Wellness - Flattering50

Style Forever: A New Book About Grown-Up Style

Flattering50 — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2015-03-21. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

Are you over 50 and looking for style inspiration? I just finished reading Style Forever, a highly appealing style guide for grown up women by That’s Not My Age blogger Alyson Walsh. I say “highly appealing” because not only is Style Forever well-written and chocked full of helpful style tips, the ideas are conveyed with a healthy dose of humor in the form of personal anecdotes, inspiring quotes, interviews with clever women over 50, quick-to-digest lists, and lots of lovely whimsical illustrations. Truly, this is a book with something for every woman over 50 or as Alyson calls us, Generation FAB (Fifty And Beyond).

IT'S ABOUT STYLE POSSIBILITIES
In her introduction, Alyson touches upon her inspiration for writing this book. She tells us about her experience in the world of fashion. For seven years, she was the fashion editor at Good Housekeeping—“hardly the temple of fashion, I know." She started a style blog while teaching at a university. Style Forever, she says, is a continuation of the conversation about grown up style that began with That’s Not My Age. “I strongly believe you don’t have to have youth to have style,” she writes. “That isn’t about age, it’s about mindset."

Style Forever offers tips on such things as finding a good fit and accessorizing. It also analyzes the different grown up “Style Tribes” (people who dress alike). Style Tribes such as the “Casual Glamorpuss,” “The Older and Bolder,” and the “Scandinista” are described, illustrated and accompanied by a list of well-known grown up tribe members. What I like about this approach is the sense of possibilities. This is not a cookbook of no-fail style recipes, but rather a smorgasbord of style suggestions for women to pick and choose from. In addition to covering style, Alyson shares her thoughts on beauty (“What I’ve Learned about Beauty”) and lifestyle (“Harriet Griffey’s Six Top Tips For Living A Mindful Life”). I’m already addicted to the step-by-step “DIY Face Massage.”

Interspersed with the chapters and lists are interviews with style-conscious FAB women or “Style Heroines.” Some of these style mavens are well-known fashion icons, like Iris Apfel, while others might be better known to New Yorkers (Linda Rodin) or Londoners (Thelma Speirs) or Californians (Teruko Burrell). These accomplished women share their views on everything from style (“I never understand when people say they can’t find anything suitable for their age,” say Wendy Dagworthy, former designer and one of the founders of London Fashion Week. “Why do they have to have something different? I dress like my students.”) to what they would say to their 15-year-old selves (“…Be as nice as you can be,” says Cindy Joseph, former make-up artist and founder of the cosmetic line BOOM. “Love yourself. You are worth falling in love with.”).

IT'S ABOUT LIVING THE GROWN-UP LIFE
I am in awe of this book. Writing about style is a bit like walking a tightrope. Anyone who enjoys observing the way women dress is bound to notice fashions that tend to be flattering as well as fashions that, well, tend to have the opposite effect. Style observers who like to write are often compelled to share their observations, hoping to help women make sense of style. The trouble is it’s hard to write about fashion and style without it sounding like a bunch of fashion dos and don’ts. And style declarations (one of my all-time favorites: "Woman over 50 should never show their arms") are doomed right out of the gate. Why? Because there's such enormous variety of female shapes, attitudes and lifestyles.

Alyson walks the style writing tightrope with humor and sensitivity. Her book’s conversational tone offers an upbeat sense of comradery, the feeling that we're all on this style adventure together. In a chapter called “Wardrobe Glue” or those “reliable, figure-flattering essentials,” she writes encouragingly: “Finding the perfect Wardrobe Glue may take effort but you’re going to be old for a very long time, so it’s worth putting in the groundwork.”

Finally, hats off to Leo Greenfield, Style Forever’s illustrator. Each time I turned a page and saw one of Leo’s divine drawings, I thought: “How lucky Alyson is to have found such a brilliant artist to collaborate with!”

If like me, you are interested in finding style beyond fifty, I strongly suggest you take a peek at Style Forever.** I suspect, though, that you’ll be completely hooked after a page or two. I was. In fact, I'm convinced I'll be picking up this book again and again for inspiration about style and living the grown up life. Because as Ruth Chapman, co-founder of Matches Fashion, points out: “There is something really attractive about a woman who is confident about her age and her style.”

**Style Forever by Alyson Walsh and illustrated by Leo Greenfield (Hardie Grant, $19.95) will be available in the United States on September 1, 2015. It's currently available in the United Kingdom (Hardie Grant, £12.99).

Still Learnning: My Role in the "Am I Pretty or Ugly?" Trend

Flattering50 — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2014-11-28. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

Girls are skipping classes on days when they don’t think they look good. Young women are skipping job interviews for the same reason. Girls and young women are posting videos on YouTube entitled "Am I Pretty or Ugly?" and asking strangers to rate their appearance. (If you haven't seen one of these videos, visit YouTube and search "Am I Pretty or Ugly.") Our cultures obsession with appearance and the definition of beauty is preventing our girls and young women from reaching their potential. This is not a new topic and lots of educational programs have been created to help girls and young women learn to value themselves for things other than their physical image. Unfortunately, research shows those efforts aren’t working. And I may be partly to blame.

PRAISE IS NOT THE ANSWER
Last night, one of my sons showed me a Ted Talk entitled "Why You Thinking You're Ugly is Bad for You." In it, Meaghan Ramsey, global director of the Dove Self-Esteem Project, tells an audience that it’s up to adults—all of us—to reprogram girls and young women. Ms. Ramsey says we have to change the way we talk about other people and ourselves. Not only do we have to focus our attention on recognizing personal values and achievements, but we have to stop praising or criticizing the physical appearance of others as well as ours. I encourage you to check out the video...

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I don’t mind saying this video was an eye-opener. Like most women of my generation, I have made it a priority to boost the self-esteems of my children and other people’s children—girls and boys—whenever possible. I have focused on praising their minds, values and achievements. In addition, I have tried to be a good role model in life and at work for what I consider the most important virtues—kindness, fairness, loyalty, a love of learning, and trustworthiness. I’ve also tried to teach my two boys not to be judgmental. However, I have never ever censored the little frustrations I have with my appearance when talking to anyone, including young women. And yes, I’m guilty of mentioning my flaws in this blog.

