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FOF Mary Jane Parrish is giving away her brilliant Skite, a skirt and tights in one. Enter to win one in any solid color by answering in the comments below: Which color Skite do you like the best?

Remember when deliriously happy married couple, Katie and Hubbell, (played by Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford), were strolling on the beach in the 1973 movie, The Way We Were? Didn’t it make you just want to run to the beach, and stay forever, with a man who looked and behaved like Hubbell?

When Mary Jane Parrish and her husband saw the movie, they were newly married and he told her: “We’re going to live on the beach some day.”  Two years ago, they made the move, to Grayton Beach in Northwest Florida’s Panhandle. “We grew up vacationing down here,” explained Mary Jane, who met her Hubbell in Bowling Green, Kentucky, (a town of 50,000) when they were 10. They’ve been married almost four decades.

“We’re living our dream. You couldn’t blast me out of here,” said Mary Jane, who taught interpersonal communication, including public speaking, to high school and college students in Kentucky, before moving to Memphis.  There, she became a “corporate wife” in a “corporate town.”

“Corporate life was great, but we were done with it,” she said. Florida beckoned and it’s been a perfect environment for Mary Jane to enjoy the activities she loves, including tennis, yoga, running, pilates and aerobics. In Florida, she noticed that FOFs rarely returned home after their workouts and would wrap something around their waists to cover their butts. “I thought, there’s got to be a better look than ‘gym rat.’ Why couldn’t workout wear look great on us after we finished working out?,” said Mary Jane. “Tennis skirts [with bare legs] and running shorts were cute when our legs were cute, but now we want to cover cellulite, varicose veins and brown spots.”

And alas, the Skite was born.  A combination short skirt and tights, Mary Jane’s Skites come in four lengths (short, bike, capri and ankle), and even the shortest, covers the backside and “makes me feel cute again,” she added.  Constructed in Grayton Beach from the “same material that Lululemon uses,” (purchased from a fabric manufacturer in New Jersey) the skites are wrinkle- and odor-resistant and moisture-wicking and are “sassy and classy, not faddish or clingy,” said Mary Jane. “ They’re age appropriate and comfortable, not too short and tight.”

When Mary Jane introduced the well-priced Skites ($59 and $69) at a popular running event just over a year ago, she sold out. “I sold every single one of the 50 I brought and took orders for 50 more,” said Mary Jane. “It’s fun to make women feel good about themselves and help their self esteem.”  She also plans on introducing short and long-sleeved tees to go with the Skites, in the near future.

Enter to win a Skite, a skirt and tights in one, invented by FOF Mary Jane Parrish by answering in the comments below: Which color Skite do you like the best?
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One FOF will win a Skite in any solid color. (See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes May 24, 2012 at midnight E.S.T.

Images courtesy of Mary Parrish and theskite.com

Black is the new… black?! Okay, okay, there’s nothing new about it, especially on the streets of New York City, where we spotted this FOF and where dressing dark is practically the law of the land. But, there’s a right way and a wrong way to don the inky hue–where does this FOFit in? First, read what our style gurus think. Then, tell us: Is she a black sheep or black beauty?

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Glenyse Thompson: “Oh my! Love the coat, classic Louis Vuitton tote, chic jewelry and patent walking shoes. She looks comfortable and elegant until you hit those hips. I want to be polite but…those pants are hideous. Fitted jeans or pants with a slight flare at the ankle would have made this outfit a black beauty.”

Glenyse Thompson is a personal home and wardrobe stylist and the creator of Styleosophy.

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Susan Grant: “Too much going on–fringed detail on the jacket, the print-patterned slacks and shiny shoes, plus, the ensemble doesn’t flatter this woman’s figure. The length of the jacket, (perhaps hiked up by the bag on her shoulder) draws attention to her hips. The pegged pants do the same. Straight legged slacks would give her a leaner line and a more sophisticated look. They would also draw less attention to the shoes, which I assume she’s wearing for comfort.”

Susan Grant is merchandise manager for Muse, a full-service jewelry showroom.

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Sherrie Mathieson: “Her look is quite good except for the pant that would have been better in solid black. She combines her darks and lights well with a touch of unexpected turquoise. She also balances the feminine (frilly jacket and jewelry) with the sporty bag and shoes really well. Her patent shoes look comfortable, practical and a stylish choice for a lady her age. ”

Sherrie Mathieson is a leading style expert and Random House author of Steal this Style and Forever Cool.

