Blog For Baby Boomer Women | Fifty is the New Forty

An Octogenarian With Style – Q & A With Opera Singer Patrice Munsel

April 15, 2012 – 8:50 am

Singer Patrice Munsel On Style & Fashion Then & Now!

by Maura Bannon

(The following interview with renowned female opera star Patrice Munsel was conducted by Maura Bannon, fashionista and popular Saratoga fashion blogger. Bannon interviewed this amazing woman personally for FiftyIsTheNewForty.com , and reveals a fun-loving, savvy octogenarian with style and grace! )

Patrice Munsel is the youngest person in history to take the stage at the Metropolitan Opera at age 17 in 1943. Also known as “Princess Pat,” Munsel’s calling cards are her stunning voice, dazzling personality and charisma. Munsel graced the covers of Time and Life magazines, performed at the Metropolitan Opera 225 times and was married to her husband for 55 years!

When I had the opportunity to interview Munsel from her home in Lake George, it was apparent upon speaking to her that when she walks into the room, people pay attention—a true show stopper! If I could describe her in one word, I would say she has spunk. Munsel is in her late 80’s, but while talking with her, I could tell that to her, age is nothing but a number—she’s quick witted and livelier than ever!

Q. After looking at older photos of you, I noticed that clothing was just so much more formal then it is today. Can you tell me what you think about that?

A. The style was comfortable. Nice pants, chic boots from great designers. Actually, you could get away with mostly anything as long as you had a feeling of style and a feeling of who you are. I just liked to have fun with it.

Q. How would you describe your style today? How is it different from when you were younger?

A. My style is Klutzy, but very casual. At times I am very dressy, depending on what kind of party that is being given. But, basically I dress informal most of the time.

Q. What advice would you give for older women trying to stay current with today’s fashion? Can you give us some fashion tips?

A. That’s almost impossible for me to do because I do everything. I wear every kind of thing. I don’t have a planned look. Casual is mostly it—lots of yellow, hot pink and fun!

Q. Do you have a favorite accessory? Why is it your favorite?

A. Diamonds and Emeralds are my favorite. I love turquoise too—colorful jewelry with beautiful stones that are simply set. They make me feel gorgeous. Statement pieces are best.

Q. Who are you favorite clothing designers?

A. I love Arnold Scaasi. I worked with him a lot. He was a wonderful designer and did gorgeous chic, dressy clothes. He was famous for a long time. He was a fantastic designer— his clothes were dressy but simple.

Q. What is the oldest item in your closet that you still wear today?

A. I haven’t a clue! Perhaps bright yellow cotton pants. They are fabulous! Yellow is big in my closet, it’s such a happy color. People actually stop me on the street and say “you look so great in bright yellow!” God only knows when I bought them, but I still love them!

Q. Can you tell us a little bit about fashion when you were a girl?

A. I used to design my own wardrobe. My mother used to make my clothes when I was little. She designed wonderful stuff! It gave me a feeling for design myself. It was great fun putting together wardrobes. I developed a talent for it. I made outfits in bright yellows and shocking pinks. I used to design items that I could wear to any event.

Q. How do you choose what to wear?

A. I like to buy clothes that I can wear anywhere in the world! I like colors that make me happy when I put them on and that make other people happy when they see me. Life should be a ball!

Browse our website for more information on Life after 50…including health, fashion, career and interviews with women of inspiration!

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Gorgeous Over 50 Fashions: Q & A with Rickie Freeman of Teri Jon

April 1, 2012 – 9:19 am

Rickie Freeman on the Summer Fashion Season for Baby Boomer Women & Finding Your Style!

(Woo Hoo – A special gift for you! Our readers get 10% off their order or free shipping when they type in the words FAB50 at the promo code box!)

For women over 50, designs from Teri Jon are perfect!

Renowned designer and CEO Rickie Freeman of Teri Jon is fulfilling a need. Baby boomer women are looking for fashions that fits beautifully, style that is age appropriate but sexy, clothing with timeless elegance but a trendy look that’s gorgeous. Over50 fashions that meet all these criteria can be hard to find, but Teri Jon is filling the gap! The stunning designs she creates are worn by savvy fashion-conscious women everywhere, from celebrities to the chic mother-of-the-bride next door.

We recently touched base with Rickie to see what she views as the winners in the upcoming summer fashion season for baby boomer women (and all women, for that matter!), and to get her thoughts on the baby boomer fashions currently available.

Q. Your style is classic, elegant, and trendy all at the same time! What – or who – has inspired you as a designer?

A. I am inspired by my surroundings. Living in New York City there is such an influx of tourists from all around the world and just walking in Manhattan you see so many different ideas that influence and inspire me. My co-workers ranges in ages from 22 to 70 and of course my three daughters ages 22 to 34 keep me on my toes and are always pushing beyond my comfort zone.

There is also such a great amount of information and exposure to the wide world via the Internet that you are at any given moment scanning thru multi media events, cultural exhibits and current events on the new that showcase people that I find intriguing. As a designer, your inspiration evolves and your modify your collection according to that gut feeling of what you want to project coupled with the customers needs or indulgences of that specific season.

