Thursday, April 8, 2010
...New York Cool
Kim Hasteiter, co-editor of Paper magazine, is featured on the front page of this week’s ThursdayStyles in the New York Times. The 58-year-old is known for her talent for spotting what's new in art, design and fashion as well as for throwing parties with guests from all “walks”—artists, designers, athletes, movie stars, cabaret characters and so forth. The NY Times reporter seems amazed that someone who remembers Madonna before 'Like A Virgin' is still breathing, much less a powerful figure in Manhattan's culture scene. Still, it was nice to see an woman over 50 being recognized for her contributions to art and culture and referred to as perhaps "the coolest person in New York." My favorite line in the article: "Community and creativity 'always trump shallowness and hype in the end,' Ms. Hasteiter added. 'I die for that.'” Very cool. For full story, go to Paper Magazine Editor is Powerful, but No Power Snob.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Spring 2010: Gone Camping
With every new fashion season, the question on my mind is always the same: Which trends will look good on the over 50 woman? Luckily, there are always styles that are perfect for older women. Sometimes, in fact, it seems as if the designers had us in mind. (Of course, they didn’t. If they did, they might use an older model now and again.) Unlike our younger counterparts, who seem compelled to project a single, uniform image—the 'this minute' look for the 20-something woman—we can pick and choose from the season’s trends, mix them with our closet favorites, and create our own personal style. That’s the great thing about being older—there’s no single ‘look’ for the 50-something woman! Instead, we can focus on what’s really important: styles that flatter our 50+ bodies and feel good.
When navigating the new season’s fashions, it’s important to know when to go full speed towards a trend and when put on the brakes. A few of spring 2010 fashion trends are no-brainers when it comes to slamming on the brakes. For example, this spring’s cheerleader skirts? I don’t think so. I never carried a pom-pom and I have no regrets. Ditto for the military jackets.
Instead of the military look, some designers and labels have seized on the camp look. Camp shirts, short-sleeve shirtwaist dresses, Bermuda shorts and webbed belt are de rigueur. Neutral hues—olive, browns and beige—are the standout colors this spring. If you’re a “Fall Colors” person—someone whose complexion has golden undertones and, consequently, looks great in beige, camel, and dark brown—you’re in luck this season. Plus, I imagine the spring 2010 neutrals will take you straight through September.
Just be careful: Too much of the “camp” trend, dressing head to toe in camp shirts and shorts, might make you look like a demented Brownie.
Also…too much camper styling might make you look masculine. At our age, sagging often starts to erase the well-defined femininity of our younger faces and bodies. You can combat this by wearing feminine accessories. If you choose a camp shirt, for instance, try wearing it with a camisole or a pretty necklace. Also, pick a camp shirt that is tailored, like the one above. As our waistlines widen, many of us look for tops that are boxy to hide beneath. But boxy just makes you look bigger and macho. I'm not saying to buy something skin-tight. But choose a top that falls comfortably on your form, not engulfs it in massive amounts of material.
When navigating the new season’s fashions, it’s important to know when to go full speed towards a trend and when put on the brakes. A few of spring 2010 fashion trends are no-brainers when it comes to slamming on the brakes. For example, this spring’s cheerleader skirts? I don’t think so. I never carried a pom-pom and I have no regrets. Ditto for the military jackets.
Instead of the military look, some designers and labels have seized on the camp look. Camp shirts, short-sleeve shirtwaist dresses, Bermuda shorts and webbed belt are de rigueur. Neutral hues—olive, browns and beige—are the standout colors this spring. If you’re a “Fall Colors” person—someone whose complexion has golden undertones and, consequently, looks great in beige, camel, and dark brown—you’re in luck this season. Plus, I imagine the spring 2010 neutrals will take you straight through September.
Just be careful: Too much of the “camp” trend, dressing head to toe in camp shirts and shorts, might make you look like a demented Brownie.
