January | 2012 | Fab Over Fifty Style Blog

31January

{Test This} LaRocca Skincare 24k gold anti-aging trio

Gold diggers, rejoice! All products in the LaRocca Skincare line are flecked with 24K gold, which the company claims will make you look like a million bucks.

According to the LaRocca website, every person's skin has metal ions, and the "Colloidal Gold" in LaRocca's products "promotes electron transfer," causing "cell turnover." The result: Skin that is "smooth and rejuvenated with a youthful glow." Could it be true?

LaRocca is giving 6 FOFs the chance to test 3 products from the line (total value: $195):

Exfoliating Cream Cleanser

Daily Hydrating Moisturizer

24K Gold Firming Eye Cream

We want you to tell us: Are these products the gold standard--or fool's gold?

6 FOFs will test these products. Click here to find out more about them, and then leave a comment below to enter to test them.

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(By entering this contest you are agreeing to test and submit a written review of this product to FabOverFifty and to send a photo of yourself to accompany the published story. See all our past winners. See official rules. Participants will be chosen at random from all those who leave a comment. Contest closes February 8, 2012.)

439 comments

31January

{My Story} “I am the primary caregiver for my father . . . and I’m lucky.”

When FOF Liz Vogel’s father got Alzheimer's, she became his caretaker. Most would be devastated, here’s why she feels “lucky.”

[Editor's note: The essay below, by FOF Liz Vogel, is part of a series of personal blogs from our readers. Have your own story to tell? Email your idea to geri@faboverfifty.com.]

I have come to realize I am one of the lucky ones. I am the primary caregiver for my father. He lives two miles away in an independent living community, but I see him, or am in touch with him, every day. We lost my Mom three years ago, and since that time I’ve had the true pleasure of getting to know my Dad.

He has navigated his way, with amazing grace, from Mild Cognitive Impairment/Dementia to Alzheimer's over the last three years. When he needed help writing checks, because his handwriting was getting worse, he asked for it. When his balance was declining and I felt his safety was at risk, he was gracious about letting me get a walker for him. When I thought a safety pendant for emergencies was prudent, he agreed. When I told him he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, he looked at me, winked, smiled and said, "It is what it is, right? The good news is I probably won't remember tomorrow!"

Not everyone has this experience. Dementia and Alzheimer's can rob us of the person we once knew and replace him or her with a stranger. The man I have come to know in these last few years is filled with compassion, wonderfully dry humor, curiosity, sincere interest in participating with his community, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. I suspect I may be seeing the essence of the man versus the father.

As a physician, my father spent his life caring for others. In fact, I think the last three years have been an opportunity for him to take a well deserved rest. But, perhaps because he provided so much to others for years, he understands the role of caregiver and provides me with the freedom to help him when he needs it.

I am learning: I don't know what it is like to be 86, but I suspect it's not that much different than being any other age. You want a life filled with opportunities and choices and to be treated as an equal. Every day, my father teaches me how to live and behave with grace, and I hope I do him proud as I wander through these next years.

Liz Vogel is President & CEO of Dots, Inc., and on-line service that connects the dots between the people, communities and information involved in healthy aging and caregiving. See more at www.trustdots.com.

When FOF Liz Vogel’s father got Alzheimer's, she became his caretaker. Most would be devastated, here’s why she feels “lucky.”

[Editor's note: The essay below, by FOF Liz Vogel, is part of a series of personal blogs from our readers. Have your own story to tell? Email your idea to geri@faboverfifty.com.]

I have come to realize I am one of the lucky ones. I am the primary caregiver for my father. He lives two miles away in an independent living community, but I see him, or am in touch with him, every day. We lost my Mom three years ago, and since that time I’ve had the true pleasure of getting to know my Dad.

He has navigated his way, with amazing grace, from Mild Cognitive Impairment/Dementia to Alzheimer's over the last three years. When he needed help writing checks, because his handwriting was getting worse, he asked for it. When his balance was declining and I felt his safety was at risk, he was gracious about letting me get a walker for him. When I thought a safety pendant for emergencies was prudent, he agreed. When I told him he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, he looked at me, winked, smiled and said, "It is what it is, right? The good news is I probably won't remember tomorrow!"

Not everyone has this experience. Dementia and Alzheimer's can rob us of the person we once knew and replace him or her with a stranger. The man I have come to know in these last few years is filled with compassion, wonderfully dry humor, curiosity, sincere interest in participating with his community, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. I suspect I may be seeing the essence of the man versus the father.

As a physician, my father spent his life caring for others. In fact, I think the last three years have been an opportunity for him to take a well deserved rest. But, perhaps because he provided so much to others for years, he understands the role of caregiver and provides me with the freedom to help him when he needs it.

