When I Grow Up I Want to be an Old Woman

When I Grow Up I Want to be an Old Woman

I have never been afraid of aging. I don't know if it's because the women in my family age so gracefully...or because I never bought into the youth obsessed culture we live in. Everywhere we look, we are bombarded with pills, creams, tighteners, brighteners, shapers, and surgeries that we are told we need to stay youthful. Most of the models used for advertisements are comfortably younger than 25 years old. Some were into Hana Montana the year prior, but that's another story all together.

Youth is wonderful, it really is. However, it's such a short period of our lives! I refuse to believe that we peak in highschool or college, and if you feel you did...well, I feel sorry for you. I created this post to celebrate the beauty of all ages. Since the beauty of youth is celebrated daily, I specifically sought out older women to highlight.


So in my search to find beautiful older women, I came across the Ms. Senior America Pageant.  I am so going to enter in 29 years! (yikes, I didn't realize how close it was!)

According to the website, the Ms. Senior America Pageant,

 "The Ms. Senior America Pageant is the world's first and foremost pageant to emphasize and give honor to women who have reached the "Age of Elegance."  It is a search for the gracious lady who best exemplifies the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all senior Americans. The Ms. Senior America philosophy is based upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America, and our most valuable treasure.  It is upon their knowledge, experience and resources that the younger generation has the opportunity to build a better society."

Let me tell you this pageant is awesome!

The current pageant winner

Kudos to all of these beautiful women!  For more information click here

Without further adieu, beauties of all ages!

 Beauties in their 30's:

I wanted to find a picture where she wasn't all done up and this shot fit perfectly.  Minimal makeup except for the red lip which I adore.

I really wasn't offended by M.I.A giving people the finger during the Super Bowl.  I mean, get over yourselves.  As much as I like football, let's be honest here...What do most people do during the Super Bowl?  Drink, curse, eat and gamble.  If that isn't an environment conducive to giving someone the finger, I don't know what is.  However, I digress.  Believe it or not M.I.A is 37!  Yes darling, and she looks marvelous!

Beauties in their 40's

Salma Hayek, 'nuff said.

Halle Berry, Halle Berry...Yes, Miss Thing is in her 40's and let me tell you, I wish I looked half as good as she does now!

Beauties in their 50's

Yes, Madge has had some work...and I have seen her looking less than fabulous but for 54...she looks pretty damn good.

Yves St Laurent once said Iman was his dream woman, and at 56, we can all see why.

Beauties in their 60's:

Vera Wang is 63.  Yes 63.  She is super stylish and still beautiful.

Beauties in their 70's and beyond!

=

Carmen Dell'Orefice is hands down one of the most strikingly beautiful women I have ever seen.  I personally think she is more beautiful now than when she was younger...but that's just me.  By the way, she is 72.

**Correction**Carmen Dell'Orefice  is 81!!!! 

Our obsession with youth is detrimental to us all.  Besides the shallow aspects of beauty, we are largely ignoring seniors who can offer us wisdom, experience and tradition in our fast paced, overly stressed lives.  Furthermore, this is just an opinion, but our obsession with youth seemingly breeds pedophilia, one simply has to watch Dateline NBC's Chris Hanson, To Catch a Predator to come to that conclusion.

Besides the child predators, this obsession with its multi billion dollar marketing machine telling us we are not thin, youthful, or pretty enough is damaging to our self esteem.  I encountered a seven year old who told me she was counting calories!  A seven year old for god sakes! Things have gotten so out of hand, that vaginal rejuvenation (a.k.a designer vaginas) is quickly becoming one of the most sought after plastic surgeries.  God forbid our vijayjay doesn't look like whatever porn stars vagina!  Because really, we should all aspire to be like porn stars.  (Is there a surgery for saggy testicles? I'm just saying.)

I have no answers, I have no idea what will turn our society's attitude towards aging.  Yet, we all need to embrace our age, our looks, our lives and our bodies no matter what age!

So how do you feel about age and aging?  Which one of these beauties do you admire, and why?

 PSSST, by the way...I am apart of this awesome Monday Mom Mingle! Check it out

Continue Reading

Hi. My Name is Nicole, and I Am Addicted to Denim

Hi. My Name is Nicole, and I Am Addicted to Denim

Yes, I am.  I am an addict.  I love jeans!  The signature slice of Americana that since the 1800's has been a staple of every one's wardrobe.  From Levi's to Calvin Klein, from Gap to Banana Republic,  from Jordache  to Guess, from Maurice Malone*to Paper Denim, from Rock N Republic to J Brand, from 7 for all Mankind to Citizens of Humanity, from Evisu to True Religions to the no name brand stretchy Canal Street or Broadway and 27th Ave denim "like" jeans, I have had (and still have) them all.

I have spent outrageous amounts on denim, that I wouldn't be caught dead in the following season.  I have also worn jeans that I should have retired long ago, with rips and frays and stains (I can't believe I admitted that) but just couldn't let them go.  I've worn denim to school, to parties, on vacations, family reunions, on dates, to clubs, to art galleries and to no where in particular.  My addiction to denim has been a long one; through ups a downs, through fashion  nirvana's to fashion faux paus, my denim never left my side (nor my rear).

