2012 | Fab Over Fifty Style Blog

19December

{Health} Keep your New Year’s Resolution to get FOFit

FOFitness guru Margo Kamin says she’s “eliminated all excuses” for not working out. Her fitness sessions don't require any equipment, or even a trip to the gym. She employs the use of resistance training, paired with video chat capabilities like Skype and FaceTime, to train her clients. Margo has clientele all over the U.S--some of which she's never even met in person! Read on to find out more about her video chat training sessions and why video training sessions are the new secret weapon for getting FOFit.

Want to win a 30-minute video training session with Margo? Enter to win by answering this question in the comments below: What are your trouble areas?

How did you first get into fitness?
I've been into fitness my entire life. I used to use fitness in an unhealthy way--in high school and college I was your textbook anorexic turned bulimic, and I would exercise on top of that to try and lose even more weight. I understand how it feels to be overweight, and I understand the struggles with addictions and the relationship that food can have with your emotions. I earned my Personal Training Certification from Cal State Hayward in 1991, and got my Group Training Certification from ACSM in 1992. Now, I'm able to help others incorporate fitness into their lives.

Where do you train your clients who don't use video chat?
I have a studio in my house, or I would go to my clients’ houses. I'm not at a gym or a studio where you can walk in and come see me. My sessions are absolutely private, by appointment only, because I cater to women who are older and don't want to go into a gym.

What gave you the idea to start offering video training sessions?
A few years ago I was watching television and I saw Skype and FaceTime technology on Oprah. I started offering video sessions to my current clients who were traveling and couldn't make it to their sessions.

How do your clients who train exclusively online find you?
They usually come across my site through an online search for a personal trainer. Typically people will email me and ask to talk to me on the phone about hiring me as their trainer. I'd say that more than 90% of them end up hiring me after we speak, and I explain more about the video training sessions and how they work.

How do they work?
Usually my clients are relatively familiar with Skype and FaceTime, but we do go through that. We always do a practice session first, which is complimentary, for about 5-10 minutes, and then we go over some basics. The next time I see them we get right to work.

What kind of equipment do your clients need?
You don't have to have any equipment at all. I am very skilled at working out every body part using just you and gravity. You'd be surprised what you can do with a chair, or on the floor, or on a mat. I might have them grab water bottles or books for weights, or if they have a baby or toddler around I'll have my clients put them on their laps and they will act as the resistance while my client is doing core work, or arm work, or chest presses. Your body and gravity is all you need.

Have you run into any technical glitches during your video training sessions?
During bad weather the internet connection can be a little bit choppy, or sometimes a screen will freeze but then come back, but that's happened maybe twice out of hundreds of times. When it freezes, all you do is start the video chat over again.

Are there any limitations when training someone via video chat versus training them in person?
During video sessions I can't reach out and adjust someone with my hands, but I'm very good at adjusting my clients orally. I can see them from head to toe, and I can see when they're doing an exercise incorrectly. I also exercise along with them to demonstrate.

What is the most common problem that women over fifty ask you to address?
A lot of the postmenopausal women that come to me insist that they are gaining weight because they're postmenopausal, but I've found that about 99% of the time that's not true. It's their lifestyle. When women hit 40 they think that something's going to change, and they do this preemptive strike and start eating differently and stop exercising, thinking that they're going to go downhill anyway. It catches up with them--they get caught in a rut. They come to me and I teach them how to put themselves back on the list, and they start to eat better, to exercise, to feel better. I've eliminated all excuses. You don't need equipment, you don't need to leave your home--all you need to do is go to your computer and hit a button.

Enter to win a free 30-minute video training session with Margo by answering this question in the comments below: What are your trouble areas?

Two FOFs will win. (See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes December 27th, 2012 at midnight E.S.T. Contest limited to residents of the continental U.S.

3 comments

19December

{Giveaway} Grace Gallo Jacket and Necklace

FOF Grace Gallo is giving away this tailored, plaid jacket and stunning onyx necklace (retail value: $680) from her new line, Grace Gallo New York. Enter to win by leaving answering this question in the comments below: Where would you wear this blazer and necklace?

