Calypso, Take me Away!

From now on, my Fridays' are dedicated to fashion! I love fashion and hope that I never get to the point when I don't care what I look like...actually, I know I'll never get there, I'd have to be strapped in a bed with a 'no visitors allowed' sign!  Some people seem to relish in the fact that they wear sweats every day and live in Target t-shirts..don't get me wrong, that's how you'll see me on many a day, but it doesn't make me happy. I'm happier and feel better when I feel cute and put together..and I'm thinking most of us do. So why is it so difficult to figure out what to wear? It certainly wasn't this hard in our 20's and 30's, but our bodies have changed and the term "age appropriate" really means something now.

In my 40's, I've found myself steering away from the big box stores and getting to know all of the smaller boutiques in town. Less selection is more for me as I age. I know my shape, style, likes, and dislikes. My nevers - halters, mini-skirts, short shorts, and embellisment of most sorts. I get to know the salespersons well, and love getting the occasional phone call that my "perfect" top has arrived...as if it was ordered especially for me.

One of my favorite go-to boutiques is Calypso St.-Barth at http://www.calypso-celle.com/, an eclectic boutique selling everything you need from head to toe (think: casual & weekend wear) and exquisite home accessories as well. Calypso is only in 7 states (lucky for me, Texas is one of them), 2 doors in Paris, and locations in St. Thomas and St. Barths...not bad company!  It's also (for me) best for a spring/summer wardrobe, although some of their winter sweaters are yummy. Their sizes run true to size..for any on-line shoppers.

Here's my crave list for Spring 2010:

Nuella Dress

Love it belted like this, with flats

Layer a cardi if you don't like your arms

Perfect daytime spring look

Layered Neck Tee

Everyday Wear

Other shades available

Alexa Tunic

Great with white jeans or denim

Doubles as a bathing suit cover-up

Other shades available, but I love this blue

 

Feminine Ruffle Shirt

Casual or Work

A wardrobe staple!

Sailor Shirt

Weekend wear..nautical is a big trend for Spring 2010

Wear it with denim, white or khaki

Sheer Striped Scarf with distressed tassel trims

The perfect pick-me-up

I love the grey/chocolate brown version too...

Immediate hipness & age appropriate

 

Yali Striped Sweater

Great on everyone!

Two shades available

Darshini Sweater

Featherweight, Boyfriend Cardi

100% Italian Cashmere

Basic Lace Layering Tank

Many colors available

I own these - perfection (buy one size up)

Gange Sandal

Orange acts like a neutral in spring/summer

Wear with everything!

Lizard embossed bracelet

Trendy yet age appropriate

Blair Throw

Basket woven blanket

Perfect over a couch arm or bed

Laura Kindle Designs for Calypso

Oval Platter

In Sand dollar motif too

Beautiful summertime party platter

So this is my CRAVE list...I'll be really lucky if I end up with a few, and I'll be looking for knock-offs of the rest! Happy Shopping! Oh - and don't let the young looking supermodels deter you...not every piece in Calypso is for us, but these selections will work like a dream.

High Maintenance Hair

Did you know that your hair's look and feel is an indication of your overall health? Our Omega-3's:  fatty fish, flax seed and walnuts are the best nutrients we can ingest for our hair's well-being. With that said, let's talk about why, as we age, we really need to be high maintenance with our hair.

First, we need to make sure we are using the best shampoo our money can buy. Be sure to avoid any shampoo or conditioner with alcohol in the ingredient list, all it will do is dry out our hair, and "more mature" hair craves moisture.  My favorite combination is Kerastase Resistance Bain Volumactive Volumising Shampoo and Conditioner. It's for "fine and vulnerable" hair. I love that it is extremely moisturizing and volumizing at the same time. Please, no flat hair ladies, it makes are faces seem drawn out and thinner, two looks we want to avoid. Pantene also makes a great volumizing shampoo and conditioner as well, and I often go back and forth between the two brands.  It's also important to use an intensive conditioner weekly, and for this, Kerastase is my go-to.

