Some things are worth a splurge, such as cashmere sweaters, sustainable seafood and tweezers, according to our most savvy FOF experts. But other things, such as drugstore nailpolish, fashion watches and eyeshadow, are better when you buy them cheap.
Intrigued? Flip through this slideshow to see the beauty, fashion, food and home items FOFs splurge and save on. Then, tell us below, do you agree? Is there something you’d add to this list?
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“Although I’m 63, my body looks 45 because I exercise every day. But, my boobs belie the rest of my appearance,” wrote in Harriet Brand in response to our call for FOFs in need of a bra makeover. “I could really use a professional to help lift my ‘girls’ and my spirits.”
We knew just the FOF bra guru to call: Linda Becker owns two lingerie stores in New York and has been in the bra biz for twenty-four years. She has been featured in The New York Times, Glamour magazine and The Today Show for her bra-mazing abilities. [Read the entire interview with Linda here.]
“Your breasts have a mind of their own,” said Linda, when Harriet met her at her New York City store. “They’re like two bad kids. If you don’t control them, they’re out of control.”
According to Linda, Harriet’s breasts were just that — out of control. When she came in to Linda’s Bra Salon, Harriet was wearing a size 36C bra from Steinmart, which Linda called “totally dead” because it was so worn out that it offered no support. She also said the band was much too loose. “[Her breasts are] low, her nipple should be halfway between her shoulder and elbow. We’ll pick your girls up,” Linda assured Harriet, after she determined that her true size is 34DD. “The last time I had a bra fitting? Never,” said Harriet. Linda trashed Harriet’s old bra and replaced it with three new and perfectly-fitting bras including the bestselling Body Sense Back Control Bra by Natori in Nude, 34DD. “It’s what I call the back fat bra,” says Linda. “It’s wide on the sides so it gives you a really smooth look in the back. It’s a really basic, comfortable bra.”
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SO how did Linda find Harriet’s perfect bra? And how can you find yours? Read on to find out . . .
How do you know if your bra fits correctly?
Your nipple should be halfway between your shoulder and your elbow. When your breasts are low they make you look shorter, heavier and older.
How often should you get new bras?
Every six months. No one is the same size their entire life. There’s too many things that go on — you exercise, you have babies, you gain weight, you lose weight, you take medication that can make your breasts bigger, you go through menopause…
Should you wear a bra when you sleep?
Your breasts never know what you’re doing. They have to be supported all the time – whether you’re cleaning your house, sleeping or going to a wedding. You can wear sleep bras to keep them uplifted through the night.
Is a more expensive bra necessarily a better bra?
You can get a great fitting $29 bra. The difference is in the fabric. For instance, you get a better lace in a $129 bra.
What are your favorite bra lines for FOFs?
Different companies are specialized in certain things, Simone Perele makes really pretty, well-fitting bras that minimize you. Chantelle is a fabulous bra company that is making their cups bigger and bigger, which is great. Panache specializes in double D and higher. Wacoal are great fitting bras for FOFs at great prices.
Do different brand bras fit differently?
Yes. You should always be fitted when you buy a new bra. You should never go into a department store and just say, ‘Oh, I’m a 34B.’
Can I figure out my own bra size?
I’d recommend having a professional fit you. There are so many intricacies and as I mentioned before, different bra brands fit differently. You may be one size in one brand and another size in a different brand.
We sent our FOF style experts on a fall shopping spree…okay, okay, we sent them on a fantasy shopping spree. They returned with their favorite finds of the season — a gamut of gorgeous garb that had us awe struck and, we’ll admit, in some cases a bit sticker-shocked. It’s fun to play pretend, but it’s even more fun to fill your fall wardrobe AND have $$ left over to buy those Beauty Bash tickets you’ve been coveting. That’s why we’ve included “swap and save” options for each collection.
Terry’s fall finds:
Camel coat by Malene Birger ($830)
Save: Camel double breasted coat from Dorothy Perkins ($110)
Hera silk shirt dress by Trina Turk ($318)
Save: Sondra print wrap dress by BCBG ($168)
Bette Davis bracelet by Erickson Beamon ($855)
Save: Crystal mosaic bracelet ($85) paired with snake chain bracelet ($58) from J.Crew
Nightingale Tote by Givenchy ($1,730)
Save: Rock the Bag leather tote by Juicy Couture ($225)
Terry Gibralter is the founder of Bespoke Custom Shopping Tours, carefully-crafted shopping “vacations” and a self-proclaimed, “fashion-obsessed” FOF.
