Bone healthy eating?  EEK!  One more thing to worry about?  True, our bodies can lose up to 40% of their bone mass in the 10 years following menopause.  But also true, the fix for this is both easy and delicious.  It’s Yummy!
  • Is there still a prejudice among fashion designers on designing for plus size women?

What to Wear Over 40 – Summer BBQ or Labor Day Party

August 24, 2012 | By Deborah Boland | 10 Comments
Summer BBQ

 

We only have a few more days until Labor Day so, for most of the country, white pants will have to be moved to the back of your closet or stored for the winter!

For that final summer fashion fling, get out those white pants and enjoy them this weekend

Here is a super simple style recipe for you to try that will have you feeling clean and fresh, as well as a few tips on how to make it work for you:

Start with the White Pants:
We’ve been having some wild discussions on our Fabulous After 40 Facebook page about whether or not just anyone can wear a white pant.  Many of you said, “I would never wear them, they make me look like a house” and others say “they get dirty too easily” while most sing their praises.  We Glam Gals feel that the latter is true.  We have seen all ages and sizes rock them and if you don’t have a pair you might want to go out and see if you can pick up a pair on sale and save them for next year (or an upcoming tropical vacation!) Yes, we love white pants and they can easily be bleached if you spill on them, too.

Just One Pop of Color: 
White is just so easy because it can be paired up with that one top you can never match anything with!  Just take a quick look in your closet and find that long top or shirt that you never wear and pull it on.  The rest of the outfit will need to be simple but you will look and feel gorgeous!

Nude on Nude: 
Now, to pull this look all together sometimes we’re tempted to “coordinate” the blouse with a matching shoe, necklace or accessory.  Don’t do it!  You will want to keep all the focus on the top.  Sometimes keeping things simple is the best and easiest way to look classy.  Here we just added a versatile nude shoe and nude handbag.  Easy, squeezy!

Gold Tones Shine:
Now that you have everything looking harmonious, keep it going with the choice of jewelry.  These gold dot earrings won’t upstage the sunglasses and hat.  Perfecto!

Accessories that Work:
Drum roll please, here comes the finale!  This over-sized straw hat will not only keep the sun off your pretty skin but will look groovin’ with these peep toe espadrilles.  You can balance the outfit out with an over-sized men’s watch, one item that we love, love, love!

Are you off to a final summer bash?  Do you or would you wear white pants?  Please comment below: 

Fashion Flash ~ Top 5 Makeup Mistakes Women Make and more…

August 13, 2012 | By Deborah Boland | Leave a Comment

beauty over 40Another Monday and we are ready to help you kick-start your week with the Fashion Flash. This week our host is Prime Beauty Blog and that’s where you can find the full story on these topics specifically:  beauty and health tips for those that are 40, 50 and beyond.

Here is a sampling of topics:

  • Tips on how to update your shorts wardrobe.
  • Get skin care tips from one of the top make up artists from Lancome.
  • Find out the top 5 makeup mistakes women make.
  • Protein boots your metabolism.  Get the recipe for a yummy coffee mocha protein shake.
  • Follow this 28 day challenge to see if this beauty product really works.
  • More on how red will be a favorite on-trend color for plus size this fall.
  • A strong core and good sense of balance go a long way to preventing debilitating falls.  You can try these core & balance osteoporosis prevention exercise videos.
  • Need a quick workout?  Have a flight of stairs?  Shawna K, Female Fat Loss Over 40 Expert has a 20 minute body weight workout for you.
You can meet all our blogging experts and read the full story on these topics, just click the blue link above. Enjoy!

How To Hide Your Tummy

July 25, 2012 | By Deborah Boland | 4 Comments

“When did this happen?”  

You look in the mirror and your favorite pair of pants just barely zip up and you really don’t feel like your lifestyle is all that different. However, sad but true, as we start to age our body just seems to re-arrange itself!  When you are  40, 50 or beyond you tend to get thicker in the middle and no matter how much exercise or dieting you do your mid section just wants to spread out.  Now that it’s summer, we can’t hide our “problem areas” as easily as we can in the cooler weather.

Here are 10 tips on how to hide your tummy!

1. Avoid all over baggy clothing. Baggy tops and pants can give the appearance of more of a tummy that is really there. Opt for a smooth fabric with stretch. If you have a loose top then you should pair it with a smooth pant. If wearing a  loose fitting pant try a smooth top.

2. Avoid banded waist tops - They can hit your tummy at all the wrong places and draw you eye to your middle area.

3. Do not tuck in shirts – This will accentuate your belly and is not flattering.  (This does not apply to those who are a pear shape and have a small waist and flat tummy… you are fine to tuck in)

4. Don’t forget that ruching is your friend! Ruching is when the fabric is gathered and sewn down. It can be a great way to disguise a little extra weight in the tummy area but is slimming at the same time.

5. Try an outfit consisting of a tunic and leggings -  This is an updated look and comfortable too!

6. Medium rise jeans are the best to avoid the “muffin top” look -  Low rise jeans have been all the rage but for many of us it’s not a good look for us. If your top is tucked out, no one will know where you jeans come up to, so you can wear a higher rise and not feel like you’re out of style.