FOF Grace Gallo was born in Italy but grew up in Australia, where she spent 12 years working for the largest fashion retailer in the country, Coles Myer, on their advertising and marketing campaigns. She left Australia in 1992, when her career led her to Hong Kong to work on international marketing for a few Hong Kong based fashion companies. Grace's company transferred her to New York in 1999 to set up their U.S. operation. Once she had that accomplished, she launched her own consulting and marketing business in 2001. Inspired by New York, a place where she felt that she could achieve anything, she decided to fulfill her dream of having her own fashion line. "I felt that women needed some guidance on how to dress in the workplace," says Grace, "and I wanted to help women do just that."

Grace started product development for her line in 2010. Since she had worked in the fashion industry for so long, she had many contacts to reach out to for guidance. During the two years that she spent creating her line, she spent time in her birthplace of Italy, gathering expert advice on which fabrics would maintain a crisp, tailored look that she wanted her line to have.

Grace launched her line just last month, exclusively for sale on GraceGalloNewYork.com, and already she's working on new additions. She's currently working on getting Grace Gallo New York into specialty boutiques, and hopes to have retailers pick her line up within the next few years.

"My line is classical, yet incorporates new trends," says Grace. "My designs lend themselves well to career women who doesn't have time to go from the office to home to change to go out for dinner--they transfer well from day to evening."

Enter to win a Grace Gallo New York blazer and necklace by leaving answering this question in the comments below: Where would you wear this blazer and necklace?

Like Grace Gallo New York on Facebook for an extra chance to win!

One FOF will win. (See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes December 27th, 2012 at midnight E.S.T. Contest limited to residents of the continental U.S.

138 comments

17December

{Fashion Flash}

Fashion Flash time! This week, it’s hosted by glam gals Deborah Boland and JoJami Tyler of Fabulous After 40--a blog with simple tips for updating your style! Learn how to find your best look and enjoy all the other links from our fab Fashion Flash friends.

0 comments

13December

The Single FOF’s Holiday Party Survival Guide

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Are you FOF and single this December? It can be tricky trying to navigate a holiday party when the only man in your life this winter is Kris Kringle. Luckily, FOF dating expert Cheryl Savage has got you covered. Read her 10 tips for surviving any holiday affair and avoid standing solo under the mistletoe this year.

1) Find out what kind of party you're going to. Let the type of function help you determine your game plan. If you're invited to an open-house style cocktail party with a mix of single and married people, either bring a girlfriend or go alone. If it's a couples dinner, ask the host whether or not you should bring a date. If she says yes, bring a male date, even if he's just a friend, so that you're not the odd one out. If it's a sit-down dinner where other single people will be, go alone and mingle.

2) Don't over analyze. Don't think about who you're going to sit next to, who you're going to talk to at the party, or whether or not you're going to be the third wheel. Leave all of that at home. Get dressed up, go with a smile on your face, and have a great time.

3) Don't dwell on your relationship status. If someone asks if you're with anyone, your answer should be ‘No--I'm newly single and available.' You don't want to dwell on your divorce or past relationship during the holidays. If a person asks if you're divorced or widowed, answer, but then switch the conversation by asking the person about themselves. A good trick: use the art of the compliment. Tell them how well their sweater goes with their eyes.

4) Talk to the single man at the party. If you notice an interesting man that you would like to talk to at a holiday party who appears to be single, go over and talk to him. Ask him how he knows the hostess or where he's from. A holiday party is the perfect setting to meet someone-- people are loosening up, having a cocktail or two, and they're in a festive mood.

5) Mingle with couples. This one is counter-intuitive, but make an effort to talk to everyone, not just guests that are single. If it's a work party, introduce yourself to your co-workers wife or husband and get to know them. You never know if a guest might have a single brother or cousin or uncle that they could set you up with. This is an opportunity to put yourself out there.

6) There's no wrong seat at a holiday party. If you sit between a couple, you'll be able to talk to both the husband and wife. You can take a seat next to the hostess, if that makes you most comfortable. If you're really unsure of where to sit, ask the hostess where he or she would like for you to sit. If you're at a dinner where there are single men at the party, make sure you sit next to one of them and start a conversation. Even if nothing comes of it, they may know a single friend or brother that they could set you up with.

