Swim Spanx, Really?

Wow. We all remember the "Miracle Suit"...needless to say, I've never tried one on (they always seemed very outdated in their styling, although I loved the concept of a swimsuit taking off the terrible 10), but I may actually take a dive into these new suits from Spanx.  Yes, Spanx! The company we all wish was created decades ago, but fortunately we all know and love now for their slimming shapers and body wear. And, if you've never purchased a Spanx product, either count your blessings for your perfect body, or head to the nearest big box retailer and load up!

Currently I'm at that stage in my life when I'm mourning the loss of ever hoping to wear a bikini again...even in my own backyard. And really, my body is not that bad...some cellulite here and there, a little back fat and a less than perky derriere. My tummy is actually flat, but it's covered with lines (are these stomach wrinkles?), and I have a decent bust area.  I just feel over-exposed in a two-piece since my almost 49-year-old skin is just not as pretty anymore. Worrying about excess skin (ok, fat), is something I just don't care to do anymore....so one-piece, you are my new bff.

So, when I ran across the Spanx suits on Neiman's website, I was immediately intrigued. New this year,  they are meant to provide the same slimming effects as the Spanx bodywear, by including a lightweight inner body shaper that will flatten tummies, smooth backs and slim love handles, all designed with beautiful Italian jersey (my mantra...everything Italian is good).  Gotta love that! Here's a sampling of the new line, with fun, sexy, flirty styles! And, I'm headed to Neiman Marcus this afternoon (time to pay that bill..I think I'll die with a NM balance), so I'll try a Spanx suit and report back.

All items available at Spanx.com or NeimanMarcus.com. 

Spanx Deep-V

Other colors available

Spanx Flamingo 

My favorite, love the color and ruching

Spanx Color Block

Must see the zoom on fabric at spanx.com, very pretty!

Spanx Triangle Top

Other colors available

Spanx Ruffle top

Other colors available

Spanx Swim Dress

Cuter on than you think!

Spanx Tankini

Several tankini styles available

Spanx Bikini

Cute, for someone!

Not sure where or how the body shaping plays a part!

Spanx Bubble Skirt Cover-up

I like this in black...need to see it on.

So, are these cute? Or wishful thinking on my part? I'm definitely going to try on...I think they are perfect for trips to a lake, water park or vacationing with other families (isn't that the worst..your friend's husband checking you out in a bathing suit?!).

Comments, please!

Décolleté Decay

I admit it, in my thirties, and even early forties,  I seldom paid attention to what was happening below my chin...after all, your face is what counts, right? Well, now as I am approaching my quarter century mark, I realize that my décolleté desperately deserves attention! Décolleté, such a pretty word, from the french meaning "wearing a low-neck dress" or "having a low-cut neckline".  It now also translates to the skin of the upper area of our bodies, including neck, chest, cleavage and shoulder areas.

We've all seen women with perfectly smooth (botox?), even (chemical peel?), tight (face-lift?) skin, and then noticed their saggy, wrinkled, hyper-pigmented chest areas.  I don't get this! Pay that much money for a flawless complexion and then let your décolleté decay?! Ladies - our complexions must match our décolleté's or we are wasting our time, money and energy on all of our facial beautifiers! If your face reads 40-year-old, don't have your decollete read 50-year-old.

So what can we do? It's easy. Basically, we need to treat our skin below our chin with the same care as the skin above our chin.  Cleanse your chest area with a good cleanser, follow up with a moisturizer and slather on the sunscreen. Gently exfoliate twice a week, and use a hydrating mask on a weekly basis.  At nighttime, when your body and skin are rejuvenating, apply a cream that focuses on your chest area's particular problem. My chest has a sunspot for every day I've baked in the sun, from my teens to thirties, so I utilize a hydroquinone (bleaching) cream as well as Olay's Definity Night Cream.  I don't have a lot of wrinkles (yet), but I know the care I'm giving this area now, will help ward off the deep lines for a bit. There are dozens of excellent throat/décolleté creams on the market, but I find that facial moisturizers combat the same issues, with a lower price tag than the targeted "throat" cream.