To cut or not to cut? That is the question! My opinion is that women in their mid-40's and 50's look best with mid-length hair, not too short (butchy) and not too long (teenager-y). If you do have one of these extremes, just make sure you have some layers around your face, they'll give movment and let light shine through. A shoulder-length, layered look adds fullness, can highlight cheekbones, and looks good on almost everyone. Bangs are also a great option to hide lines and add youthfulness - sideswept and textured bangs look best, a heavy bang is usually not the best option.

Halle Berry

Perfect bangs & Layers

Sharon Stone

Perfectly Short

Holly Hunter

Do I even need to say?

(Too Teenager!)

What's this in my hand? A clump of hair, that's what! Has this happened to you yet? Every once in a while, I get a case of the clumps.  Wads of hair come out as I comb my hair after washing, and I'm sure it's hormone related (isn't everything?). Another wonderful aspect of aging...thinning hair. Those layers will definitely help, as will adding some dimension with highlights or lowlights. I also use a thickening spray by Bumble& Bumble  that definitely seems to make my hair feel thicker. It's estimated that up to 30 million women experience hereditary hair loss, losing up to 150 hairs per day, that won't grow back. The only FDA-approved topical solution for hair re-growth is Rogaine. A women's version is on the market now and it can be purchased over-the-counter. Fortunately, I don't think I'm to the point where I need to try Rogaine, but if I am, I won't hesitate. The reviews for Rogaine are mostly positive - has anyone tried it? Liked it? I'd love to know!

So let's talk about hair jewelry...actually, there's not much to talk about..just please don't invest..much. Cutesy plastic colored hairbands, girly barettes, banana clips (yes, on occasion, I do see these), scrunchies (who invented them anyway?) - none of these are acceptable on a more mature women's head. No exceptions! We need to be thinking - stylish, sexy and chic. I do like skinny head bands and silk scarf bands, especially in the summer, and only if you can really pull it off (if it looks weird, it looks weird) and designer pony tail holders (think Louis Vuitton). But that's it. Period. End of discussion.

And, speaking of pony tails - they are a great option for longer hair. The tail will pull skin upwards, make it appear more taut and smooth and is always a classic, elegant, youthful look. Use a covered elastic and wrap a strip of your own hair around it...no accessories neccessary!

Lucy Lui

Perfect 'do

Nicole Kidman

Always Taut

Michelle Pfieffer

Loose, layered, lovely

Raquel Welch

 Age 69

Still keeping it modern!

I dont' know who she is, I'm quite sure she is

not remotely close to 40, but I love this look for a mid-40's or 50's 'do.

NOW, GRAYING HAIR, THATS FOR ANOTHER POST!

The Big Brush Off

Another Dr. Mao tip and something that I would never have guessed is a popular practice among the world's centenarians - body brushing. Using a dry brush with natural (avoid synthetic) bristles to sweep the surface of the entire body. It makes good sense though, as the skin is the largest and most important eliminative organ in the body and is responsible for 25% of the bodies detoxification on a daily basis. The skin receives 1/3rd of all blood circulated in the body and eliminates over 1 lb. of waste acid each day in the average person, mostly via the sweat glands. Seems incredulous, doesn't it? The skin is also last to receive nutrients, but the first to show imbalance or deficiency in nutrients. So, if someone tells you that your skin looks good, you are doing something very right!

The Russians, Turks and Scandanavians have been performing body brushing for centuries (hmmm...that could be why my Swedish friend has ZERO cellulite on her body...). It's very popular in most European spas and many cancer treatment centers throughout the world, as it's a detox program for the skin and other organs. The list of benefits reads like a miracle cure. Decreases cellulite, cleans lymphatic system, removes dead skin layers, strengthens immune system, tightens, tones, stimulates hormone and oil producing glands, increases circulation, increases nervous system function and aids in digestion! Check, check, check - I need everyone one of these!

So, how to brush? Invest in a soft, natural fiber brush with a long handle to reach the hard to get places. Brush before your daily shower (the water will wash away the impurities) from bottom of feet to legs, hands, arms, abdomen, shoulders, back and neck. Take long upward (towards the heart) strokes and form a counter-clockwise motion on the stomach. Breasts get a light sweep and the neck gets a downward motion. Rinse with cold water for the last minute of your shower to further stimulate your circulation system. And lastly, massage your, now softer, skin with lotion and you are good to go.

