The Midlife Fashionista

Versani

I was in NYC a few months ago and stumbled upon the most incredible jewelry store called Versani. It's hard to describe how gorgeous Versani is--it's truly a feast for the eyes".

The store has an earthy feel and many pieces are displayed on natural materials such as stone or wood.

And then there's the bling....ohhhhh my goodness!

I have to say, these pieces are some of the most beautiful I've seen.

I fell in love with a black diamond ring that was calling my name (Richard are you listening??).

While at Versani, I had the pleasure of meeting Ara the owner and designer. His talent is off the charts and his creations are so unique--they're truly art!

Needless to say, I was so excited when Ara wanted to collaborate on a blog.

Read Ara's story here.

But doing a blog with Versani put me in a dilemma--what to choose to show off? One of each please!

I landed on some stunning silver pieces that work with just about any outfit.

Here are my four wardrobe must-haves from Versani:

Statement earrings

Chunky silver ring

Intricate silver cuff

Silver woven necklace

This intricately designed silver cuff is the perfect combo of edgy and feminine. It fits just about any wrist and looks fabulous on! I paired the cuff with this chunky silver ring that makes a statement even on its own!

Next up I'm wearing these amazing Versani silver earrings that are surprisingly lightweight!

These fun earrings can be worn casually or dressy. Here I've paired them with the chunky silver ring, jeans, a loose sweatshirt and slip-on sneakers.

A woven silver necklace is so elegant and this Versani piece is stunning.

I'm wearing this necklace with a very simple black and white outfit...perfect for just about any occasion.

White jeans, black blazer, ruffle sleeve top, sandals and bag.

This necklace might look heavy, but it's actually light and very comfortable! I love that it's understated yet bold at the same time (does that make sense?).

Versani has four stores in NYC and another in Miami (details here). If you're in either location, a trip to Versani is a must!

And while you're there, say "hi" to Ara for me!

If you're interested in any of these pieces, please contact Versani (they ship!).

XO Susan

The Versani necklace and cuff were gifted and some of the links in this blog generate a very small commission...however I only post what I love. Promise!

Hair by Robert Jason Salon

Wednesday, May 09, 2018
7 Comments

Turning back the clock

anti-aging

I'm frequently asked to review skincare products, but I will only post about the ones that give great results. It is very important to me that my reviews are honest--I simply will not post about a product that doesn't work.

I recently tested out some of skinfo® Specialty Skincare Boutique products for "mature skin" (yep, like mine) and was blown away. The company was founded by Dr. Amy Forman Taub, a leading dermatologist who is on the cutting edge of new medical innovations, which she makes available to her patients. Through skinfo® Specialty Skincare Boutique, her top product choices are now available to the public too! It's an on-line boutique for the best skincare products!

I was asked what my biggest skin complaints are. At 56, the list is a bit long...
1. Lack of firmness
2. Age spots
3. Lines
4. Old looking neck (ugh the neck)

DefenAge Clinical Power Trio was recommended. This "three product kit"does it all including counteracting everything from uneven skin-tone to sagging skin. I was not expecting miracles (let's be honest NO cream can give you a face lift), but I was willing to try the products for a solid three weeks to see how they worked.

Here's what I experienced.

The DefenAge Clinical Power Trio is so easy to use. First goes on the 2-Minute Reveal Mask which gently exfoliates and makes skin feel incredible. Next is the 24/7 Barrier Repair Cream which is a super light anti-aging lotion. And last comes the BioSerum which goes over the cream (very different than other serums which go on before face cream!). This product can even be used around the eye area!

After three weeks of using these products I noticed brown spots fading (and no new ones popping up!) and a difference in my skin texture--my skin is definitely smoother. I also noticed a decrease in lines and a glowing "radiance". I've had compliments on my skin and the other day someone actually asked me what products I use!

Skinfo® told me that the REAL results come after a month, so I'm sticking to the regime. I can't wait to see what my skin looks like next month!

I also tested out the Colorscience Even Up Clinical Pigment Perfector SPF 50. This AMAZING product does so much more then protect your face from the sun! It also evens the skin-tone and brightens up your whole face! It's the perfect product to use during the summer months and to take the beach! With SPF 50, it gives high powered sun protection (which I won't go without after having basal cell skin cancer several years ago).

I started using this product in leu of foundation on warm days!

The only make-up I'm wearing here is Even Up, a pop of blush and lipgloss.

Now let's talk about the neck. I've been at war with my neck for years. It seems to droop and sag more and more every day. skinfo® Neck.of.Time was the product of choice to combat a saggy neck. Using just a tiny amount of cream twice a day, it battles crepiness and water loss, resulting in a firmer and more hydrated looking neck--I'll take it! Love this product too!

The last thing I want to touch on is safety. Having been diagnosed with cancer a few months ago, I now read labels carefully. Here's what the DefenAge does NOT contain!

The company has some of the best skincare products around as well as three amazing mineral make-up lines.

