Month: July 2020

Glossier Launched an Oily Skin-Friendly Version of Its Best-Selling Moisturizer

I always thought I had pretty dehydrated skin since I get dry, textured patches on my face and I’ve never seen a slick of oil. But after suffering from monthly hormonal breakouts around my jawline, I learned I’m actually more on the combination side. Glossier’s Priming Moisturizer Balance is just the right amount of hydration for my skin. It hits those dry spots with moisture but doesn’t clog my pores. It’s for everyone who thinks Glossier’s Priming Rich Moisturizer, one of the brand’s first-ever products, is a bit too…well, rich.

This new gel-cream moisturizes and minimizes the look of pores with niacinamide. Those with much more oily skin than mine will love the way it controls shine all day, even under makeup. This is thanks to Marine extract (sourced from the fermentation of Antarctic Ocean marine bacteria) that reduces oil but doesn’t leave skin looking so matte that it’s almost dull. The addition of Apple Fruit extract helps lock in moisture and Willow Bark and Bamboo extract smooth and improve skin’s texture.

glossing priming balance

Image: Glossier.

I’m pretty sensitive to scents so I was pleased that this is formulated without fragrances or alcohol. It’s also cruelty-free, gluten-free and vegan. Want to try it for yourself? It’s out today on the Glossier website.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

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11 Great Cocktail Dresses for Women Over 50

Cocktail Dresses for Women Over 50

Have a party, a wedding, a formal or semi-formal event to attend? A cocktail dress is probably what you need. Cocktail dresses are dresses that are dressy yet not too extravagant. They are also sometimes called tea dresses or party dresses. Typically, a cocktail dress will be knee-length or mid-calf.

Owning a cocktail dress that makes you feel great is a must at any age and should be a staple in your wardrobe beyond your 50s – always be ready for those party invites. Yet finding the perfect cocktail dress for your body shape can be a little challenging because of all the choices out there.

Let’s face it, the cute and sexy cocktail dresses you wore when you were in your 30s probably don’t fit your shape or lifestyle anymore. Personally, I prefer more elegant and chic dresses now that I am in my 50s.

Let’s Talk Body Shapes

Our bodies naturally change as we get older. So, trying to fit into the clothing that we used to wear a decade or two ago may leave us frustrated and significantly reduce our self-esteem. Instead of fighting it, let’s try to embrace our changing bodies.

Knowing your body shape is essential when shopping for clothing. Just remember, no body shape is better than another. Welcome your shape and size and learn to love and dress it. The confidence you will acquire will shine through when you are strutting in your fabulous cocktail dress at your next party.

So, what is your body shape?

Fuller on the Top

Simply put, your bust and/or shoulder measurements are fuller than your hips and bottom.

Fuller on the Bottom

You are fuller at the hips and bottom and smaller on the top.

Fuller in the Middle

There is a little extra in the middle – this could be from numerous things, like Super Bowl food.

Curvy

You are a curvy woman with a full bust, a defined waist, and full hips, resulting in the ultimate hourglass figure.

Not Curvy

There is very little difference between your chest, waist, and hip measurements.

Do you have a tape measure? Especially now that online shopping has become mainstream, it’s imperative that you own a tape measure and know your exact measurements.

Styles of Cocktail Dresses

So, now that you have figured out your body shape, you can narrow down your cocktail dress options. Let’s take a look at the different types of cocktail dresses that work well for women over 50.

The A-Line Cocktail Dress

The vintage-inspired A-line cocktail dress is a style that flatters many different body types. It looks great on heavier shapes as well as thinner women who want to add some curves to their figure.

A-line cocktail dresses are flirty and can be knee-length or mid-calf. They can be strapless, halter top, strappy, and also have various sleeve lengths.

The Little Black Dress

Every woman should own a classic little black dress. It’s a staple in all wardrobes and can be a last-minute lifesaver. Black dresses are elegant and tend to ooze finesse and class.

The little black dress comes in a variety of shapes – from A-line to body fitting. Paired with the perfect shoes and accessories, a little black dress will look good on any body type.

The Lace Cocktail Dress

I love lace. It’s so romantic and feminine and can soften any figure. You will find some cocktail dresses entirely designed with lace and others who have accents of lace (like the neckline or sleeves, for example).