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Terry Gibralter: “Unfortunately, I don’t like much about this FOF’s look. The head-to-toe black is too harsh and draining for her. I find the entire outfit to be quite unflattering. The heavy shawl-collared jacket with fringe swallows her up and I really don’t get the pants–are they capri length with socks showing or is that their design? Whichever it is, they are the wrong look for her. The shoes might be okay paired with some other outfit. The small print neutral scarf doesn’t do much. I don’t mind her large Louis Vuitton tote. Definitely a black sheep!”

Terry Gibralter is the Sr. Vice President and Creative Director at Grey advertising as well as a fashion stylist and the creator of these clever work accessories.

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Susan Hersh: “The shawl collar fringe jacket is stunning and like a true New Yorker this woman is sporting the right, stylish and comfortable walking shoe. The printed slim pant with faux leather ankle band looks inexpensive to me compared to the rest of her luxe outfit. Additionally, it makes her legs look short and her figure appear pear shaped. Solid black leggings or slim leg trousers would be more flattering.”

Susan Hersh is a Ford model and the host and executive producer of Meet The Experts.

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Sandra Soich: “Black Sheep! There’s nothing about this look that appeals to my styling senses. First of all, this is not age appropriate. Starting from the bottom up, the shoes are so heavy and awkward looking. Then we travel up to the double pant attempt which is very unattractive. The coat could pass the test. The accessories (scarf, jewelry and bag) just look dated. And, to finish, the hair looks so unkempt and the color needs some work.”

Sandra Soich is wardrobe stylist to the stars and founder of YourFashionTherapist.com.
Photographer: Sivan Askayo

This week it’s our turn to host Fashion Flash! We love being part of this amazing group of bloggers and look forward to reading their weekly fab fashion and beauty advice. Here’s a roundup of their best posts this week:

Adult acne sufferers have a new product on their side. See what this Fab Over Forty reviewer had to say about her acne after she used this.

Pleated skirts may be fashionable, feminine and flirty, but can you wear pleats after 40 without looking huge? The Glam Gals have the answer at Fabulous After 40.

Prime Beauty harvests the fruits of…the Lipstick Tree from Tarte—the perfect summer pop of color!

A dazzling smile could go a long way to making you look younger. Jackie Silver from AgingBackwards.com introduces you to “super smile” foods and a free recipe e-booklet.

Black Cat Plus is on a misison: to convince the producers of Fashion Star to offer a challenge that includes designing for the plus size woman.

Frustrated with belly fat? Find out why we gain weight after 40 and conquer those unwanted pounds with Staness, creator of the Menopause Makeover.

Déjà Pseu goes shopping in Paris, and learns a thing or two about French style.

Need some snack ideas? Take a look at Female Fat Loss Expert, Shawna K’s top ten picks that don’t break the ‘good carb/bad carb’ rule.

Kate Walsh (left) , Heidi Klum (center) and Cyndi Lauper (right) all wear orange lipstick.

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Orange you glad tangerine tones, copper colors and peachy pigments are the hottest lipstick shades for summer 2012? Okay, okay…we weren’t so thrilled either. That is–until two celeb makeup artists (and FOFs!) Carolyn Diamond and Paula Dorf convinced us otherwise. “Orange lipstick can be one of the most powerful weapons in any woman’s beauty arsenal. Yet many women assume they can’t wear it,” says Carolyn, who says she’s proudly puckering up in peach this season… and you can too. Read on for Carolyn and Paula’s orange lipstick dos and don’ts. Then, enter to win Paula Dorf’s Lip Color Cream in “Mermaid” by leaving a comment, below.

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…consider your skin tone when choosing the perfect orange shade. “If you have pink skin undertones, opt for a coral shade with blue undertones,” says Carolyn. “Olive-complexioned FOFs look great in a lip color that has more of an orange base. Women with darker skin tones look great in rich burnt orange tones.”

…be precise when applying. “A bright orange lipstick should never be applied casually,” says Carolyn. “Also, always be sure to check your teeth and blot your lips.

…match your lip liner to your lipstick. “Your lip liner shade should either exactly match the orange lipstick hue or be a darker, complimentary tone,” says Carolyn.

..keep the rest of your makeup simple. “The important thing to remember when wearing an orange-hued lipstick or gloss, is that the lips are the eye catcher,” says Carolyn. Paula agrees: “Apply a softer, more natural color blush on your cheeks since you want most of the attention directed to your lips. Even a delicate bronzer would look great.” Carolyn recommends: Glo Minerals gloBlush in Papaya and Glo Minerals Bronzer in Sunkiss. “These shades look great on almost all skin tones,” she says.

