The Midlife Fashionista

My favorite Chico's picks this season!

Tuesday, December 17, 2019
5 Comments

Camo sweats and a saggy neck

Monday, December 09, 2019
3 Comments

I'll be perfectly honest. When Shevy's Wigs first reached out to partner with me I was hesitant to say yes. After all, why do I need a wig? But after seeing their STUNNING and natural looking wigs, and chatting with Shevy (the wig goddess!), I was sold. I may not need a wig right now--but I WANT one!

Shevy gave me a virtual consult (she's in NY and I'm in the Boston area) and listened to how I wanted my "new" hair to look. I contemplated something different and fun, but I thought I'd get more use out of a wig that was very close to my own hair.

The process was easy. Shevy gave me instructions on how to take simple head measurements. She traced and replicated my hairline to create a custom masterpiece. Then she found a fabulous human hair wig that she cut, colored, and highlighted to look like my own hair.

When I got my wig in the mail, I threw it on and waited for my husband Richard to come home. I didn't say a word...I just watched for his reaction. There was NONE! He didn't even realize that I was wearing a wig! I sent a few photos to my friends and asked them how they liked my new style. They loved it but had absolutely no idea that it was not my own hair! Shevy makes wigs that are virtually undetectable.

By the way, I've been wearing this wig in a few Instagram photos--did you notice?

I'm wearing the wig in one of these photos...can you guess which one?

My new wig is GORGEOUS! It's a big longer than my natural

hair, but exactly the same color and has a very similar cut. However, it feels so thick and luxurious--and it styles exactly how I want it to! It's easy to put on too. I just adjust the clips for fit then tie my hair back in a pony/bun. The wig has little combs and an elastic band that keeps it snug and in place. I can swish my hair around and brave the wind--it really stays put!

I love that my wig can be styled too! I can curl, straighten, and blow-dry. Think of the possibilities! I see lots of new styles in my future!

Writing this blog really got me thinking about why wigs are so important...

Thinning hair: My hairline is starting to recede thanks to menopause. My grandmother was partially bald by the time she was 60 and I am worried about hair loss. A great looking wig solves this issue and makes me feel less self-conscious---especially should the hair loss get worse.

Cancer treatments: I have CLL a form of Leukemia. Luckily I'm not on any medical treatments right now, however I may need chemo at some point in time. A fabulous wig is a self-esteem booster and worth its weight in gold. And the bonus is that Shevy has a very high success rate securing insurance coverage for her gorgeous wigs!

Bad hair day: I have them ALL the time! How easy will it be to throw on a wig and say "no problem" to humidity or bed head--AND get a few extra days between shampoos and styling!

Accessory: Great outfit? Why not great hair to go with it? A wig can add style and fun to your look. Think of it as an accessory! You can have a few wigs for different looks...edgy one day and classic the next!

New style: You could be more adventurous than me and have a whole different hairstyle! Maybe you want curls or a super straight style--long or short, there are so many choices!

Special events: I'll be rocking this wig at holiday parties! I need a red carpet event to go to now---can someone please invite me?

Growing hair: It took me a LONG time to grow out my bangs and I would have loved a wig for that "in between stage" when my hair was constantly in my eyes. Hate your haircut? No problem, throw a Shevy's wig on and you're all set!

Times have changed and so have wigs. Don't be afraid to try one---Shevy's wigs are amazing! These are NOT your mother's wigs!

Be sure to follow Shevy's Wigs on Facebook and Instagram for photos of their gorgeous wigs. For more information on how you can order your own custom wig, contact Shevy at

(718) 336-5111 Website

And as a special gift, code SUSAN10 will get you a free personal consultation either by phone/Skype or in-person, and a 10% discount!

This blog was sponsored by Shevy's Wigs, but I only promote companies I love and believe in. All opinions expressed are my own...promise!

Wednesday, November 20, 2019
3 Comments

Menopause Madness

AARP

This post is made possible with support from AARP's Disrupt Aging. All opinions are my own.

Menopause hit late for me. I sailed through my early and mid 50's feeling unscathed by the midlife monster. I felt fine---super good as a matter of fact! Bring on menopause, I can take it!

And then I hit 56 and all hell broke loose.

It started with irregular periods. I went six months without one, then they started up again. This lasted for two years warranting several biopsies and lots of trips to the doctor. Every time I threw the tampons in the trash, back to CVS I went to buy more.

One day at the supermarket my body officially became a furnace. I was so hot that I had to leave my groceries in the cart and head to the car for a blast of air conditioning. And this was in the middle of winter!

Then came the night sweats. They're the worst. I'm up every night alternatively sweating and freezing. We keep our bedroom at 60 degrees throughout the year and I have a fan stationed next to my bed for hot flash emergencies. Warm pjs and heavy blankets are my worst enemy. I wake up constantly tossing and turning like a mad woman desperately seeking a small patch of cold sheets to cool me off. Covers on...covers off. Poor Richard sleeps in a state of deep refrigeration combined with turmoil.

And let's not forget hair loss. One day at the salon, I was shocked to see my hairline receding! I have always had extremely thick hair, but now it's thinning due to hormonal changes. My stylist reassured me that it's a normal part of menopause. Great!

Of course there are other changes too, like dry skin and hair (dry everything), brain fog, brown spots on my face and body, and an extra sprinkling of wrinkles, droopiness and lines-- just for good luck.

Yes menopause is a part of life but let's be honest, it's not an easy transition. There are so many changes that occur all at once--it's scary and stressful, physically and emotionally.

At age 57 (ok almost 58), I've come to accept the inevitable, but I'm fighting hard to not let menopause win out. I try to stay positive, tap into humor, eat healthy, exercise and try every anti-aging product that promises results.

Belly laughs with my good friend Rosie is the BEST!

So yes, menopause can seem like an uphill battle, but there are also some benefits to this stage of life...

I no longer have to shave my legs as often (thank you hair thinning).
No periods make life a heck of a lot easier and cheaper! The money that I used to spend on pads and tampons, now earns me an extra mani!
No more worrying about birth control or getting pregnant...woohoo!
It takes me less time to blow-dry my hair because I have less of it.
I've mastered the art of dressing stylishly in layers.
I know how to fold a mean paper fan.
I speak my mind more. Don't mess with a menopausal woman!
I try new things. I started a non-profit called Uncommon Threads in my mid 50's!
And the most important benefit of menopause is the open and honest dialogue I can have with my friends. We laugh, cry, and bond over our crazy life changes. There's a type of menopausal sisterhood hat comes with the territory.

So ladies, we're in this together. Let's talk about it (why keep a normal part of life a secret?), laugh, and try to come up with ways to stay sane during the upheaval. Here are some things that have worked for me...

Get a small fan to cool you off at night.
Keep ice water on your bedside table--sipping something cold can help with hot flashes. This bottle will keep your water cold all night.
Reduce caffeine and alcohol. Sorry, this is a time in your life you'll want more not less. However both can make hot flashes worse. My new favorite "drink" is organic pomegranate juice in a pretty wine glass (closest thing without the alcohol).
Eat as healthy as you can and reduce your sugar intake. These sugar-free cookies have become my daily treat. They're SO good!
Exercise--even if it's just a walk!
Dress in layers so you can peel them off when you need to. I tend to wear sleeveless tops with a jacket or cardigan.
If painful intercourse is an issue for you, talk with your gynecologist. There are lots of ways to make this better!
Finally, find your tribe of menopausal sister for support