After viewing the Ted Talk and talking to my son, I realize I must change my tune. I mustn’t heap praise on someone with, say, big eyes or a perfect figure, nor bemoan my own shortcomings, such as my aging appearance. Just because big eyes and wrinkles aren’t really important to me, doesn’t mean a conversation about such things won’t be interpreted by others, particularly young women, as important.

And this includes Flattering50. My blog was never intended to be a discussion about beauty, except, perhaps, beautiful clothing. I’m interested in using fashion to create a personal style after 50—clothing that flatters, is comfortable, is energizing and fun. And when I write about grooming and makeup products (especially those with natural ingredients), I try to write about what feels good, has a healthy effect and/or is just fun to wear. For me, finding personal style is liberating. When a woman knows what looks and feels good on her, she can get dressed and groomed quickly and easily, and spend the rest of her day doing and thinking about important things, like how she can help others and make the world a better place. That said, I intent to be more vigilant in my writing. I plan to stop fueling our culture’s obsession with beauty by bemoaning flaws, especially those related to the aging process.

Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the Holiday Season. Over the next five weeks, many of us will be celebrating the season by getting together with friends and family. My friends and family include many girls and young women—grandchildren, children, girlfriends, and young wives. For me, it’s a perfect opportunity to start being more conscious of the way I talk about appearances—both others and my own. While conversing with young women, I’m going to be careful not to bemoan my aging body. Instead, I'm going to celebrate what's important--people of all ages striving to be better human beings.

I’d like to wish Flattering50 readers a happy and healthy holiday season!

Still Learning: Toothpaste's Menacing Effect

Flattering50 — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2014-11-16. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

Warning: Toothpaste may be hazardous to your clothing. That's the lesson I learned recently. Was the garment--my black lace blouse (above)--ruined? Not in my opinion. However, I will be more careful about when and how I brush my teeth in the future.

KEEP TOOTHPASTE AWAY FROM CLOTHES
Recently, I had to get into work early to make a presentation at a breakfast meeting. In my rush to get out of the house, I realized I was almost completely dressed, but hadn't brushed my teeth yet. In my haste, a bit of toothpaste fell off my toothbrush and landed on my black lace blouse. I scraped the toothpaste off with my fingernail and dabbed it with cold water. I finished getting ready and headed off to work.

When I arrived at the office, I noticed the toothpaste mark was still visible. I went to the ladies room and dabbed a little soap and water on it. When it dried, the mark was still there. The mark was also there after I hand-washed the blouse later that day. Granted, it isn't a glaring stain. In fact, I've circled the mark in the photo above to make it easy to find. It's only a little bit more noticeable to the naked eye.

Still, it surprised me. I've always thought of toothpaste as innocuous. What was in the toothpaste that could cause the discoloring? I wondered. Suddenly, it dawned on me: the toothpaste's whitening ingredient. I suspect the paste's whitening agent lightened the black fabric.

I've worn the blouse since washing it and my girlfriends assure me the mark isn't noticeable. However, in the future, I plan to be more vigilant about brushing my teeth before I get dressed.

Have you had a similar experience with a whitening toothpaste or another product you didn't expect to harm your clothes? Please leave a comment below. I'd also love to know if there was something I could have done to keep the dropped toothpaste from lightening the fabric. Thanks!

Still Learning: Quilt Artist Depicts a Textile Laborer

Flattering50 — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2014-08-27. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

This post may seem a little far-flung for a blog about style choices for women over 50. However, since launching Flattering50, my interest in fashion and style has grown to include many aspects of the fashion industry, including such things as the environmental impact of clothing manufacturing, fair trade practices, and the working conditions for garment makers.

Recently, I visited the Museum of Art and Design in New York City. In an exhibit entitled “Collection,” each artwork appears to be made of certain materials, but in reality, is made of very different materials. I found myself drawn to a large artwork, entitled Portrait of a Textile Worker (above and below), by Terese Agnew.

WORTH A CLOSER LOOK
From a distance, Portrait of a Textile Worker looks like a tapestry woven from mostly black and white threads. Upon closer examination, it becomes clear that something very different is going on. The artwork was actually created from 30,000 garment labels.

If you're planning a trip to Manhattan before September 7, I highly recommend you take a closer look at this extraordinary work of art. The museum is centrally located on Columbus Circle, just below Central Park.

If you don't have plans to be in the city, you can take a closer look at the artwork and learn how the artist collected all those labels in this video...

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Still Learning: Quotes by and about Lauren Bacall

Flattering50 — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2014-08-20. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

I know I'm not alone when I say I've always considered Lauren Bacall--that is, her public persona--an inspiration for women of all ages. From her early days in film, she always projected a woman who was strong, kind and honest. Nothing I've read in the past week's media shower about her life and passing has changed that view.

VREELAND TALKS ABOUT BACALL
As you might have read in Ms. Bacall's obituary, Diana Vreeland hired her to model for Harper's Bazaar. Those photographs led to her Hollywood career. I already knew something about this because I read Empress of Fashion: A Life of Diana Vreeland by Amanda Mackenzie-Stuart last spring. The book mentions this time in Ms. Bacall's life. The other night, I pulled out the book to re-read the passages. If you haven't read the book, here are a couple of the lovely things Mrs. Vreeland said about "Betty."

"Betty's always been what used to be called a 'good kid.' It's rather a period phrase but it's the way I always think of her. I didn't think about her--I loved her. She was my special friend. She's always kept her own thoughts and her own dreams...She literally had nothing to offer but her existence. But I was so interested in her."

After Ms. Bacall married Humphrey Bogart, Mrs. Vreeland went to visit her in Hollywood. Mrs. Vreeland came upon Ms. Bacall while she was giving instructions to her gardener. Ms. Bacall didn't know Mrs. Vreeland was observing her. Mrs. Vreeland says...

