Have you updated your handbag lately? Are you ready to step up your game and have a gorgeous designer bag?
Want something that if you invest in it, can be updated?
Well, you can do it right here!
We love this leather handbag by Kara James. The cool thing about this bag, is that the straps can be updated and changed.
We featured these bags a few months ago and got so many letters of women wanting to find out where to buy it that we are super excited to bring you our first Sample Sale!
First of all, Kara James is a hot new designer out of Canada who is taking the states by storm. Already seen on the arm of several celebrities,now you can get one for a fraction of the original price.
You will love this well made all leather bag and get lots of compliments on it!
We only have a limited supply of them, so hurry and don’t miss out!
REG. Price: ($422.00-$404.00)
Sample Sale Price for either bag: $ 211.00 (plus $9.00 shipping) BUY NOW BY CLICKING HERE – Please put style and color you would like in the comments box on the order form
These are sample bags and are FINAL SALE only! (sorry, we can only ship to a U.S. address)
 Kate in Black Patent |
 Ryan in black or brown |
Continuing our series on 5 ways to look fashionable over 40 this spring…..
Question # 2 Neon for Spring
I’m 52 and just bought a cute yellow neon clutch for spring. My sister says I look silly and that neon is passé. What do you think? ……. Susan
Hi Susan,
You are right that neon is a hot trend this spring, but we’d have to agree with your sister that it is not the most flattering look for a gal over 40. Why? …
No
First of all neon is super bright, and in shiny patent leather, electrifying. That much contrast against mature skin and hair can look rather harsh, and frankly, tacky. Secondly, neon really works best when used with clothing and accessories that have a “sporty” feel. Neon says casual, not classy.
Yes
If you like neon you’d be better off with something like this
yellow neon tote. It has a sporty feel, is rimmed in black to tone it down, and is better suited to casual occasions like a trip to the beach, or the book club.
Dear Glam Gals,
I have enjoyed your website tremendously. I do have a question regarding the recent trend to “unmatch” items. It seems that it is “in” right now to have shoes not match the bag and also to have almost mismatched items in an outfit. For example, I have seen leopard print shoes (brown and black) with a bright red dress and black belt (I would have gone with a black or red shoe). If I still match, does it make me look dated and out of fashion? The term “matchy-matchy” has been used. How do we know when to match and when not to?
Thanks,
TC
Hi, TC! We agree that this can be a confusing issue. Matching clothes is really based on your own personal style. It’s a lot like how you might want to decorate your house. Some people like the mixed-matched Shabby Chic look and others like an upscale, contemporary, monochromatic look. However, you are on the right track just by being inspired and seeing how stylists in magazines are putting outfits together.
It's all about personal style
Your description above with the leopard print shoe with bright red dress and black belt sounds right on track! One note of caution: If you are going to wear that leopard print shoe, leave the print at that. Don’t go buying the matching purse or belt.
A pattern made up of neutrals can be used to accent any solid bright color.
Moreover, when trying to wear a bright color shoe, do NOT match it with the same color bag. The idea is to have a fun “pop” of color, and not overdo it. If you want to keep it monochromatic, keep the colors subtle by using neutrals like white, tan, black, or grey. A bright yellow, red, or bright blue from head to toe is just too much!
Our formula for dressing after 40 is to take beautiful classics and dress them up with unique accessories that express your personality. But where do you find accessories that are interesting and different, especially if you’re style is on the artistic/creative side?
We found a unique collection of handmade purses crafted from vintage Japanese obis (silk sashes worn around the waist) that will make you stand out in a crowd.
This red purse from Shamar Custom Design is a beautiful, one of a kind conversation piece. It is from The Showa Era 1926-1989. The silk hand sewn fabric has been handpainted and embroidered. The sash was once worn by a a very wealthy woman and has now been recycled into this fascinating treasure.
The pin, from the 1940′s, has red Swarovski crystals and adds a touch of sparkle and richness. (See back view too>>>>)
If you are a confident woman and you want to be unique, rather than ordinary, a bag like this is a fashionable piece of art to add to your wardrobe.
Recently, we wrote a blog post called What NOT to Wear After 40…and put up a photo of these shoes.
We were surprised to get several emails from gals who loved these wild shoes and had no problem wearing them regardless of age. This got us thinking…. where does one draw the line when trying to decide what is fun to wear and what is foolish to wear after 40?
Our take on these shoes is that while they are fun and new, they are definitely loud and may look foolish, not fun, on most women over 40. Although the style is fashion forward and the high heel does have a hidden platform, which makes it doable, the kicker for us is the hot purple color combined with shiny patent leather, which makes it too trendy for most. The wide strap also adds a baby doll feel.
