Cougars Rule At The Oscars

What a fabulous night for Real Cougar Women at the Oscars.  Talented women over 40 captured the spotlight. Not only did they all look fabulous in their designer gowns - they got to take home the top prize.

Kathryn Bigelow made history when she became the first woman to win an Academy Award for Best Director - and trounced her ex-husband in the process. As Barbra Streisand opened the envelope she declared: 'It's about time". The icing on the cake came when The Hurt Locker won the Oscar for Best Picture. 

The other race that captured the most attention was Best Actress.  Would it go to Meryl Streep, nominated for the 16th time or to Sandra Bullock for her role in The Blind Side? When Bullock won she said "I know I'm a good actress but not always the best actress".  A little humility goes a long way.

Another Real Cougar who looked absolutely radiant was Dame Helen Mirren.  She always presents herself with such style and grace. 

I think Hollywood has finally figured out that women over the age of 40 are vibrant, beautiful, talented, sexy and smart.  Is this the beginning of a new wave of women in Hollywood that will have the opportunity to highlight all we have to offer?  I sure hope so.  As Barbra said, "it's about time".  

Real Cougars Love the 40 = 40 Formula

Here's a question women over 40 should be asking themselves every time they go out.  How much do I dare to bare?

Here's the dilemma women face, especially women over 40.  If your clothes are too revealing, you are probably sending out "the desperate vibe".  But, on the other hand,  if you're too prim and proper you just fade into the woodwork and don't get noticed at all.

So how do you know what's right for you?  Leave it to the British to come up with answer.  Wear an outfit that reveals 40 percent of your skin and you will get just the right amount of attention. To make it easy to remember let's call it the 40 = 40 formula.   

In this picture Teri Hatcher shows off about 40 percent of her flesh - perfect for attracting the right amount of male attention.

To arrive at this 40 percent conclusion Leeds University psychologist Colin Hendrie sent four female researchers to one of their city's biggest nightclubs. They documented on video what the women were wearing and how many times they were approached by the men.   

Seventy hours of recordings later it was revealed that women who showed off 40 percent of their skin were asked to dance twice as much as women who were covered up or too exposed.

I have always said 'bling and cleavage is not the way to attract the man of your dreams'.  Now research is confirming it.

Cougars are loving Don't Ever Call Me Ma'am!

Writing a book and then getting it out into the world is a huge accomplishment, at least it was for me.  It took me nine months from the time I started until the time it was published.    

My birth sign is Virgo, so needless to say I like everything pretty much perfect. When it was time to let go of my manuscript it was very difficult.  As a new author I wanted everyone who picked up a copy of my book to love it. Of course, that's not possible but it's your baby and so it's a natural reaction.

I am proud to say Don't Ever Call Me Ma'am! is getting some good reviews from the women it was written for.  I got this email yesterday that I want to share with you.  It made me so happy because Roberta's reaction was exactly what I had hoped for.  This book was written to empower women.  It's filled with great tips on everything beauty, finance, cougar relationships, sex, health and much more.  It is also filled with some inspiring stories from some very special Real Cougars.

My book has an underlying theme - it's never too late and all things are possible.  Here's what Roberta had to say:

"Oh my gosh - I received my copy of your new book last evening when I returned home from a very LONG day.  I didn't have a chance to open it then, but while I was having my breakfast this morning, I read the Dedication, Forward, and Introduction and am blown away. It is fabulous.  I don't want to put it down. Just reading those pages have given my so much "mental energy" that I feel like I can do anything today. Thank you so much for this wonderful gift you have given all of us Real Cougars."

Thanks, Roberta, you made my day. For more information on Don't Ever Call Me Ma'am! please click  here.

Real Cougars - MyShape Is An Easy Way To Shop

Ladies, this online women's fashion site could be the answer to your prayers.  MyShape.com offers you an easy way to shop. They treat you to a free Personal Shop, where every style is matched to your measurements, your body shape and your personal style and fit preferences, so you're sure to find a great fit and love what you see.

Our bodies are as individual as our personalities — no two people are exactly alike. And even if a pair of identical twins have the same measurements, they may not share the same preferences. 

