The only tops I ever want to wear!

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I’m wearing Pauline’s open collar shirt, in a rich violet shade.

When Pauline Durban emailed to ask us to help promote the tops she designed, especially for FOFs, I looked at the selection on her site and thought their easy looks would appeal to lots of women. After turning FOF seven years ago, Pauline was frustrated trying to find tops that were suitable for her changing body, so she finally decided to make them herself. She calls her line Covered Perfectly.

Supporting women entrepreneurs whenever I can, I ordered a couple of tops (a woman can never have too many tops, anyway.) When Pauline noticed my orders, she sent a third top as a gift, since she wanted me to take advantage of her buy two/get one free promotion.

That was about three weeks ago and I’ve been living in my tops (I even slept in one of them since I was too lazy to take it off.) They glide over my body, rather than hugging it, and minimize my midriff bulge and tummy, which was Pauline’s design mission in the first place. The three-quarter length sleeves flatter my arms. Made of a fabric called Micromodal, the pieces are wonderfully soft and comfortable, but still look smart, not sloppy.

I’ve read some FOF comments on Facebook, since we started promoting the tops, which question why Pauline’s models don’t look like they have much to hide. I can promise you that I do have much to hide and the tops really do hide it. Unlike oversized tops with no shape, that actually make us look larger than we are, Covered Perfectly tops have a shape and look feminine. Pauline also is introducing plus sizes in a couple of weeks in response to many requests she’s received.

My tops go with just about everything, from jeans to leggings, and they can be dressed up or down. Their clean-lined styles make them perfect attire for sitting at the computer all day, but they look great for a dinner out. Pauline has chosen a fairly neutral palette, assuring that her tops fit into most everyone’s wardrobe, and she’s introducing some hot colors in her fall line, including an orange red, my personal favorite.

I’ve washed all three of my tops and they’ve maintained their shape and softness. Pauline’s prices are reasonable, even more so since she’s offering my FOFriends 20 percent off your first order OR the option to buy two tops and get one for free. Either way, you’ll pay substantially less than it costs to buy tops elsewhere (and those don’t even fit!)

 

For the 20 percent discount, enter code FOF at checkout.

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P.S. BTW, if you need to return your top, for any reason, it’s free to ship it back to Pauline!

–Geri Brin

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{Giveaway} A year of fabulous, fresh flowers!

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TELL US YOUR FAVE FLOWER AND WIN BEAUTIFUL BOUQUETS FOR A YEAR

You’re tired of dropping a small fortune on “fresh” flowers, only to have them droop and die a few days later. How’d you like to spend absolutely nothing on a year’s worth of beautiful blooms and have each breathtaking bouquet last for up to two weeks?

One lucky FOF will receive a fresh bouquet of her favorite flower–once a month for an entire  year–from The Bouqs Co., which is changing the way we buy and enjoy flowers. Offering a gorgeous selection of 40 bouquets, curated by a renowned floral designer, The Bouqs Co. ships its blooms directly to your home from eco-friendly, sustainable farms in South America, where they’re grown.

To win, visit www.thebouqs.com, pick out your favorite bouquet, then comment below with your choice: 1 FOF will win!

Special occasion coming up? Order from The Bouqs Co. today and get 10 percent off and free shipping, exclusive for FOFs.  Enter code FABOVERFIFTY at checkout.

1 FOF will win 12 bouquets of flowers (a 1 year-subscription). (See official rules, here.) Contest closes July 29, 2013 at midnight E.S.T. Contest limited to residents of the continental U.S.

You tell us!

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{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!



{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.

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{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.

{Gift Guide 2012} For your FOFriend or Sister

Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift for your stylish sister or your tech savvy FOFriend, our gurus have you covered.


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Plus, enter to WIN a Spare-One Emergency Phone (retail value $69.99) when you leave a comment, below.

1. Spare-One Emergency Phones, $69.99

A life saver for everyone–this is my gift of choice this year! A battery-operated emergency cell phone.”– Lovey Dash (Editors note: Use code “Lovey15” at checkout and receive a 15% discount!)

