Being sick is never fun, regardless of the illness. There are two schools of being ill: “Stop the world I want to get off,” (that’s me) or the stoic, “It’s nothing,” and carry on. I don’t know how the “it’s nothing” people do it. My body and soul say, Arthur Miller style, “Attention must be paid.”

My take? You can be sick crummy or you can be sick beautifully.

Given my devotion to expansive, millionaire thinking, I opt for the second. Being ill is awful, so why not use it as an opportunity to pamper yourself as you deserve. As a currently single woman, being sick when alone is an art and requires a strategy. I’m not talking catastrophic illness here, just the common cold or flu.

If you don’t treat yourself nicely when you’re sick, no one else will. Why not make it as pleasant as you can? You are a captive audience of one, so do it in style. Here’s your chance to become Queen for a Day…or a few days.

Lay in the Best Supplies and Hunker Down!

Get thee post haste to the store as if you’re preparing for a snowstorm. Better, call the pharmacy and grocery for deliveries. Buy the juices and ginger ales, the Campbell’s Chicken Noodle or Tomato soup, the saltines, ice cream, Jell-O, Social Tea biscuits; whatever your heart desires, whatever is your childhood comfort sick food.

Get the aspirin, cough syrup, cough drops, cold meds, tissues – lots of them. Buy some magazines; get some books and tapes from the library. While you’re at it, how about a bouquet of fresh flowers to cheer you. We love our flowers.

Set up your bed with deliciously fresh sheets, take a hot shower, get into your favorite PJ’s and…officially declare yourself sick.

You’re the Queen on a Retreat

Catch up on all your sleep. Watch all the daytime TV you want. Cruise the Internet. Listen to talk radio. Read books and magazines. Make phone calls. There are lots of bed bound activities: pay bills, make lists, write letters, peruse catalogs, shop online.

Don’t think any deep thoughts or make any major decisions while you are sick. You are weak and feeling perhaps lonely and sad. Life seems overly serious and impossible when you are sick. If you find yourself drawn into existential conversations with your mind, put them on hold and say, like Scarlett O’Hara, “I’ll think about it tomorrow.”

This is your chance to Indulge yourself with a capital I. Nap during the day without a smidgeon of guilt. Sleep is when healing happens. Read to your heart’s content. Watch movies galore. Play Candy Crush. It’s all about you and what makes you feel better and stay in bed.

Go Gourmet with Your Liquids

Drink all those liquids with style. Be creative, go international, go glam with your libations. Make pretty and hydrating spritzers with exotic juices and sparkling water. Make yourself an elegant tea tray with tea pot, milk pitcher and your best china tea cup.

Go English with the Hot Toddy! Oh those English… they really know coziness. Into a mug, put a splash of whisky, a spoonful of honey, a good squeeze of fresh lemon. Fill the mug with boiling water and stir. It lifts your spirits and warms your chest. Or, go French with Vin Chaud. Heat a cup of red wine, stir in honey, a squish of lemon, a cinnamon stick. Merci!

Call your friends and family and tell them you are sick. Let them cluck over you. Accept offers of whatever people want to bring you. You’ll feel better knowing there is someone worrying about you, caring about you.

At a certain point in your illness, freshen up. Take a short, hot shower and shampoo your hair if you can. Put on fresh PJ’s. Change your sheets and get back into your delicious bed. Feeling grungy and sticky doesn’t add to the experience. Keep it glam and pampering.

Do Unto Others…

The most important lesson in everything I just wrote: This is what you should do for your family and friends. Without being asked. Bring them whatever they need and whatever they don’t. Jump at the chance to care, shop and cook for them. Phone them daily and cheer them up. The next time you’re ill, they’ll happily do the same for you. And you will feel even more pampered and Queen like.

P.S. The side benefit of your Queenly retreat? Maybe you’ve lost a pound or two! Now that’s a retreat.

Do you have any tips for recovering or how you treat yourself when you’re sick? Any secret comfort recipes? We all want to know so please share below!

If you follow any beauty editors or skincare buffs on social media, you’ve probably stumbled upon a selfie or two with the subject’s face drenched in a wine-red mask-like substance on your feed at some point or another. Nope, there’s not some new Dracula-inspired skincare trend on the horizon (at least as far as I know, anyway), it’s the highly coveted Triple Berry Smoothing Peel by celebrity esthetician (she enhances the flawless complexions of Demi Lovato, Sabrina Carpenter, and Lili Reinhart just to name a few) and sensitive-skin-specialist, Renée Rouleau.

Rouleau herself has amassed an impressive cult-following over her three-decade-long career, so it only makes sense that her eponymous skincare line does too, and one of the best-sellers is without a doubt the Triple Berry Smoothing Peel (it’s Lovato’s favorite product from the line), which gently exfoliates the skin and decongests clogged pores thanks to a blend of AHAs and BHAs (Salicylic Acid), but also a cocktail of other under-the-radar actives, including (as its name implies): raspberry fruit, raspberry seed oil, strawberry fruit, and blueberry and pomegranate extracts. So yeah, It’s basically an antioxidant-rich superfood smoothie for your skin.

