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Susan Street: Guest Writer from Fifty, Not Frumpy

Thursday, January 3rd, 2013

Susan Street

M. Susan Street is the President of Vintage Jewelry Supplies Company, Inc. and the founder and editor of Fiftynotfrumpy.com, a great blog we just discovered–and we love! Here is her story:

After working in the fashion industry for most of my adult life as a model, visual merchandiser, corporate level manager and boutique jewelry designer, I realized– in my mid-fifties– that I could no longer speak the language of fashion. Since high school, I had floated effortlessly from one trend to the next: I wore the fashions of the moment, and my hair and makeup reflected the current trends as well. But at some point in my forties, my marriage and my personal life started to crumble beneath my high heels. The resulting depression lasted for a very long time, and I retreated into my work.

At forty-five years old, I had to start over, with nothing more than my clothes and the contents of my design studio. I began building an internet-based jewelry supply business, which meant that I rarely came in contact with others. I worked alone for eighteen hours a day, seven days a week, for several years.

The world continued on without me, but when I was ready to be a part of it all again, I looked in the mirror to see a woman I no longer recognized. I had gained a lot of weight, and my health was failing because I really didn’t care what or if I ate, and I never exercised. So, I took control of my weight issues by switching to a mostly vegetarian diet, going for vigorous walks and working out with light weights. But losing forty pounds meant I had to buy a whole new wardrobe. Not even my shoes fit any more! The first time I wandered into the local department store, I came to the full realization that I was now fifty-five years old and invisible. The clothes I saw other women wearing–and what was on the racks–made me feel like I was a time traveler from a different planet. I tried on clothes until I was nearly in tears. I went to another store and experienced much the same frustration. Nothing was right for the person I saw in the mirror. What I wanted to wear no longer looked right on the middle-aged woman staring back at me in desperation.

(more…)

Tags: babyboomerwomen, fashion for older women, fiftynotfrumpy, post50women, women over fifty
Posted in Aging, Beautiful Women >50, Beauty, Style | 4 Comments »

Katie Couric’s Promoters Contacted Oops50.com – No Joke

Monday, September 10th, 2012

Annice

Last week, Oops50.com got an e-mail from a promotional manager (Angela) for Katie Couric asking our team to spread the word about her new T.V. show. This is no joke. The letter said:

“We are promoting the fall return of KATIE COURIC to Daytime television with the launch of her new nationally-syndicated show “KATIE.” Blending information, stories of the day and entertainment, the show is being touted as “sunny, sexy and smart.” The new show will be distributed by Disney-ABC Domestic Television and premieres September 10th. Timely and topical, the show will include powerful segments intersecting news, entertainment, fashion, and healthy living among other topics, alongside thoughtful interviews with newsmakers, celebrities and everyday people who have extraordinary stories to tell. “

If you visit her website, it says she is celebrating women who are re-inventing themselves – Sheryl Crow, Jessica Simpson, and Jennifer Lopez – Really? Nothing against these superstars but do we REALLY care about how they re-invent themselves? Oh, and by the way, from what to what?

Now, the promoters want little old us at Oops50 to post about Katie’s return to television. And in return, they will provide us with promotional images and giveaway items including hats, coffee mugs, tee-shirts, mousepads, and water bottles from the KATIE! show. In return, they said they would help drive traffic to our site.

Katie Giveaways

When I wrote back saying we would consider promoting the show because we like Katie, (after all, who doesn’t?) and like us, she’s over 50. I also wrote back asking Angela to explain how she was going to drive traffic to OUR site. Would Katie like to do a piece about our blog for women over 50? Seems like a fair trade to me.

The very next day, Angela sent me another letter, not only repeating word for word what she wrote in her first letter, but giving ME a list of things to do to promote our new BFF Katie Couric. Check out the list:

1) Blog post on your website/blog during the campaign period (now through 9/21). Attached is an asset zip containing promotional images, logos and promo trailer.

2) Post on your Facebook page during the campaign period.

3) Send us a preview URL before the post would go live on your site.

4) Host a giveaway promotion along with your post. Included in the zip file is a jpeg of the giveaway items we have give you from the Katie show to make available for your fans to win. We handle all fulfillment on our end, you can just provide your winner’s contact info at the close of the campaign.

I wrote Angela back again, saying, she did not answer my question about how she would drive traffic to our site, nor did she say whether Katie would mention our blog on her show. I also let her know that while our readers might enjoy the Katie Show, and wish her good luck, I didn’t think they cared about owning a Katie coffee mug or mousepad. Honestly, do the promoters really think we are going to take the time to promote a mega star and get nothing in return? Does that strategy work for them? Show me the money, Katie! Or, at least talk about our blog on your show? Are you listening?

Tags: beautifulwomenover50, katiecouric, midlife journey, oops50, womenover50, womenwritersover50
Posted in Entertainment, Jobs, Journey, Living, Main, Money, Movies, Music, Style | 8 Comments »

Use a Knife and Fork, Please!

Monday, July 16th, 2012

Annice

I probably shouldn’t write about pet peeves, I mean who really cares? But, I need a minute to rant. Is it just me, or have people in the U.S. forgotten how to eat with utensils? And, I’m not talking about sushi, cous-cous, Ethiopian cuisine, or other ethnic foods. I’m also not talking about young people who lack proper dining etiquette. I’m talking about patronizing a fairly nice restaurant and noticing a very well dressed women in her 50s, shoveling pieces of omelette onto her fork with her fingers.