"This is the little girl from 22nd Street and Second Avenue. She was taking dried flowers out of a little envelope and her eyes were filled with stars. I've never seen anyone so happy, so adorable, and so in love. It was a dream come true...these things are so touching. You see them so rarely..."

Later in the same book, the author notes that the model Lauren Hutton was christened 'Mary,' but changed her name to 'Lauren' after Lauren Bacall. By the way, I highly recommend the Empress of Fashion, if you like to read biographies that are very colorful, highly entertaining, and inspiring. Author Mackenzie-Stuart does a masterful job of weeding out the truth about a woman who liked to, well, fabricate many of the details of her life.

BACALL TALKS ABOUT LIFE
But...back to Lauren Bacall. In the course of the past week, I've read many quotes attributed to Ms. Bacall. These are the ones I found particularly inspiring...

“Imagination is the highest kite one can fly.”

“I am not a has-been. I am a will be.”

“Here is a test to find out whether your mission in life is complete. If you’re alive, it isn’t.”

"I think your whole life shows in your face and you should be proud of that."

“You don’t always win your battles, but it’s good to know you fought.”

“I figure if I have my health, can pay the rent, and I have my friends, I call it ‘content.’

I spent my childhood in New York, riding on subways and buses. And you know what you learn if you’re a New Yorker? The world doesn’t owe you a damn thing."

"Maybe it's just a hold-over from my modelling days, when I had to dress to the nines whether I felt like it or not, but I just don't like to doll up for my own admiration."

“A planned life is a dead life.”

Photo credit: By U.S. Army (Yank, the Army Weekly) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Restored image credits:

Lauren Bacall - YankArmyWeekly detail.jpg — U.S. Army. Original file and attribution. Public domain. Original image, displayed at a scaled size.

Still Learning: Videos About Women, Older & Younger

Flattering50 — Sat, 05 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2014-07-05. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

Sometimes, I feel like I'm the last to learn about a recent media event or endeavor. In case I'm not, I'd like to share two videos with Flattering50 readers.

The first is a music video, entitled "Older Ladies," by Donnalou Stevens. Donnalou sings about love at a certain age. It should pick up the spirits of any woman over 50 who is feeling a little low about her changing appearance. Not only does Donnalou have a great voice, but her lyrics are clever and humorous. And I mustn't forget her wonderful backup singers--what a fun bunch! This video made me laugh out loud. If you haven't seen it, take a peek...

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Meanwhile...
Remember that Dove soap video entitled Real Beauty Sketches that went viral last year? Well, the Always company has posted their own video called "Always #Like a Girl" and it, too, has gone viral. In the past week, it's been viewed more than 23 million times. Like the Dove video, the Always video is far from perfect. However, it makes a few important points about the stereotyping of girls that can't be made enough. Now if only those 23 million viewers would rally together and end the awful stereotypes once and for all.

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Dress Zest: Spring 2014 Dresses to Brighten Your Day

Flattering50 — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2014-03-03. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

[Original image unavailable: Jones New York Print Jersey Sheath Dress]

Editor's Note: As always, I have included different dress styles and sleeve lengths, including sleeveless, because women over 50 differ greatly in terms of body shape and arms. Vive la différence! PS. Whenever possible, I've included the dress's length.

I'm longing for signs of spring. Aren't you? However, I don't imagine there will be any signs here in the Northeast for another month or so. To tie me over until the mocking birds return and the spring buds start to bloom, I like to check out the spring fashion trends and dream of wearing something, well, springy. Right now, I'm thinking a new spring frock might be just the thing after a long winter. I'm happy to report there are spring dresses in a wide ranges of colors, from sophisticated neutrals to energizing blasts of color. I've collected flattering dress styles for women over 50 in this spring's hottest colors. And all of the dresses are under $150!

ANOTHER TEQUILA SUNRISE
Lovely, warm sunrise colors--shades of yellow, orange and pink--were trendy last spring and are in vogue this spring. A perfect example, is the orange Jones New York Print Jersey Sheath Dress ($98, ships 4/3) at the top of this post. I love the longer short sleeves for women over 50. The length on this dress is 39".

Or here's a yellow Jacquard Dress with Self-Belt ($98.00, Ships 4/3), also from Jones.

[Original image unavailable: Jones New York Jacquard Dress]

I have an over 50 girlfriend who is mad about halter dresses or dresses that cut away at the shoulders. And with good reason: She's got great shoulders and looks fabulous when she shows them off! Just for her, I've include this sassy Jones New York Sleeveless Cotton Cutaway Shirtdress ($98, ships 3/6) with a 45" length.

[Original image unavailable: Jones New York Sleeveless Cotton Cutaway Shirtdress]

GREEN ENVY
Remember last year's emerald green dresses? They're back in solids and prints. Minty green is also trending.

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Karen Kane Cascade Faux Wrap Dress ($108)

[Original image unavailable: Jones New York Wrap Dress]

Jones New York Wrap Dress ($89) in Sizes S-XL, with a 38.5" length.

NOW NEUTRALS
All black or all white can be a tricky look for women over 50. However, if white, beige and/or ivory are flattering colors for you, they're a great, sophisticated spring look. I love this shirt dress with cap sleeves.

[Original image unavailable: Jones New York White Sleeveless Shirt Dress]

Jones New York White Sleeveless Shirt Dress ($98, ships 3/6) in Ivory. The dress length is 41”.

Dresses with draping are flattering on all women. They’re so feminine and offer a great distraction from those little lumps and bumps. This next one is on sale (was $129, now $89), but only available in Sizes 8, 12, and 14. Length=36 5/8”.

[Original image unavailable: Anne Klein Crepe Sheath Dress]

THE NEW BLUE
Blue is big this spring. What blue flatters you? Sky blue? Ice blue? More than likely there are dresses in your favorite blue.

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Tahari Stretch Peplum Sheath Dress

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Adrianna Papell Cap Sleeve Print Sheath Dress (Regular & Petite) Blue Lake 16 ($138). Length= 39”.