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Wendy’s fall finds:
Havsis knit top by Diane Von Furstenberg ($365)
Save: Poncho sweater from H&M ($19.95)
Classic collar henley shirt by Eileen Fisher ($188)
Save: Breezy blouse from Old Navy ($29.94)
Long skirt by Pauw ($160)
Save: Pleated maxi skirt from Yesstyle ($55)
Low wedge leather boot by Loeffler Randall ($695)
Save: Intyce leather boots by Steve Madden ($149)
Wendy Foster is head stylist and owner of the Wendy Foster boutiques in Santa Barbara, California.
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Susan’s fall finds:
Layered sleeve dress by Rachel Roy ($398)
Save: Black 3/4 sleeve jersey dress by Majestic ($130)
Skinny trouser by Rag and Bone ($290)
Save: Hilary Trouser in Tropical Weight from Not Your Daughter’s Jeans ($120)
Messenger bag by Givenchy ($1,660)
Save: Brompton satchel from J.Crew ($278)
Faux croc leather underground jacket by Royal Underground ($395)
Save: Moc croc scuba jacket from Dress Barn ($49.99)
Susan Hersh is a Ford model and the host and executive producer of Meet The Experts.
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Linda’s fall finds:
Slim leather pants by Daryl K ($895)
Save: Isaac leather legging by BB Dakota ($144)
Fur trim coat by Robert Rodriguez ($995)
*Robertrodriguez.com for stores
Save: Black tweed coat with faux fur from Collection Debenhams ($115)
Animal print pumps by Kate Spade ($350)
Save: Leopard print brushed suede shoes from Topshop ($100)
Klimpton chantilly lace shirt by THE ROW ($1,525)
Save: Storm lace belted blouse by Free People ($46.99)
Linda Cohen owns her own consulting business specializing in retail merchandising.
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Diana’s fall finds:
Wild winter short poncho by Emilio Pucci ($1,150)
Save: Kimono Sleeve Sweater by Spiegel ($46.99)
Knit leggings by Akris ($895)
Save: Cable Knitted Leggings from Topshop ($45)
Hat with feathers by Trilby ($495)
Save: Floppy bow hat from Bakers ($32)
Lace gold cuff by Aurelie Biderman ($1,370)
Save: Yellow Stainless Steel Floral Filigree Cuff ($23.99)
Diana Tenes is a stylist, makeup artist and the author of 90% Off Every Day: A Pocket Guide to Shopping Second Hand.
Your handbag is a harbinger. According to FOF Deborah Chase, author of Terms of Adornment (Harper Collins) and creator of the No Nonsense Beauty blog, handbag styles arise as a response to women’s changing role in society. “We love our bags for what they look like,” says Deborah. “But styles emerge and endure because there is a reason for them.” So, no, you’re not imagining that designers are putting out larger purses every year. “Every decade bags are getting bigger because we have more stuff to carry,” says Deborah. Take a look at the evolution of handbags from 1800 to modern day. My, have our handbags grown….
[portfolio_slideshow]For many FOFs, a second marriage or a late-in-life marriage is a chance to redefine tradition. Starting with . . . the dresses. Take a look at the outfits that each of these 5 FOF celebs donned on their big day and tell us: I do! or I don’t!
Was this her…something blue? The fifty-year-old “Hot in Cleveland” star rocked a turquoise dress for her New Year’s Day Malibu wedding to financial planner Tom Vitale. The dress was designed by David Meister who had just two weeks to put it together. According to People magazine, it was “a nod to 1940s old Hollywood glamour with a plunging neckline and draped sleeves, the gown also offered a front leg slit for a dose of ‘modern sexy.'” Valerie paired it with strappy Jimmy Choo shoes. The wedding is Valerie’s second — she wore white at her first wedding to Eddie Van Halen, whom she divorced in 2007.
Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.
In August of 2008, just two months after same-sex marriage became legal in California, Ellen DeGeneres and longtime love Portia de Rossi became lawfully wedded wives. Ellen was 50 and Portia was 35. The wedding was held at their $29 million Beverly Hills home. Portia chose a backless pink dress with a full skirt and Ellen chose white pants, a sheer white shirt and white vest. “I want to shout out to Zac Posen; he designed our outfits and they were absolutely gorgeous,” said Ellen on her talk show following the wedding. “You’ve chosen right if you’ve married in white. You’ll be forever blessed if you’re married in a vest. So I chose a vest.”
