HOW NOT TO LOOK OLD - Charla Krupp

I would have written this book if I could.

"How Not to Look Old" is the beauty and style bible every woman has been waiting for, a sort of cheat sheet of to-dos and fast fixes that pay off big time. It's written by style expert Charla Krupp.
After years of owning my own boutique and working with women of various shapes and sizes, we ALL have the same insecurities. We don't mind growing old , we just truly don't want to look bad while growing old.

Pic -ANGELA BASSETT - 55

A few weeks ago, I overheard a woman say " I am old, I am fat and I am broke!" Yikes

Read this book and then hopefully we will never have to use those words in a sentence ever. One at a time perhaps, hopefully not, but all three together - hopefully never!

In her book, she writes -
All right, I’m just going to come out and say it. Aging sucks. As my generation of women hits 40, 50, 60, we are for the first time discovering things about our faces and bodies that we never noticed before. Icky things like age spots, crow’s-feet, gray hair, chin hair, marionette lines, saggy boobs, spider veins, bunions — need I go on? I don’t think so. You know what I’m talking about. The question is: What are you — what are we — going to do about it? We’re going to fight aging — and we’re going to have a blast while doing it.
View an excerpt from MSNBC

Oprah has interviewed this style maven a few times and her style advice for older women are gems.

She even suggests makeup tips for women of an ahem "certain age".

Click here to view a selection of make up and beauty items.

MONEY OR GOOD TASTE??? ....

BLING!!! The sight of the Duchess of Cornwall taking the trend all the way with those five strands of diamonds, Boucheron tiara and earrings, stopped me in my tracks. Yikes.

It certainly resulted in a triumphant regal look for a Ugandan state occasion, though possibly not advisable for trying at home.
Fashion now tends toward overload only on one part of the anatomy at a time - multiple necklaces or bracelets, in the main. Mainly, though, the question is one not of prescription but of judgment in style, which I fear is not a natural attribute of Camilla.

Oh Well! Just call her MC Camilla. Like everything, good taste is so much more impresive than money anyday.

DESIGNER JEANS AND LOW WAISTLINES ... The only way is up!

The other problem is what fashion has done to their shape in the last half-decade, viz the pelvic-cut contagion that has swept the market.

But now things - waistbands in particular - are looking up. The arrival of the new "high-rise" jean earlier this year brought a glimmer of hope - though admittedly it was tempered by a fear of Simon Cowell-type waistlines that lasted well into the 1990s (check any photos of Diana, Princess of Wales in jeans for proof).

On close inspection, though, this latest swing of fashion isn't a repeat of the past, and nor is it going in just the one direction. Waists might be up (in some designs), but now they come attached to skinnies, flares, parallels, bell-bottoms, boy-cuts, ankle-crops, jodhpur-jeans, rocker spray-ons, you name it. The only way to get back into the fray is with proper guidance.
Still, shopping online can't guarantee perfect tooling for the unique chassis you happen to be blessed with. Welcome to denim hell.
The most fashionable jean of the moment - is a pair of Californian J Brand 22-inch bellbottoms, with a crucial 10-inch rise.
Plain, dark, flattering. Makes thighs look thin, but you have to dress differently. You need a heel and a tucked-in top. These are J Brand 814 High Rise Jean - As Seen On Ellen Pompeo!

Like J Brand (styled by Susie Crippen), James Jean is another brand engineered for women by a woman, Seun Lim, in California. In what used to be a ruggedly male-dominated specialist world, I can't help seeing a pattern emerging here - and about time, too.


Above, is the Hunter High Rise Straight Leg in Mercury
Known for their angled back pockets that gives a slimming and uplifted appearance to your rear, James Jeans truly have an amazing fit. The Hunter High Rise Straight Leg in Mercury is a flattering and unique jean. The jeans are a lighter wash and feature the signature James Jeans pockets with a floral grey design.

53 WAYS TO GIVE YOUR IMAGE A LIFT IN 2008

It doesn't matter if you are 30,40,50 or 60, your looks and image could use a little tweaking every year, to prevent you from looking predictable and eventaually boring.Aside from undergoing a major transformation in 2008, here are 53 simple ways to give your looks a lift in 2008.

For me, 2008 is the year to:

1. Buy great pajamas. I will wear nice pyjamas and a nice robe. I think this sets the mood for yourself through the evening and ultimately reflects in how you treat yourself all day.I love this playful set by Betsey Johnson. Available from figleaves.com


2. Buy something luxurious - These luxurious and yet practical gloves by Roberto Cavalli ought to do the trick. At $98, I wont have to explain.



3. Update make up -Check out the top beauty trends for 2008
   



4. Not go on another diet. I will eat right and exercise with a partner. Easier said than done but I have realised I cannot do this on my own.