AHOY, NAVY
And lastly, there’s navy blue. Or as I like to call it “the new black.” (Did you see the men in navy blue tuxedos at the Academy Awards last night? Fabulous!) Navy is making a strong showing this spring by itself as well as in prints.

Stripes are back this spring. I’ve included this Lauren Ralph Lauren Stripe Boat Neck Cotton Dress ($119) because I saw several women over 50 looking great in striped dresses last spring. Frankly, I was surprised. However, it seems women with straight figures–that is, neither top or bottom heavy–look great in this comfortable jersey style. If that’s your figure, you might want to give this style a look. Length= 38”.

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Or…

[Original image unavailable: Anne Klein Floral Wrap Dress]

Anne Klein Floral Wrap Dress ($99)

Self-Help for Aging Legs

Flattering50 — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2014-01-26. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

Months ago, a Flattering50 reader emailed me after I'd written a post entitled Arms Over 50: The 3/4 Sleeve Solution. She wanted to know if I had any aging legs solutions. It’s a great question! Sadly, many women over 50 notice signs of aging--such as crepey skin, sagging knees, age spots, flaky skin, varicose veins--on their legs. They have two choices: treat the problem or hide it. Thanks to modern medicine, there are corrective procedures (ie, lifts and laser treatments) that can help. For those of us who lack the nerve or the pocketbook for these expensive procedures, there are also self-help treatments. Here's my self-help regimen for aging legs. I'd love to know yours.

YEAR-ROUND LEG MAINTENANCE
For the greatest impact, self-help for aging legs should be year-round. Old Man Winter dumped 13 ½ inches of snow here last Tuesday, so I have no plans to go bare-legged anytime soon. However, I try to keep up with my leg care routine all year. Has my routine taken 10 years off the look of my legs? Doubtful. However, I do believe my legs look better than they would if I did nothing. Also, a little leg pampering makes me feel good. And I do believe: When you feel good, you look good.

Exfoliating
We all know how important it is to exfoliate our complexion, removing dead skin and brightening our skin's appearance. The same is true for our legs and arms. For years, I've used a once-a-week exfoliant that is especially designed for the body. That's about to change. As soon as I finish my current exfoliant, I'm going to try the Exfoliating Shower Whip ($12) by Wildbath. An over 50 girlfriend swears by it. It's a well-priced, convenient scrub and wash designed for daily use.

For everyday aging leg care, I love using exfoliating gloves ($5) with a moisturizing bar soap. I bought a single pair to try out. Later, I added extra pairs to rotate, popping them in the launder with towels as needed. Since the Shower Whip product is a scrub and wash meant for daily use, I plan to use it with the exfoliating gloves in the future.

Moisturing
Daily moisturizing from head to toe is so important--especially during winter in the Northeast. The cold air outside and the dry heat inside are double trouble. I dream of retiring and adding long luxurious baths with fragrant, soothing bath oils to my regular leg maintenance. One of these days! Until then, my current fav body moisturizer is Creme Ultra Riche ($44) by L'Occitane. It's super rich on my flaky skin. A little goes a long way. I also like the fragrance--very subtle.

The best time to moisturize: I read somewhere that the body moisturizer should be applied right after a shower, when your pores are still open. This allows for better absorption of the cream.

Exercising
Your aging legs are one more reason to get moving. If you build muscles in your thighs, you may actually lift those sagging knees a little. Stronger leg muscles can also combat crepey skin. In the past year, I've read repeatedly how great walking is for us, so I'm trying to walk more. My current fav at-home workout is the 7-minute workout. In less than 10 minutes, my heart is pumping and my legs, torso and arms are working. Yoga is another workout you can do at home and is recommended for toning legs. Also, you might want to take a peek at a few exercises that target wrinkled knees.

Cellulite Busting
I probably should be more concerned with the cellulite on my upper thighs, but so far, it hasn't been a self-help priority. In summertime, I wear a tankini top with a swim skirt. The skirt covers most of my cellulite. If you have a good tip, however, please share it in the comments.

Recently, I read massaging the cellulite areas with ground coffee may help break up the fatty deposits. However, the article said to avoid coffee with large grounds because that could hurt.

There are also an endless supply of online articles and videos with exercises to reduce cellulite. Just Google "exercises for cellulite."

Tube Tanning
Tanning lotions have come a long way since the original smelly, orangey variety. Moreover, there’s a self-tanner for every pocketbook, from Jergen's Natural Glow products ($10) to Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Golden Perfection Self-Tanning Milk for Body ($30). Before the summer is in full swing, I depend on tanning lotions to hide my aging legs. I usually use one for a month. After that, I live with the little bit of tan I pick up (even though I always wear sunscreen) from being on the beach, in the garden or on the sailboat.

I was nervous about using self-tanning products at first; I’d heard you have to be careful to get an even color. But I found a how-to article with six helpful tips for self-tanning. (Scroll down to Fake Fabulous Legs and read it plus the 5 tips that follow it), which really helped.

Sun Screening
Short of surgery or laser treatments, there isn't much we can do about the skin damage on our legs caused by decades of sunbathing. However, it's important to slather on the sunscreen whenever you're outside to prevent additional damage. I can't stand smelly sunscreens, so I use Aveeno Protect+Hydrate sunscreen ($9.30).

Hydrating
Apparently, we should be drinking 8-12 glasses of water each day for many different reasons, including for healthy skin. I’ll never know if it really helps; on a really thirsty day, I'll drink 4 glasses of water. However, I know it’s important.

Well, those are my leg tips. Now, if I can just get “She’s Got Legs” by Z Z Top out of my head, I’ll be all set. I plan to do a second post on how to stylishly cover up aging legs. Until then, I’d love to know:

What are your solutions for aging legs?

Still Learning: What's Up with the Mustaches?