I am learning: I don't know what it is like to be 86, but I suspect it's not that much different than being any other age. You want a life filled with opportunities and choices and to be treated as an equal. Every day, my father teaches me how to live and behave with grace, and I hope I do him proud as I wander through these next years.

Liz Vogel is President & CEO of Dots, Inc., and on-line service that connects the dots between the people, communities and information involved in healthy aging and caregiving. See more at www.trustdots.com.

6 comments

30January

{What do you think of this look?} Screen Actor’s Guild Fashion

Two weeks ago, we featured our FOFashion picks and pans from the Golden Globes. These actresses take our fashion critiques very seriously (ahem), so clearly they wanted to impress and improve at this weekend’s SAG awards. What do you think: Were their fashion choices fab, or should we wish them better luck at the Oscars?

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Glenn Close:

Bravo, Glenn! Despite its rococo ruffle at the bottom, Glenn’s Zac Posen dress was a major upgrade from her fairly forgettable and unflattering showing at the Golden Globes. Her figure looks fab, her arms are artfully concealed, and her hair and makeup are fresh and flawless. Love it! (But what do you think . . . )

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Diane Lane:

If we hadn’t seen her last dress, Diane would have received higher marks for this perfectly lovely David Meister gown. But we did see her last dress, and it knocked this one out of the water. She looks just fine, but slightly more pedestrian--or should we say, ready for the prom. Perhaps she’s saving the showstopper for Oscar.

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Meryl Streep:

Oy. Okay, based on this and the last dress, we think Meryl has two goals: to look cool and to be comfortable. Last week she fell slightly short due to the fit of her dress. This week, she’s in the ballpark, but it’s still not quite coming together. Her Vivienne Westwood gown looks too big and the belt appears plucked from another outfit. That said, the color is perfect on her, and she does seem to be reaching her own fashion goals--even if they’re not ours.

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Mary Tyler Moore:

Mary Tyler Moore received the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award, and frankly, she looked great. Her face may have suffered a bit too much nip and tuck over the years, but you can’t say the same for this suit, which is perfectly tailored, flattering and chic. Love the layered jewelry and the open collar. Not to mention her partner on stage: How great does Dick van Dyke look?!

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Jessica Lange:

Winner for best best actress in a TV drama, Jessica Lange also wins our vote of approval for this sparkling chocolate gown. Her hair looked great, her body looked strong. The only thing missing is some funky gold jewelry around her neck. Then again, when your neck looks that smooth, maybe you want to show it off?

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Tilda Swinton:

Nominated once again for her work in We Need to Talk About Kevin, Tilda wore an off-white Lanvin gown. Tilda, we need to talk about this dress: You looked A-MAZING at the Globes--fierce and fab, per usual. Here, you look mildly depressed and strangely wide in the middle due to heavy pleating at the waist. We’ll see you at the Oscars . . . you better bring it!

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2 comments

30January

{Fasion Flash}

It's Fashion Flash time! This week it's hosted by health and beauty author Deb Chase, the woman behind The No-Nonsense Beauty Blog. Learn how to curb the signs of aging from this former research dermatologist, and enjoy all the other links from our fab Fashion Flash friends.

0 comments

26January

{Health} Dropping Pounds

The internet is buzzing about a controversial weight-loss plan called The hCG Diet. Is this hormone-based protocol a wonder formula, or a dangerous health risk? FOF investigates.

Ask a few different medical professionals about the hCG diet and you’ll get... well, a few different answers. We know, because we asked, and that’s exactly what happened. We know that’s not what you want to hear--after all, your FOFriend just lost, like, a gazillion pounds in 3 weeks and looks great . . . But wait, wasn’t there something you heard about the FDA banning hCG? And why do all those websites that sell hCG drops look so scammy?

We spoke to two doctors who specialize in weight loss--Dr. Caroline Cederquist, MD, who is against the use of hCG for weight loss entirely, and Dr. Benjamin Gonzalez, MD, who uses hCG in his practice and swears by it. We also spoke to two FOFs about their own experiences with hCG. The good news is: there are a few universal truths about hCG--even if opinions differ. Before you buy those drops or get those shots, listen up!

What the heck is hCG anyway?
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a protein hormone that female bodies produce in high amounts during pregnancy allowing the fetus to survive. The idea of using hCG in combination with a 500-calorie-a-day diet for weight loss was introduced in a medical journal called The Lancet in the 1954 by Dr. Albert T.W. Simeons. The dieter injects or ingests hCG three times a day and eats a strict 500 to 550 calorie diet. “The idea is that hCG acts as an appetite suppressant and allows the body to tap into and utilize the stored fat as a source of energy and nutrition,” writes Dr. Gonzalez in his own position paper on hCG. Interest in the protocol surged in the 50s after Dr. Simeons’ article was published. In the 1970s, Dr. Simeons died and “the interest in the protocol kind of died off too,” according to Dr. Gonzalez. “However, recently there’s been a resurgence.”

