We recently had a question from a reader:
Dear Glam Gals,
I love those little half booties that were so popular last fall. I see that they are coming out again this year and would love want to buy a pair, but just do not know what or how to wear them? HELP!
Karen G.~ Minnesota.
Hi Karen,
Your timing is perfect! We just saw this add for the DKNY and here they are showing the same shoe with lots of different looks!
This ad from DKNY is an excellent example of how to look updated!
Here is why we like them:
| Layering with cropped straight pants:
Great casual look, could do it with flats too! (DKNY) |
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| Add a vest! (try one, you might like it!)
Simple white blouse (untucked)
Flat front straight cropped pants
vest. (Might want try to find one longer, if you want to hide hips)
.(DKNY) |
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| Cute for work or out to dinner:
Back again, this layered look was popular last fall thanks to Michele Obama.
Try a skinny belt and make sure you have a pair of those opaque tights. (the ones with patterns can make your legs look fat, so keep it simple with solid colors unless you have super skinny legs)
(DKNY) |
|
Slim Balloon pant:
We are seeing a huge comeback this fall with the balloon pant. Beware this style does not work on all body types. However, if it is well cut, on the slim side, like this one, it might look great on you! Can be a fun style to try. Not so great with flats though…. (DKNY) |
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| Scarf Action!:
Adding a long skinny scarf is an easy way to go from drab to fab! These tight, just to the ankle jeans have a little “poof” at the ankle that can actually be flattering! (DKNY) |
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| This soft jacket pulls the entire look together:
For a modern twist on the navy or grey blazer, try one that is made of a soft fabric. Both comfortable and chic it will knock you up on the style scale! (DKNY) |
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Attention:
Fabulous After 40 gals in the Philadelphia area…
If there is one item in the closet that must be super comfortable and yet fashionable, it has to be your shoes!
Join JoJami for, Shoes, Chews and Chocolates, too! Thursday, May 20th, 6:30-8:30 pm
Do you have your favorite or have you updated your “go to” shoe for Spring?
Well, if you are ready to perk up your shoe wardrobe and get the tips of what will look best on you, join me for my upcoming Private Shoe Event!
Shoes, Chews and Chocolates, too!
We are going to eat, sip and try on shoes at Philadelphia’s most unique shoe store! All shoes are from unique European designers, that you won’t see in department stores!
Come join Glam Gal, JoJami Tyler, for this Special Shoe event!
When: Thursday, May 20th
Time: 6:30-8:30 pm
Where: Head Start Shoes
126 South 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA, 19103
Sign up now, since space is limited to the first 20 ladies!
We will be giving away goodie bags for all!
There will even be a chance for one lucky lady will win a $250.00 Gift Basket!
T
Have you ever been shopping and then on the way home, you start getting that guilty feeling?
Have you ever gotten home and hid your purchase, or vow to take it back the next day?
Did you know that you are not alone?
How do I know this? Because it happens to me and lots of other women I talk to every day!!
Buyer’s Remorse comes in so many forms…
- We go to SALE and come home with 3 of the same tops in 3 different colors and wish we hadn’t.
- You’re at a fun special Girl’s night out and you buy 4 different purses in all different styles. Why?
- You are at the store and think, “I have been looking for ______and here it is, I have to have it!” You get home and ask yourself, “What was I thinking?”
Recently, I (JoJami) experienced buyer’s remorse. With spring here, I went looking for a great looking new flat shoe that I could throw on and run around in;one that was stylish yet, comfortable.
While shopping with my husband one day, I tried on a pair from a store that I do not usually shop in.
My husband took one look and said, “Those don’t look like you AT ALL!!” Enough said. I certainly did not buy them, and I was sure glad I didn’t. A few days later I was in Philadelphia at one of my favorite shoe stores (Head Start Shoes) and found a gorgeous pair that fit the bill! They were stylish and comfortable, but there was one problem…they were expensive!
I bought them anyway, justifying the fact that I had tried others on in the past that never seemed right, and kept telling myself that these were just perfect.
OH BOY…..I felt so guilty all the way home! Just Terrible!! Buyer’s remorse!
I felt like maybe I had made a mistake…but I eventually got over it.
SO…the moral of this story is:
We all have times when we are not feeling totally confident in our choices and we start to experience buyer’s remorse. If you can just hold off returning an item for a day or two when you are feeling less anxious and less guilty, then then you can decide if the purchase is really right. After a little time I decided my expensive flats were really comfortable and stylish, and now I am a happy Glam Gal!
I adore my new flats and every time I put them on, I feel comfortable in them and they go with all my clothes. They were worth the splurge because I wear them all the time and do not feel the need to buy anything else, and I will have these shoes for several years to come!
