It’s Fashion Flash Monday!

This week  Deb of Fabulous After 40 is hosting Fashion Flash.   There is certainly no shortage of fashion experts out there, but IMO   Fabulous After 40 has the best insight into   over 40  style.  It looks at  new trends and then adapts them to the bodies and lifestyles of  real women .  Its not just that our bodies are changing, but our lives as well.  So  much of the stuff you see in stores is for  for clubbing, sports and dating.  When you are are trying to  figure out what to wear to your son’s college graduation or  your daughter’s wedding, the options are slim.   Fabulous After  Forty is my roadmap to style and style choices,  and I always check it out before going shopping.

 I have spent most of my professional life as a health and beauty writer.  I loved gathering  accurate information and sharing it in a timely  helpful lifestyle book.  But over the last  few years, publishing  became less and less interested in this type of book unless the author had a celebrity platform. I was asked to ghost some of these books and the process was not pleasant.  I decided to start publishing  my own lifestyle e-books and   this week I am so delighted to announce the publication of the  first e-book from Chase Communications– The Magic of Facial Exercise by Cynthia Rowland. Its available on Kindle Select and on May 7-9  you can download it  for free at http://www.amazon.com/The-Magic-Facial-Exercise-ebook/dp/B00C33WJ7E/.

The Magic of Facial Exercise is an introduction to the power of isometric training to reshape the face.  Rather than just a book of exercises, it is an in-depth guide to the science of  facial aging.  The Magic of Facial Exercise looks at what is behind sings of  aging  such as crows feet and  double chin and explains exactly which muscle groups  need some TLC.  

Cynthia Rowland is a widely redognized fitness and beauty expert.  Creator of the Facial Magic System  she has been on  the Today Show, The View, The Rachel Ray Show as well as on QVC and HSN.  More than 1,00,000 men and women in more than 40 countries are fans of the Facial Magic System.

I am working with terrific experts  on several new e-book  projects including  a  beauty guide for blondes, an amazingly effective diet based on science rather than science fiction and  the first  book on anti-aging smile makeovers.  Producing  beautiful professional e-books turned out to be a lot harder than it looked, but I’m having the time of my life. If you have an ideas for books you would like to see or an idea for a book you would like to do,  I’d love to hear from you.

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It’s Fashion Flash Monday!

This week Jackie of Aging Backwards is hosting Fashion Flash.  Jackie is one of the best beauty journalists I have ever met.  We can go to the same conference and she will find great  new products and  experts, that never  made  it on my radar.  In fact Jackie introduced  me to two of  my new favorite skin care products– Brush on Sunblock and microfiber  cleansing cloths.  She  also spots trends  months before the rest of us and if you want to read it first, be sure to check out Aging Backwards.

Free Make-up Master Class

Last week I went to a work-shop by master make-up artist Francisco Valera, hosted by Marmur Medical in New York City.  You’ve seen his work in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, W, Marie Claire and Elle and his clients include  Christy Turlington, Kate Moss,Giselle and Sandra Bullock. 

Francisco ( just first name, like Cher or Madonna) used techniques  that I’ve never seen before.  He started by applying a dab of Eight Hour Cream from Elizabeth Arden to the lips.  Although he  does the lips last, he wanted  to give  the cream time to hydrate the often  dry skin on the lips.   I was fascinated as he used three different shades of the same  cream foundation to cover redness, add light and create definition.

For a daytime  look, he brushed  champagne beige eye shadow on the lids.  Then he mixed the same eight hour cream with a cherry red Chanel lipstick to  produce a translucent yet intense lip color.  To switch to  a party look, Francicso created a delicate smoky eye and “took down”  lip color to a softer neutral beige.  Watching Francisco work, I could see why Christy, Kate and Sandra look so good.

Marmur Medical will be holding a second make-up master class on May 9 2013.  From 5:30-7:00, Francisco  will share the secrets of supermodel beauty and you will go home  with both great knowledge and a great goody bag. To reserve a  seat,  RSVP to Marie.Lum@marmurmedical.com. I’ll be going back  for another session and I hope to see you there.

