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30December   The Best and Worst of 2010 with the Boomer Broads
This year had its share of heroes and goats from Elizabeth Edwards to Tiger Woods. Our fave FOF video bloggers, The Boomer Broads deliver their "best and worst" of the year list. Do you agree?
3 comments   
22December   {Poll} Do you take Vitamin D?
There's a hot D-bate over Vitamin D going on.

Several doctors we've spoken to this year have advocated Vitamin D supplements for bone health, saying that most American women are deficient in this vital nutrient. According to a new report from the National Institute of Medicine, however, Vitamin D supplements are "not necessary for most adults."

What's an FOF to do?  Read our conversation with Cleveland Clinic expert, Tanya Edwards, MD, to get the full story. And tell us, below: Do you take Vitamin D?





Do you take Vitamin D?





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22December   {Giveaway} “Gone to Paris” recycled cashmere hat
FOF Nancy Atkins is giving away her signature "Gone to Paris" recycled-cashmere hat.

To enter, tell us in the comments below: How do you avoid getting hat head from your winter cap?

Thank you for entering. This contest is now closed.


FOF Nancy Atkins and her daughter, Mary, 22, were lifelong shopping partners before launching an Ebay store specializing in eco-friendly and fair trade fashion. It was such an overwhelming success, that in 2008 they launched their own retail site, Nancy's Gone Green, featuring "ethical" apparel, accessories and beauty products. The team carefully vets every item they sell, making sure it adheres to fair labor practices and eco-friendly materials and manufacturing. The site is "green," but it's for fashionistas, first and foremost.  "We're not selling earthy, crunchy 'save the trees' t-shirts," writes Nancy on her blog.

Nancy scouts eco-friendly designers, and she's an eco-designer herself. In her Re:awakened line she mixes recycled cashmere with found buttons and charms to create one-of-a-kind accessories. "I love to give second-hand clothing a new life!" she says.

Her signature "Gone to Paris" recycled cashmere hat was an instant site bestseller. "You put it on and adjust the folds 'just so.'" says Nancy of the hat. "Everyone will ask 'Have you gone to Paris?"

To enter to win the "Gone to Paris" recycled cashmere hat tell us in the comments, below: How do you avoid getting "hat head" from your winter cap?

(See all our past winners, here.)

Contest closes January 6, 2011
163 comments   
22December   {Makeovers} Out-of-control closet makeover


Compulsive hoarding may affect up to 2 million people in the United States according to an article from WebMD.

And while not everyone qualifies as a hoarder, many FOFs admit to having pack-rat tendencies. A few months ago, when FOF ran a closet makeover giveaway, we got hundreds of responses from members who were desperate to clear the clutter.

FOF Myra Garber won the closet edit with style expert and organizer extraordinaire, Ali Barry. Here's her winning response to our question: "What is one item from your closet you can't part with?"


"I can’t part with an orange/yellow harlequin sweater that my grandmother made for me when I was 12. When I wear it, I remember her." Myra's winning response was one many FOFs can relate to, the difficulty of parting with an item that is attached to significant memories or an important person in their lives.


When Alli visited Myra's home in Wantagh, N.Y., she still hadn't parted with the sentimental harlequin sweater she wrote about... and 50 other sweaters that spanned three decades.

"I probably have sweaters I could get rid of," said Myra. "I recently retired from my full-time job as a teacher, but I still have theme sweaters I wore with the kids. I have ones with animals, figures, a Halloween sweater, and one with bears I wore when we took the students on a nature trip upstate. It's probably time to get rid of some."

Alli and Myra conquered her closet with this 5-step plan that Alli says will work for even the most persevering pack-rat.



*To find an organizer in your area, visit the National Association of Professional Organizers' (NAPO) website.


Take a look at a few of the sweaters Myra and Alli sorted through. Tell us, would you keep, donate or re-purpose each? Then see what Alli and Myra decided.





What would you do with these sweaters?





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What Alli and Myra decided: Re-purpose them. Myra hadn't worn these sweaters in years, but thought maybe she'd wear them when visiting her grandchildren. "You're crafty and like to knit," Alli said to Myra. "Why not cut out the mermaids, starfish buttons and other embellishments and re-purpose them into gloves or a scarf for your grandchildren? This way they won't take up valuable real estate in your closet if you aren't wearing them."
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What would you do with this sweater?