The creamy, gel formula kind of looks and feels like an artisan jam (oh, and it smells like one too), but one of its most distinctive talking points is that unlike other at-home peels on the market, it’s actually gentle enough for sensitive skin. It also contains raspberry seeds, which gives the surface of the skin a super mild physical exfoliation (this isn’t an abrasive exfoliator like the one apricot scrub you used to abuse in high school), but it’s also infused with anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients to counteract irritation and prevent the skin from peeling. It’s truly a magical peel — and while it may very well be worth the money IMO — it’s also a staggering $85 a pop, but fortunately, I’ve found a Triple Berry Peel dupe that’s ~almost~ just as good.

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.

Renee Rouleau.

Renée Rouleau Triple Berry Smoothing Peel

If you do want to invest in the real deal, you probably won’t regret it, TBH.

Often dubbed the “vampire mask,” or “blood mask,” The Ordinary’s AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution has its very own cult-following of fans — dupe and budget-friendly price-point aside. The TikTok-viral skincare product has been one of my best (and affordable) kept secrets for almost six years now, but now, this $8 miracle worker is hard to keep in stock. I found this dupe discussion on numerous Reddit threads drawing the same comparisons, with one user even calling The Ordinary’s peel The Triple Berry Peel’s “little sister.”

The peel works instantly (seriously) to slough away dead skin cells, smooth surface texture, and fade the look of dark spots and fine lines over time with consistent use (once or twice a week is plenty with this guy, BTW). Of course, while it’s the closest thing to the O.G. Triple Berry Smoothing Peel, there are a few notable differences to consider.

Courtesy of The Ordinary.

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

This quick-fix formula yields noticeable results in just ten or fifteen minutes for me.

As an expert in sensitive skin, Rouleau’s Triple Berry Smoothing Peel was formulated to be tolerable for all skin tones. I have sensitive and reactive skin, and while I swear by The Ordinary Peeling Solution, it does give a tingling feeling while it’s on, and usually leaves my skin red after I wash it off for an hour or so.

For me, it’s worth the burn, because it really does keep its promises when it comes to brightening dullness and blasting away texture and enlarged pores, but Triple Berry Smoothing Peel is going to be much more soothing and gentle without compromising effectiveness.

Teresa Giudice’s Foundation Stick

Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 11 Episode 1 Fashion

Though Teresa Giudice has a plethora of makeup on her vanity, I’d like to think that her foundation stick is a total go-to because it was pretty close to the front, and because it’s what I use. I like full coverage and this will give it to you depending on how you layer it and put in on. And speaking of, based on the previews of this season it look like Teresa really attempts to stick it to Jackie Goldschneider via the rumor mill. But at this point all I really know is that I’m definitely not cheating on this foundation.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to Shop her Hourglass Foundation Stick

A fave of mine also that I wear with: 

This concealer under my eyes

Both applied with this brush

With this patted under my eyes on top to cover dark circles

Originally posted at: Teresa Giudice’s Foundation Stick

As we get older, our tastes in fashion items changes. That doesn’t mean that we have to start wearing frumpy granny-looking clothes as we get older, but we tend to start dressing and choosing our outfits according to the natural changes in our bodies and lifestyles.

For example, some of us may put on some extra pounds after menopause, and we may not be so comfortable in tight mini-skirts anymore.

Also, as our lifestyles change, we may not require as much formal and office attire in our wardrobes. Personally, if 2020 taught me anything, it’s that I really enjoy comfortable casual clothing that I feel good in.

Of course, I still like to look cute (for those Zoom meetings), but I have noticed that my outfit choices and my go-to stores have also changed over the years.

Thankfully, more and more retailers are realizing that older women enjoy purchasing clothing that suits their bodies and styles without falling into the “old lady” look.

So, I’ve put together a list of stores that have great selections that cater to older women and their lifestyles. Some are very affordable (think fast fashion) while others have higher price tags.

Personally, I prefer shelling out a little more for a quality item that I know I will wear for years to come and that won’t need to be replaced quickly. As I get older, I tend to go for quality over quantity when it comes to clothing.

Along with my curated selection of stores and retailers, I’ve also handpicked some of my favorite pieces from each store.

Talbot’s

Talbot’s is an American staple that has been around for several decades. Their dedication to quality and style has kept them in business for all this time. The preppy/nautical look of their collections caters well to older women.

Also, Talbot’s has a wide range of sizes: petite, plus, plus-size petite, and misses.

I love their soft sorbet striped sweater that can be worn alone or layered on top of a button-down blouse. Pair it with a comfy pair of jeans and you have the perfect casual look.

Land’s End

Land’s End is another American retail success story. They have been around for almost 60 years and started off catering to the yachting industry. They have extended their styles and looks over the years but still keep it casual and affordable.

Land’s End has wide size ranges – petite, tall, plus size, petite plus, and tall plus.

I like this fleece cowl neck tunic sweater in heather grey. Looks great with a pair of black leggings.