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…wear heavy eyeliner. “Opt for a brown eye pencil and smudge it to defuse the intensity. A dash of copper or gold dust to your eyelids (just enough to catch the light) can be sexy and playful,” says Carolyn. “Using mascara, play up those lashes, ladies (black for brunettes, brown for blondes and redheads), and don’t forget to apply it to your bottom lashes–it opens up your eyes.

…match your lips to your outfit. “Your new rust-colored maxi dress may be gorgeous, but don’t choose the same shade for your your lips,” says Carolyn. “For your lips, choose the color that is best suited for your skin color.”

…try this trend if you have thin lips. “Orange can tend to make lips look smaller,” says Carolyn.

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Recommended Orange Lip Products:

1. Paula Dorf Lip Color Cream in “Mermaid”, 2. Glo Minerals Lip Gloss in “Mango” and 3. “Peony” “These color look great on almost every one,” says Carolyn. “They have the perfect undertones to compliment any skin tone.”

To learn more or for an appointment with Carolyn, contact Diamond Studio, 1518 Spruce Street. Philadelphia PA. 267-664-7712, www.carolyndiamond.com

Enter to win Paula Dorf’s Lip Color Cream in “Mermaid by leaving a comment, below.

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Five FOFs will win. See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes May 17,s 2012 at midnight E.S.T.

Images: Kate Walsh, Heidi Klum, Cyndi Lauper, Carolyn Diamond, “Do”, “Don’t”

by Wendie Pecharsky
Home-sharing a la ‘The Golden Girls’ may soon be the new norm for baby boomer women.

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Two years ago, FOF Marianne Kilkenny of Asheville, North Carolina stumbled upon a whole new model for affordable living…literally. “It was Christmas Day, I was living alone and I fell down the stairs,” she says. “It was a while before somebody found me.”

Luckily, Marianne, who is divorced and has no children, was not too seriously injured, but took her fall as a sign. In 2007, Marianne had founded the Women for Living in Community Network, an organization which provides information on alternative living models for FOFs. After her fall, she decided, “I needed to walk my talk.” She and two other divorced women she knew took the plunge and rented a four-bedroom house together.

US Census data shows that more and more, single FOFs (almost half a million of them, according to a 2010 analysis by AARP) are choosing to live with other women of the same age, similar to the situation that was played out on the ’80s sitcom The Golden Girls.

“It isn’t easy to throw people in their 60s, 70s and 80s together,” Marianne admits. “We’re all bringing with us our families of origin, with all their dysfunction.” But, Marianne says that home-sharing has given her a sense of connectedness that she wouldn’t have found living alone. “There’s someone to leave the porch light on for me when I come home late. It’s heartwarming.” Plus, Marianne says, without home-sharing, she could never have afforded to live where she does.

Marianne was fortunate to know her housemates before they all moved in together, but many FOFs have had to rely on their own resourcefulness to find others like themselves.

Bonnie Moore, 67, of Bowie, Maryland, is one of those women. “I had invested a lot of money in my house, and didn’t want to lose it,” says Bonnie, of her five-bedroom manse. But after her divorce, she needed help paying the mortgage. She scoured Craigslist to find four housemates, and after a few mismatches, she finally hit upon the right mix. Now, the five women operate like one big happy family. “Women need companions, and when I walk in the door in the evening, there’s someone there to ask me, ‘How was your day?’”

In fact, Bonnie is so pleased with how her living arrangement came together that she has decided to make a profession out of matching FOF home providers with home seekers. In March of this year, she created the website GoldenGirlsNetwork.org, which she hopes will one day evolve into a nationwide network of shared-housing opportunities.

Like the fictional “Golden Girls,” Linda Williams, 65, fled the icy Philadelphia winters to live with her friend, Marsha, in a Sarasota, Florida, over-55 community. But unlike her TV counterparts, Linda, who is divorced, only shares the condo from January to April, when her housemate comes to stay. The rest of the year, she has the place all to herself. But, Linda couldn’t have made the move without the financial support of her friend. “To stay for the season is expensive,” says Linda “My friend suggested we pool our money.” It all worked out for the best: “It’s nice to have the company when she’s down here,” Linda says. “We have fun together, and I am living in a beautiful place that I couldn’t have swung on my own.”

However, Linda stresses the fact that just because two people are friends doesn’t mean they can live together. “You really need to talk and find out each other’s preferences down to the last detail,” says Linda. “Before you move in, take a trip or spend some time working on a project together, and see how it goes. And most important, remain flexible,” she says. “If you can’t be conscious, caring and direct, there’s going to be a problem.”