Over-the-counter hCG is illegal.
An abundance of products marketed as hCG are sold over the counter including drops, pellets and shots. The manufacturers of these products claim that when combined with an extremely restrictive, low-calorie diet hCG can “reset your metabolism” or shave off “20-30 pounds in 30-40 days.” In December 2011, the FDA issued a warning to consumers stating “there is no substantial evidence hCG increases weight loss beyond that resulting from the recommended caloric restriction” and that the products “are potentially dangerous even if taken as directed.” Both the FTC and FDA issued a letter to 7 manufacturers of over-the-counter hCG warning the companies that “they are violating federal law by selling drugs that have not been approved, and by making unsupported claims for the substances,” according to a press release issued by the FDA. The 7 manufacturers the FDA chose to target weren’t the only ones in violation of the law. You still may see be able to find products marketed as hCG in stores and online, but according to the FDA there are “no HCG products sold online and in stores approved for weight loss.”

Illegal or not, some women swear by it.
“My whole life, I had never been unhappy with my weight,” says FOF Sherry Ittel from Plano, Texas. Then, recently, she hit menopause and accumulated just a bit of stubborn fat that she struggled to get rid of. A friend had success using over-the-counter hCG, so, a few months ago Sherry decided she would give it a try. She bought some drops on a site called hCGdiet.com for $80. After taking the drops three times daily, combined with a strict 500-550 calorie diet, she lost her goal weight of 10 pounds in about four weeks. “I remember e-mailing my friend and saying ‘celery is not a substitute for popcorn.’ I wanted popcorn so bad,” says Sherry. “I guess a couple times I was hungry, but it wasn’t that much of an issue.”

Another FOF, Barbara Langley, from Independence, Missouri, describes herself as “overweight.” She tried dozens of diets over her lifetime--but none of them gave her the results she wanted. Then, last March, she bought hCG drops off a website called myhcgsystem.com. The diet appealed to Barbara, because, although extreme, it only required a short time commitment. “I can do anything for 23 days,” she says. Barbara lost about 40 pounds in just over three weeks. In December, she got an e-mail from the manufacturer of her hCG drops. “It said something like, ‘if you want to go on this program, you better buy your drops because the FDA will not allow them to be sold after January 1st,’” says Barbara. “It really made me concerned, like ‘what’s in these things?’ But, they offered it for some ridiculous price so I bought two bottles.”
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A sample day on the 500 calorie hCG diet for FOF Barbara Langley:

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Breakfast: A fruit, water and 25 drops of hCG

Lunch: A vegetable , a 4 oz. piece of chicken and 25 drops of hCG

Snack: A piece of Melba Toast

Dinner: Fish, a vegetable and 25 drops of hCG

Snack (before 8 p.m.): Another piece of Melba Toast or a piece of fruit

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FDA officials and many medical professionals specializing in weight loss such as Dr. Caroline Cederquist, MD, director of Cederquist Comprehensive Weight Control, say that what concerns them most about this diet is not the hCG itself, but the strict calorie limit it imposes. Manufacturers and supporters of hCG claim that the hormone helps you utilize the stored fat as a source of energy and nutrition, in effect making up for the calories your diet is lacking. Dr. Cederquist disagrees: “Anytime you lower your caloric intake, you are theoretically burning stored fat. But, if you don’t have enough protein in your diet, your body will not allow you to break down fat. It will start breaking down muscle tissue to meet your nutritional needs.” Dr Cederquist says that the muscle could be from your arms and legs, but even more worrisome, “it could be the protein in your heart.” According to a press release issued by the FDA, “consumers on such restrictive diets are at increased risk for side effects that include gallstone formation, an imbalance of the electrolytes that keep the body’s muscles and nerves functioning properly, and an irregular heartbeat...A very low calorie diet should only be used under proper medical supervision.”

Doctor-administered hCG--is it safe?
Following a 500-calorie diet without guidance from a physician is almost universally frowned upon. But, the safety of using hCG under the supervision of a doctor has fueled the hottest debate yet--with everyone from Dr. Oz to Oprah forming and sharing opinions on the matter.

Dr. Benjamin Gonzalez, MD, says that five years ago, he believed hCG was “crap,” but now he prescribes it to select patients through his practice, Atlantis Medical Wellness Center in Silver Spring, MD. Dr. Gonzales says that after a family member asked him his advice on the diet, he ran trials on his office staff and “basically did a 180,” on his opinion of the drug. “It was eye-opening,” he says. “After treating hundreds of patients successfully, I’m a convert.”

