Wednesday, April 17, 2013

My "Kentucky Derby" Posts from Facebook

Churchill Downs spokesman John Asher wrote in an email. “We are always in close contact at this time of year with the dozens of federal, state and local law enforcement and public safety partners who work with us every year on safety and security concerns for our major events, we will be in close and frequent contact with them and rely heavily on their expertise, as we always do, in the hours and ...days to come.” Also, Churchill Downs will not allow tents in the In-field this year due to the dangers of a storm coming up like last year. The support poles pose a danger to people and horses in high winds. If you plan to attend the races this year wear comfortable, durable shoes. There are many different types of pavement throughout the Downs, some uneven and grass in the In-field. Security will be tighter this year so don't take anything that might look suspicious. Don't forget your sunscreen and drink a glass of water in-between alcoholic drinks so you won't get dehydrated.

If you have a pair of sling back shoes, you can dress them up for Derby events very easily. I saw a pair black and white polka dot, sling back heels at Von Maur last week in the display case. They had a beautiful red satin bow tied to the back of the strap. You can match your shoes to your Derby hat by using ribbon that closely matches your hat. This is also a beautiful addition to shoes worn for weddings and other special events. Good quality satin ribbon from a fabric shop is the most beautiful and is easier to tie. Make sure you double tie the bow so it will not come undone as you walk. Use very sharp scissors to cut the ribbon so the edges won't look frayed.

Another way to customize your look for Derby events is to use ribbon on your handbag that matches your hat or fascinator. If it has a chain strap (good idea due to pick pockets slashing purse straps) thread ribbon in and out of the links of the chain. If it is a thin chain you can braid three colors of skinny ribbon around it and tie into bows where it's connected to the handbag. The ribbon wil...l also make a chain strap more comfortable on your arm or shoulder. Wristlet style purses are great for Churchill Downs and Keeneland. They keep your purse near you and keep your hands free. Crossbody bags are nice but the strap going across the front of your outfit might not look very attractive. If you carry a clutch style bag make sure it has a little chain or strap inside. Keeping it in your hand or under your arm all day will wear you out. It's also too easy to lay it down and forget about it. Don't take anything to the track that you would hate to lose. No heirloom broaches that could fall off or fine jewelry that is so loose fitting it will come off when you wash your hands.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Formal Wear After 40

If the gown you choose is sleeveless or strapless please consider adding a cute bolero jacket, short cardigan or Pashima wrap to cover the sagging or spotty skin on the shoulders, upper arms and back. In the dressing room have someone take a picture of your back with your arms down by your sides before buying a strapless or spaghetti strap dress. You would be shocked by how much skin can sag around the edges of a dress. In some cases buying the dress in a larger size and having it altered to fit is the answer. Don't look like a stuffed sausage in your formal wear. Spagehtti straps are altered very easily if your "Girls" have begun to sag. Buy a strapless, supportive bra and have the dress straps taken up. There is nothing glamorous about the "Ma Kettle" sillouette. If you're old enough to know who Ma Kettle is, then you need a supportive bra. In the movie "Back on the Farm" (1951) Eliszabeth Parker said to Ma Kettle, "You know Ma, I bet you had an hourglass figure." Ma Kettle: "Yeah, but the sand sure shifted."
 
Cocktail dresses for women over 40 should come to the knee or cover the knee.  As we age our knees become less attractive.  Covering them can give us a much nicer, smoother look.  If your shoes are fabulous then don't detract from them by showing less than beautiful knees.  I also prefer hose over bare legs.  Women over 40 have more varicose and spider veins.  They also may have age spots, moles and freckles.  Nude or "body match" hose are best unless you are wearing black or navy.  Light, sheer black and navy hose will give you an "unbroken line" from hem to shoe.  I prefer "sheer to the waist" pantyhose because I've never found control top pantyhose that fit me perfectly.  I usually wear a "Skimp Skamp" foundation panty with the sheer to the waist.  It gives me a feeling of support without being too tight.    

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Facebook Posts Apri 1 & 2


The April issue of "Allure" magazine has an "Anti-aging Special" in it. You will find information about products recommended by the country's top dermatologists, an article called "Facing 50" that features over 50 celebrities and an article about cosmetic procedures. There is also an article called "Through the Ages" that is a timeline of beauty treatments dating back to the 1600's. I haven't ha...d any cosmetic procedures and have never visited a cosmetic surgeon for a consultation. What I worry about is nerve damage from the procedures. I've seen several women who have nerve damage so it makes me relunctant to consider it. I was told recently that Botox stretches the skin when used over and over making it sag more than if left alone. It's up to the individual and I don't judge those who choose to go under the knife to feel better about their appearance. As my Grandmother Ruby used to say "Each to his own said the old lady as she kissed her cow."


Being a size 0 isn't all it's cracked up to be. Women who try to maintain that size are probably doing internal damage to their bodies. Eating disorders are very dangerous and sometimes fatal. There are worse things in life than weighing... more than you think you should. Join Weight Watchers to find out how much you should weigh for your age then stick with it. Yo Yo dieting is not healthy and may ruin your metabolism later in life. Food is fuel not fun so eat like an adult and not a child. If the man in your life pokes fun at your body or makes remarks about every bite you put in your mouth then he's not supporting you emotionally. Have a talk with him and tell him how much his comments hurt you.

Lily Pulitzer