She’s So Very…Eye-Popping Popular

Type “Iris Apfel” into Google and you’ll find almost 2 million entries. The fashion icon, famous for her saucer-size eyeglasses, has turned 90 and is more popular than ever, according to a recent NY Times article entitled At 90, Fashions Latest Pop Star. This month, Mrs. Apfel will be selling accessories of her own design on Home Shopping Network. Famous for her highly individualized style, Mrs. Apfel is a wonderful role model for women over 50 who are finding their own personal style. In the Times article, she says that women tell her, “Now that I’ve met you, I feel so liberated.” Secret eccentrics, she says, have learned “that when you don’t dress like everybody else, you don’t have to think like everyone else.” Inspiring words.

ARE MEN MORE ROMANTIC?
Interestingly, Mrs. Apfel reports that straight men are among her fans. “They are so much more romantic than women,” she explains and adds that they seem to share her view that “there is not enough glamor in the world.” It was the second time in a week that I’d come across the opinion that men are more romantic than women. During a recent viewing of the movie Blue Valentine, the Ryan Gosling character say the same thing. My knee-jerk reaction is always to object to such gross generalizations. However, the connection made between romance and glamor interests me. I would have to say my husband expresses his romantic side by giving me glamorous gifts—beautiful watches, clothes, and a little something from Tiffany’s on our anniversary. I’ve tried to reciprocate over the years, but I’m a little too practical to match his outpouring. For me, romance is about those things that money can’t buy, like the bond between a man and woman, being attentive to each other’s needs, keeping each other safe and loved, helping each other grow. It’s not that I think I’m more romantic than my husband or vice versa—it’s just (like so many other things) a different take on romance.

Who do you think are more romantic—men or women?

She's So Very...Hard Working

This month Elle magazine has a feature article about a 50-year-old. That’s something you don’t see every month! However, it’s not completely out of left field. The featured 50-year-old is Jane Lynch. Lynch is one of the stars of “Glee,” a TV show that’s hugely popular with teenage girls and 20-something women. Jane plays Sue Sylvester, the cheerleading coach. (If you've never seen "Glee," you can watch full episodes online.)

The Elle article describes Jane’s career path leading up to her Golden Globe award for Supporting Actress in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television last month. During her 20-odd years as an actress, she's often taken jobs for free. If you don’t have Elle on your coffee table or at beauty parlor, you can read about this hard-working thespian on the Elle website in See Jane Run.

She’s so very… Focused on the Big Picture

I’m a member of the Elizabeth Warren fan club. It started with her first appearance on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart almost two years ago and was recently fueled by an article about her in the January 2011 issue of Vogue. Warren, who serves as Assistant to the President and Special Advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, is a 61-year-old woman I can really admire. She’s super intelligent and passionate, but has a down-to-earth sense of purpose and sense of humor. When she talks big finance, I understand what she’s saying. How could I not love someone who is determined to change the crooked ways of the credit card industry?

During Ms. Warren’s most recent guest appearance on the Daily Show in January 2010, she spoke passionately about the need for government reform. Stewart responded, “When you say it like that, when you look at me like that—and I know your husband is backstage—but I still want to make out with you.” I’d love to change her hairdo, but her energy and enthusiasm for what she believes is incredibly appealing. In fact, I think the E & E (energy and enthusiasm) factor makes her appear 10 years younger than her 61 years.

To read the Vogue article about Warren, click on the Vogue website. Or watch the video clip of her interview with Stewart at the Daily Show website.

Mirren-aculous

Did you catch Helen Mirren on the Daily Show the other night? Wasn’t she stunning? She's an over 50 fashion role model for me.

Yes, yes, I don’t know what she looks like without a professional makeup artist or in harsh daylight, but I’m always impressed by the way she’s dressed. She never seems to dress like she’s desperate for attention, nor does she dress like a frump. Her outfits always seem to say (if outfits could talk), “Life’s a gas, isn’t it?” And that positive attitude is enormously appealing—even at 65.

For her interview with Jon Stewart, Ms. Mirren wore a white, cropped tie-front cardigan over a simple black dress. The black dress had a low (but not cleavage-baring), square neckline. The white cardigan ends tied above Ms. Mirren’s waist and the sweater sleeves were three-quarters. She wasn’t wearing a necklace or any other eye-catching jewelry, which was hugely commendable. There are few things that make me want to cry more than seeing women who’ve accepted the fashion advice that they should wear huge pieces of jewelry now that they’re over 50. My darlings, big jewelry just makes you look like you hate yourselves for getting older.

So why do I love Ms. Mirren’s Daily Show attire? Three reasons…

1) Most things that tie above the waist are going to flatter the over 50 woman.

2) The sweater’s three-quarter sleeves offer complete coverage of the upper arms, which usually aren’t the older woman’s most attractive feature.

3) The cropped sweater that ties above the waist isn’t the “look” this season. I love the fact that someone who presumably has unlimited shopping funds isn’t afraid to be seen in last year’s fashion. If you find something that looks smashing on you, keep wearing it!

The outfit’s black and white color scheme might not flatter every over 50 woman. Personally, I look better with a little color in my clothing. I suspect Ms. Mirren pulls it off so well because she has the added advantage of exuding confidence, intelligence and curiosity—all of which are immensely appealing. Take that personality and add a flattering outfit, sparkling eyes and smile, and the swish of a white bob haircut, and you’ve got one very vivacious over 50 woman.

For us mere mortals over 50, here are a few looks that I think would be flattering for an interview with Jon Stewart or a night on the town.



Color Block Cascade Wrap Dress, Ships 6/3




Tropical Green Drape Skirt Dress




Kaleidoscope Rose Twist Front Dress, Ships 5/10

...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.