Monday Musings and Answering Readers’ Style Questions
Last week I celebrated my 70th birthday. It’s funny, but the last time I remember being this excited about a birthday was when I turned 60, and before that, 50. I guess I’m old enough now that it takes a whole new decade to feel like an occasion.
My daughter took me to the Fairmont spa for lunch and a massage, which felt very pampering. I’m a rather low-maintenance person and seldom get spa treatments, so this was a treat. I carefully packed a bag with toiletries because we were going straight from the spa to dinner.
And that’s when I discovered that I apparently need to start carrying a magnifying mirror with me… all…the… time. The regular mirror wasn’t cutting it, and it’s hard to put on eyeshadow and mascara while wearing glasses. I always travel with one, but it never occurred to me that not everyone needs one to do their makeup.
A couple of days later, I found myself wishing I had that mirror again when we stopped into Credo. I’ve always wanted to visit one of their stores because their clean beauty standards seem much higher than most. There’s so much greenwashing in the beauty world, and “clean” can mean almost anything. A product can leave out one questionable ingredient, slap “clean” on the label, and call it a day. Credo takes a much closer look at what goes into the products they carry, so I felt safe to sample away.
That’s how we came across MOB Beauty. I’d never heard of the brand, so we started playing with their eyeshadows…and playing and playing. At one point, I looked like a circus clown. We ended up buying a few of their dry, matte shadows, and a few of their highly pigmented cream shadows.
I kept marveling at how unique and sophisticated the colors were, so when I got back to the hotel, I looked up the brand.
One of MOB Beauty’s founding partners is Vic Casale, a cosmetic chemist who has been creating makeup for more than 40 years. He was also one of the original people behind MAC, so when I learned that, the beautiful colors at MOB suddenly made a lot more sense.
He has spent decades working with color and developing makeup, and you can see that experience in the richness of the shades. They’re interesting and nuanced, not just the same predictable colors we see everywhere. I’ll show you how they look after I get a chance to play with them.
Reader Questions
Q – I’m looking for a belt (or something) to give some definition to a nice but shapeless Eileen Fisher long black dress. Suggestions welcome!
A – You can wear it with a hip or waist belt. You could also wear an outer layer that stops near your waist, which visually draws the eye there without pulling anything in. This type of lariat belt is nice over a long dress. This belt has a more casual vibe, and you could also put it through belt loops.
Q – I have most Marilyn Straight jeans in every color. Can you recommend other jeans for us taller gals that are not ankle length? It seems you recommend a lot of ankle-length jeans.
A – Ankle-length jeans are very popular, but I understand the desire for longer ones. You didn’t mention your inseam, but these tall Land’s End high-rise wide-leg jeans might be an option. This pair is a tall, and not ankle-length style. These chinos aren’t ankle-length and come in 4 colors. These J.Crew jeans are full-length. Here’s a tall, slim leg option. These J.Jill fit and flare jeans have a nice long inseam. These Good American Slim Wide jeans have a very long inseam.
Q – I have an evening “Black Tie Optional” wedding to attend in mid-September at a lovely beach resort in Florida. I would like to wear an ankle-length EF olive silk dress with a soft black bolero sweater for arm coverage. Will this be dressy enough with the right accessories? I keep second-guessing myself, but it’s more my style than beaded dresses.
A – It sounds absolutely perfect! Olive and black is a lovely combination, and the soft gleam of silk elevates the whole look. You bring up an excellent point about style…we need to dress in a way that suits our style, not what’s popular or expected. If a beaded dress would make you feel like a fish out of water, that discomfort would follow you around all night and take the fun out of the event. Then you’re left with a dress you’ll never wear again. But your own silk dress and bolero sweater can be styled in multiple ways, so they actually work for your lifestyle.
If you have questions, feel free to leave a comment or email me, and I’ll do my best to answer them here.
What’s the last new makeup line you’ve discovered?
Happy Belated Birthday, Jennifer! I hope you’re still celebrating as entering your 70’s is daunting. I turned 70 during the pandemic so had to cancel a big celebration. But I had a fantastic one when I turned 75. As we get older finding reasons to celebrate becomes more important, I believe. So keep going!
xox
Happy 70th birthday, Jennifer! I turned 70 last March and it’s not so bad! I am very blessed and grateful for every day. Your positivity and fun sense of humor will serve you well throughout this new decade! Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us!
Thanks, Jayne!
Happy Birthday !
xox
Happy Birthday, Jennifer! 70 looks good on you!
Thanks Elaine
Happy Birthday Jennifer! You are an inspiration to this community and long may you continue!! Age is just a number, I think state of mind goes along way to keeping us young. Ilia and Charlotte Tilbury are makeup lines I have tried recently and like their products.
You are so sweet, thank you Vanessa
A Very Happy Birthday to you! The years sure to by fast, don’t they. What a blessing birthdays are.
I wish you a year of happiness and health,
Suzanne
Thanks Suzanne
Happy 70th! Jennifer,
A trip to the spa with daughter…best gift ever!
Thanks for all the tips and suggestions in dressing for comfort, confidence and fun! May this be your best year ever!
Thanks Mary
Happy Birthday! 70 ‘s are a great decade to be in. My 70th was during Covid, so I just popped some Champagne and friends & family faced timed. Jennifer you look great, looks like you had the best birthday…..