Does Dr. Gonzalez worry about putting his patients on such a restrictive diet? “hCG is medication that helps your body change how it burns your own fat,” says Dr. Gonzales. “If you went on a 500- or 600-calorie-a-day diet without the hCG, it’s absolutely true [you’d be at risk for muscle breakdown], but what the hCG provides is protection from that along with an appetite suppressing type of feeling.” Sounds like a miracle! Could it be? Dr. Cederquist doesn’t think so. She references a study from the “70s or 80s” where one group of patients was restricted to 500 calories with hCG and other group of patients was restricted to 500 calories without it. “There was no significant difference between the two,” says Dr. Cedequist. Dr. Gonzalez agrees that studies on hCG have been published suggesting the effects of hCG are bogus, but calls them “small, not very good studies... No one is going to put a couple million dollars toward studies on something such as hCG that makes them pennies.”

Furthermore, Dr. Gonzalez is adamant about making a distinction between the hCG he prescribes in his office and that which is sold over the counter. “A lot of people will buy the hCG online and you don’t even know if it’s actually hCG or not, and it usually is not,” says Dr. Gonzalez. “I have patients come in here and say ‘I just want the hCG, can’t you just give me the hCG and I’ll do the rest?’ No way. It has to be done by a doctor or nurse who is experienced with the protocol.” Dr. Gonzalez conducts careful screenings of his patients before prescribing them hCG and checks in with them frequently while they are using it. The whole protocol for 39 days including the initial screening, labs, the shots and weekly follow up appointments done under his supervision costs a patient approximately $900.

He prescribes the hCG “off-label” which means that it is not approved by the FDA for weight loss although it is approved for other uses, such as fertility issues. Prescribing drugs off-label is a fairly common medical practice (read more about off-label prescriptions), but controversial as well, depending on the drug and the problem it’s treating.

“We know it’s very safe since it has been studied for these other conditions,” says Dr. Gonzalez. “They haven’t approved hCG for weight loss but not one single death nor long term side effect has surfaced in the 50 years of use.”

The bottom line:
When it comes to doctor-administered hCG, buyer beware. Past studies on using the hCG hormone paired with a low-calorie diet for weight loss are too limited to be conclusive. There is a lot more research in this area that needs to be done. When it comes to over-the-counter hCG, stay away. These products have been deemed “potentially dangerous” and “illegal” by the FDA.

55 comments

25January

{My Story} “I was nervous, tired, flushed . . . but I never expected this diagnosis.”

FOF Linda McCoy reveals why every FOF should know the warning signs of Atrial Fibrillation

[Editor's note: The essay below, by FOF Linda McCoy, is part of a series of personal blogs from our readers. Have your own story to tell? Email your idea to geri@faboverfifty.com.]

It started out as a routine visit to the doctor’s office. I was scheduled for lab work and a refill on my prescription for high blood pressure, which has been under control for years. The doctor quietly listened to my heart and asked the nurse to take a cardiogram. I wasn’t alarmed; I’d had Rheumatic Fever as a kid and been through many electrocardiograms.

When the doctor came back, she looked at me seriously and told me I had Atrial Fibrillation and that I needed to see a cardiologist right away. When I asked her to explain exactly what that meant, she told me my heart was not pumping correctly, and that blood was sitting in my heart chamber, which could cause it to form a blood clot.

I learned that during Atrial Fibrillation, the the upper chambers of the heart beat very rapidly and irregularly--"quivering" instead of contracting normally. By itself, AF isn't life threatening, but it can cause uncomfortable symptoms like palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. It can also lead to other rhythm problems and congestive heart failure. The most serious complication is stroke: AF increases a person's risk of having a stroke by five times the normal level.

My doctor arranged an appointment with a cardiologist for the next day. Meanwhile, I was sent home with a prescription for blood thinners and a heart drug. Of course, I had to find out what Dr. Google said, which made me more apprehensive. I spent a restless night worried about the next day’s visit.

My visit to the cardiologist confirmed my family doctor's diagnosis. He explained that they don’t know what causes AF, but many people have it. He said I would have to remain on blood thinners and advised a procedure called cardio-version, during which an electrical shock is applied to your heart to regulate your heartbeat. A week later I got the cardioversion, but my “a-fib” came back. A month later, I got another cardio-version, but it didn’t work either.

Next, the doctor recommended ablation, a procedure where they cauterize the heart cells that are miss-firing. The decision to have it done wasn’t an easy one. Ablation is a long procedure, carries some risk, and there are no guarantees it will work. Sometimes it has to be done more than once. It took me a year to muster up the courage to go forward with it.

