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.

 

 

J. Crew Adding Concierge Service in Their Stores

Don't see what you want - just walk up to the "just ask desk."  It's a new concierge service  J. Crew  launched last month at its Rockefeller Center store in Manhattan. In these tough economic times smart reatailers are doing whatever it takes to entice customers.

At the desk you can make appointments with personal shoppers, arrange private shopping parties, pre-order items and even look at color swatches for bridesmaid dresses that are sold online.  J. Crew hopes to add this new service in at least 30 of their stores over the next year.  

If you happen to be a tourist who's not familiar with the city, the concierge desk is also available to give you directions, make restaurant reservations and even give recommendations for shows and special events taking place in that particular city.

What's next -  champagne and strawberries? 

Shades - Much More Than A Fashion Statement

Cheap sunglasses may cost you less, but are they just as likely to protect against the effects of harmful UV rays as expensive sunglasses?

There is no government regulations for the classification of sunglasses.  That means a manufacturer can misrepresent how much protection their sunglasses offer; and, unfortunately, consumers sometimes assume all sunglasses have protection if they are darker.

Dr. Stephen Trokel, an ophthalmologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, advises that we buy sunglasses from reputable companies to ensure that they block both UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound sunglasses and those with large temples are a good idea for side protection.

Sunglasses are not just a fashion statement; their lenses block harmful UV rays that, in severe cases, can cause permanent damage to the eyes in the form of cataracts, pterygium and possibly retinal degeneration.

Here are two things you should be aware of:

•  If you have blue or green eyes, wear darker shades
•  If you wear contacts use sunglasses to keep them from drying out

So, go enjoy the summer sun but always remember to protect one of your most important assets - your eyes.

Sex And The City New York Premiere - The Four Real Cougars Are A Hit

From this picture taken at the New York premiere last night it looks like Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall have hugged and made up after Kim's early exit at the London premiere.

I can't wait to see it. Critics are saying the four female stars — not to mention Chris Noth as Mr. Big, David Eigenberg as Steve, and Evan Handler as Harry — are the most appealing ensemble of the year.”

Apparently, Kim Cattrall gets the best lines and the funniest predicaments. She’s allowed her — and Samantha’s — true age to be written into the script. Bravo! Kim and Samantha are the hottest 50-year-olds around. 

Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha — are doing fine since the last episode of the series. Charlotte’s married to Harry and they’ve adopted a little Chinese girl; Miranda is married to Steve, the father of her son, and living in Brooklyn; Samantha is bicoastal, managing the burgeoning career of Smith, her hot young lover; and Carrie is living with Mr. Big, who turns out to be named John James Preston.

All four of these women are Real Cougars and I want to thank them for personifying what I have been saying all along.  Real Cougars can be single or they can be married - it's not about the ring on your finger - it's all about attitude.  Being strong, independent, sexy and confident - those are the magic ingredients.