Then visit this week’s Fashion Flash, an advice column written by some of the best over 40 fashion and beauty bloggers on the web, to find the latest and greatest in summer hair trends for women over 40.

This week’s Fashion Flash is hosted by Barbara from The Best of Everything After 50. Here are some of the other hot topics in this week’s line up:

• For 20 minutes a day, you can get arms and legs that you’ll want to showoff this summer with this workout that will both challenge you and change you.
• Let the music motivate you during your workout with a pair of high-tech headphones.
• Ever wondered which has more anti-aging powers: Retin-A or antioxidants? Get the scoop on which is better for fighting wrinkles.
• Stop obsessing about size. A plus-size H&M model inspires women to embrace and own their plus-sized bodies.
• Does your skincare routine include a serum? Learn the benefits of using a Vitamin C serum.

Stop by The Best of Everything After 50 to get the low down on all the latest buzz in beauty, fashion, and health for women over 40.

Tamera Beardsley’s funky style over 40

I always say that when you look good , you feel good and life is so much more fun! And don’t we all want more fun in our lives?

Tamera Beardsley thinks so! She’s a great example of a woman who is having  a ball with fashion!  Tamera writes a personal style blog that I first heard about when she submitted some photos that I ended up featuring on my How to Wear the Color Linen post.

I immediately fell in love with Tamera’s unique, eclectic style.  She’s got that fun, artsy look that many women over 40 are searching for.

Tamera, who is also a jewelry designer, is a natural at putting together playful, creative outfits that reveal her joyful spirit. I asked her to share her fashion philosophy with us because She’s Got the Look!  

Deb: Tamera – How would you describe your style of dressing and how has it evolved? 

My personal style is made up of chic sportswear with a heavy dose of fun and dramatic accessories. As I have gotten older, I have become just as interested in fun and energizing clothes as those that I feel and look good in.

Deb: Tell us a bit about the 3 looks you sent in and where you wore them?

Look # 1 – Daily Uniform I have several versions of this daytime ensemble. Living in southern California, this denim tunic and white jeans have been my go-to pieces for years. They let me get done what I need to at home and in the studio as well as leave the house in style. I always have a daily outfit and a collection of accessories (hat, sunglasses, scarf, jewelry, a bag, and a fun, walkable shoe) at the ready so that I can leave the house in style.
Look #2 – Shopping and Cocktails I wore this bold stripe on stripe maxi dress to Laguna Beach for a day of shopping and sunset cocktails on the beach. The brooch necklace is a piece I made using flea market finds and some childhood keepsakes. It’s a fun project to make out of varying collections.  You can find a DIY tutorial for the necklace on my blog.
Look # 3 – Altitude Design Summit Mini Parties The Summit is a very creative crowd. Wearing this particular outfit made it one of the most favorite ensembles ever! I bought the tulle skirt in Paris with these parties in mind. I grounded the outfit with jeans as a base. I loved the juxtaposition of the elements!

Deb: What’s the best style tip  you’ve ever received?

“Life is too short to wear boring clothes.” Researching the quote, I found no definitive source to attribute it to. I first heard it from my therapist when I complimented his shirt. Obviously, he turned out to be the perfect therapist for me.

Thanks Tamera for letting us peek into your closet.  To see more of Tamera’s inspirational style be sure to visit her blog Tamera Beardsley. 

Derby Darling

Everyone knows the Kentucky Derby is cause for celebration. Whether you are part of the crowd at Churchill Downs or are celebrating at a private party, the ladies wearing the dresses and hats are the real winners.

Donna shared a photo  taken at a Kentucky Derby themed wedding anniversary party that was held on the same day as the Derby. She says, “Hats were required, which instantly adds sophistication to any outfit.”

Guests donned their “most dapper attire”, which included brightly colored cute party dresses for women and pastel shirts and ties for the men. And of course, there were lots of  traditional derby hats!

Donna, you take the prize in that dress and hat!

Getting Leggings for Women Over 40 Right

One of the things I’m always cautioning about leggings for women over 40 is that leggings are not pants. Leggings are an accessory, and should be worn accordingly.

Sheri, 49, from Midland, Texas gets that message. While searching for a top to wear with capri leggings, she came across this little dress which paired perfectly with the leggings.

Sheri also let us in on a little secret, “Of course, the dress was too low-cut for me in front, so I used the “Cami Secret” I bought to cover that area.”