Flattering50 — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2013-11-20. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

Whenever I write a "Still Learning" post, I wonder if my readers, much like the people in the recent Geico ad campaign, are thinking: "Everyone knows that!" Still, I push on, hoping the information presented might be new or helpful to someone or that someone will leave a comment with additional information to edify me. The topic for this "Still Learning" is Movember. You may wonder why I've chosen a topic that is really about men for a Flattering50 post. Well, as I recently learned, Movember is a campaign for a good cause. And I believe doing something good for others is always flattering.

A NIGHT TO MOVEMBER
For me, learning about Movember has been a little like a scavenger hunt. On the evening of November 2nd, I was in New York City for a birthday party. En route to the festivities, I saw two young men with fake mustaches. I didn't think much of it because a lot of people on the streets were dressed for belated Halloween parties. But then, on the way home, my husband and I passed a very attractive, statuesque young woman at Fourteenth Street and Seventh Ave. She was dressed for club-going, not for a Halloween party, and yet, she was wearing a penciled-on pencil mustache. Again, I didn't think much of it; I assumed the mustache was her nod to Halloween.

The next day, however, I picked up the November issue of Vogue and several pages into the issue I came upon a Chanel advertisement that featured three models, including one--you guessed it--with a penciled-on pencil mustache (above and below). The mustache was very similar to the one I saw the young woman wearing the night before.

In the days that followed, I started asking everyone I know: "What's up with the mustaches?" No one had an answer. At this point, I assumed it was all just a silly coincidence.

Then...a week later, while grocery shopping, I overheard a little girl, roughly age 7, say to her mother: "Look mommy, he's got a mustache, too!" I turned to look and saw the girl was point at a free-standing Nabisco cookie display (below). The mom and I were at the deli counter. I had a strong urge to ask the mom: "Pardon me, is there something I should know about mustaches?" However, I was afraid there was nothing up with mustaches and the woman would alert management to the crazy old lady walking around the store.

It wasn't till three days ago (I'm almost done!) that I finally got an answer to "What's Up with the Mustaches?" I was online and I came across a slideshow of different mustache styles. Naturally, I click on the slideshow and that's where I finally discovered Movember.

GENERATION MOUSTACHE
In the off chance that I'm not the last soul around to hear about Movember, here's a few details. Like Breast Cancer Awareness in October, Movember (Moustache + November= Movember) is a campaign to raise awareness and support for men's health issues, especially testicular and prostrate cancer.

The annual charity event, which began in Australia in 2004 (yes, that long ago!), has been "growing" (sorry for the pun) worldwide every year. Each year, men around the world grow mustaches in November to raise money for men's health issues. Since spreading to South Africa, Europe and North America, the Movember Foundation has raised $174-million worldwide. In 2010, participants in the United States reportedly raised over $7.5 million. This year, a reported 21 countries across five continents are participating in "Generation Moustache."

Donations to Movember go to programs that combat prostrate and testicular cancer. The focus is on awareness and education, living with and beyond cancer, and research to change "the face of men's health." If you'd like to learn more about Movember or make a donation, visit the Movember Foundation. There's also a Facebook page.

MOVEMBER BABY
Meanwhile...Yesterday, I received an email from a friend whose son is at Tufts University. Apparently, the son's fraternity is--you guessed it--growing mustaches to raise money for Movember. My friend didn't have a current photo of his son with a budding mustache. So to help us visualize, he took a baby photo of his son and added one (below).

So... Am I the last person on the planet to hear about Movember? Do you know anyone who is part of the Moustache Generation? I'd love to hear from you.

Still Learning: Time to Hit the "Pause" on "Fast Fashion"?

Flattering50 — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2013-09-22. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

More and more, I'm hearing over 50 women say, "I'm shopping my closet," putting together a new outfit with what they've got rather than running out to buy something new. No doubt, their reasons for this vary greatly. There might be a financial reason--lost income since 2007, or the need to curtail fashion spending to pay off their kids' college bills. Or perhaps, like my over 50 girlfriend, some women don't want to buy anything new until they drop a few of those postmenopausal pounds. Recently, I discovered a video, entitled The Business of Fast Fashion, that gives another great reason for buying less and "shopping one's closet" more: It's good for the environment. In just under 2 minutes, the video by MBA shows how buying lots of disposable clothing, known as "Fast Fashion," impacts our planet and more. Here, take a peek...

Original embedded media (historical link)

Created by OnlineMBA.com

What do you think?

It might seem strange for an over 50 style watcher like myself to advocate for hitting the "pause" on fashion spending, particularly "fast fashion." In my mind, however, being stylish and buying less aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, some of the most stylish over 50 women I know have very modest wardrobes.

Vivienne Westwood says, "By less, choose well, and mix it all." For me, styling over 50 has become as simple as that. Last winter, I made a conscious decision to start “shopping my closet” and share the result in my “New Day/New Outfit” project. While I have faltered now and then, falling back on outfits styled in the same way, the project has made me aware of the endless combinations of separates and accessories I can create without buying lots of new stuff. It's also made me a smarter shopper; I'm buying less, choosing more well-made pieces, and mixing like mad. After watching The Business of Fast Fashion, I feel even more determined to scale back because of the benefits to our planet, our children and grandchildren's future home.

Book Review: Feminine Transitions

Flattering50 — Sun, 01 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2013-09-01. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

Editor's Note: The folks at A&C Books would like to give a Flattering50 reader an e-book copy of Feminine Transitions. For details, visit Flattering50's e-Book Giveaway

Ask women to pose for a photograph without makeup and chances are some will refuse. That’s what author and photographer Alyscia Cunningham found when she asked women to pose bare-faced for her new book, Feminine Transitions: A Photographic Celebration of Natural Beauty (A&C Books). “My intent was not to cause any discomfort,” writes Alyscia, who’s done work for the National Geographic, Discovery Channel and Smithsonian Institute, in the book’s introduction. “I simple wanted to create a celebration of womanhood in their natural state.” Interestingly, she found that women in their late 40s, 50s and 60s were most likely to refuse to be photographed without makeup, wigs or other accessories.