I arrived at the hospital pretty calm. I trusted my doctor, and, after all, I was going to be under anesthesia. They sent a young male orderly in to shave my groin area, since this is where the catheters are inserted into your legs. I sent him packing! 'Can’t I please have a female nurse do that?' When the nurse arrived with a razor in hand she told me what a wonderful young man the orderly was and that he had been there for years, surely trying to make me feel guilty. She did the deed with efficiency. Having the catheter put in wasn’t nearly as bad as I imagined it would be. Thank God!

Before they wheeled me into the operating room, my husband and daughter came in to say goodbye. There I was, in tears (is this normal?), “bye then, see you later.” Next I found myself in a room that looked like the bridge of the “Starship Enterprise”--more computers than anyone could imagine. I was put completely out. I woke up seven hours later; I don’t remember being taken back to my room. I was advised to lay flat for six hours and that the catheters (three in each leg) would come out when my blood reached a certain level. They allowed me to eat raspberry sorbet. I told my husband and daughter it was the best thing I ever ate. What was I thinking? The blood level they were after was not obtained until seven the next morning.

They asked if I wanted a pain killer before they took the catheters in my veins and arteries out. The nurse said they sometimes make people sick, so I declined. This REALLY hurt, and I regretted saying no. (Note to self: When the hospital staff offers a pain killer, take the drug and say “thank you!”) As soon as I was disconnected from the Foley catheter and intravenous fluids I was allowed to go home under strict instructions. The numbness and soreness in my legs bothered me.

My recovery is still in process, my left leg is still quite numb, which I am told will fade. My bruises, a dark bluish purple, will eventually disappear. The most difficult part of the recovery is fatigue, which lasts about three months, until my heart heals completely. On the upside, my heart is now in normal rhythm and hopefully it will stay that way. My sleep is undisturbed, my family wonders why I am so calm (is this the new me?), and importantly, I should be able to go off blood thinners in the near future.

Many people walk around with undiagnosed atrial fibrillation. Some of the symptoms I missed? I was nervous, tired, agitated, my face was flushed, I had sleepless nights, and loud noises made me jump out of my skin. I am 64 and past menopause, so I should not have ignored these symptoms. I could feel my heart jumping around, although like many people I didn’t want to think it might be something serious, and I attributed it to my penchant for coffee. This is an incredibly common medical issue. Millions of people have it, doctors don’t know what causes it, but one thing is for sure: if you find yourself with these symptoms, you owe it to yourself to make a visit to your doctor. It can be managed. Heads up on this one FOFs!

5 comments

25January

{Tested} Joey New York Quick Results Line Up

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All the celebs are loco for coco...coconut water, that is. Most people drink it, but one company suggests we slather it on our faces for its anti-aging benefits. Coconut water is the active ingredient in Line Up (retail value: $36), a serum manufactured by Joey New York. According to the company, it makes "lines and wrinkles virtually disappear," and "fills in lines and then plumps them up, creating a more youthful and awake appearance almost immediately." We sent Line Up to our FOF testers, to find out-- what's the bottom line on this anti-ager?

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How long did you use this product?
For 45 days

Were the directions easy to follow?
Yes.

Did this product work for you? Did you notice a difference in your skin?
My lines appeared to go away and I noticed a difference in the look of my skin. However the results were not worth how the product felt--like a thin layer of Elmer's glue spread over my face. By mid morning, my face would start to flake. The product came off in what looked like peeling skin.

.{Click here to read all of the reviews!}

What changes did you notice in your skin?
At first my skin was smooth and most of my lines seemed to disappear. My makeup looked fantastic after using this product for most of the morning. However, the product flaked off by lunch time and it looked like I had small cracks in my skin similar to dry arid desert ground.

Would you use it again?
No, I would not. My face needs to be able to move when I talk. I prefer my skin to feel supple.

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
No, I would not. It might be a good product for a photo op that only lasted less than 2 hours.

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How long did you use this product?
More than 6 weeks and I'm still using it.

Were the directions easy to follow?
Yes, it was very simple to apply under makeup each morning.

Did this product work for you? Did you notice a difference in your skin?
It did tighten my skin and made it feel firmer, so my fine lines were less noticeable under makeup.

What changes did you notice in your skin?
It made my lines less prominent but no real long term changes.

Would you use it again?
Yes, I continue to use it every morning.

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
Yes, if they want to have fewer fine lines and feel like your skin is younger and firmer, they should give this product a try.
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How long did you use this product?
I used this product for close to 2 months.

Were the directions easy to follow?
The directions were easy to follow.

Did this product work for you? Did you notice a difference in your skin?
At first I felt a tightening on my skin which was exciting since it seemed to 'lift' my face. However, after a period of time that sensation seemed to disappear. I'm not sure if my skin just got used to it.

What changes did you notice in your skin?
My skin was smooth after.

What changes did you notice in your skin?
I probably wouldn't use this again. There are other products that nourish my skin better than this.