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Its Fashion Flash Monday!

This week Mirabai  of Moving Free with Mirabai is hosting Fashion Flash. The spring weather is making  me want to get out and move again and I’m inspired by Mirabai’s exercise DVD’s shot  on the beach or in the mountains of Colorado.  She makes it look so  easy  and fun that  I actually went out and bought a new pair of running shoes. 

The Cheap Date Guide to Style  

Like most of us, I started my fashion journey  around age 13 when I was allowed for the first time to go shopping with a friend, rather than Mom.  And for most of these years, I wanted not so much to stand  out as  to  be appropriate.  I’ve pretty much achieved my goal and now  feel confident that I will be neither  over or underdressed for  all occasions.  I look  fine,  but not especially  interesting.  I’ve been wanting to crank up my style a bit, but not so much  that   Seth Cohen of Advanceed Style would  pick me out of a crowd.  When I found a copy of   The Cheap Date Guide to Style  by Kira Jolliffe  and Bay Garnett, I felt I found  a source of fashion tips to take me where I wanted to go.

The authors are the founders of a uber hip UK  mag called Cheap Date.  The book  is done in a magazine style   of call-outs, photos  and boxes that  make you smile and nod– “oh that’s how its done”.  Cheap Date  gets its fashion inspiration from  a diverse  group of icons including Kate Moss, CHanel, Zac Posen, Jeanne Moreau  and Keith Richards.I love the lists in Cheap Date  and I think my favorite is the list of five dresses every woman should own:

* relaxed jersey

*flowery vintage

*classic black

*wrap around

* djellaba

With sandels in summer and boots plus an over coat in winter, you’re ready for anything.

Other super easy tips for adding a bit of style include scrunching up  your sleeves, adding a monogram somewhere, and tipping on a beret .   Adding a pair of Ray Bans  pulls it all together. Now this is fashion advice I can actually follow.

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Its Fashion Flash Monday!

This week Kari of Fab Over Forty is hosting Fashion Flash.  This  gorgeous site is packed with on point beauty, fashion and fitness information.  This week it includes  an interview with  Bobbi Brown on make-up for women over 50,  a preview of the Estee Lauder Mad Men collection and  and up  close and personal view of the Nude Collection from Dior.  Don’t miss it.

I don’t usually review  random  products, but when Aveeno  offered  me samples of their new skin care options, I couldn’t say no.  Aveeno is one of my favorite brands  and  some of their products are constants in my Beauty Tool Kit.   There is  an ocean of products  out there, but Aveeno usually rise to the top.  

When I got the package from Aveeno, I saw that I  had already reccommended  the Clear Complexion SPF30  BB Cream and The Ultra Calming Daily Moisturizer  with feverfew  has been my go-to sunscreen/moisturizer and a star in my Beauty Tool kit.  But there  were new products too, and I was  impressed  with the  real thought and talent that went into them.  

The big green jar of Clear Complexion  Cleansing pads contain  a bit of  salicylic acid to deal with excess oil  and dead skin cells, while the pad itself  offers gentle exfoliation.  This is the perfect  cleanser to use if you are using  an anti-aging vitamin C serum.  It is also a great choice for normal or slightly oily skin.  Its a big jar, but I made space on my already crowded  beauty  shelves for  this well designed  cleanser.  

I am very very picky about wipes that remove  make-up.  Some  are way too oily  while others seem to be drenched in fragrance.   I am  loyal to the Almay Oil-Free Eyemake-up Remover Pads, but  now I’m also  a big   fan of  the Aveeno Ultra Calming Make-up Removing Wipes.  They  have  a  nice big wipe that does a beautiful job of  lifting  make-up that  leaves my skin feeling so comfortable.    If you are  too tired to wash your face before going to bed, keep a package of these wipe by your bedside.  Just  a few swipes as you fall into bed will  give your skin a clean, healthy night. 