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor offers classic and elegant designs tailored for the professional woman in mind. Her timeless collections are perfect for women of all ages. Many older women enjoy the excellent fits and quality fabrics.

This beautiful printed blouse certainly caught my eye.

White House Black Market

White House Black Market is a go-to for many older working women. They offer exclusive signature designs and special collections that are refined and feel tailor-made. WHBM is quality-driven and you know that every detail of every piece is perfectly thought out.

I absolutely love this reversible jersey knit wrap dress. One side is a houndstooth pattern and the other side is a solid black. Two dresses for the price of one! Also, wrap dresses are very flattering for most body types – from thin to plus size.

And lest I forget, WHBM has a petite section.

M.M. Lafleur

M.M. Lafleur is for the discerning woman who knows luxurious fabrics and is willing to pay a little more for quality items. The minimalist and stylish look of M.M. Lafleur keeps customers coming back.

I cracked for these sharkskin pants offered in several luscious colors. Sharkskin is a machine-washable wool blend fabric that has slight color variations for a textured look.

Everlane

Everlane is a go-to for basics and classic cuts. Every season, without fault, they offer timeless and classic clothing items that are perfect for older women who prefer a minimalist look over a trendy one.

This laid-back lyocell blazer can be worn with matching pleated pants for a professional look or with jeans for a more casual look.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom is an American department store that many older women love to shop at. They offer a wide selection of different fashion brands and cover a variety of looks – from casual to professional.

I’d certainly benefit from this long rib-knit open front cardigan.

NYDJ

Not Your Daughter’s Jeans (NYDJ) was created to help older women find jeans that they could be comfortable in and still look stylish. They are definitely not “mom jeans”! The jeans are designed with slimming panels in the front and curve enhancing technology in the back. They have a petite and a plus-size section.

The brand is now offering more than just jeans. They carry trousers, sweaters, and blouses – all with the older woman in mind.

One example is these easy-fit Ponte trousers that can be dressed up or down.

Bloomingdale’s

Bloomingdale’s is another iconic department store that offers a variety of brands and has a following of older women who can readily find clothing that they feel comfortable and stylish in. Bloomies (as the regulars like to call it) is over 100 years old and still going strong.

A great offering is this dip-dyed cashmere cardigan.

Draper’s & Damon’s

Virginia Draper opened her first dress shop in 1927 with the idea that all women should have “smart things to wear.” Today, Virginia’s vision is very much a reality as their designs continue to mix classic style with modern inspirations as they design with the older woman in mind.

A flirty pantsuit in royal blue is one great choice from this wonderful designer.

Chico’s

Chico’s rose to the top of the older women’s clothing market by consistently offering quality items that are designed for women over 50.

This olive lightweight trench coat is the perfect item to have when transitioning between seasons.

LOFT

LOFT is a go-to brand for fashion-conscious professional women who like to look and feel good. While following trends, LOFT doesn’t go overboard on flash-in-the-pan trends that are here today and gone tomorrow. They concentrate on stylish pieces that can take you through several seasons and even years.

This sweater dress is a perfect example.

J.Crew

J.Crew styles are classics that you can trust to take you through the years. Their soft preppy look never goes out of style and women of all ages love the look and the quality fabrics.

The ultimate in casual comfort is this cashmere t-shirt that is offered in a variety of colors. We all need a cashmere t-shirt!

Net-A-Porter

Now, if luxury fashion is your thing, you will love Net-A-Porter. The online-only store offers more than 800 of the world’s most coveted designer brands like Gucci, Chloe, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Isabel Marant, Prada, and Stella McCartney to name a few. They ship to more than 170 countries and have same-day delivery in certain big cities.

Styles are continuously being updated with the latest trends. Of course, price tags are high and obviously not for every shopper.

I love these silk-trimmed pleated cotton-twill tapered pants from Burberry!

Eileen Fisher

The Eileen Fisher brand is known for its simple yet stylish designs and also for its quality sustainable fabrics. At the Eileen Fisher design studio, there is no fuss about upcoming trends. Emphasis is put on structured pieces that provide ultimate comfort.

Have you been thinking of creating a capsule wardrobe? This store is the perfect place to do it.

These brushed terry leggings are a must in every closet.

What’s your favorite store or brand? Is it on our list? If not, share your favorites in the comments below. Do you find that you have changed the way that you dress over the years? How would you describe your fashion style today?

Jackie Goldschneider’s Pink Ruffle Skirt and Tank

Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 11 Episode 1 Fashion

Jackie Goldschneider looks as happy as someone who gets to actually socialize during COVID  a clam hosting a birthday party for hubby Evan on tonight’s Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 11 premiere. And we’re also happy as clams to know that we can buy some of her look and recreate the rest with Style Stealers  for when we get to actually socialize after COVID, so much so it almost feels like it’s our birthday too.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to Shop her Alice + Olivia Bodysuit

Click Here to See her Alice + Olivia Skirt

Click Here to Shop her Schutz Sandals

Click Here to See her Chanel Purse

Click Here to See her Lele Sadoughi Earrings

Originally posted at: Jackie Goldschneider’s Pink Ruffle Skirt and Tank