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Alli and Myra's decision: Donate it. "The arms were too big, pattern is a bit dated, and the color didn't do much for her," says Alli.
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What would you do with this sweater?





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Ali and Myrna's decision: Keep it. "It fit her well and the color is neutral. It would go well with jeans, black pants or leggings," says Alli.
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4 comments   
21December   {Style Expert} What are you REALLY wearing this winter?
Three of our most fashionable FOFs reveal the uniforms that keep them chic and warm from December to March.

Linda Cohen, head buyer for the FOF shop, founder of her own NY-based fashion consulting and merchandising business.



1. A double-breasted, black trench. "When you find a good trench coat, it's worth the investment. You can wear them 10 months of the year, they're all-purpose, and they never go out of style."
Try: Trench Coat by Derek Lam, $990.

2. A Faliero Sarti scarf. "My color palette in the winter is mostly blacks, grays and camels. I break it up with pretty, colored scarves. I splurge on the ones by Faliero Sarti because I wear them year round; as a shawl in the summer and around my neck in the winter."
Try: "Raw Edge Scarf" by Faliero Sarti, $570.

3. A long grandfather-style cardigan. “I like grandfather-style cardigans because they give you a nice lean look and they're comfy. They also hide my trouble spots--my thighs and mid-section-- so only I know what's underneath..."
Try: Zigzag Cardigan by Inhabit, $388.


4. Thick, black leggings. "The ones I like best are thick, comfortable and never lose shape. They go with a casual cardigan during the day or I swap in a shimmery top and wear them out at night."
Try: "Elly Legging" in black by Theory, $190.

5. Black Frye riding boots. "I remember wearing Frye boots in college and I'm still wearing them in a different style. They give you that military, biker edge but in a very classic way."
Try: "Dorado Classic Riding Boots" by Frye, $479.


6. Jewelry by Lulu Frost, “I love her vintage-inspired pieces. She's so creative. I've been following her for years. Now, J.Crew carries her designs."
Try: "Heirloom Crystalline Cameo Bracelet" by Lulu Frost for J.Crew, $135.
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Stacy Wallace-Albert, personal stylist and wardrobe coach to the Chicago glitterati and founder of TheFashionEditor.com



1. Custom made coyote vest by Greg Tinder of Tsarevich.com. "It seemed over the top until this season, but now it's perfect with the revival of 70s fashion."
Try: "Feathered Coyote Vest" by Sofia Cashmere from Neiman Marcus, $695.

2. A 70s-inspired disco blouse. "I think everyone needs a good disco blouse. They're easy to find at vintage stores, but I'd stay away from the ones with the bows at the neck, no matter what anyone tells you."
Try: 1970 Handicraft Embroidered Baby Blue Pure Silk Blouse from Etsy Seller ChezMargot, $32.

3. Slim MiH jeans. “I wear them tucked into boots. I love the fit, the weight and the color of the denim. They're so dark blue, they're almost black and they're super soft without being thin.”
Try: "The Oslo Jean" by MiH in "Kara" wash, $89.

4. Black Costume National round-toe, ankle boots. “I got them ten years ago. They were the first boots I paid more than $150 for."
Try: "Side Button Ankle Boots" by Costume National, $524.99

5. A paisley-print mens Etro scarf. "Men's scarves are less expensive, richer and larger because they are made from wool chalis."
Try: "Paisley Scarf" by Etro, $278.
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Sandra Soich, FOF wardrobe stylist to the stars and founder of YourFashionTherapist.com



1. Cream-colored, cashmere sweaters from Calypso. “They’re the best cashmere. If I spend $200 to $250 on a sweater I’m over the moon, because I can wear it at night and during the day."
Try: "Slouchy Double Vee" by Calypso in "Almond," $225.

2. Carol Haggiag Tinkerbell charm on a string. "My style is conservative with a twist. Lately for that twist, I wear accessories by my friend, Carol. I wear her little gold Tinkerbell charm on a string."
Try: Tinkerbell Charm Necklace from Etsy Seller Kikiburrabeads, $15.