The  Ultra Calming Foaming Cleanser is an elegant alternative to Cetaphil  and perfect   to use when you are using Retin A.  I tend to stop using Retin A in sunny weather, but in the fall,  this cleanser will have a spot on my sink.   The Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer  is  just brilliant in concept.  I get so many  questions about the best moisturizer to use  when dealing with acne, and now I finally have an answer.  What makes  this  moisturizer a rock star, is the addition of  salicylic acid and soy complex.  The former is a world  class acne fighter  while the later is  a super soother.  To bottom line it, you get  anti-inflammatory breakout protection even while there are moisturizing ingredients to keep the skin fresh and  soft.   I love  this type  of smart, simple  solution.

There are soooo many products out there that make inflated  promises and  just don’t work at all.  Its nice to be able to give a shout -out to those that deliver real  value.

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It’s Fashion Flash Monday

This week  Shawna of Female Fat Loss Over 40 is hosting Fashion Flash.  Exercise is important all  year round, but I  think   March  is when excercise needs meet a critical mass.  Cold weather  and  hearty  comfort  foods  make winter weight gain almost inevitable.  But March means that  its soon going to be time to  peel off those  weight conceling  layers of clothing.  What I  love best about Shawna is that  she shares  fitness success stories of real women.  If they can, do it so can I .  Female Fitness After 40 is   such a relief from the celebrity fitness concpet   eg Gweneth Paltrow whose 2% body weight and highly restrictive  diet is  much more entertainment than  advice. 

I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This– Success Secrets  Every Gutsy Girl Should Know

Kate White is something of a legend in new York publishing.   In an industry where most of us struggle  just to get a foothold, she has been editor in chief of five major magazines.  She took over the top spot as Cosmopolitan, replacing the iconic Helen Gurley Brown and over the next 14 years  kept Cosmo brand  moving forward.   In addition  to a great marriage, two children, she has also written  8 best selling thrillers. 

When most successful women are asked for their career advice, they usually thank their mom, a second grade teacher or  pointedly  state that they worked very very hard.  (  As if the rest of us  are  slackers).  Not Kate White.  Clear, frank and forthright,  she shares her real tips  for getting the career you want in an increasingly crowded and difficult work environment. In  her  new book  ” I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This“ , Ms  White provides real time advice  that a women needs to hear. For example, in a meeting,   most women apologize or rationalize  when they offer ideas.  Instead, start off  with the words–” here’s a thought…”   You should confident, but not arrogant and people  will not only listen,  the credit naturally goes to you.

Her rules for networking  are so good I was tempted to jot them down on an index card for my next  event.  For example, I followed her advice, not only  to join every important professional meeting  in  my field, but to actually  to get out there and attend their events.  Once you get there she   provides dozens  of easy to follow dozens conversational tools  and techniques.  

I’m a natural introvert and  her advice is transformational.  I’m given  many books and most of then I give away when I’m done.   Not only is ” I  Shouldn’t Be telling You This” a keeper, its  my birthday gift of the year  to my smart, talented friends.  So much better than another a scarf or  pair  of gloves.

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It’s Fashion Flash Monday!

This week  Cindy of Prime Beauty is hosting Fashion Flash.  If you’re  looking for a new  beauty care  product, check it out first on Prime Beauty. Through Cindy   I’ve discovered beauty products  like  eyeliners that  I can actually use,  a new favorite fragrance  and blush that looks as good on my cheek  as it does  in the package.

About Face ( Seal Press)

There is a double standard  about a woman’s appearance.  On the one hand, the media seems to  obsessed with every detail of style icons  like Kim Kardashian, Byonce and Kate Moss.   Women like Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Former Secretary of  State  Hillary Clinton  and  singing sensation Susan Boyle are mocked  for their  hairstyles,  waist size and  fashion choices.  But when women, especially over 40,  show interest in skin care and style, they are labeled as vain and foolish.

About Face  edited by Anne Burt,  is a great collection of personal essays on beauty and appearance by 23  accomplished artists and writers.   The book starts with an introduction by  Bobbi Brown,  internationally  reknowned   make-up artist  and creator of  her own make-up line.   She writes movingly about growing up short and dark haired in an era where tall blonds  like Cheryl Tiegs and Christie Brinkley were the  prevailing beauty standards– and how she has sought  to help women   define their own unique beauty qualities.  While  the tall blond thing is   still totally out there, her line of neutral make-up   freed women from the candy colored makeup that had been  the standard cosmetic lines.