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
I would tell any FOF member to give it a try. It causes no harm and everyone's skin is different.

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How long did you use this product?
2 months.

Were the directions easy to follow?
Yes.

Did this product work for you? Did you notice a difference in your skin?
It made my skin feel tighter at the time of application, but did not notice a lot of difference overall in my skin.

What changes did you notice in your skin?
Tightness at time of application only, but it wasn't long term.

Would you use it again?
I would try it again.

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
Yes.

What was your overall experience with the product?
Positive.

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How long did you use this product?
3 weeks.

Were the directions easy to follow?
Yes.

Did this product work for you? Did you notice a difference in your skin?
It had some positive tightening effect.

What changes did you notice in your skin?
No lasting effects. The product did tighten my skin but left white traces and the fragrance was unpleasant.

Would you use it again?
No.

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
No.

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How long did you use this product?
I was not very consistent about using this product because I lost my job, so I don't fix up as much now. But when I do go out I used it.

Did this product work for you? Did you notice a difference in your skin?
This product did work for me. I especially like it over my face cream before I put on my makeup. It tightens somewhat like a mask would.

Would you use it again?
Definitely.

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
Yes.

What was your overall experience with the product?
I love it--it makes my skin smoother and my makeup go on streakless.

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How long did you use this product?
I used it religiously for the last 4 weeks.

Did this product work for you? Did you notice a difference in your skin?
I have oily skin and perspire due to hot flashes. While it felt great the first few hours, it started to peel off like dead skin about midday.

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
It may work better on those who don't have skin like mine.

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How long did you use this product?
I am still using it although I haven't used it daily.

Were the directions easy to follow?
Yes.

Did this product work for you? Did you notice a difference in your skin?
I do notice a difference on my face when I use it. When I apply it, it feels a bit like watered down glue. I keep a calm, still face until it dries. The fine lines on my face almost disappear. I have a lot of lines on my forehead and it makes a big difference in how visible they are. I didn't see any change in the deeper wrinkles.

Would you use it again?
I would use it again if it is not too expensive.

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
I recommend it to any FOF who has fine lines they would like to hide

1 comments

25January

{Style Scout} The Best Clothing Brands for FOFs (That You’ve Probably Never Heard Of)

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Unless you’re walking around naked right now, you probably have a pair of go-to pants. You know the ones: They fit great, they get you out the door, and you secretly wonder if anyone has noticed that you wear them five times a week. Now, imagine a closet full of clothes like that. Pieces that fit well, work together and make you feel good. Reality check: You may not find them shopping the same old stores at the mall.

“My FOF clients are looking for clothes that fit beautifully at a good price,” says FOF Linda Cohen, a retailer-turned-top-fashion-consultant and a stylist for hundreds of FOF clients. “But to find those hidden gems, you need to spend serious time looking through racks at local boutiques, visiting showrooms, trying everything on . . . Who has time? Well, I do.”

Lucky for us, Linda has agreed to open her little black book of FOF fashion finds: The items and brands she turns to again and again for her FOF clients. This week: 3 fab fashion finds you’ve probably never heard of. Plus, tune in each week as we reveal one more piece from style-scout Linda’s ultimate FOF closet.

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Designer: Peace of Cloth

Available at: Specialty boutiques and department stores.

Must have pieces: Casey (cropped 5-pocket jean), Vera (invisible fly front pant) and Lisa (side-zip pant).

FOF stylist Linda says: “A beautiful collection of suiting, pants and jackets for the woman who is willing to invest a little bit more--let’s say $150--in a pair of pants that will fit and last.”

The inside story: Launched in 2005 by retail veteran Alex Garfield, Peace of Cloth is the follow-up to Garfield--a popular women’s brand he ran for twenty years and sold in 2001. “I’m not trying to make the hottest style in the world,” he says. “I make something that fits and looks great whether or not you have the best body. My favorite customers are the ones who come to me and say, ‘I have all my Garfied suits from twenty years ago--I keep bringing them back to the cleaner to be relined.’”

Why it's a hit with FOFs: “They have some money--but they’re careful with it. Over time, I’ve learned what works for them, and I’ve stuck with it. I make clothing for her ego--not mine.”

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Designer: Tolani Collection

Must have pieces: Scarves and wraps in silk, cashmere and linen (starting at $60)

FOF stylist Linda says: “Beautiful fabrics and easy tunics, dresses and jackets with that 'boho-chic' sensibility we never tire of.”

The inside story: Alka Tolani, 48, began designing silk scarves in 2004, inspired by her native country of India and her travels around the world. Then, serendipity: Mary Kate Olsen and Jessica Alba were both photographed with Alka’s scarves draped adorably around their necks. Suddenly, stores came calling, and Alka had a business. Now she also creates wraps, jackets and bags and sells out at small boutiques and top shelf retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman.

