The Midlife Fashionista: February 2018

Ruffle sleeves and Jimmy Crystal

Monday, February 26, 2018
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Nine Fierce Women

What does it mean to be fierce in midlife? On this #ForeverFierceDay, let's embrace getting older, wiser and more fabulous! Big thank you to Catherine Grace O'Connell for bringing the most fabulously fierce women together TODAY on her blog.

For me, being fierce taking chances, accepting life's ups and downs, and being my authentic self. The older I get, the more new things I try. I can't imagine doing HALF of what I'm tackling now when I was in my 20's! Yes, I may have a few lines (ok more than a few) and definitely a lot more grey hair, but life is good and I'm a stronger version of myself. I'm more confident, secure in myself and able to speak my mind.

I like being fierce and unafraid at 56.

This year has brought an amazing new group of friends my way through Uncommon Threads, the non-profit I launched to empower women. I want to introduce you to some of the beautiful, caring, compassionate and brilliant women who dedicate their time, energy and love to the program. They are the true meaning of fierce!

Meet nine women who bring me joy, laughter, support and wisdom. They truly make my life richer.

AMY FINEGOLD, age 46

Andover, MA

Find Amy on IG

Midlife means time for another chapter--for new adventures! Midlife means that we are old enough to have valuable experience and insight behind us. But it also means we are young enough to take that knowledge and confidence to propel us towards new challenges!

Midlife means that we are a little less agile, maybe with a few more aches. But it hopefully also means a greater acceptance of ourselves and a better understanding of our bodies, our health and the value of each day.

SABITA CHOPRA, 47

Andover, MA

At first "midlife" triggered feelings of angst---"oh that's the time for the crisis". But quite the opposite actually--midlife means change in so many ways. I have been fortunate to take a career break and with it came time for "me". It sounds selfish, but much like being in an airplane and putting the mask over your face first to then help others, I am in a place for deep breathing with so much to give.

Being a part of the non-profit Uncommon Threads since its inception a year ago, I have not only learned to breathe along the way, but I am mindfully giving back positivity and strength to our clients. Being surrounded by strong, beautiful and caring women, I am learning that midlife is just the beginning of a wonderful journey, yet to experience and cherish as the years before.

LAURY COTE, 49

Salem, NH

Find her on IG

Midlife is a rebirth, like connecting with an old friend, reflecting on how I've changed through the years as a young wife and mother watching her family grow. Do I enjoy the small things? Which goals did I achieve? Which did I pass over in favor of those more exciting?

I'm walking down different avenues. Truly in the past I didn't make time for my interests, but now I do. I focus on people and activities that are close to my hear. I've lived long enough to see how fleeting health is, so it's my priority. Making time to spend with girlfriends keeps my sanity at check, and I thank them for listening, laughing and loving. Most important is the time I spend with my husband. We enjoy weekly date nights, relaxing with a drink on hard days, and giving in to wanderlust, just us two.

CATHY SULLIVAN, "almost 60"

Haverhill, MA

Find her on IG

A time for reflection...

A time to sit back and watch my kids become men---just enjoy

the people they have become and say as a single mom, "I did that. Good job!".

A time to stay healthy and become the best person I can be...giving back to others because I am truly blessed.

A time to enjoy life with my husband, family and friends more.

A time to worry less about things I can't change.

The best is yet to be!

MARCIA VALENTI, 57

Manchester by the Sea, MA

Midlife is a time of transition. It brings with it consequential challenges and the opportunity for monumental triumphs of impact. Along with the shifting of weight comes a shifting of focus. Form others, your job description as CEO of your household has been reduced to consultant status. Working women have climbed their way to the top of a constantly changing work environment. Many have a platform to implement change. It can be a time of reexamination and redefinition of yourself as a woman and as a human being. It becomes incredibly important to set new goals, stay relevant and find causes and people that have meaning to you. A new awareness of mortality creeps in and a sense of urgency to find purpose and fulfillment. It' is YOUR time. Us it. Be confident, be fierce, be YOU!