Of course, I've heard this before, but never knew the full benefits - I assumed my bath puff in the shower was doing the same job.  I've been faithfully brushing for over a week and I have to admit, it feels great and my skin feels baby soft...still waiting for my cellulite to disappear, but isn't soft, dimpled skin better than dry, scaly, dimpled skin?  I think so!

The Perfect Body Brush

Available here at Ulta

Isn't your only body worth the extra 5 minutes per day?

Give, Pray, Give.

I know all of you have been praying and thinking about the devastation in Haiti. Actually, I had such a busy week last week that I only caught a glimpse of the reporting. Today I had the opportunity to watch and learn even more about this island and it's people. We already know that Haiti is one of the most impoverished countries in the world today. Prior to the earthquake, only 46% of the population had drinkable water. One-half of this countries population is under 18 years of age, and since younger people are much more susceptible to diarrheal diseases and other infections, there is an URGENT need to provide safe water and sanitation after a disaster like this. A main priority for all the aid agencies has been providing Family Water Kits(a $.10 packet that takes a gallon or more of unsanitized, undrinkable water and takes all of the impurities out in a 30 minute time frame). A small donation of even $10.00 aids in securing water kits for 100 families.

I read this blog from Tamar Hahn, a  UNICEF volunteer and it brought me to tears. (Click here to view From UNICEF's Tamar Hahn in Haiti) My family will do our part in helping out, and I'll recall a lesson from Mother Theresa, "It's not really giving until it hurts", an important tenet that I want my 8 year-old to learn and live by.

This country needs us. These children need us. Let's give, pray, and give together. The emptiness in the childrens' faces below tells the story of this historical devastation.

I'm choosing to donate through the U.S. Unicef Haiti Emergency Fund, as 100% of all donations will go to the Haitian people in the form of food, water, supplies, and more. To donate $10, simply text to #20222 and write UNICEF. It's that easy. Not a texter?  Just call 1-800-4UNICEF or 1-800-HELPNOW, or donate on-line at http://www.unicefusa.org/. It's not too late.

I want MORE!!!!

More, the magazine for women ages 40 and up. Let's see, I've been 40 for 8.5 years now, and I've never purchased a single copy. And it's not like I don't love my magazines! Give me Elle, Bazaar, Vanity Fair, House Beautiful, Us, People, Allure, Foreign Policy (ok, one of my bff's got me a subscription and I have read a few articles), Women's Health, even  Real Simple and I'm happy.

So why haven't I purchased More? Denial. Yes, I didn't want to admit - to me and to possibly the sales girl - that I was over 40! I feel 30, some people say I could pass for someone in my 30's (ok, even if it's 39, I'll take it!), so this magazine couldn't be for me!

Well, as the topper to this blog indicates, I've decided to embrace my age instead of running from it, so last time I was in my favorite book store, I, gulp, purchased my first More and I haven't put it down since!

There is so much valuable information for ladies in our age group that don't make it to the pages of  my favorite rags. We all know that we are going through lots of changes in our bodies, in our minds, and More addresses these. From this issue alone, I'm going to eat more popcorn (ranked second in snack category for high levels of anti-oxidants), toss out my BenGay (ice treatment is more effective for sore muscles), start growing basil (the scent alone is a great de-stressor), attempt to sleep only on my back (derms can tell which side a patient sleeps on by the greater number of wrinkles on that side of face), and pace backwards (helps you think faster)!

And, I love the last page of this magazine as it's dedicated to Sophia Loren, one of the most glamorous, timeless, beautiful actresses in the world, who, with Racquel Welch, invented the term "sex appeal".  She's lived her life to the fullest and at 75, she's appearing with Daniel Day-Lewis in the outstanding musical film Nine - a must see for anyone that loves music, dancing, all things Italian, and a provacative story line (I've seen it once and want to see it again!) I also love that at 71, she posed for the racy Pirelli limited-edition calendar and looked amazing! By the way, she still eats spaghetti every day. Not a bad role model for us 40-plus women, and I hope I'm even half as elegant as she is by the time I reach 75...and I will get there!