Marianne agrees: “You can’t go into this kind of living arrangement blind,” she says. “You have to figure out why you are doing it and what you want to get out of it. Is it strictly for financial reasons or do you want to have a family connection? For me, it was about forming relationships and personal growth. If you don’t want that, I don’t recommend shared housing.”

Other issues to consider, according to Bonnie, include privacy and personal preferences, such as smoking or pet preferences. “It’s vital to have extensive discussions about these issues.” Linda and her housemate, who’s also divorced, even hammered out a protocol with regard to dating. “We don’t bring men back to the apartment,” she says with a laugh. “We go to a hotel,” she adds, “It’s just as simple as that.”

Though at times it can seem daunting to reinvent oneself, FOFs have proven they are up to the task. “This continues to be my time and I want to live it my way,” says Marianne. Amen to that.

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“Like mother, like daughter,” never rang truer. We spotted these tourists from Europe outside of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Both are sporting the same look–oversized scarves, teeny cross-body bags, tailored blazers and standout sneakers. What do you think? Is this the mother (and daughter) of all outfits or mother-daughter disaster?

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Sherrie Mathieson: Sorry to say, mom’s attempt to mimic her daughter is only accentuating her personal style ineptitude. The daughter’s scarf is overwhelming–she tried for hip and missed the mark, but it’s forgivable at her age. As for mom, she takes it to a totally heightened silly and inappropriate level. They would both truly would benefit from my book “Steal This Style: Moms and Daughters Swap Wardrobe Secrets.”

Sherrie Mathieson is a leading style expert and Random House author of Steal this Style and Forever Cool.

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Terry Gibralter: What’s not to love?  This stylish, adorable mother-daughter duo look great! I love how they’re wearing the exact same items (boy blazers, fitted jeans/jodhpurs, cross-body bags, high-tops and long scarves) but the colors and cuts are totally their own. Mom is incredibly youthful so she can really pull this look off. The daughter looks like she’s learned at mom’s knee.  Very cool!

Terry Gibralter is the Sr. Vice President and Creative Director at Grey advertising as well as a fashion stylist and the creator of these clever work accessories.

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Glenyse Thompson: “You have to wonder–did the daughter dress her mom? The daughter looks as she should, like a teenager. Mom could have easily made this outfit a ‘do’ by switching into fitted pants or leggings, and adding a pretty flat.”

Glenyse Thompson is a personal home and wardrobe stylist and the creator of Styleosophy.

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Susan Hersh: “Mom had fun sporting jodhpurs, a long-sleeved pink tee, piped jacket and a leopard print scarf–quite the unexpected look! However, the custom Nike sneakers are a miss. Sneakers for touring are acceptable, but she should have opted for a cleaner cut such as Converse ‘Jack Purcell.’ The daughter has nice flair at such a young age. The scarf is a bit oversized for her tiny frame but…does it really matter?”

Susan Hersh is a Ford model and the host and executive producer of Meet The Experts.

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Sandra Soich: “They look great! It’s interesting that the difference in style between generations is minimal. They’re both casual chic with a European flavor. I just think they should have swapped shoes!”

Sandra Soich is wardrobe stylist to the stars and founder of YourFashionTherapist.com.

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Lovey Dash: Love this look! They brighten up what looks to be a dreary day up with their outfits. Love the custom Nikes, Louis Vuitton leopard scarf and trendy snake bag on Mom. Everything just works. The daughter is right on as well. Her yellow sneakers are adorable. A dynamic duo!

Lovey Dash is a Beverly Hills-based stylist. She was formerly in VIP sales for Louis Vuitton on Rodeo Drive.

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Jojami and Deborah: “This Mom must have had the song ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ stuck in her head when she purchased these crazy tennis shoes. While we are all for having something creative in your wardrobe these just look like she is trying too hard to keep up with her little fashion plate of a daughter. While this FOF is certainly youthful-looking, if her daughter wasn’t standing next to her, you would think, ‘why did she put those shoes with that outfit?’”

“Glam Gals” Jojami Tyler and Deborah Boland co-write the brilliant fashion blog,  Fabulous After 40.

Photographer: Sivan Askayo

Fashion Flash time! This week, it’s hosted by style blogger and scarf aficionado Susan Blakey, of Une femme d’un certain age. Check out her latest fashion picks, musings and inspirations and enjoy all the other links from our fab Fashion Flash friends.

Win these 4 FOFixers by answering in the comments below: Which one do you want to try the most?

