Meet Deborah
Need a Style Refresh to look and feel more modern, stylish, classy, and confident?
Do you feel like you have fallen into a frumpy style rut and are searching for a way out? I’m here to help! I’m Deborah Boland, Fashion Expert, Certified AICI Image Consultant, and creator of Fabulous After 40 , the place to find practical fashion and beauty advice to help you look Age-Amazing!
How Fabulous After 40 Began
I started my blog because I LOVE fashion. All my life, I have gotten a kick out of following the latest styles, dressing up, and having lots of fun experimenting with clothes…… but let me tell you once I hit my 40’s and now 50’s, things changed! Trying to look stylish is frustrating for mature fashionistas.
I found my clothes didn’t quite fit the way they used to. My lifestyle shifted too. After 20 years as a Lifestyle TV Producer/ Host (including my own hit design series on HGTV), I was suddenly at home with my three small children. I went from dressing to the nines for meetings and media events to being a full-time, stay-at-home mom living in yoga pants.
Trying to get back on the style track was hard. I didn’t want to look old and boring, but I didn’t want to look like a trendy teen either. Where were the clothes for women 40, 50, and more? Where were the mature models? That’s when I decided to start Fabulous after 40.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did you start blogging?
I started blogging in 2006 because I always loved fashion, but found it challenging to look stylish at midlife. What was once fun, was stressful once I was in my 40's. My body was changing, my clothes didn't quite fit how they used to, and my lifestyle had shifted too. After 20 years as a Lifestyle TV Producer and Host (I was the fashion expert on two national TV networks and had my hit Backyard design TV series on HGTV), I was suddenly at home with three small children. I went from dressing to the nines for TV and media events to being a full-time, stay-at-home mom living in yoga pants. Trying to get back on the style track was confusing. I didn't want to look old and boring, but I didn't want to look like a trendy teen either. Where were the clothes for women 40, 50+? Where were the mature role models? That's when I became a certified Image Consultant with the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI), and started Fabulous after 40. My goal is to help mature women like me be stylish and look Age-amazing!
Where do you live?
I'm a Canadian, and I live in Burlington, Ontario, which is just outside of Toronto. My home is on the shores of Lake Ontario, and on a very clear day, I can see the outline of the Sklyon and the mist at Niagara Falls. I've lived on the Lake for 25 years and can't imagine life without that view. Our family also has a home in South Florida which we visit twice a year. That's why you will sometimes hear me talk about my Florida home.
Are you married, Kids?
Yes! I've been married 25 years this October to my wonderful husband, Dr. D. ,as I call him ( he's a cardiologist). We are blessed with three amazing kids - Harrison and Brandon, who are in University here and in the U.S., and Ashleigh, who is finishing high school this year. Of course, we have Bella too, our little white Maltipoo. You have probably seen her in my photos. She loves the camera!
What size do you wear?
I'm 5'7" and a size 6 or a size small. I have an hourglass shape and long legs. If I gain a few pounds, it's always in my tummy.
How do you stay fit?
First off, I am not one of these people who loves to exercise, but I have an amazing personal trainer/friend who keeps me distracted enough with fun chit-chat to exercise 4-5 times a week. In the winter, I do pilates on my pilates machine at home, and in the spring and summer, I go for a daily walk and do some weights. I love being outside in nature and really look forward to my 7 am morning walks in the neighborhood and along the lake.
How would you describe your style?
I like classic, elegant clothes with a modern twist. I go for clean lines, bold color, and the occasional touch of drama. One of my favorite things to wear would be a sleek, fitted sheath dress in a knockout color like coral. I enjoy a polished feminine look.
What do you like most about Fabulous After 40?
I love getting to know my followers! When someone emails a comment or question about something I have shared in my newsletter, or they send me a photo of themselves in an outfit they have bought, I'm on a real high. Sometimes it can feel like you are blogging to the universe, and you wonder if anyone is listening. It's wonderful when you get a real response and make a heartfelt connection. I appreciate all of you so much. Your support means the world to me!
What are your favorite things? What might I be surprised to know about you?
I'm a huge tea drinker- I love a piping hot, strong cup of black tea with milk. I also adore tulips. I had a hit design series on HGTV for 5 years called Backyard Pleasures, and at one time I had my pilot's license. I've also bungee jumped twice for TV while I was in Australia filming a sports special I hosted for a national network.
What do you mean when you say you help women Tweak their Chic?
After 40, many of us start to wonder what is age-appropriate to wear and what's not. But the truth is, it's not what you wear, but how you wear it that matters. All you need to do is tweak how you wear something to feel comfortable and confident. Most women tell me they don't want to look too old, too young, but just right. I love helping mature women find this style sweet spot that is in between looking like their mother or their teenage daughter. I have a wealth of experience as a Fashion Expert on national TV in Canada. I'm also a board-certified Image Consultant with The Association of Image Consultants International ( AICI), and have served on the board as VP of Communications for their Canada Chapter. My greatest joy is sharing my style and fashion knowledge with mature women and helping them look fabulous, feel confident and be all they can be!