A STUDY OF AUTHENTIC BEAUTY
Feminine Transitions is a collection of photographs of females at different stages of life, beginning with 7-week-old Dionna and ending with Julia, age 103. A full-page photograph is accompanied by a quote by the subject (or, in the case of the littlest subjects, by a relative) on the facing page. For each portrait, the subject is makeup-free and bare-shouldered to show her “authentic beauty.”

While compiling the images for her book, Alyscia found that the subject’s age often determined whether or not she was willing to model without makeup. “The young girls were excited to be included,” notes Alyscia. “Women in their 20s were also excited, but they were much more aware of how they ‘should’ look.” The 30- and 40-year olds were aware of their aging, but it didn’t stop them from participating. As for the women over 70, they were unapologetic about who they were. They had a “wonderful sense of self and positive outlook on life,” says Alyscia. Many of the women in their late 40s, 50s and 60s, however, choose not to participate when they learned they couldn’t wear makeup. Alyscia attributed their resistance to their discomfort with “the transformation that came with growing old” or "denial about their aging.” Naturally, I felt immense empathy for those women.

It’s easy to deny, minimize or simply ignore aging when a woman is in her 20s, 30s and even 40s. Then, she turns 50 and the evidence is irrefutable: She is old. Turning 50 is a lot like entering puberty: a woman must adjust to her new body, and, often, to a new view of herself and the world around her. When these changes occur in an anti-aging society like ours, it’s not hard to understand why some women in their 50s and 60s would want to hide behind makeup.

Photographer Cunningham captures a woman's natural beauty

For women of any age who are trying to come to terms with aging as well as those who feel pretty comfortable about themselves, but need to be soothed now and then, Feminine Transition is a wonderful salve. The joys of life at any age are beautifully illustrated in the portraits and reflections of the female subjects. The book’s simple format creates a powerful and positive message for all women. While reading, I was frequently moved by the glowing faces and passionate declarations. I felt myself rooting for the young girls who had dreams of becoming dancers and I wanted to hug the older women whose words resonated with me. Take, for instance, Daisy, age 72, who says, “…I have seen many rainbows of hope, and endured many clouds of despair and still I begin each day with a new page…”

“We must take responsibility for embracing our true selves,” concludes Alyscia. “When we do, we will be helping the younger generation develop a healthier view of aging.” I couldn’t agree more and Feminine Transitions is the perfect volume to help women start this process. It is a book that grandmothers, mothers, and daughters of all ages can share with each other and with their friends. It’s a book I know I will return to whenever I need encouragement to embrace my true self.

Still Learning: 7 Things to Know about Basal Cell Cancer

Flattering50 — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2013-07-10. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

Though Flattering50 is a style blog, I feel compelled to write a little about my recent run-in with a basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. (Good health is flattering, yes?) For this post, I’m sharing what I learned in case it helps Flattering50 readers.

First off, let me state the obvious: I am not a doctor. For the clinical facts (ie, definition, symptoms, treatment, etc.) about basal cell carcinomas, I refer you to your highly-trained dermatologist. Or...for a few immediate insights, you might take a peek at a reputable online medical source on basal cells, like the Mayo Clinic.

7 THINGS I’M TELLING FRIENDS ABOUT BASAL CELLS
If you and I were to have lunch this week, here are a few tips I would share:

A basal cell carcinoma may appear as a small pearly bump. My basal cell was tiny; the size of a pinhead or little pimple. It looked like any number of bumps on my over 50 body.
My basal cell bled and scabbed for more than 2 weeks, which alerted me to the possibility that something wasn’t right.
It's best to get a biopsy sooner than later. I was told that unlike a melanoma, basal cell carcinomas rarely spread to other parts of your body. But they can grow. Since most basal cells are found on the face and neck and are removed surgically, you want to get it treated sooner (when it’s smaller) than later.
Find a dermatology surgeon who is an expert with mohs surgery. Mohs surgery, an outpatient procedure, is often used to remove a basal cell carcinoma. The surgeon removes the skin tissue that is positive for carcinoma. Since he or she is often removing facial tissue, you want a surgeon who does this procedure constantly and knows how to get all the bad tissue without damaging the good tissue.
Find an expert mohs surgeon with excellent plastic surgery skills. Once again, if the basal cell is on your face, you want the minimal amount of scarring. My cell was near my left nostril—in other words, smack dab in the middle of my face. My surgeon gave me little stitches above and below the skin along my “laugh line” to minimize the long-term visible scarring.
Consider taking the next day off. I found the pain minimal—nothing that a couple of extra strength OTC pain relievers couldn’t handle. But I wish I had planned to take the day off because a massive "pressure bandage" was placed on my face and needed to stay there for 24 hours. The bandage, which is designed to help stop the bleeding, is like a very thick white bolster—again, smack dab in the middle of my face. Frankly, I could have done without the gawking.
Be fanatically about using sunblock on the scar for six months. Apparently, my new scar is highly sensitive to sunlight and can be permanently discolored, if exposed to sunlight. Regardless of whether I'm at the beach or shopping in New York City, I'm apply sunblock to the scar every two hours.

Have you had a basal cell carcinoma? Do you have any additional tips to offer Flattering50 readers?

DIY Home Spa: 4 Simple Ways to Relax, Soothe and Repair

Flattering50 — Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2013-05-10. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

photo's credit: By Jacob Bøtter from Copenhagen, Denmark (Relaxation) CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

By Michelle Pino, guest contributor

Everyone knows that a day at a spa can be costly. And with busy schedules, it’s not always easy to coordinate a time for a spa appointment, especially when you want to bring a friend along. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend lots of money or even leave your house to enjoy the benefits of a spa. There are many treatments you can do in the comfort of your home. Here are a few inexpensive ways to create a home spa experience.