The authors of the essays range from early twenties to  Alix Kate Schulman, author of  “Memoirs of  an Ex-Prom Queen” who is now in her late seventies.  These well -written pieces include   exploration of  racial identification, the image of aging  on a mother’s face and  the role of men and love  in establishing a comfortable  self image. ,   Many of the essays struggle with reconciling  feminism and vanity. The conclusion?  You can   still keep   your feminine credentials  if you use make-up  and get regular blow-outs.  Good to know.

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Its Fashion Flash Monday!

This week, Jodell of Black Cat Plus is  hosting Fashion Flash!   Black  Cat Plus  is a positive, dynamic look at plus size fashion and   lifestyle issues.  Rather than fussing about  ways to look “thinner”, Jodelle explores beautiful options for all occasions.  For example  in her  recent post on Valentines  Day she suggested  a sexy red dress with ” ruching at all the right places”, a draped uber feminine grey  print skirt  or a sheer white blouse over a pair of dressy black pants.  These are real time suggestions as she finds affordable  examples  currently available online or in  stores.

The Bra Book by Jene Luciani

I know I am an information wonk and love to drill down on a subject.  I believe that if it is worth writing about, its worth getting deep into the details.  The Bra Book shows you how its done.Luciani shares her own breast issues and clearly cares deeply that “our girls” get the care and support they deserve.  This book  It is so full of  fresh and helpful  ideas that I  found it hard to pick out my favorites:

* For VNS ( visible nipple syndrome) Luciani recommends adhesive circles such as Fashion Form Breast Petals,  that covers the nipples yet peels off painlessly.  Even better they work equally well for swimsuits.

* Back bulge will ruin the line  of even the most perfect designer outfit.  The Bra Book suggests trying a bra that closes in the front because it pulls the breasts forward rather than  spreading out down the back.  Trust me, it works.

* Monthly bra pain?  Not a problem is you switch  to a softer fabric or   a larger size  during your period. 

*Strapless bra slipping?  The Bra Book suggests  going down a size for a tighter fit.

The Bra Book covers  breast changes throughout a woman’s life including pregnancy, weight loss and gain, menopause and mastectomy.  It profiles the 16 ( yes, there are 16) different types of bras and  how to choose the right one for every situation.  As I read the  book, I  just couldn’t wait to slip the book in my bag and  run  out to  try out some of those 16  different styles and  shapes.

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Its Fashion Flash Monday!

This week I  am so delighted  to introduce our newest Fashion Flash blogger– Barbara Hannah Gufferman, author  o f  The  Best of  Everything After 50.  In her blog with the same name, Barbara addresses a wide range of  issues that affect women over fifty including health, nutrition, career, fitness and sex.  In addition to her blog , she has a weekly front page column for both the Huffington Post and AARP and is Chief Pundit for Fabulous Over  50.  She is a sought after  TV expert and had been interviewed on the Today Show, The Early Show, Good Morning America.  A passionate supporter of  woman’s health, Barbara has recently been awarded the Generations of Strength  Award from the National Osteoporosis Foundation  for  her  advocacy and positive approach to healthy aging .In addition to her successful career in publishing, Barbara is a member of the World Congress LLP, an international conference company that focuses on the needs and projects of developing countries. 

A native New Yorker, Barbara  lives in  New York City with her husband, two teenage daughters and  Gunther  the Wonder Dog  who was rescued through the National Brittany Rescue Network. 

New Issue of the No-Nonsense Beauty Newsletter

The just published  winter issue of The No-Nonsense Beauty Newsletter includes a new study  which shows that  for women a low fat diet does NOT reduce the risk  of heart disease.  For men, a low fat  diet does  seem to   to protect againt  heart attacks and strokes.   This is just another  indication that women’s health issues need  to be  approached and treated differently than for men.   Most  classic research studies had been done with  just male subjects and then the results  applied to women.  ( Whose bad idea was that?)  In addition  there are articles on the impact of Retin A on nails ( all good) and a comparison of home skin care devices that range for $20-$200.  Hint:  My new favorite costs $20.  You can sign up  for your free No-Nonsense Newsletter   on the right hand column.