5. Get a great fitting pair of jeans. Imagine if you walked into a denim store and ALL of the jeans that did not fit you dissappeared! Yes, Tue Jeans does that. You enter your measurements and they give you jeans that fit. Check out TRUE JEANS -Forever change the way you shop for jeans. Modernize your look, Flaunt your assets with flared jeans from livenatty.com.
   
   
6. Buy comfortable great looking boots. Last year I wore these expensive designer flats and my feet were ripped to shreds on the outside. These boots are regularly $695 now $347.5


or these Jessica Simpson version at $142.5


7. Buy something plaid - (see above) available from shopbop.com
   
8. Buy a dress - Dresses are still huge for Fall and this trend will continue into Spring 2008.
   This gold cocktail is my favorite but you can find all kinds of gorgeous dresses at
eDressMe - dresses for all occasions


9. Buy something patent - like these Jean-Michel Cazabat Terry Stretch Patent Bootie. The evening-worthy bootie we've been craving in on-trend patent.Stretch, patent-leather bootie with Mary-Jane pump and ankle strap detail. 3.75" stiletto heel.


10. Buy good underwear - Throw out everything that does not fit. If you hang onto bad underwear, you will wear them!

Make good use of their
Bra fitting guide at HerRoom.com

STEALS AND DEALS ON JACKETS!

The stores are chockful of deals right now but one rule of being well put together at all times has an awful lot to do with your outerwear. You can chic up any outfit with the right jacket- Easy effortless dressing. Right coat + right sunglasses + great handbag / simple jeans and top + gorgeous. Try it. Oops I forgot, great lipstick:) and great smile!


This great wool and cashmere coat by Donna Karan is a timeless investment.Black wool and cashmere blended double breasted belted trench coat from DKNY
Shell: 70% wool, 20% nylon, 10% cashmere
Lining: 100% polyester
Was $400 now $149.5

Available at
Shop.com

This gorgeous Samantha coat by Trovata will be one of the sexiest pieces of winterwear in your closet. A strong cut in the shoulders further emphasizes that more refined torso shape, while the detailing on the back waistband helps maintain that more feminine cut. Dont let cold weather stop you from looking cute!
$586 now $381

This Theory Panya jacket is a great addition to
your core wardrobe.

$695 now $347
Available at
shopbop.com





Reyes Hooded Jacket with Fox Trim
A utilitarian style takes a sublimely luxe turn.Felt jacket with patent patch and 3-snap closure at bust. Snap-flap and zipper pockets at front. Detachable, fox fur trim at hood and drawstring at bottom hem. Elastic banding at cuffs. Long sleeves. Lined. Pair with jeans or tailored pants.
Available at shopbop.com

$980 now $490

Animal-Lined Trench Coat - Double-breasted trench has a fabulous touch:exotic animal-print lining! Notch collar button-down chest flaps. Buckle belt princess seams and buckle-tab cuffs for fit. Polyester/rayon garbardine. Dry clean. Imported. Even at $99, we thought it was a steal, now $79.00

Available at Shop.com

AVON GOES HOLLYWOOD??

I'm sorry, I will discuss clothes in a minute but I am currently in this skin care obsession period. I for one have always loved Avon ( I also like Tupperware). My thrill is cheap makeup and Avon has always carried great items that can be compared with high end names any day.
Fast forward - Avon eye renewal cream - potent product!
The cream tightens the upper eyelid and reduces dark circles and puffiness under the eyes.
Avon has constantly and consistently promoted this product and even included it in Hollywood swag bags at events. ONLY $28.
If that was not cheap enough, look at this promotion -ANEW Stock Up & Save on any 3 for $19.99 at AVON!
Read the reviews on their site.
Happy 2008 and may all your skin care dreams come true.

GREAT DEALS ONLINE!

Here's a chance to spruce up your wardrobe for a fraction of the price!

CLOTHING

30% to 75% Off Women's Designer Fashion at Tobi!







Up to an Extra 40% Off on YOOX.COM





Save 70% on Top Brands at shopbop.com!




HANDBAGS, JEWELRY AND ACCESSORIES

Save $10 on all orders over $125 at Forzieri
Enter coupon code: 907301
Expires: February 1st 2008

BEAUTY

$10 off $60 at Beauty.com!


If you love the line of Dermadoctor products, (I do) here is a chance to save-
$10 off orders over $80! Checkout Code: LINK80 Expires: 1-10-08


LINGERIE AND INTIMATES


Check out the Clearance Section at Maidenform.com for 30% off our already discounted prices.

For harder to fit bra sizes, up to a JJ cup, check out the Lingerie Sale going on now - including plus sizes !Bras, Shapers, Lingerie and more at Bigger bras.


NOW, LETS START 2008 looking great!