Great idea, Sheri!

Check out more great tips on how to wear leggings over 40.

Balancing Black with Color

If are addicted to black then you likely have ABD (Abundant Black Disorder).  You can’t stop buying or wearing it because it’s a safe color, so you think!

The problem is black  is harsh against aging complexions. It casts dark shadows and emphasizes  our little wrinkles.

Adding color to your wardrobe is a great way keep you from looking like you are tired and drained.

Sheri sent along another picture of herself in one of her typical work outfits. She wanted to perk up the black  so she added a colorful, patterned scarf, and voila! Her entire look was transformed.

She says, “The open jacket and scarf actually seems to draw attention away from my middle!” A fabulous look for you, Sheri!

Read more about ABD and how you can easily cure it.

I would love to meet more of you FAB Ladies. Don’t be shy! 

Please send in your photo, your age, where you are from, and any details about your outfit to: myphoto@fabulousafter40.com . You’ll be featured on the Facebook page as well as in an upcoming What I Wore. I love hearing from you and cheering you on, Glam Gals!

Although I’ve always loved high, skinny heels and wore them throughout my 20′s and 30′s, when I got into my 40′s things changed. My lifestyle shifted and became more casual. I was working from home and being a mom and  didn’t have any reason to wear heels unless I was dressing up for a conference or business meeting.

These days I find that I’m a little out of practice walking around in skinny heels, and in truth, I’m not really interested in them so much anymore, except to wear on special occasions. That’s because they’re just not comfortable or practical for running errands, shopping, meeting friends, etc.

However, on the other hand, I don’t want to feel like an old lady wearing flats all the time, either. Shoes with block heels  are a great in-between.

Typically they’re low to medium height (although there are lots of higher ones out there too).  The advantage is  that no matter what the height, because the heel is wide, square and chunky, these kind of shoes feel better on your feet and are much easier to walk in.

They also give you those extra few inches that you don’t get from flats, elongating your legs and making you look taller and slimmer. Yay for that!

Very practical, I’d say and they can be quite lovely. I say “can” because while some  look totally chic, others make me think of my Nana’s shoes. Yup, my Nana always wore these type of shoes (so does the Queen). Maybe yours did too?

They’re kind of 60′s/70′s mod which means the young gals have never seen them before and think they are so cool. Me,  I do like some of them very much, while others give me flashbacks and turn me off completely.

Here are some interesting block heels I came across researching this trend. Please comment below and let’s do a poll, do you like block heels over 40? Will you be wearing them this spring?

Pretty Proper Here’s what I have been talking about. These might work for you, but for me, too grandma. I’m not one for bows and frilly stuff and I  like a bit more of a heel. These Ron White Zoey pumps are a little too proper for my taste and lifestyle, but maybe these are perfect for you?
Sexy Slingback I’ve always had a soft spot for slingbacks. There is something really sexy about them, especially when they also have a super pointy toe. That pointy toe really elongates your legs and the gold color acts like a neutral and goes with everything. Don’t know if you noticed, but the heel is silver, so you have that color block effect of gold/copper/silver which makes these J Renne Sophie Pumps very modern.
Playful and Fun Here’s a more dramatic version of that color block shoe I was mentioning. This New Egizia Slingback Sandal comes with a higher heel too. You’ve got a platform and a large heel on which to spread out your weight, so if you do prefer a heel, this one is better than a skinny minnie one. Tip: Keep your pedicure understated, even neutral with this shoe. Can you visualize red toes with this shoe? It would be too much and compete with the shoe. Remember great style is a balancing act.

Winter White It’s summer but these winter white shoes are a great choice. White shoes haven’t been in for a long time but suddenly they are back and that’s a good thing because they look really fresh. I prefer this off white shade. White-white can be so stark that they often make the shoes look cheap. These Diane von Furstenberg Taite Sandals are a great all-round practical shoe that will go with everything and any color.
My Faves! I really like these. I know I was complaining about high heels but again, it ‘s the skinny ones that hurt your feet. These heels are chunkier and more balanced, so they’re more comfy. I love this caramel color that looks so good on your foot whether you are tanned or not, and that touch of orange just sings summer. The tropical weave on this Aerin Toiny Sandal is classy and relaxed.
Conservative, but Not Boring Here’s a block heel shoe that is a sleek and sophisticated choice for the woman who wants a really minimum height and total comfort. These Naturalizer Xavier pumps would be a great choice for the office.