Thanks, Nancy. I am excited to enter this decade
Many Happy Returns, Jennifer
It sounds like a lovely day. So much fun to explore new makeup or colors, and a new look for a birthday.
xox
Happy Belated Birthday,Jennifer. And just keep celebrating you. Your shopping and sharing and many ideas have certainly been helpful to me over the years. Many thanks.
xox
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday you make 70 look amazing
Happy Birthday Jennifer! The seventies were great for me. I’m 81 but don’t look it and don’t feel it most days. You look terrific and healthy. That is the key, good health. I use Merit blush in Cheeky which you introduced to me and Ilia with summer skin. I need to pencil my white brows and use a tinted lip moisturizer as lipstick just doesn’t work for me. Less is better on my fair skin and almost white hair. You are an inspiration to me daily. Enjoy your decade and the next.
You are so kind, Sydney. Thank you!
Happy Birthday, Jennifer! What a lovely gift, and daughter. I will be turning 70 next month and I actually don’t mind! I read a quote recently I liked, “It’s just that all ages sound old until you get there, and not at all, once you arrive”! I’m not a spa person myself, but I love pedicures! Just this week I’ve tried Ciele tinted SPF serum–not sure about it yet. Based on your recommendation I’ve tried Merit and love them, especially the blush. Have a wonderful start into this new decade and I look forward to your always wonderful tips. I learn so much from you.
Early Happy Birthday, Deb! xo
Happy Birthday!
Thank you for taking us along on the journey.
I look forward to your posts on FB. as not much of an instagram gal.
It looks like you are always living life to the fullest.
Here is to continued health and happiness.
Thank you Kim
Happy Birthday Jennifer!
You make 70 look good
Thanks for all you do
xox
Happy Birthday Jennifer! You are looking great and stylish as ever at 70 — an inspiration for us all. What a lovely birthday gift your daughter gave you too!
xox
Happy 70th Jennifer! You are having the perfect birthday week.
I wear very little make up these days. I get my eyebrows waxed & tinted or they disappear. I always wear mascara and tinted CC cream for light tint, cream, and some SPF. I stopped wearing lipstick. I’m not sure why but whenever I apply it, I end up removing it. 🤷♀️
Thanks Joanna
Happy Birthday 🎂🎈 I am really bad about trying new makeup. I’ve stuck with Estee Lauder. I guess I need to branch out.
Thanks Rosemary
Happy Birthday!!! Sounds like the perfect celebration. I enjoy following you and enjoy your many suggestions and tips. I do a lot of shopping at Talbots, J Jill, Chico’s, Quince,…..so I’m always interested in your finds. Thanks! I’ll be 70 in Feb so I’m right behind ya!!!
Thanks, Susan. It’s a fun birthday!
Happy belated 70th!
I am 82 and enjoy all your posts and tips… I am constantly getting compliments “i can’t believe you are 80”. I love to hear that ! Thanks for all your posts …..Enjoy every day. Sue from Canada
Thanks Sue!
Belated Happy Birthday Jennifer!
xox
Jennifer would you be willing to share how you lost weight recently?
I basically had to loose the weight for the issues with my feet. I stopped eating any snacks between meals, stopped buying crackers, bread, chips (so low carb) and started eating much smaller proportions. I also stopped drinking wine except for special occasions.
Happy Belated Birthday 🎉🎂
Sounds like you had a nice birthday! 🥰
Thank you. It was lovely.
Have you read Ian Brown’s memoir Seventy? He is a well known Canadian Journalist. He talks about turning seventy and about aging in today’s world. Really good. I am 67 and getting ready to welcome 70 in a few years.
I will look for that! Thanks for the tip.
I’m Canadian and have read many of Ian Brown’s writing. I just read some excerpts from his new memoire on turning 70 and it had me laughing out loud. I will definitely be picking up this book. My husband turns 70 next year and I am just around the corner in turning 66 in September.
Sounds fun!
Happy Birthday Jennifer!
Thanks for your daily inspiration!
❤️❤️
I have just started buying Lise Watier skin care and makeup. It is a beautiful line.
It is a nice line, I agree.
Happy Belated Birthday!
Thank you
Dear Jennifer, Happy Birthday! You are such a gift to us all, and a model for living well, and happily, in this next era of our lives. May this be a decade of joy and adventure for you! With admiration and gratitude, Kathryn
You’re so kind, thank you Kathryn.
Jennifer,
Welcome to the Septuagenarian Club!
I will be celebrating my 73rd Natal Celebration in New Zealand in October.
Keep those Travel suggestions coming.
And remember, if seven is a lucky number, then 70 is ten times luckier!
Wanda
I love that Wanda! Thanks!
Are longer blazers and sweaters still fairly fashionable? It seems like shorter lengths are becoming more popular. I feel the longer lengths are more practical and flattering , especially with cooler weather coming. I also have a boiled wool jacket in a deep pink that I bought over 20 years ago ago and never wore! It has a high neckline and can be worn over pants or skirts. Would that look outdated? Thank you and Happy Birthday!
I love the sound or your pink jacket! Get it out and wear it. I’m seeing all lengths this year. The key to them looking modern is how you style them.
Still loving Merit, which you introduced me to! Happy birthday!
Thanks Shari! Xx
Happy Birthday!!
I seldom wear makeup, but I do wear No Makeup Makeup from time to time or maybe even a tinted moisturizer. I love that older women in my community seldom wear makeup too, so I don’t feel out of place. We can all age naturally together!
Thanks Melissa. It’s similar where I live too, but I’d feel naked without some eyebrow pencil and a bit of lipstick. I’m
glad you’re embracing what feels great for you!
Happy Birthday!
❤️❤️
Happy 70th Birthday, welcome to the 70’s. Embrace your age and have loads of fun😍😍
Thanks Pat
Wishing you a very happy birthday!
Thank you Sue