Lace cocktail dresses come in a variety of shapes but are oftentimes form-fitting, hugging the body, and accentuating shapely figures.

The Strapless Cocktail Dress

Strapless cocktail dresses are a little more daring, and you don’t need to shy away from them because you are over 50. They actually look great on women who are fuller on the top. Pair it with a short cover-up, like a bolero jacket or shawl.

The Cocktail Dress with Sleeves

There’s something about dresses with sleeves. Cocktail dresses with sleeves are sophisticated and can be a good option for you if you wish to cover your arms. From cap-sleeve to long sleeve, pick the one that makes you feel confident.

11 Cocktail Dresses Perfect for Older Women

I’ve selected 11 cocktail dresses for women over 50 that I think will fit a variety of shapes and sizes.

Carolina Herrera Taffeta Trench-Style Cocktail Dress

Carolina Herrera Taffeta Trench-Style Cocktail Dress

This classically tailored cocktail dress with ¾ sleeves looks great on almost all body types. Offered by Neiman Marcus, this cocktail dress will take you effortlessly to a variety of occasions.

Alex Evenings Lace Cocktail Dress with Jacket

Alex Evenings Lace Cocktail Dress with Jacket

If you love lace, this 2-piece form-fitting cocktail dress set is perfect to take you from a formal dinner event to a wedding.

Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Leaf-Print Jacquard Cocktail Dress

Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Leaf-Print Jacquard Cocktail Dress

I love the leaf pattern on this classic cut cocktail dress. Bold yet elegant, it’s perfect for a gallery opening or an afternoon cocktail event.

Calvin Klein Plus Size Tulip Sleeve Belted Fit + Flare Dress

Calvin Klein Plus Size Tulip Sleeve Belted Fit + Flare Dress

This tulip sleeve cocktail dress from Calvin Klein is very versatile and fits the curvier body types beautifully. And it has pockets – don’t you love pockets in dresses?

Nanette Lepore Lace Sheath Dress

This flirty and chic little black dress with an empire waist is sure to turn some heads. The scalloped lace hem detail adds the perfect touch.

Alex Evenings Sequined Lace Contrast Dress

Alex Evenings Sequined Lace Contrast Dress

The sequin top and knee-length soft flowy skirt make a perfect combo for any occasion. This cocktail dress comes in several colors – from shell pink to navy blue.

Le Chateau Knit Crêpe Off-the-Shoulder Dress

Le Chateau Knit Crêpe Off-the-Shoulder Dress

Want to be a little bolder with your little black dress? This off-the-shoulder cocktail dress has the perfect hint of sheerness in just the right places.

Norma Kamali Long-Sleeve Tara Dress

Norma Kamali Long-Sleeve Tara Dress

Flaunt your great figure in this stretch, off-the-shoulder, sexy little black cocktail dress from Bloomingdale’s. Accessorize as much or as little as you want, depending on the event you are attending.

Ignite Evenings 2-Piece Embellished Tiered Jacket Dress

Ignite Evenings 2-Piece Embellished Tiered Jacket Dress

Tiered dresses flatter many different body types. The sequin and beaded details on this set are not overpowering and offer a hint of glamour.

Monique Lhuillier Lace Short-Sleeve A-Line Midi Dress

Monique Lhuillier Lace Short-Sleeve A-Line Midi Dress

This romantic lace cocktail dress from designer Monique Lhuillier is a true classic cut and is sure to become a timeless piece in your wardrobe. Get it from Saks Fifth Avenue.

Kay Unger Lolita Swan Neck Elbow Sleeve Metallic Shantung Jacquard Party Dress

Kay Unger Lolita Swan Neck Elbow Sleeve Metallic Shantung Jacquard Party Dress

Look at the beautiful neckline detail on this dress. It’s the definition of refinement and grace. The box pleated skirt detail flatters many body types.

Invest in Timeless Pieces

I like to purchase timeless pieces when it comes to items like cocktail dresses. I prefer to have a simple dress and then pop it with accessories and fabulous shoes depending on the occasion I’m attending.

How do you evaluate your body type? Is it easy or difficult to find dresses that flatter your body? Which dress styles make you feel beautiful and confident when you wear them? Please share below and let’s discuss dress styles!