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When Marcia Cross’s Desperate Housewives character, Bree Van de Kamp, got married, she wore a dress by designer Reem Acra. It was then that Marcia knew she wanted Reem Acra to design the dress she would wear for her own wedding to stockbroker, Tom Mahoney. “It was just a beautiful dress and she [Reem Acra] was kind enough to… make me another one that’s sort of similar,” said Marcia. Marcia accessorized her white custom Reem Acra gown with a cathedral-length veil and Neil Lane platinum-and-diamond jewelry. The couple was married in San Gabriel, California, in 2006. She was 44 and he was 50. The couples first dance was to Etta James’s “At Last.” “You had to pick that one if you’re our age,” she joked.
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Everything seemed to go wrong for the 2005 wedding of Camilla Parker Bowles and Prince Charles. Was Camilla’s dress the only success? Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, was 57 when she married Charles in an elegant cream chiffon dress designed by her favorite designer, Anna Valentine. It was hemmed with appliqued disks from Switzerland and paired with an oyster-colored coat. The outfit was such a hit that Camilla reportedly wore it again two years later for the opening of the Welsh Assembly. There’s nothing wrong with a little royal recycling… is there?
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What did the woman who swore she’d never walk down the aisle… wear down the aisle? At their Nantucket beach wedding, Candace Bushnell donned a white Ralph Lauren cocktail dress and hubby Charles Askegard wore a white Prada suit. Both were barefoot. Candace once denounced marriage as a “male institution that leaves women alone and unhappy,” according to the New York Times, but the couple married just eight weeks after they met. Candace was 43 and Charles was 33. When the couple tied the knot on the Fourth of July, a wedding-goer proclaimed it “Lose-Your-Independence Day.”
Loading ...Sources: People, New York Times, E! Online, People, About.com, The Daily Mail Online, People, StarPulse
Img Sources: Valerie- Period Media / Ellen- Celebrity Wedding Buzz, Urmy Celebrity / Marcia- Cool Spotters, People / Camila – Britannica Online Encyclopedia, Tres Sugar / Candace- New York Post, Jodi Hilton Photography
Fashion Flash time! This week, it’s hosted by The No-Nonsense Beauty Blog, a truly savvy guide to FOF beauty, researched and written by FOF Deb Chase, a seasoned science and beauty reporter. Check out her sage advice on everything from Botox to brown spots, and enjoy all the other links from our fab Fashion Flash friends.
It drives us batty — that flabby, saggy skin under our arms that seems to droop ever lower as we age. So we called on our style experts to help us find the solution. Here, they share their best “batwing-busters,” for hiding the jiggle while keeping cool.
Lovey Dash: “I love this new line called Babakul–especially their cardigans. They’re drapey in the front with a sweater-like binding in the back. They’re roomy, look great over tees, and come in four colors. When you wear it, no one will detect your batwings.”
pictured: Babakul Waterfall Rib Cardi ($105)
Lovey Dash is a Beverly Hills-based stylist. She was formerly in VIP sales for Louis Vuitton on Rodeo Drive.
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Susan Hersh: “This season there has been a resurgence of blouses with bell, dolman or peasant sleeves. All are great to camouflage upper arm concerns. The light blue Nanette Lepore shirt has feminine details that draw your focus to everything but the upper arms and silk fabric that floats off the body. The Joie paisley printed soft cotton top has prints and pleats that also draws your eye away from the arm.”
pictured: (clockwise from left) Oonagh Tie Top by Nanette Lepore ($198) // Paisley Top by Joie ($184) // Silk Blooms Eternal Top from Anthropologie ($88)
Susan Hersh is a Ford model and the host and executive producer of Meet The Experts.
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Susan Grant: “I have Rick Owens scoop-necked, over-sized tees in multiple dark, neutrals and wear them over anything — either belted or tied low on the hips. It covers a multitude of flaws including flab on your upper arms, stomach or backside. And, it’s so light, it feels like you have nothing on.
Pictured: Rick Owens Lightweight Swing Tee ($352) // Ann Demeulemeester Long Wrap Around Belt ($130)
Susan Grant is merchandise manager for Muse, a full-service jewelry showroom.