3. Black Jeans from Gap or J.Crew. I’m a jeans person, I love good jeans. Right now I'm loving ones from Gap and the black 'Matchstick' jeans from J.Crew.
Try: "Overdyed Black Denim Matchstick Jeans" from J.Crew, $98.


4. Scarves from every other corner in Manhattan."I have these cheap Pashmina knock-offs in about 15 colors. If I’m wearing black, I’ll add a bright raspberry or coral scarf for a pop of color.  You don’t need to spend $300 on a scarf."
Try: "Best Soft Pashmina Scarf" in various colors, $6.99.


5. Suede crepe-soled Robert Clergerie Oxfords. "I got them at the end of last season and they have a really thick, 1-inch sole with a flat bottom. Comfort is paramount. I’ve been styling since 1983; I used to run around in any old shoe, but these days, I need something comfortable."
Try: "Feydo" oxfords by Robert Clergerie, $368.25.
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20December   {Style Expert} What do you think of this look?
When it comes to FOF fashion, there are no rules but plenty of opinions. Check out what our Five Fashion Gurus have to say about this look, then tell us: Do you agree?


FOF Robin Mizrahi: “Perrrrfect. This woman has got it going on. Her wonderful dress (I believe it is Celine) is clean, modern, appropriate-length and unadorned, which keeps it edgy. Honestly, when you are wearing a thigh high boot, sans hose, do you need any other adornment?  Love the clean, classic boot shape--no wedge, or crazy platform.  If I saw this woman on the street I might even get a bit intimidated by her. Well maybe not I, but most women would. Makes me wonder what perfume she wears . . .”


Robin Mizrahi is co-owner of Pamela Robbins boutique, buyer, merchandiser and entrepreneur.
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FOF Terry Gibraltar: This outfit shouts in-control-New-York-working-woman. Head-to-toe black is a bit austere, but she looks quite put together. The dress is a flattering fit that emphasizes her trim waist,  is not too short and works well with the very on-trend, over-the-knee boots. If an FOF’s thighs look good, she can always show a little thigh with pride.
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Terry Gibralter is the founder of Bespoke Custom Shopping Tours, carefully-crafted shopping “vacations” and a self-proclaimed, “fashion-obsessed” FOF.
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FOF Susan Grant: “A clean, fabulous look. The show of skin is totally acceptable as the skirt isn't offensively short and the distance between the top of the boot and the hemline is minimal. The look of the season captured in a chic, age appropriate way.”

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

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FOF Sherrie Mathieson: The over-the-knee boot (a more sexy style than the classic knee-high boot, and in this case made a bit younger and sexier thanks to the heel) gives great coverage in exchange for that sexual innuendo. The gap between the dress and the boot is judiciously small and has a similar effect of a long sweater or anorak with tights and boots. She did it well...thumbs up!

Sherrie Mathieson is a leading style expert and Random House author of Steal this Style and Forever Cool.
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FOF Gail Garramone: “Simple but powerful. It works because the wearer is thin and tall enough to pull it off.  It also works because it is all black, which offers a slimming silhouette. There is just enough room between the top of the boot and the length of the skirt.  An FOF should never wear a miniskirt with pumps or lower boots unless she is Tina Turner about to go on stage.”
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Gail Garramone is a veteran V.P. of Liz Claiborne Inc. where she traveled around the country with Tim Gunn producing fashion workshops.

Tell us FOFs: Do you agree with our style experts? What do you think of this outfit?
78 comments   
17December   {Weekly Roundup}
We're putting this week to bed, FOFs. Here are some posts (we promise won't put you to sleep!) from around the web this week:


Printable gift tags for a procrastinator...

$100 Chico's gift certificate giveaway.

"I've never had cosmetic surgery. Even when it works and you don't look like a freak, you look like somebody else." -Filmmaker John Waters

What do Parisiennes wear in the snow?

Earrings that evoke the first frost

Home (gorgeous home) for the holidays

Full skirt fetish

When candy meets cookie

Streisand's cozy San Simeon

Until Monday, FOFs.

P.S. Win the best sleep of your life. Hurry! You snooze you lose.