So, next time you walk by a magazine counter, pick up More, you'll be pleasantly surprised. To my 40-plus friends, don't be surprised if a More subscription is your next birthday gift!

Exquisite... in her late 30's.

Pirelli Calendar, 2007, she's 71!

Nine Launch Party

Glamorous as ever at 75

Not just for mama's anymore!

If you're a mom, or have friends that are moms' you probably recall how important the supplement folic acid was before and during pregnancy.  It helps prevent a host of serious birth defects which can occur early in pregnancy. I remember taking it ten years ago, but haven't thought about it much since I had my healthy baby boy.  Well, guess what? Dr. Mao recommends a daily dose of 800 micrograms(mcg) per day for people 50 and older. I'm sure that starting at 48.5 will only be beneficial, right?

The New York Times ( http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/03/opinion/03kristof.html) has deemed folate as the world's healthiest food based on the profound impact it can have on forming embryos. It makes sense that if folate has this much power that it's benefits would also transend to adults.  Scientists know that older people tend to be deficient in folate, which enables vitamins B6 and B12 to aid in hormone secretion, synthesize DNA, and manufacture the protective coating around the nerves. These three tasks are thought to be the major elements in our bodies' defenses against fatal age-related disorders such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.  So, increase your folate and we can lower our odds of contracting one of these conditions.

The good news is that folate is found in numerous foods, including spinach, kale, brussel sprouts, asparagus, black beans and brocolli, but it is destroyed by heat, so these vegetables have to be eaten raw.  You can also obtain your RDA for folate by eating a morning breakfast cereal (most fortified with 25-100% of your RDA @ 400 mcg, not the 800 mcg needed for over 50). Cereals with the highest levels of folic acid include Whole Grain Total, Cap'n'Crunch Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Life, Frosted Wheaties, Special K, and Raisin Bran.

The good news for any non-cereal eater (like me!) is that this is one case where the natural form of folic acid is not as easily absorbed by the body as the syntheic form. So, simply head to your closest Vitamin store and stock up for good health! I'm headed there now!

I'm thinking PINK!

Not the Pepto-Bismol, bubble-gum, pastel or neon variety, but the perfect soft, pretty, feminine, blush shade of pink. It's my new color of the moment and I can't get enough of it! A reminder - as we age, we need to wear less black and focus on softer palettes that will reflect light off our skin, therefore increasing our natural luminosity! The good news is that neutral color palettes, including my perfect blush pink, are a significant fashion trend for Spring 2010.

Now, depending on your age, some pastels can really wash out a mature skin, as skin loses pigment as time flies by.  Make sure you have someone you trust tell you if a color is good on you or not...and it's usually not the sales girl! Fashion in our 40's should be more sophiticated, focused on simple silouettes...nothing to frilly, girly or matchy-matchy.  But, still pay attention to trends (not all, but most), they'll keep us looking more youthful! (Yes, archive your small gold chain and invest in a statement necklace or loads of metal!)

Here are some of my favorite blush looks of the moment~

J. Crew Crinkled Silk Shell

J. Crew Forever Cardigan

J. Crew Subcotton Silk Streamers Henley

Pamella Roland Spring 2010 RTW

Sonia Rykiel, Spring 2010                      Blugirl, Spring 2010

Just Cavalli Stretch Satin Corset Dress

Bergdorf Goodman

Badgley Mischka Spring 2010

Christian Loubitan Lolo

Neiman Marcus

Christian Loubitan Hidden Platform

Neiman Marcus

Basic Knit Scarf

Forever 21

 

Tort Aviator, Forver 21

Foley & Corinna City Tote

www.cusp.com

 

Gustto Small Rena Bag

www.gustto.com

Marc Jacobs Python Print Satchel

Bergdorf Goodman

Rose Dome Ring

Banana Republic

Think Pink! Think Spring! Think Beautiful!