2. Liberty Print Pajamas from J.Crew, $198


“I know these are pricey, but worth the splurge. They are so beautiful and I know my sister will love lounging and sleeping in them!”–Terry Gibralter

3. “Vogue: The Editor’s Eye,” from ShopBop.com, $75

“Any FOFashionista would devour this inspiring and beautiful read.”–Terry Gibralter

4. Agatha Christie’s Poirot: The Early Cases Collection DVD or Blu-ray set, $149.99+

“It’s a great gift for anyone who is really into the Christie Hercule Poirot mysteries because this set contains them all, an endless source of entertainment for the true Agatha Christie lover!”–Terry Gibralter

5. Pom Pom Sachet by Frazier + Wing, $20

“I love these pom-pommed cones made from silk, satin, or cotton and filled with organic lavender–they are all gorgeous!”–Lovey Dash

6. Kotur Morley croc-embossed metal box clutch from Net-a-porter.com, $395

“For my best friend–this mock croc gold clutch! It has a classic Bottega shape without the price. I love the look of pairing it with jeans and a white-t shirt.”– Lovey Dash

7. Pretty Penny Bracelet, from the FOF shop, $46

“A great gift!” says one FOF about the Pretty Penny bracelet. It features a 12k gold coin that can be monogrammed with your sister or FOFriend’s initials, it won’t break your budget, and its shimmery beads twinkle like tinsel!

8. “Ice Queen” clutch, from the FOF shop, $32

“It’s handmade with sequin and glass beads in an icy palette of winter blues. It even has a detachable strap. I’ve seen the same one in department stores for a whole lot more. This one is a dazzling price!” –Geri Brin, FabOverFifty.com Founder


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Leave a comment below to be entered to win a Spare-One Emergency Phone (retail value $69.99).

Three 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.

{Gift Guide 2012} For the Teens and Tots in Your Life

Even if you’re young at heart, it can be hard to get into the fickle minds of tots and teens. Our FOF toy and game gurus have you covered. Below, their 7 gift picks for kids.

Plus, enter for a chance to WIN Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Cooperative Board Game, by leaving a comment below.

Tots

1.Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Cooperative Board Game from Bella Luna Toys, $29.95
Recommended ages: 4+


“Cooperative games encourage young children to work together, and not against each other. Traditional board games can lead younger children to tears…not the case with this one. Wildcraft! gets rave reviews from our customers. Players work together toward a common goal, and along the way, they learn about 25 important edible and medicinal plants that can be used in first-aid situations. A great family game as older children will enjoy it, too.”–Sarah Baldwin, founder and owner of Bella Luna Toys, an online toy store.

2. LeapPad2 from LeapFrog, $99

“An explosion of durable, kid-oriented tablets that offer parental controls and family-friendly content have hit the market. LeapFrog is the first tablet ever made for preschoolers.”–Robin Raskin, founder of Living in Digital Times

3. ImagiPlanks: The Infinite Playground from Bella Luna Toys, $379.95
Recommended ages: 6-12

“This brand new building set consists of 12 interlocking planks that kids can use to build their own play structures–a fort, a bridge, a tunnel, a see-saw, a house or anything a child can imagine. This building set can be used indoors or out–a truly open-ended toy! By the way, there is a great video, here, that demonstrates all the fun ways it can be used. ”–Sarah Baldwin, founder and owner of Bella Luna Toys, an online toy store.

4. Heavy Baby Dolls from Bella Luna Toys, little heavy baby: $124.95, heavy baby: $139.95
Recommended ages: 1-4 (little heavy baby), 4+ (heavy baby)

“This doll has to be held to be believed! Filled with 4½ pounds of millet scented with pure lavender oil. The weight and soothing scent have a calming effect on children and inspire nurturing and caring play. Every mother I’ve handed one too, invariably holds the baby to her heart and begins bouncing and rocking it. It also comes in a smaller version for younger children.”
–Sarah Baldwin, founder and owner of Bella Luna Toys, an online toy store.