Deep set wrinkles in the décolleté area are mostly caused by sleeping on one's side, the weight of the breast actually compresses the skin together, leaving the lines behind.  Be sure to exercise the chest (just like any other part of your body, a toned chest looks better than a unfit one), try to sleep on your back, and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

Also, whenever you are treating yourself to a facial, ask your aesthetician to use the same techniques in your chest area as she does for your complexion.  However, be careful with chemical peels in this area due to the thinness of the skin. Be sure to have an extremely knowledgeable aesthetician, or even better, a dermatologist,  decide if a chemical peel might benefit your décolleté.

When wearing a low-cut garment,  I always apply a light mineral based powder to even up my skin tone, and highlight my shoulder bones (every ladies best asset!).

So, bring on the low (ok, lower) cut dresses and let's show off our pretty décolleté's!

Lip it

Earlier this week, I made the mistake of deciding to purchase a girlfriend some Chanel make-up for her birthday.  I'm sure she'll love her gift, but I ended up spending far more than I should of ...on me! Usually, on any shopping expedition, I steer clear of cosmetics - mainly as a time saver (too many artists that know me), but also because I'm a sure-thing. A new mascara? Sure...A new concealer? Yes, I'll try it...I can be such a junkie, so it's better for me not to go to the source.

But, alas, I found myself talking with one of the Dior artists that used to work with me - a beautiful, classy women named Mona. Mona built her business on honesty, so her word is golden with me. I asked her to show me one product that I would love, and she pulled out the Dior Lip Maximizer.

Available here at Sephora

I LOVE IT!! For once, a gloss that gives the perfect shine, not too sticky, not too shiny, is long-lasting and gives a small plumping effect (although that's not my motivation). You can use alone or on top of your favorite go-to lip shade. At $29.50, it's certainly not cheap, but it's also a lip conditioner to use as treatment at night. So, two great uses in one. I've only had it for a few days, but I know I'll be repurchasing it again and again. Oh, another plus, it's got a yummy vanilla mint taste too!

That Lancome Look

I just read that Julia Roberts is the new face of Lancome, a company I worked with for a decade of my employed life. To me, Lancome epitomizes French beaute': luxurious, opulent, and exquisite. My first introduction to Lancome was in high school (circa 1979), lining my eyes with the deepest black eye kohl pencil, and tipping my lashes with the mascara du jour (my middle-aged memory escapes me). I've been using Definicils Lengthening Mascara since it's debut...cheating every so often with the newest addition to the mascara market, but always returning to my beloved. It defines and lengthens without a single clump. Perfection.

I really do love Julia Roberts. Who couldn't? A sweet, vivacious, beautiful award winning actress, with a hot husband (ok, warm) and a lovely family. Her movies span from one of my all time favorites, "Mystic Pizza" to "Pretty Woman" to "Erin Brokovich" to "Duplicity" and so many more in between. I'm looking forward to the new "Eat, Pray, Love" coming out this year...even though I haven't made it past Chapter 1 in the book. Why? Because we can count on Julia. She'll give her all to the role and capture our senses.  But, as the face of Lancome? The jury is still out for me.

You see, when I started with Lancome, Isabella Rossellini was the face of Lancome.  Daughter of Swedish actress, Ingrid Bergman, and Italian director, Roberto Rossellini, destined for fame on her birth day. To me, her mother,  Ingrid Bergman epitomizes classic beauty, with her flawless skin, perfect features, and enchanting smile.

Ingrid Bergman

Isabella Rosellini

Isabella was raised in Italy and Paris, and moved to NYC at the age of 19 to go to college. She worked as a translator, circus ringmaster!, and sometimes hit the stage at Roberto Benigni's (Life is Beautiful) Italian comedy show. She married director Martin Scorsese in 1979 (he certainly got lucky) and decided to stay in NYC. Their marriage only lasted until 1982 (shocker), but during this time Isabella dug her perfectly coiffed toes into modeling. Her face graced the covers of all the "it" magazines and in 1982 she signed her contract to become the face of Lancome.