Also…too much camper styling might make you look masculine. At our age, sagging often starts to erase the well-defined femininity of our younger faces and bodies. You can combat this by wearing feminine accessories. If you choose a camp shirt, for instance, try wearing it with a camisole or a pretty necklace. Also, pick a camp shirt that is tailored, like the one above. As our waistlines widen, many of us look for tops that are boxy to hide beneath. But boxy just makes you look bigger and macho. I'm not saying to buy something skin-tight. But choose a top that falls comfortably on your form, not engulfs it in massive amounts of material.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Not So Pricey Designs
I received a BCBGMAXAZARIA Spring 2010 Collection catalog in the mail this week and was surprised to discover a selection of dresses for under $150. Actually, I was shocked. The designer was also offering plenty of garments and accessories in the $300-$500 range, much of which was strapless or plunging to the navel and hemmed around the upper thigh. But there were some reasonably priced, original designs suitable for the over 50 figure. Is the designer responding to our dismal economic situation or has it always offered less pricey designs?
Case in point: Front Twisted Printed Dress for $148.00
What’s great about this dress: Boat neck, gathered above the waistline, draped over the tummy, and roomy around the hips and thighs.
The BCBGMAXAZARIA catalog got me wondering: Are other well-known designers—ones that I thought were untouchable on my budget—showing clothing for under $150? Well, an initial web search has revealed that most designers are still selling their wares at astronomical prices. However, there are a few designers and reputable labels that are offering garments at relatively modest prices.
Asymmetric Zip Trench
For example...
Ralph Lauren has the “Lauren” line, which offers nicely made garments at reasonable prices. In addition, the designer's website has lots things on sale, including fun jackets to perk up any outfit. I like the Eleanor Stretch Denim Jacket on sale for $99 and the Quintanna Cotton Jacket on sale for $124.99.
Calvin Klein has a section called Great Finds for Under $50. This section includes a trendy camp shirt and graphic Ts as well as the man's signature jeans.
Tommy Hilfiger has a range of prices for tops, bottoms, dresses and jackets as well as an “Under $100” category.
Anne Klein has lots of fun jackets and outerwear on sale. I've included a few examples (pictured above and below). AK has taken classic styles, like the trench and blazer, and added an asymmetric zipper or big buttons. The jackets are stylish and very feminine--perfect for women over 50. Below is a sampling. Yes, the models are mere babes, so you'll have to use your imagination.
3/4 Sleeve Button Front Jacket
Linen Blazer
Linen Asymmetrical Wrap Jacket
Case in point: Front Twisted Printed Dress for $148.00
What’s great about this dress: Boat neck, gathered above the waistline, draped over the tummy, and roomy around the hips and thighs.
The BCBGMAXAZARIA catalog got me wondering: Are other well-known designers—ones that I thought were untouchable on my budget—showing clothing for under $150? Well, an initial web search has revealed that most designers are still selling their wares at astronomical prices. However, there are a few designers and reputable labels that are offering garments at relatively modest prices.
Asymmetric Zip Trench
For example...
Ralph Lauren has the “Lauren” line, which offers nicely made garments at reasonable prices. In addition, the designer's website has lots things on sale, including fun jackets to perk up any outfit. I like the Eleanor Stretch Denim Jacket on sale for $99 and the Quintanna Cotton Jacket on sale for $124.99.
Calvin Klein has a section called Great Finds for Under $50. This section includes a trendy camp shirt and graphic Ts as well as the man's signature jeans.
Tommy Hilfiger has a range of prices for tops, bottoms, dresses and jackets as well as an “Under $100” category.
Anne Klein has lots of fun jackets and outerwear on sale. I've included a few examples (pictured above and below). AK has taken classic styles, like the trench and blazer, and added an asymmetric zipper or big buttons. The jackets are stylish and very feminine--perfect for women over 50. Below is a sampling. Yes, the models are mere babes, so you'll have to use your imagination.
3/4 Sleeve Button Front Jacket
Linen Blazer
Linen Asymmetrical Wrap Jacket
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Over 50 Online Dating
In my last post, I shared some style tips for dating after 50 gathered from single, 50+ women. In the process of getting those tips, my dating friends offered some advice on using online dating sites. Here are those tips as well as a few more fashions for the over 50 woman getting together with someone she's met online for the first time. Whether you choose something more dressy, like the clothing in my previous post, or a casual top like the ones shown below will, of course, depend on your personal style.