The bottom line is:
- Now that we are over 40, we need to stop shopping like we did when we were young.
- We need to buy less quantity and buy better quality things that we love and adore!
- Also, don’t be alarmed when you finally buy something that you really like and it is a little more expensive than you usually spend, that you feel bad about it at first.
- If you buy the right things, you will be happy in the end.
Last week, I (JoJami) was off to St. Michaels, Maryland with a girlfriend to do a little shopping.
While we were there, we decided to pop over to The Inn at Perry Cabin and check out their new Spa facilities, called the Linden Spa.
While it was obvious that they were still getting the pool all spuced up for summer, their “Botanicl Art of Wellness” center was crisp, clean and ready for business!
It was so pretty and smelled oh, so good, that we were tempted to ditch our shopping trip and book an appointment on the spot!
Head to toe Talbots and looking polished and professional!
While checking out the facility, I spotted a woman looking so proffesional and polished that I had to stop her and ask her about her outfit. It turns out she is the Inn’s, Event Planner.
“You won’t believe it, but I’m head to toe, Talbots!” Even my purse and shoes are from there!”
I was certainly impressed that her look was so stylish and effortless from all one store! Moreover, the Inn should be happy to have such a well dressed, Event planner, that looks the part and would make anyone at ease with her polished appearance!
Talbots has been trying to update their image and reach out to a younger crowd and from the looks of things, they are doing a great job of it!
Danna Davis had a problem. She was tired of having of having sore feet after wearing her fashionable high heels.
That spurred the idea to start designing her own line of shoes that were so chic they are being worn by celebrities walking down the red carpet!
These shoes are not just pretty, they are as comfortable as anything you could buy from Naturalizers.
Although these shoes are pricey, we are so glad to see designers are finally hearing our cries! Please design shoes that we can look good in and still be comfortable!
(selected shoes can be found at Nordstroms)
This basic clog should be updated with a boot
Hi Glam Gals,
Are clogs a fashion do or don’t for women 40 +? Thanks …..Nicole
Hi Nicole,
Deborah and I had an interesting chat about clogs today. I (JoJami) was commenting on how many women in the states (especially back east) seem to really like to wear clogs. Deborah, who is from Toronto was shocked! “Nobody ever wears them here!”
So then, of course, came the big question…. Are clogs fabulous after 40?
We know this is going to be a controversial topic, but we are standing by our opinion…
This is just too clunky to look fabulous
NO! Clogs are not fabulous, unless you wear them for teaching, nursing, gardening, or inside as slippers. You might get away with them when you’re off to Yoga, but even then it’s “iffy”. (PLEASE NOTE: THOSE WITH FOOT PROBLEMS ARE AN EXCEPTION!)
Why? It was hard for us to pin down exactly what we don’t like about them. … they are comfortable, easy to slide on and off, but yet neither one of us would be caught dead in them.
Looks like clogs will be coming into fashion this Spring, and we want to warn you that they have the potential to make those who are over 40 look frumpy.
You can wear these under jeans, but why not wear an entire boot that will have you looking more up to date!
So, in case you have a pair or two, we would like to share with you the Glam Gals top 5 reasons why you should put away your clogs:
- If you are wearing clogs, then you will need the appropriate outfit. That means you are wearing bootcut jeans or pants and are very casual. Never wear them with a skirt or dress!
- If you hate to part with them, have a good look in the mirror when you put them on with an outfit. Does it make you feel updated?
- They might be comfortable and easy to wear, but there are other options out there that will make you look much younger!
- The clunkier and chunkier the clog, the more matronly the look
- Clogs with the wrong outfit, can tend to make you look older than you are!
Now we can’t give clogs a bad rap and not show you some examples what to replace them with. Here’s a fresh take on the clog:
| Suede Boot:
This boot is the perfect alternative to a clog.
It is much more stylish because it is finer and more streamlined, yet still gives you a little height like a clog.
The suede makes it super comfortable and warm and goes with jeans and casual pants. |
 www.shoe-store.net (style:blondecorina) |
| The Bootie:
These high style booties are all the rage, you will be totally updated in them! Great with a straight legged pant or jean and can even be worn with dresses and opaque hose. |
 These boots are from Nordstrom |
| Side Zip casual boot with low heel:
You can wear these like you would a clog. They are casual but still comfy. With the side zipper they are still easy to get on and off. |
 Found at Nordstrom |
| Pull on low boot:
This pull on boot can be casual or great for work. The leather makes it a little dressier, but the elastic makes it easy to get out the door in a flash. |
 These bots are at Zappos |
| To see one other boot we blogged about way back when check out this clog blog post |
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We recently posted a letter from a reader who can’t wear heels because of foot problems and wanted to know if she could wear leggings with clunky flats.