A coup! Lancome just landed one of the most beautiful, European models of all time - a perfect fit for this French firm expanding in the good ole' US of A. OK, so she's not french, but definitely has that European 'je ne sais quoi'.  Parlez vous francais? Oui! Oui! Yes, she's fluent, and to me, that counts for something. Isabella remained with Lancome until 1996, she was 44 and graced the ads for fourteen record-breaking years.

After Isabella, Lancome had a "face" for its' different product segments. Juliette Binoche, Kate Winslet, Ines Sastre, and even Clive Owen had their own campaigns. Color stories, new product launches and other ads used beautiful models, but not a "name".  So, now they have a "name". Julia Roberts will be the face of Lancome across product lines. I don't think she's ever lived in France or Europe, I don't think she speaks Francais, and I don't think she has that same "je ne sais quoi"as Isabella. I love Lancome, so I hope I'm wrong. I do love the fact that she is 42, but begs the question, "Is Lancome now a line for only the more mature?"  Have the MAC's , Smashboxes, and Shu Uemera taken over while Lancome simply maintains it's market?  Julia, I hope we can count on you now, as we do in all of your movie roles. Afterall, what would I do without my Definicils??

Isabella

Lancome ad

Isabella Rosselini

Lancome Ad

Isabella Tresor Launch Ad

My favorite.

Isabella Rossellini

Dolce & Gabanna Ad

I love this!

Isabella and lover, Director David Lynch

Isabella at 52. 

Still beautiful and natural.

Your thoughts on Julia??

Salt and Pepper? No, thank you!

Did you know that by the age 50, 50% of women will be 50% gray? Unfortunately, I fall into this category. I remember my first gray hair, around the age of 37...staring, incredulous for minutes in the mirror.  This couldn't be happening to me, I mean my dad had some gray (64-years-old at the time) and my mom, well, her frosted hair was like military camouflage, so I never knew for sure. I plucked that first hair, and then pretended it never existed. Then slowly, but surely, over the next several years, the grays became too much to pluck. See, I have very dark hair, so any white break-through is like white paint on a black canvas...looks modern and contemporary in art, but not on a head of hair..not mine anyway.

Honestly, I don't understand the women that decide to go "au natural" in their forties or fifties. I can't think of anything that will age you more, not wrinkles, nor sun damage, nor extra weight, not even knitted Christmas sweaters. All you need to do is find yourself a fabulous colorist and your gray can be as good as gone. For those on a budget? Clairol and L'oreal make great at -home color kits. I'm in the middle...fortunately I can afford a professional color every 5 weeks, but nowadays my gray is so prevalent, I need a touch up at the mid-way point. Clairol's Nice and Easy Root Touch-up is my little lifesaver. In 10 - 15 minutes I can cover the roots in my part, at my temples and even brighten up my overall hair color.

So, camouflage that gray, somethings are never meant to be natural forever. Now, maybe I'll consider a little showing through when I hit 70, but then again, maybe not.

My little lifesaver

photo credit: Clairol

Face Time

Last time I treated myself to a facial (actually, I think I received a gift certificate), I recall filling out the "new client" form..Check the box(es) below if you are concerned about any of the following:

Fine lines and wrinkles - check.

Sun and age spots - check.
Loss of elasticity - check.
Uneven skin tone - check.
Dryness - check.
Oilyness- check.
Texture issues - check.
Skin brightness - check.

I actually checked EVERY box...and then my 22 year-old aesthetician started examining my skin under her powerful microscope. "Aren't you concerned about blackheads?" Seriously, that was the first thing she said to me! Of course I responded, "Well, yes, but that wasn't on your list"!

Honestly, I do have all of the issues listed above, years of tanning, both indoor and out,  have definitely caused the majority of my skin problems. We all remember the drill - baby oil mixed with iodine and album covers covered with tin foil. Seriously - what were we thinking?! Now, I did win a few tanning contests, but that's no claim to fame now. Fortunately I got smart, and I've been using sunscreen for the last 8 or so years.