When it comes to dating over 50, the important thing is to keep a positive attitude. According to US Census Bureau, almost 40% of Americans who are 45 or older are single. No doubt, the group consists of more women than men. Still, it’s encouraging. You are not alone out there!
Organic Cotton Shirt
How exactly are you supposed to find all these 45 and older men? Unless you’re in a retirement community already or one of those restricted "55 or older" condomium community, you’re unlikely to find a large pool of people the same age. I’ve known women who’ve held out for that miracle meet at work or through a social connection, night class, volunteer work or, perhaps, at the gym. By and large, they haven’t found anyone. If you’re a 50+ woman who’s left the workplace to raise kids, you might not even have a job. Volunteer work might put 60+ woman in touch with civic-minded, retired 70 year olds, but most of my 50ish friends want someone a little younger—if possible. And do over 50 women feel flirty in their sweaty exercise togs at the gym? I can't imagine it.
That leaves online dating. At last count, I saw about 20 online dating websites. Interestingly, half of the sites were directed towards dating for men and women over 50. Everyone I talked to has a different opinion on which is the best. Fortunately, online dating services tend to offer free trials, so you can see which one suits your needs.
I’ve interspersed a few tops for the first "face-to-face" meeting with an online guy among the online dating tips below. My previous posting (“Dating Over 50: What to Wear?”) talks a little more about date styling. It's pretty basic stuff. The over 50 woman going on a first date should wear something flattering and comfortable. Personally, I love the classic collared shirt (above) in white or a pastel color. It looks great, especially on women with nice legs. Pair it with a nice pair of jeans and you're good to go. Something feminine is also good. But too much cleavage may seem a little desperate. (I’m not sure too much cleavage after 50 is a good idea—ever.) Perhaps, something like this feminine ruffled blouse.
Dot Print Ruffle Blouse
ONLINE DATING Do’s and Don’t’s
Don’t get discouraged by how many men our age don’t want to date women over 35. I say, “Thanks for letting me know up front that you’re one of those men.” Note: In researching this post, I came across a dating site called http://www.50plussinglesdating.com/ 50 Plus Singles Dating and was astonished to see four couples, three with women well under 50, pictured on the home page.
Do convey your personality in as few words as possible when completing your profile. I’m a writer and I know: words are easily misinterpreted. Avoid misunderstandings by writing simply and concisely. And make sure your tone is upbeat. Online dating may seem a little depressing and unromantic, but try to convey a positive outlook.
Do enlist the help of a trusted friend when filling out your profile. It’s sometimes hard to describe yourself in depth (some profiles are quite lengthy!). A good friend can help you list all your wonderful attributes, in the event you draw a blank or are hesitant to writing about yourself.
Don’t fall into the ‘passing emails’ trap. I had a friend who exchanged emails with a guy for a month before she meet him. Apparently, he was very witty in his emails and she had high hopes. They met at a bar for a glass of wine. It turned out he wasn’t her type physically and he wasn’t funny in person. She’d wasted a month on a dead end. If you see/read about someone that interests you, arrange to meet in person as soon as possible. You need to find out if there’s chemistry and that only happens in person.
Do plan to meet somewhere away from where you live. That way, you’re less likely to run into him again, if the first date is unsuccessful.
Do tell someone (a friend or sibling) where/when you’re meeting the guy and that you will call afterwards. It’s always good to err on the side of safety.
Don’t make a big deal out of the date. Your biological time clock has expired. You don’t have to worry about meeting Mr. Right—the man who will give you children and be a devoted husband and father. Enjoy the adventure; enjoy meeting new people. Here's an outfit (below) you might want to consider: A simple shell with a floral wrap. Color is always a good idea. A colorful scarf or wrap is upbeat without being too much.
Garden Floral Wrap, Ships 5/6
Do plan, if possible, to go on several ‘first dates’ with different men at the same time. It’s best not to expect perfection the first time out. If one ‘first date’ is a dead end, you’ll appreciate having other ‘first dates’ to look forward to.
Do plan an activity for the second date. Simply going out to dinner on a second date puts a lot of pressure on the two of you to make conversation. Instead, go to a play, concert or art exhibit—something that can fuel the conversation. Afterwards, go for a bite to eat or a drink—you’ll have a lot more to talk about.
Good luck!