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Sandra Soich: “For summer, I have two battle plans for batwings. Plan one: I wear a brightly colored bustier or tank with built-in bra, and over it, I wear a sheer tee in a neutral color made from linen or bamboo. Plan two: I wear a classic white blouse with a sleeve that buttons at the elbow. This piece moves easily from day into evening (for the evening, I just add more accessories).
pictured: LNA Clothing Basic Tank ($10) // Zadig et Zoltaire Anyta Shirt ($195) // Anne Fontaine Milous Blouse ($395) //
Sandra Soich is wardrobe stylist to the stars and founder of YourFashionTherapist.com.
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It’s Fashion Flash time! Check out these great posts from the best blogs for FOFs on the web:
Finding the right foundation for your skin can be tough. Tim Quinn of Giorgio Armani Beauty offers Fab Over Forty suggestions to find the right foundation.
Want to get inspired? Take a look at one woman’s fitness and fat loss journey with Shawna K.
Are you suffering from chronic pain? Staness, creator of The Menopause Makeover, recently discovered a drug-free option that can change your life.
As a part of the trend towards all things plus size, stay tuned for TLC’s newest reality show which follows five plus-size New Yorkers as they break into the fashion industry.
Alexander McQueen shoes are always coveted, but this fall, his bright pink velvet, peep-toe pumps are the shoe for turning heads.
A professional beauty tester shares her five favorite products for women over fifty. (Plus, win three of them!)
As Congress struggles with their budget, No-Nonsense Beauty Blog explores her own approach to a balanced beauty budget.
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This week’s Fashion Flash is hosted by The Glam Gals, JoJami and Deborah from Fabulous After 40.
Style versus comfort is a dressing dilemma we all face. But, really, do we have to choose? This FOF clearly doesn’t think so. She’s rocking super-supportive sandals and an oh-so-en-mode wide brimmed hat. But, what do our style experts think? Did she achieve comfort-chic style? What do you think, FOFs?
Sherrie Mathieson: “This looks schizophrenic. Our practical FOF (having sought hat sun protection and comfort) starts with a summery, feminine vision for her upper self, then opts for a “hiking” look for her lower body. Rubber bands don’t make for great bracelets, and I have a feeling that the hidden shoulder bag is no more attractive than her sandals. She is a classic example of an FOF who sacrifices style for comfort.”
Sherrie Mathieson is a leading style expert and Random House author of Steal this Style and Forever Cool.
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Susan Grant: “I like the pastel color combination and even the cheerful, colorful hat. But the vertical-striped blouse isn’t flattering on such a full figure, and the gathering at the waist accentuates her hips. The harem pants would be fine with a simple, straight tailored shirt worn un-tucked.”
Susan Grant is merchandise manager for Muse, a full-service jewelry showroom.
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Sandra Soich: “I can’t imagine someone could be serious about wearing this. It looks like she’s not wearing a bra when she should be wearing the best minimizer possible. She should forgo the blouson look for a top that’s long and lean. The hat is a definite ‘no.’ Her pants and shoes are the saving grace.”
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Sandra Soich is wardrobe stylist to the stars and founder of YourFashionTherapist.com.
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Lovey Dash: “Where does one begin? I guess I’ll start from the top. It’s such a great year for hats, but this one is ridiculous. The bow is too much and… red!? The peasant top is not right for her bust size. A safari shirt or a tee would have been a better choice… actually, anything would have been better! The pants could have been a better fit, but I can deal. The shoes look comfortable, but I would have chosen an espadrille. At the very least, the sun is off her face and she is comfy…….”
Lovey Dash is a Beverly Hills-based stylist. She was formerly in VIP sales for Louis Vuitton on Rodeo Drive.
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Robin Mizrahi: “This FOF proves it isn’t easy dressing comfortably and weather-appropriately without looking sloppy. This isn’t a look–just pieces she put on together. From the waist down there is a relaxed harmony — easy breezy, just stepping out and about. Not so with her upper half — the top is just not flattering for a woman with her bust. If she picks up her arm, the elastic at the bottom of the top will rise up and you will see her belly — big no no! This outfit could be helped with a simple shirt change. A soft linen or cotton voile shirt or even a slightly oversized white blouse is all she needs to make this look much better.”‘
Robin Mizrahi is co-owner of Pamela Robbins boutique, buyer, merchandiser and entrepreneur.