7) Throw your own holiday party. If you're newly single and haven’t been invited to any holiday parties this year, throw your own. Invite couples and singles. Ask each guest to bring a single friend along with them. Single guests should bring a single friend of the opposite sex so that you get an even mix. Serve cocktails and have everyone bring hors d'oeuvres. Ask guests to wear red for the holidays--it makes for a really fun last minute party!

0 comments

12December

{Giveaway} Mulberry West Silk Comforter

FOF Lana Abrams is giving away one queen-sized silk-filled cotton comforter (retail value: $279) from her luxury line of bedding, Mulberry West. Enter to win by answering this question in the comments below: Where did you have the best night’s sleep?

In 2006, Lana Abrams, a graphic designer, took a tour through Beijing on vacation, and noticed a trend at the hotels where she stayed. "They all had these beautiful silk comforters," says Lana. She went on a tour of the factories where the comforters were made, and discovered they are also made to be pest, mold, and mildew resistant.

When Lana hit menopause a year later, she wanted a lighter weight comforter to alleviate her night sweats. She found that there was nothing available in this country that compared to the silk comforters she had experienced during her trip to China. "I figured a lot of baby boomers might benefit from a comforter like this," says Lana who at that point decided to start her own line of bedding.

Lana started collecting samples from different silk factories in the U.S. to see how they stacked up to the ones from her trip. Not satisfied with anything she found in the U.S., Lana decided to outsource silk and cotton from China for her own bedding line. She hired a manufacturer there to outsource Mulberry silk, which according to Lana, is the highest quality silk available. It is made through a process that was perfected over hundreds of years by the Chinese, in which the silk worms are fed a diet of only Mulberry leaves, causing them to spin a larger silk cocoon than wild silkworms, which have a varied diet. Lana also made sure that her cotton was unbleached, without any formaldehyde or other chemicals. She even went a step further and had the silk and cotton used in her comforters certified by a silk and cotton certification company.

"Women who are in menopause are constantly throwing off their comforter, and then they get chilly so they throw it back on," says Lana. "Mulberry silk is a great solution to this problem because has a lot of breathability, and it wicks away moisture."

Lana launched her line, Mulberry West, in December of 2010. "I named it Mulberry West because we use Mulberry silk," says Lana, "and I used the word 'West' because I wanted it to have an American sounding name." Since launching, she's sold over 2,000 of her luxury comforters, which are available online as well as in brick and mortar stores across the U.S., from Hildreth's in the Hamptons to Emissary Fine Linens in Washington, D.C. All Mulberry West products are also hypoallergenic and naturally pest resistant, due to the sericin protein found in silk, which repels bed bugs.

Enter to win a Mulberry Silk queen-sized comforter by answering this question in the comments below: Where did you have the best night’s sleep?

One FOF will win. (See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes December 20, 2012 at midnight E.S.T. Contest limited to residents of the continental U.S.

285 comments

11December

{What Do You Think Of This Look?}

From her bomber jacket to her aviator shades, it looks like this FOF took style cues from Amelia Earhart. But, does her outfit pass with flying colors or does it crash and burn? See what our FOF Style Gurus think. Then, share your opinion by leaving a comment, below.

Terry Gibralter: "I really like the cool, fitted cargos and and the leather bomber is always a ‘do’ but the rest of the outfit is a miss. The lacy scarf doesn't work with the sportiness of the outfit and I don't like the colors of the bag and shoes. All the different colors she's wearing; brown, 2 shades of rust, green, white and black, are really keeping this outfit from flying high."

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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Lovey Dash: "This outfit looks uncomfortable. Too many shades of what I call ‘luggage colors.’ Everything looks outdated. Crash and burn immediately! Well, except for the sunglasses."

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

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Glenyse Thompson: "She looks fabulous! It's modern and classic at the same time. I love everything about her outfit--FOFlight of fancy!"