When it comes to dating over 50, the important thing is to keep a positive attitude. According to US Census Bureau, almost 40% of Americans who are 45 or older are single. No doubt, the group consists of more women than men. Still, it’s encouraging. You are not alone out there!
Organic Cotton Shirt
How exactly are you supposed to find all these 45 and older men? Unless you’re in a retirement community already or one of those restricted "55 or older" condomium community, you’re unlikely to find a large pool of people the same age. I’ve known women who’ve held out for that miracle meet at work or through a social connection, night class, volunteer work or, perhaps, at the gym. By and large, they haven’t found anyone. If you’re a 50+ woman who’s left the workplace to raise kids, you might not even have a job. Volunteer work might put 60+ woman in touch with civic-minded, retired 70 year olds, but most of my 50ish friends want someone a little younger—if possible. And do over 50 women feel flirty in their sweaty exercise togs at the gym? I can't imagine it.
That leaves online dating. At last count, I saw about 20 online dating websites. Interestingly, half of the sites were directed towards dating for men and women over 50. Everyone I talked to has a different opinion on which is the best. Fortunately, online dating services tend to offer free trials, so you can see which one suits your needs.
I’ve interspersed a few tops for the first "face-to-face" meeting with an online guy among the online dating tips below. My previous posting (“Dating Over 50: What to Wear?”) talks a little more about date styling. It's pretty basic stuff. The over 50 woman going on a first date should wear something flattering and comfortable. Personally, I love the classic collared shirt (above) in white or a pastel color. It looks great, especially on women with nice legs. Pair it with a nice pair of jeans and you're good to go. Something feminine is also good. But too much cleavage may seem a little desperate. (I’m not sure too much cleavage after 50 is a good idea—ever.) Perhaps, something like this feminine ruffled blouse.
Dot Print Ruffle Blouse
ONLINE DATING Do’s and Don’t’s
Don’t get discouraged by how many men our age don’t want to date women over 35. I say, “Thanks for letting me know up front that you’re one of those men.” Note: In researching this post, I came across a dating site called http://www.50plussinglesdating.com/ 50 Plus Singles Dating and was astonished to see four couples, three with women well under 50, pictured on the home page.
Do convey your personality in as few words as possible when completing your profile. I’m a writer and I know: words are easily misinterpreted. Avoid misunderstandings by writing simply and concisely. And make sure your tone is upbeat. Online dating may seem a little depressing and unromantic, but try to convey a positive outlook.
Do enlist the help of a trusted friend when filling out your profile. It’s sometimes hard to describe yourself in depth (some profiles are quite lengthy!). A good friend can help you list all your wonderful attributes, in the event you draw a blank or are hesitant to writing about yourself.
Don’t fall into the ‘passing emails’ trap. I had a friend who exchanged emails with a guy for a month before she meet him. Apparently, he was very witty in his emails and she had high hopes. They met at a bar for a glass of wine. It turned out he wasn’t her type physically and he wasn’t funny in person. She’d wasted a month on a dead end. If you see/read about someone that interests you, arrange to meet in person as soon as possible. You need to find out if there’s chemistry and that only happens in person.
Do plan to meet somewhere away from where you live. That way, you’re less likely to run into him again, if the first date is unsuccessful.
Do tell someone (a friend or sibling) where/when you’re meeting the guy and that you will call afterwards. It’s always good to err on the side of safety.
Don’t make a big deal out of the date. Your biological time clock has expired. You don’t have to worry about meeting Mr. Right—the man who will give you children and be a devoted husband and father. Enjoy the adventure; enjoy meeting new people. Here's an outfit (below) you might want to consider: A simple shell with a floral wrap. Color is always a good idea. A colorful scarf or wrap is upbeat without being too much.
Garden Floral Wrap, Ships 5/6
Do plan, if possible, to go on several ‘first dates’ with different men at the same time. It’s best not to expect perfection the first time out. If one ‘first date’ is a dead end, you’ll appreciate having other ‘first dates’ to look forward to.
Do plan an activity for the second date. Simply going out to dinner on a second date puts a lot of pressure on the two of you to make conversation. Instead, go to a play, concert or art exhibit—something that can fuel the conversation. Afterwards, go for a bite to eat or a drink—you’ll have a lot more to talk about.