CLEANING SCRUB
This homemade invigorating cleansing scrub helps improve blood circulation and helps tone slack muscles. To create the scrub, combine the following ingredient in a large bowl:

½ cup of water
1 cup orange juice
3 tbsp. rose water (found at most grocery stores)
2 tbsp. crushed fresh coriander or cilantro leaves
2 tbsp. ground mustard
½ tsp. ground turmeric
1 cup chickpea flour or oats

Stir all ingredients well to blend. Work the cleansing scrub all over your body and face. Then, rinse with warm water.

FACIAL STEAM
When your skin is tired, pale and dried-out, a steam treatment can help bring back its healthy glow. Moist heat brings oxygen to the skin, boosts blood circulation, and hydrates the skin. Moreover, it promotes skin clarity.

To create the steam treatment at home, just turn on your shower and let it run for about 20 minutes at its hottest temperature. Let the steam build-up. Next, take a warm washcloth and apply a few drops of an aromatherapy oil or spray with an aromatherapy mist in your favorite soothing scent, such as rosemary, vanilla or lavender. Once the room is steamy, adjust the shower to a comfortable temperature. Step into the shower, placing the washcloth on your face and breathing the soothing, oil-scented steam. It is a great way to unwind before going to bed. Also, it helps clear up sinuses.

EYE SOOTHERS

The skin located around your eyes is especially sensitive and thin, so it easily flares up when you are fatigued, stressed or surviving on a less-than-perfect diet. Natural remedies, however, can reduce the puffiness or redness quickly. These remedies make use of simple ingredients found in your kitchen.

Chamomile tea. This tea has natural anti-inflammatory nutrients, which help relieve puffiness and redness on the skin around the eyes.

Green and Black teas. These teas contain the natural compounds caffeine and tannins. Caffeine helps constrict the blood vessels, thus, reducing the swelling. Tannins act like a skin astringent, which helps shrink the swollen tissue.

Prepare the eye soother by steeping 1 tea bag of black tea or green tea, and 1 tea bag of chamomile tea in a cup of boiled water for about three minutes. Then, remove the tea bags from the water and put them in the refrigerator. Once cooled, place one tea bag on each eye and leave it there for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, switch to the other tea bags.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR SKIN
To revitalize and repair your skin, apply several teaspoons of pure extra virgin olive oil onto your freshly cleansed face and neck. Use a circular motion to work the oil into your skin before applying your night cream.

For best results, try to perform these treatments on a schedule. For instance, put aside 30 minutes to pamper yourself every Wednesday and Sunday night. Remember: No matter how busy your schedule is you should always make time for yourself. YOU DESERVE IT!

Michelle Pino, is a Spa Manager at Skana, a spa at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY. She enjoys DIY projects, healthy recipes, exercise, and all things related to skin care. If you have any comments or questions feel free to contact Michelle via email at michellepino@turningstone.com.

Still Learning: Lace in the Workplace?

Flattering50 — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2013-03-12. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

Last August, I bought a lace skirt at Ann Taylor (above). I'd just been to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the "Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations” exhibit and was in the mood for a new fall skirt. (I'm always in the mood for a new skirt when I look at Prada clothing!) I loved the Ann Taylor skirt's beige lining, which made the lace stand out, and its fun flounce (see below). The thing is, as I perused my closet last weekend, looking for something to wear, I came upon the lace skirt and realized--to my dismay--that I had only worn it three times since August. I'd worn it on Thanksgiving and to a couple of December parties--that's all. The skirt seemed too dressy for most casual activities. Saturday night, I wore it out to dinner and to the theater. And I'm determined to wear it a few more times before I put it away till next fall. So...I've been wondering: Can I wear a lace skirt to work?

To continue, click...

THE LACE SKIRT: TO WORK OR NOT TO WORK?
I know that workplace dress code means a lot of different things. Not everyone works in an office and even among offices, there's a lot of different dress codes. In my office, the only dress code rules seem to be 1) no jeans and 2) nothing revealing. Women don't have to wear suits or even a blazer at my job. A sweater plus slacks or a skirt is fine. But what if the skirt is lace?

On Sunday, I tried my lace skirt with a few sweaters and tops. The tops are all things I'd worn to the office with other skirts. When I saw the photos, I thought, "Silly me! Of course, I can wear my lace skirt to the office. But I'd love to know what Flattering50 readers think: Would you wear a lace skirt to your workplace?

Would you wear lace with a chunky sweater?...

Sweater: Lauren by Ralph Lauren

With a hot pink collared shirt?...

Shirt: Ann Taylor

With a white shirt and black sweater--the black and white look?...

Shirt: Ann Taylor

Sweater: LOFT

Or with a blue turtleneck sweater?...

Sweater: Express Design Studio

Or with something else? What do you wear your lace skirt with?

SPRING LACE
I'm happy to report that lace skirts and dresses are a hot trend this spring. Instead of black, though, the spring lace is navy, white or one of many vibrant colors, such as bright yellow, hot pink and purple. Here are a couple of examples from Ann Taylor...

[Original image unavailable: Lace Cutout Pencil Skirt]

Lace Cutout Pencil Skirt ($95)

[Original image unavailable: Perforated Lace Pencil Skirt]

Perforated Lace Pencil Skirt ($88)

Still Learning: What to Wear with Red...That's Not Black?

Flattering50 — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2013-01-31. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

What’s black and white and red—a lot? Answer: Me! Red—and all the many shades of red—has been my favorite color since college. For women who can wear red, it's a great color to brighten up your over 50 complexion. That's why I love the color more than ever. But here's the thing: I don't think I've ever worn red with anything other than black--black slacks, black skirts, black sweaters. Crazy, huh? With my 2013 style resolution (Style Over 50: New Day, New Outfit) to start mixing up the things I wear, I won't be able to rely on black and white and red anymore. I'll have to branch out. So...I’ve been “shopping my closet,” looking for colors other than black to wear with red. To see what I’ve found, click “Read More” below. And let me know what colors you like to wear with red. Thanks!