Why she’s a hit with FOFs: “We try not to target any age group,” says Alka. “But,” adds her husband and partner, Raj, “Our body styles are easy to wear and very comfortable.They work for a woman who is interested in unique prints and colors--not necessarily a woman who’s trying to show off her hip size.”

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Designer: Dizzy Lizzie
Must-have pieces: ¾-sleeve blouse ($98) and halter dress ($128)

FOF stylist Linda says: “Her blouses give you that Jackie O meets Tory Burch look, with pretty, bold prints and flattering stretch fabrics, for under $100.00 each. Plus, everything comes in XL.”

The inside story: Like Alex Garfield, FOF designer Elizabeth Lighton started her current company after decades running another popular apparel company, British Khaki. “I saw a niche in the market. Women were willing to spend almost $200 on jeans, but they didn’t want to spend more than $100 on a blouse to pair with them. So I kept my price point under $100, but added the little extras: darts and flattering stretch fabrics, generous sizing, great patterns. Plus, it’s cut straight across the bottom, so you don’t have to tuck it in.” Since launching, she’s also introduced skirts and dresses, all “inexpensive but full-lined in cotton.” Her clothes, which are mostly available at small boutiques in vacation areas such as Florida and South Carolina, have developed a cult following of women who buy the new patterns each season.

Why she’s a hit with FOFs: “Everyone has figure problems, no matter what age they are,” says Lighton. “My pieces are cut to flatter. My Charleston halter dress, for example, just fits everyone well. Once women find it, they want it in different patterns. That dress has paid my mortgage for two years!”

.
Unless you’re walking around naked right now, you probably have a pair of go-to pants. You know the ones: They fit great, they get you out the door, and you secretly wonder if anyone has noticed that you wear them five times a week. Now, imagine a closet full of clothes like that. Pieces that fit well, work together and make you feel good. Reality check: You may not find them shopping the same old stores at the mall.

“My FOF clients are looking for clothes that fit beautifully at a good price,” says FOF Linda Cohen, a retailer-turned-top-fashion-consultant and a stylist for hundreds of FOF clients. “But to find those hidden gems, you need to spend serious time looking through racks at local boutiques, visiting showrooms, trying everything on . . . Who has time? Well, I do.”

Lucky for us, Linda has agreed to open her little black book of FOF fashion finds: The items and brands she turns to again and again for her FOF clients. This week: 3 fab fashion finds you’ve probably never heard of. Plus, tune in each week as we reveal one more piece from style-scout Linda’s ultimate FOF closet.

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Designer: Peace of Cloth

Available at: Specialty boutiques and department stores.

Must have pieces: Casey (cropped 5-pocket jean), Vera (invisible fly front pant) and Lisa (side-zip pant).

FOF stylist Linda says: “A beautiful collection of suiting, pants and jackets for the woman who is willing to invest a little bit more--let’s say $150--in a pair of pants that will fit and last.”

The inside story: Launched in 2005 by retail veteran Alex Garfield, Peace of Cloth is the follow-up to Garfield--a popular women’s brand he ran for twenty years and sold in 2001. “I’m not trying to make the hottest style in the world,” he says. “I make something that fits and looks great whether or not you have the best body. My favorite customers are the ones who come to me and say, ‘I have all my Garfied suits from twenty years ago--I keep bringing them back to the cleaner to be relined.’”

Why it's a hit with FOFs: “They have some money--but they’re careful with it. Over time, I’ve learned what works for them, and I’ve stuck with it. I make clothing for her ego--not mine.”

—————————————————————————————————

Designer: Tolani Collection

Must have pieces: Scarves and wraps in silk, cashmere and linen (starting at $60)

FOF stylist Linda says: “Beautiful fabrics and easy tunics, dresses and jackets with that 'boho-chic' sensibility we never tire of.”

The inside story: Alka Tolani, 48, began designing silk scarves in 2004, inspired by her native country of India and her travels around the world. Then, serendipity: Mary Kate Olsen and Jessica Alba were both photographed with Alka’s scarves draped adorably around their necks. Suddenly, stores came calling, and Alka had a business. Now she also creates wraps, jackets and bags and sells out at small boutiques and top shelf retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman.

Why she’s a hit with FOFs: “We try not to target any age group,” says Alka. “But,” adds her husband and partner, Raj, “Our body styles are easy to wear and very comfortable.They work for a woman who is interested in unique prints and colors--not necessarily a woman who’s trying to show off her hip size.”

—————————————————————————————————

Designer: Dizzy Lizzie
Must-have pieces: ¾-sleeve blouse ($98) and halter dress ($128)

FOF stylist Linda says: “Her blouses give you that Jackie O meets Tory Burch look, with pretty, bold prints and flattering stretch fabrics, for under $100.00 each. Plus, everything comes in XL.”