5. Moover Ride-On Tow Truck from Bella Luna Toys, $84.95
Recommended ages: 1-5

“Designed in Denmark, this adorable wooden truck can be pushed along but is sturdy enough for a young child to ride on. With a fully functional crane and a roomy under-seat storage compartment, the driver’s cab also has room for a child’s teddy bear or doll. Ride-on toys help develop motor skills, and toys with wheels teach early lessons of physics. But, most of all toys that go ‘VROOM’ are just plain fun!”–Sarah Baldwin, founder and owner of Bella Luna Toys, an online toy store.

Teens

1. AfterShokz™ Sportz M2 w Mic Headphones, $79.95

“The next generation of open-ear sport headphones. They sit comfortably in front of the ear and use bone conduction technology to keep ears open to ambient noises. Safely keeps co-eds connected to their music and social life while remaining active.”–Robin Raskin, founder of Living in Digital Times

2. Tablet Keyboard from C.Wonder, $80

“For my son (an obsessive geek who can’t put down his iPad!) this really cool and handy tablet keyboard.” –Terry Gibralter


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Leave a comment below for a chance to win Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Cooperative Board Game.


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.

{Gift Guide 2012} For the Pet Lover

Looking for the purrfect gift for your furry friend or the pet lover in your life? Our FOF experts have 11 gifts sure to please four-legged friends this holiday season!


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Plus, WIN the Sidworth Dog Coat from LoveMyDog.Co.Uk when you answer this question in the comments, below: What kind of pet are you buying a gift for this year?

Dogs

1. Sidworth Dog Coat from lovemydog.co.uk, $136.41

“Nearly all of LoveMyDog’s tweed collections are inspired by Miss Marple from the Agatha Christie novels! The new Sidworth range is a British handcrafted collection made in England. It’s the ultimate luxury for your dog. Procrastinators rejoice–you’ve still got time to order online and get your gift in time for the holiday!” –Lilly Shahravesh, founder of Love My Dog, a UK-based couture line of dog clothing.

2. Christian Loubarkin Shoes toy from Trixie & Peanut, $12+

“What furry little friend wouldn’t want to chew on a pair of Christian Loubarkins? Give your pooch a little glamour with this plush toy.”–Lilly Shahravesh, founder of Love My Dog, a UK-based couture line of dog clothing.

3. Silver Bow Tie from doggieclothesline.com, $19.95+

“If anything it’s worth going to this site just to see the cutest dog ever modeling a great selection of doggy bow ties. Also, it’s a fabulous gift for dogs who don’t want to wear any apparel but want to join in with the festive celebrations.”–Lilly Shahravesh, founder of Love My Dog, a UK-based couture line of dog clothing.

4. British Bulldog pet ornament from Macy’s, $45

We love the British bulldog here in London. This is a brilliant gift for dog lovers that may not have pets themselves. Looks great on a Christmas tree or the mantel!”–Lilly Shahravesh, founder of Love My Dog, a UK-based couture line of dog clothing.

5. Jonathan Adler Dog Collars from Bloomingdales, $19.99

“Gorgeous color prints to choose from and they come with a bone shaped ID tag. Fantastic price for a designer collar with lots of detail.”–Lilly Shahravesh, founder of Love My Dog, a UK-based couture line of dog clothing.

6. Antlers, from CleanRun.com, $7.95

“Dogs love to chew, so why not give them an antler? Antlers are shed naturally, have no odor when chewed, don’t stain and last a long time.” –Sarah Wilson, founder of MySmartPuppy.com

7. Mungo & Maud Portia Pebble Dog Toy from Barneys New York, $34

“This is the most adorable doggie toy!” —Terry Gibralter

Cats

1. Fox Terrier Catnip Toy by George San Francisco, $9

“When I saw this cat toy it really made me chuckle–not only is my own dog a terrier, but he also does not get along with cats (as much as I have tried over the years!) Lots of other breeds to choose from on their website too.”–Lilly Shahravesh, founder of Love My Dog, a UK-based couture line of dog clothing.