Crystal Clear Choice Do you see the little crystals on the block heel? Kind of different isn’t it? This Delman Covet Pump satin pump is on the dressy side for sure, but I think it would make an excellent mother of the bride or groom shoe. That is a day when a woman really wants comfort more than anything, but she also wants to look memorable. These shoes will do the trick.
Block Heels with a Rock Vibe If you want to add a little bit of a casual rock n’ roll vibe to your outfit then these block heels are a great choice. The studs give these Marvin K Demi Sandals a slighty tough look. It’s always nice to add a little edginess to an outfit that is too perfect because perfect is boring. These are fun.
Quality  Counts Quality shoes speak volumes and these Cole Haan Minetta Sandals are a good example. They’re casual but rich looking which is the look many stylish women over 40 are aiming for.

Send us a photo of you in your block heels and I’ll post it. Email myphoto@fabulousafter40.com.

Judy Goss, Founder of Over 40 Females

If Judy Goss looks familiar it’s because, she is! For years Judy was a top Ford model  gracing runways and magazine covers. She then went on to become an editor and TV spokesperson for More Magazine.

Today Judy is the founder and driving force behind Over 40 females a nationwide networking group that connects, encourages and inspires its members.  I have known Judy for several years  and every time I see her she looks so  gorgeous and pulled together that I asked her to share her fashion sense with us.

Deb: Judy – How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style swings from jeans and cowboy boots to red carpet outfits, depending on what my schedule is for the week. If I had a choice? I would live in jeans and fun, funky tops with boots on every day…and flip flops in the summer.

Deb: As the founder of Over 40 Females, you have a busy life. Tell us a bit about the 3 looks you sent in and where you wore them?

Look # 1 – Red Carpet I wore this outfit to the We Are Family HONORS Gala. I love this look because I feel chic, but it’s still comfortable and just a teensy bit sheer. I was on crutches at this celebrity-studded event, so I wanted to look dressy but could not wear heels, so tried to combine the look with funky footwear and a delicate, sparkly tunic that had a lot of room so I could walk on my crutches without ripping any fabric. Photo credit: Mark Von Holden
Look #2 – Work I wore this dress to one of our Over 40 Females networking events. This blue, green, and white dress is great in the spring/summer, and I can barely feel it on my skin because it’s so stretchy and comfortable, but at the same time eye-catching with the pattern. A French-born designer named Dolita made this dress for me. She is famous for her stretchy fabrics that fit any size. I wore this one w/ nude high-heeled sandals, and didn’t complicate the look with any jewelry.
Look # 3 – Charity Event This purple dress is another Dolita favorite of mine. The dress is flippy and fun, and the purple matches the color of my company’s logo. It makes me feel regal and girlie all at the same time, and is a great dress to wear in the summer or winter with a short cashmere shrug. I chose it for a charity event in NYC.

Deb: What’s the best style tip  you ‘ve ever received?

If you’re not sure about an outfit going together or looking “right” when you leave the house, rock it out with confidence and no one will wonder about it, or change it before you go out the door. Feeling your best is sometimes more important than trying to get the perfect outfit.

Over 40 Females is officially launching an online profile membership program now for only $5.95/month. To register and learn more about Judy and her networking initiatives for women over 40, visit the Over 40 Females membership page.

Visit this week’s Fashion Flash, an advice column written by the best over 40 fashion and beauty bloggers, to read about Jane’s reinventions both personally and professionally, and how she always manages to come out on top.

This week’s Fashion Flash is hosted by Deb from the No-Nonsense Beauty Blog. Here are some of the other juicy topics on this week’s line-up.

• Aging doesn’t show on our faces only. Our hair feels the effects too. Learn about a product that fights eight visible signs of aging.

• May is  Skin Cancer Awareness Month. What better way to celebrate it than to learn the ways to protect your skin from cancer causing UV rays and read an interview with a leading dermatologist from the Skin Cancer Center?

• When will the media finally get the message that women don’t have to be thin, and perfectly gorgeous  to be beautiful, powerful and strong? Two Fashion Flash bloggers discuss their views on this touchy subject.

• Confused about how to manage your menopausal symptoms? You’re not alone. Learn where to turn on the Internet to find the information you need.

Stop by No-Nonsense Beauty Blog to catch up on the latest fashion, beauty and health advice for women over 40.