A good fit is so important. Women know that their size depends on the manufacturer, and that a size 8 can also be a size 6 or 10 and translate into a British 12 and a European 42, or maybe something else. Even the manufacturers are usually not 100% consistent.

Real Cougars pride themselves on looking stylish.  If your outfit is too loose, too tight, or just wrong for your figure the image is shot.  That's why MyShape may be worth a try.

Real Cougars Are You Looking Older Than You Should?

My friends Deborah and JoJami at Fabulous After 40 say that too many women are looking older than their years.  Here is a small list of the mistakes that date us.  So many potential beauties have no clue that they are aging themselves without knowing it.

So just in case you haven’t taken a good lately, check yourself out.  And, be totally honest about rating your chic factor.

1. Frump ~ Are you stuck wearing your favorite old t-shirt and jeans? Time to trade them for something else. Believe it or not, it IS possible to look good and still feel comfortable. Just getting a cute running around  sports outfit that matches will make you look and feel better.
2. Yellow Teeth ~ Say no more… that’s a no brainer. Especially if you like to wear red lipstick, your teeth will even look more yellow! Ouch!  FYI. Those white strips at the drugstore work well, so no need to spend a lot of money.
3. Dated Sunglasses ~ Ask your kid or if you don’t have one, find one around to ask. They will tell you if you’re hip or not. Big is in, so you should have some that are large with wide sides.
4. Petite Purse ~ We are seeing alot of women over 40 out there with very dated looking purses. Ladies, wake up and get a fun new bag. Oversized is in and will perk up your outfit and hip factor instantly!
5. Ugg, its Uggs ~ If your wearing Uggs, just know that so is every other teenager out there. Yes, they are comfortable, but there are other styles and boots that will achieve the same thing. Stay clear. At your age you don’t want to be competing with the younger crowd.
6. Make-up, too much, too little, just right? ~ Here is what we are seeing: The bad: Too much eye-liner, frosted lipstick, blue eyeshadow. Too Little: Not wearing makeup is just as bad as too much. At least, please use under-eye concealer, a natural lipstick and  draw in your eyebrows. Just right: You should be natural looking but still wearing make-up.  That means foundations, blush, lipstick, mascara, eyebrows, etc….  Yes it’s work, but its worth it!
7. Chewing gum is not an accessory ~ When you chew gum in public it is not attractive and can ruin a great outfit! It will totally ruin any look you’ve worked so hard to put together.

I am starting a new service for all you Real Cougars - Marvelous Makeovers. I have assembled a team of the very best experts in anti-aging medicine, fashion, skincare, hair and makeup to help me.  Here are a few of the exciting things you can expect:

• the latest and greatest in skin rejuvenation
• lessons on how to properly apply makeup that is age appropriate
• creating just the perfect hair cut and color to enhance your new look
• shopping for a wardrobe that is both sexy and sophisticated
• balancing your hormones to feel fabulous
• access to the he latest non-surgical face and body treatments

I want to send out a big thank you to all my loyal Real Cougar supporters.  I love you and wish you all the most wonderful Mother's Day ever.   

Real Cougars Don't Wear $575 Jeans

Recession - what recession?  For Donna Karan it's business as usual. In fact, she just introduced her Collection Jeans that sell for - get this $575 a pair.  Donna are you kidding?  Here's how she answering her critics. "I went into business in the first place in order to create jeans that I couldn't find for myself.  Now I am craving a more decadent sexy and iconic pair of jeans."  This isn't a gag.  Her jeans are starting to hit stores around the country.

Karan insists you get what you pay for.  These jeans are cut on the bias to get the ultimate fit.  Each button and rivet is individually applied by hand.   And, here's the cookie topper - each pair has a gold foil printed inspirational message on the inner pocket.  I ask you, who could possibly survive without that?

I think it's a pretty safe bet that Michelle Obama won't be wearing these Donna Karan specials. Her entire J. Crew outfit costs about the same as one button on a pair of these Collection Jeans.

Cougars In Tuxedos On The Red Carpet

The struggling economy seems to be making a difference in how some of the A-list actresses show up on The Red Carpet this year.   Now it seems you are making a statement if you decide on a simple look.

 

Harper's Bazaar editor Kristina O'Neill says, "nobody cut a tuxedo better than Yves Saint Laurent, and his passing last year brought this classic front-of-closet again."   

