Today’s Stylish Thoughts comes from Toronto Canada based Deborah Boland and Wilmington Delaware US based JoJami Tyler who are otherwise known as The Glam Girls and write the blog www.fabulousafter40.com
What is the secret to great style?
The secret to great style is to knowing who you are and communicating your that through the styles and the colors make you look wow!
What is the one thing you would spend a lot of money on?
It depends from year to year, but it usually something very luxurious and inspiring that defines in an instant who weare. It’s something you’d would want to keep forever like a pebbled red leather designer handbag , a stunning piece of statement jewelry or a snappy, chic overcoat. If your purchase makes you smile big everytime you look at it, then you have splurged on the right thing.
What is the one thing you wouldn’t spend a lot of money on?
Fad clothing. Something cute and fun that looks like it will only be in for this season. ie; something in a very unusual color or cut.
What are your top tips for looking stylish when traveling?
Bring several scarves. They will you feel like you’ve changed your outfit when you have really only changed the color of the scarf! Scarves can be used to layer too and if it’s cool on the airplane, or in the evening they can double as a wrap.
What’s the secret to looking polished?
Excellent Grooming. You can wear the most fashionable, most expensive designer clothing head to toe but if you hair is messy or outdated, your nails are chipped, and your make-up looks overdone or is non-existent, then you will look sloppy. Many women seem to have forgotten that these days.
How do you balance new trends with a more timeless look?
We love classic with a modern twist to look fabulous at any age, and especially after 40. The key is to not overdo the trend. For instance sheer blouses are really in. Find one that you can pair with a simple suit or pencil skirt and you will look classic, but modern. Same goes with color- try a traditional trench, for example, in a modern color such as bright purple or fuchsia.
What is your current obsession? Well right now we are having fun with several trends, like cage shoes. Those are perfect with jeans and a leather jacket to go out at night. Then there is the fedora. You can throw that on instead of a baseball cap when running out the door to do errands and look really updated and youthful, yet age appropriate! We also love big costume jewellery.
Who inspires you?
We really like to track the over 40 celebrities. Helen Mirren is one of favourites. Her taste level is just so spot on. She consistently shows up to interviews and award shows looking spectacular! We wish we could think of more, but they are few and far between.
What’s not worth the money?
Really expensive night cream that comes in pretty packaging. You’re just paying for the packaging!
What’s your secret to making yourself stand out?
Wearing color! After 40 you need a lift and color is vibrant and youthful.
The one piece of advice most women need but don’t get?
Stop buying black! It ages us as we grow older and is so boring! It’s easier said than done. Most people already have so much of it in their closet and it’s hard to go to a store and not come out with more of it! We call this problem Abundant Black Syndrome!
What’s the best piece of style wisdom you’ve ever received?
Really be picky about what you choose to invest your money in. Stop buying junk and only buy things of quality.
What is your favourite current trend?
Colour Blocking
What’s your favourite short cut to style?
a bob.
What’s the worst current trend?
6-7 inch heels. How does anyone walk in those???? Tattoos – will never think they are chic.
What are your favourite websites
Our guilty pleasure is http://frenchessence.blogspot.com/ She sends out simple yet beautiful photos of her life in Paris…always a treat to open!
How would you describe your personal style?
Deborah: Elegant with a modern twist, and a touch of drama
JoJami: Simple, tailored, classic with some funky thrown in.
Who are your style icons?
Deborah: Jackie O comes to mind
JoJami: Demi Moore
I think the link to the blog should be http://frenchessence.blogspot.com/