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Susan Hersh: “I like her casual putty pants. They’re great to wear cuffed on a sizzling day, and the sandal is a perfect choice. The blouse is not flattering for such an endowed woman and the elastic waist adds a lot of unnecessary fabric to her stomach. A top such as this DVF blouse or this Joie silk blouse would be much more flattering. They have ¾ length sleeves (like the shirt she is wearing) but the hems are easy and loose and the split necklines are more forgiving.”
Susan Hersh is a Ford model and the host and executive producer of Meet The Experts.
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Terry Gibralter: “The blowsy striped top with full sleeves isn’t very flattering for such a well-endowed gal, and the wide elastic band doesn’t work with the pockets on the khakis. Don’t even get me started on the hat! This look does not work!”
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Terry Gibralter is the founder of Bespoke Custom Shopping Tours, carefully-crafted shopping “vacations” and a self-proclaimed, “fashion-obsessed” FOF.
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It’s the question that’s vexed us all summer (and every summer). Now that we’re FOF, should we wear shorts? Or are thigh-revealing garments better left to twenty-somethings? Our FOF style gurus give us the long and short of it.
FOF Sandra Soich: “On my last trip to NYC, I saw lots of young girls wearing short shorts with tasteful tees, thick belts, light scarves and perfect ballet flats. How adorable! If you’re FOF, swap in a wonderfully-safe bermuda short and a thin belt instead of a thick one. The bermuda, after all, is about the same length as a skirt. If you can wear skirts, you can wear shorts.”
pictured: shorts: gap, $14.99 // tee: jcrew, $27.60 // belt: felder felder, £82.50
Sandra Soich is wardrobe stylist to the stars and founder of YourFashionTherapist.com.
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FOF Donna Perone: “This summer, I’m loving two short alternatives: a beautiful print skirt, shortened to just above the knee and cropped pants. They can both be casual, worn with flats, or dressed up with a high-heel strappy sandal. But, let’s not rule out shorts entirely — a beautiful knee-length Italian denim short (with no holes or fading, please!) or simple knee-length cotton or linen shorts would work too.”
pictured: jean shorts: doncaster, $225 // cropped pants: doncaster, $215 // skirt: doncaster, $250
Donna Perone is the founder of Living Fit with Style, a New York-based personal training and styling company.
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FOF Lovey Dash: “Like Peter Pan, I thought I’d never ever grow up. But, shorts gave me a reality check this year. Regardless of how gorgeous your legs look, short shorts should not leave the house when you’re FOF. I fell in love with a pair of cotton shorts from Billy Blues collection. They come in lots of colors, flatten your tummy, and the flare is not too wide. I wear them with ballet slippers but, they would also look good with thongs or a cute sneaker.”
pictured: shorts: billy blues, $174 // ballet flats: london sole, $215
Lovey Dash is a Beverly Hills-based stylist. She was formerly in VIP sales for Louis Vuitton on Rodeo Drive.
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FOF Terry Gibralter: “FOFs can definitely pull off shorts! We’re not talking short shorts or hot pants here, but a nice fitting tailored short can be worn at just about any age. The key is choosing a pair that works with your body type — the right length, the right fabric and also what you pair with them is important. That said, I still feel the best option for hot weather is a lightweight flowy skirt— there’s nothing cooler than that!”
pictured: black shorts: express, $29.99 // checkered shorts: jones new york, $35.40 // khaki shorts: not your daughter’s jeans, $74
Terry Gibralter is the founder of Bespoke Custom Shopping Tours, carefully-crafted shopping “vacations” and a self-proclaimed, “fashion-obsessed” FOF.
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FOF Susan Grant: “I’m definitely of the opinion that short shorts should be left to young, toned women. For FOFs, a loose, lightweight cotton dress or separates care more comfortable in hot weather than binding shorts. Ann DeMeulemeester makes loose, edgy tops, skirts and dresses which are easy to accessorize. Issey Miyake makes cotton knits that are comfortable and hand washable. For full figured women I always recommend pieces by Eskandar which create a very simple, chic, flattering line.”
pictured: black pants: ann demeulemeester, £515 // white pants: eskandar, $156
Susan Grant is merchandise manager for Muse, a full-service jewelry showroom.
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FOF Susan Hersh: “There is no reason for women to forgo wearing shorts. They are a staple for many sports such as hiking, golf and trekking. There are also ‘dressy-casual’ options. I like the Vince Silk-Contrast shorts that hit mid-thigh.”
pictured: khaki shorts: vince, $178 // black shorts: vince, $135
Susan Hersh is a Ford model and the host and executive producer of Meet The Experts.