Image via Millie Motts
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16December   {Giveaway} A Wrinkle-Preventing Beauty Pillow
Pamela Governale and her FOF mom, Angela, are giving away their brilliant invention, the Vanity Pillow.

To enter, tell us in the comments below: Do you sleep on your face, side or back?
Thank you for commenting this contest is now closed.


Convinced that a lifetime of sleeping facedown was causing facial wrinkles, Pamela Governale set to work designing a pillow that would help her sleep comfortably face-up.  Her FOF mom, Angela, sewed the first Vanity Pillow prototype.

"We protect our skin from the sun; we moisturize; we use anti-wrinkle creams and under-eye serums; and then we spend all night squashing our faces into a pillow," says Pamela. Her Vanity Pillow works by ensuring the user sleeps face-up which relieves pressure on existing wrinkles on cheeks, under the eyes and forehead. It also ensures a smudge-free slumber for women who like to slather on night creams.

"It's relaxing to snooze on your tummy, but to avoid wrinkles, flip over.... A vanity pillow cradles your head, preventing tossing and turning," wrote InStyle editors in a recent glowing review.

To enter to win the Vanity Pillow, tell us in the comments, below: Do you sleep on your face, side or back?
Thank you for commenting this contest is now closed.

(See all our past winners, here.)
291 comments   
15December   {Style Expert} Not your granny’s bathrobe!
Rub-a-dub-dub...Here are three bathrobes that won't make you look like a schlub! FOF style experts Linda Cohen and Gail Garramone share comfy coverings for every FOF:

For the cuddle-bunny FOF:
In your life, comfort comes first, but style is a close second.


Left: Josie 'Dream' Robe from Nordstrom, $78. "This one is a favorite," says Linda. "I love the soft faux shearling texture of the collar and cuffs and the cozy feeling of a menswear-styled, belted robe."

Right: Bellissima Robe from Soft Surroundings, $79.95. "This robe is a work of art," says Gail. "It's both elegant and comfortable."

Bottom: Ugg Cable Knit Slippers from Garnett Hill, $100. "Ugg slippers are my favorite," says Gail. "Warm fur on cold feet is a heavenly combo. Because they have rubber soles, I would even wear them outside."

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For the glam, not-gram, FOF:
You're a Hollywood bombshell meets bath-belle.


Top left: Oscar de la Renta 'Such a Flirt' Robe from Nordstrom, $74. "This is very Hollywood diva," says Linda. "The ruffle detailing brings home something dressy enough to wear out at night."

Top right: Mary Green Sleeping Silk Eye Mask from Linda's Online, $15. "The ultimate glam get-away-from-it all," says Gail. "Shut your eyes in style!"

Bottom left: AE Sequin Ballet Flat from American Eagle Outfitters, $29.50. "You could wear these fur-lined flats with your robe, or pull on jeans and head to the store. No one needs to know they're slippers."

Bottom right: Silk Velvet Robe from Soft Surroundings, $148.95. "It's a decadent dream," says Gail. "You can channel Ava Gardner."

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For the fashionista FOF:
You want something stylish enough to wear out, but so comfy you won't leave the house.


Top left: Ruffle Trim Robe from Garnett Hill, $198. "This looks like something a prima ballerina would wear in her dressing room before the show," says Linda.

Top right: Bedhead Circa 1960's White Cotton Kimono Robe from Sleepyheads.com, $128. "The print on this one reminds me of wallpaper I had in high school!" says Linda.

Bottom left: Burberry Check Print Robe from Nordstrom, $175. "Comfortable and classic. You'll wear this for 50 more years."

Bottom right: Cashmere Slippers from White + Warren, $160. "Cashmere slippers are a 10 on a scale of deliciousness," says Gail. "They're like wafting on wisps of clouds."

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For the FOF purist:
You need a robe where form and function go hand-in-hand.


Top left: St. Tropez Signature Spa Robe, from Luxor Linens, $126."Spa robes are perfect for post-shower drying off or pre-bed cuddling up and they actually get softer each time you wash them," says Gail.

Top right: Tattersall Flannel Robe from Brooks Brothers, $95. "Brooks Brothers' flannel robes are super warm and soft but also very light and thin so they won't make you look bulky," says Linda.