How to Win

Enter your name and email in the boxes below for your chance to win a Swimsuit from BLEU|Rod Beattie.*

This month, you have a chance to win a nautical stripe halter one-piece swimsuit from BLEU|Rod Beattie (retail value $130.00).

About BLEU|Rod Beattie

For the past twenty years Rod’s swimsuit designs have been the best-selling styles at better department stores and specialty stores nationwide.

This new swimwear label consists of Rod Beattie’s signature swimwear look – clean contemporary lines, brilliant saturated color and a bold graphic approach. “My customer is modern, sexy and wants a great fitting swimsuit whether it is a maillot, tankini or bikini,” says the designer. “She is a chic woman… of any age.”

This sweepstakes ends at 12 noon EST on Friday, May 31, 2013. The winner will be notified by email.

Click here for sweepstakes rules. Good luck!

Many celebrities have shown up at award ceremonies and galas  in this shocking shade. Sometimes it’s worked and sometimes it’s bombed. If you are tempted to try this color here are a few do’s and dont’s for wearing neon.

DO Keep it Simple One of the keys to wearing such an in-your- face color is to let the color reign. Here’s Julie Bowen at this year’s Emmy awards. Part of the reason she looks so fab is that her dress is very classic and unfussy and doesn’t complicate or fight the color. This dress has a classic silhouette and there isn’t a lot of detail. It’s strapless and draped and she looks like a Greek goddess. The color simply gives it that modern edge.	Neon colored party dresses are a huge trend.
DON’T Over Accessorize When you are getting all dressed up to go somewhere special it’s tempting to want to throw on some big bold earrings or a statement necklace like Cameron Diaz has. But be aware that it will likely ruin the look. If you want to wear an electric citrine shade like this, it’s best to omit the jewelry or use it very sparingly.The gaudy necklace competes and clashes with this already loud colored dress. This is a great example of something to remember when wearing neon clothing and accessories: Less is more.	Bright neon clothes for women don’t go well with fussy accessories.
Do Consider Your Hair and Skin Color The number one reason these acid tones can bomb is because they are worn on someone whose skin hair and eye color does not suit them. Thankfully, this is not the case here. I think this is a great example of the right color on the right person. This acid yellow is super warm and works with Kathy Griffin’s warm complexion and flaming red hair. It would look terrible on someone who had cool skin with pink undertones and ash blond or ash brown hair like Michelle Pfieffer. This also works well because the dress is very simple and accessories are used sparingly, two important considerations I mentioned above.	Neon clothes for women can work if you have warm coloring.
DON’T Wear Neon or Acid Color Unless Your Grooming is Flawless A super strong color like this screams for attention when you walk into the room. It’s bold and overpowering which means it draws attention to everything else including your hair, make-up and nails. If you want to try this color make sure you you look as flawless as Julianna Moore. Your hair should be shiny and coiffed, your make-up impeccable, and your nails, perfectly manicured. There’s no wiggle room here, especially after 40.	Bright neon clothes for women means your grooming must be flawless.
DO try Citrine as an Accent If you like this color there’s no rule you must wear it head to toe. A great way it to incorporate it into your wardrobe is as an accessory like a bag or shoe, or to have it as an accent color in your outfit. Here Diane Von Furstenberg wears a beautiful color block dress with this not-so-mellow-yellow color on the top only. It draws the attention up to her face and works really well because, as you can see by her warm coloring, this is a flattering shade for her.	Neon clothing, accessories worn in small amounts can be used to accent an outfit.
DO Wear This Color If You Have Confidence Jane Fonda recently wore this electric yellow gown making headlines everywhere. Some loved it and some loathed it, but I think she pulled it off because she looked so darn confident. Confidence is key when wearing such a stand-out hue. Even if someone tries to talk you into wearing this color don’t wear it if it doesn’t feel like you, otherwise you’ll feel self-conscious and awkward and that translates into fashion victim.     Have you worn this color? Would you? Send me a photo and I’ll post it.	Jane Fonda looks makes a bold statement in her neon colored party dress. You must have the confidence to pull off this color.

Take a look at the photos of funky clothes our fabulous over 40 ladies shared with us this week.

Funky Style Clothes -  The Maxi

Maxi dresses are still in full swing this season, and there’s a good reason for that. They’re super flattering on over 40 ladies.

Jyothi, a yoga instructor, is excited about breaking out her funky dresses this season. One of her favorites is this colorful ethnic print maxi which she’s paired with wedge sandals and a cool pair of sunglasses. Loving your boho chic look, Jyothi!