Good luck!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Dating After 50: What to Wear?
For this post, I've gathered a few tips on choosing a "first date" outfit as well as some fashions available online. Sorry about all the young babes. But there aren't many dress makers using older women as models...yet.
FIRST DATE STYLE DO's AND DON'Ts
Do plan your first date after sunset—that’s the best lighting for our mature complexions. A bar or café with candlelight is an excellent choice. It’s like a fog filter! Let the guy get to know you a little bit, soak in your many attributes, before you show yourself in the light of day.
Do choose a ‘first date’ outfit as soon as you complete your online dating profile. That way, when you start dating, you won’t drive yourself mad trying to decide what to wear. Where you go for the second date may vary, but the first date should always be an “easy in, easy out” location like a coffee shop, bar or café—someplace you can meet for an hour (or less) to see if there’s any chemistry.
Do wear an outfit that makes you look like a million bucks. Most men love it when women dress up a little for them. That may mean a nice top and slacks or a simple dress. Just make sure it’s something you feel comfortable in. Only you know what makes you feel gorgeous and confident. A wrap dress flatters just about every body shape. This Jones New York Rose Faux Wrap Dress,
Or, perhaps, you feel most comfortable with a feminine top and a pair of slacks. I love this Michael Stars Slub 1x1 3/4 Sleeve Drape Neck Tee
If you like a collar, but don't want to look corporate, a denim suit is a casual alternative.
Chambray-Shirt
Or the colorful cardigan with camisole is always reliable. Too blah? Try adding a pretty necklace.
Cashmere-Round-Neck-Cardigan
Do dress honestly. If you’re not looking to jump into bed right away, don’t wear something with a plunging neckline or that’s skintight on the first date. By the same token, if you aren’t a sweet and demure Donna Reed type, don’t wear a high-neck, calico dress with pearls. Try to give a true first impression.
Don’t wear something new for the first date. If you don't feel you have anything in your wardrobe, you might have to buy something new. But buy it and wear it a few times before the date to make sure it's comfortable and makes you feel gorgeous. Also, you don't want the outfit to only be associated with the first date. If the date goes poorly, the dress will have an unpleasant association.
Do go home and change, if your date is after work. You want to convey that you’re someone who loves life, who is fun to be around. Work clothes usually don’t convey that. A pretty dress will.
Don't think that first impressions won't count. There's no getting around: people form opinions based on how you look. Hopefully, your date will quickly put those first impressions aside as he learns about who you really are. But because of the oh so human behavior of judging based on appearance, you should think about what impression your outfit will give. For example, I don't think you should wear all black, show cleavage (that's always a no-no for over 50), or wear a big, loud print. All those things could potentially send a message other than the one you want to send.
You also don't want to wear something that draws attention to your little imperfection. You've got enough to think about on a first date. Personally, if I were planning to wear a sleeveless spring dress for a first date, I would wear a 3/4 sleeve shrug or sweater to cover up my over 50 arms. Or, perhaps, this Jones New York Long Sleeve Drape Front Cardigan
Good luck!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Fall 2010 Fashion Week
The Fall 2010 Fashion Week in New York City just wrapped up. Since I’ve made it my mission to find flattering styles for women over 50, I thought I’d take a sneak peek at what we’ll be seeing in the stores next fall. By and large, I don’t have occasion to wear runway designs. Most of them are like precious modern art—beautiful and provocative, but not exactly suited for office work or pizza night. (Case in point: the photos accompanying this post.) Also, it’s often hard for me to imagine myself in clothes worn by multi-story, toothpick girls. However, runway fashions do trickle down to designs for us mere mortals. And I’m happy to report that some of the fall designs will flatter the 50+ figure.
The designs I've posted here are fabulous, but awfully formal. If you'd like to see less formal wear,you can go to:
The official Mercedes Benz Fashion Week site http://mbfashionweek.com/newyork/
Or…
The New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/pages/fashion/index.html
The Times has a lot of fun stuff to look at like...