LYSANNE LAPIERRE, 52

Andover, MA

My "real life" began at 50! Being fierce in midlife is about being your authentic self--letting your heart lead instead of your head. It is listening to the voice inside you instead of the external voices of what you should and shouldn't be, look like, etc. While my first 50 years made me who I am, it was not until I started looking inside to see my authentic soul that I was able to truly enjoy who I am and embrace the good and the "bad". I am a recovering perfectionist- where in my early years my focus was on being "perfect" and hiding any imperfections. Midlife is about being perfectly imperfect and loving yourself exactly as you are right now. From that self-love comes great personal power which enables us "mid-lifers" to accomplish great things and be fulfilled in a way that we never could have in our prior 50.

EILEEN KELLY, 50

North Andover, MA

At the midpoint in my life, as I look back at all the stupid things I did in my 20's, I appreciate how I survived "Mom territory" in my 30's and 40's. I now can look forward to the fabulous 50's. I've decided that this decade is for me to do the things I love. I continue to feel 18, though I don't look it! I don't wear lingerie, I wear Spanx! While I love fashion, I know I don't have to completely follow it to look good. I may even figure out how to accessorize properly. As Bette Davis once said, " Getting old is not for sissies", well I'm no sissy so bring it on!

JENNIFER MARIN, 49

North Andover, MA

Being fierce to me means just liking myself. Simple as that. No more trying to be something that I'm never going to be, but also realizing I can be whomever I want to be. Being fierce in midlife is nothing like how I imagined...IT'S SO MUCH MORE FUN! I love and live with fierce emotions and while they may be messy at times, "I'm okay with it". Midlife has brought me clarity and a sense of calm that for much of my life I didn't have. I'm completely content with my complicated life.

I live more deliberately. I'm more forgiving and more thoughtful with how I spend my time. My relationships are fewer, but richer. I'm open to learning new things and having new adventures. I find myself facing life's challenges and disappointments more bravely. I'm living my life on my own terms and it feels oh, so good!

LAURIE LIFFMANN, 55

SALEM, NH

I am at a stage where I can reflect on the first phase of my life and look to the next. I have raised and been blessed with two amazing children who have wonderful careers and partners. I have been with my fabulous husband for over thirty-years. Experience has taught me to appreciate my family, friends and the strong support system that I have surrounding me. The days of carpooling to sports, helping with homework and college applications are over. My babies are now independent adults, while my parents are aging and will likely need more support in the future. Dealing with illness and death of friends and their parents becomes more frequent and I appreciate that each day is a gift. I reflect on my good fortune and look forward to future generations and helping them to make the world a better place for all of us.

So join the #ForeverFierce revolution HERE!

XO Susan

Sunday, February 18, 2018
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Framed! How to choose eyewear

choosing frames

It's been almost ten years since I've shopped for new eyeglasses. I rarely wore them as I'm a contact lens junkie, so why bother spending the money? But then dry-eye set in, and on way too many occasions I had to wear my old dated glasses--not good for a style blogger!

My old outdated glasses.

Why did I wait so long to replace my glasses you may wonder? I HATE eyeglass shopping! It's so hard to figure out what shape works for my face--I just can't be objective. And the large optical shops stress me out.

So I finally bit the bullet, enlisted the help of my friends Cathy (left) and Laurie (right) and headed to the most amazing eyewear shop around, Eyewear by Giorgio in Chelmsford, MA.

Eyewear by Giorgio is such a comfortable place to shop---it's warm, cozy and so inviting. There's even a little snack area with water, coffee, and bites.

Eyewear by Giorgio may look small, but it's CHOCK full of the most gorgeous frames you've ever seen. I would guess they have well over 1,000 styles to choose from! From traditional frames to the unusual, they have just about anything your heart desires. I couldn't believe the selection from some of the most fashion-forward places like Italy and Barcelona.

But the highlight of a visit to Eyewear by Giorgio, is Giorgio himself. Giorgio is amazing--he's kind, personable and extremely knowledgeable (he's been in the business for over 40 years!). Eyeglass shopping has never been so relaxing and FUN (yes I said fun!).