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Caregiving Is All About Boundaries – Do You Know How to Set Them?

Caregiving Boundaries

Advice
about creating healthy boundaries fills entire sections of bookstores. I guess
that’s because determining how to set and apply healthy boundaries in real life
is challenging.

As
a couple, my mom and dad established their own boundaries throughout 65 years
of marriage. As kids, each of us knew that we brought joy to their lives. They
relished family celebrations. But we also understood how much they loved
spending time alone.

Their
ability to love us while simultaneously setting clear boundaries gave us security
as kids and freedom later in life within our own families. Looking back, I appreciate
the way my parents masterfully established boundaries which allowed us all to
thrive.

But
when it came for us to assume the role of their caregivers, those boundaries
were suddenly blurred. The lines of independence my parents had worked hard to
establish were suddenly rendered obsolete.

The
spontaneous surprise visits and traditional family celebrations were wiped from
the slate and replaced by demanding responsibilities, including overnight
stays. Independence (for anyone) was off the table – for the caregivers as well
as those for whom we cared.

Our
collective balance was tested. And each of us struggled in an effort to
stabilize. The whole experience set us firmly on a steep learning curve.

New Roles

My
parents’ newfound dependence on us grew ever more challenging over the years, as
their health challenges increased. They silently started to adjust their
expectations, relying on us as well as each other to sustain as much
independence as they could muster.

My
mother took over driving and spent hours tending to my father behind closed
doors, helping him maintain his dignity. They gave up their gambling getaways
to Laughlin, Nevada, movie matinees, and Costco dates.

My
mom never mentioned my father’s Alzheimer’s-induced new tendency toward verbal
abuse. Finally, both of them – entering their 90s – were trying to keep their
grip on the slippery bar of independence.

Establishing
new boundaries required all of us to face the fact that:

  • Dad needed care 24/7.
  • Mom needed someone to
    cook, clean, drive her to appointments, and join her emotionally as a new
    partner in the journey ahead.
  • Dad could no longer protect
    her or solve problems. He was unable to fulfill his longtime role as her handyman
    and hero.
  • Mom needed to feel
    safe.

Boundaries for the Caregivers

The
looming sense of responsibility for two people who had always been my heroes
scared me into sleepless nights and hours of prayer.

My
own life plans had never included the demands of parenting my own parents. I
knew that my brothers likely felt the same. At first, saying ‘yes’ was the only
available option: to cooking, visiting, handling the bills, going to doctor’s
visits. And on it went.

One
of my brothers tried to help because he was worried about me. He wanted me to
loosen my grip and let some of the “less-than-necessary” tasks go. He lovingly encouraged
me and showed me, (without verbalizing) what I had not yet considered:

“You
cannot do it all. And Mom will survive today without you.”

I
took his prompt to heart.

In
response, with every new request from Mom, I asked if the task was a “need” or
a “want.” Then, I’d ask myself if I needed to do something else with that time –
even if the conflicting appointment was just so I could sleep or enjoy dinner
with a friend.

Practical Steps

I
thought back to wise advice I’d received from a treasured friend some time ago.
She had told me to look at my life as a delicious pie, cut in generous slices.
To lessen the guilt of saying no, she recommended I think about how loving was
like offering a large piece of my pie to another person.

Then,
she made me consider how sad it would be if I gave the entire pie to just one
person, leaving me with nothing to share with others. This is what can happen
if you don’t set and honor your own boundaries.

I
thought of my children, grandchild, friends and the roles each fills in my
life. They deserve a slice of my life’s “pie.” It’s my job to share the pieces
accordingly.

This
analogy has blessed me with deep peace and less guilt-filled days. I am happy
that I can offer a giant slice of pie to my parents. Creating boundaries
enables me to do it joyfully.

I’m also grateful that my children can enjoy their slices – even though the offerings may be a little sparse this caregiving season. Even so, I want to make sure we all savor every bite. I also always reserve a thin slice for myself. I carve it solely for me. It’s my own carefully-crafted caretaking boundary.

How do you preserve your boundaries as a caretaker, parent, grandparent, and friend? Do you think you can do a better job of it? Why do you think caretakers don’t leave any time for themselves? Please share your thoughts with our community!

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