Sore feet, gray hair, saggy breasts…we can all complain about the ails of aging, but our hats go off to the few women who actually rose to their feet (aching arches and all!) and did something about it. Meet three of these super-smart ladies and learn about their brilliant FOFixers.

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Foot Petals

Tina Aldatz knows a thing or two about achy soles. As a child growing up in California, Tina Aldatz burnt her feet when she accidentally stepped over hot coals in the sand. As an adult working in the NYC fashion industry, she endured hours of pain walking in high heels. In 2001, Tina set out to create stylish solutions for tortured tootsies and launched her company, Foot Petals. Many of Tina’s products use a space-age material called Poron, which is a durable shock-absorbing foam. Foot Petals, now grosses multi-millions of dollars in sales and manufactures more than 20 products sold nationwide in stores such as Nordstrom, Dillards and Nine West.

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Gray Disappear

A health scare in 1995 made Jasmine Abedi, a former California-based entertainment attorney, reevaluate her beauty cabinet. All the hair dyes and roots cover-up products she could find, contained parabens, which, in some studies, have been linked to cancer. Unwilling to risk her health for beauty, Jasmine and her business partner, JD Larson, invented Gray Disappear (retail value: $15.99), a gray hair touch up product applied with a mascara wand. It comes in 4 shades: gold (blonde), blaze (red), espresso (brown) and onyx (black) and is free of parabens, sulfates and propylene glycols. Jasmine’s “magic” wand has most recently cast a spell on Whole Foods execs, who quickly grabbed up cases of the product which will be available in many of their West Coast stores this spring.

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Bring It Up Instant Breast and Face Lifts

Denise Curtis won’t give in to gravity. She is the FOF behind Bring It Up, a line of products designed to lift everything from your brows to your breasts–sans surgery. The Los Angeles salon owner was downright tired of listening to her clients complain about their double chins, turkey necks and saggy breasts–so in 2001 she created her first product, Bring It Up Instant Breast Lifts (retail price: $20 for a pack of 8 pairs, sizes A-D, or 3 pairs, sizes D and larger). The lifts are crescent-moon shaped, transparent, waterproof and hypoallergenic adhesives that work by lifting the breasts from the top. Since Denise introduced the product, they’ve been featured everywhere from Glamour and The Rachael Ray Show to that “best things” bible, O magazine. But, she didn’t stop there. A few years later, she released Instant Neck Lifts (retail price: $20 for a 30 day supply), small adhesives that tighten the neck from behind your ears. We hear Cher’s a fan…but, shhh… we didn’t tell you that!

Win these 4 FOFixers by answering in the comments below: Which one do you want to try the most?

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One FOF will win. See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes May 10, 2012 at midnight E.S.T.

Fashion Flash time! This week, it’s hosted by Fabulous Over Forty, a blog with practical insights on maintaining your beauty sans surgery. The brilliant blog is researched and written by FOF beauty blogger Kari Solyntjes. Check out her amazing advice and enjoy all the other links from our fab Fashion Flash friends.

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FOF Connie Sherman is giving away a “cooling” Hot Girls Pearl Necklace and travel purse. Enter to win by answering in the comments below: Do you own a set of pearls?

When FOF Connie Sherman turned 47, her doctor found “questionable cells” in her breast tissue and put her on Tamoxifen. The medication came with an unpleasant side effect–frequent, agonizing hot flashes. “I’d literally come home and stick my head in the freezer,” says FOF Connie Sherman, now in her sixties.

Two years ago, still heated about her hot flashes–Connie began to think about out-of-the-box solutions. A former creative director in NYC for Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and Bloomingales, fashion was always on Connie’s mind. “I wanted something I could wear, that would actually do something about the heat,” says Connie. “And I’m not talking about a bandana.” She got to work on a prototype for Hot Girls Pearls, jewelry made from beads filled with the same non-toxic icy gel that’s in medical ice packs.

Last June, when she was satisfied with her prototype, Connie rolled out her Hot Girls Pearls necklace in three sizes (16”, 18” and 19.5”) and a bracelet. More recently, she has added two new colors to her line: gunmetal and dusty pink. Her pearls start at $30.

Connie’s cool jewelry has proven a hot commodity–they’ve been featured on ABC’s The View, The Today Show and in Oprah’s O Magazine. Connie estimates she’s sold 5,000 Hot Girls Pearls in less than a year. “There’s not one woman who doesn’t sigh in relief when they put them on,” says Connie.

Enter to win a Hot Girls Pearl Necklace and travel purse invented by FOF Connie Sherman by answering in the comments below: Do you own a set of pearls?

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One FOF will win. See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes May 3, 2012 at midnight E.S.T.