The inside story: Like Alex Garfield, FOF designer Elizabeth Lighton started her current company after decades running another popular apparel company, British Khaki. “I saw a niche in the market. Women were willing to spend almost $200 on jeans, but they didn’t want to spend more than $100 on a blouse to pair with them. So I kept my price point under $100, but added the little extras: darts and flattering stretch fabrics, generous sizing, great patterns. Plus, it’s cut straight across the bottom, so you don’t have to tuck it in.” Since launching, she’s also introduced skirts and dresses, all “inexpensive but full-lined in cotton.” Her clothes, which are mostly available at small boutiques in vacation areas such as Florida and South Carolina, have developed a cult following of women who buy the new patterns each season.

Why she’s a hit with FOFs: “Everyone has figure problems, no matter what age they are,” says Lighton. “My pieces are cut to flatter. My Charleston halter dress, for example, just fits everyone well. Once women find it, they want it in different patterns. That dress has paid my mortgage for two years!”

5 comments

25January

{Giveaway} Win tights with underwear woven in

FOF Hallie Peterson of Leg Luxury is giving away two pairs of her one-of-a-kind tights. Enter to win by answering in the comments below: Do you always wear nude stockings with skirts--even in the summer?

Most mornings, FOF Hallie Peterson partakes in a ritual she calls "dressing from the bottom up."

"When I get dressed, I start with my tights. I decide which ones to wear [based on] my attitude," says Hallie. "If I'm feeling sassy, for instance, then I put on something like my 'Wild and Fun' tights or my 'Feathery Lace' ones." If she's feeling more conservative, Hallie opts for her 'Little Dots' or 'Elegant Scrolls.'

Hallie has the luxury of choosing from dozens of styles, because as owner of Leg Luxury, Hallie takes multiple trips to Asia each year to find the most unique tights."I've had women literally chase me across parking lots to ask me where I got my tights." She doesn't sell basics opaques or sheers because, well... "you can get those in Target," says Hallie. On her buying trips, if she doesn't see quite what she's looking for, she works with her manufacturers to come up with something truly one-of-a kind.

"A client came to me and said 'look, I'm 42 years old, I hate panty lines, I'm single and I take my clothes off in front of men.' So I worked with my vendors and we created tights with these lacy French cut panties sewed in," says Hallie. "It gives a sexy, elegant feel and it removes the question of whether to wear panties or not."

Prior to launching her tights business, Hallie, a San Diego-based FOF, worked in marketing for Radisson Hotels and Northwest airlines while launching multiple side endeavors, including selling popcorn in Russia. "When I write my biography, it's going to be called 'From Popcorn to Pantyhouse--Living the Frivolous Life,' she jokes. But, all jokes aside, Hallie describes herself as an "entrepreneur with great purpose, background and foundation." "I've reinvented myself a number of times but I think I've found what I'm sticking with," says Hallie.

Hallie sells her tights online and to boutiques across the United States and Canada. They range in price from $20-$26.

"We don't have the legs we had when we were 20," says Hallie. "We may have vericose veins, sun spots or cellulite, and when you cover your legs it looks a lot better than leave them bare."

Enter to win a pair of Leg Luxury tights by answering in the comments below: Do you always wear nude stockings with skirts--even in the summer?

Thank you for entering. This contest is now closed.

Two FOFs will win. (See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes February 2, 2012 at midnight E.S.T.

Can't wait to find out if you won? Now, you can buy Leg Luxury tights in the FOF shop.

228 comments

24January

{Test This} Made From Earth Face Firming Serum

Face it--most products that deliver serious anti-aging results, also are loaded with serious chemicals and/or ingredients that are harmful to the earth.

Not the Vitamin Enhanced Firming Face Serum (retail value: $39.99) from indie beauty brand, Made From Earth. In lieu of harsh chemicals, Made From Earth uses ingredients from certified organic farms across the U.S.

This face serum contains a blend of meadowfoam (touted for its binding qualities and non-greasy feeling), DMAE (a much-buzzed about skin-firming agent), vitamins A, B, C and E, and alpha lipoic acid. According to its manufacturers, the product “immediately tightens and firms the skin” and “eventually improves your skins elasticity” all while it “counteracts dryness.”

We want you to tell us: Is it a natural wonder... or a natural disaster?

10 women will test this product. Click here to find out more about it, and then leave a comment below to enter to test it.

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(By entering this contest you are agreeing to test and submit a written review of this product to FabOverFifty and to send a photo of yourself to accompany the published story. See all our past winners. See official rules. Participants will be chosen at random from all those who leave a comment. Contest closes February 2, 2012.)

Read past product reviews.

571 comments

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