Honestly, I have never seen a frame collection like this! Butterflies can't you believe it?

Every time I thought I had seen pretty much all the frames, Giorgio brought out another box!

Giorgio is a gem. He truly loves his job and has a passion for making people look good. He took so much time with me explaining which type of frame would work best for my shaped face. He loves to educate his clients!

He showed me how frames can compliment the colors we wear...he even has fabric swatches to play with! I know I look a little goofy but humor me.

He also has state-of-the-art technology to ensure a perfect fit.

Giorgio makes all the glasses right at the store. He is a true craftsman who takes pride in his work.

So which frames did I choose?

Here are some of the contenders.

I also had a whole lot of fun trying on different frames!

Who doesn't love bling?

I finally landed on this style. I love that I can wear these glasses anywhere and that the round shape softens my face,

As Giorgio told me "the curve of the frame follows the arch of your brow".

And I also got these amazing animal print sunnies! Thank you for encouraging me to try them Giorgio--I LOVE them!

And my gorgeous friend Cathy got these stunning frames that show off her super blue eyes.

Giorgio loves to share his tips on choosing frames. Here's some advice from the best!

A round face looks best in a rectangular type frame--however this does not mean it has to have hard angles/corners.
A square face looks best in an oval shape.
When someone has a long face, the frame should have some depth. A frame that is too short vertically will actually emphasize the length of the face.
A face with more pronounced features can carry a bold heavy looking frame while someone with small features may look over-powered by this type of frame.
All glasses should have an anti-reflective coating to improve vision and eliminating annoying glare.
Have fun with eyeglasses. Why just have one pair?
Eyewear is fashion so change things up!
Take a photo of yourself to see if you like how you look in a frame.
Eyeglasses are an accessory and can totally change your appearance.

Eyewear by Giorgio

60 Chelmsford St.

Chelmsford, MA

Follow him on FB

XO Susan

Hair by Robert Jason Salon

My eyeglasses and sunglasses were gifted by Giorgio, but my opinions are my own. I only post what I love! Eyewear by Giorgio is AMAZING!

Tuesday, February 13, 2018
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Another Way to Cover Gray

CCT hair color

Getting a cancer diagnosis has prompted me to make healthier changes in my life. I'm eating differently. My diet is now Paleo (another blog) and I'm trying to eat mostly organic food. I'm also doing my best to cut down on the amount of chemicals that touch my skin. I haven't gone totally chemical-free (there are certain products that I won't give up!), but I'm eliminating as many toxins as I can.

However, I've been stressed about coloring my hair. I'm not ready to go gray, yet I don't want to put harsh chemicals on my scalp either. When I told my amazing stylist Helen (of Robert Jason Salon) about my dilemma, she did some research and found CCT (Clean Color Technology), a kinder gentler color. Is she the best or what?

Photo by Cathleen Trainor

Here's what CCT doesn't have:

PPD--a chemical used in permanent hair dye that many people have an allergic reaction to. It also is a possible carcinogen.

Resorcinol--a coloring agent also found in acne treatments.

This can be a human immune system toxicant.

Ammonia, which can cause itchy scalps and watery-red eyes.

I was worried that a natural hair color wouldn't give me enough gray coverage, but CCT works just as well as my old color! It also left my hair shiny and soft, and it was so gentle on my sensitive scalp.

CCT comes in 106 permanent shades, achieves up to 5 levels of lightening, has 100% grey coverage, smells great and is formulated for salon use. Helen got the color right on the first try by the way!

If you're in the Merrimack Valley (Massachusetts)/Greater Boston area, I HIGHLY recommend Robert Jason Salon. Not only are all of their stylists incredibly talented, but they are now able to offer CCT to clients who prefer a more "natural" approach to hair color. Hurray for choices!

If you're considering switching over to CCT, schedule a consult with one of their amazing stylists. Tell them I sent you for $25.00 off your first service.

XO Susan

Monday, February 05, 2018
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