7. Opt for layers with thin long fabrics. - A long Tee under a longer cardigan works well. It will create the illusion that you are taller then you really are.

8. Try a fitted jacket as opposed to a boxier one -  Even if it means taking your jackets to the tailor it will be well worth it. Fit is key in looking slim in your clothing!

9. Monochromatic colors can help slim down a look -  Stick to one tone from head to toe and then add a jacket or lightweight cover up with a pop of color.

10. Shapewear is the new girdle -  Shapewear comes in all styles and weights and can instantly slim your tummy down.

 

Over 40 Dressing: Lost Weight and Now What Looks Good On me?

May 30, 2012 | By Deborah Boland | 3 Comments

I love you site. It has become a favorite!

I am 52 and recently lost 30 pounds. Both my kids will be in High School and I feel like I’m starting life over.  I’m a size 6 at most stores and love shopping again. However, it’s a whole new world as I’m not 30 anymore and I’m not quite sure what’s age appropriate.  I am desperately fearful on looking foolish or like I am trying too hard.

I recently purchased a pair of shoes, but every time I put them on I feel like “I’m trying too hard”.  I’m pairing them with a semi-fitted t shirt with rushing and straight leg jeans (which I’ve never worn in public for the same reason)  or a cuffed Capri jean.  Please help me.  What do you think?

Thanks so much!

Diana

Hi Diana,

Well first off we want to congratulate you on your weight loss!  How exciting to be starting off this part of your life with confidence and a new body!   As far as your question goes, a common complaint we hear from women who have lots weight, is that they  are confused on how to dress their new figure.  But the good news is that we think you are right on track!

For example, we think the shoes are wonderful!

  • What a great way to introduce the snakeskin trend into your wardrobe in a classy, subtle way.
  • This  shoe is updated and chic, so don’t be afraid of them.
  • The wedge will give you a little height and they will still be comfortable.
  • The shoes will make your outfit a little more dressy looking,  soyou will need to pull the look together with a little jacket and chunky necklace.

If you want a more casual dressing look and to stay cool:

  • Just wear the t-shirt and jeans
  • Add a lower wedge or cute ballet flat
  • no jewelry is necessary
We love the monochromatic color scheme you have gone with but you could easily wear those shoes with other colors that would complement them.
These are versatile basics for anyone to have in their closet!  Great job!
If you have a fashion question please write us at info@fabulousafter40.com. Please send in your photo with permission to use it so that we might post it for our community.  We regret that we can’t answer every question but we do our best to reply to as many as we can.
If you are wanting more in-depth tips on how to add more color to your wardrobe check out our e-book:
Color Me Confident.  This is our best selling new e-book that is full of ideas to help you get out of the rut of just buying black! 
 

Which Dress Should I Wear?

March 29, 2012 | By Deborah Boland | 22 Comments
Hi Glam Gals,
 I have been invited to a birthday party for a women I met through work.   She is in her early  forties, it will be held in her fabulous NY penthouse apt and there will be a DJ.  Other guests will be doctors as well as people in publishing and TV.  Time will be from 8pm-12pm, so I’m guessing it will be everything from club to cocktail attire.  I am over 50 and in the past have always worn black to parties like this but just end up feeling invisible.  Help!  I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard to be young and sexy, but I don’t want to seem too boring to talk to. 
Thanks so much! Deb Chase (owner No-Nonsense Beauty Blog)
Hi Deb,
We know that in NYC the trend is to just wear black to everything.  However, because this party is going to have a DJ you will probably see some sparkles and lots of high heels!  When you’re over 40, sparkles can age you, so instead we think you should go for a silk dress in a pretty color and then accessorize it with a chunky necklace.
Dear Glam Gals,
Thanks for your suggestions.  I went out shopping to several stores including a resale shop, so here are my  four options for the party:
 (FYI  I can’t wear higher heels because of foot problems, so I can’t use great shoes to  amp up the look.  Bummer.)
Red Dress:This is by Agnona an Italian designer that I got at my favorite designer resale shop.Normally $2000, I paid $90. Its made of lightweight wool, very Jackie O, but kind of stiff for a party with dancing. 
BLack Dress:
This is another designer resale find - normally about $1000, that I got for $50.  It’s a very standard LBD in a heavy weight crepe.  I’ve lost some weight so it looks a little big – and dull.

Colorful jeans are hot over 40

March 19, 2012 | By Deborah Boland | 124 Comments

Ready to swing into spring and need a little help finding some mouth watering sweet new jeans?

You might have noticed that many of the stores are lining their shelves with a wide range of colorful jeans.  Well, it will feel like spring has come early this year for you if you win a pair of these colorful and comfy Fabrizio Gianni jeans!

Deborah and I recently had the opportunity to try some of their jeans and boy were we blown away! Picking them up they felt light as feather.  Oooh, as we slid them on we noticed a bit of stretch and that the rise was not too high or too low.  We think they are one of the best fitting jeans we’ve tried! (It must be that “hidden” elastic in the waistline, one of their unique design features!)

Then of course there are all the colors to choose from….Oh my, what’s a girl to do??? Thanks to team Fabrizio Gianni for awarding our contest winner  Rosemary   R. a $189.00 shopping spree and add a pair of these babies for their wardrobe!