Take notice ladies who are trying a bit too hard to recapture your youth, this beautiful woman is the epitome of style and grace.
I have been talking about writing a book now for a few years. With over forty seven years in the beauty business as a make-up and hair stylist for all sorts of celebrities, socialites and just ordinary women, I have so many stories to tell!! I've started the book several times and never really made the commitment to see it through. Now with everyone blogging, and because I am trendy, I thought I might try my voice at this and see what comes of it. Certainly it's less of a commitment and saves me the embarrassment of people hating what I write.
So here goes:
There is so much to say, I have so many opinions about so many things; I guess I'm just judgmental and critical! That said; let's talk about long hair on women that are in their 60’s and 70's. Not a good thing. At least not past their shoulders! I don't care how many face lifts you have had and how young you feel, look, or want to look, you’re still a grandmother. Speaking of grandmothers, early in my career, I had a client, Mrs. Weinberger. Her son-in-law was a plastic surgeon. She always wore fishnet stockings (they were fashionable at the time) and mini skirts. I would guess that she was in her seventies. From 30 feet away she looked 35, but as she grew closer, with every step she gained ten years, Shocking! A perfect example of trying too hard. There comes a time when you should stop trying to compete with 20 year old girls, give your daughter her space and the right to be prettier then you. You had your chance, enjoyed it, now move on! There is nothing more beautiful then an elegant woman that has the self confidence to accept her age with grace and dignity. I remember when I was in my twenties and went to Paris for the first time. My wife and I, you read me right, yes, I was married once to a very beautiful and wonderful woman, Linda. That’s how I have a son, Seth. But anyhow, we went to the restaurant Benoit, an Alain Ducasse restaurant. In walked an older woman: blond hair, red lips (Why do French women have the courage to wear red lipstick and American women don't?). Dressed elegantly, she made an entrance with just her dignity and grace. She didn't have to be young, she didn't need long hair, she knew who she was and was proud of it. She was greeted warmly by everyone, even more-so then some of the more attractive women in the room. I was truly enlightened by that experience. I became aware that a woman's age doesn’t make her beautiful or not. It's her manner, the way she feels about herself. Shoulder-length hair isn't going to give you self-confidence. Neither will a face lift (well a face lift might if you’re not happy with what you see in the mirror). I'm sure all of you have had similar experiences, noticing a woman entering a room, and although she may not be young, or even beautiful, there is something about her that is just captivating, unique, and elegant, in just her manner. As we get older, it's even more important to strive for that bit of self-confidence. All the surgery, long hair, even diamonds, just won’t do it. Speaking of diamonds, aren't they just beautiful? Love them! Love those big solitaires! I like to see a woman wearing diamonds, even during the day. John and I were in Como, Italy at Villa Serbelloni sitting on the veranda having a drink with a couple that we just met that happened to be from Malvern, Pa. (what a coincidence!) when the glass doors opened and out swirled a beautiful woman, most likely in her late twenties, long wet blond hair, bare feet, wearing a black ball gown, no make-up (she didn't need any) and a diamond necklace. Perfect! Sometimes that’s all you need.
There is so much to say, I have so many opinions about so many things; I guess I'm just judgmental and critical! That said; let's talk about long hair on women that are in their 60’s and 70's. Not a good thing. At least not past their shoulders! I don't care how many face lifts you have had and how young you feel, look, or want to look, you’re still a grandmother. Speaking of grandmothers, early in my career, I had a client, Mrs. Weinberger. Her son-in-law was a plastic surgeon. She always wore fishnet stockings (they were fashionable at the time) and mini skirts. I would guess that she was in her seventies. From 30 feet away she looked 35, but as she grew closer, with every step she gained ten years, Shocking! A perfect example of trying too hard. There comes a time when you should stop trying to compete with 20 year old girls, give your daughter her space and the right to be prettier then you. You had your chance, enjoyed it, now move on! There is nothing more beautiful then an elegant woman that has the self confidence to accept her age with grace and dignity. I remember when I was in my twenties and went to Paris for the first time. My wife and I, you read me right, yes, I was married once to a very beautiful and wonderful woman, Linda. That’s how I have a son, Seth. But anyhow, we went to the restaurant Benoit, an Alain Ducasse restaurant. In walked an older woman: blond hair, red lips (Why do French women have the courage to wear red lipstick and American women don't?). Dressed elegantly, she made an entrance with just her dignity and grace. She didn't have to be young, she didn't need long hair, she knew who she was and was proud of it. She was greeted warmly by everyone, even more-so then some of the more attractive women in the room. I was truly enlightened by that experience. I became aware that a woman's age doesn’t make her beautiful or not. It's her manner, the way she feels about herself. Shoulder-length hair isn't going to give you self-confidence. Neither will a face lift (well a face lift might if you’re not happy with what you see in the mirror). I'm sure all of you have had similar experiences, noticing a woman entering a room, and although she may not be young, or even beautiful, there is something about her that is just captivating, unique, and elegant, in just her manner. As we get older, it's even more important to strive for that bit of self-confidence. All the surgery, long hair, even diamonds, just won’t do it. Speaking of diamonds, aren't they just beautiful? Love them! Love those big solitaires! I like to see a woman wearing diamonds, even during the day. John and I were in Como, Italy at Villa Serbelloni sitting on the veranda having a drink with a couple that we just met that happened to be from Malvern, Pa. (what a coincidence!) when the glass doors opened and out swirled a beautiful woman, most likely in her late twenties, long wet blond hair, bare feet, wearing a black ball gown, no make-up (she didn't need any) and a diamond necklace. Perfect! Sometimes that’s all you need.