As a result of that episode, all I do now in restaurants is stare at customers while they eat. Only it’s worse. I play this little game when someone sits down – I look them over, and based on their appearance and manner, I make a decision about whether or not they will use a knife and fork properly. And, guess what? My diners do not disappoint. Many eat in a way that grosses me out. I want to run over to their table and say, “Can you please use a knife and fork when you eat.” After all, there are still knives on the table when you sit down in a restaurant, so obviously they are there for a reason. Frankly, I don’t care what people do in the privacy of their home, but in public, use a knife and fork P-L-E-A-S-E.

Correct use of knife & fork

Tags: oops50 humor, women baby boomers, women over fifty, womenwritersover50
Posted in Food, Main, Recipes/Food, Style | No Comments »

Beautiful Women over 50: What a Difference the Years Make

Monday, May 28th, 2012

Lynne

To say that our 40^thclass reunion last summer was a life changing experience would be an understatement! So many wonderful things happened that have forever changed so many of us as a result of that wonderful weekend. One of the best changes was that, after 40 years, several of us have not only reconnected on a personal level, but we have also been able to team up and form a national sales force for a new company started by one of our very own!

I am happy to say that almost 75% of our classmates were found in the process of planning the reunion. And although our life paths are very different, several of us do share a love of beautiful jewelry which proved to be a great common denominator when we discovered Susan Leasure had created a new online jewelry boutique called Cinderella’s Sea. This is a unique wholesale accessory boutique created by a woman, for women and run by women. Cinderella’s Seabrings individual expression in to women’s lives with “The Aqua Princess Collection of Ultra glamorous Jewelry”, embellished with cultured pearls and dazzling crystals.

Reunion Buddies

Susan and I have teamed up and are working together to formulate a team of professionals to work as a sales force across the country, selling our beautiful jewelry and accessories to upscale ladies boutiques. It’s exciting! Several classmates and spouses of classmates have joined the team. I have a feeling that great things will come out of this new collaboration.

Susan

Having dinner with several of these ladies at one of our “mini reunions” in Florida, I found that many of us were looking for a part time activity to help pay for our “shopping habits”. So what better way to do that than by selling jewelry we all love to wear and own personally? We all own and wear our favorite pieces of “The Cinderella’s Sea Collection” already. And you know what? We have only positive things to say about the collection because we love it ourselves.

Look out America – here we come! And Fashionistas, be looking for a boutique close to you! The Cinderella’s Sea Jewelry Collection will be arriving soon!

Ah yes, what a difference the years make. We never thought we’d come full circle, but here we are, high school buddies, back together again as the sales team behind Cinderella’s Sea! Check the site out!

Lynne

Rodeo Queen

Party Girl

Tags: cinderella'ssea, class reunion, midlife journey, women baby boomers, women over fifty
Posted in Beauty, Friends, Jobs, Main, Other Voices, Products, Products, Shopping, Style | 2 Comments »

Beautiful Women over 50: Paula Jerome Jewelry

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

Paula Jerome

About five years ago, I was driving around doing errands one Saturday afternoon and for no particular reason, I decided to get a manicure – something I almost never do. I think it’s because the nail polish usually chips the next day and then I feel like I’ve just wasted money. So, there I was in a small nail salon in Asheville, and sitting next to me was an amazing woman/jeweler, Paula Jerome. We talked non-stop the entire time our nails were drying. Paula was passionate about making jewelry and growing her design business. I was excited to tell her about my work with the university advising small and medium size businesses in the region, and we immediately set up an appointment. I couldn’t wait to link her up with resources and organizations like HandMade in America. Sometimes, clients become friends and I’m happy to say that even though Paula moved back to New Jersey to be closer to her family, our friendship endured, and she says I even helped her get her business off the ground.

Paula is 63 now, and it wasn’t until the age of 55 that she ventured into jewelry making. That path proved to be her life’s purpose, and one she feels very blessed to have found because some people never find it. For Paula, that purpose is bringing joy to others through her creations and her passion.

Paula’s collection is made from 100% recycled gold and silver and features precious and semi-precious stones. It’s gorgeous. And by the way, her original Atlantic City Charms were worn on the Emmy Red Carpet last September by cast members of HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. Not bad for a new designer. Take a peak at her entire collection.

Atlantic City charm bracelet

Instead of a traditional interview, I wanted to give you a unique look into Paula’s personality, so I asked her 6 random questions. Here are her answers. Thanks, Paula.

1. What was the name of the first record you ever bought?

In The Still of The Night by the Five Satins

2. What is the one thing you have to put on or have on that makes you feel good about leaving the house?

My Cell Phone

3. What is your favorite comfort food and how much does it cost?

Turkey Wings. About $2.99 a pound

4. What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about being over 50?

Favorite ~ My grandchildren!!! Least favorite ~ Wrinkles!

5. Favorite lipstick? And where do you get it?

Lipstick ~ Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Hydrating Sheer Lipstick, Neiman Marcus

6. What is your most favorite thing to do that is “creative”?

Make my jewelry!!!

Tags: beautifulwomenover50, creativewomenover50, midlife journey, paulajerome, women baby boomers, women over fifty, women's journeys
Posted in Beautiful Women >50, Friends, Journey, Main, Products, Products, Shopping, Style | 2 Comments »