If you think you can’t wear a maxi, because you’re not as slim as Jyothi, think again. Maxi’s look great on plus size gals too! So, if you’re looking for plus size funky clothes, try a colorful maxi dress in one of this season’s hottest new abstract or digital prints.

Camouflage is in Fashion

Funky clothes for women over 40 come in all sorts of prints including an all time favorite, camouflage. Camouflage pants have been around forever but now just about anything you can think of is available in this combat print.

Sherri, a fun-loving 49 year-old,  looks ready for action in this sleeveless top, that she’s paired with skinny, side-zip black jeggings.  She’s added some serious booties and some oversized shades to create an outfit that commands attention.

Hip Meets Comfort (Funky Work Clothes)

Ela is the owner of  Delacor Studio which means she has the fun job of trying on all the latest looks that come into her store, including many funky style clothes.

Here she’s wearing one of the season’s hottest trends, the striped top, with loose, flowy pants. The top’s asymmetrical cut and her huge sculptured earrings give her outfit a very creative look.

Ela, we love your hip, classy style!

Funky Fashion Clothes – International Style

Swastiwara, who hails from tropical Indonesia, snapped this playful photo while visiting Madrid, Spain last fall.

Swastiwara normally covers herself from head to toe, whatever the season. However, this doesn’t stop her from doing it in style.

Here she is in a veil, or hijab as it is known in Indonesia, mid-calf boots with opaque tights and a bold striped dress.

Her black leather motorcycle jacket puts a hip edge on this traditional look.

The result is an eclectic mix of some pretty funky fashion clothes!

Want to wear bold black and white stripes, but don’t want to look like a jailbird? Here’s how to bowl them over with black and white stripes.

I would love to meet more of you FAB Ladies. Don’t be shy! 

Please send in your photo, your age, where you are from, and any details about your outfit to: myphoto@fabulousafter40.com . You’ll be featured on the Facebook page as well as in an upcoming What I Wore. I love hearing from you and cheering you on, Glam Gals!

Today, we are featuring the grand prize winner and the first and second runners up!

Winners were chosen based on the number of repins each collage garnered. The pins that were most popular with our Pinterest followers were the ultimate winners. Only the collages were considered during judging. Pictures of individual items were not considered. Each winner deserves a big round of applause for her wonderful collage.

Grand Prize Winner ~ “Casual Brunch” by Emily Cromer

It looks like Emily was inspired by both the bold black & white and the zigzag trends that have been so prominent this spring. For her creation she chose a flowing  maxi dress which she paired with a jean jacket and casual black, braided sandals, complete with silver metal studs. A sleek clutch and silver hoop earrings uplevel this casual, boho, Mother’s Day look. I can see this outfit working for Mother’s Day brunch at a trendy outdoor urban café.

Emily, congratulations for being our grand prize winner!

You lucky gal. You have won a $185 credit to shop FabrizioGianni.com.  Fabrizio Gianni is our favorite designer of clothing for women over 40. Visit their website, ladies and check out the fabulous selection of tops and pants for women over 40. We love the quality, colors and fit of their clothes. They’re perfect for women of any age!

First Runner-Up ~ “Mother’s Day Brunch” by Elizabeth Langston

Here’s a pretty choice for mom on her special day.  More on the dressy side, this outfit with its burgundy and cream color combination has a very elegant vibe. Elizabeth added a lot of feminine touches including a dainty lace top, pearls and ladylike bow tie sweater.  Cream oxford pumps add a fun quirkiness and the burgundy sunglasses tie the whole outfit together. Congrats Elizabeth.

Second Runner-Up ~ “Casual Chic for Mother’s Day” by Carol Sanchez

Carol was thinking casual and chic when she created this smart, sporty look. It sure looks like summer is on its way!

First she paired textured shorts with a leather belts and added a cute t-shirt.  Next came the fun  accessories including: a navy paneled drawstring bag, cute wedges, a leather and bead bracelet, and fun, chunky jewelry. There’s lot of texture and plenty to look at and the whole outfit has a very nautical feel to it. Cute for moms who want to look stylish in a Casual way on their very special day. Thanks Carol.

For specific designer and pricing information for the items in the winning collages and to take a look at all the other wonderful creations submitted, visit our Pinterest board Mother’s Day Brunch – What To Wear?