Q. What upcoming trends do you most favor this season for mature, fashion-savvy women?

A. I love this season’s trend of mixing fabric and colors, it can be very flattering to strategically create bold stokes of color blocking or creating mixtures of textures in one garments, especially where there are so many technological advanced fabrics that have stretch and hold like spandex in them so by mixing them with traditional beautiful fabric you get the look of luxury but also some comfort when mixing them with stretch fabrication.

Going forward for Fall 2012- I have added a lot of leather trims. I love how leather make garments look classic but a bit “racy” at the same time.
How do you feel about the day-to-day career and casual fashions for baby boomer women that are currently available?

A. I think there are so many options that one can mix and match from different price points that do not need to compromise one’s look or pocketbook in order to accomplish that goal. I myself went into a store yesterday to pick up some bright cashmere summer sweaters that go so well with some of my strapless and sleeveless dresses for summer, (I am always cold indoors in the summer). Depending on your body type, you can do the same with different career and casual styles- there is so much assortment.

You have dressed some glittering baby boomer celebrities like Meryl Streep with stunning results! Can you share some of those style guidelines with the rest of us?

A. The key to dressing all women is to try to dress her with styles and cuts that call attention to her most beautiful parts of her body and face.

My goal in dressing celebrities, and all women in general is to highlight that unique feature. For some, it is the legs for other could be beautiful skin and décolleté, others it can be a cinched waist. One should try to analyze the body type and give them the outfit that will make them feel as feminine or as girly if that what they wish to project.

Your Teri Jon Spring 2012 collection has so many unique designs…what is your very favorite?

A. My favorite dress this season is a combination of laces looks which are very trendy this season. We created style number 29067 which is a pintuck seamed lace dress with a classic feminine silhouettes that glides as someone walks. The sheerness of the sleeves covers the arms showing just the right amount of skin.

You are a successful fashion designer, entrepreneur and businesswoman – what plans do you have, if any, to change or expand your business?

A. We are always looking to grow our business by introducing more products for our customers, expanding into international markets and perhaps helping our lady find that perfect look head to toe- shoes, jewelry and all! We are also trying to offer more opening price points as people are more price conscious. Obviously we hope to do so without compromising the integrity of our product and quality

If you can give baby boomer women one piece of fashion-buying advice for buying fashions, what would it be?

A. Buy what looks good on you. It should feel comfortable, and not be something you are tugging on all night. Experiment with colors! The color against your skin tone will give you that little extra vibrancy that defines spring.

Browse our website for more on fashion and beauty for 50+ women, interviews with fashion designers and some timely fashion tips!

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Mother Of The Bride Fashions For 50+!

March 27, 2012 – 6:06 am

This Season’s Wedding Fashions for Baby Boomer Women

Questions about fashions for baby boomer women are what we get most at FiftyIsTheNewForty.com! As summer approaches and the weddings, garden parties, and galas begin, it’s always a challenge to find clothing that is elegant, fun,

Jacque Vert Mother Of the Bride

affordable and – yes, let’s put it right out there – age appropriate! We have a guest post from Laura Clarke - a fashion blogger currently working on behalf of Jacque Vert, a UK based company who specialise in women’s occasion wear and mother of the bride fashion.

As spring is upon us the wedding invites start dropping though our letter boxes. Whether this year you are the mother of the bride or groom, sister, auntie, grandma or a family friend what you want most of all from your outfit is to be fashionable (because style doesn’t end at 50) and elegant without looking over-the-top.

Perhaps the first thing to think about when deciding what to wear is to decide whether a dress, trouser suit or skirt would be the ideal option for you. Midi length skirts and dresses are very on trend at the moment and are the perfect length for a summer occasion. Trousers suits are always a classic look but try to stay away from darker colours to avoid looking like you are going to the office rather than a wedding.

When choosing your outfit colour is not something to be feared. There are plenty of options other than salmon pink or cream. Pastel colours have been seen rocking the runways of London, New York and Milan and the great news is they look chic at any age, even the queen looks stylish in lemon yellow! Lilac and cool ice blues are definite favourites and are a subtle way to wear colour without looking gaudy.

So the dress or suit is picked in a gorgeous pastel shade, but what about the accessories? Particularly as the mother of the bride, you know you will be on your feet all day at the ceremony, then the photographs and finally the reception; you need a shoe that will look smart but also feel comfortable. The kitten heel is a brilliant choice as it has a slight heel for style but won’t give you that horrible burning in the balls of your feet which higher styles will after only a few hours.

When wearing a dress a cover-up may be needed when the temperature drops a little, especially at a night time wedding or if the reception is to be held outside. A fitted jacket or bolero will add interest to your outfit and if the dress has a pattern, go for a jacket in the colour of the print rather than the background colour for full impact. For instance an ice blue dress with navy detailing will look great with a navy jacket. A small clutch bag in the same shade as the jacket will really finish the effect.