Fall 2010 trends at:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/09/09/fashion/TRENDSPOTTING_FW.html
Click on "See All Collections" to view designer collections. My favorites:
Ralph Lauren
http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/style/fashionweek/runway.html?ref=fashion#/fall_2010_lauren_ralph/slide_show
My husband doesn’t like Ralph Lauren’s clothing. “Ralph Lauren just steals from past styles,” he grumbles. If you look at RL’s fall 2010 collection, you might just agree with my hubby. The Times calls it “dark romance and Edwardian era.” The thing is, I like romantic and Edwardian (sans the tassel caps). At my age, flowing printed skirts and dark velvet jackets suit me better than the form-fitting mini-skirts and plunging necklines in, say, the Halston collection. And I’m confident that the Ralph Lauren designs will look good on women with a little more meat on their bones than the runway models. Personally, when it comes to fashion styles for women over 50, I’ll take derivative over cutting-edge vamp any day. And in response to my husband’s criticism of Ralph Lauren, I offer my favorite T.S. Elliot quote: “Good poets borrow. Great poets steal.”
Oscar de La Renta
http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/style/fashionweek/runway.html?ref=fashion#/fall_10_de_la_renta/slide_show
I like many of this collection’s pieces, though not the ones with fur trim. I get hot flashes just looking at those images. On the other hand, Photo #8 makes me think of Catherine Deneuve, who is high on my list of older women fashion icons. Other favorites: #13-17
And, finally, if you’re depressed these days because your aging feet won’t allow you to wear high heels anymore, check out this CNN video: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/offbeat/2010/02/16/moos.fashion.falls.cnn?iref=allsearch
Photo credit: J.T White shot these photos at the Fall 2010 Fashion Week for Patrick McMullen Company.
http://www.patrickmcmullen.com/site/index.aspx
http://johntwhite.carbonmade.com/
Snip, snip here. Snip, snip there
Jon Stewart is the cat’s meow! There, I’ve said it. I’ve been a diehard Daily Show fan for years and I finally went to a taping on Thursday night. What great fun! Before the show started, Stewart came out and fielded questions from the audience. The questions ranged from mildly serious political inquires to whether or not he has tattoos (he doesn’t). He said, “Aging is tattoo enough for me.” Amen, Brother Jon. One young woman asked: “If you were an animal, what animal would you be?” Without skipping a beat, Stewart asked the woman, “Do you have special powers? Because if you do and plan to turn me into that animal right now, before the show starts, well, I’d like to know.” Fortunately, the woman didn’t have special powers to use on Stewart (he’s adorable just as he is). Stewart’s answer: A polar bear with otter flippers. I guess a polar bear without special flippers would be too ho-hum. And certainly, there’s nothing ho-hum about my favorite fake news anchor. What does Jon Stewart and the Daily Show have to do with flattering the over 50 woman? Well, the show's taping was where this 50+ woman debuted her new haircut.
Yes, I can check ‘get a new hairstyle’ off my list of things to do in preparation for job hunting. On Tuesday, I went to a local salon, armed with Internet photos. “Don’t look at how beautiful the models are,” I instructed my hairdresser. “Just tell me if you think any of these ‘dos’ will do.” I wanted her to help me pick the best cut for my face’s shape and my hair’s texture. None of the hairstyles, by the way, were very radical. At appointment time, my hair was long, just below my shoulders (see ‘before’ illustration). It was thick and straight, sort of Janis Joplin style—not a flattering look for a 50+ woman. But I wasn’t about to ask for anything drastic, like a Twiggy cut (which I did in 1970!). My daring “take it off, take it all off” days are definitely behind me—at least for now.
After a brief hairdresser-client consultation, my hairdresser started snipping. She cut the longest ends to my shoulders and added lots of layers, some quite short. “The cut will make your hair lighter and more stylish,” she told me. I was concerned about adding “lots of layers.” I had read that layers accentuate the older woman’s frazzled, post-menopausal, over-processed locks. My hairdresser insisted that the short layers were going to be good for my hair. “I’m going to cut off all those dry ends,” she said.
So I put my hair in her hands. She used a photo of gorgeous Deborah Norville as her styling guide. The photo was from http://www.beautifulhairstyles.com/mature/. I’d seen a similar haircut described as a good choice for the woman with a square jaw or jowls—neither of which Deborah suffers from. I, on the other hand, have both annoying facial features. I’d also read that adding short layers to a long hairstyle was like giving your face a facelift. I like that idea, even if it is complete fantasy. My hairdresser said she would leave my hair a little longer
than the photo of Deborah this time. If I wanted, I could always have more taken off next time. That was fine with me.