When we mentioned that instead, she should try some flat boots, she ran out and found a pair at Nordstrom’s!
Now leggings and jeans are fine, but what if she wants to wear a skirt? Since these boots are very casual they will be look best with pants…
Flat boots like these will be comfy for those with foot problems
However, here is a skirt that will work with them too. You could also try a casual dress, like a sweater dress.
Colorful skirts make fall dressing festive
Don’t forget to make sure to find opaque hose (not sheer) or tights that match the boots. This will give the leg a longer look.
We went to Boden.com and Spiegel and found lots of great casual styles to choose from! At Boden, you can even “try” the clothes on a fantasy model and see what they would look like on a person!
Here is another combination we liked:
This skirt from Spiegel, would be a good length and weight to balance this boot.
And, for extra comfort and support, don’t forget some Dr. Scholl’s inserts!
This over 40 model says, " I'm just running around doing errands today"..."Looking fab", we say!
We recently found a wonderful site called Atlantis Home that we wanted to share with all you more daring fashionistas out there.
The author (shown here) is over 40 and just so happens to be a former model. However, even if you are not tall and rail thin, you can still take some fun tips on how to dress a little more funky but still age appropriate!
What makes her looks so great?
- The jacket is updated with 3/4 sleeves and chunky buttons and is a good length on her.
- The gold necklace is bold like the jacket and softens the black top
- Love the neckline of that mini dress
- These jeans are slim all the way down, but not too tight, they give the legs an extra long lean look.
- Even though she is tall she is still rocking platform boots. Believe it or not, these types of heels can be really comfortable.
- She looks sexy with out having to wear tight clothes
Enjoy!
Hi, Deborah and JoJami,
I would love your advice on how not to look frumpy when I have to wear clunker shoes because of foot problems. Because of an old skiing injury, I have been unable to wear heels since I was in my 20’s, which makes it hard to look and feel sexy, or even professional, when I want to dress up. I’m limited to certain brands of shoes recommended by my foot doctor and orthopedic surgeon so it’s not just a matter of being able to wear flats.
For example, I’d love to wear leggings this Fall as shown in the photo on your website, but I can’t wear heels.
I’d appreciate any advice you can give me. Many thanks!
- Nancy
Dear Nancy,
We sure wish we could wave a magic wand with your problem, but it is not that simple. However, your problem is one that many women face. We get letters all the time from women that can not wear heels.
That being said, you can still look fabulous but just have to try styles that might not be the latest trends.
The good news for you is that with styles changing so often, almost anything goes when it comes to pant styles.
When you are stuck having to wear clunky shoes, there are several things to make sure you do not do. First off, is leggings will be out of the question for you. Since the style is really a “pencil” shape, no matter what you do, legging will just not look good with a clunky shoe. Instead, you will need to opt for any pant that has a wide leg and (or) has some flair at the bottom.
This will still be stylish, and you can wear almost any shoe. Also, there are some great brands of shoes out there that do sell some comfortable shoes that don’t look orthopedic.
Here are some styles from Zappos.com that we suggest:
 These Taryn Rose flats are comfy and stylish |
Actually if you can wear this type of flat shoe you could still wear it with a skinny jean and look great! |
 This is good with pants only! |
Once you have to start wearing more orthopedic looking shoes like these, you can easily see that style starts going out the window. |
 Another simple but elegant choice |
However once again, if you wear these with the right style of well-fitted pants, you will still look great! |
Hello Glam Gals,
Do you think the new thigh high boots for Fall 2009 are age appropriate for women over 40?
Thank you for your help.
~Jenifer G.
Hi Jennifer!
Great question, since we are seeing that thigh high boots are a big trend for fall. This is tricky because there are a lot of variables here. The thigh high boot is a very young and sexy look, so it is hard to pull it off after 40. However, we have seen women of all ages pulling off this trend, but it is a delicate and tricky one for sure.
If you are excited to try this new trend, here are some things to keep in mind:
- You should be on the thin side have slim legs and thighs to wear this look.
- You need to be careful on how to pair your boots with the right outfit. Tight jeans or longer skirts are your best bet to get the right effect.
- You will need to be picky about the style of boot your choose, otherwise it will look like you’re trying too hard. (More like you are wearing a costume than a trend.)
- The fit and style of your outfit is key – anything too tight and revealing could look smutty.
We imagine that the women over 40 that could pull this off, are on the creative and festive sort! However, if you really do want to partake in this trend, we recommend you
- Choose a simple style that does not have a lot of laces or hardware.
- Stay away from patent or shiny thigh high boots, or you’ll look like a hooker.