Instead of joining a 12 step program, I have found a new supplier!  Genetic Denim! (And I love my new dealer!) I know you other fashionistas have known about Genetic Denim for a while and Halle Berry, Jessica Alba, Cindy Crawford and a whole slew of starlets I could care less about have been seen in Genetic Denim.

As most of you know, I am not a big follow the trend person.  I hate following what everyone else is doing!  But these jeans are so haute!

I actually ordered the Cypress in Lilac!  As soon as I get a camera or a decent camera phone, I swear I will take shots!  (Can you suggest any good digital cameras?!  I need help Retail Addicts)

One of the many things to love about this brand is that it doesn't try to fit everyone in the size 00 model.  This brand understands real women have curves! 

From the site: "Every individual holds a specific Genetic Code, body types differ as does fashion influences. Genetic Denim seeks to present each person with the best possible fit for their body, accentuating assets rather than forcing everyone into the same mold. It combines global fashion trends with individuality of fit and wash to tailor denim to your body. With nostalgia for the bohemian yet basic denim styles from the 70’s, Genetic Denim has created a line with life and timeless appeal. Genetic Denim pays homage to the centuries past while remaining modern with its edgy, yet sophisticated and confident, but still carefree silhouettes. 

The core lineup includes Shya- Skinny Cigarette,Shane Faux Front Skinny Cigarette,Cypress- Slim Bell and Liam-Straight Leg Gene, all produced in a variety of washes including the softest denim in the denim market, the Genetic Denim Legging. There isn’t one thing that sets Genetic Denim apart in the marketplace, there are many. Fashion-forward style and underground cool, mixed with fabrics, washes and cuts from around the world ,make Genetic Denim a classic global fashion brand with a touch of new age chic. Genetic Denim isn’t only a fashion brand; it’s a way of life that reflects individual personality and style while seamlessly fitting denim to your body in pure comfort. Genetic is the lifestyle brand of the 21st century"

Anywhoo, the price point starts at around $180, which is a steal for quality denim, without screaming logos, that you can wear next month!

What is your favorite denim?  If you have Genetic Denim show us how you rock it!

*For those of you who don't know Maurice Malone, in the 90's he created an urban brand which I was a fan of!

Continue Reading

You Say You Want a Devolution?

You Say You Want a Devolution?

In the January 2012 issue of Vanity Fair, author Kurt Anderson wrote a fabulous piece about how culture (in particular fashion) has not really changed in the past 20 years. 

From the article: "For most of the last century, America’s cultural landscape—its fashion, art, music, design, entertainment—changed dramatically every 20 years or so. But these days, even as technological and scientific leaps have continued to revolutionize life, popular style has been stuck on repeat, consuming the past instead of creating the new."  (Read the rest here)

I agree with the authors sentiment. 

“It’s a famine of beauty – a famine of beauty, honey!!”-André Leon Talley

 

 While I understand André as well, I don't think it's a famine of beauty.  I think it's a famine of originality, of genuine style.  Seemingly, most of our "celebutantes", celebrities, artists, magazine editors (ahem) and new fashionistas are really just recycling what some one else did (or does).  While fashion by it's very nature does that frequently, what's lacking is the personal self expression, how the individual rocks the style.  I get inspired by people all day!  I see women with outfits that I want...However, I do not immediately run to the boutique and proceed to wear it piece by piece.  Take the look Retail Addicts!  But make it uniquely your own.

There are exceptions of course.  As crazy as it is, (simply because I remember them as babies on Full House)  Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are stylish.  Extremely stylish.  I recently read their book "Influence" and while it concentrated on others like Diane Von Furstenberg and John Galliano, bits and pieces of the girls style did shine through.  The Olsens, besides having the wealth to buy everything on the runway, mix vintage pieces with modern luxury very well.  Furthermore, while you may see the Chanel half tints on someone else, the Olsens have a knack for making the accessory, dress, shirt, or gown uniquely their own. 

Another example of stylish but unique, is Halle Berry.  Besides being one of the most beautiful people on the planet, she also has her own style expression.  Who could forget this number at the Golden Globes?  Or her dress at the Oscars when she won for Monsters Ball?

Besides always looking her best on the red carpet, this is her in her everyday attire.

I don't know how she does it, but girlfriend does it!  Her style is sleek and modern always with a touch of edge or rock n roll.  She may not be the flashiest, but she rocks her clothes, her clothes do not rock her!

Last but not least, Jennifer Lopez.  I have not always been a J.Lo fan, but ever since this senorita hit 40 (or left Mark Anthony) seemingly her style has been off the charts.  Again, I appreciate J.Lo's new style because it accentuates her legendary curves and is refined.  She looks great in her clothes.

Now, I do not think, J.Lo is the best dressed or most fashionable woman out there.  Like everyone she has made some faux pas, however, now her style is uniquely her own and at 40+ she looks fabulous!

My point Retail Addicts, is the inspiration for new fashion has been waning over the years (about 20-I guess).  However, that should not stop you!  If you are vintage, modern, couture, preppy, conservative or Wal-Mart, wear it like you mean it!  Please!  Just stop carbon copying everyone else.  I want to see you in your clothes, not just your clothes.

What are your thoughts?  Do you think we have changed radically since '92?  What do think of the divas, I mentioned, styles?

Continue Reading