I’m happy to report my new haircut is just what I wanted (see the ‘after’drawing). The short layers, particularly the ones that swish around my jaw, offer a little camouflage for my 50+ jowls.
If you’re thinking about redoing your do, you might want to consider the following “Hair-Dos and Don’ts.” It’s all common sense stuff. But then, a haircut isn’t brain surgery.
HAIR-DOs & DON’Ts...
DO go to a hairstylist who has a good reputation. If you really want a new do, you may have to go to someone new. Look at the cuts on your friends and acquaintances. Find out where they go. Don’t be afraid to ask a complete stranger in the supermarket where she got her great cut. She’ll be flattered.
DO go to a hairstylist who understands the concerns of the 50+ woman. My current hairstylist is a forty-something woman who understands the older woman’s changing hair texture, complexion, attitude and even body shape. Plus, I always like what she does with her other older clients.
DO take a photo (or a few) with you to the salon. Generally speaking, I find people, hairstylists included, aren’t very good at visualizing. They do much better if they have a picture to look at while you’re telling them what you like/don’t like.
DON’T make too many requests. For years, I told hairdressers, “Do what you think is best. But I have one request: I need my hair long enough to allow me to pull it back in a barrette sometimes.” Guess what? That one caveat has been the reason my hair has looked more or less the same for 10 years. This time I kept my mouth shut and finally got something a little different.
DO ask for something that is within your styling abilities. My styling abilities are limited, but I told my hairdresser I was willing to learn. She said I could learn with my new do. I’ve washed my hair twice since I got it cut and I’m still fussing, trying to get it to look good. I know I’ll never recreate the effect of a professional blowout, but I hope I can learn how to give some of the layers a swish here and there.
Don’t be afraid. Trust your hairdresser. It’s the only way you’ll walk out with something really new. If you’ve chosen an experienced hairdresser, s/he should be able to give you the cut in the photo you’ve chosen. If the hairdresser senses your apprehension, however, s/he may not give you the best haircut or the cut in the photo, but rather the one s/he thinks you can live with.
Do ask for a little light hair spray. Well, do consider it, especially if you get a medium or long cut. Light hair spray isn’t like the stuff our mothers’ used. It just gives enough hold to keep your professional blowout looking nice for a few days.
MORE TIPS ON CHANGING YOUR HAIRSTYLE...
Associated Content
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/247435/how_to_get_the_haircut_you_really_want.html?cat=69
Check out tip #4 about choosing your appointment time.
Beautyriot
http://www.beautyriot.com/article.php?id=1744
I agree with tip #1. I’ve often thought, “Maybe I’ll find a new style while I’m waiting for my hair dye to set. It’s never happened. As for tip #8, note-taking sounds like a good idea. But I wish I could take a video camera to my appointments. :)
Ladies’ Home Journal
http://www.lhj.com/style/hair/advice/get-a-great-haircut/
Tip #1 has validity, I think. Hairdressers have always told me to sit up straight. I guess I tend to cower when I’m placed in front of a huge mirror. :)
Tip #8 (p. 2) about coloring your hair after its cut is interesting. I’ve never heard that before. It seems a little excessive, but I really don’t know.
Epigee
http://www.epigee.org/beauty/haircut.html
Yes, I can check ‘get a new hairstyle’ off my list of things to do in preparation for job hunting. On Tuesday, I went to a local salon, armed with Internet photos. “Don’t look at how beautiful the models are,” I instructed my hairdresser. “Just tell me if you think any of these ‘dos’ will do.” I wanted her to help me pick the best cut for my face’s shape and my hair’s texture. None of the hairstyles, by the way, were very radical. At appointment time, my hair was long, just below my shoulders (see ‘before’ illustration). It was thick and straight, sort of Janis Joplin style—not a flattering look for a 50+ woman. But I wasn’t about to ask for anything drastic, like a Twiggy cut (which I did in 1970!). My daring “take it off, take it all off” days are definitely behind me—at least for now.