So, since I have almost every issue in the facial world, I'm going to share my current favorite products. I say current, because I'm a product hopper. Switching my regimen yearly seems to work best for my skin. Again, I firmly believe that all skin is different and you need to find what works for you, this is simply what works for me!

My daily regimen from morning to night:

Morning - Cleanse with  Olay Definity Illuminating Cream Cleanser. The Definity line addresses discoloration and pigmentation issues. Now, I don't think that cleansers can have a huge impact on skin, but I love the feel of this and it certainly does the job. Moisturize with Olay Definity Correcting Protection Lotion with an SPF 15. It's an anti-aging moisturizer, works great as a make-up base and I really feel like it gives a luminous look to the skin. My foundation is an SPF 20 (Lancome Renergie Lift) which is good enough for the winter months. In the summer, I add Neutrogena Ultra-sheer dry touch SPF 55- it's lightweight and non-irritating at a great price, plus an Allure Best Product 2009. My favorite eye cream ever is HYLEXIN by Bremenn Research Labs. HYLEXIN is formulated to help reduce the appearance of serious dark circles, and as I get older, mine are definitely worsening. I've always had dark circles and being in the beauty biz for 10+ years, I've tried everything out there to combat this issue. HYLEXIN really works, keeping my dark shadows at bay. 

Olay Definity Line

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 55

HYLEXIN

Evening - No, it's not the same as the morning regimen. Nighttime equates with renewal, your body needs sleep to repair and rejuvenate. In other words, the biggest bang for the buck occurs while you are sleeping, so be sure to have an active nighttime skin regimen. Most importantly, no matter how tired you are, be sure to take the time to take off that make-up and slather on the good stuff. An old cosmetic wive's tale is that for every night you sleep in your make-up, you age seven days. I don't need to age even one more day.

My nighttime regimen is a little off the beaten path. Years ago, I discovered, through a friend who had to-die- for skin, a little line called Gerri Weise. Products are sold at dermatologists and plastic surgeons and on-line at http://www.gerriweise.com/.  I fell in love with the Orange Papaya Cleansing Gel and the Maximum Care Buffing Creme. Combine the two to deep clean and gently exfoliate without stripping natural oils. Start out every other day for the first few weeks and then move to daily. After this, I use a 20% glycolic lotion, and highly recommend that everyone over 40 makes a visit to their derm for this type of product. It aids in collagen production to increase firmness and fullness, keeps pores clean, helps skin tone by aiding in exfoliation of old, dark pigment, increases skin texture by removing rough, dead cells, and is a powerful anti-oxidant. I believe that my 20% glycolic lotion has changed my skin more than any other product I've used...

Gerry Weise Orange Papaya Cleansing Gel

Gerry Weise maximum care buffing creme

After the glycolic lotion, I use a skin lightening cream from Neocutis called "Blanche" (also an Allure Best Product 2009).  This is a Rx only cream with Hydroquinone USP, 4% as it's main ingredient. Since I do have a lot of sun spots and uneven skin tone, this helps to keep any further damage at bay, while helping to lighten my "freckles". So now comes the La Roche-Posay SUBSTIANE that I've already raved about in a previous post. A replenishing lotion for mature skin that helps to tighen, tone and firm. HYLEXIN for eyes at bedtime again, with Lancome's Absolue Eye Premium Bx on top. Yes, they usually say less is more, but I believe more is more when it comes to eye cream!

Wait! I'm not done yet! Each week, I give myself my own mini-facial. First, I cleanse my skin , then I take a very warm, moist washcloth and keep it on my face for 5 - 15 minutes, depending on how much time I have.  The warmth and moisture helps to loosen any dead skin and/or clogged pores. Since I have combination skin, I use Lancome's Hydra-Intense Masque on my cheeks and forehead, and Lancome's Pure Empreint Masque on my nose and chin. Leave them on for 10 minutes, and I feel like I've just left the Ritz Spa. Ok, I'm lying. Nothing compares to the Ritz Spa. But my cheeks and forehead feel ultra-moisturized, and my nose and chin feel clean and tight. Follow your nighttime routine and you are good to go....hopefully to the Ritz Spa. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh........

  

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!