- Be sure to wear dark opaque hose so there’s no leg between the hem of your dress and the boot. Here’s a good example of flat heeled boot from zappos.com:
Bottom line: Are you wanting to try out a new trend, pick up a younger guy or just channeling your inner biker chic?
You weill need some confidence and good dose of style to pull this look off now that your over 40, or you will end up looking silly instead of chic.
Are you thinking of trying this look out this fall? If so, we want to hear your comments below!
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!
Well, as you might have heard, I, (JoJami) was in NYC last week when the rain totally blew my plans to visit the Botanical Gardens, however… not one to complain, I decided to check out the shopping!
When in NYC I always love to check out Bergdorf Goodman for just the plain decadence and to check in on what the creme de la creme of society is buying. With classic labels such as Chanel and Armani surrounding you on one side and the hottest newcomers on the other, the entire experience can really get your creative juices flowing and have you seriously contemplating getting a second job!
Anyway….I digress… what I wanted to share with you was the highlight of my BG experience was chatting with one their sales associates. She was super friendly and looked so gorgeous I had to ask her if her dress was a Missoni!
How old do you think she is?
YES it was but she got it last year! (BTW, She is 52 and a grandmother). She had updated it with a big chunky necklace from Anthropology and the shoes are from Zara.
 Chunky necklace from Anthropologie |
 Gladiator sandals from Zara |
The older we get, the pickier we get about the shoes we wear. They have to be comfy for our tired tootsies, but still look cool and stylish too. (not like we’re headed for the senior’s centre.)
Finding the perfect shoe after 40 is tough and that’s why Zappos has been such a hit. They’re famous for their huge inventory of sizes, styles, widths (AA-Wides), and super customer service (free shipping, both ways). They’ve even been named one of the top 30 companies to work for.
Here’s a few of our current favorite styles! ….
Kate Spade Jimi Wedges
Yellow Anne Klein Flats
Pink Sandals from Stuart Weitzman
fashion vending machine for ballet flats
Leave it to my (JoJami’s) niece Abigail to share with me the latest in fashion vending machines!
Have you ever been out late at night in your heels and just find that final walk back to the car can be a real pain!
Here is a vending machine that doles out little ballet flats you can slip on when needed!
Just thought it was amusing and actually really enjoyed the rest of the site too.
It is called The Frisky.com...and I must admit, I think we can all use a little more “frisky” in our life!!!
It’s been a long time since shoe buying has been so much fun. This spring’s shoes are colorful and crazy and many of you have told us you want to buy a pair.
So what’s holding you back? Are you unsure about whether colorful shoes are age appropriate after 40?
If you’ve come close to buying a pair, but turned back from the cash register counter at the last moment because you thought you’d better stick to something neutral and safe, then read on.
Here’s our take on this season’s rainbow of shoes, with ideas for what to wear them with so you look hip and chic!
WEDGES
CAGE SHOES
The newest must have shoe for shoeaholics! Yes, even gals over 40 can wear cage shoes if you have the right body and attitude. These green cage shoes are a real head turner so you don’t want to pair them with anything else too colorful. |
 The ideal match would be to wear them with skinny jeans and a dressy, but simple top. There’s so much color and detail in these shoes you want to make sure all eyes are on these works of art! |
Q. Hi Glam Gals! Can you give some advice to a short women who can’t wear heels anymore. Because of foot and knee problems I’m married to flats for life which has me wearing slacks all the time. What’s a girl to do? And being only 5 feet tall makes it even more difficult to look and feel fabulous…Help!!! Thanks Janine
Hi Janine,
Do you have good legs and slim ankles? If so, you can still wear a shift dress and flats and look FAB! If not, you should stick with pants, but you can really still have fun with your shoes even if you can only wear flats. Here are some tips:
- Keep colors monochromatic. In other words keep your shoes the same color as your pants ( and top too if you can) and you will appear taller!
- Have you tried low wedges or a chunkier heel? These might offer a tiny bit of height without hurting too much.
- Find a wonderful interesting jacket and keep everything underneath all one color to slim and lengthen. Make sure your flats are simple with this look so as not to take away from the jacket.
- When you see a woman on the street or at the mall who is a similar height and body type, and you like the way she looks, take note of what makes her look good. Better yet, go up to her and ask where she shops! Women love to share their beauty secrets and are always flattered to be asked!
- FIT is super important. You probably already have staggering alteration bills, but don’t forget to keep the sleeves on all jackets and coats altered so they are not too long. The proper fit is half the battle to looking and feeling FAB no matter what your height.
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.
Draw on any color in this floaty top and you’ll be sure to have a winning look. The yellow gladiator sandals add some excitement. Just don’t go out and also get a matching yellow