But all that being said, if you have a big dramatic or creative streak in you, you might be able to pull off these shoes, if you wore them with a simple outfit like a sleek black top and pair of black wide legged pants. Make these shoes your statement piece and don’t junk up your look by adding all kinds of other trendy bits like, i.e. an animal print belt with these shoes would send your image into a fashion tailspin.
We mentioned you really have to have a certain drama to your coloring as well to pull this look off. For example, if you have a fair skin tone and very dark hair and eyes, or dark skin, and a dramatic aura, this might work. If you are blonde and light skinned, these shoes won’t fly because the contrast is so great, they’ll make you look cheap.
For those a little less bold, you may want to try shoe in black patent leather, instead of purple, or you might also want to look for a less bright shade of purple shoe in suede or leather. Choose one without the ankle strap if you want to look as tall as you can.
Curious about where we draw the line between fun and foolish when it comes to 6 other new fall looks. Read On……
1. Extra Wide Legged Pants
Fun or Foolish? |
 Our Pick |
You could mop the floor in the pants on the left. We don’t want to take the fun out of fashion but these pants are on the extreme side.
Our Pick
These high-waisted Diane von Furstenberg pants are a better choice because they have a more gentle flare which is very flattering on most body types and balances out any over 40 body which is usually starting to widen through the middle. The hot pink window pane pattern adds a touch of femininity to the men’s wear feel.
2. Bright Bold Prints
Layering and bold prints are in, but the combination of the two on the left looks busy and tacky. This look is too playful for a 40+ look unless you are Carrie Bradshaw, (but isn’t she starting to look a little silly in some of her zany looks anyhow?)
Fun or Foolish? |
 Our Pick |
Can you believe this is the same dress? What an improvement! Leave a busy patterned dress alone by dumping the vest and belt. Much more beautiful and age flattering!
 Our Pick Too! |
Here’s another bright, bold Diane Von Furstenberg dress. It’s called “The Clooney”. Again, if you are going for patterns stick to classic style that is simple and let the pattern shine. This knock-out number has a geometric pattern with an art deco feel, which is a hot trend this fall. |
3. Short Sleeved Suits
 Fun or Foolish? |
 Our Pick |
JoJami saw this Nanette Lepore suit (on the left) at a local boutique, but didn’t have time to try it on and was thinking of going back to do so. But when she saw it here she realized it has a lot of problems. It has too much going on. This jacket is trying too hard to be different and the lace top is an added extra that’s just not needed. On an over 40 gal it would look plain granny like.
Our Pick
We prefer this Isabel and Nina double breasted wide shawl collar suit. It’s got a real Jackie-O quality to it – sophisticated and clean – and the neckline is so elegant.
4. Wild Animal Prints
 Fun or Foolish? |
 Our Pick |
Animal prints are fun but don’t have to roar so loud that you look like you are wearing a costume. The zebra inspired skirt on the left is cutesy if you are twenty but, cutesy is not the way you want to look.
Our Pick
We vote for the look on the right. Simply add a touch of animal print to an accessory like a handbag or belt and you look so much more sophisticated. It’s the difference between fashion Victim and fashion Victory!
5. Fashionably Full Skirts
Fun or Foolish?
|
 Our Pick |
The combination of this ruffled blouse with puff sleeves and very full pleated skirt makes this young model look a little older than she is, and that’s fine because she is so young to begin with. But put a prissy school teacher look like this on a gal 40+ who has extra curves at her middle, not so perfectly taught arms, and a mature face and she’ll look like an old biddy.
Our Pick
If you like a fuller skirt, try one that is a little more refined. This Ralph Lauren box pleated wool herringbone skirt is easy and comfortable to wear and always looks classy. Top it off with something more relaxed like a black turtleneck and great suede jacket in a gorgeous shade of majestic purple. This shot of color will give your face life.
6. Chunky Platform Shoes
 Fun or Foolish? |
 Our Pick |
Clunky and funky, these top heavy shoes (on the left) with their baby doll strap would look better on your teenage daughter.
Elegant, classic with a modern twist these Tory Burch Pumps look great and the stacked heel makes them a lot more comfortable for tootsies too. Love the gold hardware!
We like it when we can get a “scoop” on a new product…and so here it is!
The NEWEST “It” bag, is just hitting stores now, its called:
The Kara James Bag!
This is NOT just your ordinary handbag! Not only is it truly hip and gorgeous, but the decorative “belt” that goes around the bag, can be changed to give it a whole new look!
Isn’t it gorgeous? And it is SO well made!!
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.
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