 

I always thought simple is better but I didn't want a financial meltdown to prove the point. What do you think of  these ensembles?   

	White against black With partner Brad Pitt suited in black, Changeling's best-actress Oscar nominee, Angelina Jolie, went for winter white with a tuxedo by Akris on the red carpet Jan. 19 for the Berlin premiere of Pitt's Oscar-nominated film, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.Pitt also is up for a best-actor Oscar for his role.
	Subtle but sexy On Jan. 5, Anne Hathaway, whose work in Rachel Getting Married has earned her an Oscar nomination, showed up in a modified tuxedo from Boy by Band of Outsiders at the New York premiere of Bride Wars.
	Easy elegance "It's after the holidays, and I didn't want to wear anything strapless and that I had to suck in my stomach for," said Katherine Heigl, who wore a black suit by Dolce & Gabbana Jan. 7 at the People's Choice Awards in Los Angeles, where her film 27 Dresses picked up a best-comedy-film trophy.
	A vision in velvet Awards-show veteran Susan Sarandon donned a Hugo Boss tuxedo and played it cool Jan. 11 at the Golden Globes in Los Angeles, where she presented the award for best actor in a drama to Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler).
	Glowing with gold Kristin Scott Thomas, who was nominated for a Golden Globe for her role in I've Loved You So Long and will be seen next in Confessions of a Shopaholic, wore a vintage Yves Saint Laurent tuxedo at Sunday night's Screen Actors Guild Awards show.

Yummie Tummie - Get Rid Of Your Muffin Tops

Yummie Tummie was created by Heather Thomson, a fashion designer and celebrity stylist. When she  became frustrated with existing shapewear that compresses the  bust, doesn't stay in place, and are horribly uncomfortable – she came up with a solution to a universal problem.  No matter how young, fit and slender you are, a so-called “muffin top” or tummie bulge will rear its ugly head.

Think of Yummie Tummie as a tank top or T-shirt on steroids: that favorite, super-soft, lightweight cotton wardrobe staple you wear alone or under everything you own. From your bust up and your hip bones down, it is exactly that. The extra bonus comes from its same-tone, firm control midsection panel, which smoothes and shapes your tummie and hips, eliminating pounds off your appearance, and camouflaging any lumps and bumps.

Heather says it never rides up or rolls and that's because it's made with sleek yarns that do not cling, so you can wear it under anything. Yummie Tummie can be worn each and every day as a foundation, a layering piece, or even on its own.

Last but certainly not least it was one of Oprah's top picks this summer.  To see more click here.

Cindy McCain - The Price Of Looking Good

According to Vanity Fair, Cindy McCain spent a small fortune on her fashion statement look worn at the GOP Convention. Guess the magazine had nothing better to do so they asked their fashion experts to price out her outfit. Here what they came up with.

Oscar de la Renta dress: $3,000
Chanel J12 White Ceramic Watch: $4,500
Three-carat diamond earrings: $280,000
Four-strand pearl necklace: $11,000–$25,000
Shoes, designer unknown: $600
Total Estimate: Between $299,100 and $313,100

Even the most sophisticated fashionistas would have to agree that's quite a number.  She does look sensational especially when standing next to the frumpy Laura Bush. But in all fairness to Mrs. Bush her outfit was estimated to cost a mere $4,325.  What is the price of looking good these days?

To find out what $300,000 buys most Americans read the  Vanity Fair blog.

Real Cougar's Purr-Fect Shoe

This might be a great addition to your shoe collection.  How would you like to have a pair of shoes with an adjustable heel?  It's really two pairs of shoes in one.  You can walk around in comfort all day and then by adjusting the heel be sexy and stylish for the evening.

For the first time ever, CAMiLEON Heels makes it possible to transform a 3 1/4 inch high heel into a stylish l 1/2 inch heel in seconds.  Handmade in Italy, these remarkable shoes give you style, convenience and comfort all in one shoe.

How cool is that? For the price, of one pair of shoes you are essentially getting two pairs. CAMiLEON's are not inexpensive, but not having to lug another pair of shoes wherever you go, could certainly justify the price. 

To check them out for yourself click here.