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

Sherrie Mathieson: "Everything looks off--the hairstyle and over-bleached color is wrong for her and her glasses are unflattering. The black leather jacket creates too ‘hard’ of a look.The doily-like scarf is completely out of place with the outfit. The bag is way too large. Dark brown to match her belt would have been better. The shoes shorten her legs. A pair of dark brown riding boots would have been a better choice."

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

Susan Sommers: "I love leather and often wear the same leather pieces year after year in different ways. And while a black leather jacket is my item of choice, sometimes it just looks better in brown. The jacket in a rich brown or cordovan would work better with this entire look. I'd then change the frames on the aviators so they are a bit more like the Ray Bans worn in the film, "Five Easy Pieces," with thin silver or gold rims all around. The lace scarf is a nice touch."

Susan Sommers is a personal branding and wardrobing specialist, founder of Dresszing and author of two fashion bibles, French Chic and Italian Chic.

Susan Hersh: "Too many shades of brown! A black, leather bomber jacket looks best with black leather accessories. This handbag choice overwhelms her small frame and the cognac color seems
obtrusive. I like feminine mixed with biker chic but the lace scarf is outdated. There are plenty of
feminine tops with tulle or lace that are more on-trend."

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

26 comments

10December

{Fashion Flash}

It's Fashion Flash time! This week it's hosted by Jackie Silver of Aging Backwards, a blogger who is dedicated to helping women turn back the clock on aging. Learn how you can start "aging backwards" and enjoy all the other links from our fab Fashion Flash friends.

6 comments

06December

{Gift Guide 2012}

Fa-la-la-la-la-FOFs! We've got ideas for all the characters in your life! From your zany pet-loving FOFriend to your jet-setting sister to your main squeeze--our FOF gurus have got you covered. Click through the gift guides below and see 55 suggestions for presents to GIVE. Plus, 8 fabulous giveaways you'll RECEIVE when you enter to win!

41 comments

06December

{Gift Guide 2012} For the FOF Man in Your Life

He’s your knight in shining armor, your personal IT department, and sometimes even your shrink. He's a man for all seasons and 'tis the season to reward him. Our FOF gurus share eight great gifts for the guy in your life.

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Plus, enter for a chance to WIN a bottle of Morgasm All-Natural Lubricant by leaving a comment, below.

1. Morgasm All-Natural Lubricant from the FOF Shop, $59.50 for 2 bottles

"Tried it for the first time and we had a blast!" says one FOF about the Morgasm lubricant for men and women. Light two fires with one candle, so to speak...

2. Custom Dress Shirt from Proper Cloth, $79+

"This was and still is one of the best gifts my guy insists he has received. These shirts are tailored just for him! Make it for him, or give him a gift certificate so he can make his own with all the detail he wants. Best of all, Proper Cloth guarantees a proper fit!"--Glenyse Thompson

3. Electric Digital Smoker by Masterbuilt, $389.99

"For the man who loves to barbecue, smoke or grill but lacks the space or time, the Master Built Electric Digital Smoker is an excellent gift. It's compact, remote controlled and can hold up to four racks of whatever he loves to smoke."--Glenyse Thompson

4. Down Ice Scraper Mitt from Eddie Bauer, $28

"My brother lives in a cold climate and loves his car, so the Eddie Bauer Down Ice Scraper Mitt is perfect!"--Terry Gibralter

5. Touch Camouflage Watch by Swatch, $140

"My hubby is old school and still loves watches, so I know he'll appreciate this cool Swatch to add to his collection!"--Terry Gibralter

6. “The Dirty Dozen” Cashmere Socks from VK Nagrani, $235

"We love these high quality and whimsical socks."--JoJami Tyler and Deborah Boland

7. SCOTTeVests, $200+

"This outerwear is fantastic for anyone who is digitally connected. They have multiple interior pockets for your precious digital cargo including iPads, iPods, smartphones and more."--Shelley Zurek

8. 3M Mobile Projector, $251.99

"A tiny little projector for displaying all your digital videos and media anywhere!"-- Shelley Zurek

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Plus, enter for a chance to WIN a bottle of Morgasm All-Natural Lubricant by leaving a comment, below.