So if you need a skin "pick-me-up", try skinfo® Specialty Skincare Boutique products.

I think you'll be as happy with them as I am!

And as a special gift to you skinfo® Specialty Skincare Boutique is offering 10% off with code SUSAN through Monday May 14th! Shop the line here.

Follow them on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

XO Susan

This blog was sponsored by skinfo® Specialty Skincare Boutique but my review is based on my own personal experience. I only post what I love--promise!

Monday, May 07, 2018
4 Comments

Soma Mother's Day Campaign

bra fitting

This story begins in Helen's chair at Robert Jason Salon . While getting the gray out, I received an email from Soma. Would my daughter Alyssa and I be interested in flying to Florida for a few days to be photographed for their Mother's Day campaign?

It's a wonder poor Helen didn't drop the bucket of hair color, because I literally flew off her chair.

UMMM.....YES!

I immediately called Alyssa to tell her the amazing news, but I was surprised that she didn't share the same excitement. She was uncertain about being photographed...but after a bit of coercing (ok a lot), she agreed.

The plan was that a few weeks before Christmas, Soma would fly both of us to Ft. Lauderdale to be photographed, interviewed and videotaped. WE would be the faces of their spring Mother's Day campaign! Not only was I excited about the photoshoot, but I was over the moon about creating a mother/daughter experience that we would always remember.

But I almost didn't make it. Right before the trip, I got a phone call from my doctor. My blood-work came back abnormal---my white count was almost 30,000 (triple the norm). We were supposed to get fitted for a bra and pjs at the local Soma store, but I had to reschedule due to medical tests.

We finally made it over to Soma in Natick, MA where we experienced their incredible bra fitting and treated to some new super soft cozy pjs.

Soma's bra fitters are incredible. We got the BEST bras---so comfortable, lightweight and uplifting (the girls were happy and high!). We both selected the amazing vanishing back bra, which basically disappears (no lines or bumps) and is crazy comfy!

We fell in love with Soma's loungewear--it's so soft!
HERE and HERE.

We're doing the mom/daughter matchy-matchy thing.

And who doesn't love a little animal print. I'm sucker for anything with spots (minus age spots that is).

A few weeks later, we were off to Florida. I still didn't have my test results back, which made me anxious, but I was determined to have an incredible time with Alyssa.

OK so we don't pack light. No judging.

We realized that this was the FIRST time we had ever gone away by plane together!

We arrived at the Diplomat Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. which is GORGEOUS!

We each had our own room with incredible views of the city.

After an amazing dinner (with dessert of course), it was early to bed since we had to be at the studio by 7:30 a.m.

The next morning, we were up at the crack of dawn. Neither of us had slept because we were SO excited.

We arrived at the studio. There were tables of accessories to choose from, hair and make-up stations and yes, COFFEE!!!

Meet make-up artists extraordinaire, Angel and Euri

Oh good Lord, WHY am I showing you this photo?

Euri (right) and super sweet and talented photographer Kristy (left). Soma has the best team!!

Make-up CHECK.

Hair CHECK.

And we're off!

Who says beautiful night-wear can't be comfy?

Alyssa and I are wearing Soma's Cool Nights PJs....great for hot-flashing women like me!

And we both loved Soma's easy to wear dresses that can go from day to night with just a switch of accessories. Alyssa is wearing the sleeveless knot-front maxi and I'm wearing the Sleeveless Layered Dress.

And now let's talk about their slimming leggings. These babies go up super high, suck you in, come in lots of colors, and are SO comfy!! I love their tunics too!

After the photoshoot, we all celebrated with some bubbly. Love this fun crew!

When we arrived home we were exhausted, but on an adrenaline high. As I mentioned previously, Alyssa was hesitant to be in photos---but you'd never know it! She shined and radiated confidence. Check out some of our video clips here--can you tell we love Soma?

Snuggling with my "grand-pup" Guinness in Soma pjs is the BEST.

A few weeks later, I met with my doctor. Unfortunately I got diagnosed with CLL (a form of Leukemia). Although it was not the news that I was hoping for, I do not need treatment right now (hopefully not for a long time!).

The trip was just what I needed and the timing was actually perfect--it gave me a diversion from stressing over health issues. I was also thankful to Soma for giving me a special experience with my Alyssa--how many mothers and daughters can say they were "models for a day" together?

I have Soma to thank for something else too. Take a moment to read Alyssa's blog, which touches upon her struggle with self-love. This photoshoot gave her an extra boost of confidence and self-esteem and I am grateful to Soma for this gift.

Alyssa is an amazing woman and I admire her strength, courage and raw honesty to talk about issues that tend to be swept under the carpet.

I love her so much and couldn't be a prouder mom.

So check out Soma's Mother's Day campaign--you just might see some familiar faces!

XO Susan

Huge thank you to Soma for sponsoring this blog and for being such an amazing company.

Thank you to Robert Jason Salon for always making my hair look good.

Sunday, April 29, 2018
7 Comments

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