2. Drinkwell Original Fountain from PetSafe.net, $49.99

“Cats need to drink water to stay healthy and many cats drink moving water with more enthusiasm than from a bowl.”– Sarah Wilson, founder of MySmartPuppy.com

3. Lotus Cat Tree from Catsplay.com, $379.99


“We want our homes to have style while keeping our feline friend totally happy. Achieve these two desires with this elegant cat tree.”– Sarah Wilson, founder of MySmartPuppy.com

Rabbits

1. Bunny Brunch Holiday Box from BinkyBunny.com, $12.95



“We have a Rabbit named Mr. Bounce. He would absolutely love this bunny brunch box. It’s beautifully gift boxed with Organic Mint, Dandelion leaf, Plantain Herb, and Rose Petals. Almost too pretty for your bunny to eat!”–Lilly Shahravesh, founder of Love My Dog, a UK-based couture line of dog clothing.

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Answer this question in the comments below for a chance to win the Sidworth Dog Coat from LoveMyDog.Co.Uk: What kind of pet are you buying a gift for this year?


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.

{Gift Guide 2012} Gifts for the FOFoodie or Oenophile

Fill their cups (and bellies) with cheer this holiday season. Here, FOFoodies share 10 scrumptious gift ideas.


Plus, enter to WIN the Cookies for Grown-Ups cookbook or Corkcicle Wine Chiller by answering this question in the comments below: Which would you most like to win?

1. Corkcicle Wine Chiller, $25

“Keep white wine at perfect pouring temperature.” -Lovey Dash

2. Cookies for Grown-Ups cookbook by FOF Kelly Cooper, $16.31

“Cookies for Grown-ups offers 95 new cookie recipes deliciously suited for the discerning palate and paired with drinks ranging from cocktails to beer and wine to tea. I’m an FOF and also the author of the book. Try: ‘Dark Desire’ with bittersweet chocolate and fresh thyme or ‘Mediterranean’ with feta cheese, dill, sun-dried tomato and lemon.” –FOF Kelly Cooper

3. Rabbit Wine Aerating Pourer, $30

“With this nifty little gadget, no need to wait while your bottle breathes. It’s a wonderful hostess gift or smart tool for any home bar.”–FOF Celeste Crago

4. The Table Comes First, $10.85


“Longtime writer for The New Yorker, Adam Gopnik’s latest book, “The Table Comes First” has just come out in paperback, an ideal gift for the true foodie in your life. From the first restaurant in—where else–-France, to famous names in gastronomy through the ages, to current day food trends, localism, organic farming, sustainable living, you name it, Gopnick explores it all. Call it a conversation with the reader about the meaning of food.”–FOF Annette Gallagher Weisman

5. Breakfast Cookies by Morning Sunshine, $29 for a bucket of 12


“These breakfast cookies taste great, are made with healthful ingredients and some are even gluten-free. They make a satisfying, easy breakfast and you can freeze them, too.” –FOF Vicki Dunn

6. The New York Times Book of Wine, $14.91

“Kick lack of knowledge and pretension to the curb, and buy yourself (or any wannabe wino in your life) “The New York Times Book of Wine.” Encompassing 30 years of vintage writing by Eric Asimov, Frank J. Prial, Florence Fabricant, Frank Bruni, and many more, all in the capable hands of esteemed editor Howard G. Goldberg, this book is a treasure chest filled with opinions about wine.”–FOF Annette Gallagher Weisman

7. Perl Girl Rugelach, $25+


“The best I have had, ever. I usually buy mine at the grocery store where they are pretty hard; not these. These were chewy and incredibly yummy!” –FOF Michele W.

8. Pine Street Market Meat of the Month Club, $120+


“Smoked in house from locally-sourced pigs all their meats are to die for. But, the bacon is the showstopper!” -FOF Mary Holland

9. Neilsen-Massey Mexican Vanilla Extract, $21.95 for 8 fl. oz.


“Any FOFoodie would love to have a bottle. It is cited as the best vanilla in the world. Very flavorful.”
–FOF Patricia Bell

10. Caramels from Eclat Chocolate, $26.50 for a 12-piece box


“Won’t they be surprised when they chomp into this delicious chocolate and find that it oozes with luscious dripping caramel! An experience that is unexpected and simply outrageous!”–JoJami Tyler and Deborah Boland

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Answer this question in the comments below for a chance to win the Cookies for Grown-Ups cookbook or Corkcicle Wine Chiller: Which 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.