The final piece of any wedding outfit is a hat. This season the most popular choice of headwear is the fascinator as they are not as heavy as a full hat. They will not go with all styles so when choosing yours take a friend and get their honest opinion, and shopping is so much more fun with a friend anyway!

Finally and probably most importantly, remember this outfit will be worn all day and so needs to fit perfectly. Don’t squeeze into shoes that are a half size too small or make do with a zip that digs in a little as by the end of the day you will become very uncomfortable. Style, colour and comfort will always equal the perfect wedding ensemble.

Browse our website for more information and inspiration on fashions for baby boomer women!

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Q & A With Criminal Profiler Pat Brown On Her New Novella “Only The Truth”

March 25, 2012 – 3:43 pm

Interview With Criminal Profiler Pat Brown On Her Latest Literary Endeavor…

Criminal profiler Pat Brown

In addition to our review for her new book, Fifty Is The New Forty was able to ask author and Criminal Profiler Pat Brown what inspired her to write her new novella, Only The Truth. Her answers were both a bit surprising and revealing, giving us some more glimpses into what makes her such a uniquely interesting baby boomer entrepreneur…

Q. Did you have a real case inspiration for this unique story?

A. Actually, not any one case in particular. I based Billy Ray’s love interest, Charlene, on a composite of a number of women who commit crimes for a variety of reason and have questionable psychological issues and

Q. This style of this book is quite a departure from the typical novella or crime novel out there. How did you arrive at this place?motives.

A. I hate to say my answer is, “No clue!” Well, maybe there is something in that I love John Steinbeck and other fairly old-fashioned authors and I am not overly found of extremely violent mystery/crime novels. I get tired of all the excessive gore and such and prefer a story with more of a literary quality. Having said that, I WILL have a new mystery series coming out in which the protagonist is a female criminal profiler (you will never guess who that character is based on) and it is a bit more “modern” and in the vein of Janet Evonovich and Sue Grafton mystery novels with a sense of humor and the female sleuth chasing down suspects and leads

Q. Do you think that the main character in your story, Billy Ray, represents the “every-man” sort of character who becomes involved in a real life murder-for-passion type of scenario? The “innocent involved”?

A. I have seen quite often that when a significant other commits homicide, there is a great deal of confusion and disbelief on the part of this secondary “victim” of a heinous crime. It is always a horrific place to be; one either has to stand by the killer or recognize one has been a chump and the relationship one believed to have been real is but a fraud. Emotions ping-ponging back and forth are the norm and where one ends up much depends on the evidence finally uncovered and the own personal emotional makeup of the individual.

Q. With the success of this book, are you anticipating changing your career direction to spend more time writing?

A. Heh, well, I have two more books coming out this year with traditional publishers: How to Save Your Daughter’s Life (HCI Sept 2012) and The Murder of Cleopatra (Prometheus Feb 2013) and my next self-pubbed fiction is in the works, BUT I am a profiler first and an author second, and I have much to do in the field to establish criminal profiling as a tool of law enforcement and to educate the profilers of the future, so I have decided to

clone myself and live to be one hundred and twenty.

Q. What kind of response have you had to this release?

A. Quite frankly, extraordinary! I am absolutely thrilled with the readers’ responses to Only the Truth. When one writes fiction, one gets very involved with the characters and by the end of the book, those characters are quite real to the author, as is the story, the towns, the locations, the circumstances…even the dog. So one gets quite concerned that when the book gets into the hands of the reading public, they will not see any of what the author believes they will. I have been ecstatic to learn that readers are seeing everything the same way as me! Woo hoo! They love Sweet Billy Ray who I am most protective of and they adore Police Chief Williams who I think The Rock should play in the movie version (and he has said he will if I promise to provide some bad guys for him to whoop ::laughs::).

All in all, I couldn’t be more pleased with the response. Thank you, Readers!

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Book Review: Only The Truth by Pat Brown

March 25, 2012 – 12:41 pm

Criminal profiler Pat Brown is best known for her appearances on Nancy Grace, Larry King, the CBS Early Show and Joy

Behar, to name a few, as well as being the author of The Profiler: My Life Hunting Serial Killers and Psychopaths. We featured Pat Brown on our site some time ago as a recognized authority in her field and a female baby boomer entrepreneur extraordinaire! In her newest novella, Only The Truth, her skills are of another sort entirely.

Only The Truth is a departure from the norm in a number of ways. This is a short read…a novella, if you will. It is the tale of a man – a simple man – who becomes involved with a young woman with consequences that change his life. She appears out of nowhere and moves in with him. After two years, their seemingly happy but isolated existence is shattered when she is accused of murdering their strange neighbor and burning his house to the ground. She is incarcerated, and as her history is brought out and he begins to learn more about her, he is tireless in his need to know her, her past life, and who she really is. The characters are believable in this story. It is told from the uncluttered perspective of a man almost childlike in his trust and honesty, loyal to a woman who few others would defend under any circumstances.

This well-written novella has it all: interest, suspense, great characters, and a surprising conclusion. As the saying goes, this one would be “A bargain at twice the price”! Loved it.