After a brief hairdresser-client consultation, my hairdresser started snipping. She cut the longest ends to my shoulders and added lots of layers, some quite short. “The cut will make your hair lighter and more stylish,” she told me. I was concerned about adding “lots of layers.” I had read that layers accentuate the older woman’s frazzled, post-menopausal, over-processed locks. My hairdresser insisted that the short layers were going to be good for my hair. “I’m going to cut off all those dry ends,” she said.
So I put my hair in her hands. She used a photo of gorgeous Deborah Norville as her styling guide. The photo was from http://www.beautifulhairstyles.com/mature/. I’d seen a similar haircut described as a good choice for the woman with a square jaw or jowls—neither of which Deborah suffers from. I, on the other hand, have both annoying facial features. I’d also read that adding short layers to a long hairstyle was like giving your face a facelift. I like that idea, even if it is complete fantasy. My hairdresser said she would leave my hair a little longer
than the photo of Deborah this time. If I wanted, I could always have more taken off next time. That was fine with me. I’m happy to report my new haircut is just what I wanted (see the ‘after’drawing). The short layers, particularly the ones that swish around my jaw, offer a little camouflage for my 50+ jowls.
If you’re thinking about redoing your do, you might want to consider the following “Hair-Dos and Don’ts.” It’s all common sense stuff. But then, a haircut isn’t brain surgery.
HAIR-DOs & DON’Ts...
DO go to a hairstylist who has a good reputation. If you really want a new do, you may have to go to someone new. Look at the cuts on your friends and acquaintances. Find out where they go. Don’t be afraid to ask a complete stranger in the supermarket where she got her great cut. She’ll be flattered.
DO go to a hairstylist who understands the concerns of the 50+ woman. My current hairstylist is a forty-something woman who understands the older woman’s changing hair texture, complexion, attitude and even body shape. Plus, I always like what she does with her other older clients.
DO take a photo (or a few) with you to the salon. Generally speaking, I find people, hairstylists included, aren’t very good at visualizing. They do much better if they have a picture to look at while you’re telling them what you like/don’t like.
DON’T make too many requests. For years, I told hairdressers, “Do what you think is best. But I have one request: I need my hair long enough to allow me to pull it back in a barrette sometimes.” Guess what? That one caveat has been the reason my hair has looked more or less the same for 10 years. This time I kept my mouth shut and finally got something a little different.
DO ask for something that is within your styling abilities. My styling abilities are limited, but I told my hairdresser I was willing to learn. She said I could learn with my new do. I’ve washed my hair twice since I got it cut and I’m still fussing, trying to get it to look good. I know I’ll never recreate the effect of a professional blowout, but I hope I can learn how to give some of the layers a swish here and there.
Don’t be afraid. Trust your hairdresser. It’s the only way you’ll walk out with something really new. If you’ve chosen an experienced hairdresser, s/he should be able to give you the cut in the photo you’ve chosen. If the hairdresser senses your apprehension, however, s/he may not give you the best haircut or the cut in the photo, but rather the one s/he thinks you can live with.
Do ask for a little light hair spray. Well, do consider it, especially if you get a medium or long cut. Light hair spray isn’t like the stuff our mothers’ used. It just gives enough hold to keep your professional blowout looking nice for a few days.
MORE TIPS ON CHANGING YOUR HAIRSTYLE...
Associated Content
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/247435/how_to_get_the_haircut_you_really_want.html?cat=69
Check out tip #4 about choosing your appointment time.
Beautyriot
http://www.beautyriot.com/article.php?id=1744
I agree with tip #1. I’ve often thought, “Maybe I’ll find a new style while I’m waiting for my hair dye to set. It’s never happened. As for tip #8, note-taking sounds like a good idea. But I wish I could take a video camera to my appointments. :)
Ladies’ Home Journal
http://www.lhj.com/style/hair/advice/get-a-great-haircut/
Tip #1 has validity, I think. Hairdressers have always told me to sit up straight. I guess I tend to cower when I’m placed in front of a huge mirror. :)
Tip #8 (p. 2) about coloring your hair after its cut is interesting. I’ve never heard that before. It seems a little excessive, but I really don’t know.
Epigee
http://www.epigee.org/beauty/haircut.html
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