Bottom: Charter Club Slippers, Velour Scuff from Macy's, $15.98. "Velour is like a less expensive cousin to cashmere...classic, comfy and soft," says Linda.

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Gail Garramone is a veteran V.P. of Liz Claiborne Inc. where she traveled around the country with Tim Gunn producing fashion workshops.

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Linda Cohen is head buyer for the FOF shop, has her own fashion consulting, merchandising and closet organizing business and owned a New York clothing store for 27 years.
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14December   {Health} 9 Sleep Aids for FOFs (You’ve Probably Never Tried)
Stop popping pills and counting sheep, FOFs. Here are 9 unconventional aids for catching zzz's.


1. Teas and Tinctures with Passion flower: Decaffeinated herbal tea has long been a fix for sleeplessness, but natural product companies have become savvier to the distinct needs of menopausal and post-menopausal women. Many have created blends of tea including Passion flower, a plant recently show to help women with menopausal symptoms such as aches and cramps, fall asleep.

Try: Jade and Pearl Sleepy Time Special
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2. Peanut butter: The ubiquitous nutty spread is high in tryptophan, an amino acid with soporific effects. For best results, eat it on whole-wheat toast, another sleep-inducing food, an hour before bedtime (that's how long it takes for the tryptophan to reach your brain).

Try: One of ten varieties such as "Mighty Maple" or "White Chocolate Wonderful," from Peanut Butter and Co.
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3. Chinese herbs: Herbal remedies for insomnia have been used in China for generations. They have become widely available, more recently in the United States in the form of herbal packs and tinctures. The blends differ vastly but can include sleep-inducing roots, seeds, oils and extracts from herbs commonly found in Asia such as Poria (Fu Ling), Spiny Jujube (Suan Zao Ren) and Biota Seed (Bai Zi Ren).


Try: iSleep Herb Pac
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4. Cooling sleepwear: Many nightwear companies have caught heat for neglecting the needs of FOFs experiencing menopausal night sweats. But some are listening; they've swapped cotton for micro-fiber fabrics that wick away perspiration and are quick drying. So...cool!

Try: Cool-jams Sleepwear
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5. Bedtime Bars:  A new line of NightFood Bars claims to help you fall asleep, and they just might be on to something. According to the National Sleep Foundation, eating a balance of protein and carbs before bed can actually help you sleep better. The Night Food bars  boast a combo of protein (soy) and carbs (oats, cookie crumbs, flour) as well as the sleep-inducing hormone, melatonin.

Try: NightFood Bars
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6. Cherry juice: Just this year, a study conducted by three universities found that cherry juice could reduce insomnia in older adults. Researchers believe the high content of melatonin in cherries plays a role in inducing sleep at night and wakefulness during the day.

Try: R.W. Knudsen Organic Just Tart Cherry juice
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7. An acupressure mat: Acupressure mats, with their rows of plastic or rubber "spikes," may sound and look like torture devices, but they have actually been reported to have sleep-inducing effects. The thousands of small points on the mat stimulate specific reflex points and release blocked energy. This in turn can ease tense muscles and create deep mental and physical relaxation.

Try: Yantra Mats or Spoonk Space Mats
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8. A sleep shot: We have energy drinks galore, but what about an anti-energy shooter? A few companies have developed relaxation shots; mini-beverages sans caffeine and sugar that promise to help you doze off. Different brands contain different ingredients, but many rely on natural substances such as chamomile, Ecklonia Cava, Valerian root extract or melatonin, a hormone known to induce sleep.

Try: iChill
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9. A smartphone app: A cell phone and uninterrupted sleep don't usually go hand in hand, but a new smartphone app works through Bluetooth sensor technology to track your sleeping habits. A wristband measures body movement during sleep to find your ideal wake time. The app will set your alarm to this time so you awake feeling naturally alert and refreshed. It also will analyze your sleep cycle to determine your quality of sleep each night and the number of nightly awakenings.

Try: Wakemate Smartphone App
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Enter to win Sleepy Time Special tea from Jade and Pearl by commenting below and answering: Have you ever taken sleeping pills?
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