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It’s Fashion Flash Monday!

This week the Glam Gals of Fabulous After Forty  are hosting Fashion Flash.   In addition to fashion and beauty advice, they now have celebrity news and I am looking forward to their Oscar coverage.   There seemed to be two  main  styles of gowns– strapless ball gowns for the younger stars  and V neck long sleeve sheaths for the over 40 crowd.  I’m not sure  if I liked  the latter.  I remember from my mother of the bride days ( married two daughters in three years), that  the designers found clever ways to get the ball gown effect without   baring arms.  One dress offered the option of a little bolero jacket over a strapless  A line satin gown.  Another added little chiffon drapings over the upper arms with  a fitted bodice.  My all time favorite was a shirtwaist style top with a full  satin skirt that has almost too big to get through a door.  The long sleeve sheaths at the  Oscars  just seemed to be a bit dowdy.  Any thoughts?

Book of the Week

 When I was a young girl, the Swiss health clinics were one of the  perks of the very rich that included Greta Garbo and   Elizabeth Taylor.   From injections of embryonic lamb cells  to  long   soaks in hot minerals baths, these remedies were standard for the rich and famous over 40.  So when I saw “The Swiss Secret to Optimal Health” by Dr Thomas Rau on the pile of discount books, I  plucked up  a copy for myself.

The first third of the book is pretty  dense science.  I know that I can be a science wonk, but these long discussions on  lymph glands, hyperacidity, and  toxic load  put me into an  infomation haze.   When  Dr Rau actually got to his Swiss Detox Diet , I finally began to understand  how its concepts actually worked.  The basis of his approach   is focused on increasing the alkalinity of the body which he  believes can  treat  everything  from allergies to cancer.  It  is very similar to the approach of  Crazy Sexy Cancer by Kris Carr  but not nearly as much fun.   However  the last third of  Dr Rau’s  book has a  useful collection of recipes that help the body reduce toxins and restore PH balance.  They are also easy to do and genuinely tasty.  Most were gluten free and dishes like Asian baked cod and zucchini lasagna were so good, no one believed they were from a detox style diet book.

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Its Fashion Flash Monday!

This week Moving Free with Mirabai ishosting Fashion Flash  and  her advice could not come at a better time.  Freezing February weather  has sent my usual fitness routine into hibernation.  Mirabai  has literally dozens of  exercise  programs to deal with every need at every exercise level.   And if you have back of knee problems  her  chair exercise  CD’s  will take away  any excuse to avoid exercise.

I first  met Lois Joy Johnson, author of  The Wardrobe Wakeup  when I was working with branding guru Faith Popcorn and she was the beauty editor at Ladies Home Journal.   She often talked about doing a book on style and  now its finally here– and it was worth the wait.   Even better  its about  dressing beautifully  over forty.  I love her approach to fashion that  combines clear lines that deliver a big impact.

She helps you shop from your closet to use what you already have  and what to look for  if you  need to update   your wardrobe.  She has  great explanations for   terms  like “black tie” and “cocktail party” for the 40 plus  body, giving real examples that are simple to follow. For example  she says that black tie means “you are going to the Oscars as a guest, not a nominee”.

For  “business attire”  Johnson recommends adding a one or two dressy embellishments like a silky blouse or a wow necklace to your every day work wear.  And  Johnson   finally has given me a real sense of what to wear when the invite says–” casual chic”.  Johnson suggests  a knit dress with python shoes and a stack of colorful bangles.  Now I get it.

The book is packed with  new  fashion insights– or at least they are new to me. She convinced me that a  one shoulder dress is better than strapless when  you’re no longer an ingenue.Wardrobe Wakeup  uses real life  women to model the clothes.  They have hips, busts,  a few lines, and look  absolutely beautiful.

One final thought.  Wardrobe Wakeup is also the quintessential book on New York Style.  People often ask me  how New Yorkers look so chic.  This book tells you how its done.

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