One FOF will win. (See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes December 20th, 2012 at midnight E.S.T. Contest limited to residents of the continental U.S.

58 comments

06December

{Gift Guide 2012} For the FOFrequent Flyer

Know someone who is a trendsetting, jet-setter? Send her off in style with these 10 gifts recommended by FOFrequent flyers.

Plus, enter for a chance to WIN Have Mother, Will Travel or The Official Guide to America’s National Parks by answering this question in the comments, below: Which book would you most like to win?

1. Have Mother, Will Travel, $14.98

“For travel lovers, this book is a must! It changed how I relate to my daughter, gave me ideas on how to improve my (less-than-stellar) relationship with my mother, and made me laugh out loud in many parts.”--Linda M., Rochester, NY

2. The Official Guide to America’s National Parks by Fodor’s, $18.99

“One of my family’s favorites places to visit is Yellowstone National Park. We stay at Spring Creek Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. They have an incredible wildlife safari into Yellowstone led by the resort’s on-staff naturalist, Kurt Johnson. Second to a living, breathing tour guide is this newly released guide to the National Parks by Fodor’s. The perfect stocking stuffer for any avid traveler!”
--FOF Nancy Friedman of Nancy J. Friedman Travel P.R.

3. Circle Hottie from the FabOverFifty Shop, $45

“Another great stocking stuffer for the travel-obsessed! I typically carry a portable heating pad to help my back feel better during and after long flights and hauling heavy luggage.”--FOF Nancy Friedman of Nancy J. Friedman Travel P.R.

4. Magellan’s Good Night Sleep Mask, $14.50

“The best sleep mask I've found to date. It's soft, lightweight, completely blocks out light, and is so comfortable you don't even feel it on, thanks to the molded nose and cupped eyes that don't squish your lashes.” --FOF Claire Fontaine, author of Have Mother, Will Travel

5. Evo Travel Kits, $29.95

“FOFrequent Flyers know the importance of traveling lightly, and being well-prepared. I have fallen in love with this fabulous new eco line of travel cosmetics from Australia. Their ‘water killer’ dry shampoo is also perfect for long flights.” --FOF Nancy Friedman of Nancy J. Friedman Travel P.R.

6. Handmade Block Print Scarf from the FabOverFifty Shop, $36

“No woman should ever travel without a good scarf; they're thin enough to fit in a purse, can double as a blanket on a plane or a sarong on the beach, and elegant enough for any restaurant or event. Proceeds from this go to artisans abroad in need.”--FOF Claire Fontaine, author of Have Mother, Will Travel

7. MyTag luggage tags, $32.99

“Several years ago, a friend sent me these. They are so eye-catching that I can instantly identify my black bags on a luggage carousel. The polyester-webbing strap has your name (or any other word) stitched into it and conceals pockets that hold your contact information and trip itinerary."--FOF Karen McCann, author of Dancing in the Fountain: How to Enjoy Living Abroad

8. Dancing in the Fountain: How to Enjoy Living Abroad, $13.95

“A few years ago, my husband and I retired to Seville, Spain and I wrote a book about my life abroad. If your FOFfriend is looking ahead to retirement, consider sending her a copy. Lonely Planet editors say, ‘I loved this book ... I must have laughed aloud at least once in every chapter.'”--FOF Karen McCann, author of Dancing in the Fountain: How to Enjoy Living Abroad

9. Travalo Fragrance Dispenser, $20

"TSA approved design for carrying your fragrances on board."--Shelley Zurek

10. BAGGU nylon shopping bag, $9
“If you’re traveling, you’re going to be shopping.These lightweight nylon shopping totes can be tucked into any handbag and come in a multitude of fun colors and patterns. I never travel without one or two.”--Pam Peterson, the FOF behind the brilliant travelogue, ObjectsBlog.

Answer this question in the comments below for a chance to win Have Mother, Will Travel or The Official Guide to America’s National Parks: Which book would you most like to win?

Two FOFs will win. (See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes December 20th, 2012 at midnight E.S.T. Contest limited to residents of the continental U.S.

60 comments

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