It is hard to understand how women could forego their pretty dresses for holes and more holes?????? When the trend first started there was only one hole on the knee or back, but now there more holes than fabric.
Please leave a comment and tell us know what you think happened!
And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!
Brigitte
Today being Black Friday you might be out shopping – so while you are out there this would be a good moment to look for a new coat – saying this I am really talking to one of my good friends who came to visit me a few weeks ago.
One morning while putting on her red coat she said, “Isn’t it amazing – this coat is 24 years old and still holding up” (just barely was my thought) she went on to say, “Amy – that is her daughter – thinks it looks awful, and I should get a new one. But why should I, I think this is perfect. What do you think?”
Since I was in agreement with Amy, and can’t lie, I hid behind Amy and told her, “Maybe Amy is right. A new coat will make you feel and look better.”
My friend is not the only one who I have heard say that a garment is still holding up after x-years. And it is usually said with great pride, making me wonder why some women are so proud of owning old cloth. Here are some considerations that might help to get rid of them:
I would like to add to the last point that even if all of the above were not true we have to accept that over the years we have changed – put on some weight, lost some weight, became a little older – and what was suitable 10 years ago is no longer becoming, because our cloth do not change with us.
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Maybe my friend will read this and realize that the world is full of beautiful coats with which she can replace that too short, too tight, faded 24 year- old friend of hers.
And Never forget – A Smile Changes everything!
Brigitte
Women have gone through great lengths and extreme discomfort to enhance their figures. But we’ve come a long way from suffocating corsets and cumbersome girdles. Today’s shapewear is more comfortable than ever and can take years off your appearance.
Nothing makes you look more matronly than a drooping chest. Today’s bra’s are extraordinary and can give just enough lift and support without making you look too busty. They also can help correct upper-back posture and stooping shoulders.
These camisole tops smooth back fat and tighten the waistline. They also prevent the dreaded “muffin tops” and will prevent you from slouching. These are great for active women because they’re less confining than traditional girdles and corsets.
Bum-shapers abound. Some lift, separate, or even add a little extra padding. Most also help flatten the tummy with lower abdomen panels.
Panty-hose can help cover and support your legs, buttocks, and lower belly. Just follow these guidelines about wearing pantyhose before choosing which kind to buy.
Some people believe that wearing a corset or trainer will shrink the waist and melt the flab. Whether or not this is true, a corset or waist-trainer will give the appearance of a slim waistline. This type of shapewear is excellent for lower-back posture, especially for women who sit all day. Who knows? You might lose weight if you wear it during mealtimes because you won’t be able to overeat!
Full body-shapers come in the form of a bodysuit. They might be legless, with short legs, or with a skirt. Full-body shapers combine all the aforementioned shapers in one for a smooth silhouette from head to toe.
Don’t be afraid to try some of these options out!
And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!
Brigitte
Nylons, stockings, hosiery – whatever we called them, pantyhose were essentials of a woman’s wardrobe. However, you might have noticed that with each passing year, the essential pantyhose that we wore with skirts and dresses (even shorts) has dwindled. Bare legs are popular now and pantyhose sales have dropped by more than half in the past decades. Tights, the thicker cousin of pantyhose, are still popular in the colder months, but summertime nylons are seen less and less. Our dependable friend to cover blemishes, bruises, and veins is being phased out.
What about those of us whose gams need a little coverage and support? Are pantyhose a total fashion taboo? Can we still wear them without dating ourselves?
The best way to wear pantyhose is to not draw attention to them. Here are a few guidelines to go by.
Do you still wear pantyhose? What’s your favorite outfit to wear them with? Leave your comments below.
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And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!
Brigitte
As much as we worship the sun, the sun is not our best friend – especially not while we get older and our eyes get more sensitive – luckily sunglasses come to the rescue. But more than a protection they have become an important fashion accessories and therefore, change with fashion trends, which means buying a new pair often – like every summer. However, beware of cheap ones. The twelve-dollar version, or the ones sold by street vendors don’t look as good as a pair that costs thirty dollars or more, or is a designer’s latest model. Cheap glasses lack refinement, styling and finish, and they don’t stand up to daily wear and tear. The lenses scratch so easily that you soon think you’ve had them for years.
Clean your sunglasses often. They should be shiny and sparkling – dull lenses detract from their appeal. And to get the best shine make a paste from talcum powder (baby powder) and water. Rub the glasses – not just the lenses also the frames – with this paste, rinse and polish – and voila – like new.
And in the event you wear prescription glasses, you might consider getting transition glasses, also called photochromic lenses which become sunglasses when in the sun. A few years ago my optometrist suggested it and it works very well – besides it gives me an excuse to bring my glasses up-to-date more often.
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And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!
Brigitte
The 80-Year-Old Runway Model Reshaping China’s Views on Aging
BEIJING — Before cranking up the techno at his 80th birthday party, the man known as China’s hottest grandpa paused from his D.J. duties to poke fun at the staid traditional celebrations for the elderly in a country that venerates old age.
“I should wear a long robe, with the word ‘longevity’ embroidered on the front,” the birthday boy, Wang Deshun, said at his party in September. Far from looking old and frail, the silver-haired actor, model and artist wore a crisp white shirt and black jeans, his back straight and his eyes glittering with humor.
“Two young maidens should help me into an old-style wooden chair,” he continued, pretending to dodder. “On a table in front of me there should be peaches,” a symbol of longevity, “and my students should kowtow, wishing me a good birthday.”
“So, what am I doing today? My students from 30 years ago are putting on a fashion show, and I’m the D.J.,” he said, signaling the start of the show with a thudding techno mix.
Determined to avoid mental and physical stagnation, Mr. Wang has constantly explored new skills and ideas while devoting ample time to daily exercise. Last year, at 79, he walked the runway for the first time, his physique at his age causing a national sensation. He takes obvious joy in subverting
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A role model for all mankind!
And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything
Brigitte
If you are like me and you like looking at pretty things, including pretty, well-dressed women this is a little reminder not to forget ourselves. The French have a lovely expression when looking at a beautiful woman – ‘se rinser l’oil’ – it means ‘to feast your eyes.’
And if you tell me that I am putting too much emphasize on appearance, stop and think a minute – doesn’t the first impression influence us in forming an opinion about a person? Of course this is nothing new.
Here are a quotes going back as far as the eighteenth-century.
‘Dress changes the manner’ – French philosopher Voltaire
‘People who can’t get it together are uninterested in themselves’ – American designer Halston
‘A respectable appearance is sufficient to make people more interested in your soul’ – French Designer Karl Lagerfeld
‘The clothes we wear send a message about how the world perceives us’ – Tim Gunn from Project Runway (Maybe it was one of your favorite programs?)
Now looking our best does not happen by itself. Not even the models smiling down at us from the pages of magazines get up in the morning looking glamorous. But we all know they have a lot of help before they are photographed for the pages of Vogue. And even women who are not models, and that is most of us, need a little help. And the person to help you, is you.
Take some time to create the picture you want the world to see — and wouldn’t it be nice if somebody would feast their eyes on you?
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And never forget- A Smile Changes Everything!
Brigitte
If you ever needed proof that style is ageless, look no further than Bo Gilbert – Vogue’s first 100-year-old model who has just landed a covetable modelling gig.
Never Forget – A Smile Changes Everything
Brigitte
Ready to Live Longer 