HOW NOW RED AND BROWN?
For this exercise, I literary tried every color combination in my closet. Red and brown was the one that surprised me the most. I think the pair really "pops." And I love "pop."

cardigan ~ boutique

sweater ~ Ann Taylor

skirt ~ Dana Buchman

MAROONED WITH OLIVE
This combination of muted colors just made sense. The knit top nips at the waist, creating a bit of the hourglass look (I'm really a pear!). And if I need something a little warmer, I think the charcoal Ralph Lauren jacket--again a muted color--works.

knit top ~ Inc. International

skirt ~ London boutique

By the by, I like to belt the jacket to create a waist.

RED AND GREY DAYS
I'm not sure if I can claim grey as a change from black--but I'm going to for the sake of argument. The monochromatic grey sweater-grey skirt is an easy, predictable choice.

sweater ~ Banana Republic

blouse ~ Old Navy

skirt ~ London boutique

But for play, I'll stick with a look like this one.. I love my multicolored wool sweater..

sweater ~ homemade

blouse ~ Old Navy

skirt ~ London boutique

BLUE NEWS
I don't think I've ever paired true red and navy and I'm not about to start now. However...I do plan on try a maroon and navy mix, especially when a demin skirt is added.

demin shirt ~ Talbots

sweater ~ Urban Outfitters

skirt ~ Max Studio

FURTURE DAYS?
If this exercise has only taught me one thing, it's that I've gone overboard buying muted colors!! I guess I just thought they were age appropriate and easy to mix and match. These days, though, I'd like to try mixing a few bolder color combinations. For example...

RED AND TURQUOISE DAYS
I'd love to find a bold turquoise skirt, for instance...

RED AND PURPLE
Or...how about a lavendar print skirt with red. Sounds yummy, yes?

Still Learning: Tips for Cleaning Suede Boots

Flattering50 — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2013-01-16. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

I'm enjoying the extra time I've got now that my two boys are out of college and living in Brooklyn. (Although...there's not as much free time as I thought there would be. Why is that?) Still, I do have a little more time for exploring new things and finding solutions to old problems.

This week, when I pulled out my little suede booties, I noticed they were looking tired and dusty. Gulp. I admit it: Treating or cleaning suede terrifies me. My policy with suede has always been to avoid inclement weather and hope for the best. This week, however, I found a little extra time and decided to research suede care on the Internet and interview my favorite cobbler. Click "Read More" for tips I compiled on how to clean suede boots.

SUEDE CARE SOLUTIONS
Clearly, how much you need to do to your suede boots will depend what kind of shape they’re in. Here are some tips to help with a variety of suede woes.

Wet Suede
If you're suede boots are wet...

Press a towel against the outer surface of the boots to absorb as much moisture as possible.
Stuff the boots with newspaper or rags and allow them to dry overnight. Do not use a hair dryer or space heater to dry your boots.

Dusty or Dirty Suede
If you're suede boots are dusty or dirty...

Remove dust and/or dirt by brushing shoes with a suede brush or clean soft toothbrush.
Brush the suede in one direction to restore the natural nap.
Steve Madden’s website suggested using a nail file in lieu of a suede brush or toothbrush.

Stained Suede
If your suede boots are stained...

Method 1 -- Eraser for Oily Stains

Rub a new pencil eraser or suede cleaning block over the non-oil based stain. Gently sand any stubborn stains with a nail file or emery board.
If you try using a pencil eraser for cleaning suede boots and that doesn’t work, you can always purchase an eraser designed especially for cleaning suede boots.
These are usually available at shoe repair shops. Brush the suede.

Method 2 – Soap and Water

Make a solution of Dawn dish soap with warm water.
Dip a clean soft toothbrush in the solution’s suds (Only use suds and don’t saturate the shoe!) and gently rub back and forth on suede.
When the shoes are dry, brush against the suede with a dry soft toothbrush to restore the nap.

Method 3 – Baby Powder for Oily Stains

If the stain is oil-based, you might try covering the spot with baby powder.
Let the powder stand for a minute, and then brush it off. You may have to repeat this a few times.
Steve Madden’s website says you can also use talcum powder or cornmeal directly on the spot. It suggests leaving on the powder for “several hours.”

Method 4 -- White Vinegar for Salt Stains

Several websites recommended a 50/50 white vinegar-water solution to clean salt stains on suede. Has anyone tried this? Unless my boots were near their end, I don’t think I could knowingly put vinegar on them. But apparently, others do. This scaredy cat would rather pay for a professional cleaning.

Waterproofing Suede
If your suede boots need waterproofing...

Apply a suede waterproofing compound especially designed for suede. Follow the label's direction.
If, like me, spraying suede with chemicals makes you nervous, consult a trusted shoe cobbler. Though, my shoe specialist felt one product was superior to another, he steered me away from the "better product" when I told him my boots were a medium brown. Apparently, the superior product might turn my boots a dark brown hue.
When I asked my cobbler how often I should waterproof my boots, he said, “It all depends on how often the boots are worn and their exposure to the elements (ie, rain, snow, mud, salt, etc.). As with any fabric, test a small, unseen patch first.

I brushed and waterproofed my boots (above). Those two simple steps perked them up a bit--though it doesn't really come across in a photo.

Suede Storage
To protect your suede boots when they're not being worn...

Store suede items so that they can breathe. Avoid plastic bags, which prevent air circulation. Instead, use a flannel bag or pillowcase to keep shoes dust-free.
When traveling, don't use a plastic bag. Again, a flannel bag or pillowcase is the way to go.
Keep suede boots away from the light, which can fade the color.
Keep away from damp conditions, which promote the growth of mold and mildew.

Additional Tips and Advice

Don't use hot water on your suede boots. Hot water can cause shrinkage, fading, and maybe even ruin the boot's shape.
I got a suede brush and waterproofing product from my favorite shoe cobbler. If you don’t have a nearby shoe repair shop, you’ll find the products all over the Internet. I found a couple of programs on Zappos.
Got a really bad stain? Or, are you uncomfortable with DIY suede cleaning? Most sites highly recommend you seek professional care from a shop specializing in leather and suede. Across the web, sites stressed to be weary of inexperienced dry cleaners, who may do more harm than good.